5 Things to Know Today

Good morning, Bethlehem. Today is Wednesday, July 13, 2011, and we’re pleased that the National League won the All-Star Game Tuesday night. That means the San Francisco Giants will have home field advantage in the World Series in October.

1. Happy birthday to Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford, who once worked as a stagehand for The Doors before he hit it big, turns 69 today. Also born on this day 69 years ago (and also in Chicago), singer/songwriter Roger McGuinn, who made his name in the 60s with The Byrds and remains one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Actor Cheech Marin, who vaulted into show business renown with partner Tommy Chong as a stoner comedy duo, turns 65.
2. Though the weather forecasters from those TV stations to the south of us are talking about another scorcher today, the National Weather Service is predicting a comparatively pleasant day, with a daytime high of 86 degrees, definitely an improvement over Tuesday.
3. Continuing today: bridge inspections along Route 22 at Airport Road, which closed lanes and caused traffic delays on Tuesday; brush cutting along the length of the highway from Schoenersville Road to Easton; brush cutting along Route 412 from Silvex Road to Cherry Lane; construction at the south side of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. Launched overnight was a project to overhaul Route 33 from Bethlehem Township all the way up to Stockertown. Crews are scheduled to work on that project on weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. until September.
4. The Lehigh Valley Storytellers Guild holds its monthly meeting and open mike night at , beginning at 7:30 p.m. Share a story or just listen. Either way, it’s free.
5. A big night is planned at the . The weekly ladies night, “Stacks in the City,” continues with gaming night. Women can get a free lesson in playing poker and blackjack in the Creativity Commons on the first floor of the center, starting at 6 p.m. One of the instructors will be Traci Loving from the Ladies International Poker Series. Singer-songwriters are featured at all the music stages – Mule Dixon at the Air Products Town Square, starting at 6 p.m.; the Dan May Band at the , starting at 7:30; and Marc Cohn (“Walking in Memphis”) at the Musikfest Café, also starting at 7:30. Mule Dixon and Dan May Band shows are free; Tickets for Marc Cohn start at $35.