Bob Rivers Tribute | The Howard Stern Show | SiriusXM (2025)

Howard Stern recently gave a shout out to the late Seattle DJ, Bob Rivers.  I first saw this on the blog QZVX.

Springtime In Maple Valley

 A few pictures taken in Springtime. 

Jay North Played Dennis The Menace

 Jay North, who played the title role in Dennis The Menace has died, he was 73. The show was a favorite of mine as a kid, it would be cancelled in 1963.

Many years later, it became one of the first shows, (along with Leave It To Beaver and Highway Patrol) that I would watch in syndicated reruns. 

I would also watch North in the NBC show Maya from 1967-1968.  

Florida Edges Houston In Heart Pounding Men's Basketball Championship

 In a game that looked at one point like a Houston runaway, the Florida Gators took the lead in the game's closing seconds for a 65-63 victory in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. 

In what turned out to be one of the most exciting championships that I've ever seen, the Houston Cougars, who I was rooting for, failed to even take a last shot that would have either tied it or win it.  

Still, it was an amazing game and Congrats to the Gators. 

The Spring "Snow"

The tree was beautiful, but as in every year, the blossoms fall, creating almost a snow like effect.

Sue Bird Will Enter Naismith Hall Of Fame

Sue Bird, who led the WNBA Seattle Storm to four league titles been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.    This is THE basketball Hall of Fame with such greats as Jerry West and Michael Jordan.

Bird also led Team USA to five gold medals in the Olympics.  She was also a two-time national champion at UConn. 

Bird, one of the greatest and best loved area pro athletes was with the Storm for 19 seasons.  She retired in 2022 at 41 years of age. 
 

Oliver 2023

 I know you will enjoy this video of Oliver as a tiny puppy, it did not take long for him to grow into a big puppy. 

Three Head Coaches In Final Four Are Members Of The Tribe

It could inspire another Adam Sandler Hanukkah Song. The coaches of three of the Final Four teams in the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament are of the Jewish faith.  Of course, I'm very proud.  

In top, Florida Gators coach Todd Golden with Bruce Pearl of Auburn, names that really shine, pun intended. 

Bottom picture.  Jon Scheyer of Duke.  

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, coached basketball at my alma mater, Washington State from 1988-1994.

Lucia Flores-Wiseman's Unique Voice Reinvents Benson Boone's "Slow It Do...

Lucia Flores-Wiseman keeps rolling on in The Voice competition.  The Maple Valley artist last Monday (March 31st, 2025), won her knockouts round against Grace-Miller Moody, who did an amazing rendition of the Fleetwood Mac standard, "Dreams". 

As this is my first season watching, I'm slowly learning how the competition works. 

Val Kilmer Dies

 Val Kilmer, who gained fame by playing Iceman in Top Gun and its decades later sequel Top Gun Maverick has died. 

Kilmer starred as the Top Gun flier Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, Tom Cruise character Maverick's chief rival, who morphs into his staunchest ally, most notably in the sequel.  

He also starred in the lead role of Jim Morrison in The Doors.  A biopic that is also a favorite of mine. 

You can find more about his body of work by clicking here. 

Kilmer was 65. 

April Fool's Day 2025

 Don't believe everything you see or hear today!

Mike And Rick On The Slopes

Our last skiing foray of the season. It was definitely one of our best trips.  

Spring 2025 Had Arrived

Our tree is in full bloom.

Seaside 2025 9--Dinner At Nonni's

Nonni's is a great Italian restaurant on Broadway in Seaside with great food and friendly atmosphere.

Mariners Pay Tribute To Rickey Henderson

As part of the opening ceremonies last night (Thursday, March 27th, 2025) when the Mariners faced the A's, former Mariner Rickey Henderson, who threw out the first pitch in the last Mariner game of 2024 (also between the Mariners and the A's), and passed away during the off-season was honored.  

His wife and daughters were brought on to the field.

During his long career, Henderson played for the Oakland A's and then later for the Mariners.

Also mentioned were Bobby Cuellar and Lenny Randle, both ex Mariners who passed away in the off season.

Seaside 2025 8--Family Bench

About two blocks south of the turnaround, our bench on the Prom has been standing for 10 years.

Play Ball!

 Go Mariners! Season opens today (Thurday, March 27th,2025)!

Enjoying The Park And Lake

With a temperature around 70 yesterday (Tuesday, March 25th, 2025), Lake Wilderness in Maple Valley was a great place to spend an afternoon.

Seaside 2025 7--Museum

A tug pushing a barge is modeled in this picture taken at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. 

A must stop on the Northern Oregon Coast, make sure you give yourself a few hours to see the exhibits.

Seaside 2025 6-Elk Herd Grazing

On the way to Astoria to see the maritime museum, we saw a huge heard of elk.  

Former Speaker Frank Chopp

 Barers Of Maple Valley is sad to learn of the passing of Former Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp. Chopp was the longest serving Speaker Of The House in the history of our state. As such, he was a lightning rod for critique from both sides of the aisle.

Watching out for the "little guy" he was not always on board for multi-million dollar sports projects, making himself constant fodder for the local sports talk radio stations. 

I first met in 1996 at a campaign kickoff for Dave Asher, who was running for state house at the time.

The Cascadia Advocate blog has this report on the late former speaker.   Click here

Seaside 2025 5--Sunset At Mo's In Cannon Beach, OR.

From Mo's, a beachside seafood restaurant in Cannon Beach, we watched a beautiful sunset.

Dead By Sunset--A Review

Dead By Sunset was recommended by my cousin, Burl, telling me the victim was a partner in his brother Stan's law firm.  

The book was written by the late Ann Rule, a true crime author and resident of the Seattle area.  It is a page turner. A 400 plus page book that is almost impossible to put down. 

It tells the story of the murder of Cheryl Keeton.  She was found in a van on the Sunset Highway in Portland.  Keeton worked at the Portland branch office of Garvey, Shubert, and Barer (Now, Foster Garvey).  Though she was of humble beginnings, she was a brilliant attorney.

Her husband, Brad Cunningham, was equally brilliant.  As the couple was going through a very nasty divorce, Cunningham is an immediate suspect.  However, because, he was able to put on a calm demeanor and an arresting (no pun intended) charm, and his propensity to move to different locations, it took years before there could even be an arrest, let alone a conviction.  

Cunningham had multiple marriages and a number of children, but it was the three sons of Cheryl Keeton that he really became the subject of a custody fight.  

The book was eventually adapted to a mini-series.  

The action takes place in the 80s and 90s, but except for the lack of smart phones and computers, it is still readable today. 

Seaside 2025 4--Haystack Rock In Cannon Beach

 We spent a great afternoon at Cannon Beach.  

Boxing Legend George Foreman Dead

 George Foreman, who along with Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier, were the three icons of the sport of heavyweight boxing during the 70s, has died.  He was 76. 

Foreman burst on the boxing scene during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.  He won his first heavyweight championship in 1973 against Frazier. 

In 1994, he regained the title, at 45 becoming the oldest man to hold the heavyweight boxing championship. 

He is also known for the George Foreman Grill.  

Seaside 2025 3--Strange Pipe

Google says it's a "Seaside whatsis".  In all our years of coming down, I've not before noticed this contraption sticking out of the surf.

Seaside 2025 2. Sunset In Cannon Beach

The Sun sets on Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach.

Neat Place To Eat In Seaside

A left at the end of the Prom and  a couple blocks walk will take you to this great cafe. It has tasty food and is family owned.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

 

Slick Watts Dies

Slick Watts, one of Seattle's first pro sports heroes has died.

Watts was a guard for the Seattle Super Sonics in the early to mid 70s.  Pro sports at that level where somewhat new to the area at the time.

Watts, completely bald before it became fashionable, was easily identifiable by his colorful headbands. 

A guard, he led the NBA in steals and assists.

Watts stayed in Seattle after retirement, further endearing him to fans.

I met him about nine years ago at a pub in Redmond Ridge.  

Seahawks To Sign Yakima Native Cooper Kupp

 Cooper Kupp, the 2022 Super Bowl MVP for the LA Rams, is now a Seahawk.  Kupp will reportedly sign a three year 45-million-dollar contract.  

Kupp, a wide receiver is a native of Yakima.  He attended college at EWU in Cheney. 

Sunrise In Maple Valley

Bright Sunrise almost looks like a fire 

Under The Moonlight

Another great Google photo collage. 

Bob Rivers Dies

 Sources report the passing of retired Seattle radio personality Bob Rivers.  He was 68.  

Hired from a station in Baltimore, Rivers was perhaps amongst the last of creative radio figures, as the industry was on its way to becoming very homogenized and corporate minded.   

Rivers spent 25 years in Seattle radio starting at KISW.

He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2023.

Darnold To Sign As Hawk Signal caller

Quarterback Sam Darnold is headed to Seattle.  With Geno Smith gone to Vegas, Darnell comes to town after a career year with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Darnold is familiar with Northwest football fans as he played for the USC Trojans. 
 

DK Metcalf Traded To Pittsburgh

 DK Metcalf is heading to Pittsburgh for the 2025 season.  The Seahawks will obtain a second-round draft pick from the Steelers. 

Metcalf, a Seahawk since 2019, ranks high in almost every category for all-time team players at that position. 

Metcalf has been a fan favorite, but in recent years, has drawn fire for number of penalties called against the team. 

Geno Traded

 Geno Smith will reunite with former Seahawk coach Pete Carroll as he has been traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.   In exchange, the Hawks will receive the Raiders 2025 third round draft pick. 

Smith, whose performance with the Hawks has been up and down, has been subject for debate amongst fans as far as effectiveness. 

Sunsets Over The Years

Another great Google Photo collage.

 

Palm Springs 2025 8--Where We Stayed

The house that we stayed during our visit, could probably be classified as "mid-century modern". It is the style that the town is most famous for 

Officials give update on death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa

Gene Hackman and his wife, from what things seem to indicate, desired their privacy.  

From what the conclusions are, in this instance, it seemed to prove tragic.

Congrats To Tahoma Wrestling And We The People

 Your unofficial hometown blog congratulates you!  From the Community Of Maple Valley Wa group. 

On The Slopes

I had a fun day, skiing at Snoqualmie Summit.

Palm Springs 2025 7--Last Meal

The Chicken Ranch in downtown Palm Springs.

All dining is outdoors.

We enjoyed a great lunch with our friends and then it was on to the airport to fly back home. 

Palm Springs 2025 6--Buddy Hackett

Comedian Buddy Hackett is honored in this spot on the Walk Of Stars in Palm Springs.

Hackett was a familiar figure on daytime gameshows and talkshows in the 60s and 70s 

Lee Goldberg Unboxes Latest Work

 Lee Goldberg shares the unboxing of an upcoming novel. You can join the fun and excitement by clicking here.

Palm Springs 2025 5--Rock Hudson's Star

Because tonight (Sunday, March 2nd, 2025) is Oscar Night,I present one of the all-time classic movie actor Rock Hudson's Star n Palm Springs. 

Hudson did not win a single Oscar in the long career, but he did get a nomination.

Palm Springs 2025 4--Sunset

A beautiful sunset over the mountains, witnessed from the house where we stayed.

Palm Springs 2025 3--The House

The house where we stayed had the pool in the front yard. 

Palm Springs 2025 2--Cactus In The Yard

The yard of the house we stayed in Palm Springs had cacti of many shapes.

Burl Barer From Decades Ago.

Cousin Burl Barer appeared in this ad, from his days at Seattle rock station KOL.  Probably from the late 1960s or early 70s. Burl is on the right side. Thank you to Randy from Facebook. 
 

Palm Springs Golf

We just returned from a few days of R and R in Palm Springs, CA. A nearly annual excursion. 

My buddy Rick and I played golf at the beautiful Cimnaron Golf Club on Monday.

Esteemed Actor Gene Hackman Found Dead

 Gene Hackman, two-time Academy Award winner was found dead yesterday, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa.  The actor, known for his everyman persona, was 95, his wife was 63.  

Reports say there was no immediate indication of foul play.

Oliver Meets Friends

Oliver plays with dogs on the pipeline trail.

Roberta Flack

Sadly, I've read about the passing of Roberta Flack who sang the soft rock classic, Killing Me Softly.

Beyond The Beach--Seaside, Oregon

A few random shots, compiled by Google Photo, of our favorite vacation spot, Seaside. 

 

Lucia Flores-Wiseman's Sneak Preview

I couldn't believe this would already be up.  If you don't like spoilers, you may not want to watch this until after the show.  

Still, a look at Maple Valley's Lucia Flores-Wiseman's performance on The Voice. 

Paul McCartney: Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End (Live) – SNL50

In a performance that will go down in TV history, Paul McCartney performed on the 50th anniversary of SNL.  

Adam Sandler's Song: 50 Years – SNL50

In just a few seconds, Jack Nicholson, in my opinion,, did the impossible.  He upstaged Adam Sandler. 

Mayor Harrell jokes about return of Supersonics

Mayor Bruce Harrell seemed to be the first mayor in a couple decades to make it through his first term without a raging controversy, until this moment raised eyebrows. 

Sports fans on social media are definitely speaking out, saying that this joke hit to close to home. 

Seattle 2024

 Here are some shots taken in the city over last year. 

Happy President's Day

 

America Concert 2023

Some great shots from the America Concert in June of 2023.

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Mentink To Become Mariner Commentator

 

Angie Mentink will make history as a Mariner commentator, according to an article in the Seattle Times. 

She is the first woman in the club's history assume that role.  The team needed to replace departing announcers Dave Sims, who left to become lead announcer for the Yankees and Mike Blowers.

Aaron Goldsmith will become lead TV play by play announcer , with a rotating group of color analysts, including Mentink, Dave Valle, Ryan Rowland-Smith, and the return of Jay Buhner. 

Rick Rizzs will continue to do play by play on the radio, joined in the booth by

Brad Adam and Jen Mueller will continue their roles on the TV broadcasts. 

Hanging With My Buddy

Oliver on his second birthday.

Eagles Fly In Super Bowl LIV

40-22 may seem like a blowout, but truly, the game was even more lopsided as the Philadelphia Eagles resoundingly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.  Kansas City, attempting to become the first team ever to win three Super Bowls in a row, could not get even get a score in the first half.  

While many people watched hoping that the Chiefs could make history with a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, the tenacity and hard play of the Eagles was inspiring, at least, to me. 

Jalen Hurts, above, the Eagles victorious quarterback, holds the Lombardi trophy in the picture above.