Barbara Walters Dead At 93

 Barbara Walters, trailblazing woman jounalist, who became one of the most familiar faces in America has died.  Walters started out with NBC's Today Show, working her way up to co-host. 

She left NBC to to become news anchor at ABC in 1976, signing a one million dollar a year contract.  That would seem pretty small today for a personality of her magnitude.  That made her the first female to anchor an evening news program on a network.  She would stay with that network for the duration of her career.  

Walters was equally adept with interviewing both political and entertainment figures.   She interviewed every president since Richard Nixon.

She was recently known for being a panelist on the women's talk show, The View.  She also known for her interview specials and presenting her list of the 10 most fascinating people of a given year. 

Barbara Walters was 93.

Suspect Arrested In U of I Stabbings

CNN reports an arrest of a suspect in the murder of four University Of Idaho students.  Not many details are available at this time.

28 year old WSU graduate student Bryan Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania in connection with the murders.  Kohberger had been working on a PHD in criminology.

Pele Dead At 82

 At best, you may refer to him as the Babe Ruth of soccer, but in truth, Pele dominated in a sport in a way no one could. 

The Brazilian soccer icon died yesterday (Thursday, December 29th).  

To understand his greatness, in Pele's prime, there was no ESPN, no sports radio, and certainly no electronic social media, and yet, he was well known even in the US, where Soccer has never been able to rank amongst the top 4 major sporting events. 

We were in Seattle on April 9th, 1976, when the old Seattle Sounders played the New York Cosmos.  Pele played for the Cosmos and this was the first sporting event ever at the Kingdome.   We were not going to that game but to another engagement in Seattle.  Since we (my mom, dad, sister, and brothers) were staying in Bellevue, I remember the traffic tie-up on the Evergreen Point Bridge.  Of course, nowadays, that's a normal occurrence.  

Marilyn McCoo And Billy Davis, Jr At McCallum Theatre

Another highlight of 2022, watching Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr in Palm Springs. 

Blackbird Paul McCartney Seattle 2022

Perhaps the highlight of 2022, seeing Paul McCartney in concert last May.

Wishing You the Happiest Holiday Season

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

UPS Braving The Elements To Deliver

UPS Delivering in our cul-de-sac after a huge ice storm pretty much shut down the Puget Sound region. 

Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah Song 2022 (cover/rewrite)

Unfortunate Son with a new version of Adam Sandler's Hanukkah song.  Last year, we posted a version for this gentleman.  

Seattle Area Shuts Down Due To Freezing Rain

 The Seattle Times reports that Metro bus service and Sea-Tac airport suspending service after freezing rain has fallen in the area.  Roads are not safe and drivers are encouraged to stay home. 

From The Frozen Tundra

There really isn't a song about a "white Hanukkah". But, as we celebrate all the winter festivities, we are blanketed with snow and ice, making driving and walking pets hazardous.

Sadly, if you are awaiting a "white Christmas", a big thaw, is predicted for the 25th.

Steeler Great Former Seahawk Franco Harris Dies

Rest in peace to Franco Harris, instrumental in what may be the signature play of the National Football League.  Harris continued his Hall Of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, until he was acquired by the Seattle Seahawks.  

Sadly, Harris will not be at the 50th year anniversary of the Immaculate Reception (the play above), which the Steelers will celebrate this weekend at halftime during the Raiders vs Steeler game this weekend.  The number 32, which Harris wore will be retired.

Harris was the first player to ever wear the Seahawk uniform to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was with the team for the final eight games of his career. 

Harris was 72.

Christmas Lights In The Neighborhood

One of the best decorated houses, on the corner of the opposite cul-de-sac.

Jim Buchan--Longtime Walla Walla Sportswriter

Jim Buchan, whose name appeared on the sports page of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin in 7 different decades, died earlier this month. I wrote an article (or blog post) on Buchan a few years ago, after reading that he had been with the paper in my hometown for 50 years.  

The former editor of the Walla Walla paper, Rick Doyle, wrote a tribute you can read by clicking here

Happy Hanukkah

 Hanukah started tonight!

Classy Suvivor Winner (Spoilers)

 Yes, Survivor is still on and while many people have differing opinions on reality shows, it is a somewhat guilty pleasure for Deb and me.  Every season, we have a betting pool with another couple, each member of the couple gets several players on their team.  

This season's winner of Survivor was Mike Gabler, a heart valve specialist from Meridian, Idaho.  Gabler, a bearded rough, but lovable heart valve specialist, announced that he was going to donate his entire million-dollar winnings to Veterans in Need, an organization that helps veterans who have troubles adapting to civilian life. 

Since Gabler was on my team, I was the winner.  I was so inspired by Mike's gesture though; I'm considering donating my winnings to that organization. 

By the way, this year we did a "draft" of contestants.  I was so impressed with my team which included, Noelle, Coby, Cassady, and Gabler, all who had amazing staying power.  Cassady and Gabler made it to the final three.

Cougs To Face Fresno State

 WSU faces Fresno State today in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl.   The game starts today (Saturday, December 17th) at 12:30 pm pst. 

Go Hawks!

 Only days after a disheartening defeat to Carolina, the Seahawks face a daunting task of turning their fortunes around, facing the division leading San Francisco 49ers. 

Remembering the life and legacy of Mike Leach | ESPN College Football

I had to post this.  I've had differing opinion on Coach Mike Leach, but he certainly was an original.  

Remembering Cousin Stan Barer

 Stan Barer died one year ago today.  You can read a little about his legacy by clicking here.

Leach Dies

 Former WSU head football coach and current Mississippi State coach Mike Leach has died   Reports are that he suffered a massive heart attack.   Leach was 61. 

Leach In Critical Condition

 College football fans are shocked to read that Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach is hospitalized in critical condition after an undisclosed emergency medical condition, Sunday.

Leach, was one of WSU's most successful football coaches. During his Pullman tenure, he took the Cougs to 6 bowl games.  

Seahawk vs Panthers

 

Go Seahawks!

Maple Valley Christmas Firetruck 2022

If you heard loud music in your neighborhood tonight (Saturday December 10) it was probably the Maple Valley Christmas Firetruck. We moved to Maple Valley in 1998, and the firetruck is one of the few remaining traditions that I'm aware of.  The truck raises money and collects donations for the local food bank.

The Tree Is Up!

We celebrate two holidays here, three, if you count New Year's Eve.

Football Picture From Garrison Jr High

 With all the bad we things we hear about social media, good things happen, too.  I mentioned to facebook friend, Dean Perrault, who once lived down the street from me with his family, back in Walla Walla, that his dad was my first football coach. He sent me this picture.  

I'm the one on the left in the backrow.  Our 7th grade had two football teams with 2 different coaches.  I was on Mr. Perrault's team.  This was at Garrison Jr. High in 1970.

All I Want for Christmas Is... Jews

I'm always hesitant to post this, but I love parody, and I think this send up is funny and it's about Jews.  

It's complimentary, although stereotypic and less than accurate. 

Kirstie Alley Dies

 Kirstie Alley, a two-time emmy winner is dead at 71.  Her children announced her passing on Twitter.

Alley became famous for being a late addition on the NBC hit Cheers.  She also appeared in movies like Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan and Look Who's Talking.

Alley had recently been diagnosed with cancer. 

Getting Ready For Hanukkah

The Mench On A Bench has appeared to help with our Hanukkah celebration.  The mug is an added touch 

~Without You~ Heart

Another over the top performance by Heart--the rock classic Without  You.

Blue Friday--Seahawks vs Rams

 Go Hawks! Time to get back on the winning track.

Living In A Snow Globe

Looking out our snow covered backyard in Maple Valley.