Maple Valley Has Visitor

Tuesday, we awoke to the sound of a helicopter  circling in the sky.  Usually in this area, that means a horrible accident or a loose fugitive.  In this case, a bear was seen by a King County Sheriff's deputy on the main highway, not far from my house.  According to the news report, the bear went back into the woods.  There was sighting a few days later.  I joke about it being "tourist season" for bears, but some would argue that we are in the Bear's living room.

He's A Growing Dog!

This picture was a huge hit on Facebook with over 70 "likes". 

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

In memory of the passing of Levon Helm, the lead singer of The Band, here is my favorite song by the group, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.  Helm, successfully recreates the sadness of being on the losing side of the Civil War.

Space Needle Turns 50 Today!

Seattle's defining landmark, The Space Needle opened on April 21, 1962.

Big Dance Party In Heaven

He didn't sing, he didn't dance, he wasn't funny but for generations, Dick Clark was the king of the teen scene.  Every town had it's local DJs, but Clark was seen nationwide, with a smooth voice and a look similar to the young men on the show. Young teens would show off the dances of the day. It is no surprise that he was called "The world's oldest teenager".Growing up, I watched American Bandstand, which Clark hosted and The Lloyd Thaxton Show. Both were teen dance shows with local high school students dancing to records and a couple of live acts on each episode.    Thaxton looked fatherly, but loved to clown around with the music.  Clark, was youthful, took himself and the show seriously, both shows were able to catch youthful exuberance I have often written  of a Saturday afternoon when I heard the song "Happy Together" for the first time and the song stuck in my head for good.
  Dick Clark was resilient. He lasted for decades, and through numerous fads, always seemingly in touch.  In addition to American Bandstand, he produced game shows, created the American Music Awards, and hosted the best known televised New Year's Eve show of all time.

So Long, Dick Clark

TV Icon Dick Clark died today, more later.

Gino's Bistro Opens At 4 Corners

Maple Valley residents no longer have to leave the city limits for dining elegance and out of towners now have a reason to dine in Maple Valley.  Gino's Bistro is now open (as of last month) at the 4 Corners, the Maple Valley business area where two state highways cross.  We visited last Saturday for the first time.  Frosted windows separate Gino's from the fast paced strip mall scene outside.  We did not have to wait long to be seated and our food server immediately introduced herself, she was friendly and helpful with suggestions on food selection as well as wines.  The atmosphere is Italian with Sinatra tunes and the like playing in the background.
Gino's offers Italian Cuisine, as well as steak and seafood.  We had the "Gino", the restaurant's signature pizza dish.   Gino's in Maple Valley is located at 23917 Southeast Kent Kangley Road. The original location remains in Federal Way.

Mike Cameron Joins Team Then Retires

It may be impossible to replace a legend, but Mike Cameron sure made  it easier.  The Centerfielder who came from the Cincinnatti Reds to the Mariners in a trade that for Griffey, has retired as a Seattle Mariner.   Cameron played for seven different teams in his career, including the Mariners, but Seattle seems to where his heart was.  He made some incredible catches and also hit 4 homers in a single game.  This was just "what the doctor ordered" for Mariner fans who have had little to cheer about since the 2001 116 game winning campaign.  Cameron was a part of that team. Griffey would come back and also retire as a Mariner, but while Griffey seemed to be an eternal sulker many times, Cameron always seemed to play the game with a smile.

Go Mariners

Dasher wore a Mariner bandana to celebrate Mariner's Home opener.

Maple Valley Democratic Precinct Caucuses Planned

The first step toward chosing delegates for the Democratic National Convention will commence in Washington this coming Sunday, April 15th.    Maple Valley Democrats will gather at Tahoma Junior High at 25600 Summit SE Landsburg Rd in Ravensdale for Precinct Caucuses.  5th District Precinct Caucuses will also take place day in Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and Carnation, with locations here.  The Caucuses will begin at 1:00 pm, but it would be wise to arrive early to sign in.  Any voter in the designated area who will be of voting age at the time of the 2012 general election is eligible to participate.  Voter registration forms will be available.  For more information, see the 5th District Democrats website.

Congratulations To Adam West!

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that Pop Culture Icon Adam West will get a star today on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  West, who brought the comic book character Batman to life from 1966-1968 on ABC TV, is a native of Walla Walla and would be on any list for most famous figures to hail from there.  He graduated from Lakeside High here in the Seattle area, then graduated from Whitman College.  The Wikipedia reports that West's star will be at 6764 Hollywood Blvd.

Cougar Fans Saddened By Leaf Trevails

Once upon a time, the idea of the Washington State Cougars playing in the Rose Bowl was thought to be a fairy tale, then came Ryan Leaf.  In 1997, the junior quarterback from Montana, showed presense in the pocket, a strong arm, and a cocky attitude.  He lead his team to the Pac 10 championship for the first time in over 30 years.   He was considered a can't miss pro prospect, then the bubble burst.
The San Diego Chargers, gave up the house to have drafting rights to Leaf.  He hit a snag in his rookie season and made ESPN highlight reels with a nasty exchange with reporters. His struggles culminated with his arrest a couple of years ago for burglary.
Recently though, reports came out about a new Ryan Leaf, who was working to fight against his addictions. He survived a brain tumor and wrote a book, the world seemed ready to forgive Ryan and visa versa. But a couple of days ago, the Leaf saga took a turn for the worst, as he was once again arrested for burglary, has Ryan Leaf fooled us again, or is this just another bump on the road to his recovery.  Leaf was arrested again today for burglary in attempt to steal prescription drugs.  Prosecutors had already moved to revoke his probation.

Radio Voices From The Past

They got Seattle rolling in the mornings.  Bobby Ryan and Gary Ryan comprised the "morning drive" team of Ryan and Ryan on KYYX-FM and KXA-AM in the early 80s.   They were not related.