Five Things You Need to Know Today, September 4

1. Enjoy the weather. A light wind will blow off the bay, air temps in the mid 70s, a slight chance of showers in the afternoon.

2. Think of the records of history. Odoacer a former mercenary leader of the Roman army, led a revolt against the emporer, Romulus Agustus, defeated Roman general Orestes, father of the emporer, and declared himself King of Italy. The defeat of the last Roman emporer, this day in 476, ended the empire. Centuries of fuedalism, the "middle ages," would follow unitl the "period ofenlightenment."

3. Think of the records of history. This date in 1982 "Valley Girl" broke into the top-40 charts of American music. Frank Zappa's 14 year old daughter Moon Unit Zappa, co-wrote the song with her father and they performed it together. A prolific composer and player, Frank Zappa had never previously had a top-40 hit. He died of cancer at age 53. Musicians from rock to jazz still listen to his work. So, what was Frank Zappa's real name?

4. Cruise. Day two of the Dream Cruise begins with an automobile parade downtown at noon, followed the the annual car cruise, from 1 - 3pm, down Central Ave, along the coast to Woods Hole, and back downtown. And as many of the participants know, Frank Zappa's real name was Frank Zappa.

5. See arts and crafts. The Artisans Guild of Cape Cod presents a show today in the West Barnstable Community Center on Route 149 from 10am to 5pm.