On stands this month

So, tomorrow is my birthday, and I can honestly say I'm getting a helluva gift (three of them to be precise).

Hitting stands later today and tomorrow, we've got the April issue of Salem Monthly.

Be sure to check out:

Emily's stories on Salem's Chicken Dance and dreaming about Obama

Kendra's behind-the-scenes look at Pentacle Theatre production

The Green Report

The Salem Film Festival Guide

And the cover story on why everyone needs to get off their collective butts and take in a show at during the Cherry City Music Festival April 9-11.

The debut issue of Mid-Valley PLAY, Salem Monthly's quarterly guide to things to do.

I want feedback on this. What you like, don't like, the WTFs and OMGs. All of it.

The cover story is on the McMinnville UFO Festival, but don't be scared, check out the whole thing. It's chock full of ideas.

There's things to do for kids, couples, families the aggroed and the peacemaking.

Also, huge thanks to Scott for kicking ass on the cover. That's a frakkin' Cylon on the cover, people (and I swear I had NOTHING to do with his artistic choices).

It's inserted in the paper.

And, finally, Mid-Valley EAT is getting its first stand-alone distribution this month.

With listings of many area restaurants and spotlight on a few of the places we think serve up some of the most delectable dishes, EAT is the premiere resource for dining out in the Mid-Valley.

You'll find it next to Salem Monthly in some of the most discerning eateries in the area. Or maybe just the ones that like us, but we'd like to think they can be discerning as well.

Again, let me know what you find useful. When the next issue hits stands in June, we're going to be doing more food features, so sling me an e-mail if there's something we missed or that you'd like to see.

Days like this, it's damn easy to love my job. Thanks to everyone who contributed to make March another huge success.