Hey Hey It's Doris Day

Well not really, Deb and I took Lillian (Deb's Grandma) to Bake's a Jazz Club in Providence Point in Issaquah to see Doris Day inpersonator Kristi King.  King's show featured songs and a biography of the Hollywood Icon.  In Picture above you see "Doris" with Lillian and I.

Inslee Endorsed In Bellingham

In a unanimous voice vote, the Washington State Democratic Central Committee
 endorsed Congressman Jay Inslee for Governor at it's meeting in Bellingham last weekend. Inslee currently represents Washington's 1st Congressional District (North King County) in the U. S. House Of Representatives, but served a previous term representing Central Washington's 4th Congressional District.  Inslee is expected to face Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna in the 2012 Governor's race.

Democratic State Committee Fall Meeting Lively

The Washington State Democratic Central Committee met in Bellingham this weekend in what would become a spirited debate on preserving it's values while meeting the challenges of the slow economy.
State Chair Dwight Pelz had announced that court rulings had declared the election of party Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) to be unconstitutional.  Because of this the county auditors of Washington are to appear before the legislature to take the election of PCOs off the ballot, as it has proven to be costly.  Pelz wanted to be able to have a "free hand" in negotiations with the legislature, including establishment of an online election of PCOs.  The committee, wary of voter fraud, felt that online voting was not the way to go, in preserving such elections.  After about an hour of discussions the proposal passed with a friendly amendment that made known of the body's disapproval of online PCO elections.
In a less controversial move, the committee allowed party activists to meet with their new Legislative Districts after the redistricting plans are approved.  As you may know, both legislative and congressional district lines are in the process of being redrawn after the 2010 census.
In another resolution drawing spirited debate, the committee approved a proposal to decriminalize Marijuana with the intention of taking power out of the hands of the drug cartels.  Although the measure past by a healthy margin, many voted against the proposal, on the basis that it would take attention away from more pressing issues.  In addition, many thought that it would make election of Democrats even more difficult in more conservative legislative districts and counties

Last weekend, we celebrated the 92nd birthday of my wife's grandmother Lillian by taking a boat ride with her and  the Hoaglands and Wagners to Tillicum Village, out in Puget Sound. Lillian has a lifetime love of Indian culture.
  Tillicum Village is a tourist destination on Blake Island, just south of Bainbridge Island. People take the one hour boat ride for a Seattle history lesson and an Indian Salmon bake.  It was a warm sunny day and a pleasant trip.

Lincecum (Bobblehead) On The Shelf

This bobble head of two time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum was given to me by Tim's dad Chris, a frequent customer at the Crossroads UPS Store.  I packed and shipped six Tim dolls to family and friends of the Lincecums last Monday.  As you probably know, Tim is a native of the Seattle area. 

Barers Of Maple Valley--New Lay Out

Like every other on line media,blogger has made changes.  You may have notice our new lay out.  Gone, at least temporarily, are the links and the "site-meter" I hope to have those return soon.  Now, you can post whatever I write on twitter and facebook with the touch of a button.  While I don't expect that too happen much, it will be real cool when my dad's blog makes the change.  Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy!

How I Remember 9/11

I remember the fall morning of September 11, 2001 very clearly, I had just gotten back from walking my dog,Rusty, when I faintly heard the newscaster on the TV  upstairs talking about the Pentagon.  My wife yelled, "Mike, turn on the TV! The Pentagon has been hit!" I immediately turned on the family room TV.  They had talked about the twin towers of the world trade center being hit.  I had no idea at the time what date it was.  911 was known as the emergency telephone number or an expression of a calamity.  How ironic or coincidental that this date would be tied to an event that was just that.  It was a continuous chain of events that would claim thousands of lives and  seemed to threaten the very existence of all we value. 

Observations On Walla Walla Wineries And Tasting Rooms

The Wine craze is still sweeping Walla Walla.  The town seems to be thriving, yet signs of a not so favorable economy have shown in pocket areas of the town, vacant houses with paint peeling are visable way too often.  Overall though, the city has a new vibrancy.  
Downtown has many tasting rooms. There are additional ones on the outskirts of town, usaully on the farms where the grapes are grown.  Here are a few words on some of the places that we visited.

Bergevin-Lane  Hey, Bergevin has been a well known name in Walla Walla for  generations.     One of the first wine places that I have visited in town, now a "must stop" on any Walla Walla trip.  This winery is owned by two women and stick to their theme.  The people are friendly and  pleasant.  The tasting room is closed on Sunday, so we went by on a Sunday and it was open.  Bonus points for that.  Wines are moderately priced and delicious.

Dunham Cellars   Has a tasting room near the airport.  Also, one of Walla Walla's older wineries.  This family also has a history in town.  Dog Maysy is very friendly and interactive with visitors.  Has tasting room with gift shop and a huge banquet room.

Zerba Cellars  Located just South of the Stateline in Oregon.  Nice setting (pictured above) with log cabin, adjacent deck, nice lady, whom I believe is one of the family poured some tasty wine.

Amavi Cellars  On Pepper Bridge Road, the deck of it's new tasting room deck has sweeping view of the Blue Mountains. 

Sleight Of Hand The most creative concept in wines, it got it's name from a Pearl Jam album.  The Wine maker was pouring, we found him very engaging and friendly.  The mound of dirt next to the tasting room made a great playground for my nephews.  As my nephew, Ethan says," who needs a frisbee when you have a pile of dirt."  The tasting room has an extensive record collection and let us pick an album to play while we were visiting.

1. Cayuse  On Main Street in the center of town, it announces it's presence, yet it's never open.

Labor Days Weekend In Walla Walla

We spent the weekend in Walla Walla, with in laws and cousins.  Walla Walla, as I have written before, has now gained international attention as a wine tasting destination.   Some even go so far as to call it Napa Valley North. 
Top picture is the breath taking view from the brand new Amavi Cellars tasting room on Pepper Bridge Road.  Second picture is the statues made from exhaust pipe and mufflers at Melody Muffler on 9th and Chestnut.  A statue of Marcus Whitman stands on Main Street near the college named for him.  Bottom picture is the old Liberty Theatre in the center of Downtown.

Veteran Broadcaster Bock Honored

This blog contains many posts on Walla Walla radio history.  Jim Bock is a living breathing part of that. He has been on the air since 1979 and is still going strong.  He has worked for each of Walla Walla's 3 big stations, K-Hit, KTEL, and KUJ.  Known locally as The Voice Of The Valley, Bock has just won the John P. Destito Award, an award that goes to non-Italians for promotion Itatian heritage.  According to the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, he is known to most as the announcer to the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede.

Mazel Tov!

We celebrated Cousin J's Bat Mitzvah at the posh Olive 8 ballroom in Downtown Seattle!  There was plenty of snacks, games, and dancing for all ages.  The brand new high rise, afforded some spectacular views and the atmosphere was electric.  The service had occurred earlier in the day at the Hertz Ner-Tamid.

Long Beach X: The Voyage Home

We stopped at historic Oysterville, one of Washingtons oldest cities.  This old church is one of their historic landmarks.

Long Beach IX: Go-Cart Racing

This whole trip was just four days and yet we are up to our ninth post.  Last day (last Monday), we raced go-carts with my brother-in-law and nephews.  I took this picture after the race.

Long Beach VIII: Last Night In Long Beach

We made a bon fire on the beach, with my Wife, Mother-In-Law, Grandmother-In-Law, Sister-In-law, Brother-In-Law, and two nephews on our last night in Long Beach.  Afterwards, Deb and I took a walk on the beach and came up on this dragon figure at the spot where the Kite Festival originated.

Long Beach VII: Jake The Aligator Man

Marsh's Museum in Long Beach houses Jake The Aligator man.  You can see my reflection as I take the picture

Long Beach VI: Cannon Beach

Some familiar shots around a familiar place, Cannon Beach is just down the road from Seaside.  With small shops, ice cream parlors, and lack of fast food chains, not to mention a beautiful beach, and of course, Haystack Rock  (top picture), it never fails to charm.  We went there on Sunday.

Long Beach V: A Visit To Seaside

This house on 7th and Prom in Seaside hold a special place in my heart.  My Grandmother would rent the lower right hand apartment.  The landlord, Mr Kelty, lived in a similar house next door.  The top picture shows me at 10.  My Grandfather is in the doorway.

Long Beach IV: Kite Festival

Kites of every color, shape and size litter the sky at Saturday's Kite Festival.

Long Beach III: Lunch At The Lightship and Indoor Kite Demo

A lunch at The Lightship, a high rise restaurant and lounge, provided excellent views of the surf (pictures 2 and 3).  We also attended the Windless Kite Demonstration (top picture) in the gym of the local elementary school.  Although we arrived too late to see his act, the star attraction was Connor Doran, who last year, auditioned on America's Got Talent.

Long Beach II Back Country Horse Rides

I went horseback riding for the first time that I can remember.  The Back Country Stable is across the Street from the World Mart where we were staying.

Long Beach, Washington--A Change Of Pace

We spent the last Weekend in Long Beach, WA, just up the road from Seaside and Cannon Beach, where we usually go in the summers.  They were having their yearly International Kite Festival at the time.  You can see the Kites in the background.

Coffee To Go, Please!

A simple picture of former Washington Governor, now U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke has sent China going ga-ga and has even increased hits on this blog.  The picture was taken at our own Sea-Tac Airport.  The Chinese are used to seeing diplomats treated with privilige.  A man walking through the airport, saw Ambassador Locke, with a backpack ordering at Starbucks with his daughter in tow and snapped the picture.

Well Written Book By Seattle's Towing King

The Hilarious Pink "Toe" Truck was a familiar sight to anyone exiting I-5 at Fairview in Seattle.  Ed Lincoln, in this folksy book tells the history of how he built his father's auto salvage yard into a multi million dollar business. His writing style is very folksy and engaging, often bringing memories to the reader of years gone by.  A promoter at heart, Lincoln always had a need for speed and a desire to stay ahead of the pack.  I would highly recommend "Life Through The Rearview Mirror".

Sunset On Pine Lake

Pine Lake is the Jewel of Sammamish, Washington.  This was taken from the park after one of the summer concerts.

The Go-Gos Rock The Seattle Zoo

It's been 30 years since it's megahit, Beauty And The Beat, and they have a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, but LA "girl band" The Go-Gos burst into the Woodland Park Zoo tonight like they had stepped out of a "time machine". Lead singer Belinda Carlile, looked young, fresh, and had a charisma that engulfed the the entire  concert area,  not an easy task as the meadow area of the zoo is flat and many picnic on the grounds.  An audience of all ages was standing, dancing,clapping, and singing (above picture) as the group played their hits, "We Got The Beat", "Vacation",  "Our Lips Are Sealed" as well as covers like the Rolling Stone's "Mother's Little Helper" and "Cool Jerk". 
The warm up band was San Antonio, TX based "Girl In A Coma" , another all girl group that played angst ridden rock to mixed reviews from the crowd. 

Brother Danny Featured In Report

My brother Danny, an LA attorney is featured in this report on the National Public Radio morning program All Things Considered, you can hear the audio here

Happy Birthday, Burl Barer

BOMV wishes Seattle radio personality turned writer Burl Barer, a very happy birthday.

Walla Walla's Top All Time Sports Broadcasters

I was asked by a friend to name the top 5 Walla Walla sports announcers.  Having not lived in Walla Walla in the last 22 years, I picked 5 who stood out in my memory, they are:

1. Roy Elia--Local guy, did sports reports on KHIT-XT-97.
2. Verne Russell--Owner of KUJ, play by play man for Walla Walla Phillies, Islanders, Padres.
3. Bevan Roth--KTEL  Wa Hi Blue Devil Football and Basketball.
4. Bud Bowman KTEL Wa Hi teacher and Bevan's sidekick on local sports broadcasts.
5. Larry Weir  KUJ, KTEL  Play by play Wa Hi Sports, then I believe, became announcer for EWU.
Honorable mention Pat Gillette, Chuck Boyk, Mike Cherry,Dana Wagner, Sherm Mitchell. Anyone you wish to add?

Local Woman Featured On CNN Heroes

Regular customer at the Crossroads UPS Store, Debbie Cantwell is featured on this segment of CNN Heroes. Cantwell started The Pink Daisy Project, a Breast Cancer support group.

East Meets West At The Hydros

Washington is lucky to have 2 Hydroplane racing events, one on either side of the state.  In this picture, one of my radio mentors, Geoff Harvey from Tri Cities (formerly Walla Walla) poses with Seattle radio icon Pat O'Day, a couple days before this year's Tri City race.

The UPS Store May Be On CNN Heroes

Tommorrow, CNN Heroes will air a feature on The Pink Daisy Project, a Bellevue based Breast Cancer support group.  Part of the footage was shot at The UPS Store in Crossroads where we work.
You can watch the segment Friday, August 5th at the following times.  8 am, 11 am , 2 pm, and 11 pm. It will also appear on some of the other CNN networks at various times. 

Grandson Decries Howard Cosell Hall Of Fame Omission

When Colin Cosell posts on his blog, it's usually a light hearted look at issues in the world of sports. In his latest one, however, he is dead serious as he rails against the omission of his grandfather, the legendary Howard Cosell from the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Also on the fact that Mr Cosell has not received the Pete Rozelle award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Remember that along with Don Meredith and Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell was part of the original Monday Night Football broadcasting team that changed American Culture. Much like Jackie Robinson, he was a pioneer who paved the way for the more articulate sportscasters and for sports talk radio personalities who "tell it like it is".

More Torchlight Parade

I thought that I would drop in some more highlights from last Saturday's parade.  Top picture is a Dragon float. Middle picture is the old"Miss Thriftway" Hydroplane and the bottom picture shows the Sea Gals (Seahawk cheerleaders), and Blitz, the Seattle Seahawk's mascot.   We were also celebrating my brother, Steve's 40th birthday as he and wife Dawn were up for the weekend.

Seafair Torchlight Parade Highlights Weekend

TV Personality and Seattle Sounders minority owner Drew Carey (above) was Grand Marshal  at the 2011 Seafair Torchlight Parade.  The  parade. which runs down the middle of Downtown Seattle starts the weeklong celebration that is capped with the Hydroplane races on Lake Washington next weekend.

Picnic With 5th Democrats

The 5th District Democrats annual picnic will be Sunday, July 31st at Lake Sammamish Park from 11:30am to 3:00.  Sunshine and funtimes are predicted.  For more information go to the 5th District web site.

Another Seattle Sports Icon Falls

Rick Kaminski, one of the most famous figures in Seattle sports, has passed away from a brain anuerism.Known to everyone as Rick the peanut man, he was a show within himself as he threw bags of peanuts to customers with amazing acuracy often"behind the back".  Bill "the Beerman" Scott  another famous Seattle food vendor, died in 2007.  Both got their start at the Kingdome in the late 70s.

Seahawks To Pass On Matt Hasselbeck

It has been announced that the Seattle Seahawks will not be signing Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.  Hasselbeck is the only quarterback to take the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, hopefully eventually he will be known as the FIRST quarterback to take the 'Hawks to the Super Bowl.  No doubt he will be on the Seahawk Ring Of Honor in the near future.   We wish him good luck wherever he lands.

My Old House

One of our customers, who also grew up in Walla Walla snapped this picture of the house that I grew up in on South Palouse Street.

Rusty Takes A Dip

On a rare sunny warm day, Rusty cools off by wading into the creek at Lake Wilderness Park, here in Maple Valley.

The Lighter Side Of Sports Links To BOMV

It is no secret that growing up I had an interest in going into broadcasting.  One of my heroes was ABC's Howard Cosell (top).  I first saw Howard doing reports at the 1968 Summer Olympics, then he would turn up on "Wide World Of Sports" doing commentary and also announcing boxing matches. He was different than all others,  giving his opinions, whether it was good or bad.  With the advent of Monday Night Football, Cosell would go on to become perhaps the most famous sportscaster of all time.  No doubt he had the most distinct delivery, reflecting his native Brooklyn.  His desire for social justice really struck a chord with me.  I had planned to write a letter to Howard to tell him how much he had influenced my life.  I never got around to doing that.
To that end, it was an honor to see Howard Cosell's grandson, Colin (lower picture), put me on the "blogroll" for his "The Lighter Side Of Sports" site.  I had met Colin through facebook and twitter and found that he is a talent in his own right.  The Lighter Side contains commentary about sports issues, much of it hard hitting like Howard would, but with a sense of humor.  Today with sports radio and what not, hard hitting sports commentary is easy to find and perhaps almost celebrated.  Today's sports announcers have Howard Cosell to thank for pushing the limits.