Mount Rainier On A Beautiful Sunday

The Mountain was out and so were we on a perfect fall Sunday.  The Seahawks had a bye so Deb, Dasher and I  took the opportunity to go out and enjoy an autumn drive. 
We went to the pumpkin patch at Thomasson Family Farm  between Black Diamond and Enumclaw.  On the way out, we took the picture above.   We had lunch at Mint Ale House in charming downtown Enumclaw, then finished the drive with a stop at Rock Ridge Market.

Cougar AD Leaves For Nebraska

When it rains, it pours.  After being upset last Friday by the California Bears, the Washington State Cougars have learned the Bill Moos, who has been Athletic Director since 2010 is leaving the program to go to Nebraska.   Moos, formerly the athletic director at University Of Oregon, came out of retirement to guide the sports program at WSU, his alma matter.  He brought Mike Leach to coach Football and Ernie Kent to coach the men's basketball program.  The Cougar football team is 6-1.

California Burns

We mourn the victims of the California Wild fires.

It's Friday The 13th In The Spooky Season

KIRO Afternoon Drive Personality Bares Soul

KIRO-FM personalities Ron And Don have a certain chemistry that seems to work on the radio.  Every weekday I can't wait to listen to their show on the way home from work.  Don O'Neill is the outspoken one with the deep voice, while Ron Upshaw seems to be the more reasoning soft spoken one.
Although the show is generally light hearted, they don't avoid serious topics. 
Still it was shocking a couple nights ago when O'Neill launch into a very soul baring speech about what he referred to as a family secret.  He was talking about what he said was mental health issues that run in his family, possibly something that involves himself. I had never, in my decades of listening to radio of all kinds, heard an announcer speak so personally.  It was rather refreshing to hear what sounded as unrehearsed honesty in this day in age on the radio.  You can read O'Neill's  speech by clicking here.

Sunny Festival In Issaquah

Issaquah Salmon Days came much later in the season this year.  It occurs the first full weekend in October.  In spite of that, the weather Sunday was so perfect, it is like the city made a deal with Mother Nature.

Jason Aldean Opens SNL

Once again, SNL showed it's expertise on integrating tragedy into a comedy show.  Jason Aldean was on stage during the Las Vegas shooting.  He also tied in the death of Tom Petty with his choice of song.

Seahawks At The Colosseum

When I started watching sports, this was one of the nation's premier sports venues.  Now, its the temporary home for the recently returned LA Rams. 
The Seahawks are playing the Rams there this weekend.

Mitch Levy Announces Departure From KJR After Court Date

After probably one of the longest stints in Seattle area radio, Mitch Levy announced his departure from Sports radio 950.  Levy, an East coast transplant, had not been heard on the radio since word went out of his arrest along with over 100 others in a Bellevue prostitution sting.
Levy had been known for off color comments about women and his show for years ran a contest based on rating woman, however, his "gloves off" opinions on sports related topics is what attracted and angered many listeners.
After Levy's arrest was made public, the show continued without him.  Show "bumpers" would say his name, but his co-host,  the more subdued Dick Fain took on Mitch's duties.
Levy's announcement and apology came following a court appearance Thursday where he entered an "Alford Plea".  Levy received a deferred sentence, 24 months of probation, and according to court records, entered a 10 week men's accountability program for buyers of sex and paid  1,974 dollars in court costs.

Former Wasington Congressman John Miller

John Miller, a former Seattle city councilman and a member of Congress has died.  He was 79.  Miller was a moderate Republican in the mold of former Washington governor Dan Evans.  He served in Congress from 1984 to 1993, he served my district from 1991 to 1993, a time when I lived in Kirkland.
Miller was instrumental in the rehabilitation of the Pike Place Market, building housing for the poor and the P-Patch garden program when he was city councilman.   Miller was living in California at the time of his death.

Seattle Skyline From Safeco Field

Even When the game is bad, Safeco Field can be a fun place to watch the Mariners. 
On a sunny day, you can get a spectacular view of the city skyline.

Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty - Stop Draggin' My Heart Around

In memory of Tom Petty, this is my favorite Petty effort.  Here with Stevie Nick in what may be the top rock duet of all time.

From The Wayback Machine

My Dad and his Uncle Dave at their business B. Barer And Sons.  Dave was one of the "sons" in B. Barer And Sons.  The other son was my grandfather who died in 1967,  The firm sold steel and industrial gases and bought scrap metal.  It was located on 4th and Rose in Walla Walla with a warehouse on West Main and yards on 4th and Sumac and Rees Avenue.

So Long Tom Petty

On a dismal day when America was mourning the Las Vegas shooting, word has been received that rock icon Tom Petty was stricken with a heart attack that would prove fatal.  I first heard of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers on the underground University Of Idaho station, it wasn't long before he was a household name with songs like" Breakdown", "Refugee", And "Free Falling". 
His duet with Stevie Nicks, "Stop Draggin My Heart Around" became an almost instant rock classic.  Petty hailed from Gainesville, Florida.  He was 66.

Tola Marts Exits Congressional Race

In an email to supporters, Issaquah city councilman Tola Marts announced he was withdrawing from the race for the Democratic nomination to succeed Republican Dave Reichert for the 8th congressional seat in Washington.  Marts said that in a crowded field of Democrats, he was unable to secure the funding to allow his campaign to continue.If Marts would have been able to continue, he would have been the first Democrat in years to run for the seat while holding a public office.

Destined For Greatness

My Dad with his college roommate from the University of Washington, Tom Lantos, and a lady identified as Tom's future wife. 
Tom would eventually become an outstanding congressman representing the Bay Area. Sorry about the picture quality.

Monty Hall Let's Make A Deal Host

Monty Hall, who hosted the daytime gameshow "Let's Make A Deal" has died Hall was 96.  Hosting the show in the 60s, made Hall a household name.  It was TV's golden era. 
Hall is said to have raised over one billion dollars for charity in his lifetime.  His daughter said he never refused an autograph.

Cougs Upset Trojans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cougars give 5th ranked USC their first loss of the season.  Final score was 30-27.

Yom Kippur Begins

The New School In Maple Valley

The new Lake Wilderness Elementary School looks almost ready to open

Hugh Hefner Dies

Hugh Hefner, the iconic publisher of Playboy Magazine has died.  Hefner was able to set himself apart from other magazine of it's type by creating an allusion of it's readers as sophisticated men about town.  Hefner was known for the Playboy Mansion, located in Hollywood. It was said to have hosted huge celebrity filled parties.
  Hefner, was known for always wearing Pajamas and being surrounded by beautiful women, well into his Senior years. 
He was scorned on the Right by religious figures for the nudity in his magazines and by the Left for what was felt to be exploitation of women.

From Days Gone By

My family on a trip.  I believe this was taken in Soap Lake, WA in 1968.  Absent is my mother, whom I believe, took the picture.  Also, my brother Steve had not been born.

This was from a box of family photos recovered from the condo where my Dad and Jean lived.  I remember this was shortly after Bobby Kennedy's assassination.   We listened to radio coverage of the train taking RFK to Arlington cemetery on our way up.  We would later drive up to Grand Coulee Dam. 

B. Barer And Sons In News In Walla Walla

It's been well over 17 years since the family business B. Barer And Sons was sold to Oxarc, one of it's suppliers. However the company has come up in an interesting "guess who" in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.  Annie Charnley Eveland, published a picture taken by the Rose Street Steel Warehouse above.  Readers have had fun guessing who the bearded man could be. 
My Uncle Arny (my dad's brother) guessed that it may have been Scotty Cook, who my dad wrote about in his blog years ago.   Eveland wrote a little about what she learned about Scotty and mentioned my dad and Uncle Arny in a recent edition of her feature column "Etcetera".

Lit End Rockin Maple Valley

The Olympia based band playing at The Lost Dutchman in Wilderness Village in Maple Valley.

Tracy Vedder Sues KOMO/Sinclair

In what could be a landmark case, former KOMO TV investigative reporter Tracy Vedder is suing her ex-employer for breach of contract and gender and age discrimination.  Vedder was one of 10 employees of the station to receive pink slips.  Vedder had had her contract extended through October of 2018. 
According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, Vedder had won 11 Regional TV Emmys and 7 Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in reporting.  Vedder had been with the station for 21 years.  The suit was filed in King County Superior court and names KOMO TV (incorportated as Sinclair Media of Seattle) and the news director.

Ken Griffey, Jr Statue

Can't miss it at Safeco Field.

Happy Rosh Hashana!

Walla Walla Little League Team

Walla Walla Little League team which went to this year's Little League World Series, was honored at Safeco during tonight's Mariner game.

Tim Burgess Is Seattle's Mayor

Tim Burgess, who did not run for reelection for Seattle City Council is now Mayor of Seattle.  Burgess will give up his seat on the council to serve.  Burgess will serve until a new mayor is picked in the fall elections. 

Walla Walla Adam West Celebration This Week

Walla Walla's celebration of hometown hero Adam West will be tomorrow (Tuesday, September 19th).  A whole days events are planned and can be seen by clicking here.  West, who died from Leukemia earlier this year, grew up in Walla Walla, and is revered in the town where he was known by his real name, Bill Anderson.  West became a pop culture icon by playing Batman in the mid 60s TV series.

Grown In Our Yard

Grapes harvested yesterday are delicious.

Dino Rossi May Run For Congress

Speculations seem to indicate that GOP Washington State Senator Dino Rossi may be gearing up for a run for congress.   Rossi would run in Washington's 8th district, the only Congressional District in the state that has been in Republican hands since it's inception. If elected, he would succeed retiring 5th district congressman Dave Reichert.
  Rossi is a veteran politician who served 2 terms in Washington's 5th legislative district until his nearly successful race for governor.  In 2004, Rossi was defeated by Attorney General Christine Gregoire in the closest Governor's race in US history.  Rossi would later make another unsuccessful attempt for governor against Gregoire.
Rossi would later run for US Senate against incumbent Patty Murray. 
Rossi was appointed to return to the state senate, succeeding Cheryl Pflug who resigned to take an appointment from Christine Gregoire.  Rossi left the position after Democrat Mark Mullet was elected to the Senate.
After the death of Senator Andy Hill in the 45th district, Rossi was appointed to again serve in the state senate on an interim basis.  Rossi is in Real Estate and has had other business interests in the Seattle area.

Old Walla Walla Radio Rememembered 19--KTEL Newsman Terry McConn

Terry McConn was the newsman, morning show personality when I was at KTEL.  At the time, it was exclusively Country music with news and sports. The station owner had grown old and for the most part, ran the station over the phone.  The motivation had to come from within. 
McConn was a hard worker.  He was amazingly focused and always delivered. 
I worked at KTEL twice and both times, McConn was there.  I remember his work on the story of  a local elderly woman's murder by a local teen.
It was a pleasure working with Terry. We were always on friendly terms. 
After working at KTEL, McConn would begin a 30 year career with the local Walla Walla paper, the UB.   After I moved to the Seattle area, I saw him on the news, being interview after he witnessed an execution at the State Penn.  It was at the local paper that Terry probably got the recognition he deserved. 
Terry was recently featured in an article by UB columnist Annie Charnley Eveland.  After 30 years on the city beat, he is retiring.  We wish him well!

Ed Murray Resigns

Ed Murray, Seattle's first openly gay mayor has resigned after a 5th person acuser came forward.  City Councilman Bruce Harrell will be acting mayor for the remainder of what would have been Murray's term.

Posing On The Red Carpet

Much like Planet Hollywood, which opened for a brief time in Downtown Seattle, The Sugar Factory in Bellevue's Bravern, promotes the idea of meeting celebrities.  The man above is not a celebrity, but the red carpet and backdrop were still up from Mariah Carey's visit a couple nights before we dined.  Deb took this fun picture.

We Remember 9-11-01

Angie Mentink Gets Cancer Diagnosis

Angie Mentink,  a reporter and anchor for Root Sports, announced on twitter last week that she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Mentink, who has been with the network previously known as Prime Sports Network and Fox Sports Northwest, was overwhelmed by the response from friends and viewers, offering prayers, warm wishes, and personal stories. 
Mentink is currently the anchor for Seattle Mariner broadcasts.  She played professional baseball with the Colorado Silver Bullets.

Cougs Win In Incredible Fashion

Back up quarterback Tyler Hilinski threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to Jamal Morrow to lead the Washington State Cougars to a 47-44 triple overtime win over the Boise State Broncos.  The Cougars overcame a 31-10 4th quarter deficit to force the game into overtime. Starting Cougar QB Luke Falk had left the game with an injury  Pictured above: Morrow's game winning touchdown.

At Sports Radio KJR It's Business As Usual---Minus One

Will anyone address the "elephant in the room"?  The morning crew of Sports Radio KJR is on at the usual time, except for host Mitch Levy, who has hosted the morning  show for about 20 years.  Of course, Levy was arrested in a Bellevue prostitution sting late last month. 
The crew has covered an array of topics including the recent Michael Bennett controversy. 
Apparently, it is an uneasy "wait and see" time at the station. 

Dining At The Sugar Factory In Bellevue

 

 

 

 

The Sugar Factory at The Bravern at Bellevue is so new, that at the time of this writing, the location doesn't appear on the website.  The grand opening was Wednesday and Mariah Carey was the featured guest. (pictured above)
Deb and I checked it out last night (Friday, September 8th).  Although you hear horror stories about new restaurants, the prices were reasonable and the service was exceptional.  Our food server, Mandee was enthusiastic and very attentive.  The goblet drinks  (we had The Drake, bottom picture) are very exotic and what is really neat, they can be served with or without alcohol. 
A combination restaurant and candy store, The Sugar Factory in Las Vegas is a popular place to watch for celebrities.  It's web site lists about 23 locations located mostly in major cities in the US and abroad. 
The Sugar Factory in Bellevue is located at 11111 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004.  Reservations can be made by calling 424-454-0313.

More Mount Si Along With Snoqualmie River

Another picture from Sunday's barbecue at Marjie and Rick's house.  This picture catches Mt Si at Sunset along with the Snoqualmie River.

Wear Your Blue Today, Seahawks Fans!

Seahawks play the Packers this Sunday! Go Hawks!

Moon Over Mt Si

We visited Marjie and Rick for a barbecue at their house in Snoqualmie Sunday.  I snapped this picture of the Moon peering out from behind Mt.Si.   Of course, Mt Si was the inspiration behind the show from the 90s, Twin Peaks.

Dave Reichert Will Retire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News has been received that Dave Reichert not seek another term representing Washington's 8th Congressional District.  Reichert has held the seat since 2005.

Orange Moon

Nearby wildfires gave the Moon an orange appearance last night.  This morning, air quality is still poor.

Steely Dan Guitarist-Co-Founder Walter Becker Dies

Even though the decade of the 1970s has the historical connotation of being the "Disco" decade, it really was the crossroads of popular music.  James Taylor and The Eagles introduced a soft folk type rock.  Bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin brought hard rock into vogue.  Bands like Steely Dan introduced an instrument rich pleasant to listen to pop sound that would stand the test of time.  Guitarist Walter Becker, who with lead singer Donald Fagen, found Steely Dan, died this weekend of undisclosed causes. 
Steely Dan played the Jazz Rock hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" one of my favorite songs of all time.  They brought in sounds and songs never heard before in Pop music and were a staple on progressive and underground FM radio stations. 
I saw them twice in concert. 

It's Labor Day

Tracy Taylor Joins Ron And Don Team As KIRO FM's Evening Traffic Reporter

After a busy spring and summer of fill ins and special projects on both KIRO 7 TV and KIRO FM 97.3, Tracy Taylor has finally found a home as afternoon and evening traffic reporter on KIRO FM.  Tracy will report the drive home on the popular Ron And Don Show.  She replaces Candy Harper who will produce the afternoon show.
With a love of traffic, a distinct delivery, and a great sense of humor, Taylor began reporting traffic on KJR Sports Radio 95, leaving to join the KING 5 TV morning news team.  After almost 7 years on KING, Taylor found herself jobless, sparking angry viewer outrage toward the station. 
The post on this blog announcing her departure set records at over 30 thousand hits.

Veteran Sports Radio Talkshow Host Arrested

A 20 year plus career in broadcasting and perhaps much more are in peril after news of Sports Radio KJR morning host Mitch Levy's arrest in a Bellevue prostitution sting.  Levy's often controversial show had run since the late 90s.  His show had often been rough around the edges in the early going, however, in the later years, the show concentrated more on the topic of sports. 
Levy has been known as a good interviewer and someone who would speak his mind.
Although the show may sometimes be off color, especially in it's early years, Mitch would often speak of his children and their Little League exploits.  A native of the East Coast, Levy would take annually take time off for the Jewish High Holidays and sprinkle his show with Yiddish terms.  It seemed like he had a happy home life. 
A departure of Mitch Levy could be a shift for the station and could rock the local radio scene.  It will be interesting to see how this will play out.

Cool Wood Carving

I thought this was cool.  It is by the bridge at the Wood Creek condos in Bellevue.

27 Years Ago--Ken Griffey And Ken Griffey, Jr In Same Line Up

It's hard to believe that it has been 27 years but on August 31st, 1990, the Seattle Mariners became the first team in baseball history to have a father and son on the same team at the same time.  Veteran Ken Griffey, Sr. joined the Seattle Mariners after being cut by the Cincinnati Reds.  Of course, Ken Griffey, Jr was already a second year star for the club.   The two only played together for a month, but they would later hit back to back homeruns for the team.  Ken Griffey, Sr would retire the next year, however big things were ahead for Junior who is now enshrined in Baseball's Hall Of Fame.