5 Things to Know Today

Happy Friday, Bethlehem.

1. Today is May 20, 2011, casual Friday, which is fitting because it was on this day 138 years ago that German immigrants Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patented copper-riveted, denim work pants. It took 71 years for James Dean to make them a symbol of youthful rebellion, another 25 for Brooke Shields to make them sexy. Somewhere along the way, blue jeans have become as much a symbol of American culture as anything else you can lay your hands on. Happy Birthday, Levis!
2. If you like Greek food, take some time and get over to the on W. Union Boulevard for some of the best gyros, moussaka and baklava you ever tasted. The Greek Food Festival runs through Sunday evening.
3. The Historic Bethlehem Partnership’s begins this evening at 5 p.m., as lectures on life during the Civil War are served up with wine, beer and finger foods, at a succession of three different museums around the historic downtown.
4. The Hollywood Blockbuster is another uniquely American cultural phenomenon. Today, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” starring Johnny Depp (inspired by Keith Richards) as Capt. Jack Sparrow, opens at the Carmike, the Rave and the Saucon Valley 10.
5. For a different type of cinematic experience, go to the for Movie in the Meadow, where you can meet the Bethlehem Mounted Police’s trusty steeds, then, when the sun goes down, settle in for an outdoor screening of “Seabiscuit.” Everything starts at 7 p.m. And it's free.