Trip VII: Sunset Tour Grand Canyon

Our tour on Wednesday July 2nd was by far the best. We took the Grand Canyon Sunset Tour. Our guide Ed, who you can see in the 6th picture up (climbing out of the Grand Canyon) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We started the trip at 11 am and got back at about 11 pm.

On the way--we stopped at the Cameron Trading Post which is on the Navajo Reservation.

More fun to come, so hang on!

Trip VI: We Do Sedona

We were up bright and early Tuesday, Thank you to our maintenance crew alarm clock. The Sedona Village concierge had set us up with a couple tours on Monday on this day we would do the Pink Jeep Tour which was a chance to really see the desert.

In the Afternoon, we went to Sliderock State Park, where I got to attempt the Natural Waterslide.

In the evening, we went to a lookout near the airport, where 100s gathered to watch the Sunset.

Darcy Burner's Son Was Hero

I'm taking a break from recounting our wonderful trip, Darcy Burner's is continuing her campaign for Congress. I was able to find this video where she talks about her son saving there lives after the housefire on the 1st of July.

The Trip V

The incredible thing about these last 5 posts is that we are only in a span of 2 days, and we are only beginning. Our first full day in Sedona--Monday was a "chill" day. We went to Tlaquepaque, a beautiful shopping center on the outskirts of Sedona. It is nearly impossible to spell and even harder to say. The pronounciation is "tel-lok-a-pocky". It is laid out like a Mexican village. Deb and I had lunch at a Mexican Restaurant there where we each enjoyed a Margarita. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at the pool.

Trip IV

There I go, using the word "normalcy". We proceeded the drive to Sedona, noticing that some guy was hanging out of his truck filming some girls in a sports car. Whether this was for a commercial or something or else he just liked the girls or the car. They ran parallel to each other down I-10. We were still in the "Greater Phoenix" area.

After a 2 hour drive we reach beautiful Sedona, and yes, it was a peaceful rather uneventful stay. That is except for the fact that a paving crew was working on the road in front of our unit. They would begin their work with jackhammers, dump trucks and steamrollers for the first 3 mornings at 7 am sharp.

The Trip III

We spent Saturday night at the Firesky. It was a warm peaceful night once we arrived--the next day we would head to Sedona. The next morning, the temperature was well in the 110s as we got right to the pool. The pool had a service bar, which will have significance later.
Since Deb had not been to Phoenix before, and I had not been there since 1982, we braved the heat to snoop around Scottsdale, a beautiful western themed town. We had lunch at the
Cafe Carumba which was very good. Afterward we checked out a couple of stores. There was a free trolley that chugged around town and we decided to board. That was a big mistake. We got off the trolley after it made it's run around town and realized that we were lost again. Everything in Scottsdale looks alike. After walking the town on the verge in hundred plus heat with no water, we finally asked where the restaurant was. In the nick of time we found the Cafe and began our drive to Sedona and normalcy.

to be continued...

Arrival In Phoenix

The saving grace to arriving in Phoenix late at night, was that temperatures would be cooler, boy we were wrong. The minute we stepped outside, it was like walking into an oven, and this was around midnight. The plan was to rent a car, spend the night at the beautiful Firesky Resort in Scottsdale and drive to Sedona in the morning.
After checking out our rental car, we were giving instructions on were to find the vehicle, we could not find the car that we to drive until we realize that we had read them wrong. This was after walking all over the garage. At the end of our rope we were glad that googled the directions to the Firesky. This should come in handy, while traveling in what I believe one of the 10 largest cities in the nation. We left the airport with Google directions in hand, we just had one problem, a sea of flashing lights. We had run right into a police dragnet, there were helicopters above and television news cars all around. We asked at a gas station how to get to the resort and no one could tell us. We did find out that someone had shot a police officer. We finally where able to call the Firesky and get directions. More to follow....

The Trip Begins:

Our trip to Sedona (above) began Saturday, June 28th. We were very early for our flight, we just did not realize how early we were. Our flight from Sea-Tac airport to Phoenix was delayed for two hours for mechanical problems.

to be continued...

We flew home today from the Phoenix Airport, the Barry Goldwater Terminal, reminds me of Senator Goldwater's candidacy and this ad. It is ironic that we have the Senator that took Goldwater's place upon retirement, John McCain seeking the presidency this year.

Barers Return To Maple Valley

We just returned home from a great trip to Scottsdale and Sedona. Although I snagged this picture from Google Images, we took plenty of shots at some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. There also was enough incidents and pratfalls to where I can chronicle the trip over the next few days. If that sounds good to you, we will see you here.

Darcy Burner And Family OK

Darcy Burner, her husband Mike and son Henry were able to escape a fire at their home in the early morning hours of July 1st. Their Dog, Bruce Wayne was also rescued, but they were unable to save their cat. I know that the community sends their love and prayers to the Darcy Burner family.

Shut Up And Sing: Dixie Chicks Documentary

In 2003, The Dixie Chicks, were one of the top American recording acts when during a concert in England, Natalie Maines made comments critical of President Bush and the Iraq war. This movie documents the controversy that arose out of what of a singer speaking her mind. Bush's popularity numbers were at record heights as the country at the time was stirred up by the events of 9/11. In addition Karl Rove was very much in charge of White House PR and a spin campaign was on to keep the radical right in charge of all parts of the the government. It was easy to paint the "Chicks" as unpatriotic. As a result, they were basically blacklisted.
The movie shares some down home moments with the Dixie Chicks, and gives a glimpse in their personalities. Without a doubt, the salty Maines is the driving force in the group.
The movie also shows that it was not the original intent of the Chicks to start a controversy. I admired them however for speaking out when no one else in the mainstream really did. The DVD "Shut Up And Sing" is available at Amazon.

McGraw Fan Tells His Side

Another Northwesterner gets his 15 minutes of fame. Marcus Nirschl tells his version of why he got a personal invitation to rumble with Tim McGraw.

If Anyone Thinks It's Dull In South King County

I would not normally post a link from a Tim McGraw Concert, but at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, not more than 20 miles from here, this incredible video shows McGraw in a tussle with a fan and still finishing his song.

George Carlin In Prime Time

I found it, which is no surprise. Everyone that has happened since the age of video is filed somewhere on "YouTube" This is the clip of George Carlin on the Flip Wilson show. Flip Wilson was a commedian who's show on Thursday nights on NBC featured the best in entertainment.

It's Felix Hernandez In Historical Win And Loss

Mariner pitcher Felix Hernandez hit the first grand slam homerun by an American League pitcher in 37 years also making him the first Mariner pitcher ever to hit a home run in in a 5-2 victory over the New York Mets last night.
The feat was dampened when Hernandez was injured covering homeplate in an atttempt to stop Carlos Beltran from scoring. The ensuing collision left Hernandez with a sprain ankle and he had to leave the game. His prognosis is uncertain at this time.

More On George Carlin

George Carlin passed away today. Not only was he entertaining, but very enlightening. I remember him as a guest on the Flip Wilson show in the 70s, and although I cannot find the clip, this one clip of him off the cuff at a booksigning at Borders.

Good Bye George Carlin!

Comedian George Carlin is dead at 71

Michelle Obama Does The View

An inside look someone who may live in the White House. The beautiful articulate Michelle Obama.

Seattle Sports Fans Rally To Protest Proposed Sonics Move

Seattle does care about the Super Sonics!

Chicago Is Where It's At For Baseball

Unlike here in Seattle, Baseball has got to be fun in Chicago. The Cubs and White Sox are leading their respective divisions, both teams have fiery managers in Ozzie Guillen and Lou Piniella who will not except anything but the best from their players.

I have been a lifelong fan of the Cubs since watching their AAA farmclub in Tacoma on Cable Channel 11 as a boy. That was when the Cubs had Ernie Banks and Ron Santo. They were probably the best team to never go to a World Series. 30 years later Safeco Field opened , my wife and I attended an outdoor Major League baseball game for the first team in Chicago's legendary Wrigley Field (that was a month before Safeco Field opened for the Mariners) and wouldn't you know, the game was stopped because of a terrible rainstorm. What happened afterward is a story for a different time.
The White Sox and Cubs will face each other this weekend for a series in Wrigley.

Boeing Wins First Round On Super Tanker

A Congressional oversight committee has upheld Boeing's protest of a 35 billion dollar Air Force Contract awarded to Northrop Grummond Corp, they recommended that the contract be rebid.

Sonic Fans Rally In Seattle

Photo is courtesy of Seattle Times.

Mariners Fire Bavasi

Newspaper reports have been saying that this Mariner season has been as gloomy as the June weather. As the sun has come up the temperatures have warmed, Mariner fans seem to feel some optimism as Bill Bavasi has been replaced as general manager. Bavasi had been under fire for what has been seen as some poor free agent signings and the team's lackluster play. Lee Pelekoudas, Vice President of Baseball Operations, will take over as interim GM.

Sonic Stars And Fans To Rally At The Courthouse

You can show the world that you care about NBA basketball in the Seattle area by coming to a rally at the Federal Courthouse tomorrow (Monday June 16th) at 4:30pm. Sonic legends Gary Payton and Xavier McDaniel will address the crowd and Sean Kemp (pictured above) will be in attendance.

The federal legal proceeding attempting to keep the Sonics in Seattle are scheduled to start tomorrow at the courthouse in Downtown Seattle, 700 Stewart Street.

If the Sonics succeed in breaking their lease, who is to say that the Mariners or Seahawks would not try to do the same in the future.

It's This Weekend!

Maple Valley Days is happening this weekend (June 13-15) at Lake Wilderness Park. There will be food, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more at the annual festival.

Chelsea Grown Up

The only winner in the Clinton family, in my opinion was daughter Chelsea, who showed grace and poise on the campaign trail.

Veep In Tennis Shoes?

Blogger Chris Bowers has reported that Washington Senator Patty Murray may be under consideration for a spot on the Obama ticket. The three term US Senator has been a Hilary Clinton supporter throughout the campaign and the Obama camp may be thinking of her as a means to pick up support from working class women.
This is not the first time a Washington senator has been considered for Vice President, the late Scoop Jackson was reportedly promised a spot on the Kennedy ticket, but was dumped because Lyndon Johnson brought Texas and more votes into the Democratic ticket.

Iconic Sports Announcer Jim McKay Dies

Barack Obama Represents New Generation

Barack Obama, born in 1961 will be the first nominee of a major political party to be younger than I am. I was born in 1957.

UW Law School To Receive A Generous Contribution

The Puget Sound Business Journal Reports that the University Of Washington Law School has received a generous pledge from Stan and Alta Barer. The money will be used to establish the Barer Institute Of Law And Global Human Services.
University Of Washington President Mark Emmert said
"This gift ensures that the UW will continue to produce leaders in the international human rights arena and provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and, most importantly, global legal education. We're very grateful to Stan and Alta for their vision and generosity."
Stan is the chairman of the University Of Washington Board Of Regents. A Walla Walla High School graduate, he is, I believe, the 4th of 7 members of the Barer family to attend the University Of Washington.

Naveen Haq Case Declared A Mistrial

Naveen Haq, who two years ago next month, shot 6 female workers at the Jewish Federation in downtown Seattle, killing one has been granted a mistrial. Haq's legal team played their only card, the insanity defense. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has stated that Haq will be retried at a later date.
Thanks to the Seattle Times for the photo.

Since the weather is cold and rainy in the middle of June, this song by the ClassicsIV seems appropriate.

The 2008 Nominees Are.....

The fight has begun.

Speaking Of Bo--Do It!

Bye Bye Bo Didley

Rock and Roll Pioneer Bo Didley dies at 79.

Spokane is often seen as the "Rodney Dangerfield" of the Northwest,meaning it does not always get the respect that it deserves. When Spokane's Jr Hockey team won the championship of it's league, it was this incident that made the headlines. The upside is that Marvelous Marv Throneberry would have been proud.

Keith Olbermann Takes On Hilary

Hilary Clinton's reference to Bobby Kennedy's campaign was curious at best. MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, never one to mince words, takes it one step further.

Barers Of Maple Valley Turns 3 Today

This blog was born on May 29th, 2005.

Did My Father Help Tom Lantos Rise In Congress?

The Late Tom Lantos, had a lengthy and productive career representing the San Francisco Bay area in the U. S. House Of Representatives. This post on the abarer blog talks about a meeting my Dad had with powerful Congressman Tom Foley that may have jumpstarted Mr. Lantos' career.


"On a warm spring day Congressman Tom Foley visited Democratic campaign Headquarters in Walla Walla. Most people were mowing lawns and other rites of early spring and as I sat next to Tom who was then Majority Whip we spoke of my former college roommate, Tom Lantos, a newly elected member of the house.I related this story to him. One morning as Mr. Baruch entered his office adjacent to the stock market floor he was greeted by an earnest young man who handed him a letter. The missive was from a dear friend of his mother. It explained that the young man, her son, was looking forward to a career on Wall Street and any help the well known Wizard could give him would be appreciated.Baruch took the boy by the arm. He explained the he was heading for the men's room at the far end of the floor. You will go with me as far as the door giving me an update on everything your family is doing in a very sincere manner.Because you are with me every eye will be on you. If you you can't take it from there, you will never make it on the Street.The next time I saw Tom Foley he reported that he followed up on our conversation encountering Tom Lantos in the House Cloak Room during a break. He invited him to sit near the entrance where all could see them and the future Speaker of the House and the freshman member had an earnest discussion about-----me.I never heard the follow up on Baruch's young man but Tom Lantos during his lifetime became a world class legislative inspiration"

Dunkin' Donuts Pulls Ads

Michelle Malkin gained notoriety in the late 90s as an editorial writer for the Seattle Times. Her unabashed attacks on the Seattle political establishment raised eyebrows. However, she did gain some respect as a needed political watchdog. When Malkin left the Times, she began an online colum that was much more venomous. Her MO was to print letters from her detractors, but they were not the letters of those who agreed to disagree of which the majority probably were. They were from the fringe who wrote threatening letters to her. She has shown very little tolerance for anyone who may disagree with her.
Now in her quest to gain fame, Michelle has protected America's children by getting a Dunkin'Doughnut advertisement featuring Rachael Ray pulled.
If it makes Michelle a laughing stock, you can bet she will use that to further her McCarthy-esque crusade.

Could Griffey Return?

While a promising Mariners season seems to be going down in flames, there is talk around the region of a second coming of Ken Griffey, Jr. It seems after all that Griffey's happiest years were in a Mariner uniform, while the best years of the Mariners where with Junior patrolling Center field. Age and injuries have taken their toll on Griffey as a Cincinnatti Red, but there is no doubt that his arrival could be beneficial toward this team getting the veteran leadership it needs.

Around The Family Blogosphere

Cousin Sam Barer talks what vanity plates say about drivers on Fourwheel Drift.

Songs like this can make anyone love Rock music. Chicago was one of a handful of groups that successfully fused Jazz and Rock. In early 1970, they apeared at Coordiner Hall in Walla Walla, on the Whitman College campus. Soon afterward, Make Me Smile, made them into superstars. The group eventually evolved into a "softrock" contemporary sound in the late 70s.

Sportradio's Tracy Taylor Still Gets The Most Hits

Almost 2 years ago, I decided to write about KJR's returning Traffic Reporter and morning personality Tracy Taylor,
Taylor had returned to the station after a gig in North Carolina. The popularity of that article, indicated by sitemeter, inspired me to do 2 additional stories. Those three posts, Continue to bring dozens of readers to this blog, including Taylor herself. Taylor is perhaps the area's best known and most popular radio personality. She also is a very nice person. You can hear Tracy Taylor and her traffic reports, along with her morning banter, on 950 Sportsradio KJR.

Democrats Meet In Maple Valley

Darcy Burner has been nominated by Democratic Precinct Committee Officers throughout Washington's 8th Congressional District. The PCO turnout was rather high at Maple Valley-Covington's Tahoma High School upon hearing that Darcy was indeed being challenged. Jim Vaughn was nominated from the floor and had a smart, not spellbinding speech. He was politely received, although when he said he was from the Conservative wing of the Democratic Party, his welcome grew a little cooler.
The 8th District Congressional Caucus followed where delegates from the Legislative Caucus picked delegates to go to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I want to thank Patrick Byers for the picture and On The Road To 2008 for information about this weekends Convention and Caucus.

Ted Kennedy Hospitalized

Massachusetts Senior Senator Edward M. Kennedy has been hospitalized with stroke like symptoms, no word as yet on his condition.

The McCain-Rossi Twofer

Washington 8th Congressional District PCOs To Meet

Democratic Precinct Committee officers from throughout Washington's 8th Congressional District will meet the this Saturday, May 17th at Tahoma High School at
18200 SE 240th St, Covington, WA with the purpose of nominating a candidate to oppose incumbant Republican Congressman Dave Reichert. Because of a recent Supreme Court decision taking partisanship out of the State Primaries, this is the only way that Darcy Burner or anyone opposing her can get the nomination of the Democratic Party. Sign in will begin at 8:00am with the Caucus beginning at 9:00am.

Seahawks Behaving Badly

Sources report that Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu was arrested by the Kirkland police department for driving under the influence. This was the second off field incident to involve a Seahawk defensive starter, Last month, Defensive End Rocky Bernard was arrested on an assault charge. The Seahawks under Tim Ruskill have stressed the desire to have player who conduct themselves well in the community. While the charges against Tatupu are very serious, how he handles himself going forward should determine his future with the 'Hawks.

We Are Deeply Saddened.

10,000 people are believed to have died in an earthquake in China.

And Speaking Of Old Beer Commercials

My brother Steve decided to bring back some memories with the old "Miller Lite" commercials. Those were the commercials that made John Madden famous. I decided to dig a little deeper.

Burl Barer's New Radio Endeavor

You can listen to Burl Barer's new internet radio show by clicking here. Saturdays at 2:00pm Pacific Daylight time. For those of us that work at that time, there are some past broadcasts there as well. Burl is also a regular on Outlaw Radio which is heard also on Saturdays with an array of characters at this site.

Now A Word From The "King Of Beers"

I wanted to lighten things up a little. One of the popular commercials of this Generation!

Tiffany JoAllen

This lady on Youtube performs listener's requests.

Jazz On The Green At Druids Glenn

The Second Installment of Smooth Jazz 98.9 Jazz On The Green concert series will be this Friday May 10th at the Druids Glenn Golf Course, just outside of Maple Valley. Jazz Pianist
Deems Tsakagawa will be performing. Deb and I had a splendid time at last month's performance with Michael Powers.

Happy 60th Anniversary

Happy Birthday To Willie Mays

Former Centerfielder Willie Mays, my first sports hero turns 77 today. While playing with the New York Baseball Giants in the 1950s, Mays was part of a legendary triumvirate of Center fielders in New York that included Mickey Mantle of the Yankees and Duke Snider of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Dodgers and Giants of course moved to Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively in 1958. Mays of course, played for the San Francisco Giants until the early 1970s when he was traded to the New York Mets. After reading about Mays in a magazine article in 1967, I suddenly became a big baseball fan.

When Radio Was King In Seattle

The title was not meant as a pun--long ago when there were fewer TV and Radio choices, KJR had a 30 something market share in the Puget Sound Region. The DJ's were well known around the community. Here is a video from 1979 with Rock and Roll Jocks Pat O'Day and the late Lan Roberts on a popular local TV talk show.

5th District Democrats Launch Full Slate Of Candidates

If Senator Cheryl Pflug, Representative Jay Rodne, and Representative Glenn Anderson think that they are going to have an easy time being returned to represent the MapleValley-Issquah-Sammamish-Fall City area in the Washington State Legislature, they could be mistaken. The turnout in Democratic Caucuses throughout the 5th District was even higher than it was in 2004 and three super candidates have come forward to challenge the three Republican incumbants.
Phyllis Huster will challenge Cheryl Pflug for State Senate, having experience in the Telecom Field. David Spring, a North Bend educator, will run for State House Of Representives against veteran incumbant Glenn Anderson for position 2. Jon Viebrock, a Union Construction Foreman, will take on Jay Rodne for position 1 in the House.
Although the 5th has traditionally been a solid Republican district, Democrats have made serious inroads in local elections.
I'll have more on these candidates in the next few weeks.

Obama On David Letterman

Hopefully this gets his campaign back on track.