Former President George HW Bush Dead At 94

George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of  the United States and father of the 43rd President, George W. Bush has died.  He was 94.

Former Principal Dick Neher Dies

Dick Neher, longtime principal of Walla Walla High School passed away Wednesday at 87. He held the position from 1970 to 1999.   I  remember Mr. Neher (pronounced Near) very fondly, he had a commanding presence, tall and bald, but always friendly.  He was a tireless advocate for his students. He turned up frequently at class reunions where he was warmly welcomed.  He was the first and only Wa-Hi graduate to serve as it's principal.
  He was very active in his community and also, at one time, served in the Washington State legislature. 

Former students reacted with sadness mixed with fond memories on social media for the former educator.  

Elisa Hahn Leaves KING 5

Elisa Hahn has left KING 5 TV in Seattle after 22 years as a crime reporter.  Hahn reported that now that she's a mother, years of  tragedies local and across the country had begun to take their toll.   Hahn is reportedly taking a new job with Boeing. 
We wish her the best.

The Turtles - Eve Of Destruction

When Viet Nam protests were raging, as well as the war itself, The Turtles did this remake.

Former Walla Walla Community Leader Phelps Gose

Phelps Gose had an amazing life, he was a war veteran, a Spokane deputy prosecutor, a  criminal lawyer, a crusader for social justice, and a Walla Walla County Superior Court judge.
 Gose was a friend of our family and occasionally did important legal work for my father and his Walla Walla business.
He was an active Democrat in Walla Walla.  I remember him as quiet and bookish.  He was a member of a law firm that was so distinguished, that he and his senior partners all ran against each other when a superior court judgeship became vacant.  Although Gose was the temporary choice to fill the vacancy, he would go on to lose in the primary to partners Bill Tugman and Yancey Reser.  Reser ultimately would win the position.
My lasting memory of Mr. Gose goes back 40 some years.  At the time, WSU's football team would play it's big games at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.  Gose invited my dad and I along with his son and one of his friends to watch the game in Spokane.  We stopped for lunch at the Ridpath, one of Spokane's two signature hotels. The other being The Davenport.  Gose's family, I believe,  owned the Ridpath. I remember  the 5 of us getting VIP treatment because Phelps was with us.
Gose had retired to his wife's native Hawaii. He died on November 12th.

Puget Sound Media Plugs The Blog

Hats off to Pugetsound.media who linked to this blog in not one, but 2 different stories.  The first one was from a facebook post from Burl (above) using an app on his phone to turn himself into an art piece.
Then, they linked to my story on the Mitch Levy's first podcast.  Mitch's second podcast will roll out tomorrow, you can hear it at the Mitch unfiltered website.

Seahawks Beat Panthers

The Seattle Seahawks proved they can beat a tough opponent on the road with a 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers.  

The game was won with a last second field goal by Sebastian Janikowski, who has become an MVP for the team.  The Seahawks lost a few games by missed field goals by Blair Walsh last year.  

Cougars Foiled Again

Once again the Cougars met the Huskies with a chance to make the Pac 12 playoffs and once again they fell victim to a Huskie team  having what they considered disappointing season.  The score was 28-15, but the Cougs never seemed to be in the game.  At least, from my perspective.  A heavy snowfall which seemed to help the Cougs in the 1992 Apple Cup seemed to work in the Huskie's favor as it was inconducive to the Cougar's Air Raid offense.  

Husky running back Myles Gaskin continued  his Apple Cup mastery with 170 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.  Gaskin's career Apple Cup record is 550 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Cougar's Campaign For St Jude Hospital Successful.

A WSU student who underestimated the power of social media has now helped  raised over 100 dollars for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Danni Messina pledge a quarter donation for every "like" and 50 cents for each retweet to be donated in a tweet that she made last year.  She thought a thousand dollars would be enough.  When she found out she owed $200,000, she set up a go fund me page with a goal of 50 thousand dollars.  Today, that page has raised almost 102 thousand dollars.   No doubt that is money that is much needed.  In my mind, this makes this member of  our Cougar family a national hero!

Happy Thanksgiving

Maple Valley Gives Cougar Love

The Washington State Cougars are getting some emphatic support in their  quest to take the 2018 Apple Cup.  This sign is on the main highway in Maple Valley. Go Cougs!

Emotional Apology From Levy

Former SportsRadio 950 morning man Mitch Levy started his first podcast, Mitch Unfiltered in his usual wisecracking style.  Levy, who had commanded the mornings on the station for well over 20 years, has been off the air since an arrest in a Bellevue prostitution sting in August of 2017.  

About 15 minutes into the podcast, Levy's voice started to break as he spoke of what he felt led him into the situation.  He emotionally apologized to his family, his co-workers and his listeners.  

Levy said that strong support that he received on twitter helped lift his spirits and motivated him to return.   The next podcast, according to Levy will have ex-UW coach Rick Neuheisel as a guest.  You can hear Mitch Unfiltered by clicking here.

Paxton traded

The Mariners traded ace pitcher James Paxton to the Yankees for prospects.  A sure sign that the M's are rebuilding.

Apple Cup Week

Once again, we have an Apple Cup that matters.  You can always throw out the records in Apple Cup matches, but  the Dawgs may be the Coug's toughest test.  The game will be this Friday, November 23rd at 5:30.  The winner is claim the Pac 12 North title.

Introducing the CSS Aqua Park!

Camp Solomon Schechter, located, outside of Tumwater,  has just  announced the addition of a water park.

I attended the camp in both 1971 and 1972.   The camp is a summer learning and play center for Jewish youth from all over the Northwest.

Go Cougs!

Cougars go for tenth win against Arizona tonight!

Lost Restaurants Of Walla Walla--Review

If you grew up in Walla Walla in 50s, 60s, or 70s, you'll enjoy this, if I could use the overused cliché, walk down memory lane. City historian Catie McIntyre Walker not only reminds of the establishments of our childhood, but provides us with great historical context.
You'll learn things you didn't know about the town's history, and how it became what it is today.  You can find Lost Restaurants Of Walla Walla by clicking here.

Levy Podcast Announced

It's official.  Mitch Levy has announced that he will start a podcast known as Mitch unfiltered. 
It will debut this Monday, November 19th.  You catch it by clicking here .  Right now, you can listen to a practice session by clicking the link.

Mariners Investigated After Ex Employee Claims Racism

The Seattle Mariners will be investigated by Major League Baseball after a fired employee, Lorena Martin accused the GM, Jerry Dipoto , Manager, Scott Servais, and director of player development, Andy McKay of making anti-Hispanic comments.

As sad as this  is, and I don't want to assume innocence or guilt until more evidence comes forward,  it shows the organization does not appear to be going in the right direction.  The Mariners have the longest playoff draught of any major professional team in any sport. 

Queen - Live at LIVE AID 1985/07/13 [Best Version]

If you watched the movie, you can appreciate Rami Malek's performance as  Freddie Mercury in this video of the actual Live Aid concert.

Levy Podcast In The Works?

I recently posted about former KJR Sportsradio 950 morning host Mitch Levy beginning a podcast. The above tweet suggests that indeed something must be in the works.  Levy held the morning spot for years on the station and was known for no holds barred commentary.

Bohemian Rhapsody Rocks

Some Spoilers 
It may have been more of the production than the story line itself, but Bohemian Rhapsody, the biopic of the band, Queen was thoroughly enjoyable.  Critics have assailed the movie for inaccuracies  and desexualizing  front man Freddie Mercury, and indeed their complaints are legitimate.  However, I saw the movie as a tribute to the power and personality of a group that was innovated, talented, and bucked the norms. 

Although the premise is somewhat similar to The Doors, a movie released in the early 90s, a much more positive view of Freddy Mercury in this movie than the portrayal of Morrison.  

Mercury is presented as a egotistical and outrageous, but with a big heart and a desire to entertain.  With perhaps the greatest voice in rock history, and a talented group to match, his band was a leader in rock innovation.  The title song of the movie was so out of the norm for the time, an operatic theme aimed at teens,  a song whose lyrics were clear, but not easy to discern.  

Rami Malek delivers an Oscar worthy performance of  Mercury.  The movie accentuates his ethnic roots as the son of Indian parents.  He was born, Farrokh Bulsara, in Zanzibar. 

The final scene in the movie of Queen playing in Wembley is epic and captures the excitement and charisma of the band.  

The audience in the theatre applauded.  Something I hadn't heard at a movie theatre in years.

So Long, Darrel Huntley

I was saddened to read this weekend of the passing of Darrel Huntley.  Darrel was a friend of mine throughout my Walla Walla school days , starting with when his family moved next-door to us in the early 60s on Leonard Street.  I was just starting 1st grade and Darrel was my age, his sister, Tammy was my sister, Debbie's age.  Our parents became quick friends.  

The next summer, we moved to our house on Palouse Street.  It wasn't until Junior High that we would go to the same school again.  Darrel and I did not really keep in touch after our Wa-Hi graduation in 1976, but we would always get together and  reminisce at our first three high school reunions.  He was not able to make the last in 2016.    

Darrel liked playing music and golfing. 

Weekend Update: Pete Davidson Apologizes to Lt. Com. Dan Crenshaw - SNL

An SNL controversy turns into a teachable moment.

Dori Monson Could Enter Washington Governor's Race In 2020

Dori Monson, the midday host on KIRO 97.3 KIRO FM,  recently on Twitter, floated the idea of running as a Republican for Washington governor.  Monson has been with KIRO, starting on the AM new station, since 1995.  He is popular with listeners who dislike government and Liberal (especially Seattle) politicians. 

In 2004, KIRO morning host, Dave Ross, ran unsuccessfully as a Democratic for Congress in Washington's 8th District.

My guess is that his campaign would be a so-called populist campaign, very similar to Donald Trump's 2016 run.  Washington has elected only Democratic Governors since 1984. 

Schrier Wins As Rossi Concedes

KING 5 has declared Democrat Dr Kim Schrier the winner in Washington's 8th Congressional District.  The last congressional district in Washington to elect a Democrat for the first time.
At one time, the 8th was a safe Republican seat, however, demographics changed over time and the Democrats gained strength in Eastside suburbs. Democratic Challengers began nipping at Representative Dave Reichert and it appeared likely to change hands until a redistricting in 2010 changed the district landscape, taking out Bellevue, and spreading the district into Conservative Eastern Washington.

Possible Changes In South East King

Washington's 8th Congressional District, currently one of  two Districts in the state to be represented by only one party in it's history and the only state district to not never elect a Democrat may change both soon.  Although it's too close to call, Democrat Kim Schrier has a sizable lead over former state senator Dino Rossi.  
Rossi, who almost was elected governor in 2004, started out the campaign painting himself as the guy who achieved the American Dream.  He talked about working his way to get to college.  He wound up the campaign with scare tactics accusing Schrier of supporting taxes that would be issued on the state level., which don't involve US House.
Schrier, referred to Rossi as a "career politician" ,  she emphasized  her career as a pediatrician, outraged by Congress's attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act.  She also questioned Rossi's business dealings and refused a chance to repudiate those claims during their debate.
In what may have been the bluest election in Maple Valley history,  Democrat Bill Ramos hold a lead over former house member Republican  Chad Magendanz for position 1 of the 5th District House of Representatives, while Democrat Lisa Callen has the lead over freshman incumbent  Republican Paul Graves for position 2.  No Democrat has previously represented the 5th in Washington's House.  The 5th LD, includes Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Issaquah, and North Bend.

Alexa Turns 4

The Amazon Echo, a device seemingly out of The Jetson's , turns 4 today, according to Alexa, the female voice inside.  Alexa can tell the weather, answer trivia questions, play music, spy on you, well that's what some are saying.  It also tells what happened on a day in history.

I use my echo to play music and games.  It can also give me the time to drive to work.

Happy Birthday, Alexa! 

Paul Allen Honored

Although it's hard to see it in this picture, the 12 Man Flag flew at half staff today to honor the late owner of the Seahawks Paul Allen.  In the first home game in weeks, the Seahawks lost to the LA Chargers 25-17.    
Chargers quarterback Phil Rivers seemed impervious to the loud crowd at Century Link Field.  Russell Wilson threw a costly interception that was run back for a touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game.
Allen was also honored with an insignia PGA 12 on the field.

Going To Seahawks Game

First Seahawk game that I've attended since  the 2011 Beast Quake playoff game.  Today, the Seahawks are taking on the LA Chargers.

Maple Valley Honors Outgoing Congressman And Business Leader

The Maple Valley Reporter reports that on October 23rd, the Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly and the  City Council made proclamations to make honorary street signs for Retiring Congressman Dave Reichert and former councilman and deputy mayor Jim Flynn (third from left in picture).
Reichert, a former King County Sheriff, was honored for his part in helping to reopen the Hicks-Rayburn precinct station in Maple Valley.  The station had been closed during an economic slump as a cost cutting measure.  Dave Reichert Way will be SE 231st Street between State Route 169 and Witte Rd.
Jim Flynn and his family were developers of  the Wilderness Village area on the Maple Valley Highway and Witte Rd.  He was involved with the city's incorporation, serving as Deputy-Mayor from 1997-2007.   He was also president of Maple Valley's Chamber Of Commerce.  Flynn Way will be 225th Ave SE, North of State Route 169.

Tod Goldberg Speaks Out On Pittsburgh Shooting

Last weekend's tragedy in Pittsburgh has motivated my cousin, Tod Goldberg  to write this guest column for the Desert Sun, a Palm Springs area newspaper.  You can read it by clicking here. Tod is a best selling author, based in the Palm Springs area.

Willie McCovey Dead At 80

Willie McCovey, Hall Of Fame 1st baseman for the San Francisco Giants, has died at 80.  McCovey played alongside the great Willie Mays to form one of the best homerun hitting duos in baseball at the time.  

McCovey's 18 career grand slams are the most in National League history.  The body of water behind right field in the Giant's stadium is name McCovey Cove after the popular slugger. 

Since Seattle did not have a team when I first started watching baseball in the 1960s, the Giants were my favorite team.  Decades later, I ate in McCovey's a restaurant in Walnut Creek named after him.