Sea-Tac Airport will be offering a special discount for Seahawks fans, with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the final home game on Sunday, Jan. 3rd versus the Tennessee Titans.

The idea is to allow affordable parking and encourage fans to take Sound Transit’s Link light rail from SeaTac to the “Stadium” stop near Qwest Field for just $2.50 each way.

According to a press release received Wed., Dec. 30th:

Sea-Tac Airport offers special parking rate for Hawks Fans

$2 per hour in Terminal Direct for football fans connecting with Link light rail

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invites fans to score a “TD” with a 50% discount on Terminal Direct parking for the Seahawks final home game Jan. 3 versus the Tennessee Titans.

Terminal Direct parking at Sea-Tac Airport offers the most convenient access to the airport terminal and quick connection to Link light rail’s new SeaTac/Airport Station. You’ll park on the 4th floor of the airport garage, an easy walk to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Link station.

On Jan. 3, customers parking in Terminal Direct will enjoy a $2 per hour rate if they arrive between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. – plenty of time to experience the quick, convenient ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to stations near Qwest Field. Terminal Direct tickets during that time period will automatically be credited with the discount rate when you exit the airport parking garage.

Hawks fans riding Link to the game can skip any post-game ticket lines by getting an ORCA card from any ticket vending machine before boarding. ORCA cards can be used like cash or as a transit pass on trains, buses or ferries throughout the region. For a limited time, cards are available with no card fee. Starting Feb. 1, a standard adult or youth ORCA card will cost $5. ORCA – One Regional Card for All – will replace about 300 various passes, tickets and transfers with a single smart card. ORCA’s replacement of most paper transfer slips on Jan. 1 means ORCA can help riders avoid paying full price when they transfer. More information on ORCA is available at http://www.orcacard.com

The opening of SeaTac/Airport Station on Dec. 19 means easier access to ORCA and to Link light rail for thousands of visitors, commuters, and Sea-Tac Airport employees. Sound Transit and the Port of Seattle collaborated on the Airport Link project which included the new light rail station, pedestrian bridges connecting the station to the airport parking garage and a pick-up and drop-off area to the east serving the city of SeaTac. The Port also relocated and upgraded the Airport Expressway and the Return-to-Terminal roadway loop. A ride from SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station is 36 minutes and costs $2.50.

More information available at Sound Transit’s website here.

The 2nd Annual Scholarship Benefit Soccer Game for the Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship Fund at Puget Sound Skills Center will be held Sunday, Nov. 29th beginning at 11am at Highline Memorial Stadium.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Benefit Soccer Game for the Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship Fund – Boys vs. Girls! There will also be a Raffle drawing for great prizes afterwards at Mick Kelly’s.

WHEN: Sunday, November 29, 2009; Gates open at 10:30am; Game begins at 11:00am.

WHERE: Highline Memorial Stadium

COST: Admission by donation accepted at the stadium and after the game where the gathering will continue at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (435 SW 152nd, Burien)

INFO: Here’s info on Andy MacDonald:

Just over three years ago, a torrential storm hit, causing the Cowlitz River near Mt. Rainier to overflow and sweep Highline High ‘05 graduate Andy MacDonald away to a tragic death at age 19.

Andy was hunting elk with his family, and the truck he was in fell into the raging river after the bank gave way underneath it.

He was a popular high-school athlete with a great sense of humor, as well as an aspiring firefighter and a friend with “the best hug in the world.” He played soccer, wrestled, was president of his junior class as well as homecoming king. He was known at Highline as a kid who was kind to all, friends said.

Out of tragedy something good can be born; Andy’s family and close friends set up a scholarship in his name. Each November, in honor of Andy’s birthday and untimely passing a soccer game is held known as the “Boys vs. Girls” game. All of his old teammates and friends come out to play a friendly game, and the public is invited to attend.  Afterwards the team holds a raffle at a local restaurant. This consists of items donated from local business and personal items contributed by Andy’s family.

Last year over 200 people attended the game, which was held at Highline Stadium, and we raised more than $4,500.  All of the money is donated to the scholarship. The Andy MacDonald EMT Scholarship is set up at the Puget Sound Skills center where Andy received his firefighting training. This scholarship will assist future Cadets in the Puget Sound Skills Center Fire Services class to help send them to an Emergency Medical Technician class. This year we anticipate sending four to six Cadets to the EMT class and this will aid in covering lab fees, required equipment, travel expenses, etc. Andy’s passion in life was to help those in need and this is our way of assisting others with the same life goal.

For more information on Andy MacDonald, here’s a link to a Facebook tribute page, chock full of great photos that will soon make those who didn’t know him feel like they actually did.

If you can’t make it to the game, you can also donate directly to:

Puget Sound Skills Center
“Explorer Post-24” in care of Andy MacDonald
18010 8th Avenue South
Burien, WA 98148

To donate prizes for raffle or for more info please contact Becky MacDonald at 206-439-0745.

The Big Burien Bunco Blowout is a fundraiser event for the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life, and is coming to BTB Advertiser El Dorado West on Saturday, April 25th starting at 6:30pm.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Big Burien Bunco Blowout, a fundraising evening of Bunco including dinner and great prizes.

WHEN: Saturday, April 25th starting at 6:30pm

WHERE: El Dorado West Retirement Community, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (SW 134th at Ambaum Blvd.) in Burien (map below)

INFO: Join us for a fast paced evening of Bunco! This is our 2nd annual Burien Bunco Blowout to support the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Tickets are just $20.00 and include entry into the game with a chance to win a great vacation getaway and other fabulous prizes. Tickets also include dinner and refreshments through out the evening.

CONTACT: Contact Sarah or Laurie at 206-248-1975 to purchase your tickets. Seating is limited so call early for this fun event!

See the full event details at www.meetup.com.

View Larger Map

So some bird-themed team is playing a mineral-based team in Sunday’s annual overblown showcase of overpriced TV ads ($3 million per :30 seconds?!), and for all you crazed football fans there’s only one solution – find a place with a big-screen, brewskies, jello shots and plenty of fellow fans and go crazy.

Here’s a list of where to get your Super Bowl on this Sunday, Feb. 1st, starting at 3:20pm:

WHERE: The Mark Restaurant, 914 SW 152nd St in Olde Burien • (206) 241-MARK
WHAT: Super Bowl Party: all things 43 in honor of it being Super Bowl 43, with $4.30 burgers, nachos and chili; $10 buckets of beer (Bud/Bud Lite & Coors) 4 big screen TVs; Party specials start at 3pm.

WHERE: The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd St in “Olde Burien” • (206) 242-8040
WHAT: Their second Super Bowl party, with 2 big screens, drink specials and brand new floors to spill on! Snack menu and the usual good peeps.

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd St. • (206) 246-2473
WHAT: No party, has one big screen projection in front 4 over bar, 2-3; no specials; Irish accents, Guiness on tap

WHERE: Twigg’s Sports Bar (formerly Mario’s/MVP), 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 248-3113
WHAT: Prizes, 1 big screen, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 439-1007
WHAT: Food specials, etc. 5 regular-sized TVs, food, beer, fun dive-bar, pool tables, possible bikers & fisticuffs?

WHERE: Goodtime Ernie’s Pub, 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW • (206) 248-1670
WHAT: Super Bowl potluck, kitchen open Miller Beer Girls there, giveaways, rafle tix, blankets etc.; 3 big screens, 3 normal TV, pool tables, specials, 1pm+

WHERE: Azteca Restaurant Bar, 153 SW 157th St. • (206) 243-2241
WHAT: Mexican food, brew & drinks, 4 big screen TVs, no especiales

WHERE: BZ’s Sports Bar & Grill, 17730 Ambaum Blvd South • (206) 243-6018
WHAT: Potluck, $2 cheeseburger specials & $2 bottles of beer & $5 pitchers of PBR, specials, 2 big screens, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: Wayne’s World Tavern, 1832 S 120th St. • (206) 433-8658
WHAT: Party time. Ex-cellent. Potluck, 1 big screen, 4 regular TVs

WHERE: Barrel Tavern, 11051 1st Ave South • (206) 244-7390
WHAT: Fun & funky building, potluck, 5 TVs, including 1 big screen

ALTERNATIVE EVENT:

Breeders Theater’s annual “Escape from Super Bowl Sunday” show starts at 1pm at E.B. Foote Winery.

More info, including how to get tickets here.

View Larger Map

Burien Parks produced this video, which showcases area seniors who took part the first ever regional Wii Bowling League Tournament between participating senior centers on Jan. 7th:

The virtual non-gutter ball, strike & spare-rollin’ Senior Bowlers were from various centers around South King County, and the tournament was hosted by the Great American Casino in Tukwila.

According to numerous, reliable sources (and this is apparent in the video), a fun time was had by all!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: If you have a Wii, please be sure to wear your wrist strap at all times, else suffer the fate of this clumsy Wii Bowler:}

The B-Town Blog proudly welcomes its latest Advertiser, a quality local business we know quite well: The Mark Restaurant and Bar in Olde Burien!

The Mark is both a fine restaurant and a fun bar, located in a renovated historic building at 914 SW 152nd (see map below).

We know it well because a) we’re frequent customers and b) we had our Halloween Karaoke Party there!

Speaking of parties – The Mark is hosting a very special New Year’s Eve, 1920s-style interactive “Murder Mystery Party” starting at 8:30pm on Dec. 31st!

Here are the details:

• Join the fun as you navigate through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance.
• Price is $35 per person and includes dinner and a toast at Midnight and of course…murder!
• You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet. There are a variety of characters to choose from, including background ones, main/active characters, minor roles or just bystanders – it’s totally up to you. The night’s fun is based on the 1920s era, so “Flapper Wear” is encouraged for women and suits for men.
• This should be a popular, fun evening, so get your tickets or reservations now by calling 206-241-6275.

So…check out their Ad on the right sidebar, call and get tickets for their New Year’s Eve Party, and be sure to tell ‘em The B-Town Blog sent you!

View Larger Map

Photos and Story by Janet Grella

You may have noticed that many Burien businesses are lending their storefront windows to students of Highline High School to promote this years’ Homecoming game, parade and dance.

The B-Town Blog caught up with HHS students Kady and Aljiggs late this afternoon as they painted some windows in Olde Burien:

This years’ Homecoming parade will start at 11am on the corner of 4th and SW 153rd (near Vince’s Italian Restaurant) and head to 6th Ave SW (near Sal’s Deli), and then march west on SW 152nd, ending up around 12 Noon in the heart of Olde Burien.

Senior cheerleaders Kady and Aljiggs told BTB that there will be a cheer and drill demonstration in Olde Burien. Expect the Highline High School Marching Band, the cheer and drill squads and a few special surprises.

The Mark Restaurant will be having a breakfast buffet starting at 9am Saturday and going to 2pm; cost is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors & kids.

The Pirates will meet Foster High School at Highline Stadium for the annual homecoming football game on Thursday, Oct. 23rd at 7pm.

‘A Knight with the Stars” annual homecoming dance is this Saturday, Oct. 25th at 8pm.

For the first time ever, Burien’s John F. Kennedy High School football games are being broadcast on the internet, thanks to Ronnie Wald of Waldcast.net.

To listen to Saturday’s game against Kentwood at Qwest Field (which Kennedy lost 28-14), click here.

To see a current schedule of games, click here.

To listen archived previous games, click here.

Here’s a Q&A with Ronnie Wald, Founder/Broadcaster of Waldcast.net:

Q: Has anyone ever broadcast football games for JFK High before?

A: We’re entering a new realm here…MOST high schools have not attempted this. Thanks to the internet, we’re now introducing a new way of thinking–yes, now local high schools can have play by play of their games on a regular basis. When, I started packaging broadcasts for california high schools in the 80’s, the only available avenue was contracting with a (not always agreeable) local radio station. We have now eliminated the middle man in that “terrestial” radio outlet–as waldcast.net becomes, in effect, the radio station…internet radio, that is.

Q: Will you be doing the play-by-play from the stadium or will someone else?

A: I handle the play by play duties which dovetails nicely with the moniker of the network.

Q: How long has Waldcast been doing high school sports?

A: After 27 years in sports play by play and hundreds of lifetime broadcasts under my belt–it all seems like one big blue mist to me. Let me say that for the last five years, the significant moment in my career was breaking away from local radio stations by creating my own network with waldcast.net. I now work wherever and whenever I choose and cut my own deals with teams. Ad rates fall significantly with a “waldcast” since we obviously don’t have the radio overhead. Also, we offer so much more in that any computer “around the world” can now listen to a Kennedy Football game–that includes you in burien or a grandma in denver–there’s just no limit. Additionally, we have a free archive where players and coaches’ who missed the broadcast the first time can come back and relive the memories over and over again. Plus, at midnight after the webcast, I have numbers that show how many were listening and where. That adds real value to my marketing push with local sponsors. In fact, thanks to the research, waldcast.net has now been heard in 49 states and over 20 foreign countries..not bad for a humble, little one-man network!

Q: Are you expanding into the Northwest with JFK games?

A: I’ve come to the Northwest to gauge the interest and partner with one of the finest prep programs in Washington at Kennedy. Thanks to the mobility of the internet..I can travel to wherever i’m needed to get the job done..right now I am needed in Burien. I literally carry this network “on my back”.

Q: How does internet broadcasting work? Is it a big operation?

A: It can be an overextended, major operation if you try to follow an example of a major network. What I’ve perfected is the one-man network where play by play, engineering and commercials are all merged in into a somewhat chaotic whole. People compliment me on how I work at such a high level while juggling all the jobs that joe buck and bob costas never have to concern themselves with.

Q: What does it take for an internet user to listen to games live?

A: Not much…just download the QuickTime Audio Player (Windows Media won’t work). There’s also a link for the free download on our game menu.

Q: What does the future hold for internet broadcasting?

A: I feel like Columbus who is first to make a claim in this brave “new world”. It won’t be too long before everybody will get on the bandwagon and offer “live streaming” of any game, anywhere. Once the “genie is out of the bottle” it will become an accepted fact that if–you have a stadium and a game and fans…you will naturally offer a broadcast component..which will be as omnipresent as hot dogs or the marching band. The only trump card with all this perpetual streaming: what will be the quality of the given broadcast product? Your choice..quantity or quality? Its a great thing if you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other..and easier on the listeners’ ears..if you have both.

Q: What other work have you done?

A: My Northwest connections include broadcasts from Gongaza, Seattle Pacific, University of Portland, Portland State, and from University of Idaho and Boise State. In 2006, Seattle University hired me to provide webcasts of their softball team in the NCAA regional in California. Another example of the power of the web…the redhawks didn’t want to fly a broadcaster down to Stanislaus state..so, there I was..ready to broadcast on a moment’s notice.

Sure, the internet sometimes has you flying off the seat of your pants..but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of all we try to have fun on the these games and really highlight the student athlete. I know the emails I get from appreciative parents makes it all worth it.

Kennedy’s football schedule:

9/12	@ Tyee	7:00*
9/20	vs. Evergreen	1:30*
9/26	@ Highline	7:00*
10/4	vs. Foster	1:30*
10/10	@ Renton	7:00
10/16	vs. Lindbergh	7:00*
10/24	vs. Hazen	7:00*
10/30	@ Mt Rainier	7:00*

* Games at Highline Stadium

More info on Kennedy’s football team can be found here.

More info on the webcasts can be found at Waldcast.net.

Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > computers & tech:

You may be familiar with the cult-like, time-and-life-sucking online video game called “World of Warcraft.”

Or not (in which case we congratulate you for staying sane).

Regardless, apparently in this totally virtual game you can create your own totally virtual (as in non-existent) characters.

Some people do this, then sell their totally virtual (non-existent) characters for cold hard ca$h dolla.

That’s what this guy is trying to do, and we thought it was an unusual ad worth a look.

Bonus points if you can understand any of the language used in this classified:

UD 70 Priest on US server Chogall.

has 2/5 S2 barely ever play him he has A Violet Netherdrake.

If interested selling the account will include box all the original goodies (Keycode for wow instruction book) His server transfer is up and he is on PVP server so he can go anywhere u want him to go.

If interested call me @ 206-290-6284 my name is brighton.

oh and im only willing to do this transaction face to face as to ensure security no paypal money wires. no sneaky sh*t this is all legit.

Are you bored with the same ol’-same ‘ol of working, coming home, eating a TV dinner on a TV tray while watching TV, then lather, rinse, repeat?

Well it’s time to get UNbored and get your game on – join the Southend Gamers, a group of 129 members (more if you join obviously) – a 60/40 mix of men and women, ages ranging from a high of 77 to a low of 18 with an average of 32.

From their craigslist ad:

We play games by group consensus so there are no guarantees of any specific game being played, including my own, of which I have over 150 games to choose from. I try to alternate styles of games to break the routine tho that is not always the case.

We do NOT play the complex Avalon Hill hex n counter wargames nor do we play card games (as in poker or Hearts). Members can arrive anytime after 11a.m. and may stay till midnight should they choose too. You are never obligated to attend any session and there are no fees or costs involved. Just come when you can at least a few times a year.

We hold sessions every week on Saturdays and meet at my home with sessions occasionally hosted by other members at their homes. As you might suspect, not everyone makes it to a session. Our average group size is about six to eight but recent sessions have been as high as sixteen and I’ve had to set a limit at this size otherwise it becomes a convention.

As a member, everyone gets two e-mail notices during the week prior to the session and you have until NOON on Friday to confirm if you are coming so that I can plan for snacks and we often order pizza so please come prepared to pay your fair share. You should bring your own drink(s) and if you have a favorite game, feel free to bring it to introduce to the group.

As a member, you are encouraged to write others of the group as a means to make and meet new friends, contacts, gamers and to promote the group. This is NOT a requirement.

The group newsletter that I produce contains one or two photos of each session that has new members and a brief synopsis of the events and players attending to help members get to know one another better.

We are participating members of the Millionminute organization and are currently in 11th place Nationwide.

This last year, Southend Gamers introduced summer dayhikes and potluck barbecues that include both indoor and outdoor games that have been very popular. Outdoor games include games such as bocce ball, croquet, lawn darts (original!), badminton, bean bag baseball, snake ball and a professional ring toss game.

On Fridays, I will notify the group if the session is a no-go.

If you are allergic to cats, be warned – I have two. My home is no smoking ‘cept outside.

If you’d like to stop in for a visit to see what’s up first, feel free to do so, game night or not. Just call and arrange a meeting.

David
keel131@comcast.net
(206) 433-6203 – days
Website here

Okay, so the Super Bowl is this Sunday, Feb. 3rd, starting precisely at 3:18pm and lasting, well…until they run out of $2 million commercials (hey, at least this year you won’t have to watch your local team lose…).

You’re either going to watch the big ads…er, we mean game, or you’re not.

If you’re gonna watch it, you’re either doing it at home, at your buddy’s house with the new super flat-screen HDTV, or somewhere else…say, a local B-Town bar with a buncha your nutty neighbors.

That’s where we come in – here’s a list of the known B-Town area Super Bowl Haps (please note that most bars listed will be open a few hours before the game starts, so be sure to plan for driving time, parking and of course, pre-game Jello shots):

WHERE: The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd St in “Olde Burien”
WHAT: Their first Super Bowl party. Ever. 2 flat screens. Snack menu. Plenty o’beer and good peeps.

WHERE: Mark Restaurant, 914 SW 152nd St in “Olde Burien
WHAT: No special party, but open with 2 flat screens (could be a good alternative for those really into the game)

WHERE: Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: 6 regular-sized TVs, food, beer, fun dive-bar, pool tables, possible bikers & fisticuffs

WHERE: Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd St
WHAT: Irish accents, Guiness on tap, lots of regular/smallish TVs

WHERE: Elliott Bay Brewery, 255 SW 152nd St
WHAT: Great micros brewed on premises, full menu, 1 big screen

WHERE: Azteca Restaurant Bar, 153 SW 157th St
WHAT: Mexican food, brew & drinks, 3 big screens, no especiales

WHERE: Goodtime Ernie’s Pub, 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: Potluck, football pool w/prizes, Jello shots, pulltabs, specials, 3 big screens, 1 flat, 1 regular & 3 on wall

WHERE: BZ’s Sports Bar & Grill, 17730 Ambaum Blvd S
WHAT: Potluck, shots, specials, 2 big screens, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: Wayne’s World Tavern, 1832 S 120th St
WHAT: Party time. Ex-cellent. Potluck, 1 big screen, 4 regular TVs

WHERE: Barrel Tavern, 11051 1st Ave S
WHAT: Funky building, buffet, 1 big screen, 2 regular TVs

WHERE: MVP Sports Bar (formerly Mario’s), 12803 Ambaum Blvd SW
WHAT: 1 big screen, 5 regular TVs

INTERACTIVE MAP OF B-TOWN AREA SUPER BOWL HAPS:

View Larger Map

PLAN B:

Buy this amazing bargain TV from seattle-tacoma craigslist > seattle > electronics, then fiddle with the antenna as you try to tune the game in:
“Works great, only problem with it is the cable antenna broke off.

I am sure it is repairable, but I don’t want to investigate.”