Oh it's a big, big weekend around these parts. The Derby, the Celtics in Game 7, the Sounds, and oh, wait...THE BLOGAVERSARY!

This weekend it's really simple: go see some live music.
There's pretty much something on tap for just about everyone over the next few days, including CD releases, hip-hop showcases, and oh yeah, Record Store Day.

Since things have been so fluid on the NXT Desk this week, I thought I'd shift the Weekend Blog into Express mode. All the highlights, all the frills, none of the stuff you don't want (annoying commercials, excess fat, pledge drives...). So let's see what's on the radar for this weekend.

How am I going to spend my weekend? More than likely dedicating more hours to a TV somewhere watching college basketball. Especially since Mizzou keeps advancing. But for everyone else, there's plenty of action...minus that Digable Planets show. Looks like that's dead. But I do have some details...

It's a busy day here on the NXT Desk, and as you already know, my weekend plans are in flux.

So here's the Weekend Blog - Express version. But don't worry, it's worth it. (It's got some Jon Hamm.)

Busy, busy weekend on deck. The First Friday Art Walk, Restaurant Week, Watchmen and, oh yeah, a bunch of great shows around town.

No excuses to stay in the next few days.

My schedule's a little topsy turvy this weekend as I'll be on monitor duty here at Press Herald Plaza. So this weekend blog will be a little succinct. But don't worry, there's still plenty to do. And for your sake don't do something stupid over the next 48 hours, otherwise I may be writing about you.

Never, ever forget that holiday weekends have two benefits: You get an extra day off, and the weekend comes a lot sooner.

A classic hip-hop battle, a Portland music jumble and the rise and fall (and rise?) of America with Alyssa Milano and a skinny guy in a rented star-spangled hat? It's all possible this weekend.

Putting Valentine's Day on a weekend...on a three-day weekend? Oh. Wow.
It's best to prepare yourself for some sweet, angry and funky invitations over the next few days.
Also, do yourself a favor and skip the Roses. If everyone's buying them, they're not special anymore.

Congratulations, you've survived another week, and to celebrate, here's a few picks for weekend entertainment and the latest in profanity-laced tirades.

We like to think of ourselves as a full-service pop culture obsessed, Internet-loving, local music snooping, blog.

It's the end of another week, so let's run down some of the possibilities for this weekend, which include, but are not limited to, staying in with a warm Snuggie.

You were warned.

Before we jump into all the crazy shenanigans you can get yourself into this weekend, I have to make one quick programming note.

Some of you may already know, but here's the headline: I'm going to DC next week on the Press Herald's Inauguration Squad. I'll be in the district from Sunday through Wednesday and blogging the bejeebus out of it.

So logistically speaking, things will be a little quiet around here for a few days. You will be able to find me over on Political Extra, where I will be live-blogging throughout Tuesday.

But in the meantime, there are things to get into this weekend.

We've made it another week and fortunately it's not hazardous just to walk out your front door.

That sounds like reason to celebrate by heading out for a show and a beer to me.

We like to appreciate the small things around the NXT Desk.

When I started writing the weekend blog I didn't intend for it to turn into a listing of non-stop holiday parties...but it just kind of happened. There's a lot of people celebrating the season this weekend, and chances are your favorite local band is in the mix.

Time to suit up people. Today is REPEAL DAY and that means it's time to celebrate in a way our teetotaling ancestors only wish they could have. Even if that means having your usual post-work, unwind PBR, at least take a second to savor it. Remember, that cocktail you overpaid for is a right, not a privilege.

I feel like this weekend is the beginning of a big break for a lot of folks. Presidential elections can become life consuming, and after one that lasted more than two years and millions of dollars (not to mention billions of TV hours. Thank goodness that ads are gone) we finally have a break.

Seriously, who couldn't use a break this weekend? Lucky for you we've got a mix of everything.

Luckily Sen. John McCain came through and agreed to appear at tonight's presidential debate, thus avoiding the ruination of thousands of debate parties tonight.
The Republican presidential candidate changed his mind, thus all the planning, all the the Barachos (Democrat themed nachos) and Raisin McCain cakes won't go to waste.

What could have been a disastrous start to the weekend looks - for now - to be in the clear.

Remember, people, Parties First.

It's not technically fall, but this city is giving off some early signs. At least two home grown festivals in Portland this weekend and a Homecoming dance. On top of that you could probably throw in the anticipation over Matt "Who Me?" Cassel taking command of the Patriots this weekend against Brett "Yes Me" Favre and the Jets.

Festivals, homecoming and football? Sounds like fall to me.

The landscape is changing, my friends. Summer is turning into a rainy fall (much like a rainy spring) and meanwhile, in Portland, smokers are once again getting pushed around. (Luckily all those cigarettes leaves them winded in a fight) Sure you'll still be able to smoke after 10 p.m., but what will you do before then, nic fiends? What indeed.

It's a big day here on the NXT Desk. Not only are the hours counting down to what should be an undeniably smooth Yacht Rock party tonight, but I'm heading out on vacation.

This is a real vacation from the NXT Desk, no cross country trips to learn about multimedia, no high school reunions, no conferences.

I'll be completely off the grid at Fort Bacon, the Ellis compound in the Adirondacks before taking the helicopter to tinker in the lab of the DangerVilla on Fang Island.

But fear not, the NXT Desk will not go dark. I've got a week's worth of substitute teachers lined up starting on Monday that I think you guys are gonna like. Be kind to them.

Last Friday I felt like a little bit of an idiot, suggesting a handful of things to do in and around Portland - a little music, some friends, maybe a PBR. Not one single word about the Olympics.

I wouldn't feel like such a fool if I hadn't contracted a case of Olympic Fever myself - now I can't stop watching water polo and archery all hours of the day, and have become obsessed with The DiveCam.

So, uh, anyhoo, don't forget to catch some Olympics this weekend, like local boy Ian Crocker. He is the only one capable of stopping "The Chosen One."

Good for you - you made it through to another Friday night. Who's the big winner?
If the weather sticks - and really, we've got no reason to think all the roads won't be washed out by Monday - it may be good weekend to check out a local show, go see a movie - I intend to check out Pineapple Express - or hunker down with some friends in your favorite watering hole and wait for the sun.

Sorry for the lateness, boys and girls. It's been a busy day on the NXT Desk. We're also feeling a little sadness over the news that Tim Russert died. Also, R. Kelly was acquitted on his *ahem* charges.

To quote a friend: "I feel weird."

But fear not, we soldier on for you, dear reader. This weekend's got a bounty of fun, and did we mention some words of wisdom from Michael Cera?

We've reached the end of the line for yet another work week, and for that you should all be proud. Next week I swear things will get back to a normal pace here on the NXT Desk.

We just need to figure out what normal means.

In the meantime, let's run down this weekend's options and take a trip to the links!

Look, I got no beef with the ladies of "Sex and the City." I don't. They may be somewhat responsible for the term "cougar" becoming socially acceptable. And I know there are plenty of women out there (my lady included) who are probably two cosmos to the wind just waiting to see the movie.

But what about the dudes? Or for that matter, everyone else who did not get on the bandwagon? Sure, I know, I know, many will say that the overwhelming, mind-numbing majority of films produced are for guys. But, with this weekend it seemed like there was an opportunity to do something guy-centric. After all, there are going to be droves of husbands, boyfriends and unattached hetero buddies (UHB's if you will) who will have some time to kill this weekend.

Gonna be a lot of poker, side bets on the Celts/Pistons and grilling this weekend.

Turn on your grill. Seriously.
If you have not done so already, clean out your trusty old friend and go nuts. I'm a fan of meat myself, but in the spirit of grilling and holiday weekends I'll concede grilled vegetables to the leaf-eaters out there. Take in a parade, head home and enjoy some outdoor kitchen action.

And, you know, since it's a three-day weekend party your hearts out accordingly. (Quick aside - since school I've always thought it was four day weekend, because I always count Friday as the beginning of the weekend. Am I off on that one?)

It feels strange to talk about the weekend since I've only been in the office two days. But here it is.

Alas, thanks to a sinus infection I missed two awesome events this week - the showing of "Planet B-Boy" over at SPACE and "The Big Lebowski" over at One Longfellow Square. If ever there was a place to start talk about Lebowski Fest Portland, that was it.

Also, I feel the need to mention that there is a "Star Wars" theme dance party taking place at Bubba's tomorrow night. Now, obviously this is something I could dedicate an entire post to, but if you've received or seen one of the fliers around town (hastily scratched out in what looks like pen, no graphics, not even a lightsaber), you'll know that it does not exactly inspire "A New Hope."

I'm torn on this one. On one hand I could bust out my Lando Calrissian wig and cape. On the other I've got no reassurances it won't be some sort of joke (and a waste of my Lando cape.)

Still, it could end up being the party of the year. Trust the Force on this one.

I'm still coming down from seeing a sneak preview of "Iron Man" last night over at Cinemagic Grand.

I'd say that's a pretty sweet way to start a weekend.

You've been waiting for it, I've been waiting for it. The beverages are on ice, the T-shirt gun I had the PPH lab boys whip up is primed.

It's the weekend and the NXT Blogaversary and Meet-up is here. Saturday night, 7 p.m. at Dock Fore. Stop on by the share some stories, meet some people or compare bacon recipes. Or just to tell me my writing needs work.

Best part - It's a wacky New England three-day weekend! I may not understand you Patriot's Day, but I'll accept you on my calendar.

I spotted the first sign of spring in Portland the other day. No, it was not a robin perched outside my window at Press Herald Plaza. No, it was not the city sidewalk cleaning carts. No, it was not college students defying the weather by wearing flip-flops.

Saw the first shirtless dude of the year walking down Federal Street yesterday.

Did you know today is Hug A Newsman Day?

No, I did not invent that. Just passing it along.

Also, hope you had a chance tonight to join me at the Maine Audubon Society in Falmouth for The Green Carpet: An Eco-Chic Fashion show put on by students from PATHS. As host I plan to use my best Project Runway voice. Although I don't think I've watched more than five minutes of that show.
Look for updates on the Twitter Wire.

"Hello friends, welcome to the tea party."

With those words almost a year ago today, we started on a fantastic voyage into local music, graffiti, zombies, video games, Rick Astley, mustaches, pirates and bacon.

The NXT Desk is ready to celebrate its first birthday.

A lot of things on the docket today down here at the NXT Desk, most notably pranks and other shenanigans. But we'll get to that much later.

First, a parting glance at the moustaches of March.

Another week in the rear view, and I feel like we're all a bit better for it. We're on the verge of one of those pseudo-holiday weekends, since St. Pat's is on Monday. Exercise caution...or not. It's really your call. Just don't look for any sympathy when you're found cold, naked, muttering and green in the Alley of Shame Sunday morning.

Ever have one of those weekends where there's so much going on that you almost have to plot out how you are going to hit everything like a military campaign?

"By 1800 hours we take the Four Walls Gallery, by 1945 hours we'll need to have seats at Local 188. If we haven't established a beachhead at SPACE by 2100, all will be lost."

It's something like that this weekend.

Is it just me or is everything getting canceled this weekend? Living under the constant threat of snow can do that. But you know what cancellations mean? It means you get extra time with those you care about.

Like bacon.

This Presidents' Day weekend, take time to stop and think about your favorite president. Is it Rutherford B. Hayes, William Howard "Party Boy" Taft, or Dwight "My way is the highway" Eisenhower?

Then again you could always attend a presidents' day party. You know the type, everyone dresses up as their favorite president, makes policy jokes and chases around first ladies.

Hail to the chief indeed.

Is there something political going on this weekend?

Like most folks down here at Press Herald Plaza and at news outlets around the state we've been getting flooded with news releases and updates from candidates and their emissaries.

Strangely enough all these dispatches seem to go right to my Spam folder.

Once again I have failed you as a blogger America.
OK, fail might be a strong word. More like "partially meets expectations."
ANYWAY, if this weekend blog is going to do any good it's got to get up sooner, and I know that.

But conditions down here at the NXT desk have been at threat level magenta. Once we get back down to goldenrod things should get back to normal.

On the plus side we've got our first new podcast of 2008.

Feels funny doesn't it, no hype machine spinning out of control for a big game this weekend? No college football, no NFL playoffs. It's nice isn't it, kinda of relaxing, right?

Enjoy it because by this time next weekend when we're up to our eyeballs in coverage, analysts, studio hosts and beer commercials you'll want an escape.

Since I didn't have time to put together The Scanner yesterday I thought we'd double things up today for the weekend.

Zombies. Freakin' zombies.

I cannot stress this enough. There will be actual zombies on the streets of Portland this weekend.

Not since the Kickball Affair has the city been in this much danger.
I've said it before and I'll say it again until people heed my words...if you need me, I'll be holed up at Rosie's with a shotgun.

OK, maybe there is nothing "it's not officially winter yet" about this week's weekend blog. No outdoor jaunts or nature walks, no bike rides, boat rides or, well, anything outdoors.

Still, take comfort (small comfort) in the fact that it's not "officially" winter until next Saturday. Until then politely (or not–so–politely) remind anyone who complains about winter that they can't do it until next week.

This also goes for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Next week of course all bets are off.

Wouldn't you know it, we've made it to the end of yet another week and here we find ourselves thinking of what to do this weekend. Hmmm.

I'd say this multiple choice all end up with the same conclusion...

a.) Catch some dynamite live shows
b.) Throw a repeal day party
c.) Shop at your own risk

...having a relaxing drink.

Is there anything worse than the "only X shopping days left before Christmas" phenomenon that keeps getting pushed further and further back each year? It's like having a nagging family member or spouse who is trying – not so subtly – to remind you what they want for their birthday.

Let's do each other a favor and just pretend we've got plenty of time to go shopping. Having money, well, that's a different story.

Man, when did this turn into the shopping blog?

And just like that once again we've made it to the weekend. Rest easy and plan accordingly.

Make sure to check out this week's podcast, which is a quick click in the player on your right. I can assure you it was made with the finest herbs and spices.

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.

Since many of our cell phones, computers and DVD players thought last week was the end of Daylight Savings Time, most of us are ready for the leap back.

The end of daylight savings always seems like a bonus when you're out on the night the clocks jump back. If you're the type to close down bars, someone inevitably says "don't we have another hour to drink?"

Which you would, possibly, if bars were open later. As it is, the clock jumps back at 2 p.m....which we all know is when you should be asleep. Right?

Sorry for the late weekend primer today, I've been working on last-minute costume ideas for the weekend.

Right now its down to naughty nurse, naughty cat or naughty reporter.

Since the calendar has been uncooperative the last couple of years, Halloween has typically played out the weekend before the kids go panhandling for treats.

Remember to wear something reflective on your costume and don't eat (or drink) anything that looks like it's been tampered with.

Look for me out this weekend as under appreciated Blaxploitation hero - "Black Liberace."

Oh yes, I have a script in the works.

All that stuff I was saying before about autumn being my favorite time of year was lies, absolute lies. It is a miserable, awful time of year. Also, I hate pumpkin beer.

Sorry ... the view from the windows here at Press Herald Plaza is aggressively bleak. Gray and soaked for as far as the eye can see ... which is up to the top of Munjoy Hill ... until the fog sets in.

Been a long week here at the NXT desk. We kicked things off with all the Halo shenanigans (not to mention a late nighter at GameStop), shot the bull with Videoport Jones, and launched the podcast.

That makes for one tuckered out writer/bloggist/bacon aficionado.

Sorry, no Commenter of the Week this week, not enough comments, or coordination on my part. I pledge to do better in the future. I also pledge to have a High Life, some strips of thick cut bacon and a doughnut from Tony's Donut Shop this weekend. Maybe all at the same time...as "This is our country" plays in the background.

Uh, let's get on with the weekend rundown...

Well, as Kenny Loggins (and Michael McDonald) once said, "This Is It."
This, of course, being the end of summer. On Sunday it will officially be Autumn, which I am ok with.

I'll admit I'm a fan of fall - you're not sweating through your clothes, or obsessively bundling yourself up just to make it through the day. Plus there's college football, the NFL, baseball playoffs, fall TV, autumn beer, the list goes on.

Wow. I just went all PBS on you guys. Uh, let's get on to the Weekend...

We're only a few weekends away from officially reaching fall. Not trying to make a point one way or the other ... just pointing it out. Of course in these cool autumn days nothing warms you up quite like a Portland Press Herald action fleece or baby goose down NXT vest.

No Commenter of the Week honors. I take full responsibility for this failure of character. Things have been busy at the NXT desk, hopefully we'll be back in business next week.

Let's just jump into this and cut the chitchat. There's all sorts of fun stuff going on this weekend. So no matter if you're looking for inexpensive art, schlock and horror, good music or the chance to live out your Captain Jack Sparrow fantasies, then this is your chance.

Remember, voting is still open in The 'Stache is Right poll. The Bandit is in the lead but The Magnum and The Calrissian are closing fast. Still, I feel like I must find a way to redeem myself in the eyes of Mr. Goulet.

Labor Day weekend, which is the traditional signal for the end of the vacation season. Thankfully it is not the end of summer.

But let's be honest here. School is starting up, most people have to get back to their jobs, and if you had vacation time you've likely used it up on the rare nice day, a quick get-away vacation, or yet another friend's wedding.

So if this is it, why not enjoy it, why not make an adventure of this weekend?

Get out the grill, stockpile the summer beers (I saw Gritty's Halloween Ale already...) get a pile of meat and just find a way to get outside.

Over the summer I've raised the question of what makes a good summer time bar? Well, summer's almost officially over, so whatever criteria you use, you'd be smart to follow it this weekend.

So far the only good indicators I've gotten from people are decks, drink specials and live music. In that spirit, this weekend may be a good one to hit the "Deck Circuit" around Portland and Southern Maine.

It's been a pretty busy week here at NXT. We chatted with our buddy and resident film aficionado (don't call him a snob) Videoport Jones, had a lively discussion about the widening generation gap, and talked about the future of music.

Which thankfully brings us to the weekend. It's one of the few summer weekends left - spend it wisely.

So looking back, what have we learned this week? Don't force underclassmen to drink and leak your own incriminating photos? Politicians can get picky if you stick a camera in their face? Even the biggest party girls have to settle down at some point?

Does it scare anyone else that we're almost at Labor Day? Where did my summer go? What happen to the times out on the deck at Amigos, or the meat-sweat inducing grill-offs? What about the car chases?

It’s time we stopped dancing around the truth, people. Despite my outward appearance as an even-tempered, hard-working and perhaps respectable journalist, I’ve been keeping something secret.

When someone says "the dude abides," what exactly comes to your mind? Do you scratch your head, look at them strange, or perhaps say back "the Dude abides."

Ah yes, another summer Friday in Portland.

Bars, decks and all that is golden. Which begs the question again, what makes for a good summer time bar? I’m going to keep asking until we get a conversation going, and I know there are people out there who like to enjoy beer and assorted cocktails.

It’s a Friday in July, I don’t know how things can get better than that. Of course, if you were one of the few who took the week off (or could afford to take it off) for the holiday, then this whole week’s been a party.
Here’s to you, week-long vacation guy.

I feel like we should have a conversation with my Celtics fans out there. Seriously, how do you feel today? I want to be there for you?

How is it possible someone just recently thought of the idea of beer on a stick? Maybe this idea doesn’t seem so strange to me because I come from Minnesota, where we are notorious for putting anything and everything on a stick at the Minnesota State Fair.

You think I’m joking?

But frozen beer on a stick, that seems like an idea whose time has come. In a world of hard lemonades, wine coolers and other mysterious hybrid-booze, why not beer on a stick?

I figured I'd try my best to distract all of the nation from Hilton Jail Watch Day 1 (or is it Day 2?) for as long as possible, which I suppose means as long as it takes you to read this blog.

The problem with coming off a long holiday weekend is that the following weekend always feels like it comes up short. You end up feeling cheated almost that you have to go to work the following Monday.
Then again the advantage of the three-day weekend is that you end up getting to the following weekend sooner. Thank the gods for four day workweeks.

Oh man...can you feel it? People are itching for some summer, itching for that sunlight, laying out on the beach or a cool patch of grass. Drive around, people are just waiting to get out on the front stoop or yard if they've got it. And of course, there’s the army of shirtless dudes, all so ready to lose those restricting undershirts.

This wet, dreary, overcast and overall morose weather is rough. Seriously, I look out the window here at Press Herald Plaza and want to put on some Ben Folds and crawl under my desk.

That is a good question, isn't it? I'm suprised more of you didn't have answers to Mainetoday's query yesterday! But it is the weekend, which does require a certain amount of hanging out, so let's get to it.

Holy freakin’ crap, there’s a lot going on this weekend! If I was an anchorman I might say something like, “Better super-size your weekend because there’s a lot going on around town! Let’s send it to Tom for the fast-cast!”

I gotta say, I’m surprised by you people. I offered up a whole blog-ful o’ sex yesterday, and not one single comment?

What is this world coming to when a man tries to get some provocative discussion going and no one says a word? Teenagers! Sex! Blog!

I think Talib Kweli was on the front page of the newspaper this morning, but it looks like he fell into Photoshop along the way.

There’s also a non-Monday column sighting too, summing up the shows hitting town this weekend.

If we all manage to pry ourselves away from Deathstorm 2007 coverage, there’s a whole mess of things to get into this weekend. As always, this is not a definitive list, but a few choice selections, like a Monster's of Rock CD.

And we're back, coming to you live from Press Herald Plaza. Though snow (and blackouts) threatened to bury this weekend, the adventures to be had are many.

The Blunt Youth Radio crew is trying to get to New York City this spring, and they need the cash to do it. How? Hair.