2011--As Seen From Barers Of Maple Valley

So where did it all go?  The year passed by so quickly, and yet a year that was ending so darkly managed to pick up on a positive note in just a couple of weeks.  As we do every year, we look at the good, the bad, the sad and the glad of 2011

JANUARY   In spite of a losing season, the Seattle Seahawks win the division and got the daunting task of facing the 2010 Super Bowl  Champion New Orleans Saints in round 1.  My friend, Louie called with an extra ticket, so I was able to join him and his family at what was then called Qwest Field.  Marshawn Lynch ran for an electrifying 62 yard touchdown and the Seahawks upset the Saints 41-36! 
The 5th District Democrats reorganized and Jim Baum was picked to chair.  I was picked again to represent the 5th on the State Central Committee.
For the second year, I attended the Hutchinson Awards at Safeco Field.  Atlanta Braves pitcher Tim Hudson was the recipient.

FEBRUARY  We will start with what was not on the blog, for the first time in six years, I did not blog episodes of The Apprentice. It was nice to where I could just watch and not have to worry about a write up. We took at winter trip to the Palm Springs area, where a cancelled flight made us arrive too late to see a show with my Dad and Jean.  The weather was not great either, we did have the penthouse of the Trend West property and it had a hot tub on the deck.
  I wrote on the guest book of "Outlaw Radio" and got my name mentioned several times by the host.  It was during "Charlie Sheen" controversy time and I stated my opinion on the situation on the "so called" guest book, then I listened to the show.  My Cousin, Burl, appears weekly on the show heard every Saturday at 3:00 pm Pacific Time.
I wrote about the Covington eatery 2Seven2, which had live music and great food.  Unfortunately, the restaurant was gone in a few more months.

MARCH  The Cougar Men's Basketball team did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament, but made accepted an invitation to the NIT, they went to the semi-finals. 
The family got together at Newcastle Golf Course to celebrate my Uncle Arny's 75th birthday,  the Sunday brunch was highlighted by a good natured "roast" by my uncle's two sons, Joe and Sam.  Former Seattle Super Sonics owner and international billboard magnate Barry Ackerly passed away as did film legend Elizabeth Taylor.

April  I get a letter from a reader saying he may have a tape of the KUJ sign off from the 1960s, I had readers asking about it since I had written a nostalgia piece about the station in July of 2009.
 The Seattle Mariners won their opening day game. 
For the second year in a row, a KJR traffic reporter left the station.  Nina Hajian took a job as morning co-host in Sacramento.  Seattle Seahawks tapped Alabama Left Tackle James Carpenter as it's first pick in the NFL draft.

May  Word gets out the Osama Bin Laden has been killed by U.S. Forces, America celebrates.  The coveted KUJ sign off is found and posted.  We have a yard sales at the house and end the month spending an afternoon at the Mariners game with nephews Ethan and Connor.

June  KIRO TV sent a crew to film at The UPS Store in Crossroads,  Debra is interviewed,  the segment is for a morning show known as "Better Northwest".  The segment aired in early July.
Also Barers Of Maple Valley had a record 576 hits in one day as Hockey fans were excited about the Stanley Cup Finals.

July We watched the Little River Band at an outdoor concert at the Snoqualmie Casino.
My nephew Ethan's Little League team went deep into the play-offs.
 My wife surprised me with a birthday party at Lake Sammamish Park.
The Seattle Seahawks announced that they will not renew quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's contract.  Hasselbeck wound up going to the Tennessee Titans.  Fans were not pleased.

August  We watched the GoGos at an outdoor concerts at the Woodland Park Zoo.  Vacationed in Long Beach Washington and attended Cousin Jessica's Bat Mitzvah.

September  We took the in-laws for their first visit to the wineries in Walla Walla over the Labor Day Weekend, this blog adapts a new lay-out, and Rusty retains his title as "Savvy Senior" at the University Village "Fido Fest". 

October  Pop Culture Icons Steve Jobs and Al Davis pass away. 
We visit the Cedar River Watershed and get a guided tour on a random Sunday drive.
 I wrote several nostalgia pieces on Walla Walla. 

November  Connor Halladay turns in a brilliant performance to lead the Washington  State Cougars to a victory over Arizona State, unfortunately, Halladay would suffer a serious injury in the next game. Sports Radio KJR announced that it would simulcast on FM, making it possible to hear the broadcast more clearly in Maple Valley.  We watched the Beatles tribute band Creme Tangerine perform at the Crossroads Mall food court.

December  The moment we dreaded, our precious Golden Retriever who brought us so much joy, got his angel wings.  Customers at the store who adopted Rusty into their hearts, sent flowers, cards, thoughts, prayers and well wishes that gave us strength in a time of great loss.  On Christmas eve, Deb surprised me and the rest of our family with a new Golden puppy and now we go into 2012 with a new beginning.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Anderson To Seek Lt Governor Position

The Sno Valley Star, is reporting that Washington State  5th District House Member Glenn Anderson will now be seeking the office of Lieutenant Governor, a post that has been held by Brad Owen since 1996.  In Washington, Lt Governor has few duties and is not really considered a stepping stone to the position of Governor.   Anderson's decision to seek statewide office may be partly due to the uncertainty of redistricting.

5th District's Glenn Anderson To Hang It Up

The Sammamish Review reports that Glenn Anderson will be leaving the Washington State Legislature where he represented the 5th in the House Of Representatives.   Anderson has represented the district since 2000.   He ranked 13th in seniority in seniority. Anderson's representation, although very unpopular with progressive leaning constituents, has rarely been challenged in the mostly conservative,   primarily rural district representing South Eastern King County.  He did face a tough race in 2008, a Democratic year across the nation, to then upstart David Spring.  A rematch between Anderson and Spring, 2 years later, proved to be a landslide victory for Anderson.

Dasher Joins The Family

It's all smiles again at our Maple Valley home as 6 week old Dasher joined our family.  Deb had been working at getting the dog secretly for a few weeks and surprised me this last Saturday with the beautiful pup.  Dasher has been adjusting well to his new home.

New Cougar Coach Introduced

The Washington State Cougars easily defeated the Pepperdine Wave in the annual Cougar Hardwood Classic.   The Cougs play one game every December at the Key in Seattle, they later play at least one game against U-Dub.  The highlight of the evening was the introduction of newly named football coach Mike Leach (above right), who addressed the crowd at halftime

The UPS Store In Crossroads

If you haven't seen me here often, it's because this year's holiday season at The UPS Store in Crossroads, Bellevue, has been a total success.  Some of the cool things that we have packed and shipped, a King Crab from the TV show "The Deadliest Catch". Also shipped was an autographed ball by Yankee pitcher Don Larson and catcher Yogi Berra from the only perfect game pitched in World Series history.

Happy Hanukkah

Rusty In Pictures

In loving memory
Rusty Barer 1995-2011

A Toy Burl Barer

Burl Barer, true crime writer, former Seattle radio DJ, etc, etc recently unveiled a bobble head version of him on his facebook page, the picture was shared by relatives including myself.  You can hear Burl, Saturdays on Outlaw Radio at3pm PST.

So Long, Sweet Dog

Our sweet Golden Retriever, Rusty has left us today at 16, he had been increasingly ill since early last month.  We adopted Rusty from the animal shelter in Tacoma in 1998.  He had been coming to The UPS Store in Crossroads for many years, winning the hearts of customers, some who came just to see him.   When my wife worked at nursing homes, Rusty helped with pet therapy.  He was a two time winner at the University Village's Fido Fest winning savy senior.  This year, he was also picked as fan favorite.  He has a fan page on facebook with 80 members. Rusty enjoyed morning walks around the neighborhood with his Dad.

Hall Welcomes The Late Ron Santo

Seattle native and legendary 3rd Baseman Ron Santo has been elected by the Veteran's committee to the Baseball Hall Of Fame.  Santo played for a Chicago Cub team that may have been the best team ever to not play in post season, the fact that Santo did not play in the post season could have factored into him being passed up 18 times for enshrinement.  Santo played for the National League All Star team, a team that I remember as a consistent winner 9 times.  He was a winner of 5 gold gloves.  As a hitter, he belted 342 homers during his career.
Santo was an extremely popular radio analyst for the Cubs for over two decades.  He died almost exactly a year ago from complications from bladder cancer.

History Of Seattle's Iconic Radio Station KJR

Seattle Radio History - 950AM (KJR) from Twisted Scholar on Vimeo.

My cousin, Burl Barer makes a couple of appearences (in pictures) in this great narrative on the history of Seattle radio station KJR. Also look for a quick snap of current KJR sports talk host Mike Gastineau. Most people will recognize Pat O'Day.

Lynch Goes In Beast Mode Against Eagles

Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch is rapidly turning into one of the NFL's most exciting players.  Last night, Lynch ran for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns as the 'Hawks beat the Philadelphia Eagles 31-14 in a nationally televised Thursday night match up.

Mike Leach Named New Cougar Coach

Former Texas Tech  coach Mike Leach  will now run the football program at Washington State University.  Leach will replace Paul Wulff, who was fired this week after the Cougs lost to Washington in the Apple Cup to top off a disappointing 4 and 8 season.   It was the best season of Wulff's tenure, and the team had shown improvement, however, with new television revenue available, Athletic Director Bill Moos felt that big changes were needed to bring the Cougars to a level to where they could compete and win nationally.
Leach  was 84-43 at Texas Tech, with 10 bowl appearances.  Cougar fans are hoping that Leach can do for Washington State, what Mike Holmgren did for the Seattle Seahawks.  Holmgren got the NFL 'Hawks into the Super Bowl in the 2005-2006 season.

Apple Cup 2011

Peter Frampton Will Play Spring Gig In Walla Walla

In spite of having three colleges including one that has now attained University status and a growing reputation as a wine tasting destination, Walla Walla has never been a haven for rock concerts.  I can remember watching Tower Of Power and Climax Blues Band in Coordiner Hall  at Whitman College, but usually artists appearing there are on the way up, on the way down or just known locally.
However, the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that Peter Frampton, whose live '76 release, Frampton Comes Alive was a monster hit, will appear at the Dietrich Dome on the Walla Walla Community College campus on March 24th.   The story by reporter Alfred Diaz, cites the James Gang, and Al Stewart as well known Rock bands that have recently played in the area.

Mariner Outfielder Murdered

Mariners fans are waking up to the tragic news that outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death in his native country of The Netherlands.  His brother is being held as a suspect.
Halman had started at all three outfield positions for the M's in the early season, then was optioned to Tacoma.

Homecoming For The Drews At 5th Dems Meeting

The 5th District Democrats welcomed old friends back at it's monthly meeting last Wednesday.  Former State Senator Kathleen Drew  stopped by to announce her candidacy for Secretary Of State.  Drew brought along husband Steve, the current Thurston County Assessor.  Drew was the first and, at this point, the last Democrat to represent Washington's 5th Legislative District.  The former Issaquah residents were very active with the 5th Democrats until Kathleen was appointed to a position in Governor Gregoire's administration in 2005 and the family moved to Olympia.
Drew hopes to break a 46 year run of Republicans serving in the position best known for running state elections.  The last Democrat to serve that position was Vic Meyers (a Seattle band leader) who was defeated by Lud Kramer in 1964.  The current Secretary, Sam Reed has announced that he will not seek another term.

Cougar Freshman Lights Up Sun Devils

In an electrifying performance, 3rd string freshman quarterback Connor Halliday, passed for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns to lead the WSU Cougars to a 37-27 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils.  The Cougs had been 12 point underdogs to a strong ASU team coached by Dennis Erickson.

Beatles Tribute Rocks Crossroads

We watched Seattle based Beatles tribute band Creme Tangerine at Bellevue's Crossroads Mall last night.  The band played  a wide range of Beatles music to a capacity crowd at the main stage.  The  Crossroads Mall on Northeast 8th and 156th Ave NE in Bellevue features free entertainment every Friday night.

David Frockt Tapped To Advance

A caucus of Democratic PCOs from Seattle's 46th District has picked Representative David Frockt to move to the Senate, Frockt, a Seattle attorney is in his Freshman year as a legislator. Frockt's nomination will now go to the King County Democratic Central Committee, where if approved, will move to the King County Council.  The seat became vacant in late October by the sudden passing of Scott White.  If Frockt is approved by the KC Council, he will begin his duties as Senator and the 46th will convene again to pick someone to replace Frockt in what would be his former position. 
The State Senate, the upper house of the Washington State Legislature has one Representative from each district, making it half the size of the House and giving each member a more powerful vote.
The caucus was held in North Seattle's Olympic View Elementary School.  In addition to the vote, a dinner raised $500 for the Scott White Memorial Education Fund.

So Long To Boxing Icon

Former Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier has passed away  from Liver Cancer.  Above is the fight vs George Foreman where Howard Cosell made his famous "down goes Frazier" call. For more on Frazier's life, click here.  My brother Steve wrote a beautiful tribute to the boxing legend. 

Expo '74 Spokane Pulls Off A World's Fair

As Seattle is often seen as the crown jewel of the State Of Washington, Spokane has often been seen as an afterthought  It is the second largest city in Washington and the hub of Eastern Washington. I believe it is also the largest city between the Cascades and the Twin Cities.
In 1974, Spokane would have it's day in the sun.  Expo '74 was Washington's second world's fair in 12 years and the second of three in the Northwest.  Vancouver would put on an Expo in '86.  The theme of Expo '74 was to preserve the environment, it was very relevant at the time since America was feeling the effects of the energy shortage.
I was fortunate that I was able to visit the Expo with my family, since Spokane was only 2 hours away from Walla Walla, where we lived at the time.  We had also visited the Century 21 Fair in Seattle in 1962, but was only 5 at the time and barely remember it.
.  At the time, Spokane was the smallest city to host a World's Fair.  Although it may not have made money, it was a boost to the community. The city was left with a beautiful park in what once was an area that was considered a local eyesore.  They also can look back to the time when they were the world's destination.  There may even be people who were so impressed by the town's warm hospitality, that they moved and settled into the area.

Seattle Sports Talk On FM Band!

In a move that expanded it's coverage multi-fold,  Seattle Sports Radio KJR has begun to simulcast it's programming on 102.9.  The move will allow it's signal to heard clearly in isolated places like Maple Valley, where it can be scratchy and nearly impossible to hear at night.  It will also allow me to listen on my ipod, which has an FM band, but no AM.  The move was announced today and programming began immediately.

Ugly Politics--The "Hit" Piece

This is the reason that the last month of a campaign season is so excruciating.  Hit mail is a candidate's way of figuratively punching your opponent in the nose.  It is sent to sabotage a campaign. This piece was mailed out in the Bellevue area, attacking John Stokes, a candidate for Bellevue City Council.  To many casual voters, this is the only information that they will get on the candidate. The groups who mail these care little about the message that ultimately comes across, or the circumstances involved, or that it can turn off the electorate and pollute the airwaves and our mailboxes.
  We learn that it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.  The people sending out this message have a different outlook.

Burner Will Run In 1st Congressional Race

Darcy Burner, who ran twice unsuccessfully in Washington's 8th Congressional District, has announced that she will run again.   This time Burner will run for the House seat being vacated by Democrat Jay Inslee, who is now running for Governor. Representing the more urban areas on the Eastside, the 1st is considered an easier district for a Democrat to win. The problem for Burner, several Democrats, including the very seasoned former LegislatorLaura Ruderman, have announce their desire to run for that seat.   Burner, a former Microsoft executive, is one of the first Washington politicians to embrace new technology as it has pertained to campaigning. She has been very skilled at raising campaign funds through Netroots, a national network of liberal bloggers.

Radio Bad Boy Coming To Seattle

Danny Bonaduce, a child TV star from the early 70s who became famous or infamous for erratic behaviour and arrests in recent years, is coming to Seattle to be the "morning drive" host at KZOK. 
Bonaduce played Danny Partridge in the early hit show "The Partridge Family", a scene stealing "Dennis The Menace" type.  Bonaduce fell into rough times after the series about a fictional family pop music act ran it's course.  Unlike a number of other former child stars, Bonaduce has survived and  endured.  According to "Blather Watch" a blog reporting on local radio, Bonaduce is coming off a gig in Philadelphia and will begin his stint on 102.5 on November 14th. 

St Louis Wins 11th Title

By now you know the St. Louis Cardinals have won more titles than any Major League Baseball team, except the Yankees.  The Cards beat the Texas Rangers 6-2 in the 7th game of the World Series. 

Cardinals Force A Game 7 In Fall Classic

The Texas Rangers learned a valuable lesson about letting the other team hang around as the St Louis Cardinals staged an improbable comeback to win game 6.  David Freese  hit a lead off homer in the 11th to reverse a two game losing streak.  In both the 9th and 10 innings, the Cardinals were behind and had two outs and two strikes, but they continued to deliver in the clutch.  When people think about tradition in baseball, the Yankees and Dodgers come to mind, but the Cardinals have won 10 titles, second only to the Yankees.

5 Walla Walla Department Stores From The Past

1. Montgomery Wards (picture above)--on West Main--very similar to Sears, which was down the street.  Men, Women, and Children's clothing, toys and an automotive. Also put out a catalogue, much like Sears. One of the first Department stores to leave.
2. JJ Newberrys  Standard department store offerings, a pet department and a soda fountain (common in the 50s and 60s.), I believe that it was gone by the end of the 60s.  The building was turned into a "Mini Mall" now torn down and made into a park.
3. Gardner's--locally owned, oldest department store in the state.  It was on the  corner of 3rd and Main. It carried groceries as well as the standard department store offerings.  Left in late 70s or early 80s.
4. Drumhellers--Run by a pioneer family, it had hardware, sporting goods, furniture and structural steel. On Second and Alder, it anchored the Drumheller Building, where the elevator was hand run by an attendant. 
5. Griggs Stateline--I believe it was Tri Cities based. Griggs was located south of the Oregon State Line so Walla Walla residents could shop there and avoid the sales tax.

Sandy Koufax Collectable

My friend Joe, a baseball collector, models a yalmulke autographed by Sandy Koufax.  Koufax, a Dodger considered by some the greatest pitcher of all time, refused to pitch in a World Series game on Yom Kippur.

Candidates Forum Held In Newcastle

Eastside voters from both parties had a chance to meet candidates for Washington Governor and Attorney General at the Golf Club At Newcastle this weekend.  The Eastside Candidates Forumn was sponsored by the Municipal League Foundation, The Newcastle Chamber Of Commerce and The Club At Newcastle. 
In spite of the windy, rainy, weather, the remote location, and the early hours on a Saturday,  a decent turn-out was on hand to meet the candidates and hear what they had to offer.  Speeches were giving by Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Jay Inslee (pictured above), Republican  Rob McKenna, Democratic AG candidate Bob Ferguson and Republican Candidate, Reagan Dunn.  Both Dunn and Ferguson serve on the King County Council.  McKenna is the current Attorney General and Inslee represents the 1st District in the U.S. House Of Representatives.
With the 2012 campaign season months away, candidates were relaxed as they spoke and mixed with the crowd.  There were few if any personal attacks. The news that broke earlier in the morning of the sudden passing of Washington State Senator Scott White, added a touch of sadness to the event.

Walla Walla--Do You Remember?

Most Walla Wallans growing up when I did, or I should say, almost all, remember that the High School was located before 1964, between Palouse and Park Streets just off of Birch. But do you remember???

1. Walla Walla Community College  WWCC began in the old high school buildings on Park where it would stay until it moved to the current campus on Tausick Way.
2. A firestation at the corner of Park and Alder
3.  Albertson's located on East Main, near the Whitman College campus, just before Main runs into Isaacs
4. Safeway located on Isaacs, next to the Chevron Station
5. The Public Library located on South Palouse in what would become Carnegie Center

I would like to, once again, thank Joe Drazan for the picture.  More great history at his blog on Bygone Walla Walla.  A few more lists to come before BOMV moves on.  Thank you for the great response!

5 More Walla Walla Businesses Of The Past

1.  B. Barer And Sons  Founded by my Great Grandfather, B. Barer (above with my Great Grandmother) and his brother Ike.  On the corner of 4th and Rose, it began as an animal hide purchasing outlet, evolving to scrap salvage, structural steel, and industrial gases.  Began in the early 20th century, it was run by 4 generations of the family, sold to Oxarc in 2000
2. Ben Hunt Mfg  A manufacturing company located in the Eastgate, one of B. Barer And Sons biggest customers, if not the biggest, it was not unusual for the company to do two or three large deliveries in a single day.  It began as a blacksmith company making horseshoes and what not, evolved into a metal construction factory known for truck bumpers.
3.  Derby Electric   Great place to buy a color TV. Located on Main and Spokane, it became Radio Shack. 
4, Chances R   Owned by the same family that owned Wades, sold clothing that was cool in the 70s.
5. The Liberty  The only indoor theatre in town, movies would show months after their release, annoying the locals.  Although it's architecture was spectacular, it was musty and less then pleasant on the inside.  It was owned by a Seattle firm during it's heyday

Five More Long Gone Walla Walla Businesses

1.Tum-A-Lum Lumber--Our next door neighbors were involved in this business,  a regional chain of lumber yards with the home office in Walla Walla.  Whitehouse-Crawford, a building supply, was also tied with this company.  Whitehouse-Crawford's mill was eventually shut down and remodeled in a fine dining restaurant.  The Walla Walla Tum-A-Lum yard, on 5th and Main was shut down, even as the home office stayed on East Main.  That was eventually closed.  The company operates currently in Oregon and North California.
2. Jones-Scott,  This company was an interesting combination, a "sand and gravel" company that also sold insurance. It's red cement mixing trucks were a common site around town.
3. Tausick And Kauffman  Also on West Main, sold heating oil, etc.
4. Sherwood And Roberts.  An iconic Walla Walla business, dealt with real estate, insurance,  and finance, it became a chain with offices in the Seattle area, as well as the Tri Cities, Donald Sherwood was also involved with the Union-Bulletin and a major benefactor of Whitman College.  He began this business with Yakima businessman Austin Roberts.
5. Walla Walla Federal Savings And Loan  Was located on 2nd Street across from what was originally Seafirst, then First Federal (now Banner Bank), became Frontier Federal as it expanded regionally.

Sunday Drive Shows Beauty In "Our Own Backyard"

   

Deb and I, along with the dogs, ventured on a ride around the area. We usually go out to look at the Fall leaves every autumn. So we set the GPS for the nearest park, not more than a couple miles away from our house away from town, we found the Landsburg Dam and Fish Hatchery.  The Dam is part of the Cedar River Watershed providing water for the city of Seattle. We found that volunteers were giving tours of the dam (second picture from bottom), the fish hatchery (bottom picture) is new, we were not able to tour it,  but it's purpose was explained. 
We then drove to nearby Black Diamond to look for a place to walk the dogs (we were watching Deb's parents' dog Karlee as well as our Rusty),  we crossed a one way bridge over the Green River Gorge (middle picture), across the bridge, we found the Green River Gorge Resort (second picture from the top) it looked abandoned, but Deb fed the Goose (top picture) that was across the street.

Former Washington Governor Dies At 101

The man whom I credit my love of politics, former Washington  Governor Al Rosssellini has passed away at 101.  My parents, who were active in the Democratic party, took me to a rally for him in Walla Walla's Pioneer Park in 1964 where I would meet him.  At the time,Rossellini was staging what would be an unsuccessful attempt for a third term in the state house.  Rossellini lost that year to a young Republican state legislator named Dan Evans.  Evans would himself serve 3 terms beating Rossellini in a rematch in 1972   Rossellini was the first Italian-American and first Roman Catholic west of the Mississippi to be elected governor and the oldest living former governor at the time of his death. 
He had the distinction of being governor during the Seattle World's Fair in 1962.

5 Walla Walla Retail Stores That You May Have Forgotten

1. Wade's  (above) A men's clothing outlet on Main Street downtown, the owner was a neighbor of ours when we lived on Leonard Street and his boys were friends of mine.  Owner turned "Mod" in the early 70s and began wearing long hair and nehru jackets. 
2. Bergman's  A dress shop on West Main, owner left town but the store stayed in business for several more years.
3. Dan Reeders  Toy and hobby shop, was at Main and Spokane Streets,  owner was seriously injured in fireworks mishap
4. Davis Kaisers  A furniture store located on 2nd and Poplar.
5. The Leading Fur Shop  An outlet for Fur Coats and Minks. It was located on Alder and Colville

This is a pretty wide category,  on the next post, I'll come up with some forgotten service and industrial businesses.  I'm also open to suggestions.

Oakland Raider Owner Al Davis Dies

Al Davis, renegade owner of the Oakland Raiders, has died at 82.  Davis seemed to spend as much time in the courtroom as on the football field as he battled the league to relocate his team to Los Angeles, he was successful, but would eventually move them back to Oakland.   Many will compare him to George Steinbrenner in his raw thirst to win, but unlike Steinbrenner, Davis had been a scout, coach, and a general manager. He also was commissioner of the AFL at one time. The Raiders are one of two NFL teams to play in a Super Bowl in 4 different decades. The Raiders, with Davis as owner, have won 3 Super Bowl titles and have more players in the Hall Of Fame than any other team.

Gone But Not Forgotten Walla Walla Neighborhood Grocery Stores

For the most part, 7-11 stole them from us, or was it just father time. The corner groceries where you would run to get milk or bread.  One from my early childhood is still around.  The Short Stop Market at 3rd and Yakima.  The above is Green Park Grocery at Isaac and Clinton. 
1.  Duff's  The only downtown store, with a big freezer stocked with cold beer.  Actually, it was Duff's Dairy.
2. Anderson's Market  A block from Pioneer Park on Division.  A great place to go to get an ice cream cone or a soda after a hot day at the park.
3.  Boys Market  Great location--Alder and Wilbur Actually turned into a 7-11.
4.  Johnny's Market   Near Berney School
5.  Green Park Grocery  Pictured above  (thanks to Bygone Walla Walla Blog) across from Green Park School.
Also Pioneer Market (formerly Storer's and Fred's Alder Street), Maxson's, Demoss, and The Corner Grocery (a block from Paine School)

So Long Steve Jobs

This clip from the movie "Pirates Of Silicon Valley" does not portray Steve Jobs in
the best light, and may not have actually happened.  However, in tribute to the brains
behind Apple, I present this video.

Entertainment At Issaquah Starbucks

The Starbucks on Gilman in Issaquah has been remodeled and now features beer and wine as well as coffee served in ceramic mugs.  They also have live music in the early evenings on Wednesdays.

Can Jerri Survive A Cooking Competition?

Jerri Manthey is one of the most popular contestants on Survivor, having been on the show three times. Now she is attempting to stretch her reality chops and compete on the Food Network's Next Great Food Network Star.  The winner of the show, which has run for several years, gets their own cooking show on the Food Network. She put this video on "you tube".

Seattle's Heart Nominated For Hall

Seattle based band Heart has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. The group was nominated along with Guns And Roses, Joan Jett and a few other legendary artists from the 70s and 80s.  The top vote getters will be inducted into the hall in April.
 Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are considered pioneers for giving women a much more dominating presence in Rock And Roll.  The group burst on the scene in the mid-seventies with "Dreamboat Annie" featuring catchy songs like "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man".  Other great hits are "Straight On", "Barracuda", and "What About Love" They are known as a great band to see live as lead singer Ann Wilson seems to be able to make piercing eye contact with every member of the audience.    I saw them in concert in 1978 at the University Of Idaho Kibbie Dome.

Five Walla Walla Restaurants Gone But Not Forgotten

This picture is of Triple X, a drive up root beer stand near the Plaza Shopping Center in Walla Walla.  Locally owned restaurants can really show the character of the town.  I list right now some of Walla Walla's best remembered restaurants.  A couple of these are chains.  A few only closed recently.

1. The Pastime  A modest unassuming Italian cafe on West Main Street.  Great food and since it was  across from the County Courthouse, you could rub elbows with the town leaders.  Also had a card room and lounge  Closed only 5 years ago.

2.  The Red Apple  This cafe was on Main Street in the center of town.  It eventually became a 24 hour operation, popular with the drinking crowd.  I remember the squeaking front door, which let a cold breeze come in when it opened during the winter months.  A breakfast favorite, it also had a bar in the back with nightly entertainment. Also shut down with in the last decade.

3. Roy's Chuckwagon Most people remember that it was a buffet, very few remember that it had a Western motif.  No bar at this establishment, it was fun and filling for the family.  It was located at the Big Y shopping center (between Walla Walla and College Place) which also no longer exists. 

4. Fancy Dan's  The name is the most memorable thing about this joint, as well as  the prime location on the corner of Main and Spokane.  Not famous for good food, but rather it's bright orange interior.

5. Triple X  By default since it was the picture that inspired this post.  A similar Triple X is still going in Issaquah.

Also Abby's Pizza, Pizza Pete, Lutcher's, Denny's Hi-Spot, and many more.  Which ones do you remember?