Seahawks Kick Off 2019 With Win

In a game that didn't count but still got our spirits up, the Seattle Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 22-14 in Seattle.

Abbey Road Album Cover Picture Taken 50 Years Ago

Even though it's said to be the last album that the Beatles recorded, I believe it was the first one  that I bought.  The famous picture on the cover of  "Abbey Road" was taken on August 8th, 1969.

The first hit that I can remember from the album was "Come Together", but maybe the most enduring song was George Harrison's "Something". 

Both Abbey Road and the later released Beatle album, "Let It Be", contained song titles that in retrospect, suggested that the days of the Beatles as a music recording entity were coming to an end.  

Some facts about the shooting of this picture can be found by clicking here.

Jackie Christie's Most Outrageous Moments | Basketball Wives Legends

Since I began working in Bellevue retail, I have met some famous people.  Jackie Christie is the wife of Seattle native Doug Christie, who played in the NBA.  She was a frequent customer at our Overlake store  several years ago.
 I didn't get to meet Doug, but Jackie became well known in her own right by being featured on the VH-1 reality show Basketball Wives LA.  I also got to meet two of their children and Doug Christie's mom, who introduced herself to me on one of their visits.

Fortunato Running For Governor

Outspoken State Senator Phil Fortunato has announced his candidacy for State Governor.  Fortunato, was elected to the state senate from the 31st Legislative District in 2017.  Although his district is within 50 miles of Seattle, his views are light years apart. 

Fortunato is a frequent speaker at pro gun rallies.  My guess is that as part of his law and order stance, he would work to recriminalize recreational pot use.  I've nicknamed that position "guns not grass". 

Fortunato has said that he would make homelessness his main issue, something that may resonate against the very Liberal to moderately Liberal voting block in Seattle and King County. 

Loren Culp, a police chief in the Eastern Washington town of Republic, has also announced his candidacy for governor on the Republican side. 

Current two term governor Jay Inslee is now running for president of the United States, but has not ruled out a run for a third term.  Other contenders for governor in 2020 include Attorney General Bob Ferguson, King County Executive Dow Constantine, and Land Commissioner Hilary Franz, all Democrats.

2019 Blue Angels At Seafair

We watched the Blue Angels show at Seafair from our friend's house in Newcastle.  Just south of Bellevue.

Seafair Sunday

The Blue Angels are usually the most memorable part of Seafair.

Howard Lapides--True Crime Sidekick Passes

Howard Lapides  was an agent representing A-list stars, but he had a passion for true crime investigation. Lapides was heard with Burl Barer on the Internet radio program True Crime Uncensored.  Howard was heard asking very pointed questions to various guests who were writers, investigators, victims and in rare instances, criminals themselves.   

Lapides died Thursday after battling cancer. 

I met Lapides a little over two years ago, when Deb and I visited the Outlaw Radio studios in the Los Angeles area to sit in on Burl's show.

Ironically, only weeks ago, Howard filled in as main host while Burl was undergoing heart surgery.

Burl said on his facebook page that True Crime Uncensored would continue today (Saturday) at it's scheduled time (2 pm Pacific), 

Dolly Parton and Brandi Carlile, “I Will Always Love You”

Maple Valley's star in residence Brandi Carlile performing with Country legend Dolly Parton at the Newport Folk Festival.

Nick Buoniconti--Football Great

Nick Buoniconti--who played middle linebacker for the Miami Dolphins during the teams best years, which included being to this day, Pro Football's only undefeated team, has died at 78.  Buoniconti was the most and maybe only memorable name for what was known as the "No Name Defense", a unit of players, that were not really famous at the time, but as a unit, got the job done. The Dolphins appeared in 3 straight Super Bowls from 71-73, winning the last 2.

Buoniconti was also known for working to find a cure to paralysis.  His son was paralyzed in a college football game. 

I remember rooting for the Dolphins, partly because they were an expansion team that had many lean years before becoming a Super Bowl caliber team and also because Miami seemed like a cool town to visit.  I had always enjoyed watching college football's Orange Bowl.
Buoniconti was inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2001.

Goats escape into the neighborhood! (with sound)

This was the scene in the Issaquah Highlands Tuesday as more than 100 goats who wear used to clear vegetation escaped into the streets.  You can read more by clicking here. 

San Diego Charger Legend And Cougar Alum Lincoln

Keith Lincoln, one of two "Keiths" to graduate from WSU and rule the sports world, died last weekend.   The other Keith, of course, would be Keith Jackson, the voice of college football in America.
Lincoln was a fullback for the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers in the old AFL.  He helped the Chargers win the 1963 AFL championship.  At this writing, it is the city's only sports championship. Lincoln ran for 329 yards in the Chargers 51-10 victory on the Boston (now New England) Patriots to help win the title.
The Chargers drafted Lincoln out of WSU in 1961.  He would later become alumni director at the school.
Lincoln was 80.

Old Beach Cottage

It's probably in the worst condition of any house on Seaside's Prom, but it shows a lot of potential for anyone who maybe is project minded.  It is located in the 500 North block of the Prom.

Sunset On The Oregon Coast

Watching from Mo's at the Seaside Turnaround where we were eating dinner, the sun sets into the Pacific.

Seaside Bubble Man - March 2019

One of the cool things about Seaside, Oregon!

Kamala Figure Strikes A Pose

This really nice Kamala Harris figure stands between Obama and Ichiro on my office shelf.  I got this from an ad on Facebook.  Harris wears a gray power suit and high heels.

Top Gun: Maverick - Official Trailer (2020) - Paramount Pictures

After three decades, Tom Cruise is set to reprise his role of Pete Mitchell in the sequel to the 1980s blockbuster, Top Gun.  Top Gun: Maverick is set for release in June of 2020.
 I thought that I was the only one who remembers the Goose's infant son in the movie.  The son sat on the piano while Goose and Maverick sang Great Balls Of Fire, while Goose's wife and Maverick's girlfriends watched in the bar. In the next scene Goose died in a training exercise.  Well, Goose's son will be a grown up fighter pilot in the coming sequel.

Edgar Martinez is inducted into the Hall of Fame

The induction speech of Seattle Mariner, Edgar Martinez.

Mike Trout At T-Mobile

Angel Center fielder Mike Trout, an 8 time MLB All Star and 2 time AL MVP, comes to bat against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.  Trout would later get a home run in the game as the Mariners sadly lost to the Angels 9-3.

Edgar Martinez Joins The Hall

Edgar Martinez accepts the Hall Of Fame plaque just before making his wonderful speech where he credited Mariner fans for helping him get the support to enter the Hall.

Shaggy Sweet Entertains In Downtown Bellevue

Deb and I joined friends Marjie and Rick at Bakes Place in Downtown Bellevue, Friday, to watch the band Shaggy Sweet.  Shaggy Sweet is a four piece band consisting of 3 guitar players and a drummer.  They do a lot of shows around the Puget Sound area.  Their music consists of a lot of original Blues music, along with some Rock and a little Country, some Gospel influence and a few popular covers.   It was a great show.

Congratulations Edgar Martinez!

One of Seattle's most popular sports figures ever, Edgar Martinez, enters the Baseball Hall Of Fame.

50 Years Ago--Man Walks On The Moon

50  years  ago today, the nation was glued to it's TV set as Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the Moon.  Buzz Aldrin, would minutes later become the second.   I'm sure most didn't notice Armstrong's now famous words of " That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."  Those words reverberated in the news media soon after.  

I wonder if Armstrong was picked for the first walk because his name is more memorable than Aldrin's. 

 I was hoping at the time that July 19th would be the day, since it is my birthday.  July 20th, however is a round number so NASA, which was it turns out was very PR savvy at the time, may have decided that would be a more memorable date.   

While the nation, including myself had it's eye on the Spaceflight of Apollo 11, Massachusetts  Senator Edward Kennedy, the brother of slain President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was involved in an auto accident, soon to be known to the world as Chappaquiddick.  The drowning of a passenger in Kennedy's car, may have been the reason that he would never get the Democratic nomination to be president.  Kennedy, however, was able to avoid prosecution and continue what history would point out as a very significant career in the Senate. 

By the way, while Armstrong and Aldrin were doing the actual moon walk (not the dance of a couple decades later),  Michael Collins continued to circle the moon in the main space capsule. 

Seattle NHL Team Picks Hall Of Fame Player For GM

With just two years to go until the first puck drops, the Seattle NHL expansion franchise has named Ron Francis as it's new general manager.  Francis, who played 22 seasons in the NHL and is 5th in all time points.

Francis has played on two Stanley Cup winning Pittsburgh Penguin teams.    He previously had been general manager with the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Seattle team has yet to pick a nickname, but getting a known general manager should get it on the right track to build a winning franchise.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Stevens Dies

Justice John Paul Stevens, who was picked by Republican Gerald Ford to replace the well known civil libertarian Justice William Douglas, has died.  Stevens served 34 years on US Supreme Court.
Stevens was one of a seemingly disappearing number of court appointments that were picked by Republican presidents, but whose decisions were mostly considered more to the Left.
Stevens voted to limit the death penalty, promote racial equality, and preserve abortion.
Stevens was a native of Chicago and a devoted Cubs fan.

Blazers Will Replace Radio Announcer Wheeler

The Portland Trail Blazers have announced that Brian Wheeler, the NBA team's radio voice for 21 years will not return for the 2019-20 season.  Wheeler, formerly a radio host on Seattle Sports Radio 95 KJR, had missed a good portion of this past seasons with health concerns.

20 Years Ago Today--A New Era Begins For Seattle Baseball

I attended what was then Safeco Field for the opening of Seattle's brand new outdoor baseball stadium. I had won the above ticket for the game in an office drawing and attended with co-workers.
 The future looked much better for the Mariners at the time then the Seahawks.  Well, the Mariners had one great season in 2001 at Safeco,  but since that season, they have not been able to put another play-off team together. Meanwhile the Seahawks have been to 3 Super Bowls, winning one.
Safeco Field is now named T-Mobile Park.

Inslee Quip Goes Viral

Jay Inslee says that he was half joking when he said that his first act if elected president would be select soccer star Megan Rapinoe as his secretary of state.  Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign, here in Inslee's home state.

The Third Class FCC License

My goal as a child was to get into radio.  It may be because as I remember, the tower of KTEL, a few blocks away, was visible from the house on Leonard Street where we lived until 1965.   It could be that when we moved to a new house, I had the bedroom that once belonged to Bob Garred, who had gone on to become a national radio voice before his passing. It may have been the memory of  my dad taking me to KTEL, back when we lived on Leonard to visit Burl, who at the time, was working as a Rock And Roll DJ at night and on weekends, while going to high school during the day.
At the time, to get a radio job, you needed a 3rd Class FCC Radio Telephone License with Broadcast Endorsement.
When I started my Junior year of High School, I studied to get my license.  To get the 3rd Class License, I had to pass elements 1 and 2 which were very easy, but element 9 was rather difficult and I was not great at passing tests..
During Spring vacation, we went to the Seattle area, of course we were all in Walla Walla at the time.  We stayed at the Thunderbird in Bellevue, which eventually would become one of the two Red Lions in that town, it would eventually become the Doubletree and then, later, be torn down for high rises.  The test was administered on certain days at the Federal Communication Commission  on the 32nd floor of the Federal Building in Downtown Seattle.
Both my sister and I were dropped off at the Federal Building to take the course.  I knew that I passed elements 1 and 2, but was not sure about element 9.
I found out that I passed all three elements and received the license looking like the one above, my sister passed elements 1 and 2, but was unable to get a broadcast endorsement.  Her's looked like this

When I got my first radio gig, it was a KUGR at WSU.  The license was not needed because it was heard on the cable system, rather than the "air".  I remember that was so the station could play commercials, giving valuable experience to a radio sales force and to production engineers.
 I finally got a gig at KTEL where I did need my third phone, which I proudly posted, but I was mad to find out a few months later that operator licenses where being phased out and operated were getting a permit in the mail with no test needed.  I believe today, operators at any level are not licensed.

Traffic Jam On West Lake Sammamish Parkway

Traffic on the Lake Road, Wednesday evening on the home commute, was the worst that I had ever seen or at least, remember under normal conditions.  It must have taken at least half an hour to get where I turned onto the road from Northeast 8th until I got to the roundabout, normally a 10 minute drive.

Pitcher Author Jim Bouton Dies

Jim Bouton,  who pitched for the Seattle Pilots in the area's first go round with  Major League Baseball, then rocked the sports world with his tell all book, Ball Four, has died.  

Bouton began his career as a hard throwing right hander with the New York Yankees.  He pitched in 2 World Series with the team.  

After injuring his arm, Bouton made a comeback as a knuckleball pitcher.  He was picked by the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969.  He took notes at the time and was able to publish Ball Four. A hilarious look at baseball players doing what they do off the field.  

The book seems relatively tame these days, especially after years of steroid scandals in the sport. 

Bouton would later pitch for the Portland Mavericks, an independent team in the Northwest League. Although, unlike Seattle, it was not Major Leagues, it was another Pacific Northwest baseball team with an interesting cast of characters.  

Nearing Completion

The finishing touches are being put on resurfacing of our deck.  It should be ready soon for the best days of summer.  We had the deck built, a few years after buying the house in the late 90s and has been fun place to enjoy warm Spring, Summer, and Fall days.

Perot Dead

CNN reports that billionaire H. Ross Perot, whose campaign for the presidency in 1992 had inspired many and may have opened the door for Donald Trump's later successful campaign, has died at 89.

Many will compare Perot with Trump, however, Perot did not seem to flaunt his wealth.  His appeal was more across the board than Trump, and Perot's anger seemed to be more toward traditional politicians than any ethnic group or citizen.

Outdoor Fireplaces Offered In New Homes

At the new Fox Pointe housing development, just a few blocks from our house, I was intrigued with the outdoor fireplace, allowing home owners to entertain on their decks during the area's sometimes cool, but clear Spring and Summer evenings.

Celebration!

We were married 24 years ago today at the Grand Atrium at 1201 Third Avenue in Downtown Seattle.

Heart crazy on you

Guitarist Nancy Wilson's pose and leg kick at 2:30 are classic.  Seattle's Heart doing Crazy On You.

Fireworks At Bellevue

We spent the afternoon on the 4rth Of July at Bellevue's Downtown Park enjoying the fireworks.

Mad Magazine To Stop Publishing

Mad Magazine, the monthly publication that satirized pop culture, is ending publication later this year.  The magazine poked fun of everything, usually in a relatively harmless way. Alfred E. Neuman, a gap tooth boy, whose catch phrase was "what, me worry", was the mascott of the magazine always on the cover mocking whatever was the  month's subject. 
When network TV was at the height of it's popularity, it was a badge of honor to have Mad to make fun of a certain show, with goofy character names and characturistic cartoons. 
It was sort of SNL in a comic book. Only it preceded the NBC show by about 24 years. 
The magazine began in 1952. 

Happy 4th Of July

Santana "Black Magic Woman & "Oye Como Va" @ White River Amphitheater 6...

Here is a video from last weekend's Santana concert.  You can actually see the performance in this one.

Unique Sign For Bellevue City Council Candidate

This seems like a normal candidate sign , which was posted at an entrance to the Crossroads Mall parking lot, but a close look indicates that Bellevue city council candidate is a Democrat.  That is great, except Bellevue city council positions are non-partisan.  

I applaud Mr. Bible for being a Democrat and being the first candidate I can remember stating party when running for a non-partisan office. 

Happy Canada Day!

Since Canada is just 2 hours away, we tip our hats to those celebrating Canada Day.

Doobie Brothers And Santana At White River

I knew that I wouldn't get a good shot of the performers, so between acts, I wanted to show how much fun the folks attending the concert were having.  We were even tossing a couple beachballs around.

The White River Amphitheatre opened in 2003.   Taking backroads, it is a relatively short drive from our house.

Santana At The White River

We had a very enjoyable afternoon  and evening at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, enjoying two classic rock bands, The Doobie Brothers and Santana.

Although the weather had been miserable for most of the week, it couldn't have been much better for the show.

Santana, who played at Woodstock is booked to join many other popular bands at a festival celebrating the 50th anniversary of the legendary rock event in August.

Former Seahawk Owner Behring Dies

Ken Behring, the former owner of the Seattle Seahawks, has died at 91.  Behring bought the Seattle Seahawks, at a time when the team's popularity was quite high.
Behring, however, was not well liked.  He lived in the Bay Area of California and was a real estate developer, at a time when Seattle did not have warm feeling toward developers or what was perceived as many Californians moving into the area. Behring was often shown on the Seahawk sidelines during the game in a golf shirt, while Seattle fans were used to the previous owners, who were seldom or never seen. It was not long that Behring became the symbol of California conspicuous consumption.
Owning the Seahawks from 1988 until 1997, the team went through some of it's worst years and fan support waned.  Behring decided he wanted a new tax supported stadium.  When it appeared he would not be able to get  that, he attempted to move the team to the LA area.  A move that failed when community leaders persuaded Microsoft billionaire Paul Allen to buy the team.  The rest is history.
Although Behring is remembered as one of the least popular sports figure in Seattle history, his charitable contribution are reported to be quite significant.

Big Weekend Concert

We will be watching legendary rock group Santana this week at the White River Amphitheatre.  The Doobie Brothers will also perform.

Walla Walla History For Today

The Royal Motor Inn as a brand new motel and restaurant in my home town of Walla Walla. This picture was taken in the Spring of 1967.
 It was considered a destination place upon opening, but eventually, the restaurant was torn down and the place had many different renditions.   I'm not sure if a motel is operating at the site today. You can find memories of Walla Walla at Bygone Walla Walla.

Whatever Happened to Judy Strangis from Room 222 and Electra Woman & Dyn...

Judy Strangis pulled off the remarkable feat of making a minor part memorable, at least to me.  Strangis played the shy teenage high school student, Helen Loomis in the ABC comedy/drama Room 222.

At an impressionable age, it was my favorite show at the time.

The show, about a teacher and his peers and students in a Los Angeles High School,  began it's run as a comedy with a laugh track and eventually transitioned into a drama with contemporary issues.  

Hotel California By Eagle Eyes

More from Saturday night, Eagle Eyes, an Eagles tribute band played Hotel California to wrap their performance.  Of course, they were called back for an encore.  

Word has been received that the band will return to Bake's Place in Downtown Bellevue in late September.

Eagle Eyes Plays Bellevue

Last Night Deb and I joined 8 other family and friends at Bake's in Downtown Bellevue to watch Eagle Eyes, an Eagles tribute band hailing from Vancouver Island in Canada.

The band, consisting of 4 members not only played the songs of the Eagle, but basically, transformed themselves into the band, arguably the most popular American group.

I found it amazing that a band could assemble, where each member can not only sound like, but can copy their appearance and mannerisms to the point that you forget the fact that they are indeed a tribute band.  It is indeed, a special skill.

The band pretty much covered the Eagles songbook, save for Desperado,  the band saying that a piano would be needed to cover that classic.

Work Continues On Maple Valley Highway

Work has been going on for most of the spring on widening and improving Highway 169 in Maple Valley.  The work on the city's main arterial, will add an additional lane in each direction from Witte Road Southeast in the Lake Wilderness shopping area to Southeast 240th Street.
The work also includes sidewalks, a bike path, turning lanes, and a retention wall.  There is also a bike path.
While the work may make a quicker commute for now, work is taking place to build at Southeast 240th Street (below), which may continue the cycle of growth and the problems it brings to the city.

Parents brawl at Little League game after call by 13-year-old umpire I ABC7

Youth baseball is a huge commitment, however, hopefully things like this are rare.

Benicio Bryant Singer sings "The Joke" AWESOME | America's Got Talent 20...

This Maple Valley native has some "pipes" as they say in the business.

Walla Walla Elks Building Meets Wrecking Ball

This will really make me feel old.   The Elks Club on Rose Street in Walla Walla has been torn down. This is the same Elks Club that forced our house of worship to relocated in the very early 70s. I remember when it was brand spanking new, having just moved from it's location on 4th street, downtown.  

The building was torn down to make way for a new housing development.   At last report, the Elks are looking for a new location.  The forced relocation of Congregation Beth Israel, led to a better synagogue on Alder and Roosevelt. 

Thank you Joe Drazan, blogger at Bygone Walla Walla for the picture and the tip on this story. 

Happy Father's Day

Maple Valley Farmer's Market

The Maple Valley Farmer's Market has started and will run every Saturday from 9am until 2pm throughout the Summer.  It is located on the  playground at the Rock Creek Elementary School.
 Not only can you buy great stuff, but you can meet your neighbors.  My wife and I were there yesterday and I snapped this picture.

Meeting Washington Icon

At Alta Barer's memorial, there was a man that I could not wait to meet.  Dan Evans was governor of Washington from 1964 to 1976, basically, from when I was in 1st grade almost through my freshman year at WSU.  

He is a Republican and I'm a Democrat. I always wanted to see him defeated.  After 3 terms, he declined to run for a 4th term.

He would later serve a US Senator, replacing the iconic Scoop Jackson after his sudden passing.

Time passes and I now consider Evans one of our state's greatest public servants.  By meeting him, I later realize that I have met or seen in person, every person who has served as Washington governor during my 62 year lifetime.   I thought for a while that I had met every US Senator from Washington that served during my life, but later remembered that I had not met the late Brock Adams, who served one term.  Adams, ironically, was once law partners with my cousin, Stan Barer.

Jay Inslee To Debate

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has qualified for the Democratic Presidential Primary Debate to be held on June 26th.  Inslee, the first serious presidential candidate from this state in over 40 years, qualified by hitting the 65,000 donor threshold.

Area Experiencing Heatwave

Temperatures spiked to 94 degrees in Maple Valley as the area experienced a record breaking heat wave.  Cooler temperatures are predicted for today.

Hard to believe only 4 months ago, there was a heavy snowfall.

Bob Robertson Honors Featured On Puget Sound Media

For many years, Bob Robertson, known as the voice of the Washington State Cougars, also was the radio announcer for Tacoma Minor League baseball.  Last August, he was honored at Cheney Stadium for his service to Tacoma baseball.
A report on the event was recently featured on the Puget Sound Media blog.    You can watch the heart warming video by clicking here.

Puget Sound Media Blog Has Branded Merchandise

My newest coffee mug is emblazoned with the Puget Sound Media insignia.  Yes, the Puget Sound Media blog has "merch".  You can check it out by clicking here.
My guess is that soon, they will have a weekly podcast.

Maple Valley Celebrates

We enjoyed the last hour or so of Maple Valley Days.  The rides continued a little after the festival closed.  This year the weather worked in it's favor.

Alta Barer Honored At Fairmont

Former KING 5 TV anchor  and Stan Barer family friend Jean Enersen, pictured above, was emcee at a beautiful tribute to my late cousin, Alta Barer.  Alta, who was married to my cousin Stan, passed away last month after a long, but quiet, battle with cancer.
The service began with an incredible singing performance by the Puget Sound Company. Speakers included, University Of Washington President Ana Marie Cauce, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, Former Governor and later US Ambassador to China, Gary Locke, and Changdong Xu, chairman of the WRSEA.
Both my brothers and their wives were among the guests.  Also attending were my cousin Lee Goldberg and his sister, Karen Dinino, from Los Angeles.
The Tribute took place at the Fairmont in Downtown Seattle.