Buzz Bin

by Michael Bowen & r & & r & A Case of Orthographical Harrassment


Don't embarass yourself by mispelling any words in October's Spokane Is Spelling event. Whether you'll be a fifth- or sixth-grader in the fall -- or even if you're an adult who isn't as smart as an elementary school kid -- you can start signing up now by e-mailing [email protected] or by calling 456-5431.





On Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 pm, 25 teams of three students (representing their schools, or just buddies; adult coaches are recommended in all cases) will compete at River Park Square. The next day at the Big Easy, adult spellers (entry fee: $75; $250 for corporate entries; $5 for spectators) will compete as teams (pencil and paper allowed; costumes encouraged). The pressure will be on: KXLY will provide live coverage, and both your mother and your fourth-grade teacher will be watching.





State Sen. Chris Marr and Maestro Eckart Preu of the Spokane Symphony are among those who'll be competing -- once the winning three-person team is determined, then those three folks will go head-to-head for a chance at a $1,000 shopping spree at River Park Square, dinner at Fugazzi and a night in the penthouse suite at Hotel Lusso.





Did you notice how clever we were with three of the first 10 words in this item? They aren't spelled coreckly. Heh.





Wines o' the Month


Start the month off on the right note by attending one of Rocket Market's wine classes. On Friday, June 1, at 7 pm, wine counselor (isn't that a great title?) Carl Carlsteen will offer samples of new wines deemed acceptable for the Market's shelves. You'll sample eight wines, along with cheeses and bread from California's LaBrea bakery. Reserve your space with $20 and a call to 343-2253.





Writers on Parade


Sometimes the warden unchains us scribblin' monkeys from our desks, allowing us time to frolic at ArtFest. Come see writers unfettered at the Inlander booth this weekend: on Friday, June 1, Ted S. McGregor (noon-2 pm), Joel Smith (2-4 pm) and Ann M. Colford (4-6 pm); on Saturday, Luke Baumgarten (10 am-noon), Chris Bovey (noon-2 pm), Mick Lloyd-Owen (2-4 pm) and Michael Bowen (4-6 pm); on Sunday, Doug Nadvornick (2-4 pm).