And if you’re thirsty, there will be $2.50 Pabst Blue Ribbons, along with other food and drink specials.

The Tin Theater is located at 923 SW 152nd Street in Olde Burien, right next to the Tin Room Bar.

More info on MNF here, and more info on The Tin Theater here.

According to its website, as part of the franchise renewal process, the City of Burien is interested in “hearing residents’ opinions about cable television and other services provided by Comcast” – do YOU have an opinion?

If so, click here to take the online survey, which allows you to ‘grade’ Comcast’s performance in a number of area, ranging from prices to customer service and much more.

We know most people don’t have an opinion either way about their TV/internet/phone providers, right?

Uh huh.

A new TV show called ‘The X Factor’ will be holding auditions at Key Arena in Seattle on Wednesday, April 20th, and show Producers have asked us to spread the word.

Could YOU be this area’s next Yodeling Dominatrix? (if you don’t understand that reference, click here for a video explanation)

‘The X Factor’ is a singing competition show which pits contestants against each other. Contestants are aspiring pop singers drawn from public auditions. Produced by Simon Cowell, the “X Factor” of the title refers to the undefinable “something” that makes for star quality. The prize is usually a recording contract, in addition to the publicity that appearance in the later stages of the show itself generates, not only for the winner but also for other highly-ranked contestants.

“We’re looking for solo singers, girl groups, duos, boy bands or vocal groups,” reads a flier. “Maybe you and your friends have always wanted to form a group? Now is your time!”

The competition is open to everyone that is 12-years old (as of March 1, 2011) and above, with no age cap. Producers say that any type of music works – pop, rock, rap, country, R&B, alternative, hip-hop… you name it!

“This could be your first step to competing for the chance to win a $5 Million dollar recording contract with Sony Music,” they add. “We are only going to six cities, so make your plans now!”

REGISTRATION
To audition, you MUST register and pick up a wristband the day prior to the audition (Tuesday, April 19th). Those wishing to audition can stop by anytime within 24 hours prior to the audition day – starting at 6am. If you plan on bringing family and friends to your audition, they must register as well.

Everyone will be required to present a government issued photo ID in order to attend the audition; that includes friends and family. (ie: Drivers license, Passport, State ID, Military ID, Student ID).

For more information, please visit www.fox.com/thexfactor; you can also get more details via a toll free information line: 855-345-5678.

Here’s more info from a flier:

What are we looking for?
We’re looking for solo singers, girl groups, duos, boy bands or vocal groups. Maybe you and your friends have always wanted to form a group? Now is your time!

The competition is open to everyone that is 12 years old (as of March 1, 2011) and above, with no age cap. Any type of music works – pop, rock, rap, country, R&B, alternative, hip-hop… you name it!

Where are we going?
This could be your first step to competing for the chance to win a $5 Million dollar recording contract with Sony Music. We are only going to six cities, so make your plans now!

Simon Cowell wants to know if you've got the 'X Factor.'

• Los Angeles: Sunday March 27th – L.A Sports Arena
• Miami: Thursday April 7th – Bank United Center
• NYC / New Jersey: Thursday April 14th – The Prudential Center
• Seattle: Wednesday April 20th – Key Arena
• Chicago: Wednesday April 27th – Sears Centre
• Dallas: TBA – TBA

How does it work?
Registration: You MUST register and pick up your wristband the day prior to the audition. The registration is simple – you can stop by anytime within 24 hours prior to the audition day – starting at 6am. If you plan on bringing family and friends to your audition, they must register as well.

Everyone will be required to present a government issued photo ID in order to attend the audition; that includes friends and family. (ie: Drivers license, Passport, State ID, Military ID, Student ID)

Eligibility:
You must be a US citizen, or eligible to work freely in the US, and not currently under a recording contract.

Anyone younger than 18, that will be attending the auditions (auditioning or not) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors or those without a driver’s license, who are auditioning or supporters of those auditioning, may use a school ID or acceptable substitute (such as a yearbook page that includes a printed name with photo AND a birth certificate matching the name).

If the minor is too young to have any form of photo ID, then that minor’s parent or guardian should present a photo ID and the child’s birth certificate that includes the parent’s name with the child’s name on the certificate.

Audition
On the day of the audition, you need to arrive at the venue before 8am. Please prepare a verse and a chorus of 3 songs without tracks or instruments. Pick your song choice wisely as it should represent you as an artist. Whether you are a soloist or a vocal group, remember this is your time to shine, so make sure that you are well rehearsed and dressed to impress! There will be a long wait so prepare for the day with suitable snacks, drinks and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, please visit our website at www.fox.com/thexfactor; Toll free information line: 855 345 5678.

If successful, you will need to be available the next day.

VIDEOS
To inspire you, here are some video clips of X Factor auditions that you DON’T want to emulate:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dane Johnson & Kathy Justin's home just hours after it slipped from its foundation on Nov. 23, 2010. Photo by Scott Schaefer.

Remember the big snow and wind storm of Nov. 23rd, where harsh north wind gusted upwards of 40–50mph?

We sure do, as that’s when we posted a “Call For Help” to rally volunteers to help prolific Burien artists Dane Johnson and Kathy Justin quickly haul their stuff out of their condemned house on the north side of Three Tree Point. The storm battered their house all night, and around 5:30am that morning the foundation gave way and the structure started leaning towards Puget Sound.

Fast forward nearly a month later, and we discover that Dane and Kathy are not only homeless, but it appears their insurance claim has been denied by Allstate. And their house is slipping slowly closer to the water. Luckily, they have found a place to stay, but are still in need – if you can help, go to their Facebook Page here, which has info on how to donate to them. You can also read our previous coverage on this story here.

KING5.com interviewed the couple and posted this story today (Monday, Dec. 20th):

On Friday night (Oct. 29th), KING5 announced the winners of their 2010 “Best of Western Washington” contest, and Burien’s Tin Room (BTB Advertiser) was named “Best Neighborhood Bar” while Emerald Cove Catering (BTB Advertiser) was named “Best Caterer.”

Other local winners include the Tin Theater (BTB Advertiser), named #2 in the “Best Indie Theater” category, Poggi Bonsi (BTB Advertiser), named #5 in “Best Housewares,” and the Hi-Liners (BTB Advertiser), named #5 in “Best Theater Group.”

If you’re looking for a pattern in these results, it’s pretty clear (to us at least) – all winners were Advertisers right here on The B-Town Blog! Coincidence? We think not (learn more about how you can hop on board the local Blog-O-Lution train by clicking here).

Other area winners (that we could find – if we missed any, please email us) in the general area include:

• ACME Bowling in Tukwila for “Best Bowling” (What? No Hi-Line Lanes???)
• Pattison’s West Skating Center in Federal Way for “Best Fun Place for Kids“
• Full Tilt Ice Cream in White Center for “Best Ice Cream“

There were too many local nominees to list, and we know it’s not all about winning, right? It’s just an honor to be nominated (we apparently were for “Best Neighborhood Blog” but we just found out…).

KING5 says that they received 402,855 votes in this year’s “Best of Western Washington” contest, and we know that placing in the top 5 in some categories can really be a boost to business.

We’d like to tip our collective hats to all the winners, and we encourage our Readers to make use of the following Coupons and get some great deals:

It almost sounds like a “Saturday Night Live” sketch – cast the legendary, self-aware King of kitschy over-acting William Shatner as Host. Add as Guests convicted child rapist Mary Kay Letourneau and her one-time victim-turned-husband Vili Fualaau, who both live in neighboring Des Moines.

Stir.

Oh, and be sure to hit the Record button, ‘cuz this could be interesting, to say the least.

The result? An interview on a new show on the Biography channel called “Aftermath” that borders on surrealism.

To wit – at one point, Letourneau reveals to Shatner that she had no idea that having a “relationship” with an underage boy was illegal, let alone a felony.

There’s another priceless (ok, it’s kinda gross) moment where Letourneau talks about their “first kiss” (at the time she was in her 30s, and he was what? A 12-year old 6th grader?): – listen to her soundbites here:

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Letourneau did her time of course, spending seven years in prison for child rape. She and Fualaau married in 2005, and they currently live in Des Moines with their two children.

Oh, and they can sometimes be seen hanging out at the All Star Sports Bar, where Vili often guests as a DJ.

Here’s the episode in its entirety (don’t say we didn’t warn you…):

I was more excited than nervous when I got the call about my first television gig. I personify calmness, almost zen-like. After all, it’s my book (Mommy Are We French Yet?). I mean if I can’t answer questions about a book I worked on for two freaking years then I may as well retire as an author diva (Tom’s name for me.)

Before my actual taping I received this email:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR SEGMENT:

–Arrive camera-ready. We do not have hair or makeup personnel on-staff. Ladies, please wear blush and lipstick because our lights will wash you out.
Ok, so this wasn’t a problem except for the hair. I can’t fix my hair like Vicki from Salon VCM. She twists a flat iron like no other to produce the natural wave I’m lacking. Thank God, Vicki acquiesced to coming in to the salon at 7:00 a.m.!

–Please wear bright, solid colors. Do not wear white, stripes or busy prints.
BIG PROBLEM. I’ve chosen my outfit and while it may be true I resemble a prison inmate, it’s not right for New Day. RATS.  Fortunately, my friend Nicki remembers my closet better than I do. “Oh just wear that outfit you wore at the Tin Room, it’s perfect, and don’t forget the HD makeup.” Have no idea what HD makeup is and really don’t want to buy any, so I ignore that little piece of advice.

–Please remain in the green room or prep kitchen while getting ready for your segment.
I’m very excited to see ‘The Green Room.’ Everyone knows going to ‘The Green Room’ means well….I don’t know what it means, but it didn’t stop me from phoning and texting everyone I knew while I waited in the ‘The Green Room.’ However, I must say that while it’s fun to say ‘The Green Room’, the room isn’t actually green. I think the color palette is more ‘tense taupe’, which aptly describes my mood after sitting in the room for over an hour—by myself!

Thank you for being a part of “New Day Northwest”!

Here’s the interview:

Buy Shawn’s book online here.

Our good friend Dan House alerts us to this inside scoop – he’s holding a top secret (yeah right), “soft opening” fundraiser breakfast at his new Tin Theater this Saturday morning, where you’ll be able to eat breakfast and watch the World Cup.

A $10 donation gets you in, where you’ll be among the first to sit in the brand spankin’ new theater and watch two games in high-definition on the big screen:

• 7am: Argentina vs. Nigeria
• 11:30am: England vs. USA (“USA! USA! USA!“)

All proceeds go to the Highline Schools Foundation, but remember…this is a secret, so don’t tell anybody.

The Tin Theater is located just west of the Tin Room Bar at 923 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

Here’s a sneak peek pic of the inside of the theater during recent construction (don’t worry, it’ll be all shiny and clean for the games):

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:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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!