Buzz Bin

by Michael Bowen & r & & r &


Magical Annie


Writer Anne Lamott brought her wit and turn-on-a-dime storytelling to the Whitworth campus Saturday night and often had the capacity crowd roaring with laughter. She opened by reading an essay from her latest book, Grace (Eventually), and then promised to share everything she knows about writing, parenting and faith -- in the next 15 minutes. "The secret of life is to do less," she said, adding that she's all about "radical inefficiency." After riffing on current events, she noted that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty.





Vine, Stein and Dimes


The March of Dimes holds its fourth annual Vine, Stein and Dine fundraiser on Friday, May 18, at Northern Quest Casino, in the Pend Oreille Pavilion. At VSD you can sample from among 100 different regional wines and beers, nibble on fine appetizers and compete with the other swells at a silent auction -- all for a great cause. Tickets are $35 in advance ($40 at the door) from Vino!, Yoke's or online via www.marchofdimes.com/Washington.





Trout Season


The Coeur d'Alene Resort hosted a national culinary competition last week sponsored by the group Select Registry / Distinguished Inns of North America. Five finalists from inns around the country prepared spectacular breakfast dishes for a panel of judges. The Inn on Church Street in Hendersonville, N.C., took home the gold with their original recipe, "Smoked Mountain Trout Cakes." No word on whether any of the honored dishes will be available locally, but given the fondness for both mountains and trout (not to mention cake), we think this one could gain some local fans.





I Remember Mama


On Mothers Day, the Volunteers of America hosted a special luncheon for more than 140 elderly, low-income and disabled women who would have otherwise been alone for the day. Held in the Skyline Ballroom at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park, the event featured flowers and feather boas for everyone, entertainment by guitarist Robert Vaughn, and even the chance to dance with Mayor Dennis Hession. The event also raised funds for VOA's Alexandria's House, a home for pregnant and parenting teens -- thus honoring moms of all ages. Call 624-2378 or visit www.voaspokane.org to contribute.