Maple Valley Recognized In '"Hawkmania"

According to this KOMO 4 web post, Maple Valley has the most enthusiastic Seahawks fans.  Thanks to my friend Bonnie for sharing this. Go Hawks!!!

Tennessee Grad Peyton Manning Wins Bart Starr Award

Congratulations to Denver Bronco quarterback Peyton Manning, for being awarded the Bart Starr Award
for community service.  The Starr award is sort of the football equivalent of baseball's Hutch award.  It is named after Green Bay Packer great Bart Starr.  Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas were the two greatest quarterbacks of their era, some would say, of all time.
Peyton Manning quarterbacked the Tennessee Vols, the school where my wife graduated.

BUY SKITTLES!!!!!

A sports writer named Ed Sherman has made a name for himself slamming running back Marshawn Lynch and what has become a huge side show.  Sherman is calling for a boycott on Skittles.  Never mind that Lynch is giving reporters more meat to chew on than they would have had otherwise.  Today, Sherman is all over Twitter, excited that his name was brought up on The View.  I say we Hawk fans should support Lynch and buy more Skittles!  Buy as many bags as you possibly can and fill the bowls at all Super Bowl parties with them.  Let's do even better.  Everyone who reads this should send Ed Sherman 12 bags of Skittles!
Have fun and Go Hawks!

Royals Star Honored At 50th Annual Hutch Awards

Alex Gordon, a gold glove outfielder, who helped the the Kansas City Royals battle to the World Series received the 50th Fred Hutchinson Award at a luncheon at Safeco Field.  The award is given to the player who exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of the late Fred Hutchinson, a Seattle native who became famous as a pitcher and a Major League manager and whose career was cut short by lung cancer. Proceeds go to supporting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
 Gordon is credited with raising more than 1 million dollars for research through the non-profit Alex's Lemonade Stand.  Gordon spoke movingly of  his mother surviving breast cancer.
Hall of Fame player Dave Winfield  (bottom picture with me) was the keynote speaker. Winfield, voted best all-around athlete by ESPN, was drafted by 4 teams in 3 different sports.  Unlike Bo Jackson and Dion Sanders, he stuck with baseball where he would eventually play for 6 teams and carve out a 22 year career.  Of course, he spun old baseball anecdotes, including being snubbed by Bob Gibson as his career was beginning.  Winfield was no stranger to Seattle, since his father had moved here after Dave's parents split.  Winfield mentioned his family's humble beginnings in St Paul Minnesota He also spoke movingly of losing his mother to cancer.
Host for the afternoon event were former talk radio host Mike Gastineau, Mariner reporter Shannon Drayer, and Mariner play by play man Rick Rizzs.

Inventor Of Instant Replay Dies

Tony Verna is not a famous name by any means, but the former network sports director for is noted for an innovation that totally changed the way America has watched sports.  Verna is credited with developing instant replay.  the ability to watch a football play that has just taken place.  According to the New York Times, instant replay was first used in the 1963 Army-Navy game.  A game mostly known for it's somber tone, it was played only 15 days after the assassination  of President Kennedy.  The replay was used after Army scored a touchdown, the innovation was so new, that broadcasting great Lindsay Nelson needed to announce that what they were watching was not live.
Verna died earlier this month at his home in Palm Desert, California.

More Tiger Mountain

Dasher stands proudly on a rock.  We took this last Sunday on our Tiger Mountain outing.

Tiger Mountain Summit

Unseasonably warm weather and sunshine allowed Deb and I to take Dasher for a hike on a trial in the Tiger Mountain Forest off Highway 18 between Issaquah and Snoqualmie.  We concluded our outing in Snoqualmie Ridge at the Infusion Bar And Grill, where we had an outdoor lunch.

SNL's Take ON Deflateagate

I found this totally hilarious.  Go Hawks!

WSU Radio Memories--KUGR

I worked for KUGR, the student radio station in all 4 years that I was at WSU.  The call letter were made to form the word "Cougar".  These pictures were posted by my friend Tom Eades, who gave me permission to use them.

Former Coug Thompson Breaks Record

Mention great former WSU athletes named Thompson and the first thought that goes through your head may be the Throwin' Samoan Jack Thompson, but that may not be the case after last Friday night, Klay Thompson, who played for Coach Tony Bennett at WSU from 2008 to 2011, set an NBA record last night of 37 points in a single quarter.  In that third quarter, Thompson  had 9 3-pointers, also an NBA record.  Thompson plays for the Golden State Warriors.  He outscored the entire Sacramento Kings basketball team in that single quarter.  Thompson wound up with 52 points for the entire game.

Cubs Legend Ernie Banks Dead

It has been reported that former Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks, has died at 83.  One of baseball's best loved players,  Banks played shortstop and first base for the Cubs from 1953 to 1971.  In 1973, he was awarded the Medal Of Freedom from President Obama.

Martin Chaney Chosen Chair At 5th Dem Reorganization Meeting.

Martin Chaney (above) is the new chair of the 5th Democrats.  The body, which helped elect it's first Democratic legislator in almost 20 years in 2012 when Mark Mullet won a state senate seat, chose Chaney over sitting chair Jim Baum.  Chaney was chair of  the 45th until  he was redistricted. Former 8th district congressional candidate, Darcy Burner, also a member of the 5th by redistricting was voted secretary.  I kept my position of  state committeeman , although by a one vote margin. Jennifer Sutton, who had stepped down from her position as state committeewoman a couple years ago, was elected to return to that positon.
Konrad Roeder was reelected as treasurer. In addition, Essie Hicks was chosen as first vice chair, Barb Olson as 2nd vice chair. Colin Alexander and Ava Frisinger were chosen to represent the 5th at King County. Thank you to 8th CD candidate Jason Ritchie placing my name in nomination.

Seahawks Win in Overtime Over the Packers, According to Tecmo

I was looking for Steve Raible's call of the winning touchdown in last Sunday's game.  This video though odd contains it.

Patriots To Meet Seahawks In Super Bowl

For the second year in a row, the Seattle Seahawks will face a Hall Of Fame bound Quarterback in the Super Bowl.  Last year the Hawks shut down Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, this year, the task seems even more daunting as we face the New England Patriots and legendary quarterback Tom Brady.  After a sputtering start, news stories were coming out that Patriot dominance was over.  No sooner had that idea hit , the Patriots went on a 7 win tear, finishing the season at 13-3.  This will be the Patriots 6th trip to the Super Bowl under Brady.  Brady will going for his 4th Super Bowl ring.

Seahawks Return To Super Bowl After Amazing Comeback

The Seahawks overcame an almost 0 offense first 3 quarters, to beat the Green Bay Packers 28-22.  Russell Wilson threw 4 interceptions, the most of his career and only completed 2 passes in the first half.  Even after a fake field goal, resulted in a touchdown pass, the team still could not regain the momentum.  However, when it seemed the most hopeless, the 'Hawks scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick, scored another touchdown to take the lead and made a two point conversion.  The Pack answered with a last minute field goal to tie.  The Seahawks won the toss for the overtime giving Seattle the first possession.  Remember, if the 'Hawks would have made a field goal, Green Bay would get the ball back. However, Wilson was able to find Jermaine Kearse for a 35 yard winning score.

Fed Ex Truck Crashes Pool Building At Walla Walla Hotel

Finished with her last delivery, a Fed Ex driver decided to take a swim, not only did she not put on her bathing suit, she didn't bother to leave her truck.  Well that's not exactly what happened.  A Fed Ex driver excaped injury when her truck accidently plowed into the pool building at Walla Walla's Holiday Inn Express.
When we went to Walla Walla to take our friends wine tasting over the Labor Day weekend last year, we stayed at that motel, and yes, I did swim at that pool.  My swim was a little less exciting.
 Incidentally, there were no guests swimming at the indoor pool and spa at the time.  There is no word on when the pool may reopen.

NFL Films Does Steve Raible Feature

NFL films recently did a feature on Seahawk radio announcer Steve Raible. In addition to broadcasting 'Hawk games, he co-anchors the evening news on KIRO-7.  Most of us have forgotten, at least I had, that he was one of the original Seahawk players.  Raible was back up wide receiver to Steve Largent.  You can check out the feature by clicking here.

Seahawks Try To Earn 2nd Straight Super Bowl Visit

It's come down to this, the Seattle Seahawks need one more victory to return to the Super Bowl.  Green Bay, whose season record was 12-4, the same as the 'Hawks, invades Century Link Field this Sunday with the kick off scheduled at 12:05,

RIP Taylor Negron

In memory of Taylor Negron, cousin of Three Dog Night singer Chuck Negron and the pizza man in Fast Times At Ridgemont High. Negron, who made a career playing bit parts, passed away from cancer at 57.

Vice President Hubert Humphey 1964

Then Senator Hubert Humphrey (center) posed for this picture with my parents in 1964, in Pendleton, OR.  Humphrey, the VP nominee was campaigning for the Johnson Humphey ticket.  At that time, winning the Oregon Primary was an important step toward getting the party's nomination.  My parents drove to Pendleton with my little sister.  I was in school at the time.  My parents had alway been active in politics.

My First Live Cam Vid

A few grammatical slips, but I thought it would be fun to try this.  This is totally off the cuff.

EWU's Larry Weir Named Sportscaster Of The Year

Walla Walla area native Larry Weir, the voice of the Eastern Washington Eagles, has been named Washington's Sportscaster Of The Year by the National Sportscasters And Sportswriters Association.  Weir and I were co-workers at KTEL in Walla Walla.  At the time, Weir broadcasted Wa-Hi Blue Devil games and also had a daytime radio program.
Past winners include Bob Blackburn, Dave Niehaus, and Bob Robertson.
Weir grew up in Waitsburg and got bit by the radio bug by listening to Bob Robertson doing WSU games.  Weir does both football and basketball for the Eagles.

2014 In Review Part IV October-December

October  Rock Icon Paul Revere dies.
San Francisco Giants win World Series.
Seahawk Percy Harvin trade to Jets shocks the sports world.  Harvin makes little impact on new team.
Tragic passing of  outstandingWalla Walla Wine maker Eric Dunham .
Keith Jackson honored at WSU.
Tragedy strikes Marysville Pilchuck High School, student opens fire.

November  Republicans dominate elections across the country.
Big wind storm hits Maple Valley.
Seahawk Brandon Mebane lost for season.
Kurt Del Bene addresses Eastside Democrats.
Seattle Seahawks start to gel, begin a 6 games winning streak to finish year.

December  We return to Seaside for R and R before big Holiday rush.
Heisman Trophy returns to Pacific Northwest, going to Oregon QB Marcus Mariota.
Barer's Maple Valley home gets new roof.
Seattle Mariners sign Nelson Cruz.

Congrats Big Unit

Randy Johnson, the tall dominating left hander who took the heart of area baseball fan's on his shoulders as he pitched the Mariners into the play-offs for the first time in 1995, is now a first ballot Hall of Famer.   Johnson, known as the "Big Unit" for his 6 foot 10 inch frame, pitched for the M's from 1989 to 1998. His pitching record as a Mariner was 103 wins and 74 losses.  He also pitched the M's first no-hitter.
Johnson was elected into the Hall with 534 votes the highest among this year's inductees, which included pitchers Pedro Hernandez, John Smoltz and 2nd baseman Craig Biggio, who played for the Houston Astros.

First Jewish Miss America Bess Myerson

Bess Myerson, TV personality and former Miss America has died.  She was 90.  Myerson was the first and so far the only Jewish American to win the pageant, It was 1945 and title, much like the heavyweight boxing title, drew much more attention than it does today.  It was a contest to represent the American "ideal".  Myerson was from New York, winner in subsequent years were more likely to hail from southern states and the Midwest.
Myerson went on to become a game show panelist and a TV figure.  She would later go into public service until a scandal tarnished her image.

2014 In Review Part III July To September

July   19th Anniversary dinner at the Space Needle (above).
Frequent UPS Store customer Howard Kaylan in concert with his band, The Turtles. Barers Of Maple Valley was there.
Celebrated my birthday with concert at White River Amphitheater  watching Tower Of Power, The Steve Miller Band and Journey.
Watched a great fireworks display with my family at Safeco Field following the Mariners game
Former Seattle Mayor Paul Schell died.
Longtime Seattle DJ Bob Rivers Retired.

August  Watched the Blue Angels return to the Seattle area at a friend's house in Mercer Island.
Recovered and blogged the old Denney's Hi-Spot commercial with "Singin' Joe Denney.
Beloved commedian Robin Williams found dead from a suicide.
Challenged by my nephews and sister-in-law, I stepped up to the "Ice Bucket Challenge" raising awareness for ALS.
Watched the Cougs play Rutgers at Century Link.

September      Visited Walla Walla with the Todds over Labor Day weekend, took limo tour of area's wineries.
Helped celebrate Deb's grandma's 95 birthday with a surprise party.
Got away for a weekend on the Oregon coast.
Watched Eythan Frost's new snowboard film premier at Fremont tavern, Woodsky's.
Helped my Dad celebrate his 85th birthday at Bellevue Club.
Mariners just miss baseball play-offs

So Long Stuart Scott

The year is not even a week old and another well known TV figure has left us.  ESPN reporter Stuart Scott has died of cancer at 49..  I remember him the most, from the show Dream Job, ESPN's attempt to recreate the then popular reality show The Apprentice.  Scott was the host of the show which asked contestants to do a number of tasks to win a job reporting on the sports network.

2014 In Review Part II April To June

April   Mariners begin season, start by sweeping Al West Powerhouse LA Angels
Former Oregon Duck Basketball coach Ernie Kent tapped to lead WSU Cougar Men's Basketball
King County Sheriff's office in Maple Valley reopened
Stephen Colbert named to replace David Letterman sometime this year (2015).
Embattled Democratic State Senator Rodney Tom from Bellevue decides not to run for reelection.
We spend a few days enjoying the sun in Las Vegas (Liberace's piano pictured above)
LA Clipper owner Donald Sterling stirs a firestorm with remarks secretly recorded.

May  Seahawks sign star cornerback Richard Sherman to a new contract.
Seahawks team drafts speedster Paul Richardson from Colorado.
Casey Kasem's long running feud goes public in a major way when family reports him missing.
Ailing Kasem turns up here in Washington.
KOMO 4 long time evening news anchor Dan Lewis retires.
We take fun trip to Ocean Shores.
Blue Mountain Humane Society names my brother Steve Volunteer Of The Year.
After Donald Sterling banned from NBA, Seattle Microsoft Billionaire Steve Balmer buys the Clippers.

June  Seattle becomes first large city in nation to adapt 15 dollars an hour minimum wage.
Tragedy strikes when gunman goes on rampage at Seattle Pacific University.
Seahawk star Richard Sherman moves to Maple Valley
American Top 40 legend Casey Kasem dies
Popular San Diego Baseball Hall Of Famer and former Walla Walla Padre Tony Gwinn dies.
Barers go to Washington State Democratic Convention in Spokane.
Rabbi James Mirel conducts last service at Temple B'Nai Torah.

2014 In Review I January Through March

January 2014   Seattle gets the Play-off win need to advance to the Super Bowl. Lou Piniella inducted into Mariner Hall Of Fame. I once again attend the Fred Hutchinson award meeting Rod Carew and Raul Ibanez.

February   Seahawks thrash the Denver Broncos for first ever world championship. Seahawk victory celebration attracts thousands.
 We take a Valentines Day trip to Cave B Winery in Central Washington.

March Popular Northwest radio personality Dan McMahon, also known as Wee Willie Winkle and Big Dan Murphy, dies suddenly.
Deb and I do another appearance on King 5's New Day Northwest.
We watch Bee Gee's tribute band "Stayin Alive" in Kent's Showare Center.
A horrible helicopter crash on the roof of KOMO TV Studios took the life of a photographer and helicopter pilot.
A deadly mudslide in the Washington town of Oso.
We take a trip to Birch Bay WA with the Todds, we explore the town of White Rock, BC.

So Long Ellie May

Donna Douglas, who played the beautiful daughter, Ellie May Clampett on the Beverly Hillbillies, has died of Pancreatic Cancer.  She was 82.  Douglas played an innocent mountain girl, who lit up every man's affections She was an animal lover, with pets like chimpanzees, deer, bears, and bobcats.  Considered a TV classic, The Beverly Hillbillies was on the air from 1962 to 1971.

Former New York Governor Mario Cuomo

New Year's Day of 2015 got off to a sad start with word of the passing of Mario Cuomo.  Cuomo, who delivered a stirring speech at the 1984 Democratic Convention, was a three term governor of New York and a consistent mention for a presidential run.  His son, Andrew, is beginning his second term as New York governor.

Have A Great 2015!