The problem with holidays that don't involve presents, dressing up or celebrating drinking (sorry, I mean tradition), is that you sometimes feel awkward about being happy you have the day off.

This is Veterans Day weekend, and I'm not going to get on any soap box, because that's not what I do (unless I need to preach the good word of Bacon). But this has been true ever since high school - sure you're happy to get Veterans Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and Memorial Day off, how often do you do something other than sleep in. (Which, is pretty good too.)

Just something to stop and think about.

As for the fate of the 'stache, with 99 percent of precincts reporting I think we can call it ... the beard has officially been voted back into office.

We expect a statement from the beard's campaign soon as well as a concession speech from The 'Stache. It was a hard-fought race.

FRIDAY

• There comes a point in almost everyone's life when you start to realize your apartment says something about you, and isn't just a collection of stuff. Usually somewhere in the late 20s we all start realizing, wow, I need more than posters and copies of US Weekly around the house. You need art. Fortunately this weekend is MECA's annual student art auction. Not only can you pick up something to spruce up the place, but you can get it for non-insane price, and you're helping more students pay their way through school. Stop by for the bidding, which includes a silent and live auction, beginning at 6 p.m. It's $40 to get in, but word has it there will be cocktails and hor d'oeuvres, which I believe means snacks.

• Geno's has another blow-out-the-speakers, throw-the-hangover-to-the-wind weekend set to start tonight. Kings of graveyard blues, Meantone as well as The Quasi-men and Coffin Lids start things off at 9 p.m. It's a $5 entry. Come back on Saturday for Dogfight U.S., the Pubcrawlers and Beantown Boozehounds.

• Ky-Mani Marley, fruit of of Bob Marley's loins and holder of a new reggae album, is schedule to play at The Station tonight, but according to Eye 9D, the show has been canceled due to some construction at the Station. The show has been rescheduled for March and refunds are available.

SATURDAY

• Truth About Daisies debuts its new album tonight at One Longfellow Square. Show starts at 8 p.m. and it's an $8 entry. I'll avoid some sort of daisy or flower pun, and say if you enjoy folk or pop-music with a brain, stop by for tonight's show. The group describes themselves as "urban folk groove-pop," which I don't think is a recognized genre by the Billboard people. Still, it does get at what the band is trying to do, which is carve their own place out among Maine's countless bands. A listen to their self-titled album on confirms that, with five-part (yes, FIVE) harmonies you'd find in most Americana, but the rhythmic backbone you'd see with a rock or blues group. You can hear a few of their songs on their web site as well as their MySpace Page.

• Have I mentioned already that the WePushButtons Awards are tonight? OK. I get it. Dead horse. Check out this week's Podcast to your right, my conversation with Mr. M. Clouds, about his hosting duties, for more information, or go to Wepushbuttons.com. The show starts at 8 p.m. at SPACE.

• To take things in another direction tonight, head over to The Big Easy tonight the smooth, soul stylings of The Tone Kings. Show starts at 9 p.m. and it's a $5 ticket.

Finally, here's your video love of the week: With the beginning of the screen writers strike, many are beginning to wonder what will be the fate of their favorite shows. Don't worry, the Producers Guild of America has all your answers. (Hat Tip to Best Week Ever)

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