State Mourns Fallen Firefighters

 

Three firefighters killed in a vehicle crash yesterday while fighting wildfires in the Methow Valley have been identified.Tom Zbyszewski 20, Andrew Zajac 26,(shown above) and Richard Wheeler 31.  A fourth firefighter, Daniel Lyon 26. is in critical condition in Harborview, according to KING 5 TV. 
KIRO FM Afternoon Host Don O'Neil and Ron Upshaw have established a gofundme page to help the families of the firefighters.  Wild fires continue burning throughout Central and Eastern Washington threatening property and lives.
Flags are flying half staff at the Space Needle and other area public building to honor the three fallen heroes,

Yvonne Craig Made An Impact

She played Batgirl for one season 47  years ago, but viewers remember Yvonne Craig.  Craig's character was created for what became the last season of Batman.  A former ballerina, Craig did her own stunts.  She would also play a memorable character on Star Trek. 
Craig died Monday in Pacific Palisades after a two year battle with cancer.  She was 78.

Vern Fonk Historic Commercial Reel

A tribute to Rob Thielke.....

Vern Fonk Pitchman Dies

Rob Thielke, whose ads for high risk insurance company Vern Fonk ran alongside commercials for bail bondsman and used car lots, has died of cancer.  Thielke, whose face was much better known than his name, was thought by many to be "Vern Fonk".  He was known for his maniacal behavior in ads that singlehandedly made the company a household name.  To say the ads were of questionable taste would be wrong, the ads had no taste, but it was clear that Thielke was creative and a master of physical comedy.  He also had insurance chops, I have just found out that in 2013, Thielke had been named president of Vern Fonk Insurance.  Reports say, Thielke's ads will continue to run as that is what his family has said that he would want.

The Man From Uncle Film Brings Back 1960s Chic

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I enjoyed The Man From Uncle because it took me back to my childhood.  The mid 1960s had America embroiled in the Cold War, a figurative chess match between the US and the Soviet Union.  The space program was in full swing, it was the jet age and America loved spies.  James Bond movies were big, there was "I Spy", The Avengers, Secret Agent Man, and the Man From Uncle.  I really didn't watch many episodes of the Man From Uncle, but it was a widely popular show with suspense and international intrigue. 
I believe that this movie brought back that sense that was in the period that we were always in danger and these men with unique skills would protect us.
  The movie teams two spies an  American Napoleon Solo and a Russian Ilya Kuryakin, who respect but don't trust each other, but form an uneasy alliance for a common goal,   In this case, too find a scientist who has a recipe for a bomb that can blow up the world. 
The movie has all the elements of a spy movie, European travel, fast cars, fast car chases, and beautiful women.  Although the numbers for this movie were reported to be disappointing, I'm hoping they do decide to film a sequel.

Rocking Pine Lake

Local Rock band Hall Pass performed last Thursday at Pine Lake.  Over the summer, local music can be heard on Thursdays as part of the Concerts In The Park series.   Pine Lake Park is in Sammamish.

Maple Valley Les Schwab Comes Through

Last Saturday, I pulled up at the Les Schwab in Maple Valley.  The tire pressure light on the dashboard had been on for a week. I had thought that it was a matter of putting a little air in the tires or maybe the light was on by mistake.  I stopped by at 1:30 in the afternoon and got immediate service.  I was told though that they needed to take a look at the tire.  I was starting to get nervous, because I had a Bat Mitzvah to attend in Bellevue, a 40 minute drive at 5:00.  Deb was already in Bellevue, working at the store and had not planned to come home before the service.
I asked if they could have it done by 3:30 and they said it would be tough because Saturday afternoons were so busy.  I went to the front desk and told them about my situation, they said they could do it.  While they were working on the tire, I took Dasher for a walk on the trail behind the store.  A few minutes after I returned to the store, the tire was repaired.  Right around 2:45 or so, plenty of time to get ready and go to the service in Bellevue.  On top of that, there was NO CHARGE since I had bought my tires at Les Schwab in Bellevue a couple years earlier.  Upon leaving, I understand why Les Schwab rules the tire business in the Northwest.

The Greats Of Seattle Radio

A photo of the 2015 version of the OFC (old farts club).  A select group of Seattle radio talent (mostly from KJR) meet annually.  Thank you to Jaynie Jones for this picture.  Burl Barer is in a red shirt in the back row center.  Pat O'Day is 4th from the right in the front row. 

Iwakuma Throws No No

Hisashi Iwakuma today threw the 5th no-hitter in Mariner history, blanking the Baltimore Orioles 3-0.  Iwakuma, much like the M's has been having a disappointing year.  He spent several weeks on  the disabled list.  The M's, who seem to be slowly improving, have just won their 4th series in a row.

What is this Color?

My cousin Lee and brother Tod are Red-Green color blind.   In this video, Lee tries special sunglasses which allow him to see colors, that he couldn't before.  His reaction is interesting.  From Lee Goldberg blog.

Sunday At The Ballpark

Nelson Cruz comes up to bat, Sunday as we watched the Mariners play Texas at Safeco.  Cruz would later hit a home run,  as the M's would win 4-2  Felix Hernandez, although not as his sharpest was  able to get his 14th win.  Seattle's Jesus Montero also had a 2 run blast.

Frank Gifford, Sportscaster and NFL Hall of Famer, Dies at 84

Frank Gifford, whom our generation knows as a football commentator, but had a career in the 50s and early 60s as a running back for the New York Giants has died.  I remember Gifford presenting game highlights for CBS when I first watched NFL football in the late 60s.  When ABC started Monday Night Football in the early 70s, Gifford joined the crew in the second season, replacing  Keith Jackson.  Gifford had a smooth delivery and Hollywood looks.  Gifford played for USC in college.  His wife Kathy Lee is a co host on the Today Show.

Frank Gifford

CNN reports  the death of former New York Giant Great  and Monday  Night  Football  personality Frank Gifford at 84.

Bernie Sanders leaves Westlake Rally

A protest at Westlake Park prevented Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders from speaking, the fact that protesters disrupted someone who may be sympathetic to their cause, suggest that the 2016 presidential campaign will be the ugliest of all time.  This is sad on many levels because people want candidates to campaign and have rallies where they can shake candidates hands, but when things like this happen, it makes it impossible.

Stewart Calls It Good!

The Daily Show
Daily Show Full Episodes,  More Daily Show Videos,  Comedy Central Full Episodes

A great departure from one of the great comedians of our time, Jon Stewart closes out a long run on the Daily Show.

SI Baseball Writer-Commentator Has Washington Ties

Jay Jaffe is a writer for Sports Illustrated, a frequent guest on the MLB Network, and the blogger behind Futility Infielder, one of baseball's oldest blogs.  His Grandparents lived in Walla Walla and were members of our temple.  Jay's grandfather Bernie was a doctor at the Veteran's Hospital, Bernie's wife Clara had also practiced medicine. Jay contacted me on the internet many years ago, remembering our family and his go back a long way. 

Howard Schultz Tossing Latte In Ring?

News sources including the Seattle Times, have run stories about the possibility of Starbucks Howard Schultz entering the presidential race as a Democrat.  There is really no rhyme or reason for Schultz to consider this, while the Starbucks brand is nationally known, I don't believe that Schultz is.  
In the Seattle area where he is well known, Schultz is widely blamed for selling the Super Sonics to out of town interests, leading to the loss of NBA basketball in the area.  For the people who don't like sports, they may remember that Schultz wanted the legislature to approve funds to remodel the Key Arena, during a recession that was devastating to our state. 
Of course, Schultz had brought Starbucks back to life when he reassumed the CEO position, but good businessmen do not always make good politicians.

Dasher Beats The Heat

Last Thursday Dasher escaped the 90 degree heat by taking a dip in Lake Wilderness. The geese in the background were not too pleased, as Dasher took their spot.  Lake Wilderness is located in the center of Maple Valley.  It's park is the city's primary recreation spot.

Wilson To Sign With the Seahawks

King5 TV has reported that Russell Wilson will sign a four-year extension with the Seattle Seahawks

Walla Walla Area Suffers From Fire

At one time, the nation's largest wild fire, reports are that the Blue Creek fire east of Walla Walla is over 70 per cent contained.  The fire, which started July 20th, is reported to have destroyed one home and to have caused evacuations.  11 people are reported to have been injured in the blaze which is reported to have been caused by man.  The fire is in the Blue Creek-Klicker Mountain area, Klicker Mountain is named after a family that has farmed wheat and fruit in the area for generations.  Firefighters from across the nation have lauded the community for it's support with restaurants like Mr. Ed's providing community sponsored free meals for them.

Mariners execute a 3-6-2 triple play

Mariners looked for a minute last weekend like they could turn the corner on the season, taking two of three from the Toronto Blue Jays.  Here is a very rare triple play they pulled off Sunday.

Legendary Seattle Writer Ann Rule

Seattle True Crime Writer Ann Rule has died after suffering from heart related problems.  Rule wrote over 30 true crime book including "The Stranger Beside Me"  An account of the murderous crimes of Ted Bundy, with whom she had worked with at a Seattle Suicide Hotline.  Perhaps the greatest true crime writer of all time, my guess is that she was an inspiration to my Cousin Burl Barer, himself a writer in the genre.
A former Seattle police officer, Rule was 83.

Congrats To Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson, who threw the Mariner's First No-Hitter, and was it's first 20 game winner, has been inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame.  Johnson retired with a 130-74 record and a 3.42 ERA.

Sly and the Family Stone Hot Fun In The Summertime - 1969

Another great song of the season
e as Draft

Ken Levine Writes Dick Van Dyke

Last Monday, comedy writer and popular blogger Ken Levine undertook a unique project.  He posted in 4 successive days, a script for an episode of the 1960s comedy Dick Van Dyke show that he would have written.  In other words, a fantasy episode.  It was written as if it were the early 60s when the show took place.  I was really impressed and entertained with how the episode turned out.  To see for yourself, click here    Actual shows that Levine has written for are MASH, Frasier, and Cheers.

Seattle Storm's Sue Bird To Start WNBA All Star Game

Sue Bird, who has helped the Seattle Storm win 2 WNBA championships, will start in the league's 2015 All Star Game. From my standpoint, Bird embodies every you would want in a professional athlete, she has played for Seattle her entire career, she is an Olympic Gold Medal winner and when she does get attention, it's for what she does on the court.
Bird has played for the Storm for 14 years.

New Lincecum Bobblehead

I got a new Tim Lincecum bobble head from the Giant Hurler's dad, Chris.  Chris is a frequent customer at The UPS Store in Crossroads in Bellevue.  Tim Lincecum is a two time Cy Young Award winner, a three time World Series champion and has so far, pitched 2 no hitters.

Old Walla Walla Radio Remembered 15

More from Walla Walla DJ Dave "Rockin" Cochran....

My Favorite Birthday Present

I received many fantastic presents on my birthday last Sunday, my favorite is this yet to be hung picture of the Beatles appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, an historic moment for both the show and the group.  My wife was able to put a bid in on it at a silent auction at a Maple Valley wine bar.  The proceeds went to charity.

Seattle Pioneer Radio Voice Jaynie Dillon Jones

One of Seattle's first female radio hosts is Jaynie Dillon Jones. She was the first woman to be on air at KOMO-AM.  Jones is a native of the Walla Walla area.  She was kind enough to share her broadcast work.  Jaynie's brother, Dan Tory, also had a fine broadcasting career in the Walla Walla valley.  More on Jaynie here.  Tap the arrow to hear her airwork.

Summer in the City - Lovin' Spoonful

A song that is very appropriate......

More Cabo

More photos from our trip to Mexico, for the most part, I'll let them speak for themselves,  Top picture was taken from our resort, The Playa Grande. The 2nd one was taken at the One And Only Palmellia.  Third was the view from our 20th anniversary dinner at Cocina Del Mar.  Bottom picture was taken from The Office.

Veep Season 4: Episode #5 Clip #3: Amy's Moment (HBO)

My favorite show.  This scene from last season was one of the best played moments in the series history.  With a new producer taking over the show and new dynamics coming into play, it's hard to really predict the direction of next season.

The Job--Another Great Beach Read!

For the third summer in a row, I read the latest novel from Lee Goldberg and Janet Evanovich, The Job.  The chemistry between the two protagonists, Kate O'Hare and Nicolas Fox is so great, you wonder if they reflect the two authors.   With all characters developed in the two previous novels, this one jumps right in to the action.  This time, the two must hunt down a ruthless drug lord.  As clichéd as that may sound, the twists and turns along way will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book also has the ruthless sidekick to beat all other ruthless sidekicks.  The Job is available on Amazon.  The first two books in this series were The Heist and The Chase.

Old Walla Walla Radio Remembered Part 14

Walla Walla teens needed to get a "Hi Fi Card" to be eligible to win a 6 pack of Coke on the nightly local contest, "The Hi Fi Show."  Each night, the DJ would explain how to acquire the card, usually a trip to the KTEL studio "high atop the Book Nook Building".  Native Walla Wallan Jaynie Jones, who carved out an outstanding radio career in Seattle provided this.
When I got my card, in the early 70s, it had a number.   Eventually the station vacated the Book Nook and moved their offices and studio to the transmitter site at 2nd and Tieton.

Barers Of Maple Valley Return From Cabo

 

Deb and I celebrated our 20th anniversary in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.  We stayed at the beautiful Playa Grande resort (middle and bottom pictures).  We toured the town, swam at the beach, snorkeled, and enjoyed the food. The top picture was taken at a restaurant known simply as "The Office", it was right on the beach and in spite of it's name, offered great Mexican food and entertainment.  I may post more pictures soon. 

Raider Great Ken Stabler Dies

Ken Stabler, the quarterback who lead the Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl has died of cancer.  The free spirited Stabler, was an All American at Alabama.  He was drafted by the Raiders but was a third string quarterback behind Daryl Lamonica and George Blanda.  He finally played in 1970.  Stabler was nicknamed "the Snake".  His lifestyle was flamboyant, much like another Alabama quarterback who was previously drafted into the AFL, Joe Namath.  After a falling out with Raider owner Al Davis, Stabler was traded to the Houston Oilers

Bud Namack Out As Voice Of Cougs

Bud Namack will no longer be the voice of Washington State Cougar Athletics,  according to several news sources.  Namack has been voice of the Cougar football for the last few seasons and the voice of Cougar Basketball since 1993.  IMG College has announced that Matt Chazanow, a manager for the college network will take over the play by play duties.  No reason has been stated for the change.

Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime ORIGINAL 1970

A fun summertime song since 1970.  I'll try to kind up with more to celebrate the season.

20th Anniversary

Mike and Debra Barer, July 8th, 1995!

Happy 4th Of July!

Barers Of Maple Valley Thanks You!

Thank you everyone for your warm thoughts, cards, prayers, facebook comments.  Thank you to everyone who came to the service yesterday, the Best Western in Walla Walla.  The Herring Funeral Home, and Rabbi Hahn (sp) for being with us during this tiime of need.

Old Walla Walla Radio Remembered Part 13

Thank you to Hank Unck, who as Lee Michaels, worked at KTEL in the early 70s.  When the station shut down it's downtown office, to move to the transmitter site, he bought the old equipment and found this in the mixer board.

My Sister

We had just started home from a barbecue in North Bend when Deb's cell phone rang.  It was my Mother-in-law, though it was almost midnight, I was not surprised, my wife's family often keeps late hours.  I heard on the blue tooth speaker that I was to call my Dad's wife.  I thought uh oh, my something happened to my dad.  But that was not the case, it was that my sister had been killed in a car accident--Holy Cow!
I called my dad, of course thinking about what he had been going through.  My sis, also named Debra, but for decades, using the name Terri, was a constant worry for him.  For the last few decades, we had rarely seen her. She had been living in Nashville, a place that she seemed taken to.
When we were little, we were twin terrors,  there was Debbie and Me and we were inseparable.  She was 2 years younger, we both loved playing with the kids on Leonard Street and in the basement of Grandmother Barers house, where there was a bar, a big radio, and a piano.  I remember my famous "Debbie did it" meaning any trouble I was about to get into was "her" fault.  It became such a catch phrase my family would often repeat it.   As we became teenagers, we seemed to share a love for Rock music,radio, and the hippie culture along with everything else that embodied the 1960s, yet we grew further apart often at odds with each other. 
When Debbie got out of high school in 2 years, rather than 3 years.  She headed to the University  Of Washington.  She would never live in Walla Walla again.  She did visit once in a while. She left school and worked for the phone company, a job that gave her good benefits.  This allowed her to do some travel.  She would later get her real estate license. She had begun to use the name Teri, which she may have picked up when working at the U-Dub radio station.
A friend who knew her in Nashville told my dad that she had made a good life for herself in Nashville.  A look at her Facebook page shows an interest in Nascar, something that I would never in a million years think she would have an interest in.  She also worked to save the Nashville Fairgrounds.  She was constantly at Nashville City Council meetings.  She had numerous Facebook friends, not one associated with Walla Walla, nor the family.
We are happy that she was able to find a place to be happy.  A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 30th, 10am at the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla.

Reading With Rover

Deb and Dasher appear at 13 seconds into this video.  They are long time volunteers in the "Reading With Rover" program.

Brandi Carlile "Downpour" At: Guitar Center

Maple Valley's Brandi Carlile performs this beautiful song.

Edgar Martinez Named M's Hitting Coach

Edgar Martinez, one of Seattle's most beloved pro athletes has taken the position as Mariner hitting coach.  Howard Johnson who previously had the position, has been reassigned.  Martinez is considered by many to be the best right handed hitter of his generation.   ESPN says the M's have the worst batting average in the majors.  The one certainty is that more changes are on the way.

Happy Father's Day

WSU President Elson Floyd

Cougars worldwide are mourning the passing of University president Elson Floyd.  Floyd has recently taken a leave of absence from the school, after learning that he had cancer. he recently led efforts for WSU to establish a medical school. The school's first African-American president, Floyd was 59.

US Open Golf Down The Road From Maple Valley

This year's US Open taking place at Chambers Bay, only 33 miles from Maple Valley.  Tough conditions on the course have taken it's toll.  Jason Day, collapsed on the final hole. probably a victim of long walks and lack of shade.   The US Open is the second major golf tournament of the year.  It concludes on Father's Day.  Perhaps on that account that it is appropriate that it is played in the state of Washington, where Father's Day traces it's beginnings.

Happy Birtday To My Wife!

The Donald Tosses His Hat In

After many years of talking about a presidential run, Donald Trump has made it official.  Trump's reality show, The Apprentice, made a catch phrase out of the line, "your fired".   He is well know for flashing his opulence and for self adulation.   Trump has been married three times and has many children. 

My Crossfire Pal

Working retail in Bellevue, I've met some pretty well known people.  In the late 1990s, Michael Kinsley took a job of editor at Slate, an online magazine launched by Microsoft.  Kinsley was known as the liberal voice on CNN's Crossfire.  He would debate either Robert Novak or Pat Buchanan, both hardcore conservatives. 
During his tenure at Slate, Kinsley began to rent a mailbox at The UPS Store I was working.  He was a real nice guy, never a prima donna.  He would often ask about what was going on in my life.  While he was totally Liberal on TV, when I talked politics with him and said something Liberal, he would play "devil's advocate" , probably wanting me to take a balanced approached at looking at issues.  When the holidays approached, he gave both me and my father-in-law (the owner) bottles of wine.
Of course, that was a very important time in his life.  It was then that he became engaged to Patty Stonecipher, a leader of the Gates Foundation.  He also revealed that he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

New High School To Be Built In Maple Valley

The local weekly Voice Of The Valley reports the June 5th groundbreaking of the new Tahoma High School.  It will be located in the donut hole area area in the South end of Maple Valley.  This will be the second move for the school.  The original built in 1926 now houses the middle school. 

Maple Valley Days

Maple Valley Days, the yearly local festival, takes place this weekend at Lake Wilderness Park.  There is a parade Saturday morning on Witte Road.  There will be music, rides, and booths all weekend.

Gangsterland By Tod Goldberg

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Available on Amazon or your favorite book store, Gangsterland is a rather tongue-in-cheek book about a Chicago hit man named Sal Cupertine.  After a botched job, he becomes the target of the Mafia and the FBI.  He is forced to fake his own death and go into hiding.  He undergoes plastic surgery and ends up posing as and basically becoming a Las Vegas rabbi.  Now if you were hiding from the mob, and  authorities, Las Vegas does not seem like it would be the best choice.  He may have better luck posing as a rabbi in Spokane or Portland.  However our author, who obviously, did his homework as far both plot and character development, knew that Vegas was needed to provide the best and most interesting storyline.  After reading books and studying Talmud, Sal Cupertine emerges as Rabbi David Cohen, so much so that he is referred to as David throughout the rest of the story. 
Of course, like with any book written by Lee or Tod Goldberg, you get their unique observational humor.

Summer Breeze - Seals & Croft #1 Hit(1972)

One of the cool things about summer is posting videos like this..

American Pharoh Makes History

American Pharoh became the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 this weekend, winning the Belmont Stakes.  Many other horses have won the Preakness and Kentucky Derby, but only 11 horses in history have won all three races.

Ringo Starr Inducted Into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

He is the man who put the "beat" into the Beatles.  He is the oldest Beatle, the last to join the group, the only Beatle to use a stage name (his real name is Richard Starkey) and the last to be inducted as an individual artist into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. 
Ringo Starr has often been the most criticized of The Beatles, many critics think of him as the least talented. but Paul McCartney disputed any such thing in his induction speech.  According to Paul, the three other Beatles never had to look behind to see what the drummer was going to do. 
Watching the HBO special on the Rock Hall, Ringo at 74, still looks trim and young and packs that intangible that made the Beatles what they were.  After Ringo's acceptance speech, he joined other musicians including McCartney in jamming to a number of songs he did, including Beatle songs, "I Wanna Be Your Man", "Boys", and "With A Little Help From My Friends".
This year's Hall Of Fame class also includes Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lou Reed, Bill Withers, Green Day, and Joan Jett.

Mark Trumbo Joins The M's

In what could be turning out to be the most disappointing season in Mariner history, the team has traded for power hitter Mark Trumbo.  Trumbo had been with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  The teams is hoping that Trumbo can bring more runners home.  Trumbo is also a former Angel. 

1968 Don Drysdale Los Angeles Dodgers Vitalis Commerical

Back in 1968, Don Drysdale set a record for shut out innings, in part thanks to a controversial call after he beaned a San Francisco Giant.  The Giants skipper Herman Franks was furious and was thrown out of the game.  The incident was lampooned in this Vitalis commercial featuring Drysdale and Franks.

Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler Divine Intervention Live @ Key Aren...

I was able to find this cut from last Monday's Bette Midler concert.

Bette Midler Dazzles Seattle

We spent a very entertaining evening with Bette Midler, now a three time Grammy winner.  At the Key Arena, Midler sang a generation's worth of music,  told jokes blue enough to make a sailor blush and shared her unique views on pop culture and the rise of social media. The two hour show, included several costume changes.  She was backed up by a quartet of  girl back up singers and a full orchestra.