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Remember Neopets? Oh, don't pretend that you don't; I remember you, chias_r_cute667. I was feeling nostalgic for elementary school the other day and -- don't you judge me! -- decided to open up an account. (My username is nineten11, so add me as a Neofriend!) It is a profound waste of time but still manages to hold my attention way longer than it should. I asked a friend who I was fighting in the Battledome why she opened an account, and she replied, "Honestly, it was for Meerca Chase and because I wanted something to do while listening to music. I had played it when I was younger, and some of the games are pretty cute and fun, so I thought, 'Why not? I used to enjoy it when I was younger! As long as I don't let it become important to me, it can't hurt!' I probably won't keep playing once school starts again, though. I mostly just play a few games each night." Neopets gets a bad rap for being juvenile and silly. That may be true, but it is a fun pastime for a rainy day, and face it, Chias are cute.

-- LINDSEY LEONARD

PLAYLIST

Fiddle music gets new techno sound

Fiddle music isn't always drawling folk ballads and square-dancing tunes. Thanks to recent rebellious -- yet classically trained -- musicians, fiddle music has opened up new genres. Techno background beats and electric violin solos have given traditional fiddling adrenaline and fire. Here are unconventional fiddle songs ranging from Irish to jazz to East Indian to rock.

• David's Jig -- Natalie MacMaster

• Seven Wicked Reels -- Barrage

• Duel -- Bond

• Matt and Nat's -- Natalie MacMaster

• Chasing Rain -- Leahy

• Sing, Sing, Sing -- Barrage

• Shine -- Bond

• Unreal -- The Young Dubliners

• Croatian Rhapsody -- Maksim

• Celtic: Black Ice Jig -- Ponticello

• Bond on Bond -- Bond

-- MOLLY MEW

QUE PASA

Summer Meltdown IV features a dozen bands

It's finally time for Summer Meltdown IV! This year's 12-hour show features the bands MxPx and Poison the Well along with 10 other bands including Lives of Famous Men. The concert, at Chilkoot Charlie's, begins at noon Saturday (doors open at 11 a.m.) and ends at midnight. Get your tickets ($30 in advance, $40 at the door) at Mammoth Music, Chilkoot's or www.aksoul.com.

Governor's picnic celebrates statehood

Gov. Sarah Palin hosts this year's Governor's Picnic from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Held on the Park Strip downtown, the event has free food, live music and a celebration of Alaska's statehood.

-- CHLOE MILLER