Spring Has Sprung

The flowers are blooming in our backyard.

VIDEO: Army setting up new hospital at CenturyLink Field Event Center

During a time of  crisis, a temporary Army hospital for non-Covid-19 patience is being set up at the Century Link Field Events Center.  This is normally used for a place to assemble when the Seahawks play at the adjacent football stadium.

Former Teacher Jim Tomlin--Montana's First Covid-19 Death

I had Jim Tomlin for a teacher each year that I was at Walla Walla High School.  He was my biology teacher as a sophomore.  In addition, I was took my first semester of Earth Science from him as a Junior and 2nd semester as a senior.
Mr Tomlin, I would probably call him "Jim" today, was an outstanding teacher, it wouldn't be a stretch to say he was my favorite.  He had a lively style  that made everything interesting.  He would discuss things off topic.  He took students on field trips and camp outs, probably spending much of his own money.
I remember a lot of what I learned from his classes.  I remember him having a beard, quite unusual for a teacher at the time, although he would shave it off in the winters since he, I believe, said he officiated interscholastic wrestling matches.
Tomlin had retired to his dream home in Montana when he became the state's first and I believe, so far, only Covid 19 death.   He  was 77.

Remembering Aaron J Barer, Sr

Aunt Carol was calling on the cell as I was about to leave work, Wednesday.  We stay in touch, so it was no big deal.  When she asked how I was doing, though, I knew something wasn't right.
Aaron Barer, my cousin Stan's son had died.  It was a shock, but not really a surprise, I had last  seen him at his mother's memorial service last June.  I knew that beyond his despair of losing his Mom, he was not well.
I remember Aaron as a youngster, he was a cute kid with brown hair mixed with some blond streaks from his mother.  He was a happy and articulate young boy.  Since moving to the Seattle area, I would see him at family events.
Aaron's first cousins, Lee and Tod have done a good job profiling Aaron in their posts on Facebook.
Aaron and I talked to each other on social media.  He eventually became a no show at family gatherings.
Aaron Barer, Sr was 42.

Cougar Player Bryce Beekman Found Dead

In what has become a dismal month, WSU football player Bryce Beekman, 22, a defensive back, was found dead in his home.  

Beekman  was a transfer from Arizona Western and started all 13 games for the Cougs. He was 5th on the team with 60 tackles.  

The death is still under investigation.

Peter Jackson--Son Of Washington Icon

In my childhood, my parents, who were very active in politics, would get a card around Christmas time from Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson.  It would show his family, including children Anna Marie and Peter.
Peter grew up and like his father, carved a career in politics, not as a candidate, but as an editorial page editor  for the Everett Herald and the online publication, Crosscut.
He had also been a speech writer for Washington governors Gary Locke and Christine Gregoire.
I didn't meet Peter in person, but we became acquainted on Facebook.  I shared my memories of political history with him, including his Dad's speech on the 4th Of July in Walla Walla.  Scoop Jackson had just dropped out of the 1976 presidential race.
We both attended the memorial service for my Cousin Stan's wife Alta, but I was not aware of his presence.  He had left early because he was not feeling well.
In 2016, Jackson revealed that he had pancreatic cancer.  He died last Saturday.

Inslee Orders Non Essential Businesses Closed--Orders Stay At Home For State Residents

Going one step up from previous edicts, Governor Jay Inslee ordered the closure of non essential businesses around the state and ordered residents to stay at home to ride out the Corona Virus.

The order has garnered criticism from both sides with one side saying it didn't arrive soon enough and is too weak. 

The other side says it is overreach and will lead to economic disaster.  

My guess is more restrictions will come down from Olympia.
Click here for more information on the Governor's order.

Neil Diamond “Hands.. washing hands”

Neil Diamond tries to bring a little hope to a frightened world with this rewritten version of Sweet Caroline.

Kenny Rogers & The First Edition - Just Dropped In

Back then, the idea of Kenny Rogers performing this song did not seem as crazy as it might today.  Just listen to the words!

Kenny Rogers Dies At 81

Kenny Rogers, whose classic songs and crossover  appeal made him a part of  American lore, is dead at 81. Rogers signature song The Gambler, led to the making of a TV movie in which he starred.  A duet with Dolly Parton, Islands In The Stream also became a classic on both the pop and country charts. He was also known for the ballad, "Lady", as well as "Lucille" and many more hits.  He was a three time Grammy winner and a 6 time Country Music Award winner.
Rogers died in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Habib Will Leave Lieutenant Governor Position At End Of Term

The Cascadian Advocate reports that Cyrus Habib, Washington's Lieutenant Governor, will not run for a second term and will, instead, join the Jesuit Order of the Catholic Church.
Habib, who became blind at the age of 8, won a seat in the Washington House Of Representatives in 2012.  At the end of his term, he ran to represent his district in the State Senate.  He was able to win that seat.
In 2016, he ran for State Lieutenant Governor, the office who succeeds the governor should he leave office before the end of his term.  The Lieutenant Governor also holds the top executive office while the governor is out of state.  In addition, he is the president of the state senate and can vote in the case of a tie.
In spite of these various duties, it is considered something of a retirement position.
Habib will have held the position for the shortest time since Emmett Anderson, who held it for from 1953 to 1957, Anderson's successor, John Cherberg, held the position from 1957 to 1989, a total of 32 years.

Brady To Quarterback The Bucs

In a year where the unbelievable has become believable, the NFL's most iconic player will be in a different uniform.  Tom Brady, a New England Patriot for 20 years is headed to Tampa Bay, where he is expected to sign with the Buccaneers. 

Tampa Bay, which coincidently, has the same initials as the Brady, has the lowest winning percentage of any NFL team. They did win a Super Bowl in January of 2003.

Brady, who is 42, has one 6 Super Bowl Titles and 4 Super Bowl MVP Awards, he is, no doubt the most successful NFL player of all time.  

The city of Tampa Bay is scheduled to host the Super Bowl in February of 2021.  

Dasher On The Phone

In memory of Lillian Eldridge.  Dasher was crazy about her and reacts to her voice on the phone.

Wear Your Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We Lost Our Treasure--Lillian (GG) Eldridge

We woke up yesterday to the news that after 100 plus years, Lillian Eldridge, my wife's beloved Grandmother, had left us.  It was less than a shock, she had entered the hospital Friday.
Lillian was an amazing woman.  She was everything we wished to be, She connected instantly with everyone she met with her warmth, her wisdom, and her humor. She loved children and dogs and they loved her.  Dasher would get so excited when whenever we would go to her room at the assisted living facility in Bellevue.
Her nickname, GG, was acquired when she became a Great Grandmother 21 years ago and was well established when she moved to the Seattle area from Southern Florida after the death of her husband Ernie Eldridge about 14 years ago.  She was a staple at all our functions, usually the main attraction.
I met Lillian in Florida, almost 27 years ago, a few months after Deb and I started dating.  We were in Orlando to meet with Deb's family.  I was amazed at her energy, she was well into her 70s but wouldn't slow down.
GG was famous for her stories.  She would bend anyone's ear at anytime with cute, but long anecdotes. Her main mantra was "stay in touch with your family!"  She reminded me constantly to call my brothers!
Last fall, friends from far and near gathered to celebrate GG's 100th birthday.  Two weeks ago, she was honored along with other 90 year old members of her church.
Bon Voyage, Lillian!

Lake Wilderness Starbucks Relocation

Maple Valley's oldest Starbucks, at Lake Wilderness Village, which was the only one in town when we moved here 22 years ago, will relocate.
The new location will be 23818 225th Ave SE.  The last day for the current one is this Monday, the 16th of March.  The new location will open on Friday.

Ides Of March Today

Today is March 15th, known as the Ides Of March, it is known in history as the day Caesar died.

XFL Calls It A Year Because Of Corona Virus

When it was announced that the Dragons would represent Seattle in the reformed XFL, I really didn't give it much thought.  There had been a number of upstart football leagues that would play, only to fold.
When my wife gave me season tickets to the Dragons for Christmas and said that our friends would also have season tickets, I got excited.  Dragon tickets are affordable, in addition, you can get club seats for just a fraction of what it would cost to attend a Seahawks game.
Almost a month ago, we attended the home opener at Century Link Field.  It was fun and we really enjoyed Seattle's latest sports entry. It was the Dragon's first victory.
We gave our tickets to the second game away because we were out of town, but we eagerly looked forward to this week's game when the team would return home after a long road trip.  It's not to be though as the XFL has announced the season cancelled because of the Corona Virus.
It is indeed heartbreaking, but something that needed to be done.
Hopefully, the league in it's entirety will return to play next year.

Snowing In Maple Valley

Friday the 13th starts with a dusting of snow.

NBA Suspends Season

The NBA has shut down as the first of what has never happened in the world of sports has taken place.  The decision was made Wednesday after two Utah Jazz players tested positive for the Corona Virus.

The shutdown should be particularly hard hit  for towns like Portland, Sacramento, and San Antonio where NBA is the only major sport.

Governor Inslee Cancels Large Gatherings

Although the loss of life is nowhere the 9/11 attacks and is not as sudden, the Corona Virus has put this state and the nation into a crisis mode not seen before in recent times.  With the worst outbreak in the nation at a facility only about 10 miles from where we work,  it's easy to see how critical this situation has become.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee has now cancelled gatherings of over 250 people in the Seattle area for at least the rest of this month.  This means missing a play downtown and a Seattle Dragons game that we would have attended.  There are also performances that we are really looking forward to attending that may not occur.  We know, however, that staying healthy is of absolute importance.

Burl Barer Merch

 My very own and very first Burl Barer True Crime Uncensored T-shirt.

Washingon Primary Today

Last day to vote for your presidential preference is March 10th.

A One-Year Update From Alex | JEOPARDY!

Alex Trebek shares his one year update of his battle with Pancreatic Cancer in this touching video.

Daylight Savings Time

Make sure your clocks are set one hour ahead.

VIDEO: VP Pence expected to speak at Camp Murray

Vice President Mike Pence arrived in the area yesterday, the Cascade Advocate has details.

Burl Barer True Crime Uncensored Merch

Burl Barer, whose True Crime Uncensored runs every Saturday at 2pm Pacific  Time on Outlaw Radio and is also available on podcast has  t-shirts available on Amazon.   I have ordered one myself.  You can find the shirts by clicking here. 

Northshore School District Closes Shop

Reports say Northshore School District will shut down it's public schools which are in Bothell, Kenmore, and Woodinville, as a preventative measure to stop the spread of the Corona Virus.  There have been no reported cases for either of those schools, but they are in very close proximity to where the virus has hit the hardest.

The shutdown could take up to two weeks. 

Can Biden Change History?

Former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden has ridden from the ashes to claim big victories on Super Tuesday.
While the nomination could be well within his reach, a presidential victory over an incumbent president could prove more difficult.
Democratic Vice Presidents, excluding LBJ, who was president at the time, Democratic sitting and former Vice Presidents during my lifetime have been unable to win a presidential election.
Why? Well,  two of the three, since Biden has yet to get the nomination, were nominated after overcoming serious opposition.  Democrats love fresh faces.  Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barak Obama were barely known in the years before winning the White House.  To that end, they picked established names out of the senate.  These were solid long time Senators.  Joe Biden would certainly fall in that category.   They may have used party connections to beat out other candidates who could generate excitement (Eugene McCarthy, Gary Hart, Bernie Sanders), with the exception of Gore, who  had to fight a 3rd party effort by consumer advocate Ralph Nader in the general election cycle, getting rank and file support proved to be difficult.

Jefferson Airplane - Somebody to Love (Dick Cavett Show)

America had a much different vibe back then.

Corona Threats Delay Amazing Race Shoot

The Amazing Race, the globetrotting reality show on CBS, has announced a temporary suspension of shooting and production due to threats of Corona Virus. The move was seen as a preventive measure.

The show has been a favorite of ours for years.  The report says three episodes of the show have been completed and that no contestants or staff members had contracted the virus. 

Patrick's Faire Tree Cleared

The tree that fell on the playground last week at Patrick's Faire in Maple Valley, has been cut up and cleared from the pathways.