Roommate of the year? You decide.

Venice resident Suzanne Marshall is up for the chance to win $10,000. But only you can decide if she gets it.

Marshall has become a finalist in Apartments.com's Roommate of the Year contest. She made a video with her dog, Abby, titled "Mischief Maker." In it, her and her roommate, Abby, who was rescued as a pup, sing about why Marshall should be chosen as "Roommate of the Year."

Warning: it's a little corny.

View Marshall's video along with the other nine finalists here. I haven't watched them all, but the "Super Star Roommate!" was kind of interesting. Voting continues through July 30.

If Marshall wins, she not only gets $10,000 but free rent for a year. Makes me wish that I would have entered that contest.

- January Holmes

'The Last Airbender' day at McKechnie

The Bradenton Marauders are thrilled about the upcoming release of "The Last Airbender" - so much so that during their 1 p.m. Sunday game against the Fort Myers Miracle, fans can receive free movie posters, t-shirts, cups and buttons based on the film throughout the game. Also, during pre-game time, a local hero from each of the elements represented in the film will be recognized.

The fun will be at McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets are $6.

- January Holmes

Westcoast Black Theatre gets a new home

What a way to end its 10th anniversary season - the Westcoast Black Theatre finally has a home of its own at 1012 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota behind the BINZ building.

The new 6,500 square foot space is bigger than its former residence at Art Center Sarasota. It features dressing rooms, rehearsal space, rest rooms and a concession stand in the lobby.

To celebrate the home home WBTT will host its first summer season featuring the return of "The Motown 60s Revue," July 22-25 and "Sistas in the Name of Soul," Aug. 19-22.

“There is lots of work to be done before we open for the season,” remarked Nate Jacobs, founder and artistic director, “but I feel like we’re getting closer and closer to having the WBTT vision fulfilled."

- January Holmes

Survey time! Riverwalk ideas needed

The Bradenton Downtown Development Authority and Realize Bradenton need your help in improving our Riverwalk with new events and programming. They are seeking ideas to make the Riverwalk THE place to be in downtown Bradenton. Share your ideas via a brief online survey here. Please fill out before July 1.

Wizarding World lives up to hype

This attraction was unbelievable! I waited six hours in line yesterday just to get into that part of the Island. Truthfully, though, it was worth the wait!

The Forbidden Journey in Hogwarts was amazing. I have never experienced anything like this attraction. Even the line was entertaining. Just after you get into the castle there is plenty to see. Universal has redone Dueling Dragons and The Flying Unicorn into different themes and there is something to see all the way to the ride itself.

Butterbeer is as good as they say. If you plan on going anytime soon expect a wait. The line to get into Olivander's was two hours long. I still haven’t seen the inside of the Three Broomsticks.

Prices were OK for a theme park: Butterbeer was $9.25 and you got to keep the mug, wands were $28.95, shirts ran $24. Even if you buy nothing, the experience and memories are worth it.

-- Kathy Shaulis

Floating candles inside Hogwart's Castle

Long lines at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It will take patience and a little magic to get into the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Bradenton resident Kathy Shaulis reports from the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando: "I've been in line since 7:15 a.m. and I still have an hour to wait to get through the gates!" She's a little frustrated that she stayed at a Universal hotel specifically to get the early-park entrance deal. The problem, she says, is that they let the general public in early and it's filled to capacity. It's 93 degrees and she thinks Universal should've provided free water or some sort of shade for those standing in line for 6-8 hours. She sent her children back to the hotel to swim while she holds their place in line.

The good news is that the folks in line with her are really cool and they are managing to make the best of a frustrating situation. Let's hope she gets in soon. She promises to report back in a few hours, so stay tuned.
-- Jana Morreale, Features editor

McCurdy's Comedy Theatre filming for new DVD - needs crowd

Want to be in a new DVD? A comedy DVD? Your chance will come June 25-27 at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and Humor Institute. Owner and comedian extraordinaire Les McCurdy is in the process of filming a special comedy DVD with the working title of "FORE! He's Shanked Another One Into The Crowd."

He's looking for lively crowds to capture plenty of audience shots. The show will feature McCurdy's Improvisation Comedy Troupe and, of course, McCurdy. Show times are 7:30 p.m. June 25-27 and 9:45 p.m. June 25-26. Tickets are $8 and $12. The best performances will be included in the DVD, which will be released later this year (hopefully in time for the comic's 55th birthday at the end of October).

The theater is at 3333 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 925-FUNY.