Can't Miss It: Thursday

PAUL CONSTANT LIKES IT: We'd express an opinion ourselves, but we haven't read it yet, though our interest has been sufficiently piqued. Oh, what are we talking about? It's this "existential mystery novel" called Oh! A Mystery of Mono No Aware by Todd Shimada. We're not even sure exactly what "mono no aware" means, because it's, like, one of those super deep Japanese concepts you can only understand after studying the meaning of a circle for several years. Or maybe the author can explain at his reading tonight.

6 p.m. // Kobo at Higo // 602 S. Jackson St. // free!

GIVE 'EM A CHANCE: A local outfit with a fair bit of potential, Blood Hot Beat is playing the High Dive in Fremont tonight. Musically, the band's tight and doing some interesting work, but the one thing that concerns us is their lead singer's yarling-style vocals. Still, we're willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

9 p.m. doors // The High Dive // 513 N. 36th St. // $6, 21+

OH THE WEATHER: Just went outside and the weather's marvelous...a little overcast with a cool breeze, not too muggy or hot yet. Perfect day for beer. We checked out Seattle Beer News, but none of the beer-tastic events for today are happening in Seattle. Our recommendation--this afternoon there's nothing better than heading over to Brouwer's Cafe in Fremont. Get a pint of Old Rasputin Imperial Russian Stout and sit back and relax.

Till 2 a.m. // Brouwer's Cafe // 400 N 35th St. // $4.75 a pint for Old Rasputin