Up early enough to catch the traditional hot dog eating at Nathan's Coney Island< I will try and stay cool enough through the afternoon.

(PS - if you know where to find Nathan's or Hebrew Nationals in natural casing email me)

That may involve going to the river or perhaps, just having a super soaker war.

Nevertheless, we've compiled a great list of events to check out fireworks, parades, food, rides and summer fun on the Fourth.

If you're home or away -- you'll also want to see how to best protect your pets from the big booms. I am sure we'll be doing the story Sunday about all the shelters with pets that have run off during the loud night.

And don't forget -- the fun last through Sunday at the Waterfront Blues Fest.

Also - I am sure Gregarious will be spinning plenty at The Fez Ballroom for Shut up and Dance - 316 SW 11th 9 PM

Sat. night - 8 PM
O'Brien's Pub
2020 ne Cornell Rd.
Hillsboro, Or. 97123

Michael Jackson Karaoke Tribute
Love him or Hate him...
Celebrate his music-YOUR way!!

And it's not til fall, don't mek me think about rain yet, dangit, but the Willamette Week Music Fest NW is always a good time - Sunny Day Real Estate (who just reunited) is making their Portland stop, the Get Up Kids, Bad Brains Mudhoney - plus Portland's finest and worst ALL over town.

From the Ventures' site
"It is with profound sadness and grief that we must inform Ventures' fans all over the world that Bob Bogle passed away on Sunday, June 14. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob's family at this terrible time, especially his beloved wife, Yumi, who has been the light of his life for so many years.
The Ventures' members are completely devastated, and share the pain of this loss with all our friends and fans. As more information becomes available, it will be posted here, and we hope to set up a section on this site for messages from those who wish to post them.
The music world has lost a true original and an innovator - may all our wonderful memories console us."

RIP Bob, Walk don't run

OK, so I'm giving a bit of guff to Billy Corgan of (the re-ressurrected) Smashing Pumpkins - but a young Beaverton drummer got kind of a cool chance at the big time.

Corgan held tryouts this srpring and has just announced 19-year-old Mike Byrne as the new drummer.

He played in bands Moses and Smell the Roses.

You can see him playing at Beaverton Guitar Center's drumoff here

So obviously he's into winning the contests.

"I think I have my drummer of the future. I've worked with him so far for one week and all indications are really good that he's the man for the job," Corgan said.

That's because the Oregon House and Senate have now both passed HB 2673 - dubbed the "Hannah Montana" bill - that prohibits the use of software programs (known as "bots") that manipulate online ticket sales.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis and Philomath, and Rep. Scott Bruun, R-West Linn.

It's just one more of the laws catering to the "tweenage" girls that currently set every policy in America. They made an empire out of "High School Musical" and determine communications industry revenue projections across the board, texting their "Idol" picks and breaking musical careers.

The screeching arose from the millions of deprived girls that missed out on Miley Cyrus' last tour because of third party "bots" snatching up the tickets as soon as they went on sale online, resulting in mark ups up to as much as $2,500 per ticket.

"While this is called the Hannah Montana bill, the same scenario is repeated for fans of many popular artists. Consumers go online when tickets go on sale at 10 am. But by 10:01 am, all the tickets are gone, forcing consumers to use third party sellers to obtain tickets, often at a substantial markup," Gelser said.

Ticketmaster doesn't like the bots either - and several states are taking action after fielding consumer complaints.

Lawmakers say the bots are not fair market competition - it's an artificial markup.

The law bans such software in Oregon and now moves to the governor for his signature.

Since I know everyone will be in front of the grill - polish up the recipes for Henry's Summer Ale contest

(image courtesy 1000islanddockdogs)

They jump off docks into water while chasing toys. And if everything about that activity doesn't sound like the coolest thing in the universe to you, you may have problems.

The much-underrated MultCo fair has animal barns, food, county displays, duck races, Guitar Hero, the rides of Oaks Park and more. And - it's totally FREE parking and admission.

Foremost - we want to remember those who have served, sacrificed and gone before us on this holiday weekend. Here's a full list of Memorial Day events.
Added bonus - my pop's BBQ rib recipe

The opera stars will be singing with Michael Papillo Lucky #13 in what they say will be the heavenly "honey and smoke" voices. It sounds pretty cool.

Although the preview says there will be "not a raspy growl" among them - not sure if that's how I like my Waits served, but hey, the songs are killer, right?

Oh and it's $15

Rolling out the barbecue as soon as possible this year. Looking for some good beer pairings to go with all that good stuff from farmer's Market?

It's American Beer craft week 11-17th, says the oregonbeer.org/blog.

Tuesday at 6 PM -
Gourmet food and beer pairings at Rogue Distillery & Public Houses across the state.
1339 NW Flanders

Newport
748 Bay Blvd Newport
541.265.3188

Astoria
Rogue Public House
100 39th Street-Pier 39
503.325.5964

Eugene City Brewery
844 Olive Street
Eugene
541.345.4155

Gourmet Rogue beers paired with gourmet food including Kobe Beef (Snake River Farms), Rogue Cheese (Rogue Creamery)

It's also home brewers' day.

I hear they have leafy things too.

Kenny and Zuke's Sandwich works is now open at 23rd and Thurman. Haven't been out there yet - but with the idea of Sabett hot dogs in Portland I may chuck the bag lunch and head over there a minute ago.
A hero, a Cuban, daily specials and more - they also have their classic Reuben's - in slider style, along with some meatless treats like deli deviled egg salad and grilled cheese.
Soupd, slaws and salads too.