Our Power Is Back

We can all breathe easier now.  Our Power came back on yesterday afternoon (Thursday, November 21st, 2024).
 

Windstorm 2024--2

Damage in the area, much worst that what we got.

This was taken in Issaquah on the way to our work.

Windstorm 2024

Damage at our house was relatively minor.

Lights Out!

This is our living room. Power in the area is out.  Probably for a long time.  

We have flashlights and lamps so we are doing alright.

Area Prepares For Bomb Cyclone

 

A heavy concentration of wind, known as a bomb cyclone is happening as strong winds are picking up and our lights are flickering.  We'll see what this brings to Maple Valley and the surrounding area. 

Seahawks Return To Winning Path

 The Seahawks fortune took a good turn yesterday with an upset win over rival San Francisco.  A last-minute touchdown on a run by quarterback Geno Smith, put the Hawks ahead in the contest played on the road.  

Although the Hawks were behind through most of the game, improvement on both sides of the ball was evident from the beginning. 

The final score was 20-17.

Seahawks Take On 49ers

 Go Seahawks!!!

Washington State Cougars Vs New Mexico

 Go Cougs!

It's Blue Friday!

 Seahawks face the 49ers this Sunday (November 17th, 2024). Go Seahawks!!!

Mariner Announcer Hired By The Yankees

Longtime Mariner Dave Sims, it was announced today (Thursday, November 14th, 2024), will leave the area, to become the voice of the New York Yankees.  

Sims will replace the legendary John Sterling.  It will be no small task to step into those shoes. 

It is well known that Sims is a native of the East Coast, he started his career with the New York Daily News. 

Even though I am a tried-and-true Mariner fan, this really is the job of a lifetime, working for MLB's most storied franchise, I'd like to wish Dave the best of luck. 

Dow Will Not Seek Reelection

 The Cascadian Advocate, the blog of the Northwest Progressive Institute, reports that King County Executive Dow Constantine will not run for re-election.   He is finishing his fourth term at that position. 

In King County, the executive position is similar to the mayor of a city or the governor of a state. 

Constantine was a King County Councilman at the time of his election in 2009. The position had recently been made non-partisan, but Democrats and Republicans were clear on their positions. 

At the time, Republican pulled more weight in county politics, often representing the views of the more rural South King County.  

Constantine beat former KIRO anchorwoman Susan Hutchison. Hutchison kept her Republican leanings, mostly quiet.  She would later become the State Chair for the party.  

Constantine, a Democrat, had been mentioned many times as a potential Washington governor.  

His future plans were not revealed. 

Washington State Victorious Over The Weekend.

 Congrats to the Cougars for their 49-28 trouncing of the Utah State Aggies last Saturday (November 9th, 2024). 

The Moon In Pictures Over The Years

 Here is a Google Photo vignette of pictures of the moon that I've taken, usually when walking our dog.  

Remembering Our Veterans

 

Linda Cohn Works Seattle Hockey

ESPN personality Linda Cohn was doing analysis at last night's (Friday, November 8th, 2024) Seattle Kraken game.

The Kraken had an exciting 4-3 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Cohn was a recent hire of the newly formed Kraken Hockey Network.  She is shown here with veteran area sports reporter Ian Furness.

Former Blazers announcer Brian Wheeler dies at 62

It was trending on Twitter when I found out.  Former Sports Radio KJR host and longtime Portland Trail Blazer voice, Brian Wheeler has died, he was 62.  

Wheeler had been an interview subject many times on Mitch Levy's Mitch Unfiltered podcast. I believe he also filled in as cohost one or more times. 

Wheeler replaced veteran Bill Shonely in 1998.  He left the position in 2019.

Wheeler reportedly had dealt with many health challenges.  

The Garfield High School Band's tribute to Quincy Jones

Last weekend, we got the sad news of the passing of Quincy Jones.  Practically, without peer in the industry, Jones was a product of Seattle's Garfield High.  

In tribute to this fine artist, the Garfield High School Band performs the title track from Michael Jackson's "Thriller",one of the music industry's most iconic albums and one produced by Jones. 

Election Day 2024

 

Quincy Jones Dies

Legendary music producer, Quincy Jones has died, he was 91. His career spanned decades, but he is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Michael Jackson on the Thriller album and with Jackson and various other artists on "We Are The World". 

Jones had Seattle ties.   The Quincy Jones Performing Art Center at Garfield High in Seattle, is named for him.

Apparently, my father had him as a mailman while he was a student at the U-Dub. 

His influence on popular music is broad and endless, you can find out more about his incredible career by clicking here.   
 

2024 Pre-Election Cold Open - SNL

SNL had a surprise guest in the last episode before tomorrow's election.  As a Democrat, I really enjoyed it. 

Pictures Of The Pup

A collage of Oliver in the past year and a half.

 

Wear Your Seahawk Gear

 It's Blue Friday (November 1st 2024), Hawks take on the Rams on Sunday (November 3rd, 2024).

Eight Very Bad Nights--Arrival

 My copy of "Eight Very Bad Nights", subtitled "A collection of Hanukkah Noir, arrived this week. 

Edited by Tod Goldberg, it includes a short story by Tod's brother, Lee. 

You can order it by clicking here.

Happy Halloween

 Drive carefully and watch for little trick or treaters!

Cousin Stan And Alta Barer Contribute To University Of Washingon Law School

Nearly three years after Cousin Stan Barer's death, and five years after wife, Alta's passing.  The couple is making news again.

Reports are that the couple's estate has endowed the University of Washington one of its largest contributions ever.  The amount contributed to its law school reported to be 45 million dollars. 

In 2008, Stan and Alta made news 16 years ago, with a donation to the law school to start the Barer Institute for Law and Global Human Services. This program has opened law school up to deserving students, many in undeveloped countries.  

Stan Barer was an attorney, political consultant, Senate administrative assistant, shipping executive and community philanthropist.  Alta, was a fellow community activist and philanthropist. 

Clearly, the contributions that the couple have made to the area and around the world will bring benefits for generations to come. 

Teri Garr, offbeat comic actress of 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Tootsie,' ...

I'm sorry to hear about this, I had seen her in a variety of roles and always enjoyed her characters.

American Football League AFL documentary 1960s NFL Lost Treasures

This is a great documentary on the creation and  evolution of the AFL, which really is now the AFC or American Football Conference.  Since the video can not be posted on my blog, click here.

I learned from this about the initial struggles of the league.  The AFL, some would say, made the NFL more successful. 

I wrote several years ago about the two upstart leagues from the 60s in football and basketball. Click here.

Seahawks Face The Bills

 Go Seahawks

Beat San Diego State!

 WSU visits San Diego State today (October 26th, 2024). Go Cougs!

1960s Car Commercials Part 2: Gorgeous Women Back in the Day

More 1960s car commercials.  I posted the some earlier this month.

Israel 3

Here is another Google collage, as the 7th anniversary of the trip has arrived.

 

Lee Goldberg's call with the "Stellar Literary California" Scammers

Lee Goldberg takes on a telemarketer in what he realizes is an attempt to scam book writers.

You can see the whole story by clicking here.

I'm proud of Lee for trying to show how potential writers can fall victim to various tricks. 

Lumber House Brewery

Just minutes from Maple Valley, the Lumber House Brewery in Black Diamond is a great place to have dinner and a cold beverage.

In keeping with it's theme, large saws hang on the wall.

Fall Colors

Signs of Autumn are everywhere including Patrick's Faire Park in Maple Valley, where I snapped this picture of the changing colors.

Beloved Sportscaster Tony Ventrella

Former Seattle TV sportscaster Tony Ventrella passed away last night (Saturday, October 19th, 2024).  Ventrella, popular because of his genial personality worked at KING TV from 1982-1994, he then went to KIRO 7 where from 1994-2002. 

He was a three-time Emmy winner. 

He tried to enter politics, but was didn't seem comfortable in that rough and tumble realm. 

Active in the community, well after he left TV, he will be missed. 

Meeting Sidney Rice At Wine Tasting

Sidney Rice a former Seahawk wide receiver, is a partner in Dossier Wine. 

They have a tasting room in Walla Walla, which we visited on our last trip.  Our friends were so impressed that they join their wine club.

They held a party at a warehouse in South Seattle.  

Sidney was friendly and posed with me for the above picture

My Sister's Grave--Great Mystery

 Although the title sounds bleak, "My Sister's Grave" is a mystery by Robert Dugoni involving a Seattle detective working to find the killer of her sister. 

The backdrop is a fictitious rural town in the North Cascades, where Tracy Crosswhite returns to find the real killer of sister, Sarah.

Sarah died 20 years earlier and a man was convicted and was serving time in Walla Walla, but Tracy thinks that the conviction was the set-up.

As you would expect, there are many possible suspects, including the local law enforcement.

You can find this novel on Amazon by clicking here.  

WSU vs Hawaii

The WSU Cougars take on the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors today (Saturday, October 19th, 2024). 

Go Cougs!
 

Israel 2017--2

 This collage from our 2017 trip features pictures of me

Trip To Israel 2017

Google made this great collage of my trip in 2017.  Seven years and it still resonates deeply.

Kraken's Campbell Breaks Ice Ceiling

 People often view Seattle as a "cutting edge" town with trends in many different fields starting here.  The Seattle Kraken help boost that perception, as they have hired the first female coach in NHL history.  

Jessica Campbell is assistant coach for the team under new coach Dan Bylsma.   She was assistant for Bylsma at Seattle's affiliate in Coachella Valley in the American Hockey League. 

Campbell herself is a former Ice Hockey player, playing in women's leagues in Canada and Sweden. 

Oliver In The Autumn Leaves

Oliver enjoying a beautiful Fall Day.

BYU's Jake Retzlaff opens up on being Jewish at predominantly Mormon sch...

I don't know how long this video will stay up, but it is interesting that Brigham Young, an LDS school in Utah, has as Jewish quarterback and while Sandy Koufax made headlines by not playing on Yom Kippur in the early 60s, becoming a legend amongst the Jewish people, Retzlaff is getting attention doing the opposite.  Jake played on Yom Kippur last Saturday. 

Yom Kippur 2024

 

Nova Ceremony in Tel Aviv

We've learned and endured so much in the past year since the attack on October 7th.  

Ethel Kennedy Dead At 96

 Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F "Bobby" Kennedy and mother of 11 children has died.  

Kennedy's husband was assassinated in 1968, running for president.  She also lost two sons and two grandchildren, and two great-children.  Her son, RFK, Jr, recently ended his presidential campaign, although it was not supported by most of the family.  

Kennedy has nine surviving children. 

For more on Ethel Kennedy, click here.

Cap Sante--Whidbey Island 4

On Sunday, We got a tour of Whidbey Island. I may have mispronounce Cap Sante.  Please let me know. 

Whidbey 3--Village Pizzeria

Had a great lunch at the Village Pizzaria in Langley with my wife and cousin. We loved the "homey" atmosphere, and having a great view of the water did not hurt at all. 

Whidbey 2--The View

The view from my cousin's backyard is incredible as we look out on the bay and Mount Baker 

Sunset At Deception Pass

We went to Whidbey Island to visit with my cousin and her husband.

The weather was amazing and I got this picture of the sunset at Deception Pass.

Remember Victims Of The Nova Music Festival

 We will not forget.

Stayin' Alive, One Night of the Bee Gees

Deb and I are big fans of Tribute bands.  Especially, ones that really recreate the look and sound, as this one.

Stayin' Alive, One Night Of The Bee Gees, played last night (Friday, October 4th, 2024) at the Neptune Theatre in the U-District of Seattle.

It was a great performance.

SWINGING INTO THE 1960's WITH CAR COMMERCIALS

In the 1960s, automobile maker started selling cars as lifestyle tools.   The old adage "sell the sizzle, not the steak", is definitely at work here.

River 2

Another great picture from Monday's (September 30th, 2024) hike.

Rosh Hashana Begins

 Happy New Year!

Looking Down On The River

Before last night's (September  30th, 2024) Seahawk game, Rick and I hiked a trail up the north fork of the Snoqualmie River and were treated to some spectacular views.

Gonzaga To Join Pac 12

Apparently, Eastern Washington will have two Pac 12 teams. Sources are reporting that Gonzaga, the basketball phenom from Spokane, will accept an invitation to join the now growing conference.  Ir joins WSU as Washington members. 

Gonzaga does not have a football team, I believe it to be the first team in the conference history to not compete in that sport.

Pete Rose Dead

 Baseball superstar Pete Rose is dead at 83.  Rose, baseball's all-time hit leader was a Hall Of Famer in every sense of the word.  

Rose was on three World Series winning teams and was baseball's last playing managers.

His 1989 banishment from the game due to his alleged betting on baseball has prevented his induction into Cooperstown. 

Mercury Morris

I had meant to post this sooner, but I had been out of town.  

Former Miami Dolphin running back Mercury Morris passed away, a little over a week ago. 

He was on the '72 Dolphin team that was the last team to go undefeated. 

I loved his nickname, "Mercury". 

Seahawks Face Lions ON Monday Night Football

 Go Seahawks!!!

Pop Legend Actor Kris Kristofferson Dead At 88

 Kris Kristofferson, who wrote songs like Me And Bobby McGee and Help Me Make It Through The Night has died.

Kristofferson also starred with Barbara Streisand in the 1970s version of "A Star Is Born".

Kristofferson was at his home in Maui, Hawaii at the time of  his death, yesterday (Saturday, September 28th, 2024).

Unique Cloud Formation

I don't remember ever seeing a cloud formation like this. 

From our motel in Seaside, Oregon 

Jesse Jones Leaving KIRO 7 TV

 Jesse Jones, who for decades has been reporting on Seattle TV as a consumer advocate is leaving KIRO 7.

Jones probably made his name with KING 5, several decades ago.  His promos ran consistently and his unique sign off became legendary. 

The blog Media Maven has more.  Click here.