Thursday, November 30, 2023

Kissinger Dies At 100


 Henry Kissinger, high profile National Security Advisor and Secretary Of State in the Nixon-Ford administrations is dead at 100.

Kissinger, a very polarizing figure, was one of the last surviving figures of power in that era. 

Although by most to be handsome in the traditional sense, he was famous at first for dating celebrities until he finally married. 

Issaquah Landmark Closes


 Not to wear out a cliche, but it truly was the symbol of a bygone era.  The Triple XXX Root Beer Drive-In has closed.  The owner has retired, according to a KING 5 report.

Deb and I would enjoy a dinner and a frosty mug of root beer, once every summer, although this past summer we were not able to make it.  

The establishment also was the location for various car shows. 

Another throw-back once a summer visit was the Valley 6 drive-in theatre in Auburn.  That closed for good about 10 years ago.

I haven't heard anything official but I have heard rumblings that it may reopen in the future with a new owner.  We'll keep you posted. 

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

First Ladies Attend Carter Memorial




 Four of the five surviving first ladies attended the funeral of Rosalynn Carter in top picture.  All five in the front row of the bottom picture. Current first lady Jill Biden is to the right of former president Bill Clinton.

The service was also attended by former president Jimmy Carter.


Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 5--Pyrotechnics

More from Saturday's concert at Climate Pledge Arena.

Lee Goldberg Returns For Book Signing

Almost 18 years to the day I watched Lee and his brother, Tod at a book signing at U Village, Deb and I got another book signed, this time at Third Place Books in Seattle suburb Lake Forest Park. 
 Lee, my cousin, appeared with fellow author and friend, Robert Dugoni to promote his latest book, Calico.
Dugoni, a mystery writer (right in lower picture) interviewed Lee in the presentation.  
Calico is Goldberg's first Western. It is a story taking place in the late 1800s.  Lee lives in the greater LA area. 

Monday, November 27, 2023

Trans-Siberian Orchestra At Climate Pledge 4

Players went into the crowd to connect and personalize the show. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 3--Human Music Box

It reminded me a little of the bubbleator at the Seattle World's Fair, some 61 years ago, but a sphere resembling a huge old fashion music box, rose up with a woman dancing inside.  
Definitely,a sight to behold at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert last Saturday (November 25th, 2023) at Climate Pledge Arena.

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2--Carol Of The Bells

Hopefully, I can show enough to make you want to go to next year's show. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra At Climate Pledge Arenna

 

We went to watch the Trans-Siberian Orchestra yesterday (November 25th, 2023). It is a laser show, somewhat acrobatic multi-instrumental Christmas music presentation.  It was a real sensory experience and well worth attending.  O Holy Night was one of the clips that I'm posting. 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Go Cougs!

 

Last Apple Cup with Washington as a member of the Pac 12.

Friday, November 24, 2023

Former KOMO Weatherman Steve Pool Dies


 Steve Pool, weatherman on KOMO 4 in Seattle for decades, has died.  The announcement was made by his wife this morning.  Pool, who retired in 2019, had a very easy-going friendly TV style that made him one of this area's favorites.  

Barers Of Maple Valley sends its condolences to family and friends.  

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

The Eagles 2021

Two years ago this month.  Watching the Eagles in our first visit to Climate Pledge Arena.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Husky Departure Will Not End Apple Cup


 The rivalry will go on, sources say that the annual match-up between Washington and Washington State will continue, at least for another 5 match ups after this the one this week.

The playing of the annual match had been threatened last August when Washington and Oregon agreed to leave the Pac-12 and join the Big 10.

This year, the Cougs are looking to upset the Washington Huskies, who are having a dream season at 11 and 0 and are ranked number 4 in the nation.  

Next year's contest will be played at Lumen Field, which is the Seahawks stadium, on September 14th.  Traditionally, the game takes place in November around Thanksgiving. 

Monday, November 20, 2023

Legion Sports Bar Is A Winner


 Last Saturday night (November 18th, 2023) we met up with some friends at the new Legion.  It is a new restaurant in Downtown Bellevue owned by former Seahawks Richard  Sherman and Kam Chancellor, along with another partner..  They were principal members of the Seahawks legendary Legion Of Boom, a defense that helped take the 'Hawks to two Super Bowls. 

We were able to get a table right away (the restaurant does not take reservations).  The room was filled with TV screens, all but one tuned to the Oregon State-Washington game, of course. 

We were happy with our food.  I had the jerk chicken dish.  The restaurant is loud, but fun (or, you could say, loud and fun), and the prices are reasonable.  I would be happy to return. 

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter


 Rosalynn Carter, First Lady from 1977-1981 has died.   She was 96. She was the wife of Jimmy Carter, a Democratic governor from Georgia who was elected president in 1976, only to be defeated in a landslide in 1980. 

Both Carters grew up in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Cougs Beat Colorado And Coach Prime


 Congrats to the Cougars, who were able to beat the Colorado Buffaloes 56-14.   It was the first win for the Cougars since September 23rd, as the team followed up a 4-0 with an inexplicable 6 game losing streak.  

The game got extra attention because Colorado were coached by Deion Sanders, whose nickname is Coach Prime.  

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Fall Colors Abound

Looking at the trees that have turned color in our neighborhood 

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Sen. Markwayne Mullin challenges Teamsters leader to a fight. Bernie San...

The mainstream media has to love this.  Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin challenges the Teamsters President to fight right in the capitol.  
Senator gets his 15 minutes of fame, while Bernie Sanders lectures both parties. 

Monday, November 13, 2023

Enjoying A Seahawk Game

Watching the Seahawk Dance Team perform at halftime at yesterday's (November 12th,2023) game.

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Go Seahawks


 The Seattle Seahawks will play the Washington Commanders this afternoon (Sunday, November 12th, 2023).  Barers Of Maple Valley will be there!

Friday, November 10, 2023

Kilmer Retiring From Congress


 Derek Kilmer, who represents Washington's 6th District in the US House Of Representatives, has announced that he will not seek reelection according to the Post Alley Blog.

Kilmer, a Democrat was first elected in 2012, succeeding long time Representative Norm Dicks. The district includes Bremerton and the Olympic Peninsula. 

Washington Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz has dropped her bid to become Washington governor in order to run for Kilmer's congressional seat.  Franz is also a Democrat.

Thursday, November 09, 2023

Candidate With Autism Wins In Walla Walla City Council Race


 A candidate with Autism, has apparently won a seat on the Walla Walla City Council defeating a one term incumbent.  Jeff Robinson, whose record of public service is quite impressive is leading Susan Smiley Nakonieczny.  

Robinson is currently a member of the Walla Walla City Planning Commission and is a case manager in aging and long-term care.

Susan, whose late brother was a friend of mine decades ago and whom I consider a wonderful friend, showed class in apparent defeat, wanting to be the first to congratulate Robinson. Robinson praised Nakonieczny for her service.  

There is no doubt that Robinson will be an inspiration to many.  

Wednesday, November 08, 2023

Taylor Turner Wins In Auburn


 Tracy Taylor has most likely defeated incumbent James Jeyaraj  for position 3 of the Auburn City Council. Jeyaraj has been serving as Auburn's deputy mayor. 

 Taylor, who was listed on the ballot by her married name of Tracy Taylor Turner, became known for reporting traffic both on radio and TV for several stations in the Seattle area. 

Although name recognition was a factor, Taylor wore out shoe leather doorbelling voters in the city and waved signs in rainy fall weather.  


Tuesday, November 07, 2023

Monday, November 06, 2023

Walla Walla's Unique Record Store Owner Featured


 In the Conservative relatively, clean-cut town of Walla Walla, Washington, Jim McGuinn happily stands out.  He is the owner of what is reportedly the oldest independent record store in the state of Washington, Hot Poop. 

Hot Poop, in 50 years, has gone from a small record store on the outskirts of town, to a prominent Main Street landmark.

McGuinn is now a beloved mainstay of the town.  I have pleasant memories of McGuinn, who had knowledge of seemingly everything related to music and loved to talk.  We had many long conversations.  

As a teenager, I learned of Hot Poop in, of all things, an ad in the Wa-Hi Journal (our high school newspaper).  Soon, they were advertising on KTEL, which played rock music at nights, Monday through Saturday.

Annie Charmley Eveland, the great feature writer of the Walla Walla Union Bulletin wrote a wonderful feature on the store.  click here

Sunday, November 05, 2023

It's Not As Late As You Think


 Daylight Savings Time has ended.  If you haven't already, turn your watches and clocks back one hour.

Friday, November 03, 2023

Wear Your Blue


 Seahawks take on the Ravens, Sunday (November 5th, 2023) at 10 am PST.

Thursday, November 02, 2023

Rangers Win It All


 Congrats to the Texas Rangers for winning the World Series in 5 games over a pretty darn good Arizona Diamondback team.

With the last two World Series champs coming from our own division, our Mariners will need to make some big changes in the off-season.

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Jahmyr Gibbs Touchdown and jumps in the crowd

Players have always enjoyed creative touchdown celebrations on Monday Night Football.  
Sadly, my team, the Seattle Seahawks have been on the other side some outrageous celebrations. Who could forget Terrell Owens, of the San Francisco 49ers  pulling a pen out of his pocket to autograph a ball, right on our home field.  Equally painful was Bo Jackson of the Raiders, running into the Kingdome tunnel after a long touchdown. 
Last Monday's (October 30th, 2023) match between the Lions and the Raiders featured rookie Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs playful leap into the stands to celebrate with the fans.  Rooting for the Lions is easy since they have never been to a Super Bowl, but probably have seem to have a contender for the first time in decades.