Last Friday night (Mar. 5), the Cove to Clover race organizers held a “Student Limerick Throwdown” contest for area students at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub. Each school in the Highline School District was eligible to submit one entry, with the winner earning $500.

If you haven’t seen the snake posters around yet, the Cove to Clover is a 5k fundraiser run for the Highline Area Food Bank, and it takes place this Sunday, March 14th beginning at Noon at the Normandy Park Community Club (full details here, including how to register).

The winning entry was selected by an “Official Limerick Selection Panel” composed of three non-partisan judges – Normandy Park Councilman Shawn McEvoy, Normandy Park Mayor George Hadley and “A Place for Pets” Owner Kevin Foxen. The winner of the competition was Marvista Elementary 4th 5th Grader Molly Marquis, whose entry we publish below:

The snake is back and we all cheer.
Cove to Clover is finally here
Tiny leprechauns dance
in their jiggly pants.
The race ends with lots of rootbeer!

Marvista decided to give the $500 winnings directly to Molly’s classroom to spend any way they want (with help from their teacher, Mrs. Brossard).

Other schools representing in the throwdown included Bow Lake, Gregory Heights and St. Francis.

Molly’s winning entry will also be read aloud to inspire runners immediately prior to the 5k race start, which is this Sunday, March 14th at Noon – full race details are available here.

Our fave namesake women’s sports team, The Rat City Rollergirls (RCRG), kicked off their 2010 season opener recently to raise money for various charities, including;

• Old Dog Haven, a small nonprofit group using a network of foster parents to provide a loving safe home for abandoned senior dogs.
• The Pin Up Angels, who send care packages to our deployed servicemen and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
• The Lambert House, a center for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning youth that encourages empowerment through the development of leadership, social and life skills.
• Fisher House, who supports military and their families while recovering from illness or injury.

The first bout of the season Jan. 31st was an exhibition bout, which was set up like a mini-tournament. Our own Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman braved the dangerous sidelines of the bout to shoot this video, which was edited by Gina Bourdage:

This was a bout RCRG played for charities, and will not count toward their regular season team standings; however, at the end of the night the standings were

1. Sockit Wenches
2. Grave Danger
3. Throttle Rockets
4. Derby Liberation Front

Here are the points:

• Period 1, 1st Players: TR 62, SW 97
• Period 1, 2nd Players: GD 88, DLF 51
• Period 2, Grudge Match: TR 97, DLF 43
• Period 2, Champs: GD 66, SW 70

On March 6th, the RCRG set new records with attendance reaching 5,158 fans, the top attendance for a modern roller derby bout, packed KeyArena to watch the first regular home bout of season 6.

The Throttle Rockets smashed the skates of Derby Liberation Front, while Grave Danger drew first blood against the Sockit Wenches. Word on the street (direct from KeyArena folks), is that Rat City Rollergirl fans drink more beer than ANY sporting event at KeyArena! For more information and tickets visit www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Ever wonder what it takes to be a Rat City Roller Girl? It’s more than a pair of skates and some lip gloss. To even be considered you need to commit to three 2-hours practices a week, work six committee hours a month and “Have a ton of chutzpah, sweat, determination, and a nice smile” just to name a few.

Beyond the eye-catching outfits these girls take some serious hits. Don’t believe us? Just check out the Hall Of Pain section of their website (there is a reason a disclaimer is posted to this page, this is no joke).

RCRG’s next bout is Saturday, April 10th, with Derby Liberation Front vs. Grave Danger, and Sockit Wenches vs. Throttle Rockets.

Our friends at White Center for the Arts are holding a very unique “Python-A-Thon” fundraiser this Sunday, March 7th, from Noon – 8pm at Big Al Brewing (in White Center), where episodes of the classic “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” TV show will be shown non-stop.

Participants are encouraged to bring potluck food items, dress in costume (lumberjack anyone?), bring penguins to put on the telly, and walk like you’re in the Ministry of Silly Walks, all while donating to a worthy local arts association.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Python-A-Thon” viewing party of classic Monty Python TV episodes to help raise funds for White Center for the Arts.

WHEN: Sunday, March 7th from Noon – 8pm.

WHERE: Big Al Brewing, located at 9832 14th Ave SW; (206) 453-4487 (website here)

INFO: From a poster:

Big Al Brewing Presents Monty Python Video Festival

“Continuing Education”

Earn your letters in Pythonology

Finding it hard to get promoted even though you have a MM- Master of Monty?

Get your Doctor of Pythonology (DP), and silly walk your way to the top!

DP courses in:

• The Arts
  • -Why lumberjacks sing
• Optical Sciences
  • -How not to be seen
• Aeronautics
  • -What makes sheep fly
• Military History
  • -German humor and the demise of the Wehrmacht
• Veterinary Sciences
  • – Learn to determine the difference between “Dead” and “Resting”

And much much more!

If you’re silly enough, you too could become a fully accredited Doctor of Pythonology, capable of answering such puzzling questions as…

• “Why is there a penguin on the telly”?
• “If she’s a go’er why is she with him”?
• And, “Did the Vikings invent spam”?

Classes begin on Sunday, March 7th

First class of the day starts at 12 noon

Location: Go to www.bigalbrewing.com for directions

Extra credit will be given for bringing pot luck and coming to class as your favorite Monty Python character.

To get you in the mood, here’s the classic “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch:

Two costumed “Leprechauns,” along with two Cove to Clover organizers, “crashed” Monday night’s Burien City Council meeting to chide councilmembers to register for the March 14th 5k fundraiser race for the Highline Area Food Bank.

So far though, only one city employee has registered – councilmember Lucy Krakowiak, who was rewarded with a commemorative snake last night.

As we reported Feb. 25th, this friendly registration “challenge” is being thrown down to the City of Burien in an attempt to offset city fees that are being charged to stage the charitable, non-profit, local fundraising event that’s being organized by a 100% volunteer committee.

And now, some eight days after the challenge was first issued, there’s still only one city employee/councilmember registered.

Here are some pics taken at last night’s leprechaun crashing:

For more information on the March 14th Cove to Clover 5k fundraiser race, including how you can register, click here to visit its website.

Our intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School, has created another Flash-animated cartoon in his “3 Frog Bros.” series.

As we mentioned before, Bryan is a budding young artist, has a passion for comics, cartoons and humor, and his Flash skills are growing quite rapidly.

Here’s what he has to say about this week’s “3 Frog Bros.,“:

“Good news from the Frog Brothers universe!!

After a recent hard drive failure, lots of animation is being redone, this however does mean quality is at a minimal compared to the originals, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be as awesomely funny and epic, so to show you what I’ve recently achieved, here is a preview of the 3 Frog Brothers Movie in high definition!!”

- Bryan Charles
Writer/Animator/Actor

To see more of Bryan’s work, click here.

by Shawn Underwood

Yes, it’s rainy.

Yes, the wind is howling and the 2010 Olympic flame is blowing sideways, leaving my umbrella to resemble a closed tulip, but the enthusiasm for the Olympic games is infectious.

The minute we stepped off the Skytrain we are greeted with a chorus of  welcomes.

“Good morning!” said one Mapleleaf-clad young woman.

“Good morning!!” said another.

“Good morning!!!” said a third.

Oh my gosh, I’ve got to move to this friendly city – I’ve already got three friends in less than one minute. Just think, by the time I get to my hotel, let’s say ten minutes or so – I’ll have 30 new friends. I did notice a lot of my new ‘friends’ were wearing bright green coats and badges.

Hmmm…

At our centrally-located hotel, Rosedale on Robson in Vancouver BC, the staff personnel practically fall over each other with their welcomes. I love this place. I can’t wait to tell my old college friend, Deb, how much I love her country. Deb moved here 20+ years ago and never left. She probably has loads of friends.

The phone rings five minutes after we settle into our room.

“I’m downstairs,” said my old friend (what, no “Good morning!”? So much for a friendly country…).

I quickly put on some lipstick and run downstairs.

“Damn girl, you look the same as you did in college!” I said.

Waiting, waiting, waiting for similar reply. Guess I’m not looking as fresh as I thought. Oh well, things could be worse.

“Deb, everyone here is soooo dang friendly.”

“Oh yeah, we’ve been barraged with public announcements before the Olympics – stuff like, ‘remember you are a representative of Canada, go out of your way to be friendly.’”

I’m rather deflated by this statement. Maybe I don’t have quite so many friends as I imagined. Maybe they are paid to be nice!

“What about all the people in green jackets?” I ask.

“Oh, those are volunteers, they don’t get paid unless their empolyers pay for their time off to help with the Olympics,” she said as we walked towards the waterfront to see our first ever ‘live in person’ Olympic flame.

Sunday–we hope to be first in line at The Bay department store–the only place in Vancouver which sells Olympic souvenirs. The line was three blocks long today. I don’t want the popular mapleleaf mittens that bad.

Monday–Off to Cypress to watch Tom’s relative, Nate Holland, a “five-pete” X Games champion.

Hopefully I’ll be wearing my new souvenir mapleleaf mittens – you know, the kind that make you smile and say “GOOD MORNING!!!!”?

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Although the high school setting may be different than what you remember from the William Shakespeare classic, the story remains the same; and once the 1950s music kicks in, Burien Little Theatre’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” really rocks.

“Midsummer” kicks off spring with the right note in Burien Little Theatre’s 2009-2010 “escape” themed season. The classic romantic Shakespeare comedy is retold in a musical adapted by renowned Seattle actor/director Arne Zaslove, and featuring 1950s rock and roll.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” opens at Burien Little Theatre on Friday, Feb. 12th, and will run through March 21st. Tickets are $7-$20 online and $17-$20 at the box office.

During the month of February all student tickets are available for $10, thanks to a grant from the City of Burien (read our previous coverage here).

In addition, Burien Little Theatre will be hosting free bonus readings of Donald Margulies’ Dinner with Friends, a bittersweet comedy about marriage, during the run.

A performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com or call the ticket office at 206-242-5180.

The Story and Production
Arne Zaslove opens his 1950s rock and roll adaptation of the Bard’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the gymnasium of Athens High School, on graduation day, 1957. This comedy of magic potions, misled lovers and mistaken identities works well in Zaslove’s high school setting, complete with toe-tapping, finger-snapping numbers from the 1950s that include “Don’t Be Cruel,” “I Will Follow Him,” and Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender,” among others.

Updated in 2008, Zasloves’ seamless adaptation from Shakespeare’s timeless setting to the more contemporary 1950s allows the audience to experience the characters in familiar roles. In Zaslove’s version, Theseus is the mature high school principal and the lovely Hippolyta is the friendly and well liked drama/gym teacher. Lysander, the hero, is described as “Mister Popularity,” and Hermia is cute, the quintessential homecoming queen. There’s also a knockout, a charmer, a clown: all characters familiar in every high school yearbook. The score, sung by the characters, allows them to tell the story in a contemporary, upbeat way, in a language the audience can relate to – rock ’n’ roll.

Since its premiere in 1968 when Zaslove was teaching theater classes at the University of Washington, this musical version of A Midsummer’s Night Dream has offered audiences a unique, current staging of one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. And, as Lysander so aptly states in the play, while “the course of true love never did run smooth,” in this adaptation it never sounded better!

The Cast
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is directed by Maggie Larrick and features the diverse acting talents of:

• Claire Fernandez (Starveling/Fairy Mustardseed)
• Toni Guidry (Helena)
• Kris Hambrick (Puck)
• Russ Kay (Peter Quince/Egeus)
• John Mallory (Demetrius)
• Kate Moyer (Titania)
• Jennifer Pierce (Snug the Joiner/Fairy Peasblossom)
• Lynne Randall (Hermia)
• Kevin Schilling (Francis Flute)
• Caleb Slavens (Lysander)
• Sara Sorden (Snout/Fairy Cobweb)
• Don Speirs (Nick Bottom)
• James “Tuq” Tucker (Theseus)
• Brad Walker (Oberon)
• Laura York (Hippolyta)

Free readings of Dinner with Friends
During the run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Burien Little Theater will also host free Saturday afternoon readings of Dinner with Friends, a bittersweet comedy about marriage, fidelity, infidelity and friendship written by Donald Margulies. Please join Burien Little Theatre at 2 pm on the following Saturdays to enjoy this unique opportunity:

• Feb. 20
• March 6
• March 20

About Burien Little Theatre
Exciting live theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas.

Burien Little Theatre is committed to being an entertainment leader by producing intriguing professional shows. The company’s mission is to treat audiences to productions of the highest artistic integrity that excite, engage and involve both the local and expanding theatrical communities in the Puget Sound region.

BLT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, sponsorships and volunteers.

Schedule for A Midsummer Night’s Dream:

• February 12 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – Opening Night – Let’s HOP!
• February 13 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• February 14 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee - $7 Dollar Sunday
• February 19 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• February 20 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• February 21 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• February 26 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• February 27 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• February 28 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• March 5 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• March 6 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• March 7 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• March 12 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• March 13 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• March 14 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• March 19 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• March 20 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• March 21 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee – It’s dawn and the dream is over – although you are still humming the tunes!

Theater Location:

The Theater at the Burien Community Center Building
425 SW 144th Street
Burien, WA 98166-1545
(206) 242-5180

The Community Center is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of 4th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 146th Street in Burien.
Directions available at www.burienlittletheatre.com.

Ticket Prices & Packages:

ONLINE TICKET PRICES: 
Purchase online and save!

• General Senior/Student
First Weekend:        $16.00        $13.00
Middle Weekends:        $18.00        $15.00
Last Weekend:        $20.00        $17.00
• TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE: 

                General        Senior/Student 
All Shows:            $20.00        $17.00
• Special Discount: During the month of February, Student Tickets are just $10 (City of Burien Grant)
• NEW THIS SEASON: SEVEN DOLLAR SUNDAY 
The first Sunday Matinee of every run is just $7.00!
• PLAY with YOUR FOOD DINNER PACKAGE: This package includes a two-course meal at Mark Restaurant & Bar plus a ticket to the show; cost is $35 per person.

To Purchase Tickets:

• Show tickets may be purchased online at www.burienlittletheatre.com or call 206-242-5180.
• Fabulous Four-Packs are available for the 2009-2010 Season!

B-Town Blog Sales Guy/Host Bart Bryan needs a Date for the Rotary Club of Burien/White Center’s Rockin’ Valentines Dinner and Dance, which will be held Saturday, Feb. 13th at South Seattle Community College.

Bart’s lucky date will enjoy cocktails, dinner, a live auction, raffle prizes and dancing to two different bands – all on the house!

To add to the romance, there will also be corsages, boutinnieres, and chocolates available for Bart to buy you (just make sure Bart gets a receipt so he can be reimbursed by the BTB!).

Here’s the dinner menu:

• Greek Salad
• Grilled All Natural Chicken with Sundried Tomato Tapenad
• Mashed Red Potatoes with Garlic and Pesto
• Fresh Vegetable Medley

And if having a nice dinner out isn’t enough enticement to have a date with Bart, how’s about dancing to The West Coast Swing (crooning sounds of Frank Sinatra and fellow Rat-Packers) followed by local Jazz/Rock band Uncle Ernies?

Our single friend Bart is 50-years young, blue-eyed, still has most of his hair, with a sparkling personality and great sense of humor. He’s also pretty fit (fit enough to do a polar bear plunge – see the video below!). Bart confesses that he can also still “bust a move” on the dance floor, and is “looking for a fun date for a great romantic dinner dance for a great cause!”

If you’re interested in winning a free date night with this Bart-o-licious man at the Rotary’s Rockin’ Valentines Dinner and Dance, and you’re over 21 and not old enough to be Bart’s mother, email us with a recent picture, a short bio and why you want to be Bart’s date by 5pm Wed. Feb. 10th.

Our Readers will choose the winner via an online poll, so make sure your entry is good, and that you include an interesting photo and a fun, short bio.

In addition to a night of dining and dancing with Bart, the winner will receive another night out at at The Mark  Restaurant courtesy of the Mark’s Debra George.

The entry deadline is Wed., Feb. 10th at 5pm, and the winner will be voted on and announced Friday, Feb. 12th at Noon right here on The B-Town Blog, so ladies…email your entries in ASAP!

Also, if you’re interested in attending this great, fun fundraiser event yourself (either to watch Bart’s date or have one of your own), you can still purchase tickets online by clicking here.

And now ladies, if you’ve ever fantasized about what Bart looks like with his shirt off whilst immersed in chilly 46-degree Puget Sound water, here’s a video of him doing the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Three Tree Point on Jan. 1st:

And if that wasn’t enough, here’s what Bart looks like without his pants. In public. On the Link light rail:

Our intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School has created another cartoon in his “3 Frog Bros.” series.

As we mentioned before, Bryan is a budding young artist, and has a passion for comics, cartoons and even creating his own Flash animations (some of which you’ll be seeing here very soon).

He also has a twisted sense of humor and a sharp observational eye, and here’s this week’s “3 Frog Bros.,“:

To see more of Bryan’s work, click here.

Just in Time for Valentine’s Day fun, and priced at an affordable $14 (for two!), Burien Little Theatre presents Arne Zaslove’s 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll musical romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Here’s more info from a press release:

This Valentine’s Day do something exciting for your sweetheart and take your honey to a matinee at the Burien Little Theatre for just $14. That’s right, Feb. 14, St. Valentine’s Day, is “Seven Dollar Sunday” at BLT! That means all tickets are just $7 on Feb. 14: Better live theater at a low low price. Add dinner after the show with The Mark Restaurant and Bar’s dinner and a show package, and you have a complete Valentine’s Day event for two for just $54. Valentine’s Day simply can’t get any sweeter. So get out your poodle skirt, find your rotary phone, call up your sweetheart and make a date for Feb. 14th. But hurry, Seven Dollar Sunday is always a sellout and when it falls on St. Valentine’s Day, tickets will be gone before you can eat a box of chocolates.

Directed by Burien Little Theatre’s own Maggie Larrick, this Midsummer will have you singing along with star-crossed lovers during this romantic comedy from Feb. 12 through Mar. 21.

“It’s the most approachable of Shakespeare’s shows,” said Larrick. “And the musical numbers in each scene really tell the story.”

The play is set in a 1950s gymnasium at Athens High School on graduation day 1957, and in a neighboring forest. A group of magical fairies intervene and meddle with the lives of two young copuples for whom “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Botched love spells, hilarious characters and 1950’s rock ‘n’ roll make this show a treat for young and old, those in love and those between love.

Midsummer opens February 12 and runs through March 21. Shows are Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

Show Dates & Times:

• February 12 at 8:00 p.m.    Friday
• February 13 at 8:00 p.m.    Saturday
• February 14 at 2:00 p.m.    Sunday Matinee - Seven Dollar Sunday
• February 19 at 8:00 p.m.    Friday
• February 20 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• February 21 at 2:00 p.m.    Sunday Matinee
• February 26 at 8:00 p.m.   Friday
• February 27 at 8:00 p.m.   Saturday
• February 28 at 2:00 p.m.   Sunday Matinee
• March 5 at 8:00 p.m.          Friday
• March 6 at 8:00 p.m.          Saturday
• March 7 at 2:00 p.m.          Sunday Matinee
• March 12 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• March 13 at 8:00 p.m.        Saturday
• March 14 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee
• March 19 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• March 20 at 8:00 p.m.       Saturday
• March 21 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee

Tickets are available online at www.burienlittletheatre.com, by email at tickets@burienlittletheatre.org or by phone at (206) 242-5180.

For more information about BLT, please visit www.burienlittletheatre.com.

by Theresa Frasch

I emailed the link from The B-Town blog to my friend Pam a few days ago and said, “You are the only one I know that would do this with me. Want to?” After a little cajoling and the promise of boxers, she and her daughter agreed.

We were in the first group to get on the light rail. Everybody was assigned different stops to “de-pant.” We were stop number two. There were two guys sitting in our section looking very nervous. One of them said to the other, “I don’t think I’m going to be able to do this.” I asked which stop they were and he said, “Two.” “Well, so are we – so we’ll all do it at the same time. Remember, when the doors close”

At stop number two we were prepared. Just as the doors were closing and we were preparing to de-pant we heard a lady walking toward us. She was saying, “That is highly inappropriate.” She walked through our car repeating that phrase as we were taking our pants off. Guy number two lost his nerve! He regained it at stop number three with a little help from his new found friends.

All five of us got off at the Beacon Hill stop to mix it up a little and wait for the next train. That was pretty safe – it was underground. Then we got off at Columbia City – out in the real world, but still pretty protected. The ultimate test was the Rainier Beach stop – right in the middle of the street, nowhere to hide, traffic coming from both directions.

The train was rolling to a stop. We girls said we were going to do it. The guys said they weren’t. I told them they’d regret it if they didn’t. “Next year,” they said. The doors opened. “Come on,” I said. They protested. Finally I grabbed one and just pulled him out the door with us and the other one followed. We had so much fun watching the passersby faces! When we got back on for our final destination our new friends thanked us for “making” them go with us.

Thanks to Emerald City Improv for giving us such a good laugh and a chance to have some fun.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of Sunday’s “No Pants!” pics, taken by various Flickr Photogs:

Click to View Photo Slideshow

Here’s a video from today’s “No Pants!” Subway ride in NYC:

Read our other coverage here.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of reports on Sunday's "No Pants! Link Light Rail Ride," where Reporter Gina Bourdage was brave (or foolish) enough to ride public transportation and drop trou. Look for more reports soon, including a first-hand video from Bart Bryan and Mark Neuman]

by Gina Bourdage

Most days being in your undies in public would be the nightmare we just woke up from.

Today is not that day.

After a frenzied Internet campaign via Facebook, the NYC group Improv Everywhere convinced people nationwide, myself included, to ride public transit today in their skivvies.

I have had that little voice in the back of my head ask me numerous times “What the heck are you thinking?!” and to be completely honest I have tried to talk myself out of participating.

In hindsight of the type of year 2009 turned out to be, most of us could use a little more light-hearted humor in 2010.

According to the Improv Everywhere website, “not taking life too seriously” is exactly the reason behind the nationwide “No Pants!” rides on buses, trains and subways all over the country today.

So relax, take a deep breath, drop trou and enjoy life…

Yep, actually getting out of the car and taking off the pants without the little voice telling me i am officially crazy was impossible. If it weren’t for the other twenty or so fellow pantsless participants I might turn and run. It is a little odd with children pointing “Hey mommy?!” but thank goodness everyone is “decent” and there’s nothing here you wouldn’t see on a beach.

After the first stop half the train is pants free. Who knew it was so easy to get people to rock their undies in public?

Oh boy this went to another level when i just saw a pantsless family.

I am impressed with the level that we, the pantsless mob, have pulled this off. Never have I seen so many strangers be so friendly with a smile and supportive silent acknowledgment that there really is something bigger going on here.

The confused and bewildered looks of the unsuspecting other riders is worth all the initial butterflies.

I encourage everyone to be a part of something that brings people together the way this has.

Here are some pics of the event (more to come so keep checking back, and if you participated and have some, please email us!):

Here are some pics sent in by Readers “xtina” and “hollywood,” who added:

“The ride was great…So much fun we got off and on at different spots … ending at Westlake and walked to Fox Sports Bar where we enjoyed a cold one in our undies… Way fun”

Read Report #2 here.

Sometimes when we hear about a comedy idea that’s as brilliant and hi-flippin-larious as this, we just have to post it and encourage all our Readers (or at least the ones with an actual sense of humor) to participate – we’re talking of course about the first annual “No Pants! Link Light Rail Ride” which is coming to our area this Sunday, Jan. 10th from Noon – 3pm.

The “No Pants!” idea comes from a group in New York City called “Improv Everywhere,” which puts on a “No Pants! Subway Ride” there every January. And now it’s coming to the northwest.

Ironically, or perhaps by design, this first annual pantsless event will also serve as a Seattle Singles Meet-Up. What better way to meet someone new than whilst riding pantsless on our new transportation service?

To participate, it’s quite simple – just show up on Sound Transit’s new Link Light Rail system between Noon and 3pm on Sunday, Jan. 10th. Have your pants on if you’re there early, then simply take them off while you’re riding, all the while keeping a straight face and acting like nothing’s different.

There’s a Facebook Page set up for the event here (thanks Julie Bradley for the link!).

Here are videos of the last two years of the “No Pants!” prank NYC that will give you a better idea of what to expect:

More details:

WHAT: Emerald City Improv invites you to participate in our first annual “No Pants Seattle! Light Rail Ride.”

WHEN: This SUNDAY, JANUARY 10th, from Noon – 3pm.

WHERE: Most participants will start in Downtown Seattle (most likely the Westlake Station), then ride Link Light Rail to SeaTac and back; we suggest that you board either at the Tukwila Station (which has parking) or the new SeaTac/Airport Station and ride roundtrip, thus boosting their original group.

COST: No fee other than a roundtrip ticket on Link Light Rail, which is $5.00; okay, the other cost may be your dignity, but it’s all in the name of senseless entertainment, which the world certainly needs more of…

INFO: From the Seattle Singles Meetup Group website:

Tell and invite your friends!! We want this to be epic!

Every January, Improv Everywhere in New York stages their annual “No Pants! Subway Ride.” Cities around the globe participate.

This year, Emerald City Improv in Seattle invites you to participate in our first annual “No Pants Seattle! Light Rail Ride.”

This event will occur SUNDAY, JANUARY 10th, from 12:00- 3:00.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION:

1. Willing to take pants off on light rail
2. Able to keep a straight face about it

WHERE TO MEET:
Meet at the plaza at 4th Ave and Pine St, across from Westlake Center, at noon.

Oh, and if you do participate, please take pics (and/or video) and email us about your experience!

The B-Town Blog’s “B-Town Breakdown With Amy Bouska” video this week features a rather unique interview with Burien’s own Manuela Horn, known to many as the 6′2″ “Yodeling Dominatrix” who got das boot from NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” last summer.

Manuela’s also a professional actress and multi-talented performer who has done gigs not only for local events like Burien’s own Oktoberfest, Brat Trot, but Seattle’s Teatro Zinzanni, Yahoo in New York City and many others.

She’s also a Mom (!) and lives in Burien (!!), and here’s the interview:

From her website:

The Yodeling Dominatrix’ name is “Hildegard van Schlag.” She stands 6 foot 10 inches tall and dominates her subjects with yodeling. Unfortunately her dungeon is completely full and has no availability for new subjects (so sorry). “Hildegard van Schlag”, is available to reign over special events as imported royalty or MC and loves subduing audiences with a 15-minute set of earbending yodels. Her list of requirements is extensively extreme. If you think you have a community worthy of her attention or want to invite her to an event she will happily send two of her minions to inspect it.

Here are some other vids of Manuela:

“Whipping Bells” by the Yodeling Dominatrix:

Beer Drinking Song at Oktoberfest:

Manuela Horn at Teatro Zinzanni:

If you’d like to book Manuela for a holiday party, email her here.

Read our previous coverage of Manuela here.

View Amy’s previous “B-Town Breakdown,” a video interview with local artist Rebecca Miller here.

We’re proud of our latest Intern, Bryan Charles of Big Picture High School, who’s not only learning new things about storytelling, but has been teaching himself Flash and making numerous animations, all based around his original “3 Frog Bros” cartoon.

Here’s his latest creation, “3 Frog Bros Episode 5” in which the Frog Bros have a close encounter of the strange, and oftentimes funny, kind (keep in mind that he drew and animated this entire thing himself, with the only help coming from friends doing voices):

Have a cartoon idea for Bryan? Email him here!

by Shawn Underwood

Word travels fast here in B-Town.

I was just gathering my courage to call my dentist to make an appointment for a tooth scrubbing when Margi, the receptionist at Dr. Abolofia’s office phoned me—for the third time.

“Shawn, so glad I finally caught you at home, how are you? Have you heard of ‘Eat Local’? I bought the Chicken Pot Pie, and it was to die for! By the way, you are way overdue for your six-month check up!” She said all of this in pretty much one breath.

“Yeah, I have been meaning to go there, isn’t it right next to the bike shop?” I said.

Maybe if I kept the conversation away from overdue appointments she would forget why she called . .  . It could happen. But it didn’t. However, I did visit ‘Eat Local.’

The first thing I noticed when I walked in the door was the Thundering Hooves sign on the wall. That sign alone gave me the feeling that a cow could be grazing out back. The store feels homey and it should because everything is prepared right on site. There are a wide variety of choices from, appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts and wine. A fair amount of the hand-made entrees were packaged in reusable glass containers, which can be bought and returned through deposit as you would a milk bottle.

Greg Conner, Eat Local owner and extremely affable fellow took me on a tour of the store. All of the ready-to-serve items are produced from ingredients procured locally from nearby farms that specialize in organic produce. I was amazed to find such specialties as Pork Cassoulet, made with pork, beans and sausage and then slow cooked in a wine sauce. I haven’t eaten cassoulet since I lived in France seven years ago. Thundering Hooves beef and poultry is pasture raised and hormone-free. I wonder if the cows and chickens are having menopausal issues—being hormone-free and all.

Speaking of local—Greg’s a homeboy. He grew up in B-Town and attended Kennedy High School. He opened his first Eat Local store in Queen Anne and is excited to be back in his hometown, and frankly I for one am very glad to have a place to pick up a quick ‘made from scratch’ meal for my peeps. I was just contemplating another cooking strike—just for the heck of it.

So, give yourself a break and visit the friendly folk at ‘Eat Local.’ It’s not to be missed.

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Our good friends at Burien Little Theatre have sent us this video promo for their campy, kitschy production of “Christmas With The Crawfords,” which opened Friday, Nov. 27th, and continues through Dec. 20th (see the full schedule here, including how to buy tickets online).

If you don’t know already, the synopsis of “Christmas With The Crawfords” is:

Featuring Hollywood’s most famous dysfunctional family, this musical comedy pays tribute to and parodies Tinseltown’s “Golden Age.”

To revive her ailing career, Joan Crawford arranges a live radio broadcast in her home on Christmas Eve, 1944, but uninvited celebrity guests hog the spotlight to sing their Holiday favorites.

A surprise hit since 1992.

Here’s the video:

Our intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School has created a cartoon just for today – “Black Friday”!

As we mentioned before, Bryan is a budding young artist, and has a passion for comics, cartoons and even creating his own Flash animations (some of which you’ll be seeing here very soon).

He also has a twisted sense of humor and a sharp observational eye, and here’s this week’s “3 Frog Bros.,“:

Have a cartoon idea for Bryan? Email him here!

This just in from BTB Advertiser Richard Doane of Burien Auto Repair – looks like Richard and his wife Sheila are housing one of Burien’s fastest-rising stars – a dog named Ryder!

Ryder, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and lifelong Burien resident, will be appearing in Hallmark’s 100th Anniversary TV Commercial, which will air this Sunday night (Nov. 29th) during the “Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie – A Dog Named Christmas,” which begins at 9pm on KIRO-TV (channel 7).

We’ve been told that the ad will be shown during the first commercial break, so be sure to set your TiVos/DVRs or watch closely for the first 20 minutes.

Owner Richard was recently contacted by Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago who had previewed thousands of dog videos, and guess what? They selected Ryder to be one of the stars in this commercial, which will air nationally.

Ryder was selected for the commercial based on the following YouTube video clip that Richard shot and posted after his dog’s 1st Birthday about two years ago – it shows Ryder “blowing out the candles” on his birthday cake:

And get this – YOU can help make Ryder the winner of Hallmark’s “Cutest Dog of the Season” contest by voting online here:

www.hhofdogcontest.com/results/current-entries?name=ryder+doane

(Don’t forget to forward the link on to all your friends – let’s see if we can make Ryder a real star!)

According to Richard, for his “acting services,” Ryder was paid $350 which he plans to donate to PAWS to help out dogs and cats less fortunate than himself.

Here’s what Richard had to say:

Ryder was chosen not only for his award-winning talent, but also for his positive attitude and willingness to help others.

When not chasing a tennis ball, Ryder loves to chase birds for fun, and go to the lake with his posse of other Corgis.

He has been a “therapy dog” at the Highline Medical Center, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Remember to set your TiVo for Sunday night’s feature presentation – or at least until the first commercial break!

by Shawn Underwood

I’m a procrastinator.

I won’t ask for a show of hands from people who have the same problem because, well first of all I can’t see your hands because I’m here in my son’s room—recently converted to an office until said son returns from college and all Hell breaks loose, because I’m using his room.

As I was saying before I started going off track with the converted office bit—I have no doubt there would be a sea of procrastinating hands, too numerous to count.

For instance, who has yet to take down their Halloween decorations?

Today as I drove around the neighborhood (putting off writing yet another revision for my editor of a ‘grabber’ beginning for my book), I noticed numerous pumpkins with barely recognizable faces, long overdue for the yard recycle or where ever dead pumpkins go after the holidays. Strings of orange Halloween twinkle lights festooned some trees and even some Jack o’ Lantern pumpkin lights still dangled on a charming white fence.

You know who you are!

A picture says a thousand words but my daughter, Leslie said. “Mom, I don’t think everyone else thinks leftover Halloween displays are as funny as you do. I don’t think you should take a picture. What if something happened in the family and they haven’t had time to take down the displays or what if they are on vacation?” Her list went on and on until even I felt guilty for my paparazzi-like behavior. So no pics but like I said—you know who you are!

It’s possible orange twinkly lights can linger through Thanksgiving but the pumpkin lights have got to go—pronto. Now I’ve got to go trash my own pumpkins which still sit on my porch, and then of course there’s the scarecrows . . .

On a final note. I can’t resist a cupcake. Have a look:

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

“Christmas with the Crawfords,” Burien Little Theatre’s holiday production, begins Nov. 27th, and it sounds hilarious – imagine actress Joan Crawford and other assorted (yet highly dysfunctional) Hollywood celebrity guests stuck at Crawford’s home on Christmas Eve doing a radio show.

Now throw in men in drag, funny original music, a great cast and the fact that it’s local and you’ve got this show.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Christmas With The Crawfords” musical comedy

WHEN: Begins Nov. 27th and continues through Dec. 20th; 12 shows total so you’d better order tickets soon!

• November 27 at 8:00 p.m.     Friday
• November 28 at 8:00 p.m.     Saturday
• November 29 at 2:00 p.m.     Sunday Matinee -  $7 Sunday
• December 4 at 8:00 p.m.        Friday
• December 5 at 8:00 p.m.        Saturday
• December 6 at 2:00 p.m.        Sunday Matinee
• December 11 at 8:00 p.m.      Friday
• December 12 at 8:00 p.m.      Saturday
• December 13 at 2:00 p.m.      Sunday Matinee
• December 18 at 8:00 p.m.      Friday
• December 19 at 8:00 p.m.      Saturday
• December 20 at 2:00 p.m.     Sunday Matinee

WHERE: Burien Little Theatre, located at the Burien Community Center at the intersection of 4th SW and SW 146th.

INFO: Here’s copy from the BLT press release:

Featuring Hollywood’s most famous dysfunctional family, this musical comedy pays tribute to and parodies Tinseltown’s “Golden Age.”

To revive her ailing career, Joan Crawford arranges a live radio broadcast in her home on Christmas Eve, 1944, but uninvited celebrity guests hog the spotlight to sing their Holiday favorites.

Ticket prices are $20 general admission and $17 for students and seniors.

Click here to order tickets, which are priced better online.

On Sunday, Nov. 29th all tickets are just $7 – but hurry, these tickets sell out fast!

On a personal note, this show was created by Richard Winchester and written by Mark Sargent.

Waaay back in the ’80s, Sargent was lead singer in a campy Seattle band called Mondo Vita. We were big fans of ‘em, and once we saw his name attached to this show we just had to re-live those days – here’s the only video from them we could find, and while Sargent doesn’t sing the lead, he’s the shorter backup singer:

It appears that Sargent continues to do camp, as between writing plays, he’s also the lead singer for The Ethel Merman Experience in San Francisco.

Please welcome the latest addition to The B-Town Blog – our newest intern, Bryan Charles, of Big Picture High School!

Bryan is a budding artist, and has a passion for comics, cartoons and even creating his own Flash animations.

We’re very happy to have him on board, so be sure to look for more of his work soon.

In the meantime, here’s his debut comic “3 Frog Bros.,“, perfect for this Election Day:

This is our second year serving as mentors to a student from Big Picture High School, part of the Highline School District, and described as such on their website:

At Big Picture, we believe we are doing our best work when each student is an active participant in his or her education, when his or her course of study is personalized by teachers, parents and mentors who know him or her well, and when school-based learning is blended with outside experiences that heighten the student’s interest.

By these means we help students take responsibility for their own learning and prepare for success in college and beyond.

This is the absolute last weekend of “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre, and here are the Top 10 Reasons not to miss “Psycho Beach Party” during its last weekend:

10. Once the tide comes in the beach is gone forever.

9. Let me get this straight – “Psycho,” “Beach” and “Party” with girls in bikinis and buff surf bums and you haven’t seen it yet?

8. The party is nothing without you.

7. Years from now when your grandkids ask, “Did you see get to see ‘Psycho Beach Party’ live?” What will you tell them?

6. Anyone in a Hawaiian shirt gets a free item from concessions.

5. 54 degrees and rain or escape to sunny California for a few hours without having to deal with TSA.

4. Laughter is the best medicine for SADS.

3. The woodie is gassed up and packed, but you can still catch a wave this weekend.

2. All good things must end, and “Psycho Beach Party” must end November 1.

And the number 1 reason to see “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre during its final weekend:

1. Night of the dead or a beach party – Dude, think about it!

No, this list didn’t come from Letterman, as he was “too busy with an assistant”…but here are the Top 10 Reasons to see “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre this weekend:

10. Everyone deserves a little Escape this time of year.

9. Everyone cool is doing it.

8. Plenty of free parking.

7. Talk amongst yourselves. I’ll give you a topic. Psycho Beach Party, it’s neither Psycho, nor a Beach, nor a Party. Discuss.

6. The lighter side of mental health awareness!

5. Girls in Bikinis.

4. See what everyone is talking about!

3. Because “Wicked” already closed.

2. It’s better live theater!

And the #1 reason to see “Psycho Beach Party” at Burien Little Theatre this weekend:

1. They can’t have the Party without You!

Here are the showtimes for this weekend – and remember, you can purchase tickets easily online by clicking here:

• Friday, Oct. 9th – 8pm
• Saturday, Oct. 10th – 8pm [BONUS at 2pm FREE presentation of “Two Wheels North” in conjunction with Book-It Repertory Theater and Highline Historical Society]
• Sunday, Oct. 11th – 2pm Matinee

More info, as well as other showtimes, are available here.

Burien Little Theatre’s latest production, “Psycho Beach Party,” opens this Friday night Oct. 2nd at 8pm at the Burien Community Center, and below are photos taken of a recent rehearsal to give you an idea of what to expect (just be sure to mentally add costumes, great music and a professional production):

Click to View Burien Little Theatre’s Photo Slideshow

“Psycho Beach Party” is described as:

“Gidget” meets “The Three Faces of Eve” in this 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies.

Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf.

Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Welcome to Malibu Beach 1962 style on the set of Psycho Beach Party, the first play in Burien Little Theatre’s 2009-2010 “escape” themed season. Psycho Beach Party, written by Charles Busch, is a 1987 spoof of those popular and campy 1960s beach party movies. Busch’s send-up blends ”Gidget” with “The Three Faces of Eve” through the story of Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, who joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf. Unfortunately, Chicklet has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world. Watch out, the surf’s up!

Psycho Beach Party will run at BLT from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. Tickets at the box office are $17 to$20, except on Seven Buck Sunday Oct. 4 when all tickets are just $7. Significant savings are available by buying online at www.burienlittletheatre.com. Shows are Fridays and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except there will be no performance Oct. 16. As a special bonus, BLT will provide FREE readings on four Saturdays during the run. A full performance schedule is available at www.burienlittletheatre.com/page2.html.

The Story
Playing off the classic beach party theme – Psycho Beach Party features Chicklet, our heroine – a Gidget-like character who adores surfing and abandons her lifelong friend to take surfing lessons with the Great Kanaka, the king of the surf bums. But while she learns to surf odd things happen on the beach. People are knocked out and shaved, and not just their heads end up missing hair! Who wields the razor? And who is Ann Bowman, the seductive dominatrix? At the biggest party of the year, the luau, all is revealed. Join BLT and the fun-loving cast of Psycho Beach Party for bikinis, surfing and madcap mayhem.

The Author and Production
Charles Louis Busch, author of Psycho Beach Party, is an American actor, author, dramatist and female impersonator known for his many appearances on film and in off-Broadway productions. Busch was nominated for a Tony Award in 2001 for his play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Busch’s other awards include a Sundance Special Performance Award for Die, Mommie, Die, and in 2006 he won Honorable Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival for A Very Serious Person.

Psycho Beach Party was first performed in 1987, and featured the author in the title role of Chicklet. In 2000 the play was adapted for film by Robert Lee King, and featured Lauren Ambrose as Chicklet and Amy Adams in the role of Marvel Ann.

The Cast
Psycho Beach Party is directed by Zachariah Robinson, with Melissa Malloy as assistant director. The show features the comedic talents of:

• Adam Hegg (Yo Yo)
• Miranda Sita (Dee Dee)
• John Mallory (Nicky)
• Greg Brandell (Provoloney)
• Jon-Erik Hegstad (Start Cat)
• Kris Hamberg (Chicklet)
• Rhys Henley (Kanaka)
• Emily Elkins (Berdine)
• Jackie Greybill (Marvel Ann)
• Anna Richardson (Mrs. Forrest)
• Alex Novotny (Bettina Barnes)

BONUS – Special Performances:
During the run of Psycho Beach Party, Burien Little Theatre is proud to present three free Saturday afternoon readings of The Undescended, a new work by Christopher Bailey. This haunting psychological tale is full of twists and turns. Please join us at 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays to enjoy this unique opportunity: Oct. 3, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. There will be question-and-answer sessions with the author after the readings.

On Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m., Burien Little Theatre, in association with Book-It Repertory Theater and the Highline Historical Society will also host a free performance of the world-premiere adaptation of the book Two Wheels North, by Evelyn McDaniel Gibb. The story has been adapted for the stage and directed by Annie Lareau. Two Wheels North is a timely true tale of two young men and the cycling trek of a lifetime: it’s 1909 and roads are rough as they make their way from their home in Santa Rosa, Calif., to Seattle for the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. A prize awaits, but the real reward is the adventure!

About Burien Little Theatre:
Theater has been a tradition in Burien since 1955. Incorporated in 1980, the Burien Little Theatre (BLT) has been a leading producer of quality live theater serving residents of the Seattle and south Puget Sound areas. As the company grows in exciting new directions right along with the City of Burien, Burien Little Theatre’s Mission is “to be an entertainment leader by producing intriguing professional shows. Our audience will be treated to productions of the highest artistic integrity, which excite, engage and involve both the local and expanding theatrical communities in the Puget Sound region.”

BLT is a nonprofit 501c3 entity and operates on revenue from ticket sales, donations, grants, sponsorships and volunteers.

To reserve tickets, email your reservation to tickets@burienlittletheatre.com, call BLT at (206) 242-5180, or purchase them online here. More ticket info available online here, including discounts on group purchase.

You can also “Play With Your Food” (dinner and a show) – for just $35.00 per person you get a fantastic two-course dinner that includes several choices for an entree and either salad or dessert at the Mark Restaurant and Bar and you get a ticket to that night’s performance! (You save on the price of dinner and on the ticket! Double the savings and enjoy a night out. You deserve it!) See BLT’s Play With Your Food web page for full details.

Parokya ni Edgar is considered the “Best Rock Band” in The Philippines, and they’re bringing their unique blend of hard rock, grunge and humor, along with “Kamikazee,” Seattle’s “Best Singer/Dancers” to Burien’s Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 3rd, starting at 7pm.

This will be a “Band Fiesta,” featuring Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee, and ticket prices range from $35, $50 and $75 (VIP).

And, according to their press, these guys were heavily influenced by Seattle bands Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, so a lot of their music will sound familiar to all you ex-grungers who call Burien your home.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Band Fiesta featuring Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 3rd, starting at 7pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd, next to Highline High School

TICKETS: $35, $50 and $75 (VIP), available at www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone at 1-800-838 3006.

INFO: “The most awaited and requested concert, Filipino Band Parokya ni Edgar & Kamikazee with extraordinary talent will keep U upbeat with OPM music. 1 night only LIVE in Seattle Burien!!!”

For more information call Ray or Elsa at 425-647-8471

From their MySpace page:

Ang Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas Parokya ni Edgar is a bunch of guys, six to be exact, who unexpectedly find themselves in a proper band, with a proper recording contract with a proper record company (Universal Records), which gives them a proper”recording career”. Parokya ni Edgar is Chito Miranda and Vinci Montaner on vocals, Darius Semaña and Gabriel CheeKee on guitars, Buhawi Meneses on bass and Dindin Moreno on drums. But beneath the silly gags and the punchlines, the Parokya Band has matured musically. Chief lyricist and frontman Chito Miranda once declared: “Nagti-trip lang talaga kami, eh.” But by jokester/slacker standards, this band is already an overachievers: six albums with an endless string of hit singles (including one that inspired a movie), loads of music awards, and a fan base that extends all the way from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi. What could be a greater feat than have the whole country chanting: “Hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy-hoy!”? Countless Gold and Platinum Record Sales Awards, MTV Awards and Awit Awards trophies later, PnE is showing no signs of slowing down with their latest release Halina Sa Parokya . Like any other Parokya album; comic skits, spoofs and heaps of classic Parokya humor abound in Halina Sa Parokya. The idea for their album artwork was inspired partly by the Department of Tourism thrust to promote various tourist destinations and local festivities via their Wow Philippines campaign (if you can recall the TV advertisement which featured Regine Velasquez). The album was also inspired by both the popular children’s TV show Sesame Street and its local counterpart Batibot . Taking aloook at the album cover alone, you will laugh at the colorful characters Chito, Buwi, Vinci, Gab, Darious and Dindin portray! And surely, too, it will be more obvious to tell why Parokya ni Edgar has been dubbed as “Pambansang Banda ng Pilipinas.”

Other blurbs:

The band is best known for its novel rock songs which are often satirically twisted covers of popular songs. The music band has since experimented with musical styles of one song with another substituting alternative rock for pop rock, rapcore for funk and so on, much to the comic relief of their audience. They called themselves “Skembergs” at first, when their band consisted of three local vocalists- Gabrielle”Gab” Ignatius Chee-Kee, Alfonso Miranda “Chito” aka, Jr, Francis Vincent Montaner “Vinci”, and two guitarists, Jerick and Miko. They would practice after-school to perfect their talents in music before playing at the Eraserheads concert. The Eraserheads concert success propelled them to add a bassist and a drummer – Buhawi Meneses and Dindin Moreno and also rename the band as Parokya ni Edgar. The guitarists Jerick and Miko left the band after high school to take up other career interests. This paved the way for guitarist Darius Semaña to join the band.

Parokya ni Edgar (English translation: Parish of Edgar) is a Filipino band that was formed in 1993 by a group of Ateneo de Manila High School students. The band is famous and most lauded for its original rock novelty songs and often satirical covers of famous songs. The band has since transcended musical genres, varying styles from one song to another – alternative rock to pop rock, funk to rapcore, and so on – while providing comic relief to their listeners.

The band soon started playing at the legendary local band hub, Club Dredd. Coming out during the height of the Pinoy rock explosion, with the Filipino rock community giving in to the influence of especially grunge acts such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, Parokya ni Edgar played like no other. Their jokes, silly antics, and outrageous performances paved the way to the popularity that they currently enjoy.

Eventually, the late managing director of Universal Records, Bella Dy Tan, signed them as contract artists after witnessing one of their performances at Club Dredd. Soon their initial recordings such as Buloy, Trip and Lutong Bahay were heard across the nation. Their first album, Khangkhungkherrnitz became a triple platinum hit in the Philippines having sold 120,000 units. The other 3 albums include Buruguduystunstugudunstuy (triple platinum), Jingle Balls Silent Night Holy Cow (gold), and Gulong Itlog Gulong (platinum).

Here are some videos of the band showcasing their wide range of music styles:

Parokya Ni Edgar featuring Kamikazee “Ordertaker” (this song appears to be about ordering food in a restaurant, it ROCKS, has had 905,148 views on Youtube; and after viewing you’ll be chanting “Waiter! Order!” over and over):

“Buloy“:

“Halaga”

For more info, check out their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/parokyaniedgar

Burien Little Theatre has scheduled show dates and times for their upcoming comedy “Psycho Beach Party,” which has been described as:

“Gidget” meets “The Three Faces of Eve” in this 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies.

Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf.

Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world.

Here are the show dates and times:

• October 2 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 3 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• October 4 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee – Seven Dollar Sunday
• October 9 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 10 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m. a free presentation of “Two Wheels North” in conjunction with Book-It Repertory Theater and Highline Historical Society
• October 11 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 16 at 8:00 p.m. Friday – NO SHOW TONIGHT
• October 17 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday
• October 18 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 23 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 24 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• October 25 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee
• October 30 at 8:00 p.m. Friday
• October 31 at 8:00 p.m. Saturday – BONUS at 2:00 p.m a free reading of “The Undescended.”
• November 1 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday Matinee

Advance ticket prices:

• General Senior/Student
  • First weekend: $16.00 /  $13.00
  • Middle Weekends: $18.00 / $15.00
  • Last Weekend: $20.00 / $17.00
• TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE:
  • All shows: $20.00 / $17.00
• NEW THIS SEASON: $7 SUNDAY – The first Sunday Matinee of every run is just $7.00!!!

To reserve tickets, email your reservation to tickets@burienlittletheatre.com, call BLT at (206) 242-5180, or purchase them online here. More ticket info available online here, including discounts on group purchase.

You can also “Play With Your Food” (dinner and a show) – for just $35.00 per person you get a fantastic two-course dinner that includes several choices for an entree and either salad or dessert at the Mark Restaurant and Bar and you get a ticket to that night’s performance! (You save on the price of dinner and on the ticket! Double the savings and enjoy a night out. You deserve it!) See BLT’s Play With Your Food web page for full details.

As a recognized news organization, we here at The B-Town Blog get emails and press releases from all over the place, including a daily one called “What happened at the council?” (link here) from the King County Council.

Here’s an actual sentence that was included in Tuesday’s (Sept. 8th) update:

“Approved an ordinance implementing the District Court Redistricting Committee’s amendment to the districting plan implementing provisions to increase the number of judges in the District Court. (Ordinance 2009-0453)”

We’ve never been one to particularly enjoy politicspeak, and this here sentence will now go down as Exhibit A in our prosecution of the abuse of technical, wonky jargon usage.

Your witness.

by Shawn Underwood

I know I have written about swim meets previously, but the swim meet parents provide such incredible fodder that I simply cannot pass up this opportunity.

After my friends and I suffered through a very loooong swim meet at Normandy Park, our friendly announcer said we were in for a treat. What? It’s almost 10pm, and I’m about to turn into a frosty pumpkin. Swim meets really take it out of me.

The parents from Gregory Seahurst pool and the parents from the Normandy Park pool actually want to have their own college-daze swim relay. I simply can’t believe that any grownup with a lick of common sense would want to squeeze into a skin-tight Speedo, and jump into a barely-tepid pool. A humiliating event to be sure. Well, for me it would be mortifying, maybe not for these studly parents.

Men and women dashed about looking for swimsuits and goggles from the older kids. Believe it or not, a total of six relay teams quickly assembled. Twenty-four adults dawned tight-fitting swimsuits and just as quickly wrapped towels about themselves. As I watched a few floundering adults, I mentally prepared myself for a possible water rescue. The stroke and turn judge from Gregory Seahurst and his wife said they were actually looking forward to the race. So much so that, “the judge” squeezed into my sons size 28 speed suit. I am not kidding. The judge is a fit man, but my son’s suit is stinkin’ small!

As the teams begin to line up, the announcer from the other pool blusters through the microphone. “Wait, hold on, we have a ringer in lane three.” I guess he doesn’t abide by the rule we always tell our young children. “No one’s keeping score Kipper, the race is just for fun.”

BANG— the starter gun begins the race. The belly flops commenced, along with some expert dives. The sides of the pool can’t hold the immense overflow created from the tidal wave of dives. We are witness to a water-follies of sorts, and by far the best physical humor ever. I’m just glad it wasn’t me in the pool.

Tonight there are some story-worthy swimmers. One fellow in particular appears to be in need of rescue. He has that peculiar style I’ve observed with beginner swimmers. Stroke, glub, stroke, cough, stroke. He holds his head above the water as he makes a valiant effort at the freestyle stroke — and then he tried to do a flip turn. In my opinion, flip turns require acrobat-like skill. Claps for him. His flip turn looks very similar to mine — the body in a crooked position with legs kicking water all over the place. Sort of like an upside down fountain. My friend Susie, can’t contain her laughter, I myself am simply speechless. This swim-challenged participant is remarkable, and such a good sport. He was the “anchor” for his team — in hindsight, perhaps not a suitable position for his abilitites. I really feel for him, that could be me, if I were brave enough to participate and if the side-stroke was an option.

What ever happened to the old swim style of the “side-stroke?” Now that was a winner stroke. Effortless, you could keep your face out of the water as your legs preformed the scissor kick practically on their own.

Ahhhh, the good old days.

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

Sometimes one can’t help but be self-indulgent, so please indulge us as we announce a new contest that may seem, well…very self-indulgent.

You see, recently Highline Community College contacted BTB Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer. No, he didn’t owe money on overdue library books (talk to his little sister about that one…), they found out that he once attended the college and wrote and took photos for The Thunderword, the student newspaper.

Well, HCC launched a new ad campaign on Metro buses this August, and now, apparently Scott’s face is plastered all over them with photos taken by our own Michael Brunk (we send out our sincerest apologies to all passengers – not for the excellent photo, but for the subject of said photo…).

The problem is, Scott hasn’t yet seen any buses with his, um, interesting face on them (not that he’s skeptical, but…), which looks like this:

Here are the details of the contest:

WHAT: Take photos of the HCC/BTB Ads on a Metro bus (please get a shot of both of them – one is on the exterior and the other inside)

WHERE: Metro bus(es) with the ads on them – this is where you have to do some work.

WHEN: Deadline for the contest is 5pm on Tuesday, Sept. 1st.

PRIZE: One $50 gift certificate to The Mark Restaurant & Bar, located at 918 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien

INFO: Please email a higher-res version of the photos to us at editor@b-townblog.com by 5pm on 9/1/09! Winner will be selected by Scott, based on the quality of the photo(s) as well as creativity (meaning, perhaps you could submit a “mash-up” gag photo along with a decent one? Hmmm…we may regret that suggestion…)

by Shawn Underwood

So, Leslie and I were walking on the beach in front of our house yesterday and a little black and white Jack Russell Terrier playfully ran between Mr. Big and Mr. Small.

“Look at that dog Leslie, isn’t he cute?”

“Mom, that reminds me, my birthday is coming up and wellll—I really want another dog,” she spat out in rapid teenager fashion. I studiously ignored my youngest child as I watched the Terrier.

The walk posed the usual trials—Mr. Big ran into the neighbors yard as he investigated whatever it is that dogs dig for, while Mr. Small hunted for rats in the bulkhead. The usual fare.

After we corralled our ill-mannered pups, we hiked back up the hill escorted by the Terrier. He was still cute.

Once our little family was inside, the determined little fellow scratched and scratched and scratched at the front door.

“Oh God, Leslie, look at him, we have to do something.” “Mom, let him in, he’s a nice doggy.”

No one in the neighborhood recognized him, however all the neighbors doted on him and called him “Good dog.” He wagged his tail and looked very pleased with himself. What dog wouldn’t?

So, we drove to Five Corner Veterinary Clinic to have him checked for a chip. He had one. Thank goodness – someone loved him and was obviously missing him. The chip was registered at a hospital and the hospital was closed. Of course.

Five Corner Veterinary convinced me that the small Terrier would be well taken care of at the Animal Shelter.

“He won’t go to the big fire-hydrant in the sky will he?” I asked in a nervous tone. “No, no, we will call you as soon as he’s comfortably settled,” said Steve, the South King County Shelter guy who happened to be at the clinic. So we assured the little Terrier that we would check on him tomorrow and if no one claimed him, well he could come live with Mr. Big and Mr. Small. He was certainly much better mannered than Mr. Big or Mr. Small. He wagged his tail happily from the front seat of Steve’s patrol car and licked the window.

At home, Leslie posted a note on the Threetreepoint Yahoo Group website with a fetching picture of Zorro. The phone rang less than 30 minutes later.

“So, I think you have my dog Zorro,” said a very friendly voice, although it was rather difficult to hear him because of the child chatter in the background.

“Well, yes I did, but don’t worry, he’s ok,” I stammered. I told him where Zorro was and assured him of Zorro’s safety.

“Oh, not to worry, he escapes all the time.” “I’ll phone them right now.”

Ten minutes go by and my new friend calls again:

“I messed up the numbers, can you give them to me again.”

“How many kids do you have?” I said, assuming he couldn’t hear me the first time I gave him the numbers.

“Just two, ages one and three.”

“Do you need a babysitter?”

“What are you kidding me? This is simply fortuitous, yes I need a babysitter. Do you watch ‘America’s Got Talent’?” he said.

Huh, where was the segue?

“Uh, sometimes.”

“Well, my wife is on Tuesday night, 9pm, she is a 6’2” singer, you can’t miss her…be sure to watch!”

“Well ok, I will.”

After my new friend and Leslie worked out the babysitting days, Leslie and rehashed the tale of Zorro.

1. Find friendly dog.
2. Post finding on Threetreepoint yahoo site.
3. Receive phone call immediately.
4. Leslie gets babysitting job.
5. Find we have a local celebrity.

In conclusion—watch “America’s Got Talent” on Tuesday night Aug. 4th and see our 6’2” singing neighbor, and the next time anyone finds Zorro, just say “Go home Zorro.”

Even when he’s scratching on the door.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Despite being unable to confirm this 6'2" tall local singer's identity, we're 99% certain her name is Manuela Horn, an accomplished singer, model, actress and spokesperson (she's been in Teatro Zinzanni) who may now be residing in Burien (actually she may be sequestered in a hotel room in LA right now).

We did some digging, and found this video which showcases her talents in a rather unusual way:

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

It was “Heroes” week at Camp Craz, Burien Parks’ summer daycamp program, and on Wednesday, July 22nd, officers from the Burien Police Department visited with the kids.

Here’s a video courtesy Burien Parks, with our fave moments at :25 (kid yells “pull over!!” into the microphone) and at 1:35 (same kid yells “I like fishing!”):

Courtesy the good folks who hang out on the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group (you can join here) comes these photos of a “lost” goat (we kid you not…) spotted on Maplewild Ave SW near the new retaining wall:

Here are some of the notes left in the group thread:

You never know what you are going to see when you are walking down Maplewild…

I’ve seen a lot of strange things down here, but that has to take the cake! Thanks for the smile!  I hope you find the owner!

Goat alert! In an effort to contain the wandering goats yesterday, one of them was confined to a deck below the house just to the south of 16XXX (me), and apparently it is still there. Does anyone know who to notify to come and claim the poor dear???

I think someone was using them to clear the overgrown hill above 33^rd Ave (by the Maplewild Wall). It’s a great idea to clear those hills.

I am sure you are right. I saw the signs and the fence yesterday. There were several goats trotting around this afternoon. Some boys captured and returned one of them. This guy was working free-lance to help clear the weeds along Maplewild during his time of AWOL status.

I called the person that owns the “goat trimmers” business, he’s headed over there now to count heads. His number is 1 877 289 5126 What a co~inkydink!

No word yet on the fate of the “lost” goat, but we presume that it’s safe, and if not, there are plenty of blackberry bushes to eat nearby so it will never go hungry…

by Gina Bourdage

Wizards, Witches, Demons, a Princess and a King. Lies, deceit, greed, ignorance and kidnapping…yes “The Last Magician” has it all. An important story which begs each viewer to consider in their own terms the potential consequences of the impact they have on situations they may have been too naïve to realize, begging the question:

What would you give up if you could save the world?

Taking a deep subject matter, adding a twist of humor with pop musical numbers interjected gives light to subject matter that could otherwise be taken as mundane.

The Breeders Theater’s production at TM Sell’s play at E.B. Foote Winery has found a way to reach out through a not only entertaining but skilled cast to tell a story of what is being called an “environmental parable about sacrifice and responsibility.”

Each cast member brings a quite unique perspective to the characters, including local references…they were actually able to seamlessly improv a Mariners score update for those of us who missed the game attending the matinee. The King, a strong and noble man (played by The B-Town Blog’s Photog Michael Brunk), the “silly” wizard (J Howard Boyd), a loveable yet wise centerpiece, even demons both friendly and intimidatingly strong to fight for a cause.

The cast also features:

• Adrienne Grieco
• Eric Hartley
• Steve Scheide
• Nathan Hicks
• Laura Smith
• Brenan Grant
• Doug Knoop
• Kelly Johnson
• Pamela Mohn

The show is directed and choreographed by Teresa Widner, with music by Nancy Warren and costumes by Melissa Sell.

If you’re of legal age, accompanying the performance you will receive six wine tastings courtesy E.B. Foote, along with hors d’oeuvres, all for $20.

Please note that there is a special discounted price of just $15 for the Wed., July 22nd and Thurs., July 23rd shows!

The setting for the play is in the charming, working (which means the temp is cool) wine cellar and performed in the round for the audience.

Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm. Sunday shows start at 2pm and the doors open at 1:30pm.

E.B. Foote Winery is located at 127-B SW 153rd Street in downtown Burien.

Tickets are available at the winery, 206-242-3852 and at Corky Cellars, 22511 Marine View Drive, Des Moines 206-824-9462.

For more information please visit www.breederstheater.com.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the cast in action:

Click to View Slideshow

Far as we know, it’s the only wacky bowling party based on a Coen Brothers movie – the annual Lebowski Fest returns to the area on Monday July 20th & Tuesday July 21st!

The Fest kicks off with the Movie Party at Seattle’s Fremont Outdoor Cinema with a performance by Har Mar Superstar, Jeff Dowd and white russian flavored popcorn on Monday, July 20th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The annual Lebowski Fest

WHEN: Monday, July 20th and Tuesday, July 21st:

MONDAY, JULY 20th: Lebowski Fest Seattle Movie Party – Featuring Har Mar Superstar and Jeff “The Dude” Dowd. Followed by a screening of the movie. All Ages. Doors at 6pm, show at 7:30. @ Fremont Outdoor Cinema – 3501 Phinney Ave. North, 98103. $20

TUESDAY, JULY 21st: Lebowski Fest Seattle Bowling Party – Bowling, costume, trivia and other contests. Appearance by Jeff “The Dude” Dowd. Ticket includes bowling* and shoe rental. Ages 21 and up. 7pm @ ACME Bowl – 100 Andover Park W, 98188. $25 Advance / $30 Day of

WHERE: Mon. 7/20 at Fremont Outdoor Cinema and Tues. 7/21 at ACME Bowl in Tukwila (located at 100 Andover Park West).

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale here, and the last Lebowski Fest sold out in advance so considered yourself warned, dude.

INFO: “Come down Tuesday July 21st and check out the one and only Lebowski Fest at ACME Bowling, Billiards, and Events. Please note that ACME Bowl will be closed to the public during this event. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

Jeff Dowd, the inspiration for The Dude, will appear in Seattle! Ever heard of the Seattle Seven? That was Jeff Dowd (and six other guys). The Dude will help the roadies on the Speed of Sound tour kick off the West Coast leg.

*Bowling is general admission and not guaranteed. Bowling shoes not required with any non-dark soled shoe.

To whet your appetite for this unusual fest, here’s a trailer for the Coen Brothers movie (to see more clips, click here, but be warned that several use what one might call “adult language”):

by Shawn Underwood

I recently returned from The National Society of Newspaper Columnists Conference, which was held in Ventura, California.

My new writing group BFF, Karen Rinehart, award-winning humorist and author, cajoled me into attending and I have to say I enjoyed every minute—except for that one time I waited in a long line for a drink, ordered a delicious beverage only to find I had no money, but I digress.

I’d like to say that I hung with all of my contemporaries at the Crown Plaza Hotel, but reality bit when I met Jeff Zaslow from The Wall Street Journal and co-author of “The Last Lecture.” I mean really, I write the humor column for The B-Town Blog (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and I don’t recall winning any awards recently or for that matter have any other credentials that allowed me entrance to such an esteemed society. But times are hard and Karen said:

“It doesn’t matter, they need people to fill the conference room, all the newspapers are shutting down or going Chapter 11, you could be a graffiti tagger and they’d let you in.”

So I went.

What a treat, let me tell you about it.

I loved Bruce Cameron who created “8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter.” He’s a hoot and so generous with his vast knowledge. He wants me to write a screenplay about Mr. Big and Mr. Small (my two dogs.) He said so—honest.

“Anyone can write a screenplay, it’s easier than writing a book, you just have to have an interesting premise and a dynamite protagonist,” he said.

Heck, how easy would that be? Mr. Big and Mr. Small, also known as Gus and Jack, don’t even talk—unless you count the fabricated storylines that my husband Tom comes up with.

Jeff Zaslow, the Wall Street Columnist that I mentioned earlier is my other new BFF. He doesn’t know it yet but we are gonna be tight. I could tell he liked me after I questioned him about his writing methods. I’m not sure why he walked away so quickly after I gave him my pitch—he’s very important and most likely had another appointment.

Steve Lopez, one of the keynote speakers brought tears to my eyes when he discussed the plight of the homeless. His columns featuring the homeless violinist, Nathaniel Ayers morphed into a book, and then the movie, “The Soloist.” I could go on about my “contemporaries” and such, however I don’t want any of my readers to get the idea that I’m bragging—as if!

Maybe some of the creative magic will rub off on me—I don’t know. I’m seriously contemplating the “Mr. Big and Mr. Small” screenplay. I just can’t decide who should play the lead. Mr. Big does a mean imitation of beggar-dog at least I think he’s playing a part when he sits at my feet each night as I wolf down dinner. And Mr. Small—well he’s just so stinkin’ cute and smart. For years, I’ve blamed Mr. Big for the pee stains on the family room carpet. Last week I caught Mr. Small doing the deed with a guilty look on his face. Smart—like a fox, he could certainly memorize a few different dialogue barks. Lassie has nothing on him. Heck, he should have attended the conference (Mr. Small that is, not Lassie.)

That’s all for now from your humble roving humor reporter for The B-Town Blog.

I’ve got to get to my screenplay.

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

by Scott Schaefer

Have you ever been in a parade? How about Burien’s Annual 4th of July Parade?

Well, we were lucky enough to be accepted (how that happened we still don’t know…), and we thought we’d share our first-hand, exclusive, eyewitness account, which was actually written during the parade as we were pulled on a flatbed trailer by BTB Advertiser Airport/Burien Towing.

Here it is, beginning with a first-hand point-of-view slideshow by yours truly:

Click to View Photo Slideshow

11:10am: Dropped the Blogmobile (our branded, racing green Mini Cooper) off at Airport/Burien Towing. Joe, our driver, let me drive the car up onto the flatbed trailer myself. It was cool because I wasn’t sure I had gotten the tires on the ramps correctly, but I just went for it ‘cuz Joe gave me the thumbs up.

2:20pm: Returned to Airport/Burien Towing to prepare the car for the parade. It was all ready for us on the flatbed truck, and Joe and his son even put our banners up. Joe’s son will be riding shotgun in the air-conditioned truck cab. We’re all now very jealous of them both as it’s very hot out.

2:30pm: Put table, chairs etc. on board our flatbed truck. It’s really hot, gotta be at least 85 degrees. Oh, and the flatbed truck is black metal. Eees already super sweaty niiiice.

2:45pm: By now, we’re all aboard and sitting at our card table or foldable lawn chairs. Laptops are fired up and hot, we’re all too hot already, and I can’t find an open wi-fi signal. So much for “blogging live” from the actual parade route.

3pm: The parade starts, but we don’t move. It feels like we’re trapped at a mini reviewing stand/oven as parade participants start streaming past us. Soon, we’re judging them all. Mayor Joan McGilton practices her wave to us. The gals from the Hi-Liners‘ “Thoroughly Modern Millie” do a cute dance routine right in front of us.

3:15pm: We’re finally drawn into the parade, behind an Asian Dragon Drum Corps and in front of the Burien Bearcats.

3:23pm: Seems like there are people watching this parade who actually know about us! Someone gave us a thumbs up. Others yell “way to go!” No booing. Yet.

3:28pm: I just noticed that the group in front of us is relentlessly banging their drums. Same beat. Over. And over. Again. Must be one heckuva dragon.

3:30pm: We turn the corner down SW 153rd Street after passing by BTB Advertiser Wag the Dog. Suddenly the crowds thin, then we realize that everyone’s probably watching from inside The Hobnobber.

3:34pm: We turn left on 2nd Ave SW. There’s a bump in the road. Then a slight hill. Everyone holds on a bit tighter now.

3:34pm: We finally enter some shade as we turn west on SW 152nd into the core of downtown Burien. unfortunately, we’ve all consumed whatever little water we brought with us.

3:38pm: A guy in the crowd shows off his brand new B-Town Blog t-shirt, which isn’t faded like ours. He turns down my offer to trade shirts.

3:43pm: As we enter Dealy Plaza, it’s a thrill to see the landmark Burien School Book Depository building. There’s some guy in a window on the 6th floor. I wave to him and—

3:49pm: The drum corps is now going totally nuts, banging everything really hard as if they’re doing their big finish. Our collective heads are starting to hurt.

4:05pm: We’ve passed by some of our wonderful Advertisers, including Wag the Dog, Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (where I suddenly wish I was downing an ice cold pint) Moss Chiropractic (suddenly my neck hurts) the City of Burien, Burien Trophy and probably a few others that I’ve missed but will soon hear from…

4:06pm: An adult male with Boy Scouts Troop #377 waves to us. I then realize why I never joined the Boy Scouts. That uniform must be hot!

4:08pm: At the reviewing stand, we’re surprised at how small it is…just 3 people, and the Announcer’s announcement about us is totally drowned out by the incredibly loud drum and dragon corps in front of us.

4:09pm: We turn right on 8th Ave SW in front of the fire station where it appears the parade is ending. Wait, no it’s not, the drum crops is drumming again.

4:15pm: We’re back at Airport/Burien Towing, where we peel ourselves off our nearly-melted plastic chairs and come back to reality. The parade is over, and we all realize that our “float” kinda sucks. We vow to do something better next year.

Have any ideas for our “float” for the 2010 parade? Please Comment below…

Burien Little Theatre took part in the 88th Annual 4th of July Parade last Saturday, and they sent us this photo slideshow of them preparing for the event, in costume promoting their upcoming play “Psycho Beach Party” which opens Oct. 2nd.

“Psycho Beach Party” (you can buy tickets online now) is “Gidget” meets “The Tree Faces of Eve” in a 1987 comic send-up of those 1960s beach party movies. Chicklet, a perky Malibu teenager, joins a group of beach bums to learn to surf. Unfortunately, she has multiple personalities, including that of a sinister vamp out to conquer the world:

Click to View Burien Little Theatre’s Photo Slideshow

by Shawn Underwood

Last Thursday I was perusing the Burien Farmers Market (open from 11am to 6pm) when I ran into my favorite flower vendor. They happily met me with kind smiles and inquired, “What you like today?”

“Hmmm, I don’t know, I like all flowers. Can you make me a bouquet of the yellow Lupine and the white daisies?”

“You don’t like these already made up?”

“Yes, but I like those in the back better.”

“Ok, no problem, she make you a big bouquet,” said the smiling fellow.”

I certainly hoped they remembered me, or they would just think I was a persnickety customer—you know the type—the sort of person who carries floss in their pocket. Tooth floss that is.

“Can I take your picture for the B-Town Blog?” I asked with what I thought was a winning smile. Hopefully that spinach quiche I had at 909 Coffee and Wine wasn’t residing between my two front teeth. Not a good look.

“Oh no, we too old and shy,” said the smiling apple-faced woman. Her partner readily agreed with her as I took a people-less picture of flowers. As I walked away, my friend Trixie greeted me.

“What are you up to now?” she said with a knowing look.

“I wanted to take a picture of my favorite vendors and they declined because they are old and shy.”

“And dirty!” shouted the old, shy women. “You come back next time and I have on clean apron, then I ready for picture.” I swear she started preening as she barked her remark across the aisle.

“It’s a deal, see you next Thursday,” I bellowed back at her.

As I wandered from the market up the street, I ran into two city workers. Finally, the dead light pole was being restored.

“Hey guys, you two look pretty busy, is this an all-day job or what?” I jokingly said to them.

They both paused in their labors and took a much-needed break while I told them about a story I wrote about the dead light post.

“Really?” says the overly eager repairman. “Do you want to take my picture? Do you think I should have my tool belt off or on? Can you get a shot of my face from that angle? It should probably be an action shot, don’t you think? Maybe I’ll be famous.”

He jokes; at least I hope it was a joke.

After his “candid action shot” I asked him why there were always four or five workers standing around a man hole and shooting the breeze as one guy threw dirt out the hole.

“Well, one of the guys was probably holding an extra shovel,” he said with a hint of a grin.

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.