Burl At KOL

 

QZVX.com, formerly known as the Puget Sound Media blog and before that Sea Tac Media blog, featured a Burl Barer aircheck from his days at KOL.  Either in the late 1960s or early 1970s. 

To listen click here. 

Crazy 8s--Monroe Fair

 As we have in many years, last night, (Saturday, August 30th, 2025), we visited the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe and watched the Figure 8 racing.  The thrill is watching speeding cars cross each other on the Figure 8 track.

It is nicknamed Crazy 8s and for good reason. 

Maple Valley Wildlife

A Roosevelt Elk, according to Google search.  Saw it behind the Starbucks on Highway 169.

I was riding my bike nearby and saw it feeding along the road.  I took a quick picture.  When I found out the picture didn't take, I drove back in my car to get a better shot.

Walla Walla 10-Fort Walla Walla

We spent our last night in Walla Walla at the Hampton Inn, just a block from Fort Walla Walla.

It is a city park there.

Walla Walla 9--Banner Bank Headquarters

The Banner Bank headquarters is the old Seattle First National Bank building.   When Banner was First Federal, I had an account with them that I stared when my Grandfather Barer gave me a hundred dollars.  The First Federal building in Mid Century Modern design, is right next door. 

Jesse's Girl--The Underhills

 From Saturday's Battle of The Bands, The Underhills cover the Rick Springfield hit, Jesse's Girl. 

The Underhills And Nite Wave---Don't You (Forget About Me)

 From Saturday's Battle Of The Bands,  The Underhills and Nite Wave join forces and sing a great Simple Minds song. 

Battle Of The Bands--Nite Wave

Nite Wave does the Tears For Fears classic Everybody Wants To Rule The World at Battle Of The Bands Nite.  

Walla Walla 8--Brother Time

I was able to see and pose with brother, Steve 

Raleigh Breaks Catcher Single Season Record

 Cal Raleigh has now hit more homers than any catcher in Major League history.  The big dumper hit numbers 48 to tie and 49 to break today in an 11-4 victory over the A's. 

The previous record holder was Salvador Perez, who plays for the Kansas City Royals. Perez hit 48 homers in 2021.

Rock The Casbah The Underhills

The Underhills returned to the Crocodile for another Battle Of The Bands with Nite Wave.  

My cousin Joe is on lead vocal on the Clash song from the 80s, Rock The Casbah. 

Walla Walla 7--Sleight Of Hand

Sleight Of Hand Winery is music oriented as the wine porer will play albums from its massive collection requested by customers.

There is also a statuette of Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, the Seattle based grunge band.

Walla Walla 6--The Blues From Echolands

From the Echolands Winery, a spectacular view of the Blue Mountains.

Walla Walla 5--Blue Devil Stadium

My brother took me over to see the new high school football stadium.  It is right on campus. 

The Wa-Hi Blue Devils previous played at Borleske Stadium, which is a multipurpose field on the other side of town 

Walla Walla 4--Grandfather Navy Foot Locker

This chest belonged to my Grandfather when he was the Navy 

My brother, Steve, lives in Walla Walla.  He got a call from someone in Tollgate, Oregon, a small town in the Blue Mountains.  They asked if EW Granek was related, which Steve said "yes".  They brought the chest (or, actually, foot locker), which was empty to their house. 

From the number, Steve was able to get pictures of Grandfather in his unit, as well as other fun facts

Walla Walla 3--Walla Walla Opoly

The Airbnb where we stayed had Walla Walla Opoly. 

It's like Monopoly, but using Walla Walla Landmarks like Whitman College and Baker-Boyer Bank. We had fun playing it 

Walla Walla 2--Moonbase Cellars

An autographed picture of the Apollo 12 crew hangs in the Walla Walla tasting room of Moonbase Cellars 

Gina Grant Memorial Bench

On my trip to Walla Walla, I found the bench honoring schoolmate Gina Grant Bull.  

Gina passed away in 2016.

Ice Bucket Challenge

This was a big thing in the summer of 2014.  Videos of people taking ice baths to raise money for ALS.  I don't know if this raised any money, but apparently, on the whole, it was a successful campaign. 

Wikipedia said the event raised over 115 million dollars. 

 

Raleigh's Homer Makes History

 

Cal Raleigh's 46th homerun, a two run blast, last night (Friday, August 15th 2025), allowed him to pass Johnny Bench in this his quest for a record in his amazing season. 

Raleigh is now in second place in MLB's all-time record for home runs in a single season by a catcher.   

The Mariners broke a two game losing streak by beating the New York Mets 11-9. 

Beatle Movie On You Tube

I had never watched this Beatles movie until last night.  It was on You Tube.  I couldn't get through the whole thing and I'm sure it will be taken off the platform soon due to copyright issues.  

I watched the first Beatles movie A Hard Days Night when it was first released, decades ago. 
 

Another Concert On The Green

The Jet City Players rock Issaquah on this week's Concerts On The Green.  They play favorites from the 70s on.  

That is the band that played at my 60th birthday party, eight years ago, so they do have staying power. 

Honoring Number 51

Ichiro's number 51 was etched into the outfield to pay tribute to the Mariner Hall Of Famer.

This is from last Saturday's (August 9th, 2025) number retiring ceremony.

FULL SPEECH: Ichiro's No. 51 Retired by Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park

Whether you missed the speech or you saw it and wished to see it again, here is Ichiro at his number retirement ceremony. 

Ichiro Career Honored With Jersey Retirement

 Newly inducted Hall of Fame member Ichiro Suzuki had his jersey retired last night (Saturday, August 9th, 2025) at a star-studded ceremony at T-Mobile Park.   

In the ceremony, Mariner executive John Stanton revealed plans to unveil an Ichiro statue at the park next season (2026).

The Mariners celebrated with a 7-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Ichiro 51 Jersey Retired

Ichiro addresses an enthusiastic Mariner crowd at his number retirement ceremony 

Victim of Love--Victims Of Love Lake Wilderness Music In The Park 2

One more song from Thursday's concert.  The Victims Of Love play the Eagles song that they are named for. 

Witchy Woman--Victims of Love

The Eagles tribute band Victims Of Love played at Lake Wilderness Park, here in Maple Valley, last night (August 8th, 2025).  

Longtime San Juan Island Fireman And Cougar Pal Tom Eades Announces Retirement.

 After saving countless lives and valuable property, Lt. Tom Eades is headed for a well-deserved retirement.  

According to the Journal of San Juan Islands, Eades has served the department for 37 years.   His duties have included interim fire chief for Friday Harbor and safety officer for San Juan Fire and Rescue.  He has also served in multiple other capacities for the city and the region. In 2023, he was awarded Fireman Of The Year.

Tom and I go back, unbelievably, some 45 years, when we were both Communications Majors at WSU.  Our mutual love and enthusiasm for radio history allowed us to bond instantly.  Tom is also a hydroplane fanatic, probably knowing more about the sport and drivers than anyone else that I know. 

Barers Of Maple Valley congratulates Tom on his incredible career and wishes him well on his retirement. 

The Beatles London Tour

More Beatle history here, another bucket list trip that I'm hoping to take.

Anyway You Want It. Mara And The Charm

We sit in the back of the park with the dog, but have thoroughly enjoyed several Issaquah, Concerts On The Green performances this season. 

The weather held out as we celebrated a friend's birthday and enjoyed the music of Mara And The Charm. 

We also caught them earlier this year at Boren Park  on the Fourth Of July and at Vino Bella, the winery in Issaquah, last Spring.

Loni Anderson, WKRP in Cincinnati Star, Dies at 79

A little more on Loni, who would have turned 80 today (August 5th, 2025).  

Bye Bye Loni Anderson

 Loni Anderson, who played radio station receptionist on the 70's sit-com WKRP In Cincinatti, has died.  She was 79. Sources say Anderson suffered from a prolonged illness. 

The show, about a struggling radio station, turning to rock programming contrary to the wishes of its strait-laced owner.  

Anderson played owner Mr. Carlson's confident, Jennifer Marlowe.  She was able to hold her own against the advances of married sales manager Herb Tarlek.  

The Jennifer character jibed with other shows of that period like Charlie's Angels and Three's Company. 

 

Liverpool - 7 Great Beatle Sites

Here is a tour that I'm hoping to take. 

Chicago Tribute Authority 2

Lake Wilderness Provided a stunning backdrop for last night's (Thursday, July  31st, 2025) concert.