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This summer I am turning the act of doing nothing into an art. Those of you who have just escaped, er, rather, finished junior year are bound to agree that this summer is the most necessary and welcome one yet. I have lots of plans for July and August, but for now I am embracing a rather empty agenda. Now I realize I sound like a total loser. But having no obligations for once is amazing. I finally have time to READ, drive aimlessly with my friends blasting techno music and, best of all, be bored. So far, those of you who might be regretting having no plans at the moment, embrace it. Read a book, go for a drive, listen to music and take joy in the pure and simple lack of school. Happy summer!

-- COLBY BLEICHER

PLAYLIST

Power metal gives listeners epic ride into battle

A far cry from the brutality of death metal, power metal is easily recognizable by its soaring melodies and epic storytelling featuring brave knights, beautiful princesses and triumphant battles. The only descriptor that truly does power metal justice is "epic," with powerful, often classically trained vocalists, fast and driving drum parts and guitar parts composed and played by true virtuosos who combine the rock style with neoclassical influences. Caution: Side effects of listening to power metal include but are not limited to slaying dragons, riding a victorious steed into battle and defeating dark sorcerers.

• 1776 -- Iced Earth

• Silent Revelation -- Galneryus

• Ride With the Sun -- Fairyland

• Unholy Warcry -- Rhapsody of Fire

• The Cage -- Sonata Arctica

• Beyond the Black Hole -- Gamma Ray

• Holy Thunderforce -- Rhapsody of Fire

• I Am the Power -- Firewind

• Thor (The Powerhead) -- Manowar

• Demonheart -- Luca Turilli

-- ALEXA DOBSON

QUE PASA

Solstice concert features rockers Third Eye Blind

Moose's Tooth hosts a Summer Solstice Concert and Festival with rockers Third Eye Blind head-lining. Don't miss them and great local bands beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday. Third Eye Blind show begins at 8 p.m. Call 276-4200 or visit www.moosestooth.net.

Mayor's Marathon makes a dash for fun in the sun

The Mayor's Marathon is Saturday with races beginning at 8 a.m. at Bartlett High School. West High School is the finish line for all races as well as the start of the 5-miler and kids run. It includes a full marathon, half-marathon, 5-miler and kids' fun run. Register online at www.mayorsmarathon.com.

-- CHLOE MILLER