Cougs Shoot Down The Ducks

It's tournament time for Pac 10 Men's Basketball and the Washington State Cougars got their Ducks in a row. 3 in a row as a matter of fact, Washington State has beaten the Oregon Ducks three times this season boldly asserting which State rules the Northwest corner.
Derrick Low scored 18 points as the Cougs fought off a second half Oregon onslaught and defeated the Ducks 75-71. Taylor Rochestie scored 16 points, Kyle Weaver had 14 and Robbie Cowgill (Dunking above) had 12. Tajuan Porter had 20 points for the Ducks, 17 of those were in the second half. Mark Hairston also put in 20 in a losing effort.

Call Your Legislator!

The number you need to call to weigh-in on the Sonic's arena proposal is 1(800)562-6000. Time is running out!

Another Puget Sounder Gets Her 15 Minutes In Texas

Does anyone remember Lynsey Nordstrom? Of course you don't, she was the Seattle area girl, whose resemblence to Jessica Simpson earned her a ticket to the New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game where she supposedly distracted Tony Romo (Romo dates Simpson).
Now a Tacoma area teen is in the news in a story that seems to be making it's way around the nation as the sleeping child in a Hilary Clinton ad. Casey Knowles and her family where watching Jon Stewart on TV when she saw the above ad and realized that she was in it. The ad which was to make Obama look weak ran in Texas and suggested Hilary's experience would make her better able to handle a crisis. The catch is that Casey is an Obama supporter. She has even contacted the Obama camp about making a counter ad. Talk about an ad backfiring.

Seahawks Sign Former Dallas Running Star

Julius Jones is now a Seattle Seahawk! Jones, whose career totals include 3486 yards and 16 touchdowns in Dallas, was unhappy playing second fiddle to Marion Barber in the Cowboy backfield. The Seahawks seem less confidant in Shaun Alexander's ability to bounce back from a series of injuries in the last couple seasons. The team can afford to carry both Alexander and Jones. It's just a matter of how Alexander reacts to the Seahawk's latest moves.

Thrillah In Pull-manila: Cougs Squeak By Dawgs

The Washington State Cougars' recent dominance of the Washington Huskies in Men's Basketball continued last night with a 76-73 victory in Pullman. It took two overtimes to put the Dawgs away in a nail biter that showed Washington is not as bad as it's record seems to indicate. The Cougs seemed flat at first but rallied to tie at the end of regular time. Kyle Weaver missed a shot that would have sealed a Cougar regulation time victory. Weaver was the game's leading scorer with 20 points.

It May Be Later Than You Think

Just a reminder that we are back to Daylight Savings Time starting today (Sunday March 9th). Your clocks should be turned ahead one hour.

Maple Valley--A Look Back

This article in the Seattle P-I awhile back provides a glimpse into the history of Maple Valley.

Maple Valley, once a woodsy lakeside resort for city dwellers fleeing urban life, has grown into a small city that completely encircles Lake Wilderness and two other lakes southeast of Seattle.
And though the wilderness is gone, the region’s lakes and woodlands continue to attract people pursuing recreational activities within a forest, from hunting and fishing to hiking and canoeing.
In fact, residents still can find a taste of the kind of life that shaped Maple Valley’s early history.
Lake Wilderness, the natural landmark at the center of the city, was once the site of one of King County’s larger lumber mills. In the late 1870s, the first settlers began developing what would later become Maple Valley.
By 1885, trains were hauling coal to neighboring Black Diamond, a city whose industrial awakening revolved around the “black diamond” – coal – and contributed to the growth of Maple Valley.

Coug Grad Makes Excellent Wine

Annette Bergevin, a Washington State University Communications graduate from a prominant Walla Walla family, has combined with Amber Lane to establish Bergevin Lane Winery there.

Seattle Storm Signs Superstar Sheryl Swoopes

If winning the WNBA championship in 2004 did not put the Seattle Storm on the local radar screen, maybe this will. The Storm have signed Sheryl Swoopes, formerly of the Houston Comets. Swoopes has been called the female Michael Jordan according to the Wikkipedia. She has won the WNBA MVP award 3 times and has three Olympic Gold Medals.

Nightmare On The Street Of Dreams

In any area where there is a tendency toward idealist thinking, there is always a group that takes an idea way too far, destroying property and putting lives in danger. The Earth Liberation Front is being blamed for fires at 4 houses at the 2007 Seattle Street Of Dreams in South Snohomish County.

Josh Brown Pulls A Hutch

Say it ain't so! The Seattle Seahawks have lost kicker Josh Brown to the NFC West Division rival St Louis Rams. The Rams offered Brown a reported 14 million dollars for 5 seasons, along with a 4 million dollar signing bonus. That would make Brown the highest paid kicker in league history. Brown had been one of the Rams biggest pests, in 1996 he kicked game winning field goals for the Hawks in two different games against the Rams. While kickers on NFL teams are thought to be interchangeable, Brown was not above making a touchdown saving tackle on kick-off returns.
Seahawk fans are comparing this to the loss of guard Steve "Hutch" Hutchinson, Hutch walked away from the Hawks to play for the Vikings. Although the Vikings have yet been in real Super Bowl contention since their acquisition, the loss clearly has been crippling to the 'Hawks.

Walla Walla's Wine Culture

Brother Steve takes a look at a classmate who has set up one of Walla Walla's many wineries.

Great Video Of Sheryl Crow And Sting

From The Campaign

I understand that the SNL Tina Fey clip, which generated so much internet debate, is no longer working. Here is a clip from tonight's Clinton-Obama debate.

Interesting Take On Tina Fey's Hilary Endorsement

This post says that Tina may not a true Democrat. Even if you are a Hilary supporter, Fey's logic was rather questionable and not even a very good attempt to be humorous.

Tina Fey: And finally, the most important women's news item there is.

We have our first serious female presidential candidate in Hillary Clinton, and yet, women have come so far as feminists that they don't feel obligated to vote for a candidate just because she's a woman. Women today feel perfectly free to make whatever choice Oprah tells them to.

Which raises the question: Why are people abandoning Hillary for Obama? Some say that they are put off by the fact that Hillary can't control her husband and that we would end up with co-presidents. 'Cuz that would be terrible, having two intelligent qualified people working together to solve problems. Ughh. Why would you let Starsky talk to Hutch? I wanna watch that show "Starsky."

You know, what is it, America? What is it? Are you weirded out that they're married? Because I can promise you they're having exactly as much sex with each other as George Bush and Jeb Bush are.

Then there is the scrutiny of her physical appearance. Rush Limbaugh, the Jeff Conaway of right wing radio, said that he doesn't think America is ready to watch their president, "Turn into an old lady in front of them." Really? They didn't seem to mind when Ronald Reagan did that.

I think what bothers me the most is when people say that Hillary is a bitch. Let me say something about that. Yeah, she is. And so am I. And so is this one [points to Amy Poehler].

Amy Poehler: Yeah, deal with it.

Tina F: You know what? Bitches get stuff done. That's why Catholic schools use nuns as teachers and not priests. Those nuns are mean old clams, and they sleep on cots and they're allowed to hit you. And at the end of the school year you hated those bitches, but you knew the capital of Vermont.

So, I'm saying it's not too late, Texas and Ohio. Get on board. Bitch is the new black!


Amy Poehler: Tina Fey, everyone!

Transcript provided by The Kentucky Democrat!

Do I Bring Families Together?

That's probably a stretch, but when I met my wife in 1993, she had recently graduated from the University Of Tennessee. She and her best friend had decided to pile all their stuff in their cars and move over to the Seattle area because it was a long way from where they were from. Deb had no relatives on the west coast, save for a cousin with whom she had little contact with. The year after we were married, Deb's parents decided to move here to pursue a business opportunity. They purchased a house in what would eventually become the city of Sammamish. In the fall of 2006, my wife's just widowed Grandmother moved to Issaquah from Florida. She is 80 something year's young and wanted to live where family would be close by.
Now we find out that my wife's twin sister and family will move to the area as her husband embarks on a new career. Since my Father got married and moved here from Eastern Washington a while back, and since I already had a variety of cousins as well as an aunt and uncle here, we can really call Seattle home.

Singing Sensation Brandi Carlile, who was raised in Maple Valley, talks of a recent visit to a popular Seattle burger joint.

With Al Gore In 2000

He's won a Nobel Prize and an Oscar since this was taken, this picture was taken of Vice President Gore and I during the imfamous 2000 presidential campaign.

"I Don't Believe It"

Seattle Mariner Broadcaster Dave Niehaus has been awarded the 2008 winner of the "Ford C Frick Award". The award is the most esteemed prize for baseball announcers and will be presented during the induction ceremonies for the baseball Hall Of Fame on July 27th in Cooperstown, New York.
Niehaus, who has been with the Mariners since their inception in 1977, is noted for his trademark "My Oh My"andhis "grand salami" call. The call that send shivers down the spines of Mariner fans occurred in the 1995 Play offs, when Edgar Martinez hit a game winning double beating the Yankees, as Ken Griffey scored the winning run from first base, the entire teams piled on top of him and Niehaus exclaimed "I don't believe it!"

Matt Alan, Burl Barer On Saturday Afternoons

Matt Alan, a former Seattle Radio Talent who had made it nationally, hosts an internet radio show every Saturday
afternoon from 3:00-6:00. Cousin Burl Barer is a regular and a dose of "sanity" on the show.

All 5th District Democratic Caucuses Rock And Roll!

I scoured the internet trying to find video from the Maple Valley Democratic Caucus. I was able to find this video from the Democratic Caucus in nearby Issaquah. Notice our 5th District Chair Hank Thomas.

A Snowy Day In December

These pictures were taken a few weeks back, but I didn't get the chance to post them. They were shot around our yard during the first big snowfall. As pretty as it was, it all melted in an ugly rain storm a couple days later.

So Long Tom Lantos

Longtime Bay Area Congressman Tom Lantos has died of Cancer at 80. Lantos, who was born in Budapest Hungary, was the only Holocaust survivor to serve in Congress. He was a founder of the bi-partisan human rights commission. Although Lantos was a Democrat, he was first elected to congress in 1980, the year of the Reagan Landslide, shocking sitting Congressman Bill Royer.

He was a graduate of the University of Washington.

Democrats Have Big Turnout In Maple Valley

A fired up crowd showed up yesterday at Rock Creek Elementary School ready to take back the White House. Yes there are Democrats in Maple Valley and they are ready to vote this year!

Energy And Excitement Fill Rock Creek Elementary School

When I volunteered to lead the Democratic Area Caucus in Maple Valley, I know that the day of 6 or 7 people meeting in the library in a presidential election year were long over. I was not prepared for the record turnout today at Rock Creek Elementray School. In putting on a caucus, you always prepare for anything going on. Today, there were situations that I had never dreamed of. I had maps showing every precinct that was to attend, but none saying were the people who were at the wrong caucus should go. Because of the size of the crowd, participant were allowed to go to other rooms. However, one precinct was unable to be found because it had an outside entrance.
This is what one participate told the Seattle Times
MAPLE VALLEY -- 3:27 p.m. Reporting from Rock Creek Elementary Democratic Caucus: "Our final votes are in, 25 for Obama and 16 for Clinton...closer than I would have predicted, perhaps some of the speeches were more persuasive than I'd thought. Still a bit of confusion about the forms, how to calculate the number of delegates and who attends the next meeting...but the volunteers are very helpful with us 'newbs'. And now I'm a delegate to the district convention on April 5th, I'm excited to see the next step in this process. "Good luck, everyone and thanks for participating!"
In the end, it was so good to see so many young people. It looks like politics is cool again and even better yet, so is being a Democrat. For all the hassles, I think it all turned out well. Thank you to Mark, Rob, Raquel, Debra, and Lynn and to the caucus chairs who showed the amazing abiliity to follow somewhat complicated instructions with little training.

Welcome To Seattle Eric Bedard

The Newest Mariner.

I just could not pass this one up. The eyes of the world will be on the state of Washington tommorrow as the delegate count between Barak Obama and Hilary Clinton is just too close to call.

Now Super Saturday In Washington State

Yes they are neck and neck Obama and Hilary. Caucuses are Saturday and if you vote in Washington you can make a difference. See you there!

Hanala Stadner Generating Buzz

This lady is a comedienne and substance abuse counseler. She has been showing up on "youtube" recently.

More Abarer Writings

As many of you know, my Dad has been writing about his experience with my Mother's illness, he just finished another chapter.

One More Great Super Bowl Commercial

These 2 commercials are in memory of Lan Roberts. When Lan was writing on his web site he would write a review of the year's Super Bowl Commercials.

Best Super Bowl Commercial

Here is the commercial that my wife and I enjoyed the most.

From Super Bowl To Super Tuesday

Chances are you won't be eating hot wings, or watching hokey commercials, but two days after Super Bowl, we continue with Super Tuesday. What that means is that 24 states (not including Washington) around the nation hold primaries and caucuses. According to the Wikipedia, 51 per cent of the pledged Democratic Delegates and 41 per cent of total Republican delegates are up for grabs tommorrow. So within 48 hours, we could have clear frontrunner in both parties. Washington's caucus is this Saturday the 9th.

Miami Dolphins Are Still Only Perfect Team

In probably the biggest Super Bowl upsets since the New York Jets took down the Baltimore Colts, the New York Giants beat the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. In one of the most exciting classic of all, there were 3 lead changes in the fourth quarter.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins can now pop the champaign corks as they remain the only undefeated team in NFL history.

Super Weekend

My Brother Steve shares his memories of Super Bowls past.

John Edwards Leaves The Race

I was not that surprised when John Edwards pulled out of the presidential race, I was however disappointed. I feel that he was the candidate that carried a message. I believed that he had apeal beyond the partisans. He could not however even finish second in his home state. What saddens me the most is that the nomination should now be settled by the end of the month. John Edwards will go down as a candidate who showed great fortitude and class and the Democratic party is better for having him.

More Democratic Caucus News

I went in great detail for Caucus information for Maple Valley. For some of the outlying areas, specifically Sammamish, Issaquah, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and Renton, please click here

Three Different Kennedys Endorse Obama

I bet no one saw this coming. After his impressive victory in South Carolina, Senator Ted Kennedy has endorsed Senator Obama. While that may not count for much in the general election, in a hard fought primary season, it is fantastic. In addition, Caroline Kennedy, who I don't remember every endorsing any candidate at any time, has added her endorsement. Patrick Kennedy made it a threesome for all that matters (which is little). I still remain uncommitted. Hilary has shown that she can pull a rabbit out of a hat, and her husband adds a charasmatic factor of his own, though he has not shown it lately. I think the best thing for the former President right now is too catch up on his rest and let Hilary run her own campaign.
Meanwhile with John Edwards looks and sincerity, he seems unable to win anything anywhere at anytime. The fact that he did little to campaign for Kerry has come back to haunt him.

Eric Bedard To Become A Mariner?

It could be possible, stay tuned!

Holmgren Will Return For One Last Year

When Jim Mora, Jr suddenly pulled his name out of the running to be coach of the Redskins, you knew something was up. Mike Holmgren will be returning to the Seahawks this fall for what he says is his final season. Mora will return to coach the defensive backs. Mora is considered by most observers to be Holmgren's successor. However, after next season, the U-Dub head coaching position could also be open. Mora grew up in Bellevue and is a Huskie Alum.

Sicko Will Show In Issaquah

“sicko”
**A FILM BY MICHAEL MOORE**
WHERE: King County Library Admin. Building

960 Newport Way NW
Issaquah, WA 98027
WHEN: Friday evening
January 25, 2008
7:00 to 9:30 PM
A funny look at America's Health care system by Academy Award Winning film director Michael Moore. This movie is free but donations are always welcome. This event is sponsored by the 5th District Democrats.

Maple Valley Democratic Precinct Caucus--Time And Location Set

The Washington State Democratic Precinct Caucus, the first step in this area to nominating the Democratic candidate for president, will take place on Saturday February 9. If you live in the Maple Valley area, the Caucus will take place at Rock Creek Elementary School, 25700 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Rd beginning at 1:00. You can click on the link for driving directions. This is the only chance to Democrats to have any chance to have a say in the nominating process. A state primary will be held later in the month, and although Democrats can vote in the primary, the results will be meaningless. Black Diamond residents living in precincts 0239, 2407, and 2413 will also caucus at Rock Creek. The Caucus at Rock Creek, which will be held in the Gym will be for the following voting precincts:

B-D 05-0239
B-D 05-2407
B-D 05-2413
Bitterroot
Dorre Don
KEN 05-3462
M -V 05-0697
M -V 05-3242
M -V 05-3245
M -V 05-3272
M -V 05-3373
M -V 05-3482
M-V 05-0528
M-V 05-1218
M-V 05-2614
M-V 05-2748
M-V 05-2841
M-V 05-2857
M-V 05-3322
M-V 05-3366
M-V 05-3367
M-V 05-3368
M-V 05-3369
M-V 05-3510
M-V 05-3536
Phoebe
Tahoma
You can click on this link, if you have any questions

One Year To Go

In exactly one year, January 20, 2009, a new president will be inaugurated.

Diverse Cultures Meet In Bellevue To Celebrate King Holiday

Two Diverse Cultures came together this last Friday in Bellevue Synagogue Temple B'Nai Torah. To participate in holiday honoring the birthday of Dr Martin Luther King, the temple invited the Psalmist Choir of New Beginnings Fellowship Church along with Reverend Leslie David Braxton (above middle) as guest speaker, the idea of a Gospel Choir in a Jewish Synagogue is nearly unheard of to say the least. At first, it was a regular Shabbat (Sabbath) service, with Rabbi Jim Mirel (above top) making references to Dr King throughout. Deb and I attended in honor of the Yertzheit of my Grandfather Edward Granek. At the end of services, our choir stepped down and along came the Gospel Choir. The leader explained that along with the religious significance of the songs, many songs where had codes among the slaves in those days speaking of ways to gain freedom.

When Dr. Braxton spoke he began in reference to being at his first Jewish service, he quipped about his trouble following in Hebrew. He also joked about different traditions and rituals and praised the incredible voice of Cantor David Serkin-Poole "that is a Cantor who can". He also said the Rabbi Mirel had invited him to speak for 20 minutes. Braxton joked that 20 minutes could barely cover his introductery remarks. Braxton, a community leader with an avid knowledge of history, called Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday his "nervous holiday", the holiday was signed into law about 20 years ago by President Reagan who had vigerously opposed it. He says that although you can say "Merry Christmas" or Happy Chanukka to people of any faith, people just don't quite know how to greet each on the King Holiday. Braxton said that Dr King had spoken out consistantly on Viet Nam and would be vehently opposed to the war in Iraq.

our

Another Nordstrom From Seattle In The News

Seattle area native Lynsey Nordstrom has been in the news lately, not because she shares the name of the legendary Seattle department store, but because of her resemblance to Jessica Simpson. Reports say that Lynsey was hired by the New York Post to be in the stands at the Cowboys-Giants game. Of course there is controversy surounding the game because of the trip that Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo took with Jessica Simpson. It is said that Linsey's apearance in the stands was enough that Romo threw an interception on the last play of the game. I would truly doubt that.

Celebrity Apprentice:Kiss Of Death

Kiss Front man Gene Simmons was fired last night after he was asked to lead the Women's team. The Men had won the first two contests, Trump thought that Simmons could give them a lift. He did, but his ego kept him from meeting with the company. In this case KODAK. Even though the women were better organized in their presentation. The Men used the theme and won.
Trump asked Simmons who he wanted to take to the boardroom and he picked two people who were not directly involved in losing the task. Trump was astounded by Simmons judgement and fires him.

After The Storm In Walla Walla

This video illustrates how nasty it was overthere.

Incredible Video Of Walla Walla Windstorm

I checked You Tube for video footage of what has to be an historic windstorm in Walla Walla.

Seahawk's Superbowl Dream Turns Into Nightmare

For a moment, it looked like we could prove the world wrong. Like we could take down the Green Bay Packers and prove that this would be a magical season. Our defense had recovered 2 fumbles, which turned into touchdowns but then suddenly, things took a turn for the worst. In Green Bay's Lambeau field where so many dreams have ended over the years, the Green Bay Packers stomped the Seattle Seahawks 42-20. It was the largest point total the Packers had ever scored in a post season game.

The Green Bay Packers move on to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1997 when Mike Holmgren coached the team. Holmgren, who has coached the Seahawks for 10 years is rumoured to be considering retirement.

The 12th Blog!

Good Luck Seattle Seahawks

2007 In Review: My 50th Last July!

It was just a week before my 50th birthday, so it was not really on my mind. We were supposed to be trying out a new Italian restaurant with some family in town. The surprise was on me when I walked into Doc Maynard's. A moment I will never forget. Especially since it was on tape.

2007 In Review: Late Summer Trip To Las Vegas

We celebrated our friends Jackie and George's 40th in Las Vegas.

How To Throw Away Your Broadcasting Career

In a split second, Kelly Tilghman jeopardized her job with the GOLF Channel with an off-the-cuff remark. Although she is friends with Tiger Woods, the inplications of her remark could get her fired.

Celebrity Apprentice: A Second Chance

After last week's scathing review, Ive decided to give this season's Apprentice a second chance. I will watch it tonight and may still review it. Stay tuned!

2007 In Review: Deb's Birthday--North Of The Border

2007 In Review: So Long Karen Marchioro

She was simply one of a kind, I was lucky to have known her. Karen Marchioro passed away in August of 2007.

Cougs Beat Dawgs In Mini-Apple Cup

The Washington State Cougars were back in Seattle to play the Washington Huskies tonight. Two weeks ago, the Cougs defeated The Citadel at Key Arena in the Cougar Hardwood Classic. Tonight they defeated Washington 56-52 at Hec Ed.

Video Of Walla Walla Windstorm

As a follow-up to my link, here is video of yesterday's windstorm, courtesy of "you tube" and the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

Seahawks Finish Strong--Season Stays Alive

The march to the Superbowl is still going on for our Seattle Seahawks. After holding the Redskins scoreless for three quarters, the 'Hawks gave up their lead and almost lost the game until some late heroics turned the games back into their favor. DJ Hackett scored a touchdown with less then 7:00 minutes remaining to give Seattle it's lead back and then Marcus Troufant intercepted a Todd Collins pass and ran it into the end zone to put the game essentially out of reach for the Redskins. Jordan Babineaux's interception and touchdown in the final minute put the proverbial icing on the cake. The Seahawks came away with a 35-14 runaway win.

There should be a case for giving a "game ball" to Washington Redskin fullback Mike Sellers. Sellers raised the ire of Seahawk fans by bringing up the old argument that Seattle crowd noise was aided by artificial devices. After a media blitz emphasizing the comments, the crowd was ready to do some hardcore screaming causing Washington's offense to be penalized frequently. Next week, Seattle travels to Green Bay to face the NFL's surprise hit, the Packers.

Violent Windstorm Hits Walla Walla

Across the state, a violent windstorm hit my former hometown of Walla Walla today. At this time, about 50 percent of the town is without power. You can check the Union-Bulletin for this video,

Celebrity Apprentice Sucks--Trump Should Be Fired

What really hurts is telling the world that I watched this cockamanie thing. Ouch! Apprentice LA was a masterpiece compared to this. If anything, it highlighted what made the original show great. Omarosa, the lightning rod of controversy in the first show has returned, assuming anyone but a fan like me can remember her. She is so tame, she is almost likable.
The contestants are not out to get a job. They already are doing quite well, they compete to raise money for their charity. Who cares?

It's 2008!