Seattle is hilarious, y’all. For proof, check some of The Needling’s recent headlines. “UW Cherry Trees Tired of Objectification,” “Howard Schultz Promises to Move Nation’s Capital to Oklahoma City if Elected President” and “Man Graduates from North Face to Arc’teryx Merchandise.”

We chatted with the local parody pub’s anonymous founder to learn how they come up with its stories and why Seattle needs satire now more than ever.

How do you come up with ideas for things to parody?

Sometimes it’s fun to start with a very Seattle reference — KEXP, Phoenix Jones, Tom Douglas — and let your imagination run wild with a dumb, clever and/or hyperbolic take on it that will make people laugh. For me and I think a lot of our contributing writers, there’s also been some long-held frustrations about living here, and it feels very cathartic to express it in the form of satire, then see how other people connect with it.

What part of Seattle’s character is easiest to mock?

It’s easiest to mock how seriously people take first-world problems with an often Seattle-centered “Who Moved My Cheese” mentality. (See: “Neighbor Stands Vigil At Unmarked Curbside Parking Space.”)

What made you want to create the Needling?

Anything that takes itself too seriously — a city, a billionaire (*cough, cough* Howard Schultz *cough, cough*), a certain demographic, journalism itself — is super-ripe for satire. It’s begging for it. So here we are.

We also live in a time where our social media feeds are full of things that are truly serious and sad — but it doesn’t necessarily help us or the world if we let that emotionally overwhelm and depress us.

Why are you anonymous?

Because being mysterious is hawt.

Can people send you ideas? If so, how?

Yes! Some people are fine with dropping us a headline and some want to do the headline and article. Both are good with us as long as you’re open to us workshopping the piece.

Tips on submitting: While that odd or irrational thing is still bubbling in your mind, see if you can come up with a headline right then. If it still makes you laugh the next day, there’s probably something there that will resonate.

It feels like a pretty serious time. Should Seattle laugh at itself more?

Of course. Change is often uncomfortable, unwelcome and painful. You don’t win all your battles against it. We’re feeling that in some big ways both locally and nationally.

Change is also often inevitable. There are ways to alchemize the pain that comes with it without blaming it all on new people moving here or people who made the genius decision to get a degree in computer programming. You need a productive coping mechanism, Seattle, and we at The Needling think it should be comedy!

👏 We’re two days away from our Seattle Catalysts celebration! Dig the natural beauty all around us? Paulina Lopez of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition is just one local inspiring us with her story. Join us! (Downtown)

🍸 Gin lovers are coming out tonight for this month’s Crafting Libations class. We’re sold out, but grab your ticket for next month’s adventure with absinthe. (South Lake Union)

🚀 We’re going to the edge of our solar system with our Pac Sci VR exclusive — Science for Curious Simpletons: A Trip to Pluto next Thursday. Get on board. (Queen Anne)

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‘We don’t have a homeless crisis, we have a drug crisis.’ That’s one way Eric Johnson responded to the ginormous debate that “Seattle Is Dying,” his one-hour documentary, has stirred up around the city. (KOMO)

‘It’s not our compassion that’s gotten twisted,’ writes columnist Tyrone Beason in response to “Seattle Is Dying.” But our “tepid, plodding, and disconnected response” could use an update. (The Seattle Times)

Is this the year? The Mariners dominated our home-opening series against the Red Sox and have scored 48 runs in just 6 games. (Tacoma News Tribune)

Paper or … Don’t bother asking for plastic single-use bags at QFC. They won’t have any. (Q13)

A wizard-themed pub is coming to Ballard. Because of course it is. It’ll double as a wand shop, and its owner — Geoffrey Thaddeus Constantine Balch — can really stay in character. (GeekWire)

If you gently pushed these baby otters, would they roll? We’re just wondering. 😍 (Woodland Park Zoo)

Wonder what other springy sights you can soak up around town? Curbed’s mapped out botanical hotspots from Shoreline to Sea-Tac.

Have a good one, all.

— The Evergrey