Broadcast Journalist Eric Slocum Dead

The Blatherwatch blog reports the death of former KOMO News Anchor Eric Slocum.  The Seattle PI reports that Slocum had been battling depression, his death was ruled a suicide. He was also a published poet and had been working on a memoir.

Pop Icon Davy Jones Dead At 66

,Davy Jones, the only British member of the American "made for TV" pop group The Monkees,
has died at 66 of a heart attack in his hometown of Indiantown Florida.  The Monkees, was a group created by Producer Don Kirshner for a mid 60s TV show about a group loosely resembling the Beatles.  Jones was the heartthrob of the group, charming ladies with his British accent and boyish good looks.

Southern California V

Wrapped up the trip with dinner at the In-N-Out Burger, near the airport.  Then caught a 9pm flight back to Seattle.

Horray For Hollywood--Southern California IV

Wednesday was warm and sunny so we spent the entire morning at the pool, it was also our last day there.  We got a free lunch by attending a World Mart presentation, then packed to head to the airport.
We first drove to LA and went into Hollywood, we tried to drive to see the Hollywood sign (second from bottom) but it was gated.
We then drove down Hollywood Boulevard to the Walk Of Fame,  much of the Boulevard was blocked off to prepare for the Oscar Presentations which will be held tomorrow (Sunday February26th).  We saw what little of the "Red Carpet" that was not covered (top picture).   The Kodak Theatre (second and third from top) where the Oscar celebration is held, was closed, but is next to the Chinese Theatre where the stars foot prints are embedded.  Actually, the Hard Rock Cafe is between the two theatres.

Southern California III

From our room, we could look out on the "Tower Of Terror", (top picture)
On Tuesday, we visited the Disney California Adventure. A modern version of Disneyland, we did the Tower, California Screaming Roller Coaster,The Muppets 3-D, the Soarin' Over California.  Because the park was close, my brother-in-law and I walked, while everyone else took a shuttle.

Southern California II

We stayed at the World Mark in Anaheim, the next day, we went to Knott's Berry Farm in near by Buena Park.  It was both of our first visits to that park.  We rode the very scary Ghostrider roller coaster.  Also ate at the park's famous Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

A Fun Getaway--BOMV Goes To Southern California

We had four days to stay in Southern California. We decided to give one up as we volunteered to be bumped from our 7am flight. Although it meant a five hour wait, we got a 300 dollar flight voucher and an upgrade to first class (above). 

Bonaduce Wants To Do Comedy In Local Clubs

Former child TV actor and current KZOK morning personality Danny Bonaduce said on his show last week that he wants to get his licks on stand-up comedy in some of the Seattle clubs.  Bonaduce has done live stand up in the past.  I've listened to his morning show, which largely consists of longtime broadcast partner Sarah reading news and talking of the topics of the day with Bonaduce adding one liners.

Pro Sports Arena Plans Revealed--Public Money Involved

It is not just rumour, Seattle Leaders have been in contact with a Bay Area Hedge fund manager Chris Hansen in hopes of building a new arena that will allow the NBA to return to Seattle.  The deal is contingent on approval to use public funds and the ability to bring both an NBA and NHL franchise into the area.  The proposal would have the arena built south of Safeco Field, forming with Century Link Field, a three stadium sports complex.  Seattle Sonic Legend Lenny Wilkens is a leader in the drive to bring the idea to reality as are Seattle mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine (pictured above).

Walla Walla Legislator Goes Viral

This speech, in favor of marriage equality, earned Washington 16th District Republican Maureen Walsh, of Walla Walla, a visit with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC's "The Last Word".  The video of her speech was picked up by Buzzfeed, and now has well over one million hits.  With humility and homespun humor, Walsh compared Domestic Partnerships to the "Merry Maids Franchise"

Dasher Hopes You Had A Great Valentines Day

Some people where their hearts on their sleeves, Dasher has it on a Balloon.  Deb and I celebrated with dinner at Issaquah's Wildfin.

Pop Music Legend Whitney Houston Dies

Modern day Diva Whitney Houston died today in a Los Angeles Hotel.  Houston was in town to attend the Grammy Awards.  The LA Times reports that Houston arrived in Los Angeles earlier in the week, in disheveled clothes and exhibited erratic behavior. 
The singer, who was 48, gained fame for her beauty and wholesome image.  Her music dominated the pop charts in the 80s and early 90s.  However, her career seemed to careen sideways after her marriage to pop music "Bad Boy" Bobby Brown.
Houston's career netted 6 Grammy Awards.

Ice Storm Damage Remains

Only one tree could be saved on the island in our Belmont Woods cul-du-sac after the January ice storm .  Bushes were plants in their place.

Could The NBA Return Soon?

A Seattle Times report about an NBA team relocating to Seattle has the town buzzing.  Seattle first major sports franchise, the Seattle Super Sonics left town in 2008.  The Times said talks are going on behind the scenes to about a privately financed arena being built, possibly to house what is now, the Sacramento Kings, should a deal for an arena fall through in that city.  The article said that the proposed site would be south of Safeco Field and would possibly also lead to an NHL Hockey franchise relocating to the area. 
After a nasty battle to keep the Sonics in town, many area sports fans lost their taste for the NBA. Comments from Commissioner David Stern aimed toward the city government added insult to injury.

He's Getting Bigger

Our Dasher is growing like a weed!

Butler Wins Hutch

Kansas City Royal Designated Hitter Billy Butler (lower picture, right) was this year's winner of the Fred Hutchinson award, the trophy in honor of the former Major League Baseball Manager Fred Hutchinson, a Seattle native.  Baltimore Oriole Hall Of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr  (above) was keynote speaker.  The luncheon benefits the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  About a thousand people attended this year's luncheon, held at Safeco Field.