Lee Hazlewood Passes On

Lee Goldberg's blog A Writer's Life informed me of the passing of Lee Hazlewood. Hazlewood is said to be the artist behind the career of Nancy Sinatra. He wrote "These Boots Are Made For Walkin" and did duets with Nancy on Summer Wine, Jackson, and Some Velvet Morning.

It is a rather said irony that cigarettes which contributed to his trademark rough voice also may have contributed to his early death.

Pics From The Oregon Coast

At the end of last month, we spent a little time in Seaside Oregon

I thought that I would share a few pictures. It is often forgotten that the Necanicum River flows through the town, we rented a paddle boat (as scene above) with somewhat humorous results. Next picture shows the famous Seaside Prom. The last one was taken on the beach at Ecola Park.

Homerun 756*

Barry Bonds now has hit more homeruns than any other player in Major League history passing Hank Aaron. We can now get back to the baseball season and enjoy the tight pennant races.

It's Oh Boy Oberto!

The 2007 Chevrolet Cup Hydroplane Race concluded today as Steve David piloted the U-6 Oh Boy Oberto to an upset victory. The Chevrolet Cup race marks the grand finale of Seattle's anual Seafair. The win took place on the 80th birthday of U-6 owner Art Oberto.

More Pictures From My 50th!

A wonderful gathering of family and friends. July 14, 2007, Doc Maynards, Seattle WA. Thank you to everyone!

Seahawks Kick Off Their Regular Season September 9

The 2007 version of the Seattle Seahawks start their regular season Sunday September 9 in Qwest Field. The 2005 NFC champs will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Look here for another season of Seahawk blogging beginning August 12th when the Hawks travel to San Diego to play the Chargers in exhibition play.

A Moment Of Silence

We mourn the victims of the I-33 crash in Minnesota.

Burl Barer To Pass Threshold

Coming next Thursday (August 9th) it's "So Long F years" (40s and 50s) and "Hello S Years" (60s and 70s) as Burl Barer turns 60. You can read about Burl in the Wikipedia.

Beautiful Ecola State Park

Seaside, Oregon is a family tradition going back decades. While the city has the arcades and a carnival atmosphere, nearby Ecola State Park (Above) shows unparalelled natural beauty.

Pictures Are Trickling In!

I'm starting to get some pictures from my surprise 50th party. I'm in the blue shirt on the right up on stage with the band, who I am proud to say did an incredible job, even after I decided to join them. My wife has the tambourine on my right. I'll be posting more pictures as they come in.

Blogging Break!

New Posts comming soon!

My Dad's Writings--Mother's Illness

My Dad has been writing a series on his blog about struggles of our family through the long illness that my Mother suffered from 1970 until her death in 1997. What my Dad leaves out is how both of them kept an even keel, no sign of panic, almost to the point where we did not even grasp how serious the matter was. It is amazing looking back at my Father's life at that time. In addition to my Mother, my Grandmother Barer had a then little known disease called Alzheimer's that was progressing rapidly. My Dad's Uncle Dave, who was his business partner, was having heart problems. On top of that, my sister and I were going through the turbulence of adolescence. Oh, and did I mention my 2 little brothers?

Dinner At Druids Glen

Right outside of Maple Valley, the Firecreek Grill at the Druids Glen Golf Course is a great place for an early summer evening's dinner. You can see Mount Rainier in the background.

A Great Time Was Had By All

I celebrated one half century of life this past Saturday at a surprise bash at Doc Maynard's in

Pioneer Square, Downtown Seatttle. I hope to have pictures up soon but for now, I'll let my brother Steve give you the lowdown. The above picture was not taken at the party, but was the band that played there.

More Of My Dad's Writing

My Dad continues to write his touching memoir about my Mom and her illness

Brandi Carlile --From The Rafters

We were not close enough to get a good picture at Brandi's June 1st concert, but it was fun just the same. Brandi returns to Seattle on November 2nd when she plays the Paramount.

Rodney Tom Will Run For Congress

Believe it or not, before 1994, Washington's 4th and 5th Congressional District of Yakima and Spokane, respectively, sent Democratic representatives to Congress, not so for our 8th Congressional District. Since it's creation in 1990, this moderate Suburban Seattle district has only been represented by Republicans. Somehow, Rod Chandler, Jennifer Dunn, and now Sheriff Dave Reichert have shown at least the appearance of being bi-partisan. By that token, Rodney Tom is jumping into the race. Tom was a moderate Republican in the State House of Representatives, who jumped across the aisle and ran for State Senate as a Democrat, beating more strident Republican Luke Esser. Tom will now challenge Darcy Burner for the Democratic nomination. Burner last year, narrowly lost to Reichert. Tom thinks he can bring some of his supporters from campaigns past along with Democrats who think that Burner did not adequitely answer Republican charges of being too inexperienced in the public sector or who may be uncomfortable with some of her more Liberal views. I believe that the 8th Congressional District is the only one to have one party represent it thought it's entire existence (Seattle's 7th had Republican Jack Cunningham elected in a special election to replace Brock Adams in 1977), hopefully that little quirk will be changed in the next election cycle.

Ichiro is MVP At All Star Game

Our own Ichiro made history as he hit the first inside the park home run in All Star game history. That feat helped him win this year's game MVP award. It turned out to be the deciding blow as the American League beat the National League 5-4 in the Midsummer Classic. The game was played in San Francisco's AT&T Park. In addition the Mariners are said to be ready to sign Ichiro to a five year contract.

NBA Leaving Seattle--Closer Than You Think!

A front page story in the current Puget Sound Business Journal refutes the myth that the NBA may not want to leave the large Seattle market for much smaller Oklahoma City. The article says "two reports about the New Orleans Hornet--who played at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City for two NBA seasons after Hurricane Katrina badly damaged New Orleans Arena--suggest that the city's financial differences with Seattle aren't all that great."
The story suggest that the team, who probably would not be called the "Sonics" , would benefit by being a the one "horse" town. Observe the San Antonio Spurs. Remember a few years ago no one thought the Los Angeles Rams would leave to go to St Louis, and they had already lost an NFL team. They not only moved, but brought the town a Superbowl Trophy. That scenario could easily play out with the Super Sonics who benefit now with what could be the most exciting player to hit the NBA since Jordan in Kevin Durrant.
If you are a Sonics fan, the time to act is now. Write your legislator and ask what he/she could do to keep the Sonics and the Storm in Seattle. If they get a groundswell of support, they will have to act. Last Saturday's Seattle Times had a front page article saying tourist spent upwards 4 billion dollars in the Seattle area. Couldn't some of that money be tapped toward a new arena? Remember, Seattle's only professional sports championships are with the Sonics and Storm. Google the Washington State Legislature, I did. I wrote.

Old Friend Ken Levine Returns To Mariners Broadcast Booth

Ken Levine, the brilliant TV comedy writer who moonlighted in the early 90s as a Mariner play by play announcer will return on a fill in basis during the Mariner series against the Tigers next weekend.
Levine was added to Mariner team ironically when Rick Rizzs left for a short time to join the Tigers broadcast team. When veteran Tiger broadcaster Ernie Harwell returned, Rizzs returned to the Mariners.

Steve Barer's View Of The Chris Benoit Tragedy

My brother Steve Barer has a hard hitting editorial on the murder suicide of Chris Benoit.

Washington State Democrats Meet In Tri-Cities

Last weekend I headed to Richland Washington to meet with fellow members of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee. Most of us stayed at the Richland Red Lion on the main drag named George Washington Way.
The Tri Cities bring back plenty of memories. When I grew up in Walla Walla, the Tri Cities of Richland, Pasco, And Kennewick were the closest ties thing to civilization. They had TV stations, rock radio, a huge mall, and all the national chains of restaurants. That was considered good back then.
On Friday nights at a political event, there are usually "Hospitality Suites" hosted by various interest groups. This one was no exception although there were only 4 that I know of.
George Fearing For Congress hosted one which was far from all of the others. That actually was a suite the opened up to the courtyard. Also hosting suites were Stonewall Democrats, Primary Democrats, and Black Caucus. My favorite was Black Caucus, even though it did not serve alcohol. The food was good and the discussion was lively.
Many Seattle area Democrats do not really care to travel to Eastern Washington. The attendance was less than spectacular and some of the smaller meetings were cancelled. I travelled down to Walla Walla and saw my brother Steve and his girlfriend, and still made it back to Pasco in time for lunch.
The meeting was called to order shortly after 1:00 that afternoon. It was short and I was able to make it back to Maple Valley by late evening.

A Salute To Larry Doby

6o years ago, Larry Doby became the first black man to play in the American League and the second black man to play in Major League Baseball. He is much lesser known than Jackie Robinson, but no doubt carried many of the same burdens.

Have A Safe And Happy 4th Of July

Ray Allen Traded

Clay Bennett has is starting to put his own stamp on the Seattle Super Sonics. He has fired the coach, picked a General manager from his part of the country in Sam Presti, and finally demoted Lenny Wilkens and fired team announcer David Locke. Star guard Ray Allen was traded on draft day to the Boston Celtics. It is clear that Bennett wants a fresh start. It is also clear he is pulling up anchor on any ties to Seattle. If the Sonics are to stay in Seattle, fans are going to have to act fast. We need to remember that at this time the Sonics and the Storm are the only professional teams to have won championships in their respective leagues and now we run the risk of losing both of them.

Loss Of Mike Webb

It was only a few years ago that KVI ruled the airwaves, Tim Eyman's initiatives always passed and the Seattle Times ran a column by ultra right journalist Michelle Malkin. Mike Webb was a Liberal talk show host on KIRO. I was happy at the time to finally hear a talk radio host who's views were somewhat similar to mine. Webb had the fire of an Ann Coulter or a Rush Limbaugh, but presented the Liberal side.
One day I was listening to Mike's show and he presented an Anti-Israel attack. I sent him an e-mail stating that I disagreed with his views. I was shocked that within minutes he sent me a very harsh strongly worded e-mail stating his disagreement. This was surprising considering I had sent e-mails to John Carlson and others who were clearly on the right and they generally sent letters back that respectfully disagreed with me. I wrote back to Mike and he sent an even stronger profanity laced e-mail. Such was Mike Webb.
A year or so ago, Webb got caught up in accusations of insurance fraud. Michael Hood's radio oriented Blatherwatch, reported Webb's outbursts in court and on the way to court. Webb was eventually fired from KIRO. This last week Mike Webb was found murdered in a crawl space under his house in the Queen Anne district of Seattle. Mike Webb was a very complicated man. It is sad to see things end the way they did.

Hargrove Quits The Mariners

Long on the Mariner " hot seat", Mariner Manager Mike Hargrove shocked Mariners fans by quitting while the team was playing excellent baseball. You can find details here!

Sonics Draft Situation

Bye, Bye Ray Allen, the saving grace from the Gary Payton trade. I'll have more later.

Get Out The Broom, Gramma! M's Sweep The Sox

The Mariners ended their home stand with a sweep of the Boston Red Sox, the team with the best record in all of baseball. This weekend the M's take on the Toronto Blue Jays.

A Sad Farewell: Cora (199?-2007)

Cora Barer (right) who was pet therapy dog at Sunrise Senior Living as well our beloved family member, slipped away last weekend. She will be greatly missed.

Then We Headed North To Penticton, BC

We visited Penticton for Deb's first time and my first time since I was little. Penticton is a resort town in South Central British Columbia. It is located between Lake Okanagan and Lake Skaha. While there we celebrated Deb's birthday!

Rusty Remembered His Dad

Rusty of course, is our Golden Retriever. He somehow slipped out to do some Father's Day shopping.

First Stop Winthrop, Washington

It's hard to believe that a whole week has passed by but we spent last Saturday night in the charming town of Winthrop. The Duck Brand Hotel was unique in that it was above a restaurant/bar just like the old days!

Homecoming For Red's Ken Griffey, Jr

Ken Griffey is returning to Seattle for the first time in 8 years as the Cincinnati Reds take on the Mariners in a weekend inter league series. I believe that this is the first time that Griffey has played in Seattle as a member of a different team (I think he missed the 2001 All Star game because of injuries). Alex Rodriguez and Randy Johnson have returned with other teams. Randy Johnson got a warm greeting when he first returned with the Diamondbacks, but A-Rod continues to be booed no matter what team he plays for. Since Griffey's emergence as a Mariner is believed to have saved Seattle major league baseball, he is expected to get mostly cheers as time has a way of healing old wounds.

A Barer Tells The Story

I know many of you have enjoyed my Dad writing at abarer In his latest series of articles, he starts a series of stories dealing with my Mom's illness. His first post is particulary heart wrenching.

A Fun Trip

We just returned from a three day road trip. I hope to get some pictures and details up in the next few days!

Another Blast From The Past--Bewitched Actor Blogs

When I was grade school age in the mid 60s through the early 70s, our idea of "must see TV" was shows like Bewitched. Erin Murphy played baby Tabitha and I believe is the only surviving actor from the show. Erin, it seems has grown up well and put her thoughts to pen here.

Movie Review: KNOCKED UP

I don't want to say too much about the plot because it may give it away. I liked this movie because of the excellent performances of Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen. Although I have watched her a couple of times on Grey's Anatomy,I had not realized how likable and engaging Heigl can be.
Some Conservatives have said that this movie sends an anti choice message. In my opinion, it is just a funny well written movie.

Book Review: David Halberstam's October 1964

This book was touted on KJR-AM a couple of months ago after David Halberstam's
tragic death. The backdrop is the World Series of 1964, but the book is about so much more.

At the time, the American League and the National League were microcosms of 2 different segments of American society. The American League was steeped in tradition, clean cut, and mostly white. The teams in the American League relied mostly on sluggers like Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killebrew, and Boog Powell. The teams in the National League where more new era, with many African Americans, Hispanics. The teams played more "small ball" with bunts, stolen bases and more versatile players like Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Lou Brock, and Maury Wills. This was a transitional time in our history going from an era of innocence into a time of dissent. A great deal of this was reflected in the 1964 baseball season. The Yankees great run was coming to an end while the St Louis Cardinals were emerging. I think that one thing that interested me in this book was the fact that this was beginning of the great Cardinal teams that I would see in the first 2 World Series that I would ever watch, 1967 and 1968.

More Of My Relatives

From Jan Curran Events, here is Jan's Mom, My Aunt Dorothy with her 95th birthday cake. On the left is my Cousin Aaron, Stan's son. American Idol contestant Blake Lewis reminds me of him. Aaron is Dorothy's grandson. Aaron's mom Alta is standing to the right of Aunt Dorothy. Standing farthest to the right is Aaron's sister, Leigh. I do not know who the two ladies sitting on the immediate right of Aunt Dorothy are.

After Almost A Year--Tracy Taylor Gets The Hits

According to Site Meter, an article that I posted last August on KJR Traffic Reporter Tracy Taylor, is read more than any other story on this blog. Google users find this site several times daily, in their search for probably the sportstalk station's most popular personality. No doubt big things are in store for her.

MV Days This Weekend

Anyone around the greater Puget Sound area who wonders why I write so lovingly about Maple Valley can find out this weekend as our community hosts the 57th annual Maple Valley Days. The festivities begin this Friday at Lake Wilderness Park 23601 224th Ave SE Maple Valley. There will be carnival rides, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. The festival runs through Sunday, June 10th.

Lou Piniella Up To Old Tricks

Meanwhile, things are not going so well for another ex-Mariner. Chicago Cub Manager Lou Piniella received a four game suspension after a tirade last weekend in a game against the Atlanta Braves. Piniella went ballistic on the umpires, just as he was known to do in his 10 year stint of managing the M's. The Chicago Cubs, once baseball's "lovable losers" can now drop lovable from that nickname. The "midgets" of the Midway can simply be known as Baseball's answer to the LA Clippers.

Special Night For Edgar Martinez

Congratulation to Edgar Martinez! Edgar was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall Of Fame last night. Playing in an era of free agency and big money, Edgar played all 18 seasons as a Mariner, first as a third baseman and then as designated hitter. Considered by some as the greatest designated hitter of all time, you can read some of Edgar's achievement in the wikipedia. I had the pleasure of meeting Edgar and actually working on a project for him and he is a nice guy.

Maple Valley's Brandi Carlile Packs The Moore Theatre

"Because even when I was flat broke--you made me feel like a million bucks"

To say that we were "high" at Brandi Carlile's concert this weekend would not be an exageration, our tickets, purchased just before the local singing sensation's second Seattle gig this year sold out, were all the way up in the second balcony, not far from the roof in Belltown's aging Moore Theatre.

Not only did Carlile sing to us, the audience sang to her as they knew, either by the Seattle Times article from that morning, or by following her religiously, that it was her birthday. After a few stray calls of "Happy Birthday Brandi", everyone started singing "happy birthday" to her and Brandi looked overwhelmed by the crowd's enthusiasm. It was not the only singing we would do as the rising sensation who can go from Joni Mitchell to Janis Joplin in 0 flat moved and encouraged the audience to participate. Brandi who spoke to the audience after every song, made the evening seem like a night at a campfire. Especially since it was so hot in the area of the Moore that we were sitting.

One of highlight of the evening was when she sang her catchy acoustical piece "What Can I Say" without benefit of the microphone. That demonstrated the acoustics of the theatre. Brandi is ably backed up by twin guitarists Phil and Tim Hanseroth, who are also do backing vocals and write many of her songs. A session drummer, Jason Maybell and a cellist Josh Neuman round out the band.