Buzz Bin

by Michael Bowen & r & & r & A Rose in My Nose


We don't know about you, but we're sure looking forward to the Floribundas Challenge at the 60th annual Spokane Rose Society show this Saturday (at the Spokane Valley Mall from 10 o'clock on). The gardening gloves come off during this horticultural throwdown in which rose lovers compete for the coveted "Duchess of Arrangements" title. (Tiara not included.) And remember, competitors: No side buds, and your stamens must always be visible.





Mentally Prepared


The Indians have a home stand against the Eugene Emeralds going on through Saturday. Betcha a brat and a beer that you can't find anyone near your seat who can accurately explain the infield fly rule.





Skull and Made-Out-of-Bone Society


Members of the Idaho State Button Society are meeting in a secret conclave today and Friday at the mysterious Best Western Inn in Coeur d'Alene. After they emerge from their bloodcurdling needle-and-thread rituals, we plan to buttonhole one of their kind and inquire just why it is that members of the general public are allowed to view the arcane products of their handiwork for five hours only (from 11 am-4 pm on Saturday). But do not mention, within earshot of the Button People, either zippers or Velcro, for their wrath is terrible to behold. You will know them by their boutonnieres.





Join the Army, See the World


But in this case, it's the army of music -- the Spokane-Area Children's Chorus, to be precise. Kids who re-up for the tenor section just might experience a little overseas travel, as you'll see at Saturday's 7-9 pm fund-raiser at the Masonic Center Auditorium, 1108 W. Riverside Ave. Videos on display will loop through various past SACC tours -- to Austria, Scotland, England, Italy and Brazil. Tickets are just $25 to help support a jewel of a cultural institution -- and you'll get to hear an assembly of 30 singers, including some SACC alumni, performing works by Bach, Orff, Smetana and Faur & eacute;.





578 Days


Until Jan. 20, 2009.