Oliver Puppy Stuff

 

Gabbard Resigns

 Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, and one-time presidential candidate who left the party, has reportedly resigned as Director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration. 

Gabbard has said that she is leaving to support her husband's battle with cancer. 

Racing Star Kyle Busch Dead At 41

 

For a race car driver to lose his or her life in the prime of his or her career is a thing that happens all too often.  Kyle Busch, however, did not die in a high-speed crash, but in the hospital where he was rushed earlier in the day.  The cause of death was reported as an undisclosed illness.  He was only 41.

Although, I do not follow auto sports, Busch's name transcended the car world.  He was a two time NASCAR Cup Series Champion.  

Veteran Reality Host Make News With Error

For those who watch the Survivor TV show, which is just completing its 50th season, one of the most dramatic moments in the final show is the fire making challenge.  Two contestants attempt to start a fire without a lighter or matches, the winner has joins the final three to make a case to the "jury" a panel of contestants who have been voted out of the game, and the loser is out. 

Jeff Propst, in a live broadcast, mixed with the taped game, which was being played in sequences accidently gave away the results during a routine contestant interview in the live show.  

Jeff made the best of it, and the show went on with viewers knowing the results.

The season winner was kept secret in the end, preserving some suspense. 

For a more, click here. 

1977 Letter To Walla Walla Paper

Brother Steve uncovered this letter to the editor from my Great Aunt Dorothy Barer.  This was from 1977. 

Since her husband, my Great Uncle Dave was a refuge, her seeing a Swastika displayed was especially infuriating 

Since 

Northwest League Baseball Incident In 1969

1969 was a great year for me being a baseball fan. Seattle got, what would be it's first MLB team.That would be the Seattle Pilots, who only played one year before moving to Milwaukee and becoming the Brewers.  

Walla Walla, where I was growing up got a Minor League baseball team, known as the Bears They were a Single A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and would play in the Northwest League.  The Northwest League played a much shorter season, from approximately mid June to mid August and was made up of teams around the Pacific Northwest comparable to Walla Walla. 

This was very exciting and I went to as many games as I could, I bought a program at each game, which I saved for many years.

I also followed them in the local paper, The Union-Bulletin.

During a road game,late in the season, a bizarre incident took place.  Pitcher Mike Cobel  was caught smoking behind the team dugout. Being a violation of league rules, he was ejected from the game.  Apparently, this so insensed his teammates that the umpire kicked the entire team out of the game.  When manager Howie Beddell complained, he was ejected as well.  The team had to forfeit.

Ever since, I had not heard of that happening at any game, Major or Minor League.

Thank you to my brother Steve for finding this article.

Weekend Getaway--Suncadia

The view from our room in Suncadia, where we spent a weekend celebrating our friend, Rick's,  70th birthday 

Vintage Wine Performance By BOMV Writer

Students at Maple Valley's Voice Of The Valley music school, performed at Vintage Wine and Coffee in the Four Corners area Thursday, May 14th

I have been taking singing lessons at the school and was one of the performers.

I wasn't able to post the video because of technical issues (perhaps copyright), so I'm posting the program.

I was last is 29 performers, I sang Sinatra's Fly Me To The Moon.

Deb and some of our friends were there, as well as my teachers.

It was a lot of fun.

Fly Me To The Moon

 Yesterday marked the 28th anniversary of Frank Sinatra's death.  This was also the theme to Wall Street.  

By coincidence, I also sang this last night at the Vintage Wine and Coffee bar here in Maple Valley, as student of the Voice Of The Valley music school did a recital there.  There is a video of my performance, but it wouldn't post because of copyright issues. 

Claudine Longet Dies

 Claudine Longet, the French singer who gained notoriety as first the wife of popular singer Andy Williams and later killer of her lover, famous skier, Spider Sabich, has died. 

The beautiful Longet, was a fixture on the Williams Christmas specials with their children until her divorce from the singer in 1975.

The trial of her shooting of Savich at their Colorado home in 1976 attracted national attention. Longet was convicted of criminally negligent homicide. This sparked outrage as it was felt that her celebrity shielded from a murder charge.  

Longet was 84 years old. 

Linda Ronstadt And Bobby Darin--Long Long Time

Another song from a variety show of the 70s. I got this idea from a post I did on Facebook several years ago.

Linda Ronstadt, along with the late Bobby Darin, singing, perhaps, her most heartwrenching song.

Super Bowl Quarterback Craig Morton

 Another great quarterback from the late 60s, early 70s has passed away, Craig Morton, who guided the Dallas Cowboys to the team's first Super Bowl appearance, then years later guided the Denver Broncos to it's first Super Bowl, died May 9th. 

Morton played 18 years in the NFL.  

The Brandi Stage

Located at Wilderness Village. It's a reminder of Brandi Carlile's contributions to our town.

Happy Mothers Day

 

Vintage Oliver

 

May of 2023, about a month after we brought him home, a great montage of our pup.

The Life Of Ted Turner

 Ted Turner in his younger days was compared to the classic movie character Rhett Butler, coincidently, Turner's actual name was Robert Edward Turner III, the initials spell RET.

Celebrated In May

May is Jewish American Heritage Month.  For more info click here
 

Backyard In Bloom

Spring flowers are blooming in our backyard.

Ted Turner Dead

 

Ted Turner, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our generation and perhaps of all time, has died at 87.

Turner, founded CNN, which provided 24 hour television news reporting.  He also bought a low rated Atlanta station, put it on cable to make it a nationwide superstation. It was known as WTBS.  

Owner of the Atlanta Braves, Turner game broadcasts on WTBS and gave the team a national following. The team won the World Series in 1995. He also owned the Atlanta Hawks. 

He captained a yacht to an America's Cup trophy in 1977.  

He founded the Goodwill Games, his answer to the Olympics.  The 1990 games took place in Seattle.

Often controversial, he was married for 10 years to Jane Fonda, herself, a polarizing figure. 

Happy Cinco De Mayo

 

For more on what it's about click here.

Retired Voice Of The Yankees Passes Away

John Sterling, the recently retired voice of the New York Yankeed, died today (Monday, May 4th, 2026).  He was definitely an original, I heard his Yankee victory calls on soundbites on SportsRadio 950.  

After he retired in 2024, Sterling was replaced by Dave Sims, who previously was the TV and radio announcer for the Mariners. 

  

Oliver Enjoying Nice Weather

Oliver enjoyed a walk at Lake Wilderness Park.

You Never Even Call Me By My Name

I was never a huge Country music fan, but always loved this song, since I played it when I was a Country Musci DJ at KTEL.  The artist, David Allan Coe died Wednesday (April 29th, 2026).

 

Tacoma High School In Lockdown After Student Stabbing

Terrible news in our own backyard as reports of a stabbing at Tacoma's Foss High took place this afternoon (Thursday, April 30th, 2026).  

Six are reported to be hospitalized including the suspect in the stabbing.  Four are reported to in serious or critical condition. A security guard was also among the injured. Although, the My Northwest website now reports the  condition for four victims have stabilized ,

 

New York State Of Mind--Middle Age Dad Jazz Band

I think they nailed this song. A Billy Joel classic.

 

The Baby Bunnies

This is actually, a magnified version of what is happening in the hutch.    You really couldn't see anything in the last post.

Everyday changes a little, we will keep it wired and isolated for probably another week. 

 

Rabbit Hutch

Baby bunnies are growing next to our house

Sam Hunt--Former State Senator

This one brings back memories, Sam Hunt, then a teacher, as I remember, was running for the Washington State Legislature.  He lived in Pasco.  At the time, I was in Junior High, both me and my family were active in Democratic politics.  

Hunt had a primary opponent named Bob Barnes. Barnes, who lived in Walla Walla, was 20 and a former ASB president at Walla Walla Community College.  He was sharp, engaging, and well spoken.  I was happy to volunteer for Barnes.  

Hunt would win the nomination, but lose in the general election to Jeanette Hahner, a Republican, from a well known Walla Walla law firm that included her and her husband.  Hahner and her family would change the spelling of the name to Hayner (the way it was pronounced), she would go on to a long and distinguished career in both the House, then the State Senate.

Sam Hunt, sometime, would move to Olympia, where he would be elected to the state house in 2001, moving on to the state senate in 2017.  After two decades in the legislature he retired in 2024.

Sadly, Sam passed away over the weekend.  The Cascadia Advocate has a complete write up on his career.  Click here

President Survives Assassination Attempt

 

The White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Hilton in Washington,DC needed to be evacuated after shots were fired in the entryway to the ballroom where the event was held last night (Saturday, April 25th,2026).

A law enforcement officer was shot, but saved by his bullet-proof vest. No word on other injuries. 

Seahawks Pick Notre Dame's Price

 With the last pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks picked Jadarian Price, a running back from Notre Dame.

The Seahawks are in need of a running back since Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III left in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs.

For more on the pick click here.

Hanging Out With Rock Stars

 I'm posing with The Underhills front lady Manisha. This was taken on New Years Eve.

Taylor Wins Civic Award

 Congrats to Auburn Deputy mayor Tracy Taylor.  Media Maven reports that Taylor was chosen to receive the Regional Hometown Hero Award.  The award was present by King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. 

Taylor, well known as a former traffic reporter for several TV and radio stations in the area, is the fourth recipient of the award.  

You can read her acceptance speech by clicking here.

More Signs Of Spring

The trees in the back are showing their colors. Only lasts a short time so we have to enjoy it while we can.

Cobain Memorial 3

A headstone honoring Kurt Cobain at the site which is under the bridge in Aberdeen.

Cobain Memorial 2

Kurt Cobain Memorial

Grunge rock star, Kurt Cobain who died in 1994, is is honored in his hometown of Aberdeen, with this exhibit.

Cobain was the lead singer of Nirvana.

We passed through on the way back home from Ocean Shores.

Dean Of Area's Political Columnists--Joel Connolly Dies

 

 

I was shocked yesterday (Thursday, April 16th, 2026) to read about the passing of former Seattle PI political columnist and current blogger, Joel Connolly.  

For the past 5 years, I've been reading Joel's work in the collaborative blog, Post Alley.   Post Alley features blogs from several writers, who talk about Seattle topics, mostly in politics.  Connolly's work, I felt was the most interesting and enjoyable to read. 

In addition, his writing appeared in the Cascadia Advocate, a blog put out by the Northwest Progressive Institute.   Many of his writings appeared in both. 

I became a regular reader after Connolly wrote a beautiful post about my cousin, Stan Barer, which you can read by clicking here.

Connolly's last column for Post Alley was published on the day of his death.

Tributes to Connolly have come from both sides of the area's political spectrum.  He will be truly missed. 

Ocean View

Enjoying the sunrise in Ocean Shores.

Thow It All Away--Brandi Carlile

 From the first Brandi Carlile CD that I purchased, perhaps, the first she recorded. 

Controversial Reporter Russini Resigns

This story has gone for tabloid to main stream, mainly because it involves a well-known sports reporter and an NFL football coach who took his team to the Super Bowl.  

Journalism is based on integrity and when the reporter is thought to be less than honest, it is tough for them to be taken seriously, thus, sports reporter Diana Russini has quit her job for The Athletic. 

Russini was pictured with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a Sedona, AZ resort. 

Refreshments At Hops N Drops

The "Spiked Root Beer" at Hops N Drops in Maple Valley, looks as good as it tastes. The restaurant also offers non-alcoholic coctails (often referred to as mocktails), as well as great food dishes. 

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around Garage Cover

Another fun video cover by the Middle Age Dad Jam Band, with Jackie Tohn as guest singer.  I think they pull this off real well. 

 

Ichiro Statue Broken Bat

 Rick Rizzs shows off his professional chops when the freakest of freak accidents occurred duiring the unveiling of the Ichiro statue at T-Mobile Park. Rizzs was quip to make a quip as the cover somehow caused the bronze bat to break.

The incident went viral as it indeed was an embarrassment for the Mariners organization.  It may have been good luck though.  The team snapped a five game losing streak and has, at this writing, won two games from arch rival Houston. 

 

Bob Dylan Appearing On Johnny Cash Show

At the time, I was unfamiliar with Johnny Cash, whose TV show ran from 1969 to 1971, so I missed this episode. I did not really know about Bob Dylan either, but his appearance on a network prime time variety show, could only have shown his respect for Johnny Cash. 

 Cash, widely considered the king of country music at the time, is now remembered as a cultural icon. 

 

Christine Falls--Rainier National Park

 This waterfall is amazing.  Christine Falls, at first I thought it was "Prestine Falls".  But if is indeed, a sight to behold in the Rainier National Park. 

You can find out how it got its name by clicking here.

 

Touring The Mountain

Mount Rainier from the Henry Jackson Lodge.

Trees Of Patrick's Faire

One of the great things of Maple Valley, the tall evergreens give it the rural feel 

This picture barely does it justice as the giant trees of Patrick's Faire Park are visible from two blocks.

Grease By A Garage Band

The Middle Age Dad Jam Band does a  lot of fun covers on You Tube. 

 

Happy Easter

 

Bobo Still A Seahawk

 Jake Bobo, a clutch receiver, as well as a great blocker will remain with the Hawks,  

Bobo became a restricted free agent at the end of last season.  He signed an offer sheet with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  The Seahawks had 5 days to match the offer.  I'm pretty sure that most teams don't. However, the Seahawks realized the importance of keeping last season's Super Bowl team together as much as possible and resigned the wide receiver.

Bondi Out As AG

 It seems like Pam Bondi's time as Attorney General in the Trump administration has ended.  It was announced today that Bondi was fired by the president, and will be replaced by Todd Blanche, who has served as deputy AG.

Passover 2026 Begins

 

April Fools Day 2026

 Stay on your toes!

Oliver Gotcha Day Anniversary

Three years ago, we brought an unnamed puppy home, who a few days later, we named Oliver 

Seattle TV Personality And Legendary Singer Dick Foley

 

Dick Foley,once a Grammy nominated performer with the Brothers Four, who later would be widely recognized as a Seattle area TV personality, has died. 

Foley helped formed the Brothers Four with three fellow fraternity friends at the University Of Washington in the late 50s. 

They performed the song, Greenfields, on the Ed Sullivan Show and the song shot up to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Around this area, Foley is probably remembered as the long time host of Northwest Afternoon on KOMO 4.  Even if you didn't watch the show, he was prominent on the promo ads. 

I met Dick a few years ago when he shipped a guitar at The UPS Store in Bellevue. It was a real treat to meet such a legend.

 

Rick Rizzs Interview

It's a promising season for the Seattle Mariners.  It's also the last year for announcer Rick Rizzs, who is interviewed by veteran KING 5 personality Joyce Taylor. 

 

Kraken Group May Bid For Sonic Franchise

 With the price of acquiring a franchise in the NBA well into the billions.  Fans may be wondering who could put up that amount of money.

Word is that the group that owns the Seattle NHL Kraken and a good portion of the Climate Pledge Arena, could come forward to put in a bid for the team. 

The group, now branded as One Roof Sports and Entertainment is led by Kraken majority owner Samantha Holloway and team CEO Todd Leiweke (both pictured above),

The team is expected to play in Climate Pledge Arena.  

Opening Day Fun

We watched the Mariners 2026 season opener from the Hit It Here Cafe at T-Mobile Park.

We actually had tickets for the 300 level.  But in spite of the crowd, we were about to get a table right away, while enjoying a perfect view of the pregame ceremonies and the game.  We stayed our table for the  entire game. 

A fun time was had by all in spite of our team being on the wrong side of a 6-4 score.

It's Opening Day For Mariners

Big expectations for our Seattle Mariners as the 2026 MLB season gets underway tonight (March 26th, 2026).

Spring 2026

Our tree in the front yard is in bloom. One of my favorite things to photograph.

Grease Is The Word

 We enjoyed the musical Grease last night (March 24th, 2026) at the Village Theater in Issaquah.  While the iconic theme song from which I created the headline for this post, was not performed in the production.  All of the other iconic songs were.  

Even though it was the first night it played there, everything went smoothly.  

Of course, we remember the movie of the 70s, starring John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John, which featured an almost cartoonish look at 50s teenagers.  Of course, beneath the silliness, it featured serious things that made the teenage years difficult, like acceptance, lost love, and conformity. 

The play preceded the movie and started on Broadway in 1972.

Grease will play at the Village until May 3rd. 

More On Possible NBA Expansion

 

NBA Votes To Explore Expansion! Sonics Return Clears First Hurdle

 The wording seems less than convincing, but I believe the reality is that NBA is returning to the area. 

The NBA has voted to explore the possibility of expanding into Seattle and Las Vegas.  The Seattle Sonics left in 2008, after being sold a few years earlier to a group from Oklahoma City.

Live Music In Issaquah 2

 The Brian Nay Band with the Genesis classic, "That's All". 

Live Music In Issaquah

We got together with friends Marjie and Rick and enjoyed listening to The Brian Nay Band at Vino Bella in Issaquah.  

This was after a great meal at the Sunset Grill. 

The Famous CBS Radio News Jingle

 

CBS News Radio To Shut Down

 Say it ain't so, Joe! Sources say the radio news division at CBS, long a news source for the country will shut down on May 22nd of this year (2026). 

 Perhaps, the most prestigious news source over the years, it featured such luminaries as Edward R. Murrow (who went to what was then Washington State College), Douglas Edwards, and Walter Cronkite. 

I remember, in my childhood, hearing news reports on the hour on KUJ in Walla Walla,until it stopped network news in the late 70s.  More recently, KIRO, here in the Seattle area, where one of its reporters, Heather Bosch, was elevated to work nationally for the network.

The radio news department at the Columbia Broadcast System began in 1927.

 

Elk In Cannon Beach

From our trip to the coast, earlier this month.  Elk grazing in Cannon Beach.  

Tom Jones And Janis Joplin

We forget that TV in the 60s could be electrifying.  We remember Janis Joplin as an underground artist, usually, but here she is on network TV.  ABC, which marketed to a younger crowd then the two other networks, carried This Is Tom Jones.  

This duet with Jones and Joplin is widely considered the best act of the series 

 

Missing My Father After 10 Years

It was 10 years ago today (March 18, 2026) that my dad, Alan Barer passed away.  I still miss him.  
 

Mr Bojangles--Tom Jones Sings While Sammy Davis Jr Performs

I was only 12 or 13 when I watched the performance of Sammy Davis, Jr and Tom Jones singing Mr Bojangles on the Friday night variety show hosted by Jones.  It was such an amazing performance that it has stayed with me throughout the decades.

The actual name of the show was This Is Tom Jones.  It ran on ABC for three seasons. 

Davis sang the song as well as performed it in his live acts.

Tree Repair In Our Backyard.

The trees, that were damaged in the Friday the 13th snowstorm are back up, so we are hoping for the best.

Closing Of Redmond Institution

 

The Cascadia Advocate recently took a somewhat break from politics to lament of the closing of Blazing Bagels, which apparently closed its locations without warning, leaving its employees, suddenly, jobless

My memories of Blazing Bagels are when Bob brought them in for employees as a reward for working on Saturdays at The UPS Store.

The Cascade Advocate is a blog for the NPI, the Northwest Progressive Institute. For the full story click here

 

Happy St Patrick's Day

 

NBA To Finally Vote On NBA Expansion

 We could know next week, (March 24th and 25th, 2026), whether the National Basketball Association will once again have a Seattle team. 

Multiple sources are reporting that the NBA Board Of Governors will meet to vote on whether to consider granting expansion teams to Las Vegas and Seattle

The Seattle Super Sonics, which was the area's first major professional sports team, left town in 2008 after being sold to an Oklahoma City group. 

Since then, the area been teased, often cruelly about a return. 

While many area fans have turned a deaf ear to the NBA, many more have grown skeptical that this region will see a returns.

The target for a team to appear on the court, would be the 2028-29 season. 

Damage From Snowfall

We potentially have lost two trees from Friday's snowfall.  It really hurts to lose one. We are hoping one or both can be replanted.