End Of The Decade--Part 8 2016 My Dad

My father, Alan Barer, passed away in March of 2016, he was 86. I'm fortunate that he spent his  last years in Kirkland, not far from here.

Car Plows Into Maple Valley Restaurant

No injuries were reported when a car smashed into a Maple Valley Mexican restaurant.  El Caporal in Four Corners has been one of our favorite places to eat since we moved to the area, 20 years ago. 

King County Sherriff's Deputies got the call just before 2pm on Sunday according to KIRO 7 TV.  The driver apparently accidently hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. 

End Of The Decade--Part 7 2015 Barers Celebrate 20 Years

We celebrated 20 Years of marriage with a trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

Brian Bosworth After Raising 12 Flag

Brian Bosworth To Raise 12 Flag Today

Former Seahawks linebacker Brian Bosworth will raise the 12 flag at Century Link Field tonight.  The selection of Bosworth was met with some controversy as many on social media felt that he did not live up to his contract, at the time, the largest in franchise history. 
He was also known for his brashness, something that was rare in area sports at the time. ESPN personalities Bob, Dave, and Moore spoke to Boz.

End Of The Decade--Part 6 2014 Seahawks Win Super Bowl

Getting through the playoffs in 2013-14 was not easy for the Seahawks, but winning it's first Super Bowl seemed to be.  The team soundly defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8 to win it's first Lombardi Trophy and end years of frustration for Seattle major professional sports teams.
The picture above was taken from the huge downtown victory parade.

End Of The Decade--Part 5 2013 Paul McCartney At Safeco Field

As a lifelong huge fan of the Beatles, I have been lucky enough to see two Beatles in concert.  In 2008, I got to watch Ringo play at Chateau Ste Michelle on my birthday.
By huge coincidence, 5 years later, we saw Paul McCartney, on my birthday.  This time it was at what was the Safeco Field.  It is now, T-Mobile Park.

Go Cougs!

Cougars face Air Force in Cheez-It Bowl Tonight at 7:15 pst.  The game will be televised on ESPN.

End Of The Decade--Part 4 2012 Kathi Goertzen Dies After Long Health Struggles

She was on Western Washington TV screens for a generation as anchor for KOMO 4 Evening News, but Kathi Goertzen, who battled a non malignant brain tumor, passed away in August of 2012.   A graduate of WSU, a building on the WSU campus is named after her. 

Have A Wonderful Christmas

End Of The Decade--Part 3 2011 Dasher Arrives

Our little Golden Retriever, Dasher has since grown into a 95 pound healthy 8 year old  dog.  We got him as a puppy in December of 2011, at 6 weeks old.

Marshawn Lynch Returns To Seattle--Joins The Seahawks

He's back, one of Seattle's most favorite players of all time Marshawn Lynch.  Known for causing the beast quake of 2011.  
Yesterday, the air was let out of what seemed to be a marvelous year for when running back Chris Carson and CJ Prosise went down, one week after losing Rashaad Penny.
Lynch, a unique athlete, known for not talking to the press and for his love of Skittles candy, can at the very least provide hope for sad Seahawk fans, who watched the team get throttled at home by the Hapless Arizona Cardinals.

End Of The Decade-- Part 2 2010 Seattle's Heart Broken By Niehaus Passing

In November of 2010, Seattle area residents got the word of the death of Dave Niehaus.  Niehaus at the time was the most admired famous Seattle resident, with the team since it's inception.  A Hall Of Famer, Niehaus had a unique was of connecting with the listeners.  His appeal transcended sports.
An open house at what was then Safeco Field brought a crowd of mourning fans to pay tribute.
Niehaus has a statue at the stadium.

Happy Hanukkah!

Hanukkah began at Sunset

Go Seahawks!

Seahawks Vs Cardinals at 1pm this afternoon.

End Of The Decade 2019

People may not have noticed, but New Years Day this year will signal the end of a decade.
In the 20th century, history was defined by decades.  For example, specific images come to mind when talking about the "Roaring 20s", the "60s", the "Me Decade", and so on.
Since the turn of the century, so far, decades to me seem less defined.  In the next few weeks, I hope to bring up some highlights of this last decade as shown by this blog.  Hope you will find it enjoyable.

Joe Burrow Speech | 2019 Heisman Trophy Ceremony

It's a real walk down memory lane seeing all those old winners.

Matt Shea, Washington Legislator Suspended From Republican Caucus

An investigation by the State House Of Representatives has reportedly fingered Eastern Washington Representative Matt Shea of Spokane Valley in acts of violence.   According to House Minority leader JT Wilcox, Shea has been suspended from the Republican Caucus.

Trump Impeached

President Donald Trump has become the 3rd president of the United States to be impeached by the US House Of Representatives.  The vote was along party lines and since a 2/3s vote is needed in the senate to remove him from office, it does not look like that will happen.  Republicans make up the majority in that chamber.

The political ramifications from the House vote remain to be seen.  If the public perceives this as a so-called witch hunt, it could bolster Republican chances in 2020 or at least turn the public against Democrats.   The ball is really in the Democrats court to win in the court of public opinion.  

One thing is certain, the county, once deeply divided, has become even more divided on this presidency. 

Jewish Man Changes Antisemite Woman's Mind In Twitter Exchanges

I have been recently become a regular listener of the "Two Nice Jewish Boys" podcast, which originates from Israel and discusses topics concerning Judaism and Israel.
The latest podcast is an incredible story on how a Jewish activist debated a member of the Westboro Baptist Church, which is known for hostile views on Judaism, on Twitter and seemingly turned her around.

Thank You Puget Sound Media

Seahawks Clinch Post Season Berth

Seattle clinched a spot in the post season  by beating the Carolina Panthers 30-24.   By virtue of the 49ers loss to Atlanta, the Seahawks currently have the number 1 seed.

Jerry Woods Holiday Engine Visits the Highlands at Lake Wilderness on De...

When the firetruck comes through the neighborhood, it's like a rock concert.

Maple Valley Christmas Firetruck

A Holiday tradition, the Maple Valley firetruck, decked out in Christmas lights and playing loud Christmas music, was in our neighborhood this evening.  Santa Clause also walked the route.  Proceeds from collections go to help the Maple Valley Food Bank. 

Go Seahawks!

QB Jackson Gets Rushing Record

Congrats to Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who in a Thursday Night Football Game, broke the single season rushing record for a quarterback.  The Ravens beat the New York Jets 42-21 in a game where Jackson also threw 5 touchdown passes. 
The record for single season rushing record for a quarterback was previously held by Michael Vick.

Rapinoe Wins Sportsperson Of The Year

Local athlete Megan Rapinoe has been chosen Sports Illustrated's Sports Person Of The Year for 2019.  Rapinoe, a forward for the Reign FC and for the US Women's team that won the World Cup, has been an activist for equal pay for woman athletes.
She is only the 4th woman to win the honor unaccompanied in the 66 year history of the magazine.

Cougs Will Face Air Force In Cheez-It Bowl

WSU, known for Cougar Gold Cheese, is going to the Cheez-It Bowl in Phoenix.  In another twist of irony, the Coug's Air Raid offense will be pitted up against Air Force.  The game, once know as the Copper Bowl, The Insight Bowl, amongst other names, will be played at Chase Field at 7:15 on December 27th.

Seahawks On Sunday Night

Go Seahawks!!

Gee Scott Interviews Richard Sherman

Former Seattle Seahawks star, now San Francisco 49er Richard Sherman talks with KIRO 97.3 Radio evening host Gee Scott about his foundation and why he is giving money to help children and families in need around the area.

WSU Extends Leach

It appears that WSU Football Coach Mike Leach is staying in Pullman after the school announced that his present contract was extended until 2024.  The move comes amongst rumors he would consider offers from schools such as Arkansas and Mississippi.  
The move was generally well received amongst the WSU community.  Rarely far from controversy, Leach had made news last weekend by an angry response to a Spokane reporter during a news conference.
This year Leach led the team to a school record 5th consecutive post season bowl game.

Seahawks Dance to New Edition vs Vikings | Locker Room Sound

I tried to get a screen shot of this but couldn't get camera ready in time.   The Seattle Seahawks unique touchdown celebration on Monday Night Football.

Heck Retiring From House Of Representatives

The Cascadian, the blog for the Northwest Progressive Institute, reports that Democrat Denny Heck, who represents Washington's 10th CD, is retiring from Congress.
According to the report, the current climate in Washington is playing a big part in Heck's planned departure.  
The 10th CD is Washington's newest Congressional District encompassing much of the South Sound, including Olympia.  Heck has represented the district since it's inception.  Heck began serving in 2013.

Al Green - Let's Stay Together

One of my all-time favorite songs.  Al Green and Let's Stay Together.

Washington Head Coach Quits

Coach Chris Petersen has resigned as Husky football head coach. This comes at the heels of Washington's 31-13  victory over the WSU Cougars.
Petersen will leave the program after the Dawgs play in their bowl game.  Jimmy Lake, the defensive coordinator of the team will become the head coach for 2020.

Go Seahawks!

Seahawks trying to extend their record to 10 and 2 tonight on Monday Night Football.

Mike Leach Rants at Spokesman Reporter

Cougar fans are divided on their feelings toward Coach Mike Leach and his  angry retort to a Spokesman-Review reporter.   This came after the team fell 31-13 in this year's Apple Cup.

Go Cougs!!!

Cougars will try to get their first Apple Cup victory since 2012.

Maple Valley's Favorite Daughter Carlile Nominated For Grammy Awards Again

It's almost Grammy Awards time and once again, our  local superstar, Brandi Carlile was not left out. Carlile received 3 nominations for her behind the scenes work with country music icon Tanya Tucker. The Grammy Awards ceremony will be January 26th of 2020.

 Carlile was nominated for Song Of The Year for the second time in a row for writing "Bring My Flowers Now" on Tuckers "While I'm Living" album.  The song was also nominated for Country Song Of The Year.   Tucker's album was also nominated for Country Album Of The Year.  Brandi and Shooter Jennings were co-producers of the album and would receive Grammy Trophies if it wins.  

If this keeps up, perhaps Maple Valley will be known as "Grammy Town".

Pool Wraps It Up

Veteran KOMO 4 TV weatherman Steve Pool made a touching speech this week on his final     regular report. Click here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Apple Cup 2019

Apple Cup week has begun as the traditional rivalry between the Huskies and Cougars.  The game will be played Friday afternoon.  The Cougars will be looking for their first victory since 2012.

The Kennedy Heirs--A Review

Just 3 days after the anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination, my choice of this book reflects the sense of history that comes with arguably America's most famous family.
I got the idea of reading  The Kennedy Heirs from a People magazine article about Carolyn Bisset Kennedy's (that's John John's wife, not his sister) relationship with sister in law Caroline, based on an excerpt. Having been fascinated by the Kennedys my entire life including brief moments of remembering Kennedy as our president (I was 6 when he was assassinated), I dove into this long detailed book.
The book covers the offspring of John, Robert, and Edward Kennedy with short glimpses of some of the sister's offspring.  While it would be easy for potential readers to dismiss this book as tabloid trash, it brings forth many unknown accomplishments of the Kennedy family and well as seemingly sparring the reader no detail about the faults of the family.
Of course, the book goes through almost every tragedy, a Kennedy was  involved with.  Of course since the book was released, one of the Kennedy grandchildren has died before her time.
This is, I believe, the latest of several books that author J. Randy Taraborrelli has written about this fascinating family.  He has also written about Michael Jackson, Diana  Ross, and Frank Sinatra.
This book is available on Amazon.

Good Football Weekend

The Washington State Cougars came from behind and beat the Oregon State Beavers with a last minute touchdown.  It was a real battle as both teams wanted to get their 6th win to make them "bowl eligible".  Both teams close out the season with tougher battles against their traditional rivals this coming weekend.  Oregon State plays Oregon in the so called "Civil War" and WSU will face Washington in the Apple Cup.   Because of the win, the Cougars will be eligible for a bowl game even if they don't beat the Dawgs.
The Seattle Seahawks kept their post season hopes alive with a victory on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.  This game did not have  the excitement of the Cougar victory, but a win on the road is always good.  So is a weekend where both my favorite teams get victories.

Eyman To Run For Governor?

One of the state's most polarizing political figures, Tim Eyman may be interested in running for governor, according to the Cascade Advocate, the blog for the Northwest Progressive Institute, better known as NPI.

Eyman has been floating tax cutting initiatives with mixed success for two decades, seemingly without regard on what effect they have on the community.  In 1999, he passed I-695, cutting license tab  yearly fees to $30.  All well and good, but seemingly at the expense of road improvements, mass transit and reduction of traffic. 

Eyman's Initiative 976, which again, is to lower car tab fees to 30 dollars, in spite of heavy spending, against it saying it would deprive road crews of necessary funds to fix decaying roads and bridges.  

Earlier in the year, Eyman was arrested after walking out of Home Depot with an office chair.

Much like President Trump, Eyman has often gained popularity by various missteps, claiming to be a rebel against the system.  

After Trump's victory in 2016, it is clear that Eyman's possible candidacy must be taken seriously.  For years, Eyman's foes have encouraged him to be a candidate, thinking that a term in the legislature could get him familiar with process.  

Governor Jay Inslee will be running for a third term in 2020.  Many Washingtonians are not crazy about an executive serving in that position for more than 8 years.  Likewise, many voters were put off by what seemed like a long shot presidential run by the governor, pointing to his being out of state for long periods of time.  

However, 2020 will also be the year of a presidential election and a high turnout of voters in this state angry with the Trump administration could make Inslee's prospects much better. 

 

Gardner In NFL Promo

Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback Gardner Minshew appears as the "hopeful unofficial mustache of the NFL".  

Minschew was probably one of most popular WSU Cougar football players of all time.

Iconic Weathercaster Pool Will Retire

KOMO 4 TV Seattle meteorologist Steve Pool, a veteran in the market and a regional icon is retiring.
His last weather forecast will Tuesday, November 26th. 
With a smooth delivery and an uncanny ability to connect with his audience, Pool, one of the nation's first African-American weathercasters, has won 8 Emmy Awards and has filled in more than 70 times on ABC's Good Morning America.

Richard Sherman saves the day at Maple Valley foodbank

He plays for the 49ers, the hated rival, but Richard Sherman has his heart in the right place as he made a donation to the Maple Valley Food Bank, at the time, critically low on supplies.

One Year For Mitch Levy Podcast

The Mitch Unfiltered podcast is one year old, former sports radio talk show host, Mitch Levy has proclaimed. The podcast which Levy returned to the public "ear" has been an outstanding wrap up of local, national and world sports in the unique Mitch spin.

Levy was KJR sports radio host for over 20 years when an arrest ended his long career with the station. The podcast, encouraged in part by Levy's Twitter followers, was started 15 months later.  

With a free episode on Monday and an episode for subscribers on Thursday, Mitch has several area sponsors for his show.  He is joined on the podcast by co-host Scott Soden, a former KJR producer. 

Ron And Don Add 2 More Podcast Episodes After Getting Major Sponsor

Ron and Don have announced that after attaining a major sponsor, they will now do 3 podcasts a week.  Les Schwab Tires was recently added, according to the pair.
Ron and Don began podcasting last summer.  They were dismissed by KIRO FM at the beginning of the year after over 10 years at the station.  They had been doing one podcast a week along with an occasional bonus episode.
Ron And Don also work as real estate brokers for Windemere.

Seattle Times Reports Bezos Interested In NFL Ownership

A front page  story in this morning's Seattle Times reports that Jeff Bezos would love to buy the Seattle Seahawks or perhaps another NFL team. 

According to the report, the Seahawks are not for sale.  My guess is the idea will not be embraced by the area.  The Seahawks as a team, seem to be very stable and have maintained a winning record.  An ownership change could upset that.  

The Allen ownership took a while to settle in.  The late Paul Allen, unlike Bezos, was more focused on community works.  

My hope is that the team will stay with it's current ownership structure. 

Sunset In Vegas

The sun going down, a picture taken from our  hotel room. We were in Las Vegas from Saturday night until Monday, but if you look at the blog postings, you may think we were there for a week.