Walla Walla TV Memories--Uncle Jimmy's Clubhouse

Walla Walla did not have a TV station, but we did have stations from Tri Cities and Spokane.  Eventually with the advent of Cable, we were able to get Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  One of the more memorable children shows was Uncle Jimmy's Clubhouse.  We saw it on KEPR, out of Pasco. It actually originated from KIMA in Yakima.  Children would appear on the show on or near their birthday.   If a child was not able to be on the show their name would be read from the birthday book.  Sponsored by Darigold, a regional milk distributor, one lucky child got to drive a miniature milk truck.  Uncle Jimmy was Jimmy Nolan, a WSU grad who had worked at KUJ in Walla Walla in 1940.  He would host the show, as well as do news at the station from mid 1950s to the late 70s.

Mariner Fans Seeing Improvements

The Mariners are at 48 wins and 39 losses, third in the American League West.  After the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, it was widely thought that the M's, which had been off the Seattle sports radar for almost a decade, would stumble through another long hopeless season.  This year however, it is clear that the years of futilitty may soon be over. The M's have been hanging in, even after a couple of losing streaks and have even shown some power at the plate. 
So, my conclusion is that we should enjoy the season improvements and not worry about the chance for a late season fade.  The M's face the White Sox today to conclude a three game series in the Windy City.

Happy 4th Of July

4th Of July With Seattle Radio Icon Pat O'Day

Celebrating the 4th Of July. Seattle Style

Beautiful Summer Night In Maple Valley

We love eating dinner out on the deck in the summer.  This was taken just as the sun was setting, my favorite time.

Area Temperature Shoots Up

Puget Sound area temperatures are expected to cool to the upper 70s today.  The thermometer hit 94 yesterday breaking records for that date.  It  was a busy day at our store, so there was not much chance to get a break from the heat.  Luckily, air conditioning was working properly.

THE CHASE by Janet Evanovich & Lee Goldberg (Commercial)

What I'm reading now.  This summer beach read is actually better than The Heist, the first Evanovich Goldberg best seller.

The Turtles Bring Act To Area

They were on every teen show in the 60s.  Los Angeles based band, The Turtles, are coming to the Snoqualmie Casino on July 11th.  For information on the show, go to www.snocasino.com .  The two leaders of the group, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, were also part of the Mothers Of Invention group, led by Frank Zappa. 

The group was mentioned in passing by The Boss, Bruce Springsteen during the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction of the E Street Band.

If that doesn't do it for you, the concert will also feature such living legends as Mitch Ryder, Gary Lewis And The Playboys, Mark Farner and much more.

Howard Kaylan makes his home in the Seattle area.

Sheryl Crow - Summer Day

Another Great Summer Song

Hope For World Class Local Area Athlete

We should be proud to have Hope Solo living in the area, she is a two time Olympic gold medal winner.  She is a lifelong Washington state resident, growing up in Richland, attending the University of Washington and playing for the hometown Seattle Reign Women's Soccer team.  She is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the game.  She was also a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, one of the few if any contestants to clearly identify with the Seattle area.
With a very easy to remember name and being a top female athlete comes challenges, incidents that would maybe be unnoticed by news media become big stories when a well known figure is involved.  We are saddened to hear of Hope's current troubles and hope (no pun intended) that she can get proper support to give this story a happy ending.

End Of An Era At Temple B'Nai Torah

Rabbi James Mirel lead his last Shabbat service this weekend.  Mirel is retiring after holding the positiion of senior rabbi at Temple B'Nai Torah for 29 years.
We met Rabbi Mirel after our engagement in 1994, I was not affiliated with any temple  and approached him to see about officiating at our  ucoming wedding.  We attended a Friday night service at the temple, then located on Mercer Island and was inspired by the welcomeness and the spirituality.  As things turned out, we had a different rabbi, along with a minister offiate at our wedding, but I knew that we would join TBT,  which would soon move to the Crossroads area of Bellevue.
Rabbi Mirel would fly to Walla Walla in 2009 to officiate at my brother's wedding.

Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft #1 Hit(1972)

It's Summer!

More Spokane

We were only in Spokane for a couple of days, but had so much fun, it generated at least 4 blog posts. My cousin took this picture of me going down the slide at the Red Lion Hotel swimming pool.  This was Saturday afternoon, right after getting out of the convention.  Refreshments are served poolside.

The Vietnam War Memorial--Spokane

While walking through Riverfront Park in Spokane, I came across a beautiful statue.  It was the Vietnam War Memorial dedicated to the soldiers from the area who lost their lives in the conflict.

Dasher Carrying His Leash

The sight of Dasher carrying his leash through Riverfront Park and also through the Red Lion Hotel, caused jaws to drop,  all sorts of strangers came up to pet and compliment him. Many also took his picture.

Barers Go To State Democratic Convention In Spokane

We drove to Spokane last weekend to attend the Washington State Democratic Convention.  My cousin and her husband were also visiting Spokane and under the original plan, we would have dinner with them and then attend some hospitality suites.
What we did not plan for, was a massive road construction project on I-90 (top picture). It took us an unbelievable hour and a half to go a mere 30 miles into the city.  Even as Seattle area residents, we are not accustomed to such long traffic delays.
We stayed at the Red Lion At The Park, our room over looked the beautiful Riverfront Park where Expo 74 was held (middle picture). 
The next morning, a breakfast was held with speakers like Attorney General Bob Ferguson and State Senator Andy Billig spoke.
The Convention feature Governor Jay Inslee (bottom picture) as well as a number of local community leaders.  After a lunch with some of my former 5th District Democratic leaders at Clinkerdaggers at the Flour Mill.  We returned to the convention to begin working on the platform.

KJR Kosher For Cougs Again

Not so very long ago, listening to Sports Radio 950 was a passion you could share with all of your sports buddies.  Water cooler discussion were based on what outrageous thing Mitch or Softy may have said during a particular broadcast day. 
In 2002, KJR won the rights to broadcast Washington HuskyFootball and Basketball, as a consequence, the station became something of an unabashed booster of the Husky programs.  While I continued to listen, many WSU Cougs abandoned the station.
Yesterday, it was announced the U-W sports were returning to KOMO1000.  Does that mean Cougs will come back?  Time will tell.

Keith Remembers Tony Gwynn

ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann tells a touching story of San Diego Padre Tony Gwynn. Gwynn was an 8 time National League batting champion and retired with a career batting average of .338

Mike And Dave

We took my Dad to Safeco Field on Father's Day to watch the Mariners play the Texas Rangers.  Here I am at the statue honoring the great Mariner announcer Dave Niehaus.  Perhaps, rubbing the stature's shoulder gave the team good luck.  The Mariners broke a 5 game losing streak, beating the Rangers 5-1.

So Long Tony Gwynn

The San Diego Padre Hall Of Famer died today of cancer.   He played early in his career for San Diego's single A team the Walla Walla Padres.  A Sports Illustrated article on him mentioned his start in Walla Walla, one of the few times up to then that the town got national sports recognition.
Known as Mr. Padre, Gwynn had 3141 hits in his Major League career.

Casey Kasem Signs Off

Casey Kasem, who brought America the Top 40 countdown has died.  The iconic Kasem was popular for not only playing the most popular songs from number 40 to number one, but also for humanizing the music business.  Kasem would tell anecdotes about various Rock acts. 
Things have changed but until Kasem's show played in Walla Walla on K-HIT in the 1970, you could only hear Rock music at night from Monday until Saturday.  The only other way was to listen to the scratchy (from distance) Tri City stations.  K-HIT, at the time, was under new ownership and in the process of modernizing. Now on Sundays, teenagers like myself had music on the radio that we could enjoy listening to. 
By strange turn of events, Kasem died in Gig Harbor, about 35 miles from Maple Valley.  It was after a very ugly battle amongst family members. Maybe now we  will remember Casey from the right way.  As the man who gave us "....the hits from coast to coast."

Rockin' The Park On Maple Valley Days

We caught the Peter Benjamin Band at Maple Valley Days until the rain came pouring down.  Even though it looks sparse, there actually was a decent crowd on hand enjoying the music, which ranged from standards from artists like Bruce Springsteen and Buddy Holly, to the band's own material.  Maple Valley days is an annual festival, taking place in Lake Wilderness Park.

Happy Father's Day!

Coaching Legend Noll Dies

Chuck Noll, who guided the Pittsburgh Steelers to 4 Super Bowl titles has died.  More details later.

Maple Valley Days This Weekend

Maple Valley's one weekend festival has started.  Information here

Jean Enersen Retiring

I have known that Jean Enersen has that Jean Enersen as had a long career as co-anchor of the KING 5 News, I did not know that she was the first local female news anchor in the country.   Enersen began co-anchoring at the Seattle station 42 years ago.  Today, it is hard to imagine a local news report anywhere that does not have a female co-anchor.  What is even more amazing, is that Enersen has continued to co-anchor at that same station until this week, as she has just announced that she will retire from her anchoring duties.  
Enersen, who has been at KING 5 TV since 1968 originally as a reporter, will continue to do specials and Healthlink reports. 

Seahawk Star Sherman Moving To Maple Valley

Maple Valley is in the news as the new home of Seahawk cornerback Richard Sherman. Reports are that the standout cornerback has purchased the home of NBA star Jamal Crawford for 2.31 million.  Although the area, is rustic, with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, it has seldom been in the news for celebrity home purchases.  The house features such amenities as a deck for every bedroom and an indoor swimming pool.

A Day At Emerald Downs

The Miss Budweiser of 1968 looms large as Deb and I met my cousin and her husband to watch racing at Emerald Downs.  The Boat was so big, I could only get part of it.  We watched 7 horse races.
 In rhe 7th race StopShoppingDebbie continued her unbeaten streak her 7th in a row, The longest in the nation.
 The Miss Budweiser did not race, of course, but was there with race cars, motor cycles and other displays for guys weekend at the track.

A Beautiful Evening

A sailboat looms as the Seattle skyline is seen in the distance.  This was taken from Marsh Park on the shore of Lake Washington in Kirkland about 7pm last night.

Rock Hall-Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band-The E Street Shuffle

The induction of the E Street Band  was the highlight of the induction ceremony, even though acts that I enjoyed more were also part of it.  Bruce Springsteen used his tremendous stage presence, talent and charisma to tell the story of why his band should join him in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

Campus Shooting In The Area

A gunman is in custody after he opened fire at the Seattle Pacific University campus One person is dead.

Joan Jett and Nirvana Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2014

For the second year in a row, a Seattle area (last year, it was Heart) rock act was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame.  I watched the presentation on HBO, with performances from artists as divergent as Cat Stevens, Hall And Oates, the E Street Band, and KISS. Seattle's Nirvana used Joan Jett, (who had a pretty amazing career herself) and another lady to front it's band instead of the late Kurt Cobain.  Cool to see Kris Novaselic, who I actually met several years ago,performing on TV.  Kris was a Democratic State Committeeman at the same time as me and we met at a meeting.  Pretty establishment type stuff for a member of a cutting edge band, but at least he's a Democrat.  I also saw Kris perform with other Nirvana members at the Paul McCartney concert last summer.

The Rock Hall Of Fame was a good watch on HBO, I may show some more acts later.

Seattle Makes History With 15 Dollar An Hour Minimum Wage

The lead story on the 6:00 CBS radio news report was the Seattle City Council's 9-0 passing of the 15 dollar an hour minimum wage.  KIRO reporter Brandi Kruse had her report played nationally.  How this will play out is a big mystery.  I'd like to think that a high minimum wage will give workers more disposable income, increasing buying power to create more jobs.  
Businesses, however are talking about lay-offs, higher prices, or relocation.  Right now, there seems to be so much contention between pro and con, I think that perhaps the two sides should maybe find a meeting point to make this work. 

Majestic Mt. Si

This was taken from the backyard of our friends, Marjie and Rick, who had of over for a barbecue last night.

Veteran Maple Valley Council Member Jonas Will Resign

The Covington Reporter has just announced that veteran Maple Valley City Councilwoman Victoria Laise Jonas will resign her seat in late June because she will be leaving the city.   Jonas was elected to the Council in 1999.  At the time, Maple Valley had only been incorporated for a couple of years.
Since then, the city has seen rapid commercial growth, however Jonas will be most remembered for her work with the city's food bank and it's weekly seasonal Maple Valley Farmer's Market, which she co-founded.  Jonas will continue to operate the market this year, commuting from her new home in Key Peninsula.
Known for her dedication to public service, she has been a volunteer for the "Maple Valley Make A Difference Day" committee and is on the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foudation.  According to The Reporter, she is the longest serving elected official in Maple Valley history.

Seattle's Ballmer Buys Clippers At 2 Billion

Former Microsoft owner Steve Ballmer has ventured on his own to buy the LA Clippers for an NBA record 2 Billion dollars.  It is an ironic twist that the purchase of the Clippers team would ever set a record, they were for a long time the "spare tire" of the NBA.  They had long considered the worst sports franchise of all time.  In the past, when the Lakers had the best record in the NBA, the Clippers, playing in the same city, had the worst.
Recently, though, the Clippers have put together a formidable team and with the recent controversy over Clipper owner Donald Sterling's comments, they have become a lucrative purchase. 
Ballmer was recently involved in attempts to bring the Sacramento Kings to Seattle, that attempt failed when a local group stepped up to keep the team in California's capital city.

Husky Basketball Great Bob Houbregs Dies

Sort of lost in the shuffle of local news was the death of legendary Husky basketball player, Bob Houbregs.  You may think it funny that I, being a Cougar, would write about a U-W player from the 50s, but I learned about Houbregs the same way I learned about Washington football great Hugh McIlhenny, from my dad's U-W annual.  Houbregs and McIlhenny were huge sports stars when my Dad was at the U-Dub. 
Back to Houbregs, he lead the Dawgs  to what remains their only Final Four appearance and is one of only two Husky basketball players to have his jersey retired, the other is Brandon Roy.  He was also the only Husky basketball player to win NCAA player of the year and be a consensus  All-American.  Finally, he was drafted number 3 by the Milwaukee (now Atlanta) Hawks, to this day, the highest a U-W basketball player has been picked.

Ken Schram Dies

Ken Schram, who worked in KOMO TV, then KOMO radio, but always with KOMO, at least as far as I can remember, has passed away after battling internal infection.  This report by KOMO's Eric Johnson, sums up the career from one of Seattle best known media personalities.

Barers Of Maple Valley Celebrates 9 Years

9 years ago today, I started this blog, not knowing what to write or why.  Now, with over 2352 posts, we are still going strong, updating almost everyday. 
The blog description, "my views of home, family and world events" sound so corny and yet, I have been able to combine personal stories, along with topical news. 
The most popular post since the blogs inception on May 29th, 2005, was a story about the Vancouver Canucks going to the NHL finals, written in May of 2011. 

Steve Barer's Volunteer Work Lauded

My brother Steve was recently awarded the Blue Mountain Humane Society's "Volunteer Of The Year" award.  His work with helping socialize dogs to prepare them for adoption was featured in this article in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.    The humane society is one of Walla Walla's most well known non profits so this is a towering achievement. 
Steve's wife, Dawn is a registered vet technician.  Steve has always loved animals.    You can read the UB article by clicking here.

Ballmer's Flirtation With Clippers Could Damage Seattle's NBA Prospects

Not long ago, the Seattle Super Sonic's return seemed close enough to touch, now, with word that former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has met with the Sterling family in hopes of purchasing the LA Clippers, it seems more distant than ever.   The Sterlings have been ordered to sell the team after Donald Sterling received a lifetime ban from the NBA after racial comments he made were secretly recorded and broadcast.  Ballmer, one of the world's wealthiest people has long desired ownership in the NBA and in fact was a major partner in Chris Hansen's attempt to get the Sacramento Kings to move to Seattle a year ago.  If Steve Ballmer turns out to be a major player in the LA Clippers sale, it would obviously send a message to the sports world that NBA basketball is not in the cards for the Puget Sound region in the foreseeable future.

Ken Schram Ailing

Reports have surfaced that veteran local TV personality Ken Schram has gone into hospice care.  Schramm worked many decades for KOMO 4 in Seattle, presenting editorials, hosting a community talk show, and doing commentary on KOMO radio.  Toward the end of 2012, it was announced that the company was buying out his contract.

Enjoying The Beach

Our dog Dasher relaxed by a raging bon fire built at the beach at Ocean Shores.  We spent the Memorial Day weekend on a getaway with 2 other couples.  We stayed at the Polynesian, had the bon fire Saturday night.  On Sunday, we played golf (the only time it rained during the week end.), then went to the Quinalt Casino, where we had dinner at Emily's.  Monday, we let Dasher run free at Taurus Beach, where Dasher could run without a leash. All the predictions were for a wet weekend, but except for Sunday, the weather was fine.

Happy Memorial Day

Seattle Seahawks Visit President Obama at White House

President Obama puts politics aside to congratulate the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Veteran Newsman Calls It Quits

Dan Lewis of KOMO 4 TV gave his last evening newscast today. Eric Johnson put together this emotional tribute.  Lewis had anchored for 27 years.  The newsteam of Lewis, the late Kathi Goertzen and weatherman Steve Poole were the third longest running TV news team in the country.  Barer Of Maple Valley wishes Dan the best in retirementt.

Sea & Ski Tanning Lotion Commercial

To get everyone ready for Summer, here is a vintage commercial for tanning lotion Sea And Ski.

Seahawks Visit Other Washington

The World Champion Seahawks are being honored today for their Super Bowl victory and will meet the president in a celebration at the White House.

20 Years Ago

This is the great Rosario Resort Orcas Island.  20 years ago from last Thursday, Deb and I went up to spend a week end to celebrate one year together.  That is where we became engaged.  Orcas Island is one of the San Juan Islands in the Northwest corner of Washington state.  It is accessible by ferry, sea planes and private boats.  The ferry ride there and back is beautiful. 

Casey Found In Evergreen State

So rumor that Casey Kasem were true were half right, it looks like.  Yes he was in Washington, but from what I have read, he was not getting treatment on an Indian reservation.  The word is now that Kasem and his wife Jean were visiting friends in Bremerton when Kitsap County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the house.  Kasem looked like he has getting appropriate care, what ever that is and did not seem to be under duress.  Reports have also said that Kasem's daughter has been granted conservatorship over Kasem, who is suffering from Lewy Body Disease.
So the messy saga over an American staple continues.

34 Years Ago Today: Mt St.Hellens Erupts!

I was attending WSU at the time.  Pullman was directly in the path of the falling ash. It was like snowfall.  The sky was pitch black. 

The View Salutes Retiring Walters

Barbara Walters, one of the first women to be a TV journalist, is retiring from daytime television and from a spectacular career that has spanned almost 6 decades.  She was honored on The View by Oprah Winfrey introducing an amazing parade of present and past female TV hosts who came by to pay tribute.

President Opens 9/11 Museum With Talk Of Hero

President Obama spoke at the opening of a memorial museum at Ground Zero, the site of the 9/11 today with a moving speech that began by honoring a man with a red handkerchief who lead victims to safety.  Obama revealed that the man was named Welles Crowther, who could have survived, but gave his life to rescue other victims.  The speech can be seen here.

The Search From Coast To Coast For Kasem

It's sad, depressing,  international radio icon Casey Kasem, is reportedly missing from a facility where he had been getting treatment for advanced Parkinson's Disease.  In failing health for years, Kasem has been involved in a well documented battle between his wife, Jean and his children from a previous marriage.   There are rumours that the former host of American Top 40, has been getting treatment at an Indian reservation somewhere here in Washington. 
American Top 40, debuted on July 4th in 1970, Kasem would countdown the 40 hottest selling records on the Billboard, he would sprinkle anecdotes about the records and artists with in the program. 

The Goats Are Back!

The Goats are back eating brush and weeds at the stormwater storage pond at Patrick's Faire on Northeast 244th in Maple Valley.  The Patrick's Faire subdivision in across from Belmont Woods, where we live. The goats were also doing their work a year ago.

Maple Valley Suffers Landslide

No injuries have been reported after a hill collaped into the Cedar River, forcing it to flow onto residential property in the 21300 block of 221st Ave Southeast in Maple Valley.  KOMO-4 TV news reports the river has since returned to it's banks .  The slide effected about 6 homes.  Officials have closed portions of the river to the public as official will check the possibility of further slides.

Seahawks Pick Richardson

The Seahawks made Colorado wide receiver Paul Richardson their pick in the 2014 NFL draft,   He is small, but very speedy. He was time at 4.4 in the 40 yard dash.  Richardson was the 45th pick overall in the draft, after Seattle traded a couple of picks.  Richardson missed the 2012 season due to injuries but rebounded in 2013 with 83 catches and 10 touchdown catches for the Buffs.  He was expected to compete for the spot vacated by Golden Tate, who signed with the Detroit Lions during free agency.

Levine Salutes TV Moms

With Mother's Day approaching, Ken Levine, a TV writer, pens a great story on TV Moms through history  June Cleaver pictured above.  Click here

Sherman Signs Extention With The Seahawks

Seahawk fans can rest easy now that Richard Sherman has signed a 4  year 57 million dollar contract extention with the team.  The 3rd year cornerback lead the NFL with 8 interceptions and his tip of an end zone pass to Michael Crabtree that resulted in teammate Malcom Smith intercepting, allowed the 'Hawks to go to the Super Bowl.   Sherman was a prominent mention in President Obama's speech last weekend at the White House Correspondence Dinner.

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