Seattle's Tight Race For Mayor

Ever since my Uncle Arny's law school buddy Wes Uhlman was elected to be mayor of Seattle in the late 60s, I've paid close attention that city's mayoral race. It takes a special type to be able to lead a growing, cutting edge city that has seen it's share of peaks and valleys. This year's race is especially compelling. It pits a former T-Mobile executive, Joe Mallahan against a former Sierra Club president, Mike McGinn.
Both candidates ran because of their dissatisfaction with current mayor Greg Nickles. They were both able to get past the incumbent, who was considered invincible.
Joe Mallahan is touting his corporate experience. He has spent heavily to put professionals on his campaign staff. He has a smooth style. Mike McGinn is hard edged, and has a staff of mostly volunteers.
At this writing, only 500 some votes separate the two candidates.

Dow Is New County Executive

The Seatle Times has declared Dow Constantine the winner of the King County Executive race. Constantine, a King County Councilman, was open and upfront on every issue. His opponent, Susan Hutchison, was considered the early favorite.

An Autumn Sunday

After the depressing Seahawk game, Deb, Rusty, and I took a ride to look at the fall leaves. We wound up at Nolte Park, about 4 miles from Maple Valley toward Enumclaw. We walked the trail around Deep Lake, a hike of about a mile and a half. Here is Rusty wading into the lake.

On Our Family's Blogs

Tod Goldberg attempts to answer questions resolving the origin of the Universe and Troy Aikman's hair color here. Rated PG for language.

Cowboys Corral The Seahawks

What started out as a "toss-up" turned into another "blow-out" as the Seattle Seahawks lost their second straight game 38-17. The 'Hawks were able to score first on an Olinde Mare field goal in the first quarter. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo answered with a 36yard touchdown pass to Sam Hurd. Matt Hasselbeck threw touchdown passes to Deion Branch in the second quarter and to Justin Griffin in the 4th, while Romo also hit Miles Austin and Roy William for touchdown strikes. Cowboy Patrick Crayton had an 82 yard punt return for a touchdown. The Seahawks were plagued with mistakes as Seneca Wallace slipped in a wildcat formation and Justin Forsett fumbled after running for what could have been a Seahawk first down. Returning cornerback Marcus Trufant got called on three pass interference penalties.
The Seahawks will try to get back on the winning track next Sunday against the St.Louis Rams.

I Meet The President (Not Really) On Halloween

I'm posing with a Trick or Treater who came to our door dressed as Barack Obama.

This Is It--For A Michael Jackson Movie, You Can't Beat It

We saw "This Is It" last night at the Crossroads Cinema in Bellevue. No matter how crazy Michael Jackson was perceived, like a "fish in water" Michael Jackson was in his element on stage. If you like Michael's music, even casually like I do, this is a very enjoyable movie.
The movie shows Michael preparing for the tour that never happened. It goes behind the scenes, introducing dancers and choreographers, and giving us a little peek into what goes into the preparation for a world tour. It also plays an excellent sampling of the MJ music that we all grew up with.

Happy Halloween!

Joel-John Concert Postponed

Seattle is downcast, Boeing's second 787 line is heading for South Carolina, the great Seattle Seahawk tackle Walter Jones' career appears to be finished, nothing like the Billy Joel-Elton John concert to cheer us back up--uh oh, the concert, scheduled for this Wednesday in Key Arena, has been postponed due to Elton John's bad health. Word is, we should hang on to our tickets as promoters will try to reschedule. A second concert set for the following Saturday was also postponed.

Longtime Sammamish Resident Tom Vance Endorsed For Sammamish City Council

The Seattle Times has endorsed longtime Sammamish community activist Tom Vance for Position 3 of the Sammamish City Council. According to the Times, Vance's experience on the city's planning commission and parks advisory committee, along with his 15 years of living in the city, make him a more qualified candidate than his opponent, Seattle TV personality John Curley. Curley, thought to be a "stealth" Republican, is thought to be the favorite because of name recognition. In the race for position 7 of the Sammamish City Council, the Times endorsed Tom Odell over longtime incumbent, Jack Barry.

My Views On The King County Executive Race

Candidates for King County Executive Susan Hutchison and Dow Constantine participated in a debate last Tuesday. Hutchison has two things going for her, one being name recognition, she was a television news anchor on KIRO for many years, and the lack of being part of a now very unpopular county government. Dow has served in the State legislature in both the House and the Senate and currently serves as President on the King County Council. Since he is a Democrat, Hutchison links him with former Executive Ron Sims. For the first time ever, all elective offices in King County will be non-partisan. Since King County generally votes Democratic, it is hard for Republicans to win positions. A non-partisan election makes it possible for Republican candidates to run without carrying an unpopular brand. Susan Hutchison claims to be independent, but her paper trail and history suggest otherwise. I believe that she is the wrong choice for county executive.
Will voters do the research necessary to find out more about both of these candidates? It's hard to tell. Many people vote on emotion. Many candidates feel that King County ignores it's outlying suburbs. Dow is seen as very "Seattle-Centric". In this cycle, he is trying to prove otherwise, that tends to raise skepticism. The question is, what would Hutchison do to bring the Eastside and South County suburbs to the table?

Former County Assessor Rich Medved Dies

The Seattle Times reports former interim County Assessor Rich Medved died today, three months after suffering a stroke. Medved had been Deputy County Assessor under Scott Noble. When Noble was no longer able to serve after a vehicular assault conviction, Medved took over the management position. Medved was campaigning for the position when he was stricken.

Cardinals Shoot Down Seahawks

It took only seven days for the Seattle Seahawks to go from hero to zero in a 27-3 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Somehow, the 'Hawks lacked the fire that sparked a 41-0 drubbing of the Jacksonville Jaguars a week ago. The defeat can partially be blamed on the frustration of the defense, failing to halt the Cardinals on 3rd down five consecutive times. The inability to make the big stop helped take the "12th Man" factor out of the equation. After the Cardinals first touchdown they got the ball back on a Seahawk kick-off receiving miscue, resulting in another touchdown. The Seahawks were down 14 to nothing by the time Matt Hasselbeck and the offense took the field for the first time. The Seahawks also lost linebacker Lofa Tatupu for the remainder of the season.
Thank you to Dean Rutz and the Seattle Times for the picture.

Cougar Hoop Fans Meet In Bellevue

Enthusiastic Cougar Fans met Saturday night in the Grand Ballroom of Hyatt Regency in Bellevue for food, drink, and a preview of the upcoming WSU Men's and Women's Basketball season. The dinner, sponsored by Sterling Savings Bank, featured Women's Head Coach June Daugherty, Athletic Director Jim Sterk, and first year Men's Basketball Coach Ken Bone. Cougar stadium announcer, Communications Professor, and Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson was MC.

Both Coaches spoke of the need to upgrade facillities in order to compete in the Pac-10. Bone takes over a team that had made 3 consecutive post season appearences, including the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2007-2008 under departing coach Tony Bennett. Daugherty lead the Cougar woman to their highest finish in 10 years in her first year at the school.
Both coaches emphasized the youth of their programs and the need for fans to be patient.

Maple Valley's Brandi Carlile Has New Vid

5th District Democrats Sponsor Heath Care Forum

The 5th District Democrats held a panel discussion on proposed national health care reform last night. About 40 or 50 members of the community at large met at the Issaquah Senior Center near the city hall. The panel included Health Care Activist Robby Stern, Retired Physician Sidney Schwab, Planned Parenthood's Diane Bedwell, and Psychotherapist Karen Gorrin.

5th District Chair Jennifer Sutton was moderator. Dr Schwab started the discussion by speaking on the current state of health care. Mr Stern spoke about how close congress is to getting some type of public option passed, he eluded to the history of health care reform and how our system compares with other industrial nations around the world.
Stern said that with a public option available, workers would be able to have more options to seek employment, not having to worry about losing coverage. Dr Schwab spoke about the tremendous time and costs of billing and administration involved with the current system.
The forum was attended by Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger and two members of the Issaquah City Council. A buffet dinner was also served.

Scenes From My Dad's 80th

Friends of my Dad

Me, in a curious pose, probably unaware of the camera, also my wife

My Dad with his brother Arny on the left

My Dad and my brother Steve

My Dad and my brother Danny

My brother Steve and I

I want to the thank my brother, Danny for these great pictures, the top three from my Dad's 80th birthday party at Anthony's in Kirkland. The bottom three are from the brunch at the Kirkland Pancake House.

The Seahawks Run Away With It

In what has been a very frustrating season, the term "blow-out" is generally not associated with a Seahawk win, however they celebrated the return of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck with a 41-0 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Seahawk defense was dominating as Jacksonville failed to make a single big play. Hasselbeck threw 4 touchdown passes, 2 each to TJ
Houshmandzadeh and Nate Burleson. This was only the second victory for the 'Hawks who also shut out the Rams in the first game this season. Both victories were at Qwest Field.

And He's Proud Of It

Catch Burl Saturday at 3:00 Pacific Time on outlaw radio.

Golfers Will Tee Up At Olympics

After a long absence, Golf will be returning to the Summer Olympics in 2016. The International Olympic Committee approved the bid in Denmark after being lobbied by the International Golf Federation The last Olympics to host Golf was in 1904, when Canadian George Lyon shot a 77 to win the Gold. Rugby will also coming back to the 2016 Summer Games which will take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Mariners Celebrate Winning Season

Ichiro and Ken Griffey, Jr. are carried off the field as the Seattle Mariners become only the 13th team in Major League history to finish a season with a winning record one year after losing 100 games. Ken Griffey got a hit in what may have been the last at-bat in his career. A third place finish in the AL West may not seems like something to celebrate, but fans are hoping that it is the sign of better things to come. The Mariners 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers, by the way, marked the 19th victory of Felix Hernandez.

Seahawks Drop 3rd In A Row

Taking on Peyton Manning and the Colts in Indianapolis would have been a tall order for a Seahawk team at full strength, let alone a banged up, squad missing 2 of it's greatest players.

Manning threw for 353 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-17 victory. Seahawk Quarterback Seneca Wallace threw for 257 yards and one touchdown in valiant effort. The Colts are now 4 and 0 on the season--Seattle is 1 and 3.

Happy 80th!

A contingent of family and friends filled Kirkland's Anthony's Homeport to help my Dad celebrate his 80th birthday. Many in attendance were friends from college coming as far as Los Angeles. Also there were my brother, Danny and his wife, my brother Steve, my Dad's brother Arny and his wife Carol, my cousins, Joe and Sam and of course my Dad's wife, Jean who planned the party. My Dad's friend Aaron Epstein made a beautiful presentation.
The birthday cake pictured above referred to my Dad's passion of world traveling. Lorrissa, a friend of my wife, provided piano music and lead a sing-a-long.

Issaquah Salmon Days

Pretty much the last outdoor festival of the season, Salmon Days takes place this weekend in Issaquah,Washington. It encompasses the entire downtown and has food, music,art exhibits, and much more.

A Fun Mariner Video

The Mariners just won their 82nd game of the season--that's 21 more victories than last year.
Since Felix Hernandez won his 18th game last night, it means that they somehow won 64 without the young pitching phenom on the mound. I want to thank former Mariner announcer Ken Levine for this piece showing the amazing prediction of current Mariner announcer Mike Blowers. Congrats to the Seattle Mariners on a winning season.

Wounded Seahawks Fall Short

With numerous key players like quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on the sidelines with injuries, the Seattle Seahawks squandered a 13 point lead and lost to the Chicago Bears 25-19. Olindo Mare missed two field goals and the Seahawks coughed up numerous oportunities to put the game away. The 'Hawks second loss in a row drops them to 1 and 3.

Walking Sports Tour A Hit

If you are a real sports fan, you would happily bid high at a charity auction for a beer with ESPN Senior writer Jim Caple. The ESPN senior writer has covered the best players in every sport and is full of amazing facts and anectdotes. Last night, I took the "Sports On Tap" tour with Mr Caple and it was so much fun. The tour starts with at the Pyramid Ale House and winds through the SODO area to FX McRory's. Jim explains the history of Seattle sports which he covered as a reporter for the Bellevue Journal-American and later the Seattle P-I. He later became a beat writer with the Minnesota Twins. He is a native of Longview and grew up a San Francisco Giants fan.

On most nights, Seattle columnist Art Theil joins the tour, but last night, it was just Jim and I. As we walked past Safeco Field, he told me about the late Newspaper reporter Royal Brougham to which the street that runs between Safeco and Qwest is named. We also talked about the old Seattle Pilots baseball team, which predates the Mariners. Jim Caple is very engaging and entertaining and the tour gets great reviews. It is part of three tours, offered by "Seattle By Foot." There is also a walking coffee tour and a regular downtown tour.

Alan L Barer Hits 80

My father turns 8o tommorrow, we will celebrate with a party next week. My Dad was born one month before Black Tuesday, an irony since he has always enjoyed following the stock market. He is a graduate of University Of Washington and Walla Walla High School. He retired about 10 years ago from the family business in Walla Walla to live up here in the Puget Sound area. He is a history buff and loves to share his experiences and the family's unique history on his blog.

Thank You City Of Maple Valley

Thank you to the City Of Maple Valley for fixing the sidewalk at SE 244th and 238th Place SE. It was a hidden tripping hazard before the city came out to repair it.

On a warm clear night, the Moon shines over Maple Valley

King County Democrats Endorse Mallahan For Seattle Mayor

He was largely unknown a year ago, even by political insiders, but Joe Mallahan tonight received the sole endorsement of the King County Democrats for Seattle Mayor. Mallahan, a T-Mobile vice president, along with his opponent, Mike McGinn, knocked incumbant Mayor Greg Nickles out of the race in the August primary. Mallahan was emotional in his acceptance of the endorsement, promising to bring a different style of politics to city hall. The endorsement was significant in the fact that Mallahan had come under fire from some Democrats who were not supportive of some of wireless provider T-Mobile's policies.

Glenn Johnson honored

WSU Communications professor Glenn Johnson is honored in his 30th years at WSU. In addition to his classroom duties, he is stadium announcer for the WSU football and basketball teams and the mayor of Pullman.

Nightmare By The Bay--Seahawks Fall Short

While things were "rosy" this weekend for the Huskies, Cougars, and for the most part, the Mariners, things did not go well for the Seattle Seahawks. Lead by Frank Gore, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the 'Hawks 23-10. Gore had touchdown runs of 79 and 80 yards and amassed 207 yards overall. In addition, Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck went down late in the second quarter with a rib injury. Also lost to injury was tackle Sean Locklear.

Cougs Beat Mustangs

In what looked like another hopeless Saturday afternoon, the Washington State Cougars overcame a 17 point deficit to beat the SMU Mustangs in overtime 30-27 in Pullman today. It was the second major college upset in the state. Earlier, Washington shocked USC 16-13. Both games were won by field goals.

Dwight Pelz Visits 5th District Democrats

Washington State Democratic Chair Dwight Pelz spoke to the 5th Democrats last night at the

King County Library Service Center. While he was warmly received, the meeting could probably not be called a "lovefest" as he was peppered with questions as from concerned fellow Democrats on topics such as Washington's "Top Two" Primary, support for 5th District Candidates, holding Democratic elected officials to the platform and support for Democratic non-partisan candidates.

Pelz also questioned each of the attendees on how they felt about the health care issue. The room seemed evenly split between the cautious "Public Option" and the bolder "Single Payer" coverage. Pelz also mentioned that Democrats encompassed the fastest growing segments of the population, while Republicans compressed shrinking demographics. After the meeting Pelz joined thirsty 5th District members at the Issaquah Brewhous.

Seattle Radio Legends

Michael Hood of BlatherWatch, a blog that covers Seattle radio, posted this picture of KJR DJs from the mid 60s, in this picture are Larry Lujak, Jerry Kay,Dick Curtis, Jerry Kaye, Lan Roberts, Dick Curtis, Lee Perkins, and Pat O'day. In a few years, white shirts, and slick back where in most cases gave way to printed shirts and shaggy hair. KJR, a hit music station back then was the dominant station in the market.

Seahawks Kick Off Mora Era With Victory

The Seattle Seahawks executed well on both offense and defense today and beat the St.Louis Rams 28-0. Matt Hasselbeck, in his first game since Thanksgiving last year passed for 276 and three touchdowns. He did throw away a couple of scoring opportunities with interceptions in the early going. Julius Jones had a 119 rushing yards including a 62 yard touchdown run. Second year Seahawk Phenom John Carlson caught 2 touchdown passes.

Dawn Of A New Era

Jim Mora makes his Seahawk debut at 1:15 at Qwest Field as the Seattle Seahawks take on the StLouis Rams. After appearing in the playoffs five consecutive seasons under former coach Mike Holmgren, the Seahawks finished a disappointing 4-12 last year.

Women Against Fantasy Sports????

Yes, there is such a site . When I heard the morning guys on KJR talk about it, I thought that it was "tongue in cheek" but no it's dead serious. My guess is that these ladies have a little too much time on their hands. They should probably start their own league.

A Month To Go On Maple Valley Farmer's Market

Maple Valley holds it Farmer's Market every Saturday until October 10th. The Market, takes place at the Rock Creek Elementary School and lasts until 1:00.

In Memory Of 9-11

Wa Hi Football Season To Begin

The High School football season is upon us. Here is a look at how my alma matter, Walla Walla High School is preparing.

Don Brown's Life And Times Of Lillian Eldridge

This video was played at Lillian's birthday party, enjoy! Don Brown is Lillian's son and my wife's uncle. He lives in Houston, Texas and was not able to come to the big party.

Happy 90th Birthday, Lil

More Milestone birthdays around the corner.

Happy Birthday Cuz

Burl Barer wishes his brother Stan a happy 70th here

Have A Happy Labor Day!

Mariners On A Roll

The Seattle Mariners have won four straight now, a streak that started with two wins over division leading LA. While it's not realistic to think that they are in the race, it looks like new manager Don Wakamatsu is bringing a winning attitude to the team. I'm real excited to see whats in the future for this ballclub.

5th District Democrats Picnic

The political season got into full "swing" when the 5th District Democrats held their annual summer picnic at Lake Sammamish State Park. One of the "hits" of the afternoon was the dangling Elephant pinata. Here I am taking some hacks.