Jessica Gottesman Named KIRO Anchor

According to Michael Hood's Blather Watch, KIRO's Jessica Gottesman has been named "Afternoon Anchor" for the Seattle FM station. The article did not say what that would mean as far as changing or expanding her duties with the station. For several months, Gottesman, who has broadcasting experience in the New York market, has been heard on local news reports in the afternoon.

Another Rock Legend Leaves Us

Alex Chilton,gravel voiced lead singer for the Box Tops during the late 60s and Big Star died Wednesday of an undisclosed illness. Chilton was 16 when the rock classic "The Letter" (performed above) was released.

Celebrity Apprentice Begins

Celebrity Apprentice began Sunday with something new...celebrities! Where in the past, the show attracted D-list personalities whom most of us have not heard of, this season or this year since I think it's only running once a year--the celebrities are C plus or something like that--I have heard of most of them one way or another. The list of participants is here
The teams were split with men on one team and women on the other. The Women took the name Tenacity--The men took the name Rock Solid.
The first task was to run a designated diner in New York City--whoever brought in the most money would win the task. The men, with the benefit of a celebrity chef (Curtis Stone) and a relatively competent project manager (Poison's Brett Michaels) won the task.
Tenacity's project manager, Cyndi Lauper was terrible and garnered little respect. She should have been fired, after all she brought up her friendship with Rosie O'Donnell in the boardroom in front of an angry Trump (Trump has been feuding with Rosie for years), however Trump realized that keeping Cindy around for a couple more weeks would be good for the show. Instead, he fired Carol Leifer.

Thaxton Blog Lives On Through A Colleague

Lloyd Thaxton died about a year and a half ago, but not before using the internet to connect with some of his old fans and make some new ones. Much like Lan Roberts, another icon who embraced the new media, Thaxton learned that the internet works in two different directions, He could do his schtick, and the readers could give their feedback.

Thaxton is gone now, but a dear friend of his who calls himself the "Rock Relic" has picked up the blog with the blessing of Lloyd's family.

King County Conservation District Election Tommorrow

It's not the "sexiest" election and it's not in the news. As a matter of fact, probably 95 per cent of the county will never know of this process. An election will take place tomorrow for a position on the King County Conservation District Board Of Supervisors. For some reason , you cannot vote absentee or by mail-in ballot. You need to show up in person. This entity has a budget of 6 million dollars. Remember that you need to show up to vote in person to participate.
For a list of polling places and hours of operation, click here. To find out about the candidates and what they stand for, click here. Although not formally endorsed, the 5th district Democrats strongly recommend Max Prinsen.

Did You Turn Your Clock Ahead?

Daylight Savings Time has started.

5th District Democrats Will Caucus Sunday

Democrats in the 5th Legislative District of the State of Washington will caucus Sunday March 14th at the Tahoma Junior High School. The school is located at 25600 Southeast Summit Landsburg Road Ravensdale, WA Registration will begin at 12 :00 pm with the actual caucus starting at 1:45. Delegates for the State Democratic Convention in Vancouver, Washington will be chosen from amongst the attendees. That convention will take place in June. Any registered voter in the 5th district who considers himself a Democrat may attend the Legislative Caucus. Remember to set your clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time before retiring this Saturday.

Read Jan Curran's Latest

" ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING was written by my cousin Jan Curran. Jan moved from the Palm Springs area to a senior living center near LA a couple of years ago to be near her kids as she was going through cancer treatments. Like the Golden Girls, the hit TV show of the 80, it deals with the various problems that come with aging. It is a tender book that will pull at your heartstrings, yet will also make you laugh out loud. You can order Active Senior Living by clicking here.

California Governor Edmond G "Pat" Brown

An old friend of mine posted on facebook that former California Governor Edmond G "Jerry" Brown was running for Governor of California again (after being out of the top state office for 30 years). His words were something like "Brown is going to clean up the mess that Governor Schwarzenegger had made" Putting Governor Brown and a mess in one phrase, reminds me of an incident that my Dad told about a meeting with the first Governor Brown, Jerry's Dad. You can read the account on his blog by clicking here or read on:

Well, Mike reminded me of an incident involving Jerry's dad, Governor Pat Brown and Mike's mother.Those were the days of our deep involvement in politics. We went to meetings and conventions and marched in rallies. It was an interesting time I being involved in the Democratic party and most of my customers and friends being committed Republicans.I think it was a fund raiser for Hubert Humphrey in Seattle. We were tromping through the Olympic Hotel sampling the food and drink in the various reception rooms. Deciding to move on we we approached the doorway. Coming toward us cocktail in hand was the California governor. He turned for a moment to comment to a member of his party and SLOSH iced, alcohol, and water down the front of Jeannie's party dress.Apologies and don't worries followed and I thought that was the end of it.A year later we attended Ann and Andy's wedding reception in Los Angeles. Only about 400 of their closest friend were there.Jeannie spotted Pat Brown across the room. She grabbed my hand saying I have to talk to him. As we approached she reminded him that she had been the victim in the spilled drink incident. I blanched but he took it in good spirits and we ended up having a conversation about the upcoming election that he eventually won while our Washington incumbent lost

4th In The State For Big Blue

My on-the-spot reporter in Walla Walla tells writes about Wa-Hi's fortunes in the state tournament.

A Barer Ran For State House In '64

Most people who know me, know of my thirst for politics,I've always said that it runs in the family.

In 1964, my dad's brother Arny (top picture) decided to run for the state legislature in Washington's 46th district, he had been practicing law for about 5years in Downtown Seattle, unfortunately, his opponent was another young lawyer named Slade Gorton (bottom picture). Although Lyndon Johnson was able to win the Presidency by a landslide that year, his coattails did not reach this state. Washington elected Republican Dan Evans to be Governor while Gorton beat my uncle for a position in the State House. Gorton would go on to represent Washington in the US Senate and Arny would become known for being a friend and confident to Wes Uhlman, who would serve as Seattle mayor during the late 60s and early 70s.   You can click here and scroll down to the 46th district, to see the voter results from his campaign.

I can remember my grandmother having all sorts of fliers from my uncle's campaign, I'll continue to look for any posted articles or such to put on this blog.

Ken Levine's Annual Oscar Review

In this humorous piece, Ken Levine explains why he reviews the Oscars. Click here.

This will take you back a few years!

Blue Devil Boys Basketball Team Going To State

My brother Steve reports the WaHi Blue Devil basketball season is not over yet.

WSU Picks Moos For Athletic Director

After a short search, Washington State University has chosen alumni Bill Moos as it's new athletic director. Moos, a WSU alumni, was previously the AD at University Of Oregon, his contract was bought out after a falling out with Oregon donor Phil Knight. He succeeds Jim Sterk who is now AD at San Diego State.

The Cedar River On A Sunday

The Testy Chef at 22607 Se 216th Way in Maple Valley is one of the area's more unique restaurant. Just off Highway 169, it has a very modest appearance, but the food is excellent. We went for breakfast last Sunday and took this picture from the deck of the restaurant.

Palm Springs IV: Sullivan's Debacle

We were in the Palm Springs area on Valentine's Day. A trip to Sullivan's was on the schedule. Sullivan's is at 73505 El Passeo in Palm Desert, El Passeo is the Palm Springs equivalent of Rodeo Drive. Deb and I went along with her sister and her husband and my cousin and her husband. We waited in a crowded bar until our reservation came up--we knew that service could be a little slow because it was Valentine's Day. We were shown our seats and looked over our menus. All ordering our favorite things, the evening was going smooth except that my sister-in-law mentioned that the ladies restroom was not up to par. We mentioned it to our waitress, who seemed to be in command of the evening. She talked to the manager but nothing was done. My wife also mentioned that her steak was not cooked very well. The waitress just said, it will taste better tomorrow after it has been microwaved. As the evening progressed, we ordered a rather expensive bottle of wine. Being Valentine's and we were in a nice restaurant, it seemed like a fun thing to do. When we got our bill however, we were charged for a much more expensive bottle. We mentioned it to our waitress, who brought the manager over. We understood that on Valentine's Day, the employess were a little stressed out, but this manager was hot, accusing us of ripping him off. Nothing could have been further from the truth. After a serious argument which removed any enjoyment we could have had from the evening, the manager relented. We decided to scratch Sullivan's from any further visits in the future.

"Dangerously Funny" The Smothers Brothers

If you watch a show on network TV like Modern Family or 2 And A Half Men and wonder how they get away with "saying that", you may want to thank (or maybe blame)"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour". What began with a clean cut pair of brothers who did folk songs with a little comedy mixed in, ended with two angry brothers (eventually with each other) at all out war with the CBS network censors, the government and the Viet Nam War.
David Bianculli writes the history of the brothers, who start out in clubs and work their way up to a "sure to fail" time slot against TV's gold standard, Bonanza. TV viewer may not have been aware about all the battles going on because every taped show had to be submitted to the network censors. The Smothers did not for the most part use bad language or sexual situations. They mostly poked fun at the U. S. Government in ways that now seem quite tame. The show was eventually cancelled after being renewed, triggering an expensive lawsuit. The ironic thing is that had the network allowed the show to run it's course, the show may have been soon forgotten. By sending the show to an early demise, the brothers became a cause celebre and a symbol of the war on the establishment that so characterized the 1960s.

Palm Springs III--Sherman's

Sherman's is another place not to miss if you are visiting the Palm Springs area. There are two locations, one in the heart of Palm Springs at 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way and another in Palm Desert. I have eaten at both, Palm Springs is the one you want to stop at. If you are a celebrity watcher, Sherman's is the place to go, so far, I have not found any celebrities there, but everyone is treated like one. Sherman's is a New York style kosher deli. They are hard to find in the Seattle area, now that Brenner's of Bellevue is no longer in business.

Vandalism In Maple Valley

The entry way to "Patrick's Faire", a housing development in Maple Valley across from Belmont Woods appears to have been vandalized. Probably last night.

Hoover, Willard Nominated And Endorsed For Legislative Positions

The 5th District Democrats have nominated and endorsed Greg Hoover (top picture) to run for position 1, in the State House Of Representatives in that district. The position is currently held by Republican Jay Rodne. Telecom Consultant Dean Willard (lower picture) was chosen over North Bend teacher David Spring to run for position 2 against GOP incumbent Glen Anderson. The 5th District includes parts of Maple Valley, Issaquah, Renton, Sammamish, Preston, Fall City, And North Bend. While Democrats have won victories in nearby districts formerly belonging to Republicans, Democrats in the 5th have yet to taste a recent victory.

Dave And Dorothy

In a classic picture, my Grandfather Barer's brother David with his wife Dorothy. Uncle Dave help build the family business, he was one of the sons in B. Barer And Sons. In Shelby Skates book on Warren Magnuson, tribute was paid to David for being an immigrant from Russia who became a successful Walla Walla businessman. David Barer passed away in 1985. Dorothy left us in 2007. Thank you to Cousin Anea Barer for providing this photo.

Palm Spring II--The Old Creek Restaurant

I wanted to say a little something about the Old Creek House Restaurant located at 1555 S Palm Canyon Way in Palm Springs. On the way to the airport, my wife and her sister stopped to do some shopping at Steinmart nearby. My nephew was bored and I'm really not a shopping person so I wanted to take him where we could get some ice cream or something. There is really no fast food place near by, so I took him to the Old Creek, in spite of it being a fancy dinner place, we really were treated well and the deserts were fabulous. It may seem like a small thing, but the place made a great impression on me.

Maple Valley Barers Return From Desert

We just returned from a nice weekend in the Palm Springs area of Southern California. We spent the first couple of evenings at my father's condo in Rancho Mirage (above) which adjoins the Sunrise Country Club golf course. The last couple nights were spent at our in-law's time- share in Indio where we were able to enjoy a little time at the pool (middle picture). The last picture was taken at the drop off point of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram, where the 4 feet of snow and cooler temperatures contrasted to the 80 degree warmth at the starting point. Although we go to the desert almost every year, it was our first year taking the tram ride, a must do for anyone visiting.

More From Last Week's Elton John-Billy Joel Concert

Sports Anchor Leaves KING 5

Sources report that Lisa Gangel has left her position as sports anchor on KING 5 TV. Gangel is engage to Seahawk Patrick Kerney. Her departure has lead to speculation that Kearney will not be back with the 'Hawks.

Superbowl XLIV: Saints Win Game, Title And America's Hearts

The New Orleans Saints, as unlikely as it sounds, are world champions. After what looked like a blow-out Colts win early on, the Saints, who once were the sign of futility in the league, used an on-side kick, a 2 point conversion, and few balls taking the right bounce to eak out a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in one of the most exciting contests ever. With an average of 105 million viewers watching, it beat out the final episode of Mash (1983) to become the most watched television program of all time. It may put to rest the myth that the contest needs teams from major markets to draw viewers.

A Memorable Moment From Last Week's Concert

I finally found a clip suitable for this blog. Billy Joel rocking out to "Purple Haze".

New York Vinnie Leaves Town For New Gig

"New York" Vinnie Richichi, whose unorthodox radio delivery helped put sports radio on the map in the Seattle area, is leaving town for a new sports station on the East Coast. Pioneer radio station KDKA is launching an all live and local sports station at 93.7 fm in the Pittsburgh area. It will go by the nickname "The Fan".
Richichi will co-host a mid-day radio show with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook. New York Vinnie had lived in the Seattle area since 1993, when he arrived at KJR as it was beginning it's long run as a sportstalk station. With a strong New York dialect, he endeared himself to fans with his passion for baseball during a time when Seattle was struggling to keep it's team.He is often credited with helping to get Safeco Field built. He also used his radio pulpit in the fight to get the Seahawk's Qwest Field built.
He would later work at KIRO-Radio and occasionally at Q-13. Best of luck, Vinnie!

Elton John And Billy Joel Entertain Seattle

There are certain concerts that once you see, you never forget. Last night we saw Billy Joel and Elton John perform at the Seattle Center. We originally had tickets to see them last November, however Elton came down with the flu and cancelled at the last minute. These two giants of rock have recorded enough material to perform into the wee hours of the morning and they almost did. Although the two piano players meshedwell as they played together, both at the beginning of the show and the later encore, their solo acts were a contrast. John apologized for cancelling the first performance, but rarely addressed the audience. When he did, it was very formal. He stayed for the most part at his piano without the stage antics that he was known for early in his career.

Billy Joel on the other hand, showed a little New York spice, making barbs about some of his previous Seattle venues (the Tacoma Dome and the now defunct Fresh Air Tavern), he freely spoke to the crowd and turned his piano to each side. He shocked the crowd with a raucus version of Seattle icon Jimi Hendix's classic "Purple Haze". He also introduced his band. Elton did not.

To wet our appetites for the performance, we watched Elton John perform with Lady Gaga on TV last Sunday on the Grammy Awards.

Finally A Place To Sip In Maple Valley

The wine industry is growing rapidly in Washington state and now right here in Maple Valley, there is a place that you can to unwind after work or entertain friends on the weekend. Da Vine has opened up in the Wilderness Village shopping center next to the Tahoma Athletic Club. It features wine from across the state and all over the world. There is also a selection of Microbrewed beers.

We tried Da Vine last night, we sat on the sofa by the fire. Not only was the atmosphere inviting we were helped with our selection by co-owner Cheryl who told about the bar's short history. Da Vine is located at 23836 222nd Place SE Suite 106 Maple Valley, WA 98038. It is closed on Monday, but open until 9pm from Tuesday though Thursday and open to 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday it is open until 8pm.

Mariners Tap RJ For First Pitch

Seattle baseball fans are happy to learn that newly retired pitching great Randy Johnson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2010 Mariner home opener. Relations between Johnson and the Mariner organization have, at times, been strained since he forced a trade in 1998. However, much like bringing Ken Griffey, Jr back to the club last year, it looks like both sides are willing to let bygones be bygones.

Barers Of Maple Valley Attend The Hutch Award Luncheon

I attended the annual Fred Hutchison award luncheon for the first time today. The award (commonly known as the Hutch Award) is presented in honor of Fred Hutchison, a Seattle native and former major league player and manager who passed away from cancer. This year's award went to Chicago White Sox infieler Mark Teahen (in video above). Channel 13 Anchor Bill Wixey also spoke of his cancer battle. The keynote speaker was Dave Dravecky, a major league pitcher whose struggle with cancer caused him to lose his pitching arm during the prime of his career. The luncheon was attended by most of the area's sports VIPs. Some of those in attendence were Mariner GM Jack Zduriencik, Mariner Manager Don Wakamatsu,former Mariner pitcher Jamie Moyer, and radio voices Rick Riccz and Dave Niehaus. TV news anchor Steve Raible and afternoon radio personality Mike Gastineau were co-hosts. I asked Dave Niehaus how he could get up for games even when the team is having a bad year. Dave's reply (paraphasing) was that every game has something unique about it.

Maple Valley Seeks To Fill City Council Vacancy

The "Voice Of The Valley" Maple Valley's weekly newspaper, reports that the City is taking applications to fill the city council position vacated by Laure Idding's resignation. To be considered for the position, state law requires applicants to be a citizen of the United States and a registered Washington voter, in addition an applicant must have resided in the city limits of Maple Valley for at least a year.

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and a cover letter to the city clerk. The address is...

City Clerk

City Hall

PO Box 320

Maple Valley, WA 98038

For more information, call City Clerk Irvalene Moril at 425-413-8800. Application materials must be submitted by 5 pm Friday January 29th.

Thank to "The Voice" for information used in this article.

Saints vs Colts In Super Bowl XLIV

The New Orleans Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts in this years Super Bowl. It will be the first apearance for the Saints.

Cruise Ship Visits To Labadee Stir Controvery

We have all been shaken by the devastation in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake. It reminds me of our short visit in August of '06 to Labadee, which is on Haiti's northern coast. At that time of course, the country had just endured Hurricane Ernesto, although you could find no sign of it at the time. The only sign of the people's strife were the locals, who would ride up in rowboats to try and sell jewelry as we were jet skiing. Royal Caribbean's decision to continue to dock there has caused considerable controversy.

5th District Democrats Endorse Delbene

The 5th district Democrats of Washington have endorsed Suzan Delbene to represent the 8th district in the U.S. House Of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Republican Dave Reichert, a former King County Sherrif.

Strong Winds Hit The Area

The Maple Valley area had strong wind gust earlier this week. This fence surrounding the Belmont Woods stormwater run off pond was damaged by falling trees.

Music To Our Ears--King Felix To Stay Awhile

Seattle sports fans have been saved a summer of anxiety when word got out that Ace Pitcher Felix Hernandez is in the process of working out a five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. This is the latest in what seems to be a series of well thought out moves this season by the Mariner management. Under the direction of first year GM Jack Zduriencik, the M's went from a 100 loss season in 2008 to a winning season in 2009. Nothing is guarenteed for 2010, the outlook is bright.

Tracy Taylor Begins New Career

Tracy Taylor can be seen intermittenly from 5-7am on KING5 and from 7-9am on KONG 6/16 with traffic reports. Here she is in a toss with anchor Joyce Taylor (no relation). Tracy is in her first week at KING after doing traffic reports for 3 and a half years on sports radio station KJR.

Celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday

Jan Curran's Novel Published

Jan Curran, my cousin and inspiration for this blog, has written her latest novel, Active Senior Living, a humorous fictionalized account of a Southern California writer and newspaper reporter, whose battle with cancer forces her to move into an assisted living facility. You can order Jan's book by clicking here.

David Spring Will Run In 5th District

North Bend teacher David Spring has announced that he will make his second run for the Washington State Legislature. Spring says that he will for the 5th District House seat now held by Republican Glenn Anderson. Spring is a Democrat. Sammamish telecom consultant Dean Willard, also a Democrat, has also declared his candidacy for that position.

Our Hearts Go Out To The People Of Haiti

If you want to help with the rescue efforts, text the word h-a-i-t-i to 90999, and a ten dollar donation will apear on your telephone bill.

Thank You Readers!

Barer's Of Maple Valley had it's 40,000th hit. This is the funnest project that I've done. Thank you!

Old Mustang Commercial

I'll shift gears with a commercial from our childhood.

Not All College Coaches Have Failed In The Pros

Two coaches were plucked from out of the college ranks to become outstanding NFL coaches. Jimmy Johnson replaced Tom Landry as coach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1989. Landry was an institution both in Dallas and in the NFL. As a matter of fact, up to that point, he was the only man to coach the Cowboys. Jimmy Johnson was coach of the Miami Hurricanes. He lead the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins.

Bill Walsh, was coach at Stanford when the San Francisco 49ers named him as coach. Walsh created a football powerhouse in the bay area, winning three Super Bowls. Walsh would later go back to coach at Stanford.

Unfortunately, we remember such failures as Steve Spurrier and Dennis Erickson both coaches very successful at the college level but failures in the NFL.

Sources Say Carroll Will Replace Fired Seahawk Coach

There is an old saying" never replace the legend" and that proved to be true when former Seattle Seahawk Coach Mike Holmgren's successor Jim Mora found himself in hot water as the team suffered a 5 win, 11 loss season. Some of the black marks were the teams 4 consecutive losses at season's end, Mora's off the cuff rants about his kicker and the KJR radio disaster when wide receivers TJ Houshmandzadeh, Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson took shots at the Seattle media and failed to put their money where their mouth's were. Today it was announced that Mora will no longer coach the 'Hawks becoming only the 8th NFL coach since 1990 to be fired after one season. Speculation is rampant that USC head coach Pete Carroll will return to the NFL as head coach and president. Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley wrote about his misgivings with the potential hire.

Original Sonic Announcer Bob Blackburn Dies

Bob Blackburn, the original radio announcer for the Seattle Supersonics passed away today. Blackburn voice could be heard on stations throughout the Northwest broadcasting what was at one time, the only local taste Washingtonians had of local major-league sports.

I remember working at KTEL which carried the Seattle Super Sonics broadcasts in Walla Walla and being on the board when the Supes won the NBA title.

I also remember meeting Blackburn years later as he was auctioneering charity golf function. Bob Blackburn was 85.

BOMV Sets Record

Many of the blogs that I read get thousands of hits every day. I am always happy to get over 30. This blog however set a record yesterday of over 200 hits. Today looks like it could possibly break that record. Most people have come over to read about KJR's Tracy Taylor quitting the station as reported in the last post.

Tracy Taylor Leaving KJR

KJR Sportsradio morning personality Tracy Taylor will be leaving the station soon for a new opportunity. Taylor says on her facebook page that she will be doing traffic for KING 5 TV. Taylor was doing her second tour of duty with KJR, she has also worked in Spokane and on the East coast.

Hawks In It But Don't Win It

The Seattle Seahawks suffered their 4th loss in row. The 17-13 defeat at the hands of the Tennessee Titans gives this season a sour conclusion, proving a close loss just as depressing as a blow-out. For the 4th week in row, John Carlson scored the 'Hawks only touchdown, a six yard throw from Matt Hasselbeck. Second year Titan Chris Johnson rushed for 134 yards to become the sixth player in NFL history to gain 2000 yards in a season. Johnson also scored each of the Titans 2 touchdowns.

Barers Of Maple Valley--2009 In Review

Because my Cousin Jan told me to write more in my blog, I'm going to do the year in review differently than in years past. Rather than just show a few highlight pictures, I'm going to write the year in one article, at least try. Hopefully, I won't leave too much out.

January, New Years day began on a high note when my brother, Steve called to announce his engagement to Dawn. We were in the middle of a terrible winter and flooding hit Maple Valley, fortunately none of it hit the high ground where we live. Senator Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African-American president.

February, we made a trip to Seaside, Oregon, unfortunately, snowy weather hit us both on the way over and the way back. We made it safely both ways, but not without some white knuckles.

March, the winter that would not quit dumped more snow on Maple Valley.

April, A great trip to Oceanside, California. No, we did not have any snow. We actually were able to spend sometime poolside.

May, Dog Rusty showed us how good a watchdog he was when he went head to head with a possum in the yard. The month concluded with Steve and Dawn's wedding.

June, The world lost two super celebs in one day, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

July, My birthday on the 19th, very hot summer, and we get our new pet bird Goldie.

August, A trip to the Oregon Coast.

September, We celebrate Deb's Grandma's 90th birthday and my Dad's 80th

October, On October 31st, Officers Tim Brenton and Britt Sweeny were shot while sitting in their patrol car. Brenton died and Sweeny recovered, it was the first of three incidents in the Seattle area where police where shot at. All three occurred on or near holidays and on or near, the end of the last three months of the year.

November, An espresso stand with bikini-clad baristas opens in the Crossroads area of Bellevue, about 2 blocks East of The UPS Store. Also, in Lakewood, WA, 5 police officers were gunned down in a coffee shop.

December, It looks like the Mariners are taking steps to finally be a contending team. Free agent Chone Figgins signs with the team and a separate deal brings in Pitcher Cliff Lee.

So there you have it, the year in a nutshell.

How Seattle Celebrates The New Year