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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Atlanta Nips Seahawks
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2007 In Review--King County Eastside Dinner Outburst
This exchange last fall between an Iraq War veteran and Congressional Candidate Darcy Burner at the normally civil Eastside dinner should give us a hint about what the political climate will be in 2008.
Labels:
Darcy Burner,
Democratic Party,
Iraq War Protests
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Not So Great News For Warren Moon
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The sad thing is, he also has a penchant for trouble with the law. Warren Moon was stopped this weekend for Driving while impaired by alcohol, the second time this has happened, as a matter of fact, his Washington Driver's License had been revoked and he was using a driver's license issued by the state of Texas. Moon had recently been stopped in August, but pleaded guily to a lesser charge. There have been other incidents as well, but Moon continues not only on the Seahawk broadcasts, but also doing endorsements such as Burien Chevrolet. Warren Moon is working while many others, who don't quite have his smooth persona have fallen. It is somewhat surprising and disturbing.
A Perfect Regular Season For The Patriots
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This game was in my opinion more exciting than most Super Bowls, as the New England Patriots overcame a 12 point deficit and beat the New York Football Giants 38-35. This makes the team formerly known as the "Boston Patriots", the first team go undefeated in a 16 game regular season. The 1972 Miami Dolphins finished a 14 game season undefeated. To add insult to injury for Miami Dolphins fans, this years addition of the Dolphins are horrendous this year. They did not have a victory for the first several weeks of the season.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Steve's Dog Adventure
It has been a harrowing week for brother in Walla Walla, Steve and girlfriend Dawn.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Seahawks Throttle The Ravens
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Labels:
Bobby Engram,
Matt Hasselbeck,
Nate Burleson,
Shaun Alexander
She'll Be Home For Christmas
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The Seattle Times Reports that Tanya Rider, the Maple Valley resident who was trapped in her car for over a week last fall, will be released this weekend to spend Christmas with her family.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Back From The Dead: The Apprentice
The Apprentice will return to NBC next month, the question is, will it's audience return as well? The once successful franchise is bringing back "lightning rod" Omarosa for this coming Celebrity Apprentice
Cougars Defeat The Citadel
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Led Zeppelin Concert In London
Hey, my music era is back in full force as the surviving members of the English Supergroup reunite for the first time in 27 years.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Panthers Trip Seahawks
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Mitchell Report--My Thoughts
I looked through the Mitchell Report and really found very little in the way of surprises. I had not thought of Roger Clemens, I have never been a fan of Clemens and even less of a fan when he threw the barrel of a broken bat at Mike Piazza. I think if we condemn the players, we need to also condemn the trainers, the managers and even the players not mentioned who may even have been non-users for their silence.
I was happy to see who was missing from the report, Edgar Martinez, who is one person that I had the chance to work with, who I look up to as one of the class acts of sports. No mention at all of John Olerud, Dan Wilson or Jay Buhner.
I think much of this problem lies at the hands of Baseball going years with just an acting commissioner. Bud Selig was an almost invisible "acting" commissioner for years. I think that there no longer is ruling law in baseball.
In 1989, Commissioner Bart Giamatti suspended Baseball Icon Pete Rose, the weight of the move may have cost Giamatti his life as he died 8 days later from a heart attack. The point is that players implicated need to be dealt with.
I was happy to see who was missing from the report, Edgar Martinez, who is one person that I had the chance to work with, who I look up to as one of the class acts of sports. No mention at all of John Olerud, Dan Wilson or Jay Buhner.
I think much of this problem lies at the hands of Baseball going years with just an acting commissioner. Bud Selig was an almost invisible "acting" commissioner for years. I think that there no longer is ruling law in baseball.
In 1989, Commissioner Bart Giamatti suspended Baseball Icon Pete Rose, the weight of the move may have cost Giamatti his life as he died 8 days later from a heart attack. The point is that players implicated need to be dealt with.
Friday, December 14, 2007
In Pullman--The Paul Wulf Era Begins
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There is a new head football coach at Washington State University, 40 year old Paul Wulf will guide the Cougs. He will replace Bill Doba, the first WSU coach anyone can remember who got fired for not winning. Doba lead Cougar teams beat Washington Huskie teams in 3 of the 5 Apple Cups that he coached in, that did not satisfy athletic director Jim Sterk. It looks like this is a chance for the Cougs to take football to the next level. Hopefully, the old attitude of. "if we beat Washington it'll be a successful season", will be out the window. WSU has proven during the past decade that it can be competitive in the Pac-10 with it's 2 Rose Bowl appearances, I only hope that Coach Wulf can be the Cougar coach who can raise the bar.
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Cousin Sam Barer Writes About his Grandfather
My Cousin Sam Barer has a blog with mostly car tips, but he changed the subject slightly today to honor his wonderful maternal Grandpa who was honored by the University Of Oregon
This weekend I had the honor of helping my grandfather, Leonard Donin, out to center court at Portland’s Rose Garden arena right before tip-off of the basketball game between University of Oregon and University of Utah. At 96 years old, Grandpa is the oldest living U of O varsity athlete, having lettered in basketball and baseball.
My grandfather was introduced over the public address system as the game’s honorary captain. The entire crowd (which included over thirty family members and friends) came to its feet. As he waved to the adoring crowd, I applauded the man who not only fathered my mother, but also was responsible for the little athletic ability I received.
This weekend I had the honor of helping my grandfather, Leonard Donin, out to center court at Portland’s Rose Garden arena right before tip-off of the basketball game between University of Oregon and University of Utah. At 96 years old, Grandpa is the oldest living U of O varsity athlete, having lettered in basketball and baseball.
My grandfather was introduced over the public address system as the game’s honorary captain. The entire crowd (which included over thirty family members and friends) came to its feet. As he waved to the adoring crowd, I applauded the man who not only fathered my mother, but also was responsible for the little athletic ability I received.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
My Blog Hits A Milestone
Barers Of Maple Valley received it's 10,000th hit yesterday according to site meter. The figure is somewhat misleading, of course as the blog was well over a year old when I added the sitemeter, still this blog has had an impact and I cannot thank anyone who reads this enough.
Seahawks Win This "Battle Of The Birds" Clinch Division
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The Seahawk victory train is rolling to 5 straight. Seattle beat the Arizona Cardinals 42-21 in a game that sent the Seahawks to 9-4. The Seahawks have now clinched their 4th straight NFC West crown and will draw a bye (won't play) in the first round of the play-offs.
Matt Hasselbeck, Patrick Kerney, and Marcus Trufant had career games, Hasselbeck threw four touchdown passes, Kerney sacked Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner 3 times, while Marcus Troufant, (an ex-Coug by the way) intercepted Warner 3 times. Suddenly the Superbowl seems to be very much in sight for our surging team.
Also of note, Coach Mike Holmgren was given the game ball from Seahawk owner Paul Allen for passing Chuck Knox as the winningest Seahawk coach of all time.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
A Fun Christmas Song
Hopefully this will help get you into the Holiday Spirit.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Disaster To The South
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Our thoughts go out to the victims of the recent flooding in Chehalis and Centralia, approximitly 100 miles south of here.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
An Infamous Washington State Political Blunder
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Sunday, December 02, 2007
Once Again Defense Saves Seahawks
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
"The King And I" Playing At Issaquah's Village Theatre
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I watched "The King And I" with Deb, her parents and grandmother last Thursday at the Village Theatre in Issaquah. I had seen the Rogers And Hammerstein production as a second or third grader at the Little Theatre in Walla Walla.
The premise to the story, based on a true story, is an English school teacher coming to Thailand to teach the Royal children. It is focusing on the clash of Western and Eastern culture, however many of the issues presented in the production seem very relevant even today in American culture. The King, played brilliantly by Michael Lee is a power hungry, greedy but clumsy despot with 37 wives, lovers, etc. Ana, played by Beth DeVries is appalled by the degradation, not only of women, but of the King's subjects. She somehow also see that somewhere, the King has a heart and that sets up a wonderful production.
Evel Knievel: Pop Culture Icon Dies
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Adam Sandler--The Chanukah Song
Behind the silliness in this song,at this time of the year many Jewish children really feel like they are the "only kid in town without a Christmas tree. That is because they are usually right. It is nice to hear some familliar names of people who are Jewish "just like you and me"
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Hawks Slip Past Rams--3rd Consecutive Win
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Seattle did not lead until Leonard Weaver's 5 yard touchdown run with less then 6 minutes in the final quarter. Josh Brown missed a 52 yard field goal, and the Seahawks were called for pass interference, setting up the Rams within striking distance of going ahead with little time to respond. The Seahawk's however were able to keep them out of the end zone on four downs and the game was over.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Cougs Win--Alex Brink's 3rd Victory
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In fact, neither team had a winning record nor had any chance for a bowl game. Maybe because of that rather than in spite of it, both teams brought their A game. Alex Brink, who until now was not usually not on the lips of Cougar fans talking about the school's greatest quarterback, became the first Cougar quarterback to beat Washington three times.
Playing for the first time since his injury against Oregon State, Jake Locker was his brilliant self making several dashing runs and also throwing a 63 yard touchdown pass to Marcel Reese.
Labels:
Alex Brink,
Jake Locker,
Washington State Cougars
Thursday, November 22, 2007
100th Apple Cup Meeting This Saturday
It's that time again, this weekend Washington and Washington State will meet for the annual "Apple Cup" football game. Last year the Huskies beat us on our own field, two years ago, we won at Huskie Stadium. I was at that game and remember all the trash talking by the Huskie fans. It made the victory much more satisfying. Here is a scene from the celebration.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Around The Blogosphere: The Apprentice Returns
In her excellent blog "No Deep Thoughts, my friend from Texas, PJ, announces the return of "The Apprentice" What was in it's initial run, a pretty slick show, has gradually degenerated into just another show that hung around a little too long. If you were disgusted by the gimmickry in the LA version of the show, you haven't seen nothing yet .
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Charter Maple Valley Council Member Defeated
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Jim Flynn, a member of the Maple Valley City Council and Deputy Mayor, was defeated in this month's general election. Maple Valley has a Council-Manager form of city government. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor serve on the council and have equal voting rights with other council members. A City Manager, chosen by the city council performs the executive duties. Maple Valley has had the same mayor and deputy mayor since it's 1997 incorporation. Mayor Laure Iddings was unopposed and able to keep her council seat. Flynn's opponent ran a strong campaign and was able to defeat him. Flynn, a developer, lost his seat to Layne Barnes.
Labels:
Jim Flynn,
Laure Iddings,
Layne Barnes,
Maple Valley
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Paige Davis Returns To Trading Spaces
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One of our TV "guilty pleasures" from year's past was "Trading Spaces" the reality show where two sets of neighbors would do home improvement on the other's homes. More than learning home improvement, the real fun of the show would be when one of the couples hated the remodel, resulting in fights and tears. The host was the unbelievably perky Paige Davis. Davis had a unique sunny personable style much like the Food's Channel's Rachael Ray and the Game Channel's Mel Peachy. The show lost it's "zing" when Paige left. The news now is that Paige is returning and will again appear on the show in January.
Seahawks Bag Bears
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Labels:
Chicago Bears,
D.J. Hackett,
Matt Hasselbeck,
Seattle Seahawks
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Marshall Barer On You Tube
A very spectacular, touching performance by the late composer-singer Marshall Barer. A very distant relative who amongst other things, wrote the theme to Mighty Mouse.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Congratulations Stan
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Stan Barer was honored this week by The American Jewish Committee with their Human Relations Award. A formal dinner was held this week at the Fairmont Olympic in Downtown Seattle to present the award.
Back When Television Was Funny And Entertaining
This week Newsweek had a cover feature recalling the year 1968. I thought that I would contribute this piece which is basically timeless. The Smothers Brothers from there Sunday night Comedy Hour doing a medley with Donovon and Peter, Paul, And Mary.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Forever In Pinstripes!
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The guessing game of where A-Rod will land is over now, Alex Rodriquez apparently will ink a deal to return to the New York Yankees. How history will stack him up with the Yankee legends remains to be seen.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Beatles--It Won't Be Long
Just for fun, here are The Beatles from 1964!
Cougars B-Ballers Beat Boise State Broncos
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WSU Cougar fans tired of the mediocrity of this year's football team will be glad to know the college basketball season is now underway. Last night the Cougs overcame a 32-26 deficit to defeat the Boise State Broncos 86-74. According to the Seattle Times, the Cougars are currently ranked 9th in the country. This is WSU's second year under coach Tony Bennett.
Monday, November 12, 2007
'Hawks Whitewash The 'Niners
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A Seattle football crowd which has not had all that much to cheer about had to like this one as the Seahawks easily beat the San Francisco 49ers, 24-0. Matt Hasselbeck threw two touchdown passes and Mo Morris had a rushing score The always reliable Josh Brown added a field goal in the second quarter. The 49ers had one off the field distraction. Coach Mike Nolan's Father Dick, who had also coached the 49er many years ago, passed away yesterday.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Seahawks ON MNF
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The Seattle Seahawks will take on the San Franciso 49er on Monday Night Football. The game will be played at 6:00pm Pacific Time on ESPN.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Jake Locker Leaves Field In Ambulance
Redshirt Freshman Huskie quarterback Jake Locker is reported to be in stable condition after a helmet to helmet in tonight's Washington-Oregon State match up. Reports say that he can move his extremities but is thought to have suffered some type of neck injury.
David Stern Takes A Swipe At Seattle
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Today the NBA is floundering. It's marquee player Kobe Bryant was involved in a criminal investigation, A shocking fight between the Pacers and the Pistons , New York Knicks coach Isaiah Thomas is involved in a sexual harassment suit, and the latest is the involvement of a referee in a point shaving scandal. Somehow Stern is still commissioner and seems slow to take the blame for the bad turns that the league has taken.
However it has not stopped Stern from criticizing Seattle for taking it's time on a potential arena deal or lack of it. It does not look like Stern has taken the time to investigate exactly what the implications are nor does he have any clue about the local issues involved. Maybe Oklahoma
City is prepared to give the league everything it wants when it wants . If that is the case, losing the Sonics may be less damaging to the area and the region than turning our backs on all the needs of the area and building a third multimillion dollar sports structure in the area.
Burl Barer To Make Internet Radio Apearance
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Burl Barer has announced his apearance today on Matt Alan's Internet Radio today (Saturday November 10th) at 3:00pm Pacific Standard Time. To listen to the veteran radio star go to http:www.mrcigar.com and click listen live. Of course if it's too late when you read this, you may have to find another means to getting the show.
Friday, November 09, 2007
An Example Of Ann Coulter Showing Her Ignorance
Not only is Ann offensive and hypocritical, she is also ignorant of history.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Loads Of Thanks To Our Friends In North Bend!
A big think you to Margie, Rick, and family for hosting Deb,Rusty and I at their North Bend home, although the 'Hawks did not win, it was fun time for all with pizza and games.
Browns Beat Seahawks In Overtime
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The unthinkable happened today, the Seattle Seahawks, comming off a bye were bringing what looked like their A game into Cleveland when everything fell apart. Our defense which until now seemed to carry us when the offense sputtered could not seem to find an answer for the one-two punch of Running back Jamaal Lewis and Kelvin Winslow. A call reversal by the officials on what looked like a Matt Hasselbeck first down was pretty much "the icing on the cake".
Except for an early pass interception, Matt Hasselbeck was brilliant with 318 yards and 2 touchdown passes. Nate Burleson (above) ran a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown.
Labels:
Jamaal Lewis,
Kelvin Winslow,
Nate Burleson,
Seatle Seahawks
Burl Barer Tells How He Got His First Seattle Radio Job
It takes a real skill to get people to crack up at a friend's wake. Burl can do it. I had wanted to post this a year ago have finally figured out how to do it. It's Burl speaking at a memorial lunch at Andy's Diner (downtown Seattle) for Jerry Kaye.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Cougars Face Bears Tonight Without Dwight Tardy
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If you thought last week's victory over UCLA got WSU Coach Bill Doba off the "hot seat", think again. With the game wrapped up, the Cougs kept star running back Dwight Tardy in the game to make one final touchdown run. Tardy wound up tearing his ACL and is out for the season.
Friday, November 02, 2007
A Shot Of Brandi
Maple Valley area native Brandi Carlile is playing tonight at the Paramount in Downtown Seattle. Like her last 3 performances here, it's sold out.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Former Classmate Kathy Brock Keeps Chicago Informed
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
A-Rod Leaves Yankees
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The latest news is that A-Rod's agent is apoligizing for announcing that A-Rod was opting out of his Yankee contract during the World Series. Give me a break. If there was one bit of excitement to that series, no one would have really cared. The fact of the matter is if A-Rod thinks there is pressure now to lead a team to the Series, wait until he signs an even bigger contract.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Boston Red Sox Sweep
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Now it seems even for the baseball fans who follow the sport, the World Series is hard to even get excited about. It is almost always lopsided and rarely goes past 4 games. This year the Boston Red Sox beat the Colorado Rockies in 4 games, of course.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Cougs Shock Pac-10 Beat Bruins
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Cougar football fans finally have something to celebrate. Meanwhile, the woes continues for the Washington Huskies, who lost to the Arizona Wildcats 48-41
Labels:
Dwight Tardy,
UCLA Bruins,
Washington State Cougars
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
More On Aunt Dorothy
My Dad has another nice tribute to Dorothy Barer. You can also click here for the notice in the Seattle paper.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Good Bye Aunt Dorothy
Dorothy Copeland Barer, passed away today. My cousins, Linda And Karen have a nice tribute.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Seahawks Beat Rams
For the first time in a couple of weeks, both the offense and defense are clicking again as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the St Louis Rams 33-6. After a shaky 10-3 halftime lead, Nate Burleson opened the second half with a 91 yard touchdown run and the 'Hawks never looked back. The Rams offense, once dubbed "The Greatest Show On Turf" was limited to just 41 yards in the first half.
The Seahawks have a bye this coming week, that should allow some ailing player to rest and recover for when the Cleveland game in two weeks.
The Seahawks have a bye this coming week, that should allow some ailing player to rest and recover for when the Cleveland game in two weeks.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Issaquah Brewhouse Comes Through
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Last night, a vicious windstorm temporarily wiped out power for the Maple Valley area. The outage included our house. Deb and I stopped at the Issaquah Brew house, on the way back from where we work in Bellevue. Issaquah Brew house is one of the area's best kept secrets. It is located off the main drag, (Front Street) near adjacent to the Salmon Hatchery.
It not only contains a full menu of ales, but the service was excellent, even after we had our menus, the food server wiped off our table, a small thing, but I had never noticed it in any other establishment. If addition, she put the ballgame on TV when I requested it. The food prices were extremely reasonable and the food was delicious.
It not only contains a full menu of ales, but the service was excellent, even after we had our menus, the food server wiped off our table, a small thing, but I had never noticed it in any other establishment. If addition, she put the ballgame on TV when I requested it. The food prices were extremely reasonable and the food was delicious.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Nobel Winner Al Gore
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I met Mr. Gore back in 2000, he was kind enough to pose for a picture with me. I will post that soon.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Seahawks Lose In Second Straight Ugly Game
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It was clear from the opening drive that this would not be a Seahawk night when the normally reliable punter, Ryan Plackemeir dropped a snap that led to the first Saint touchdown. The game also had to be stopped for 10 minutes in the first quarter when an overhead TV camera line snapped.
The Saints were 0 and 5 before tonight's game. Next week the Hawks play another winless team at home, the St Louis Rams.
Friday, October 12, 2007
From The ABarer Blog
My Dad has another one of his stories of days gone by....
The customer is always right
As we plugged in the final computer entries I had a flashback probably sixty or more years ago.The main store front at our place was sixty feet from the front door to the rear. Behind was a driveway between the store and the warehouse.In those days a popular product was steel wire rope cable used for loading hay.I was standing in the driveway with my dad and Uncle Dave when a man approached. Throwing a role of cable on the ground he asserted that the cable was no good and he wanted his money back.Uncle Dave examined the cable and responded that there was an appearance of abuse while being used.The man flew into a rage. "I knew you Jew Sons of ----". He didn't finish his statement.Uncle Dave spun the man who was at least as tall as he was. Picked him up by his belt and collar and "bums rushed" him the sixty feet to the front door propelled him out where he lost his balance and fell. As the man gathered his wits, the roll of cable came flying out after him and the door slammed behind him.The other onlookers present began debating as to whether the guy should have been beat up on the premises or whether there was a liability incurred by throwing him out on a public street.I, of course, was taken aback this was totally out of character but it was explained to me that the merchandise was purchased prior to haying season and now that the season was over and the cable had been used and abused the guy wanted his money back.The ethnic slur was not to be tolerated.
The customer is always right
As we plugged in the final computer entries I had a flashback probably sixty or more years ago.The main store front at our place was sixty feet from the front door to the rear. Behind was a driveway between the store and the warehouse.In those days a popular product was steel wire rope cable used for loading hay.I was standing in the driveway with my dad and Uncle Dave when a man approached. Throwing a role of cable on the ground he asserted that the cable was no good and he wanted his money back.Uncle Dave examined the cable and responded that there was an appearance of abuse while being used.The man flew into a rage. "I knew you Jew Sons of ----". He didn't finish his statement.Uncle Dave spun the man who was at least as tall as he was. Picked him up by his belt and collar and "bums rushed" him the sixty feet to the front door propelled him out where he lost his balance and fell. As the man gathered his wits, the roll of cable came flying out after him and the door slammed behind him.The other onlookers present began debating as to whether the guy should have been beat up on the premises or whether there was a liability incurred by throwing him out on a public street.I, of course, was taken aback this was totally out of character but it was explained to me that the merchandise was purchased prior to haying season and now that the season was over and the cable had been used and abused the guy wanted his money back.The ethnic slur was not to be tolerated.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Neck Injury Forces Mack Strong To Retire
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The injury took place during yesterday's game in Pittsburgh. Doctors said that it was a herniated disk that was pinching his spinal cord.
I think Strong will be the first member of the 2005-2006 Seahawk Super Bowl team to be inducted into the the Ring Of Honor.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Anger And Emotion Permeate Democratic Eastside Dinner
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The evening hosted by Rob Estes, started with Senator Patty Murray's keynote address, Senator Murray said Congress under the Democratic rule is providing over site to the war and addressing the concerns of veterans. After polite applause Senator Murray seemed to want to take a seat but was motioned to exit through what looked like the kitchen door. Darcy Burner got up to speak, and suddenly one of the guests began screaming at her about Senator Murray and the congress. Not losing her cool, Burner quietly told the man to sit down, to which he did.
General Eaton came up to speak but first allowed the protester to say his piece. The General who broke ranks with the White House, told the crowd that the Iraq war was executed incompetently by the administration. Eaton, who's son is about to be deployed in Afghanistan called for, not a victory but a thorough crushing of the GOP in November of 2008. He further went on to say that America's dependence on oil has set the stage for this war and that total withdrawal at this time would be a mistake.
Seahawks Miss Plane To Pittsburgh (or something)
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Labels:
Pitsburgh Steelers,
Seattle Seahawks,
Willie Parker
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Democrats Squander Eastside County Council Opportunity
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The winds have changed in the Suburbs of East King County. Once a solid Republican area, Democrats have recently captured seats in every legislative district but the 5th. Still frustration is in the air as long time Republican County Councilwoman Jane Hague (above) seems to be unraveling with one embarrassing revelation after another. The twist is that Hague's Democratic foe, Richard Pope is a perennial office seeker who as run as both a Republican and Democrat without capturing the heart of either party nor any single office. He has lost 11 races for public office according to the Seattle PI.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Washington Supreme Court--Government Should Not Be Truth Police
In an unusual case where the ACLU and one Liberal sided with 3 Conservative justices and took on 4 Left leaning judges defending a Republican thinking Democratic Legislator, the
Washington Supreme Court struck down a 1999 law that prohibits candidates for public office from intentionally lying.
Conservative Tim Sheldon invoked the law when his opponent, Green Party candidate Marilou Rickert sent out a pamphlet which allegedly falsified his voting record. Rickert appealed the ruling. The ACLU argued that the law was an abridgement of the first amendment. That point is debatable. Laws requiring truth in advertising seem to withstand legal scrutiny.
I really think that this should motivate the public to do their own homework. Study the candidates and find out what they really are saying. I think voters as a whole, vote on emotion for the most part and that is too bad.
Washington Supreme Court struck down a 1999 law that prohibits candidates for public office from intentionally lying.
Conservative Tim Sheldon invoked the law when his opponent, Green Party candidate Marilou Rickert sent out a pamphlet which allegedly falsified his voting record. Rickert appealed the ruling. The ACLU argued that the law was an abridgement of the first amendment. That point is debatable. Laws requiring truth in advertising seem to withstand legal scrutiny.
I really think that this should motivate the public to do their own homework. Study the candidates and find out what they really are saying. I think voters as a whole, vote on emotion for the most part and that is too bad.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Maple Valley Case Mystifies World
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Maple Valley woman Tanya Rider is a household name after being found alive on highway 169 severely injured but still alive. The case has put the King County Sheriff's Department under a microscope after allegation from Rider's husband that authorities would not begin an immediate search for her. It is my hope that Ms Rider makes a complete recovery. There is no doubt that there is much more to this story than we have heard so far.
The Seattle Times has printed a time line to this story.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Seahawks Beat 49ers At "The Stick"
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The game was never exciting, but the results were satisfying. The Seattle Seahawks handily defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-3 in San Francisco. You may remember that last year the 49ers beat Seattle twice.
Alex Smith, who played brilliantly against the Seahawks last season went out in the first quarter after being sacked by Rocky Bernard. Ex Seahawk Trent Dilfer came in to replace Smith but was very rusty and ineffective after sitting for two seasons.
Deion Branch had 7 catches for 130 yards and Matt Hasselbeck threw touchdown passes to Bobby Engram and Marcus Pollard. Josh Brown had 3 field goals.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sharon Mast Is Pick For DNC
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Democrats from across the Washington state enjoyed the Hospitality of Picturesque Wenatchee and picked Sharon Mast to replace Karen Marchioro as DNC representative. Mast was chosen on the third ballot after a hard fought battle with Southwestern Washington populist Cathi Bailey. My choice, Di Irons , was able to go to the second ballot after a coin toss. Irons had tied for third with Lexi Smith on the first ballot.
The meeting featured a moving slide show tribute to Marchioro.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wikipedia: A Good Reference But Beware
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I have been called into question for using the Wikipedia as a reference. The Wiki is basically open to anyone who has a computer. We all know that is a recipe for disaster but the Wiki seems to work. Because anyone can contribute, it has a localized flavor. That is people write about things that are important to them. I was surprised at how much Seattle and Washington state information is contained there. I would imagine that is because people in the area contribute many articles. I do not know anyone who has written or edited the wiki except for myself. I have contributed 4 articles that have since been updated and edited. I make a good effort to use footnotes and site my sources. One example is the Baker-Boyer Bank (pictured above) from Walla Walla.
I have also a number of family members that are listed.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Seahawks Win Thriller 24-21
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