Dinner At 26 Brix Makes Evening Great

Deb and I spent last weekend in my old hometown of Walla Walla and it was clear that with the sudden growth of the wine industry there, Walla Walla is no longer a "hick" town. The remaining historical buildings have been restored, a farmer's market takes place on Main Street and the city now offers an incredible choice of Restaurant's.

Saturday, we had dinner at 26 Brix, located across in the historic Dacres Building on West Main, once Walla Walla's skid Row. We arrived with my brother and Dawn for our 8:30 reservation, while we were waiting, one of the owners explained the meaning of the name, 26 Brix (a measurement used in wine making) and some of the history involved in the area.
The dining area was well done in hardwood. Frank Sinatra was playing in the music season. Deb and I both had wine samplers with 2 local wines and one French wine. I was taken aback with the attentiveness of the wait staff. I would strongly recommend any trip to Walla Walla should include dining there.

My Three Cousins

My Cousin Jan has been an inspiration in doing this blog. Here she is with brothers Stan,
and Burl in this rare photograph off her blog.

Barers Of Maple Valley Turns 2 Today

What began on the fly, has gotten bigger and in my opinion better. This blog started 2 years ago today, when I had to sign up to comment on a different blog. I cannot tell you what a fun and rewarded project this has become and we're not done yet!

King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng Dies

Norm Maleng, Republican King County Prosecutor since 1978 has died. Maleng collapsed at the University Of Washington campus this evening.

"An Inconvenient Truth" To Be Screened In Issaquah

Readers In the Maple Valley-Issaquah area and beyond are invited to a free showing of Oscar winning movie "An Inconvenient Truth" this Friday at 7:30 pm. It will take place at the
King County Library Service Center960 Newport Way NWIssaquah, 98027. Although the showing is sponsored by the 5th District Democrats, everyone is welcome regardless of political stripe. Refreshments will be available for a charge. A discussion will take place after the show.

Super Sonics Get Second Pick In NBA Draft Lottery

It certainly has been a roller coaster ride for fans hoping to keep the Seattle Super Sonics in Seattle. Today's news as reported by Percy Allen in the Seattle Times is certainly an up note, the Sonics drew the number 2 choice in the draft, earning them the chance to possibly pick Texas freshman Kevin Durrant (above).

Donald Trump Quits The Apprentice

It comes as no surprise but The Apprentice is officially no more. Sources say the Donald Trump, who turned "your fired" into probably pop culture's favorite phrase, announced Friday that he will not do another Apprentice. The show, originated by Survivor's Mark Burnett, took off in it's first season, due in part with good looking, intelligent, but somewhat dysfunctional candidates, and what seemed like hard headed but fair Trump exec's like Caroline and George. Candidate Omarosa, who seemed to have the ability to create a fight from nothing and the tough love of "The Donald" seemed to rocket the show in the ratings. Successive seasons showed a real ratings decrease, along with the revelations of possible financial problems in the Trump Organization.
It has indeed been a pleasure for me to blog the last three seasons of the Apprentice. No doubt, new material on the Apprentice and candidates will continue.

Hilary Shows A Lighter Side

Hilary Clinton shows her self deprecating sense of humor in this YOUTUBE video, only trouble is, it may actually get you to not vote for her.

Issaquah Gliders Dot The Sky

I have never gone paragliding but get to watch them, as they fill the sky on my way home to Maple Valley. They are usually out in force on warm sunny days jumping off Tiger Mountain in Issaquah. They land on a strip off Issaquah-Hobart Rd about 5 miles south of Issaquah.

Northwest Tire Icon Les Schwab Dies

The Northwest has changed radically from when Les Schwab started in the tire business in the early 50s, but Les Schwab never did. Still, looking like a figure from a different era, apearing in commercials with a simple message "If we can't guarantee it, we won't sell it" Les Schwab became one of the largest independent tire dealers in the world. According to the Seattle Times, Les Schwab tires did 1.6 billion dollars in sales last year. In the last couple, a Maple Valley store opened up. Mr Schwab died yesterday after being in ill health for a number of years.

Shoot! Where Do They Get These Teachers?

The Seattle Times reports that a Lake Stevens High School Teacher has been placed on administrative leave after threatening to "shoot" misbehaving students. Apparently a student had been daydreaming in a literature class when teacher Gary McDonald picked on her, when other students intervened, McDonald threatened to line them up and shoot them, with the Virginia Tech tragedy only a month ago, I wonder how a teacher could find any humor in a remark like that. If McDonald cannot control his student, what is he doing teaching a high school class anyway? The article, written by Times reporter Lynn Thompson, said that McDonald's class started with 30 students, but has dwindled to just 17.

From You Tube

One of my favorite vacation spots is Seaside Oregon. I have so many lifetime memories from there

Blake In Town This Weekend

American Idol Finalist Blake Lewis is back the area to make a number of appearances. One will be singing the National Anthem at Safeco Field at the Yankee-Mariners tonight, of note to me because I will be attending that game. Blake is a native of Bothell. After watching a couple of his performances on the show, I'm pretty sure he will put an interesting "spin" on the anthem.

He's Writing Again!!

After a 2 month hiatus, my Dad is writing again. This story about his old employee Matt is a scream!

So What?!

When I was little, around the time The Beatles were a new and fresh act, The Lloyd Thaxton Show was on TV. Lloyd Thaxton had a dance show similar to American Bandstand with guests who went on to become musical legends, the difference was that Lloyd was part of the show. He had a "what me worry" sense of humor that was as entertaining as the musical acts, crowd participation was a must. At the end of the show, Lloyd would always say "this is the Lloyd Thaxton Show and I'm Lloyd Thaxton" to which the teenagers in the audience, would yell "so what" watching Lloyd, it made me feel that being a teenager was the coolest thing in the world. Well Lloyd is putting together a dvd of his old shows. It is bound to bring back a lot of memories.

Summer Is On It's Way

Coming home from work, the view of Mount Rainier was spectacular. It looked like it was in the backyard. When the sun sets behind the tall evergreens, it is amazing.

Does Maple Valley Need "Big Box" Stores?

Does Maple Valley need big retail stores? A feature in the Seattle Time's Sunday
SE Living supplement examines that question. Our close proximity to Covington and Issaquah provides expanded shopping options. Are we missing out on Sales tax revenue. Most residents speak about the possibility of losing our "small town feel" However new housing is built consistently.
Without the option of curtailing or stalling population growth, it may be imperative to encourage more retail options. Perhaps we can look at neighbor Issaquah, which has allowed the stores and still kept it's attractiveness.

Spokane Chosen For '08 Democratic State Convention

Delegates attending the Washington Democratic State Central Committee meeting in Bellingham have chosen Spokane for their state convention over King County. I believe that this is a smart move, the party has been pushing lately to win voters from across the "Cascade Curtain". To turn down Spokane's bid in favor of Seattle would work against everything in that plan. To King County, quit picking on the little Spokane and go after the National Convention.
Incidentally, Spokane has a brand new convention center, the National Figure Skating Championship has already been held there.

Seahawks Cut Ties With Darrell Jackson

Darrell Jackson has been traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a future 4th round draft choice. The talented but inconsistent Jackson has seen the 'Hawks go from perienial disappointment to Superbowl runner-up. Word has it that Jackson has been unhappy since the Seahawks acquired Deion Branch. The Seahawks acquired Branch, an ex Patriot at the beginning of last season. The Patriots just acquired Randy Moss. The Patriots can have Randy Moss.

Apprentice Wannabe Michelle

Michelle Sorro, who earned Donald Trumps scorn for quitting the Apprentice, is in the process of writing a book telling her side of what happened. Her blog makes for interesting reading.

Primary Decision This Weekend

I'm heading to Bellingham this weekend, I am part of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, meeting each quarter to determine election strategy and party policy. It is indeed a terrific honor to help represent the 5th legislative district in such a gathering. In today's Seattle Times, the editorial page called upon our body, to use the statewide primary as a factor in determining which presidential candidate's delegates are chosen to go to the national convention.
I think this idea has merit. It's easier to vote in the Primary, you can use an absentee ballot. It plays better in the media and as such, brings more presidential candidates to the area. In the past, I have wondered why Washington does not have such a system. However, I believe and I will vote to retain the caucus system
The Times says "Other Democrats now must lean on the party decision-makers, who will convene Saturday in Bellingham. Activists within the party are trying to reverse its habit of elitist decision-making." In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The caucus is the true grassroots form of policy. They empower neighborhoods and give voice to the many concerns around the region. Having lead the caucus in Maple Valley, I can attest that that it was very well attended, a joint effort to talk about the issues with our neighbors.
If we go to the primary, I think Seattle will drown out the rest of the state, dark horse candidates will have less of a chance and politics will be a game for only the powerful.

The Appretice Finale: Stefani Schaeffer Last Apprentice?

She was a surprise but by no means a long shot. Stefani Schaeffer (a California attorney) did not serve as project manager during the entire season and yet she was hired by Donald Trump. Seattle's James Sun who's high voltage style charmed some and annoyed many others was runner up. Sun had directed the Arrow team to 2 victories. Usually the final show involves the last two standing contestants, this year, there were 4 finalists, although Frank and Nicole, both visibly nervous, were gone fast.
Stefani, usually under the radar, served the team as "den mother" quietly filling team needs. She seemed to compliment the hard charging James in several tasks. Stefani, much more animated and outgoing last night than she had been most of the season, told Trump she could see herself hiring James to work for her someday.
Because of this year's format change that allows PMs to work until the team loses, Stefani, as mentioned above did not get her chance to serve . She will be working on a Trump resort project in the Dominican Republic.
The show which made "your fired" a pop culture catch phrase has been rapidly declining in ratings and no mention was made of future programs. This season, shot in LA, was the first to be done anywhere but New York. The final was broadcast live from the Hollywood Bowl.

Book Review: Rear View Mirror

Tacoma native Cindy Callinsky shares her triumphs and tragedies in this moving autobiography. Cindy was talked into going to a party with a friend when she met the love of her life--a soldier from Fort Lewis. What continues is a growing up pattern through laughing crying, playing and self discovery, moving across the country and abroad. Meeting friends who will find a place in your heart.
Cindy is a likable, but not humble hipster who enjoys football, rock music and the night life. This book has a subtle way of wrapping you in to where you are saying "Cindy, don't", or "way to go, Cindy". There is something in this book that everyone can relate to. Rear View Mirror is available on Amazon.

Walla Walla Sweet Is Now State Vegetable

Walla Walla, home to three college, the state pen, dozens of wineries has something new to hang it's hat on, Washington Governor Gregoire has signed a bill making the Walla Walla Sweet Onion the state vegetable. The idea was conceived in a Kirkland Jr. High classroom across the state from Walla Walla a couple years ago. The idea snowballed into it reached Olympia and met resistance from the state potato lobby. This year, the bill was revived by Walla Walla Republican Maureen Walsh of Walla Walla. With bi-partisan support, it passed the house unanimously and the senate by a 45-3 vote. In my opinion, it shows that there is now a reason that people from Walla Walla to vote for a Democrat. Walla Walla is considered a very Conservative town. Both houses of the legislature have a Democratic majority.

Here is a recipe using the Walla Walla Onion

Tod Goldberg's Take On The Writings Of The VT Killer

Cousin Tod Goldberg, a published author and literary teacher, wrote an interesting piece on his blog dealing with talk of the disturbing writings of Virginia Tech gunman Cho Sueng Hui and the effect it may have on future creativity, etc. Quoting from Tod

"It's always dangerous to assume one's fictional creations are somehow manifestations of their inner most desires -- there's no ethical responsibility in writers to only create pleasant characters, nor to create characters that are in any way decent humans whatsoever or who have any emotional nuance. They might have a creative responsibility if they actually want their work to be readable -- and after having read Cho Seung-Hui's two plays I can report that his work was unreadable in the most base way, which is to say it doesn't appear he had much in the way of talent -- but in the end people's art is their own. They can make it as awful as they want, provided they don't want to actually earn a living from it."

Sam Barer: Obey The Laws You Make, Politicians!

In 4 Wheel Drift, Sam Barer slams New Jersey Governor John Corzine, who was recently seriously injured in an automobile accident. Reports say the the governor was not wearing a safety belt.

>Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike are all sick of politicians exhibiting “do what I say, not what I do” behavior. It’s often hard to catch them in the act, but there’s no hiding the situation New Jersey Governor John Corzine put himself into.
With all the protections offered to high-profile politicians, it’s unusual that one can so instantly punish himself for a stupid action…but good old Corzine found one of the few ways.

A Moment Of Silence

Tragedy strikes Blackburg, Virginia.

The Apprentice: The Final Task

The last four contestants are talking in the kitchen. All are members of the old team Arrow, a late starter, whom at the the beginning of this season, had spent weeks in the tents before they earned their first victory. They are surprised when Donald Trump and his son Donald, Jr walk in to the mansion (without knocking) telling them to get dressed up because they have a cocktail party to attend to in Beverly Hills with the 5 previous winners of the show. When they arrive at the party, they learn that Bill Rancik, the first winner and show mouthpiece, was unable to attend because of a last minute business meeting. Randall, Sean, Kelly, and Kendra are there and dispatch what seems to be useless wisdom to the candidates. Kelly informs them of one final task. Both teams can pick 2 fired candidates. James and Stefani pick Aaron and Kinetic's Angela , a smart choice because she had a big fan in Trump. Frank and Nicole pick Suryea and Tim.
The candidates are split into 2 teams and are to meet Donald Trump at the backlot of Universal Studios. Teams will make a one minute movie (commercial) for Renuzit.Trump mentioned that was one of his mother's favorite products. They will show their commercial to a popcorn chomping audience at an AMC theatre.
After watching the real commercial for Renuzit, neither ad is terribly inspiring, but the audience seems to like both and Trump does not fire any candidates. On to next week when Trump will pick the winner from the final four.

We Salute Jackie Robinson

Many baseball players wore number 42 today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking into Major League baseball. Robinson became the first African American to play in the bigs. His struggles are well documented. Robinson's persistence paved the way for some of my old favorite players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Lou Brock. It was the charisma and talent of these players that drew my interest in the sport.

Felix Hernandez Tames The Red Sox

Congratulations to Felix Hernandez, who threw a one hitter in Fenway Park as the Seattle Mariners shut out the Boston Red Sox 3-0.

Drew Bledsoe Hangs Up Pads For Good

After 14 years in the National Football League, Dallas Cowboy quarterback Drew Bledsoe is calling it quits. Bledsoe was the number one pick overall by the New England Patriots and saw them go from one of the worst organizations in the NFL to one of the best. Bledsoe guided the Patriots to the AFC championship in 1996, but lost the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers. He was knocked out of the starting job by a chest injury in 2001 by Tom Brady who lead the Patriots that season to their first Superbowl victory.

He then played 3 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, setting 10 team passing records. He finished his last two seasons with the Cowboys, losing his starting job halfway through last season to Tony Romo.

Bledsoe finishes his career 7th in alltime passing yards, 13th in touchdowns passes, and 5 in completions for NFL quarterbacks.

Bledsoe graduated from Walla Walla High School where he excelled in both football and basketball. He was the state's top recruit when went to Washington State University, becoming the starting quarterback in his freshman season.

The Apprentice: Three Is A Crowd

On this episode, we are down to the last 6 players, Trump brings Arrow back into the mansion, there will be no more backyard camping.

The candidates meet the next morning in the boardroom, Trump has dissolved the teams and have split themselves into three teams of two players each. Kristine is tired of working in Heidi's shadow and pairs off with Nicole, Heidi is left to work with Frank. The most solid group is James and Stefani who have worked together the whole time.

Candidates will fly to Las Vegas where Trump Tower's condos have filled so fast that a second tower will be built. The task was to begin create a promotional campaign for the new tower.

Nicole and Kristine cannot seem to get on the same page. Heidi by herself does not seem as strong as in the past and finds out that Frank is abrasive and impossible to work with. James and Stefani are a "well oiled machine" and have their presentation ideas started before the even arrive.

James and Stefani have a great presentation, while the two other teams are shockingly bad. Four people are on the chopping block, but Trump mercifully fires only two, Kristine and Heidi.

Bon Voyage Mel!

Saturday night TV will never be the same as quiz show host Mel Peachey will no longer host Playmania. Available to the viewers on the Game Show Network, Playmania is unique in that viewers are the contestants. Filling the screen with her British charm, Mel was a joy to watch. She will be going back to her native London, where she is already a well known personality.

Mariners Are Still Idle

Baseball is definitely a 4 season sport as the Mariners had their third consecutive game postponed by snow. The Mariners came within a pitch of their second straight loss Friday when Manager Mike Hargrove was able to delay the game long enough to have it called on account of snow. Two makeup double headers have now also been postponed. Meanwhile the weather here in the Puget Sound area continues to be seasonably pleasant.

Ventrella May Sit Out Race

Sources now tell me that Tony Ventrella will not be a candidate for the 8th district seat. The feeling is that the family oriented Ventrella has found that a campaign would be very taxing as far as time and effort. Ventrella seems to be very civic minded and may feel that he can find other ways to benefit his community. What remains to be seen is whether this means clear sledding for Darcy Burner or if the move to draft Ross Hunter will take on a new life.

Mariners Win Second Straight

Fresh off an opening day victory, the Seattle Mariners won their second straight victory over arch rival Oakland. Richie Sexson hit a 2-run homer, his second in as many games and Yuniesky Bentancourt also hit one over the fence. Pitcher Julio Mateo earned his first victory of the season. Although the season is very young, 2 quick victories show that this team could turn things around.

Lady Vols From Tennessee Rule

Legendary Coach Pat Summit won her 7th National Women's Basketball title as the Tennessee Lady Vols beat the Rutgers Scarlett Knights 59-46. My wife is a graduate of Tennessee, and since my Cougar Basketball team was stopped in the Men's Tournament, we can celebrate a Tennessee championship.

The Apprentice: Tim Goes From Bad To Worst

Last week, after Arrow PM James sent Nicole to the opposing team, breaking up the couple, Tim angered his girlfriend with his competitive drive. This week while Tim, worked hard to make up with Nicole, he angered his own team by sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. Over the hedge talking too much to the members of Kinetic.

The teams met at the publishing headquarters of the Los Angeles Times. Trump tells them that it is the nation's largest suburban newspaper. He is accompanied by Ivanka and executives from Smartmouth, a new mouthwash. The project will be to create a Sunday insert supplement for Smartmouth which would run in the LA Times.

Kinetic, down to three finally seems to be able to work well together, probably because Heidi is PM again, in spite of the fact that Nicole has not ever been. Arrow on the other hand is out of sync, there concepts seemed good, but made error like forgetting their phones and not streamlining their presentation. They lose the task. Anyone on the team could have been fired, but the team turned it's wrath toward Tim, who Trump was already a bit angry with. Tim was fired.

Good Luck M's

The 2007 Seattle Mariners begin the regular season tomorrow with Felix Hernandez on the mound. Starting his second full season in the bigs, the 20 year old Hernandez is expected to be ace of the pitching staff. The Mariners will take on arch nemesis Oakland Athletics in Safeco Field.

"Last Call" For Bill The Beerman

Seattle lost one of it's "characters" this week with the passing of Bill "The Beerman" Scott. Bill The Beerman did more than sell beer, he sold professional sports in the Northwest (He also briefly worked for the Trail Blazers in Portland), he was a charismatic engaging hulk of a man who lead cheers and who help build what is known as the Seahawk's "12th Man". When I lived in Eastern Washington, Bill and Rick "the Peanutman" were seen in a Rainier Beer commercial trying to pop the top off a "wild Rainier Beer" bottle.

Danny O'Neil said in the Seattle Times that anyone could start the wave, but Bill "would choreograph tsunamis". That was not far from the truth. Back the early days of major sports in Seattle, Bill was much more entertaining than the teams.

Tony Bennett To Stay In Pullman

It appears that Tony Bennett will be returning as Cougar Men's Basketball coach as ESPN reports the rookie head coach has inked a 7 year deal with the Pullman School. Bennett has just finished his first year after succeeding his father, Dick, leading the Cougs to their first NCAA Post SeasonTournament appearance in over 10 years.

The Apprentice: Yes, It Is Personal

Team Arrow has now won several tasks but somehow does not seem to think it commands the respect that it deserves. Arrow is gathered in the kitchen when Trump calls, James answers the phone and is told that the Kinetic team is "decimated" and by golly that is his favorite team (he didn't say that part, really). James was charged to pick a member to go to the opposite team. It is no secret that he would not mind breaking up the Nicole-Tim thing has it seems to have become somewhat of a drag on the rest of the team members. James sends Nicole over to Kinetic, and she does not go gracefully. She is not only angry at James, she does not think her team fought enough for her, especially Tim.
On Kinetic, it is up to Angela to step up to be PM. Her work has come into question many times but she has always been saved because Trump loves champions and she has a Gold Medal in Olympic Hockey. Nicole joins the team with fire in her eyes. You would almost expect Nicole to be PM.
The two teams meet at Grauman's Chinese Theatre (LA's number one tourist trap). Trump wonders why his name is not on the Walk Of Fame, and while we are at it, where's the "Donald Trump Dr." in Palm Springs? Forget it, what he really wants is the naming rights to the "White House". Basically the project is to use something called Adwalker to sell annual passes to Universal Studios at the site. This will be the first time the two teams have gone head to head on the same "turf".
Nicole pitches her new team on a roller skate gimmick, it allows them to be flirty and sexy. Only trouble is it doesn't quite fit their Conservative sorority make up and flops badly. Arrow brings a kiosk set up plenty of signage and an aggressive attitude and wins the task.
The reward this week is the very tired and much cliched helicopter trip over the city. Tim is working like crazy to patch things up with Nicole but to no avail. Frank is angry that Tim is talking to the other team and everything just isn't that simple anymore.
Kinetic is once again in the boardroom and Donald is distressed. Can Angela dodge another bullet? Trump looks for anyway he can avoid firing her (he really could have canned Nicole), but it is obvious that it is time for Angela to leave. Nicole opens her big mouth, and says she wants Tim to be on Kinetic, it was stupid for her to do that, but Trump just tells her to go away.

Waitsburg Welding Works On Abarer

My Dad has just wrapped up a series on my Grandfather Barer and Uncle Dave's purchase of Waitsburg Welding Works, a 20 some year venture that culminated in selling it to the foreman in the mid 1960s or so. The story was excellently written and brought back lots of memories. The picture above is Main Street of Waitsburg, WA, about 20 minutes east of Walla Walla.

Darcy Burner Is In 8th District Congressional Race

Democrat Darcy Burner came within percentage points of beating sitting Washington 8th District Congressman Dave Reichert last fall. Now she has announced she is ready for a rematch with Dave in 2008. Burner (pictured with son Henry) attended a meeting last night of the 5th district (5th State Legislative district) Democrats with gifts for elected PCOs and a power point presentation on her strategy for winning the seat. The 8th district which comprises most of the East Side of King County has been represented by Republicans since it's inception.

Sada Jacobson--My Cousin The Fencer

Through the magic of youtube, I am able to bring video of Cousin Sada Jacobson. Sada and her sister Emily, represented the US in the Sabre Competition, where Sada won the Bronze, the first woman at the time to win a medal in the competition. The Gold Medal was later won by another American. In 2003, Sada was named US Fencer Of The Year.

The Apprentice: No Soap For Kenetic

This week's task has the teams `writing a 45 minute Webisode, that is a soap opera to promote a soap. In this case Soft Scrub Obviously something everyone should excel at since this is a reality show and criteria of being on this show is to be able to appear well on camera.

James steps up to be project manager for Kinetic and one week after nearly getting fired, he seems to have emerged as a favorite to win. Especially since there is talk of Trump purchasing Real Estate in his home town of Seattle. The premise to Arrows skit is a bachelor who races to clean his pad so he can propose to his girlfriend.

Kinetic, lead by Kristine has Muna in a Desperate Housewives type skit of infidelity. It is well written but Muna's acting is clouded by her accent (she is a native of Jamaica).

Arrow wins and there reward is to fly by private jet to meet California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. James wants to compare experiences, because Arnold is an immigrant success story.

It seems for a couple of weeks now that Kinetic was tiring of Muna, no need to worry, she was fired.

Clock Strikes Midnight For WSU Cougars

The WSU Cougars' dream basketball season has ended this afternoon with a double overtime loss to Vanderbilt in the second round of the Eastern Regionals 78-74. Derrick Byers lead Vanderbilt with 27 points, Derrick Low scored 21 points to lead the Cougs. Congratulations WSU for a great season!

Cougs Beat Oral Roberts

The Washington State Cougars have taken round one of the NCAA Tournament 70-54. Ivory Clark scored 19 points to lead the Cougs.

Vanderbilt will be the Cougar's next opponent in round 2.

Our Little Mountain

The vistas of Mount Rainier from our subdivision in Maple Valley are astounding. Although it is usually only visible on a clear day, sometimes The Mountain is silhouetted within a thin layer of clouds. The picture above was taken from Google Images because our camera would not do it justice.

Cougars Are In The Big Dance

The Washington State Cougars are in the NCAA tournament for the 5th time in it's their history. They will play Oral Roberts this Thursday.
The Cougs will fill the 3rd seed in the Eastern Regional, their games will be at 11:30am, in Sacramento. Don't be surprised if I turn up sick on that day.
On a related note, the Washington Huskies, who finished hot beating UCLA, were overlooked in by the NIT, the consolation tournament. That is probably the best thing that can happen to the programs at the stage it is at because they will start next season angry and out to prove themselves.

The Apprentice: Bye Bye Surya

Suryea never was a good fit for Arrow. Perhaps that is why they started winning when he came on board. His presence unified the team. The teams had to come up with a halftime promotion at an LA Galaxy Soccer game for GNC, a company who's vitamins and supplements are commonly sold at health food stores and gyms. We never find out who the Galaxy is playing and most of the viewers probably don't care.

Neither presentation was truly inspirational, but Surya thinks that his team's was just great. Wrong again. Everyone knows that Surya will be fired. He is. Surya, I have one piece of advise, if you want to feel part of the team, don't talk to the opposing team that you just switch from.

Pac 10 Basketball Tournament: Trojans Dump Cougs

Cougs fans barely had enough time to celebrate their 74-64 victory over the Washington Huskies last night when they had to get back on the floor again tonight. Sadly the USC Trojans ended the Cougars quest to win the Pac-10 tournament with a 70-61 victory. Greg Pruit of the Trojans lead all in scoring 26 points. The Trojans go on to face the Oregon Ducks in the Conference finals. The Cougars will move on to the NCAA Tournament.

Tony Ventrella--Now A Candidate

Sources tell me that Tony Ventrella is now a declared Democratic candidate for Washington's 8th US Congressional district. Ventrella becomes the second media figure to seek the position. KIRO talk show host Dave Ross sought the then vacant seat in 2004, losing to Sheriff Dave Reichert. Darcy Burner, who lost to Reichert last year is also seeking support for a 2008 run.

Trump Eyes Seattle Properties

Look out Seattle, the king of build now, ask questions later, Donald Trump is looking toward building high rise condo's in the area. In a story in this week's Puget Sound Business Journal, Trump's Real Estate company is attracted by the "lucrative market" here. The thought of Trump building in Seattle has got to send shivers to the City Council, already weary from dealing with Oklahoma City based Seattle Super Sonic owner Clay Bennett.

The Seattle Times ran a story this morning, where they spoke to Trump's daughter Ivanka.

The Apprentice: Wheels Fall Off Kinetic Machine

It is ironic that this week's product of choice was the Lexus LS 460 Luxury Sedan, because the two teams, much like the show at this point seem to be chugging along like an old International pick up truck (remember them?).
Nothing new with the Arrow team (pictured above), Nicole and Tim are hot, heavy, hopefully careful. Suryea is off in another world with charts, writing, and jargon, totally clueless on why he is not reaching his team. Frank on the other hand is still Frank, in more ways than one, probably Arrow's most likable member.
On Kinetic, Derek is happy to throw stones at departed Aimee, he is getting a little too cocky and you know he is going to blow it somehow.
The teams meet in Beverly Hills on the Legendary Rodeo Dr., where if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. Trump pulls up in the most obnoxious Black Limousine with executives from Lexus. Also Randall is going to monitor the task, Randall was the winner from season 3, who alienating his fans by not hiring his runner up, but that is neither here nor there. The teams must each put on an event to promote the new Lexus LS 460 Both teams will have $50 thousand to spend on the task.
I don't know what Kinetic was smoking but their choice of event was more like a carnival, with go-carts, a very scary illusionist, and a dreadfully unprepared hostess in Jenn.
Arrow, behind what looked like the brains of Stefani and James, had a food spread that you would expect at a luxury event. Their event ran very well and were able to win the task, being rewarded by an evening in the studio with Rapper Snoop Doggy Dog.
In the boardroom, Derek self implodes, with his off the cuff reference of himself as "White Trash", Trump gives him the boot right away, if you have been watching, you would remember that Trump is not a fan of modern slang, especially an expression that is both degrading and racist. In addition, Derek is always in a hurry to point a finger, but never takes responsibility himself. Trump is not through, he can either fire Angela, who is in charge of promotion or Jenn who was in charge of the team. He fires Jenn, who unlike the other candidates, leaves with dignity by wishing her old team luck.

Area Native Brandi Carlile's Star Is Rising

Her music has been used in top rated TV show Grey's Anatomy , she has a brand new CD to be released next month, and a concert appearance in downtown Seattle on March 30th sold out so quickly, another show was added, which promptly also sold out. There is no doubt that Maple Valley native Brandi Carlile is a fast rising star in the music world. I did a short story on her a couple of months back.

Cougars Beat Trojans In Thriller

Rebounding from a heartbreaking loss, the WSU Cougars kept their dream season intact by squeaking by the USC Trojans 88-86. A controversial foul call at the end of the first overtime allowed the "Men Of Troy" to catch up, and possibly defeat the Cougs, but a missed free throw sent the game into a second overtime.
The Washington Huskies saved their season by beating UCLA today, the Coug's win prevented an LA sweep in Pullman. Had the Cougars defeated the Bruins last Thursday, they would have shared the Pac-10 title.

Sports Radio Listener Exposes Charlotte Mayor

It was a little over a year ago and Seattle was on what would be a journey to the Super Bowl. Wisecracking KJR morning man Mitch Levy was able to get an interview with Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory before a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers. Levy decided to have a little fun. He asked the Mayor if he wanted to make a friendly wager, if the Seahawks were to win, McCrory would buy Levy 2 tickets to the Duke-North Carolina game. If the Seahawks would have lost, McCrory said that Levy had to pony up 4 first class tickets to fly his family to Seattle as one of McCrory's relatives lives in the area. As you remember, the Seahawks did win. Levy (who has gotten into big trouble over bets before) decided to collect. What then ensued was a cat and mouse game where McCrory was harder to catch than the 2005 version of Saun Alexander. Mitch and his morning show staff made telephone calls, talked to his staff on the air, left unreturned voice mails for months. Finally a Seattle listener trapped the Mayor by pretending to work on the staff of someone he was going to lunch with. McCrory would up with egg on his face, but still would not face the music.

Dang! Bruins Beat Cougs

There have got to be worst things than losing to the nation's number 2 College Basketball team by seven points but right now it's hard to think of what would be.

The Cougs started out ice cold in the second half and spotted the UCLA Bruin a 10 point lead. The Cougs roared back and closed the gap by four, but UCLA would not fold and wound up with a 52-45 win on our home court.

One Last Snow Blast

I will be late today for work as another snowfall has hit the area. Normally, the Greater Puget Sound area gets a light snow fall once in a while in the winter. But this year is absolutely insane.
The Maple Valley Highway was a "parking lot" earlier and I figured it was time to curtail my commute for later in the morning as the temperatures are expected to warm.