Dasher The Model

One of a set of pictures taken of Dasher at a dog exposition in Seattle a couple of weeks ago.  The photos were shot by Olydog out of Olympia, Washington . 

Oregon State Fires "First Brother In Law"

 

Craig Robinson, brother of first lady Michelle Obama, has been fired as coach of the Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team. Robinson accepted the job in 2008 during President Obama's first presidential campaign.
Robinson, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.  He also spoke at Seattle Magnuson Dinner that year. I attended that event, so far the only member of the Obama family that I have seen in person.  At the time of his hiring, The Obama family had for the most part, popularity that, while not universal, superceded  politics.  Now, after 6 years, the country is much more divided on how they view his presidency.  Perhaps this lead to distraction on Robinson's mission.  Oregon State now owes Robinson 4 million for the 3 years remaining on his contract.

Fiction Meets Reality

Julia Louis-Dreyfus who plays the Vice President on the hit HBO TV series The Veep and real Vice President Joe Biden combined to make this video satirizing the lack of respect that the office brings.  The video was played at the White House Correspondence Dinner.   As usual, the president's speech was well received as he poked fun of both his allies and foes.

Emma Peel by The Allies

 Seattle group "The Allies"  were a dance club favorite in the early to mid 80s.  At the time, music was driven by videos clips on MTV,  a cable channel marketed to teen-age to young adult music scene.  In it's early days, MTV mostly only showed music videos, run like a top-40 radio station.  It had a show called MTV Basement Tapes.  The concept was for unknown bands to submit tapes for air in hopes of being the "next big thing", much like American Idol is today.  Seattle band Rail was the first winner.
This video was entered into a subsequent Basement Tapes competition and although it did not win, it did finish well.  The Allies would later break up without achieving the national fame they had sought.

Local Actress In New Film

Bellevue Actress Cynthia Geary, famous for playing the waitress on the 90s TV show Northern Exposure, was a guest this week on King 5's New Day Northwest along with Seattle Filmmaker Julio Ramirez to talk about a new indie film project, Nothing Against Life" that premiered in Seattle this week.  Ramirez created the film and Geary has a starring part.  Suzie Wiley is hosting in place of Margaret Larson, who was ill at the time the segment was shot.   

On The Trail At Lake Wilderness

Earl Thomas Signs Big Contract With The Hawks

Seahawk Earl Thomas has a signed 4 year 40 million contract to become the highest paid player in NFL history at his position and remain with the team. Thomas has made All Pro for the past two seasons.  Thomas has started every game for the 'Hawks since being drafted out of Texas in 2010.  
The Seahawks can now turn their focus on to locking in Richard Sherman.

Remarks Costly For Sterling

CNN reports that LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling has received a lifetime ban from the NBA and a 2.5 million dollar fine for racial remarks recorded and heard over the weekend.

Gasman Scores A Goal With Authentic Masterpiece

In 2008, the Seattle Mariners went on a depressing losing skid, finishing the season, deep in last place.  The Seahawks, only 3 years removed from a super bowl appearence, provided little relief going 4-12.  The Cougars and Huskies had a couple of wins, both belonging to the Cougs.  To make matters worst, the one major team with a championship, the Sonics, left for Oklahoma City. 
The time was right for something to go right in the Seattle sports world and it did.  In Authentic Masterpiece, former KJR sports radio talk show host Mike Gastineau presents an entertaining history of what he calls the "...the best franchise launch in American Sports history. "  Gastineau writes that Paul Allen's attempt to build a new stadium for the Seahawks was doomed until they tapped into a huge covert market, Soccer fans.   A football-soccer stadium proposal was barely approved by the Seattle electorate.
Gastineau goes brick by brick on how a management team, an unusual combination of a Minor League Soccer team owner, an actor-comedian, a Hollywood movie producer and one of the richest men in the world formed a unique forward looking management team.  The search for the coach. Putting together the team, And finally the unique, but large contingent of Soccer Fans, know to flood Seattle bars in the early morning hours to watch soccer matches halfway around the world.
We read about Drew Carey, who was the comedian-part owner who came up with one of the craziest ideas in professional sports after a bad Sounder loss.
Mike Gastineau was at KJR for 2 decades, and made his reputation as "the voice of reason".  This book shows that he has real talent as a writer.  If you are a sports fan, but maybe not a soccer fan, like me, this book will key in on what makes the team and the sport a local success.  If you are a Sounders fan, this is a must read.  For more information on the book, you can go to the Gastineau website.

Super Reserve Quarterback Earl Morrall Dies

If Earl Morrall would be playing today, his accomplishments would make him a million dollar superstar.  As it happened, Morrall played when NFL football was played once a week (later twice) and there was no sports radio, twitter, or the like.   Morrall stepped in for legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, to lead the Colts to Super Bowl III.  Of course, he had to shoulder the Colts loss in an upset by the New York Jets.  It was the first time an NFL team (in what is now the NFC) would lose to the AFL. 
Morrall later would redeem himself in Super Bowl V coming off the bench to lead Baltimore to it's first Super Bowl win.  He remains the only quarterback to come off the bench to lead a team to a come from behind Super Bowl victory.
When the Miami Dolphin's quarterback Bob Griese was injured in 1972, Morrall, stepped up and lead the Dolphins to an undefeated season and it's first Super Bowl victory. 
The common link to those 3 Super Bowl appearances was head coach Don Shula, who after moving from the Colts to the Dolphins, acquired Morrall, after the Colts cut him.
Earl Morrall died last week after suffering from Parkinson's Disease. There was a suggestion by a sportswriter that the Comeback Player Of The Year award be named after Morrall.  I think maybe he should be remembered as the "12th Man".

More Las Vegas

From last week's Las Vegas trip, I'm posing in front of the banner outside the Gold And Silver Pawn Shop, where the Pawn Stars show on the History Channel is shot.

Buildings Devastated By Explosion In North Bend

An explosion and fire in North Bend, approximately 20 miles from Maple Valley, has  destroyed about 3 buildings and shaken the community.  The explosion was reported to have happened about 3:30 Friday morning.  It was said to have occurred in what used to be a Pizza Restaraunt.  It also destroyed a barber shop and damaged a Les Schwab Tire Center.  At this time, only a few minor injuries were reported.

Dan Lewis Leaving KOMO News Desk

After 27 years, Dan Lewis is calling it quits as KOMO 4 TV news anchor.  Lewis who along with the late Kathi Goertzen and weatherman Steve Poole were amongst the longest running local TV news teams in the country.   As well as his longevity or maybe because of it, Lewis has become known as a steady presence in the local media, guiding viewers through a couple of personal tragedies such as the passing of Kathi Goertzen and a helicopter crash that took the life of a KOMO reporter and pilot last month.  Lewis was brought over from Washington, DC in 1987 to replace retiring anchor Jim Harriott.  He has said his decision to come out west to work at KOMO 4, the best move he has ever made.  Lewis will make his last newscast toward the end of May.

Barers Go To Vegas

My wife and I, along with my Mother-in-law, spent a few days in Las Vegas.  Mother-in-law had been there for the entire week, Deb and I flew down Wednesday.  We drove all the way up the strip on the first night and stopped in at the Gold And Silver Pawn Shop, made famous by the History Channel reality show Pawn Stars  (pictures 3rd and 4th from top).   We did not eat at the Heart Attack Grill, (second from top), but I thought that it made an interesting picture.  We also stopped in at Circus Circus (top picture).  On Thursday, we spent a lot of time enjoying the 90 degree weather at the pool.  We toured the strip at night.  We at Bobby's Burger Palace, run by Food Network chef Bobby Flay.  The next day, we toured Red Rock State Park (bottom picture). It was a beautiful drive though we were short on time as we had to return for an evening show. 
We watched Vegas The Show at the Planet Hollywood Casino.We conclude the night with dinner at the PBR restaurant.

So Long Hurricane

Ruben "Hurricane" Carter, the middleweight boxing contender who inspired the Bob Dylan song "Hurricane" is dead at 76 from prostate cancer.  Carter was convicted of killing 3 people in a Patterson, NJ bar the took place 1966, two witnesses who testified against Carter, later recanted.  Carter won a second trial in 1976 where his conviction was upheld.  He was freed in the mid 80s. You can read more about the Hurricane Carter story here.

Liberace's Piano

In the Cosmopolitan Casino, there is a museum dedicated to Liberace, one of the best known Las Vegas performers.

Happy Easter

Looking Out

Our backyard after a Spring rain.

Rodney Tom Chooses To End Merry-Go-Round Political Career

Democrats, who have been gearing up to defeat 48th District Senator Rodney Tom of Medina, were dealt a pleasant surprise.  The Senator, a one time Rino (Republican in name only), Democrat, most recently Dino (Democrat in name only) has now left his former party standing at the altar. Tom has just announced that he would not seek another term.
Two years ago, Tom and another long time self declared Democrat Tim Sheldon, abandoned the party caucus and succeeded in denying Senate Democrats an elected majority, in doing so, Tom became  majority leader, Shelden, the president pro-tempore.  This enraged the State Democratic Committee, they soon voted to censure Tom and Sheldon. Tom's backslide should have been a coup for Republicans, but they now find themselves at the 11th hour without a candidate. 

Container Store In Tukwila Opens

Last Thursday, we attended a grand opening party at The Container Store in Tukwila. The Container Store is a specialty chain that retails storage and origanizational solutions. There was an open bar, elegant food, and a live band. The food was actually served from merchandise in the store.  The store is located at 2437 Southcenter.  On grand opening weekend, 10 percent of the proceeds from sales over the weekend will be donated to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Colbert Tapped To Replace Letterman

CBS has announced that Stephen Colbert will replace retiring The Late Show host David Letterman in 2015.   Colbert's show The Colbert Report on Comedy Central has been a hit since it's launch in 2005.  Colbert, in my opinion, seems to have that certain type of subtle  humor (for lack of a better word) that would be a good fit for the network, similar to the style that allow Letterman  a 20 year run.

Hart Hits 2 Round Trippers In Home Opener.

He shares the name of a Canadian pop singer, but the Mariners Corey Hart is rock star enough for this town as his two home runs lead the Seattle Mariners to a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.  Just like in last week's season opener against the same team, the M's fell behind early, only to come from behind with the help of timely hitting.  The M's have just won 4 in a row against the Angels and are 5 and 2 to start the 2014 seasson.

Malcom Smith At Disney World

Seahawk Defensive Back Malcom Smith rides in the Disney World parade in Orlando.  Smith was named MVP in this year's Super Bowl.  The World Champion Seahawks will be honored tomorrow at the Seattle Mariners home opener at Safeco.

Mickey Rooney Dies

Mickey Rooney, the short but exuberant actor and entertainer whose career spanned decades has died at 93

Drinking Liberally In Southeast King County

The 5th District Democrats have announced the start of Drinking Liberally, a grassroots gathering of people who meet in public houses to discuss politics.  Chapters of Drinking Liberally have sprung up across the nation.  It does not encourage people to drink and you do not have to be Liberal or a drinker of alcohol to attend.  You need only bring your concerns and curiosity and perhaps a GPS to find the location.  Drinking Liberally meetings will be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Zeek's Pizza 2525 NE Park Ave in Issaquah at 6:00.  State Senator Mark Mullet owns the Zeeks franchise and may be attending to give us tips on what is happening in the state legislature.

King County Sheriff's Office In Maple Valley Reopens

In the heart of Maple Valley the Hicks-Raburn Precinct 3 office, named for two fallen King County officers is back open for business.  The office was closed almost 3 years ago, probably due to budget cut.  In a ceremony held Tuesday, March 18th, Sheriff John Urquhart, County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilman Reagan Dunn, and Congressman Dave Reichert, a former King County Sheriff were the featured speakers.  The precinct office is located at 22300 SE 231st St in Maple Valley, across from the fire station.

Mariners Start Season By Sweeping Angels

Seattle sports fans are thinking baseball again after the Mariners started the season with a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels.  It's still early in the season, but after a dozen years of dismal play in the American League West, it was nice to see the hometown nine manhandle the perennial contender in the division.   It was the M's first sweep in Anaheim since 2006 and the first sweep to start a season for the Mariners since 1985.  The team completed the sweep with an 8-2 victory.

Ethan Pitches For Falcons

It's high school baseball, nephew Ethan Wagner pitches for the Freshman Woodinville Falcons.  Barers Of Maple Valley attended the game yesterday at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland.  The Falcons beat the LW Kangs in extra innings.  Ethan pitched one inning in relief, you can see him on the mound in this picture..

Jeanne Romano Shows Her Pictures On New Day

Jeanne Romano, a former network TV comedy writer who now specializes in painting pets, appeared on New Day Northwest last week to show off her latest works and to demonstrate technique. Jeanne was the artist who painted our dog Dasher's picture and she shows that work during her presentation. You can also view Jeanne's work at artisan tails.

Ernie Kent Hired To Coach Cougs

Ernie Kent, who lead Pac 12 rival Oregon to 5 NCAA  tournaments, has been hired to coach the men's basketball program at Washington State.  Kent spent 13 seasons at Oregon before being let go in 2010 after a mediocre season.  Kent is the second major hire for WSU athletic director Bill Moos, who has had little tolerance for coaching picksfrom the old regime.  Moos, as a matter of fact had hired Kent to come to Oregon, when serving as AD for that school.

Weekend Adventure

We spent this last weekend  over at Birch Bay (top picture), a quiet resort on the Strait about 100 miles from Seattle.  We met up with our friend Marjie and Rick who were in Bellingham on business.  We checked out the local restaurants, walked the beach and enjoyed a little rest and relaxation. 
When our friends left today, Deb and I went up over the Canadian border to White Rock, BC.  (bottom picture) It is a beautiful seaside resort about 20 miles from Vancouver.  We had lunch at a nice restaurant on the beach called Deluxe.   We then drove a little further down the beach and walked the pier.

Mike Gastineau Pens Sounder History

Former Sports Radio 950 afternoon drive host Mike Gastineau, has a new book out detailing the history of Seattle MLS soccer club, The Sounders.  The book is titled  Sounders FC  Authentic Masterpiece. According to the cover, it is "the inside story of one of the most successful franchise launches in American sports history."   The Sounders of course started play in 2009 on the heels of dismal seasons from the Mariners and Seahawks, and the departure of the Super Sonics.  while most expansion teams experience growing pains, the Sounders started winning as soon as it hit the field, kicking off with a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls.  The team proceeded enter the playoffs in each of it's first 4 seasons.  You can see reviews, preview, or order Gastineau's book by clicking here.

Toll Rises To 14 In Mudslide Tragedy

A deadly mudslide has hit Oso Washington, a rural town in Snohomish County.  Public safety officials have confirmed 14 deaths.  Also, 176 are reported missing.  This has been a tragic week for residents of the Puget Sound area as a helicopter leased to KOMO 4 TV crashed near the station in downtown Seattle, killing both people aboard.
The phone number 425-388-5088 has been set up to report people that are missing or unaccounted for, or for people, in effected areas to report that they are safe.  Anyone wanting to make donations can call 1 (800)Red-Cross.  President Obama has declared a state of emergency in the area.
Oso is 81.5 miles from Maple Valley, about a 90 minute drive.  It is located on the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River.

Lee Goldberg And Partner Have New Book

The follow up to the Lee Goldberg and Janet Evanovich best seller The Heist is now available.  The Chase continues the adventures of  die hard FBI agent Kate O'Hare and her quest to bring down con man Nicolas Fox.  Both Goldberg and Evanovich are well known for solo projects.  I read The Heist and found it very entertaining.   You can order The Chase by clicking here.

Suzan Del Bene Speaks To 5th Democrats

Suzan Del Bene was in Issaquah this week to speak to a group of Democrat's in the 5th Legislative District. The Freshman Democratic Congresswoman sits on the Agriculture and Judiciary Committees.  She represents Washington's 1st Congressional District which encompasses a fraction of the 5th.  The 5th also runs into the 8th Congressional District which is represented by Republican Dave Reichert.

Former Councilman, Journalist Jim Compton Dies

Jim Compton, former NBC and KING 5 journalist who later served on the Seattle City Council, has died at 72.  In the 1990s he hosted the Compton Report, a look at news around the Seattle area and beyond, I remember his interview with Geraldo Rivera, at the time, a leader in what was known as "trash TV", Rivera was so angered by Compton's questioning that he was heard saying "what a punk", thinking that he was off the air. 
Compton was elected to the Seattle City Council in 1999, chairing a commission to review the beating death of an area resident during Seattle's Fat Tuesday celebration.  He was also a leader in getting wind farms established as a chair of the city council's utilities commission.
He did get tied, along with two fellow council members to the Strippergate scandal, which involved members of the council taking contributions from businessmen who were involved with a Seattle nightclub.  He was also fined  for riding to an NBA game on Paul Allen's jet. The Seattle PI's Joel Connally chided that the "cobra like Seattle elections and ethics commission--it will strike at anything--fined Compton $3000..."   Compton resigned from the council in 2006.

WSU Hoop Coach Fired

The Washington State Cougars are looking for a new Men's Basketball coach after the firing of Ken Bone.  The Cougars hired Bone 5 years ago after the departure of Tony Bennett for Virginia.  He guided them to the NIT semi finals in his second season, but his win totals dropped every season afterward. The Cougs went 10-21 this last season, 3-15 in Pac 12 Conference play.

Tragedy Hits Seattle

A KOMO TV news helicopter has crashed to the ground in downtown Seattle while trying to land on the Fisher Plaza helipad.  It is reported that 2 people aboard are dead.  The close knit Seattle media community, are visably shaken while reporting this horrible incident.  One other has been hurt. 

Happy St.Patrick's Day!

Mike Salk Returns To ESPN

People do return to Seattle!  Mike Salk, who along with former UW quarterback Brock Huard, helped put ESPN710 on the local sports radio map, will return to the station on March 23rd.  Salk left last year to take an afternoon slot at Boston radio station WEEI.   Salk will be the station's program director and have an air slot at a yet undisclosed time.

Golden Tate Leaving The 'Hawks

One of my favorite Seahawks Golden Tate has joined another team via free agency.  Golden Tate has signed a five year deal with the Detroit Lions.  Golden was Seattle's leading wide receiver, but even better, he was the team's "Dennis The Menace" seemingly always falling into some controversy.
The first time that he made news in Seattle, he was caught sneaking into a Top Pot Doughnut shop.  He proceeded to give the company advertising worth hundreds more than what he had taken. Then came the controversial catch to beat the Green Bay Packers on MNF.  ESPN analysts treated it like a national tragedy and the NFL knew they needed to bargain with the striking NFL officials.  There was the taunting of a defender during the Rams game, but after Terrell Owens taking out a pen and autographing a football in our stadium years ago, it was nice to see us doing the trash talk. Tate caught 64 passes for 898 yards last season, and scored 5 touchdowns. 
I was also sorry to see guard Breno Giacomini leave, the former Seahawk tackle signed with the New York Jets.  His wife was a frequent customer at The UPS Store in Crossroads.  I got to meet Breno at the store a couple weeks ago and congratulate him on the Super Bowl win.

Back To The Trail

Spring weather and Daylight savings time allowed Dasher and I to return to the Lake Wilderness Trail after work for the first time this year.

Burl Gets Lesson In Dog Behaviour

A while back, Cousin Burl Barer and Judy Faye, along with their dogs, were guests on the "Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Millan. 

Michael Bennett Will Remain A Seahawk

Stand-out defensive end Michael Bennett, who late last week indicated a desire to test the free agent waters, has resigned with the World Champion Seahawks  Keeping Bennett, who lead the team with 8 and a half  sacks was not cheap,  it is for 4 years and 28.5 million dollars with 16 million guaranteed.   The 'Hawks also released defensive end Red Bryant and wide receiver Sydney Rice to clear space under the salary cap.   Bennett is 28 years old and is 6'4, 274 pounds.

Stayin Alive BeeGees Tribute Band Plays At ShoWare Center

Stayin' Alive paid tribute to the late brother of Bee Gee Members Andy Gibb during the show Friday night at ShoWare Center in Kent.

Washington 5th LD Democrats To Caucus

Democrats in Washington's 5th Legislative District will caucus Sunday March 9 2014, 1:00 pm at the Maple Valley Library, 21844SE 248th Street, Maple Valley 98038.  Delegates and alternates to go to the Democratic State Convention in Spokane this June will be chosen.   Be sure to watch your time, since daylight savings time begins tomorrow morning.

Night Out At Showare

Deb and I watched the Bee Gee tribute band "Stayin' Alive" at the Showare Center in Kent.

More On Big Dan Murphy

My remembrance post of Big Dan Murphy has generate a lot of traffic to this blog. I typed it up minutes after I learned of his passing, so I really couldn't provide much in the way of information. Dan and I had been facebook friends for years and I would bring him in on anything that had to do with local old Walla Walla radio or radio in general. 
I can, I feel do one positive thing.  Dan was married just 5 months before his passing and his family has set up this web site, you can honor his memory by  clicking here.   A fund has been started for Big Dan Murphy at all Wells Fargo Banks. 

Barers Of Maple Valley On TV

Deb and I were back again on New Day Northwest on KING 5 today (Monday March 3rd) once again with boxes, envelopes, bubblewrap and cards, but it was a stuffed golden retriever that stole the show.  Thank you Host Margaret Larson and Producer Su Ring.

Ken Levine's Annual Oscar Review

TV writer and blogging humorist Ken Levine shares his take on last night's Academy Awards telecast. Click here

Another TV Appearance

Deb and I will be on New Day Northwest on KING 5 TV tomorrow (Monday March 3rd).  The show will air at 11am PST.  Once again, we will talk about how you can do more than ship at your local The UPS Store. If you can not catch it, we will try to post the video here.

Northwest Radio Personality Big Dan Murphy Dies

Big Dan Murphy, a Spokane radio personality has passed away.  Murphy, worked in Walla Walla for radio station KUJ using the name Wee Willie Winkle.  His next stop was Tri-Cities where he used the name Dancin' Dan Murphy.  I did not know him well, but he was a good friend of my brother, Danny.  The two had both appeared in the WWCC production of Arcenic And Old Lace.   Dan and I traded e-mails a while back after connecting on a radio history site.  I found this video of Dan on the air in Spokane, click here.