Happy New Year

Seahawk Receivers Attack KJR Analyst

Tj Houshmandzadeh (above), Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson apparently are fed up with Sports radio analyst Hugh Millen. Millen, a former UW quarterback, who also played for several NFL teams, has had some pointed criticism for the receiving trio. Nate Burleson has a weekly show on KJR. Nate's two special guests certainly have raised some local conversation, espessially by attacking Millen's career stats. To hear the interview, click here.

Mayor Laure Iddings Resigns

Laure Iddings, who has been Maple Valley's mayor since it's inception in 1997, is stepping down both from her mayoral duties and her position on the city council according to the local paper "Voice Of The Valley". You can read her letter of resignation here.

Another Officer Leaves Us!

Officer Kent Mundell, one of two Pierce County Deputies wwounded in a shooting early last week has passed away after being taken off life support. He has become the 6th officer in the last 2 months in Western Washington to die in the line of duty.

Packers Maul Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks took a few steps down the staircase in a 48-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers. It was the third loss in a row in a game that was too reminiscent of the Hawks in the Ken Behring era. Fading Matt Hasselbeck threw 4 interceptions, two snuffing out potential touchdown drives as the 'Hawks showed streaks of promise in the first half. For the third week in a row John Carlson scored Seattle's only touchdown. The win sent the Green Bay Packers to the play-offs, and the Seahawks back to the "drawing board" in Seattle.

LA Times Likes Cousin Tod Goldberg's Latest

Lee Goldberg reports the Tod Goldberg's latest book, Other Resort Cities has earned a favorable review from the Los Angeles Times. You can read Tod's wit and wisdom on his very own blog, click here.

Here is my old friend Darcy Burner getting grilled by Chris Matthews on MSNBC's "Hard Ball"

Merry Christmas

Buc's Make Seahawks Walk The Plank

The Seattle Seahawks proved that they could lose to the worst of them, and on their home field. Coming to Seattle with a single win to it's credit, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the 'Hawks 24-7. For the second week in a row, second year tight end John Carlson scored the 'Hawks only touchdown . A struggling Matt Hasselbeck threw 4 interceptions and a lost fumble.

Snow Hits Maple Valley

After a frigid but dry week, we did get snowfall last weekend and through the night, however temperature warmed quickly and it was gone by Monday afternoon.

The Backtrails Of Maple Valley

This lone A-frame house, seen from the pipeline trail in Maple Valley has always fascinated me.

Two New Mariners Excite Fans

While Seattle sports fans can generally agree that the Seattle Seahawks are in a state of disarray, there can be an argument made that the fortunes of the also struggling Seattle Mariners may be changing. In the past couple weeks, the Mariners have acquired Angel Infielder Chone Figgins and Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee. Figgins had been a "Mariner killer" while playing for LA. Lee was Cy Young award winner in 2008 while playing in Cleveland. Together with red hot 2009 Cy Young runner up Felix Hernandez, the Ms could be a team to be reckoned with. Of course, Mariner fans have been burned before and there is no doubt that the Angels and Rangers are not going to sit by idly. The Yankees are champs again and Boston is not going away. Still, for the first time in years, the fans are talking about the baseball team in December and odds are, they are not through yet.

Dean Willard Will Run For State House

Former T-Mobile Vice President Dean Willard has declared his intention to run for the Washington State House Of Representatives. Willard, a Sammamish resident, plans to run for the seat held by Glenn Anderson, a Fall City Republican, in the 5th Legislative district. Willard is a Democrat and represents the 5th on the State Democratic Central Committee. He also chaired the Endorsement committee for the King County Democratic Central Committee. Willard is currently a security and information technology consultant. Willard was also involved in Joe Mallahan's recent Seattle mayoral campaign.

Hawks Lay Egg In Houston

The execution was quick and painless when Houston Texan quarterback Matt Shaub hit Andre Johnson for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage en route to an easy 34-7 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks' only touchdown came near the end of the first half when Matt Hasselbeck hit John Carlson for a 4 yard disputed touchdown. It would turn out being the only score for Seattle as two trips to the red zone in the second half came up empty.

From Ken Levine's blog.

Burl Barer Gets Facebook Fan Page

In spite of being out of commercial radio for more than two decades, a facebook fan page honoring former Seattle disk jockey Burl Barer is growing in leaps and bounds. The page was established by former KJR DJ Kacie Sommers and myself. In addition to Burl is a published novelist. He can still be heard every Saturday from 2:00 until 6:00 on the internet.

Former Apprentice Candidate James Sun

Seattle area resident James Sun looked up until the very end, like the winner of Apprentice 6. Especially with talk that Donald Trump would be building in the region. However, Sun was not picked and nothing has been heard, since on Trump developing here. I got this piece from the Seattle Times.

Seahawks Win 2nd In A Row

For the first time this season, the Seattle Seahawks avenged an early season loss to a conference opponent. They also celebrated their 2nd win in a row--a 20-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. It was sweet revenge as the Seahawk had lost an earlier game to the 'Niners 23-10. That of course was the game where Matt Hasselbeck was knocked out with cracked ribs.

Holmgren Indicates Desire To Return To Seahawks

Mike Holmgren has indicated a desire to return to the now vacant Seattle Seahawks General Manager position
Holmgren, in an interview on his weekly radio show said that he is willing to talk to the Seahawk brass about filling the position vacated by Tim Ruskel's resignation. Holmgren, the only coach to take the 'Hawks to the Superbowl, left his coaching position after 10 years to take off some time from football. It is widely speculated that tensions between him and Ruskel lead to his leaving. When Holmgren first came to the Seahawks he held both the coaching position and the general manager's position. After a slow start, Holmgren agreed to concentrate only on coaching.

Jackie Jacobson Competes

Like her sisters, Sada and Emily, my cousin,Jackie Jacobson is a competitive fencer.

Hunt For Maurice Clemmons Over

Maurice Clemmons was shot and Killed last night by a Seattle Police Officer. The officer was investigating a stolen car when he spotted Clemmons. According to the officer, Clemmons would not obey orders to put up his hands and freeze. Clemmons was accused of gunning down four Lakewood police officers in a coffee shop.

10 Years Ago--The Battle In Seattle

Today marks 10 years since the WTO came to Seattle. My experiences with that event have been documented on this blog.

Troyer Accuses Seattle TV Station

Pierce County officials have accused Sky-King of hampering a police investgation, in relation to the brutal slaying of 4 Lakewood police officers this morning. Pierce County Deputy Ed Troyer explains

Three Cousins Enjoy Feast

There is no Goldilocks, but you can see three Barers, all cousins of mine. Burl, his brother Stan, and sister Jan got together along with their children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving. Thank you to Burl and Jan who posted this on their blogs.

Neil Diamond Does The Chanukkah Song

I found this on cousin Lee Goldberg's blog a month or so ago. It's finally the holiday season.

Seahawks Beat The Rams

For the first time this season, and it has been a long one, the Seattle Seahawks were able to execute on the road, beating the St.Louis Rams 27-17. 'Hawk second year running back Justin Forsett had a break-out game running for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Josh Wilson intercepted a pass in the second quarter, running 65 for a Seattle score. Although the Seahawks are all but mathematically eliminated from the NFL play-off race, the victory should help the 'Hawks organization plan it's direction for the next few seasons. The victory was Seattle's 10th in a row over the Rams, who are also having a miserable season.

Rotten Apple Cup Results In Husky Win

Apple Cup 2009 will go down as a match where a win starved Washington Husky team trounced the even more inept Washington State Cougars 30-0. While the Cougar defense played with heart in the first half, holding the Huskies to 10 points, the offense could not rise to the challenge, playing 3 quarterbacks, two with injuries and never getting inside the Husky 33 yard line. Suddenly, Washington's record looks better at 4 and 7, while the WSU Cougars are in need of evaluating their program to see if their is a way out of this slump.

Palin Hides Out In Tri Cities

My brother, Steve, reports on the whereabouts of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

This is what's happening a couple blocks from the Crossroads UPS Store where I work.

A Review: Pirate Radio

It's a fun movie, because everything is what you think it is. Pirate Radio takes you back to the rebellious 1960s when rock and roll music ruled. Add to the mix a "groovy" sound track and a crew of raunchy fun loving disc jockeys and you have a great movie.
The action takes place on a ship offshore from Great Britain. The government apparently would not license any radio station that played Rock music. By broadcasting from the boat, the station was outside the government's power. The government minister who was deadset on doing everything in his power (and beyond) to shut down the station was played up hilariously.

Other than being a little long, watching Pirate Radio (which was originally title "The Boat That Rocked") made for an enjoyable evening.

Old Walla Walla Radio Shows

Just to jog your memory and following up on my past posts on radio from the 60s and 70s, KUJ used to have a show called "Swapping Time", it was a cross between "Craig's List" and talk radio. Local listeners would call in to buy and sell their items and would be put on the air. A tape delays allowed the host to screen calls for suitable material. KTEL's answer was "Trading Post" however the DJ would read what were basically want ads over the air. KTEL also had "Pet Patrol" where listeners would could post lost and found for dogs and cats.
Another show that you may remember was the Men's Garden Club that would air on Tuesday mornings. On that show, the Walla Walla Men's Garden Club would answer questions fed from listeners. The radio station announcer would answer the phone and jot down the questions, to which a panel of experts would answer on the air.

Many of you may remember the "Hi Fi Show" change aired Monday through Friday at 8:00 on KTEL. DJ Dave Cochran would ask listeners to identify a record, the first caller to identify the record would win a 6 pack of Coca Cola. In order to play, you had to get a "Hi Fi" which for local teens, was as coolest thing to have in their wallet next to a driver's license.

November 22nd, 1963

A dark day in American history.

Seahawks Lose In Minnesota

After a scoreless first quarter, it didn't take long to see which team is play-off bound as the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35-9. There were times when it looked like the Vikes did not have an opponent as ageless quarterback Brett Favre was able to move the ball practically at will, throwing four touchdown passes to four different Viking receivers. The Seahawks did not even get past midfield until late in the third quarter.

Billy Joel-Elton John Rescheduled

Ticketmaster has been informing customers that hold tickets to the canceled Seattle Elton John-Billy Joel concert, originally scheduled for early Novemberthat the concert has been rescheduled for Wednesday February 3rd at Key Arena.

A great clip recalling the AFL's imfamous "Heidi Game" of 1968. A game that might have been unnoticed except for two things, number one, it involved the league's showcase teams, the Jets (who would go on that season and win the Super Bowl and the Raiders (at that time, the defending AFL champions) and also,it kept football fans from watching one of the greatest comebacks in professional football history.
41 years later, fans still remember the "Heidi Games". This clip says it all.

Another Mike Barer

Up in the "Great White North" there is another Mike Barer. He is the bass player for the Edmonton, Alberta based group, Grassroot Deviation. Grassroot Deviation is described as playing a "diverse spectrum of Roots, Rock, and Funk." They have a myspace page and Mike has a group page on facebook. I do not know whether nor how he is related.

This Commercial Is So Funny

Cardinals Close The Curtain On The Seahawks

If the Seattle Seahawks proved one thing today, it was that even at it's best, it cannot keep up with an Arizona Cardinal team playing at it's worst. The 'Hawks blew a 14-0 lead in a 31 to 20 loss to the division leader. The one bright spot was second year Seahawk running back, Justin Forsett. Forsett had 123 rushing yards and a touchdown. In spite of a series of Arizona penalties and some big plays by Matt Hasselbeck, the Seahawks could not muster a single touchdown in the second half. Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner (above) threw for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns. Beanie Wells had also rushed for two touchdowns.

Another Rainy Day

Rusty, in a classic pose in our kitchen the other day.

The AFL And ABA Challenge Established Sports Leagues

My brother, Steve wrote in his blog about the now defunct USFL which started as a Summer supplement to the NFL and then grew a little big for it's britches and finally challenged the Iconic league. It reminded me of the two upstart leagues of the 60s and 70s, the American Football League (AFL) and the American Basketball Association (ABA). The goals of both of these leagues was not nescessarily to destroy the established NFL and NBA, but to competed beside them like the American League and the older National League in Major League Baseball.

There is not much written to compare and contrast the AFL with the ABA, but there are so many similarities and yet so many differences.

The AFL no longer exists, but really it does. All of the original teams, plus the two expansion teams ( the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals), still exist, although the Houston Oilers are now the Tennessee Titans, the Oakland Raiders are again the Oakland Raiders, after a decade of so in Los Angeles. They exist in what became the American Football Conference (AFC). Three teams (Baltimore-Indianapolis Colts the original Cleveland Browns, now the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers), joined the AFL teams after the merger. The AFL was able to get a TV contract with NBC. It was easy for fans to watch their favorite NFL team on one channel and their favorite AFL team on the other. The AFL was established by oil baron Lamar Hunt, after the NFL stopped his bid to buy the Chicago Cardinals. Hunt owned the AFC's Dallas Texans. The Texans then moved to Kansas City and renamed themselves the "Chiefs". I think it was Hunt's money and the quality of ownership that he brought in that helped advance the AFL. Great AFL stars were Len Dawson, Joe Namath, Gino Cappeletti, and Daryl Lamonica.

Only four of the ABA teams joined the NBA. They are scattered in the league with no ties within. The ABA had no television agreement so it could not get either the exposure needed nor the money to lure the quality stars that the AFL could get. I remember an ABA all star game being played on "Wide World Of Sports" There was no common draft nor any direct competitive game with the NBA. The ABA was able to get some great stars though, Julius Erving, Connie Hawkins, and Rick Barry come to mind. It played with a Red, White, and Blue Basketball. It had the original three point line and many players had long hair and huge afro style haircuts. It was the flashier league.

The similarities are that they both brought changes to the older leagues, while the NBA does not play with Red, White, and Blue Basketballs, it adopted the "three point line" and the San Antonio Spurs (from the ABA) have won the league several times. The AFL brought the "two point conversion" , more colorful jerseys, the scoreboard keeping official gametime, player's names on jerseys, and of course the Super Bowl.

This year, the eight original AFL teams are having legacy weekends to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the league.

It's Mayor Mike McGinn

Former Sierra Club president Mike McGinn has won the Seattle mayoral race according to the Seattle Times. Joe Mallahan conceded today in a new conference. Mallahan was favored by most of the Democratic establishment. McGinn had over 300 volunteers. Neither candidate had either held an elective office in the area or had much outside name recognition before the race began.

Seahawks Bag The Lions

What started as a dismal day for the Seattle Seahawks down 17-0 at home facing the lowly Detroit Lions turned into a victory. The Seahawks offense started with an interception and a lost fumble on it's first two plays from scrimmage. Both times leading two Lion touchdowns.
Matt Hasselbeck, however stayed with the pass hitting 39 out 51 attempts f0r 329 yards.
Hasselbeck ended the day with the team record for career completions. The Seahawk defense had five interceptions, two from David Hawthorne, one from Marcus Trufant, one from Deon Grant and a final one by Josh Wilson that was run in for a touchdown to seal the deal.

Maple Valley Elects 2 New Council Members

Bill Allison and Erin Weaver were elected to the Maple Valley City Council for the first time. Current Councilwoman Victoria Jonas easily won reelection.

Seattle's Tight Race For Mayor

Ever since my Uncle Arny's law school buddy Wes Uhlman was elected to be mayor of Seattle in the late 60s, I've paid close attention that city's mayoral race. It takes a special type to be able to lead a growing, cutting edge city that has seen it's share of peaks and valleys. This year's race is especially compelling. It pits a former T-Mobile executive, Joe Mallahan against a former Sierra Club president, Mike McGinn.
Both candidates ran because of their dissatisfaction with current mayor Greg Nickles. They were both able to get past the incumbent, who was considered invincible.
Joe Mallahan is touting his corporate experience. He has spent heavily to put professionals on his campaign staff. He has a smooth style. Mike McGinn is hard edged, and has a staff of mostly volunteers.
At this writing, only 500 some votes separate the two candidates.

Dow Is New County Executive

The Seatle Times has declared Dow Constantine the winner of the King County Executive race. Constantine, a King County Councilman, was open and upfront on every issue. His opponent, Susan Hutchison, was considered the early favorite.

An Autumn Sunday

After the depressing Seahawk game, Deb, Rusty, and I took a ride to look at the fall leaves. We wound up at Nolte Park, about 4 miles from Maple Valley toward Enumclaw. We walked the trail around Deep Lake, a hike of about a mile and a half. Here is Rusty wading into the lake.

On Our Family's Blogs

Tod Goldberg attempts to answer questions resolving the origin of the Universe and Troy Aikman's hair color here. Rated PG for language.

Cowboys Corral The Seahawks

What started out as a "toss-up" turned into another "blow-out" as the Seattle Seahawks lost their second straight game 38-17. The 'Hawks were able to score first on an Olinde Mare field goal in the first quarter. Dallas quarterback Tony Romo answered with a 36yard touchdown pass to Sam Hurd. Matt Hasselbeck threw touchdown passes to Deion Branch in the second quarter and to Justin Griffin in the 4th, while Romo also hit Miles Austin and Roy William for touchdown strikes. Cowboy Patrick Crayton had an 82 yard punt return for a touchdown. The Seahawks were plagued with mistakes as Seneca Wallace slipped in a wildcat formation and Justin Forsett fumbled after running for what could have been a Seahawk first down. Returning cornerback Marcus Trufant got called on three pass interference penalties.
The Seahawks will try to get back on the winning track next Sunday against the St.Louis Rams.

I Meet The President (Not Really) On Halloween

I'm posing with a Trick or Treater who came to our door dressed as Barack Obama.

This Is It--For A Michael Jackson Movie, You Can't Beat It

We saw "This Is It" last night at the Crossroads Cinema in Bellevue. No matter how crazy Michael Jackson was perceived, like a "fish in water" Michael Jackson was in his element on stage. If you like Michael's music, even casually like I do, this is a very enjoyable movie.
The movie shows Michael preparing for the tour that never happened. It goes behind the scenes, introducing dancers and choreographers, and giving us a little peek into what goes into the preparation for a world tour. It also plays an excellent sampling of the MJ music that we all grew up with.

Happy Halloween!

Joel-John Concert Postponed

Seattle is downcast, Boeing's second 787 line is heading for South Carolina, the great Seattle Seahawk tackle Walter Jones' career appears to be finished, nothing like the Billy Joel-Elton John concert to cheer us back up--uh oh, the concert, scheduled for this Wednesday in Key Arena, has been postponed due to Elton John's bad health. Word is, we should hang on to our tickets as promoters will try to reschedule. A second concert set for the following Saturday was also postponed.

Longtime Sammamish Resident Tom Vance Endorsed For Sammamish City Council

The Seattle Times has endorsed longtime Sammamish community activist Tom Vance for Position 3 of the Sammamish City Council. According to the Times, Vance's experience on the city's planning commission and parks advisory committee, along with his 15 years of living in the city, make him a more qualified candidate than his opponent, Seattle TV personality John Curley. Curley, thought to be a "stealth" Republican, is thought to be the favorite because of name recognition. In the race for position 7 of the Sammamish City Council, the Times endorsed Tom Odell over longtime incumbent, Jack Barry.

My Views On The King County Executive Race

Candidates for King County Executive Susan Hutchison and Dow Constantine participated in a debate last Tuesday. Hutchison has two things going for her, one being name recognition, she was a television news anchor on KIRO for many years, and the lack of being part of a now very unpopular county government. Dow has served in the State legislature in both the House and the Senate and currently serves as President on the King County Council. Since he is a Democrat, Hutchison links him with former Executive Ron Sims. For the first time ever, all elective offices in King County will be non-partisan. Since King County generally votes Democratic, it is hard for Republicans to win positions. A non-partisan election makes it possible for Republican candidates to run without carrying an unpopular brand. Susan Hutchison claims to be independent, but her paper trail and history suggest otherwise. I believe that she is the wrong choice for county executive.
Will voters do the research necessary to find out more about both of these candidates? It's hard to tell. Many people vote on emotion. Many candidates feel that King County ignores it's outlying suburbs. Dow is seen as very "Seattle-Centric". In this cycle, he is trying to prove otherwise, that tends to raise skepticism. The question is, what would Hutchison do to bring the Eastside and South County suburbs to the table?

Former County Assessor Rich Medved Dies

The Seattle Times reports former interim County Assessor Rich Medved died today, three months after suffering a stroke. Medved had been Deputy County Assessor under Scott Noble. When Noble was no longer able to serve after a vehicular assault conviction, Medved took over the management position. Medved was campaigning for the position when he was stricken.