Mariners Make Free Agent Splash

 Congratulations to the Mariners for the free agent signing of Robbie Ray.   Ray, the 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner is reported to have signed a deal with the M's worth 115 Million Dollars over 5 years.  

Ray had pitched this past season for the Toronto Blue Jays.    This is perhaps the most exciting move the team has made in years, although fans have seen big signings that didn't turn out as planned.  

The Mariners have not been to the playoffs since 2001.  The longest post season drought of any team in major league sports. 

Street Sweeper Ignites

The Maple Valley Fire Department was dispatched to the Belmont Woods neighborhood when a street sweeping vehicle caught on fire. No word on damage. Picture of the enflamed vehicle below.

Dunn Will Run For Congressional Seat

 Longtime County Councilman Reagan Dunn has announced his intensions to run against Democratic 8th District Congresswoman Kim Schrier.  Schrier became the first Democrat ever elected to that seat in 2018.

Dunn's mother Jennifer Dunn held the seat from 1993-through 2005.  She was succeeded by then King County Sherriff Dave Reichert, who held the position until 2019.  

Reichert will chair Dunn's campaign.

Beat Washington

 Seahawks are on Monday Night Football (Monday, November 29tth, 2021)

Happy Chanukah!

 The eight days of Chanukah have started!

WSU Coaching Search Ends--Jake Dickert Has The Job

 After an impressive finish after being named interim coach after the dismissal of Nick Rolovich, Jake Dickert has signed to become permanent head football coach of the Washington State Cougar football team. 

The Cougs are 3-2 under Dickert as head coach including the team's first Apple Cup victory since 2012.  The Cougs also defeated Arizona and Arizona State on Dickert's watch.  One of his losses was to the Oregon Ducks who were the number 3 team in the nation at the time. 

Dickert was formerly the defensive coordinator under Rolovich. 

Macabee

I found this parody yesterday on Pandora.

NEW 2019 Chanukah Song #5 (Adam Sandler original cover)

I discovered this version of The Chanukah Song too late last year.  This talented guy put up an unofficial "5th Version" of the song.  He seems to also have Adam Sandler's style down. 

Cougs Take Cup

A huge celebration at Husky Stadium where the WSU Cougars beat the Washington Huskies 40-14.

Apple Cup 2021

 Go Cougs!

50 Years Since DB Cooper Hijacking

 Before Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon, the Pacific Northwest got very little attention nationwide.  However, in 1971, a man named DB Cooper hijacked a plane headed from Portland to Seattle and was able to extort 200 thousand dollars.  The sum would be worth 1.3 million in today's dollars.  

He received the money and four parachutes in exchange for freeing passengers and most of the crew in Seattle.  He then ordered the plane to take off to a destination unknown.  With just the pilots aboard, Cooper lowered the rear door and jumped from the plane, he was never seen again.  In later years, some of the money was recovered near the banks of the Columbia River. 

In spite of the terror that this caused for all involved, Cooper became something of a folk hero like Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and in today's lexicon, Thelma And Louise, and  the Barefoot Bandit. 

Happy Thankgiving

 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ichiro Will Be Inducted Into Mariner Hall Of Fame

 Ichiro Suzuki, one of the most popular Mariners of all time, will be inducted into the team Hall Of Fame on August 27th, 2022.

Ichiro was a super star in the Japanese baseball league when the Mariners signed him.  He would go on to win MVP and Rookie Of The year in 2001 as the Mariners would win 116 games.   At the time, I thought the M's would be the team of the century, maybe what the Yankees were during the 20th century. 

Ichiro went on to make 10 All Star appearances and win 10 Gold Gloves.

Ichiro is team leader in almost every offensive category.

Ichiro's induction will take place in a ceremony before a game with Cleveland. 

Somber Anniversary

 On November 22nd, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas.  Today, it probably seems like ancient history to most people, but it did happen in my lifetime.  

Luckily, there has not been a successful assassination, since.  I had meant to correct that to no successful assassination of a US President, so the commenter in correct.

At The Game

The 12th Man flag is raised at Lumen Field where the Seattle Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals.

A True Unsung Hero--Roddie Edmonds

 I got a text from my wife yesterday, it was a link to a man that I had not heard of.   Roddie Evans!  What Edmonds did, was so heroic, that I don't know why there has not been a movie done about his life.  

Edmonds (1919-1985) was a master sergent in the 106th Infantry Division, 422nd Infantry Regimen of the US Army during World War II.  He was captured at the Battle Of The Bulge in December of 1944.  Edmonds,  the highest non commisioned officer at the POW camp, was given orders to identify all of the Jewish soldiers who had been prisoners at the time, so they could be separated from the others.  

Instead the next morning, according to reports, Edmonds brought all 12,000 plus soldiers out and lined them up, along with himself.  He said that they were all Jews and they would have to shoot them all.  He further told the comandant, that if he shot them, he would be prosecuted for war crimes,, because the Geneva Convention requires that captured soldiers only give their name, rank, and serial number.   The comandant backed down and Edmonds stand may have saved the lives of over 300 Jewish soldiers.

Edmonds did not tell his family about his act and it was after his death that his son was given the soldier's diary about the event.  

Edmonds is honored in the Jerusalem Holocaust Museum, Yad Vahem, as Righteous Among The Nations, which is Israel's highest honor for non-Jews. 

A move is underway to have Edmonds receive the Congressional Medal Of Honor.

Edmonds was a native of Knoxville Tennessee. 

Cougs Wallop Arizona

 It definitely was not Arizona weather last night as the Washington State Cougars walloped the Wildcats, 44-18.  This gave the Cougs a 6th win making the team "bowl eligible".  

Cougar star running back Max Borghi had 139 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Another possible touchdown was called back after a replay showed he was down. 

Apple Cup Week will now start as anticipation grows for this Friday's game, the first since the Mike Leach era.

Hannukah Cards

Hannukah, as I have mentioned, is around the corner! Individual Hannukah cards are available at The UPS Store at 1100 Bellevue Way NE 8A Bellevue, WA.  Look for this display.

Neil Diamond The Chanukah Song

I found a version of this song by someone other than Adam Sandler with its own words last year, but it was too late to post.  This year, it looks like it's gone.  But it isn't and I'll post it next week.

I did find this Neil Diamond version of the song.  Just a reminder, Chanukah is early this year, so get your shopping done. 

The Eagles Desperado

From the concert at Climate Pledge.  One of my favorite Eagle songs.

Washington fires suspended coach Jimmy Lake after altercation with player

Last year, fans of the Cougars and Huskies were both excited about two new head coach hires.  Because  of COVID, most of that excitement got put on hold. 

Now, with a full season in the PAC 12, yet to wrap up, neither of those hires is still around.  Huskie Head Football coach Jimmy Lake was fired today after an altercation with a player last week.  This follows the firing of WSU's football coach  Nick Rollovich's firing last month. 

Brian Casey Wins Walla Walla City Council Seat

Congratulations and good luck to my classmate and buddy, Brian Casey for winning a close race to serve on the Walla Walla City Council. 

I went to school with Brian from, 4th or 5th grade up until our graduation from Walla Walla High School (Wa-Hi Blue Devils) in 1976.  Coming from a family of ranchers, he was a people person and a go-getter. Good looking and popular, he has always been very inclusive.

I bump into Casey once in a while while I'm in town..  Although our political views, I think, are much different, I was happy to see him win.  

Go Cougs!

 WSU takes on Oregon at 7:30pm  this evening (November 13, 2013).

Ken Levine Podcasts History Of I Love Lucy

 

In what could arguably be his best podcast yet, TV writer, blogger, Ken Levine celebrates the 250th episode of his weekly presentation with the history of the televsion classic, I Love Lucy.  

Although I remember watching the show in my youth, the series was off the air by the time I was born. 

It ran in daily syndication.   I remember it as a goofball housewife whose husband yells all the time. 

The couple's neighbors Fred and Ethel were just as memorable. 

In the podcast, Ken gives the backgrounds of the actors, how it got on the air, and some of the innovations that the show spawned.  His easy to listen to presentation highlights Ken's versatility. 

If you are a TV history buff, this episode is a must listen.

Ken also has a daily blog that has run for 16 years.

 

Observing Veterans Day

 

Mitch Unfiltered Zoom Meeting

Patron listeners of Mitch Unfiltered, the podcast of former Sports Radio KJR morning host Mitch Levy were invited to a Zoom Meeting  (Wednesday, November 10th 2021).  Levy and his cohost Hotshot Scott Soden were asked questions about sports, pop culture, podcast content and general lifestyle questions.

Levy did not make any question off limits, although certain ones appeared to annoy him.  Suprisingly, but fortunately, political debate was not part of the evening.  There was also no Apple Cup trash talk (the Apple Cup is a couple weeks away).

Levy has had several meetings like this, one for his 100th episode was broadcasted on his podcast. 

Storm Kills Power In Belmont Woods

 A windstorm ripped into Maple Valley Monday night, blowing branches and causing a power outage in the Belmont Woods neighborhood as well as probably others around the area.   Although our power was restored in the early Tuesday hours.  Windy weather continued throughout the area the next day. 

Wilson Is Back

 Multiple sources say that Seattle Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson has been cleared to play this Sunday as the team will play the Green Bay Packers on the road.   The usually durable quarterback has been out of action since October 7th when he injured the middle finger of his throwing hand in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. 

More Exploring Climate Pledge Arena

Behind me, The Living Wall. A wall at Climate Pledge Arena adorned from top to bottom with green plants.

Enjoying Climate Pledge

Deb and I pose by the Eagles logo at Climate Pledge Arena waiting to take our seats at the Eagles concert.

Review--Eagles At Climate Pledge

 We watched The Eagles play in Seattle last night (Friday November 5th, 2021),  Getting into the arena was not difficult since we had the right app with ID and our Vax card.

I have never heard of a band playing songs of an album in logical succession, but that is how the Eagles began the performance, playiung every cut from Hotel California, the album that really separated the band from others of that era.  Even thought there had been various personal changes in the 45 years since the album was released, the songs sounded new and crisp.  I joked that maybe they were merely lip synching to the album.  

The band had big shoes to fill as Glen Frey passed away 4 years ago.  Vince Gill, who was already established as a county singer is one of the newest members,  although straight looking, he seemed to fit in the band nicely.   Also filling in was Frey's son, Deacon Frey, who contributed more in the second set. 

Performing the Hotel California album, song for song, meant they opened with the band's signature song, Of course that was Hotel California.  Generally those song are played toward the end of the show, but the Eagles songbook is so large, there was still plenty to look forward to. The band was backed up on certain cuts by an orchestra and a chorus. 

The second set consisted of almost all the classic songs like Tequila Sunrise, Take It Easy, Already Gone, and many more.  Some of the great solo work of  Eagle co-founder Don Henley, and Joe Walsh who has been with the band since Hotel California was also included.  Actually, some of Walsh's work with the James Gang was played.

It was a great crowd and the Climate Pledge is beautiful.  Deb and I had a great time. 

Brandi "Kruses" Sometime Controversial Reporter Leaving Fox 13

 Brandi Kruse has tweeted that she has left Fox 13 as of Friday November 5th, Kruse, outspoken on the air and on Twitter, spoke of healing the political divide, although many not sharing her views, considered her to lean to the Right.  Kruse had been with the station for 7 years and has won numerous awards.

In The City - The Eagles & Joe Walsh - Seattle 2021

I found this on You Tube filmed at the Eagles concert at Climate Pledge Arena last night.  We attended that concert and will post a review soon.

Sarah Perry Defeats Longtime Incumbent Kathy Lambert

Sarah Perry, whom I worked with in the 5th LD Democrats has defeated Kathy Lambert to serve District 3 on the King County Council.  Lambert had served in the position since 2001.

Lambert drew fire when her campaign put out a mailer that was deemed racist.  After refusing at first to apologize, she later relented after losing endorsements and support. 

Although I'm not in Perry's district, I enthusiastically endorsed her.    

Bruce Harrell Will Be Seattle's Mayor

 Former city councilman and one time interim mayor, Bruce Harrell has been elected to serve as Seattle's mayor.   Harrell, considered a moderate, defeated councilwoman Lorena Gonzalez.

The election of Harrell was viewed by many as a referendum on the council's decision to cut support for the Seattle police in the wake of riots and unrest after the death of George Floyd. 

Warren Powers, Ex Cougar Coach Dies

Rod Commons, former WSU sports information director, posted on the Die Hard Cougs Facebook group that former Cougar football coach Warren Powers has died.

Powers took the job after Jackie Sherrill left after one year in Pullman to take the head coaching job in Pittsburgh, the number one ranked program at the time. 

Powers was an assistant at Nebraska. He promised to bring stability to the Cougar program. He would go on to lead the team to a victory over  Nebraska to kick off a 7 win 4 loss season.

However, after the season, a job opened at the University Of Missouri in Powers native Midwest. Like Sherrill, he left after just one year. 

Powers played for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II in 1968.

Iconic Former Walla Walla Athlete Dean Derby Dies

 Dean Derby, the Walla Walla High School grad who went on to a stellar career at Washington and would go on to play in the NFL, has died.   Derby, a cornerback, led the NFL in interceptions and was named All Pro in 1959.   He would finish his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

After running a successful business in the Minneapolis-St Paul area, Derby returned to Walla Walla in 2000 where he and his wife founded Spring Valley Winery. 

Derby was a classmate of my mother's and I met him at a reunion picnic for her class of 1953.  Dean Derby was 86. 

"Mitch Unfiltered" - Rick Neuheisel on Pac 12 Problems

Mitch Levy, longtime morning man on Sports Radio 950 until 2017, not only has an excellent podcast, but now, a You Tube channel.  You can check some of his videos out  by clicking here.

Running On Empty Jackson Browne with James Taylor

One more video from last week's concert.  Jackson Browne does "Running On Empty" James Taylor made a surprise early appearance, something you wouldn't expect from a headliner at a concert. You can see him left of Browne.

Mike Holmgren Ring Of Honor Ceremony.

Another Seattle coaching great was honored yesterday (October 31st, 2021) just days after the Lenny Wilkens Way dedication.  Mike Holmgren was inducted into the Seahawk Ring Of Honor.

Holmgren, the first coaching pick of the late Paul Allen, led the Seahawks to it's first Super Bowl.  Like Wilkens, Holmgren and his family continue to live in the Seattle area.