Barers Of Maple Valley Wishes You A Merry Christmas!

Shep's Pool Hall

Joe Drazan's Bygone Walla Walla blog continually posts memories of my hometown.  Shep's Pool Hall was long gone by the time I was 21. But lives on in people's memory.  The rare "Bubble Up" sign is what caught my eye in this picture.

Republican Debate SNL Style

Watched this morning and found this hilarious. May not be so funny in November.

White Stuff On Ground In Maple Valley

We returned from work last night to find a dusting of snow on the ground at our Maple Valley home.  It was the first snow we had seen in a long time. Most of it had melted by the morning.  If your dreaming of a white Christmas, the weatherman say no.

Turtle Autograph

Turtles lead singer Howard Kaylan, whose classic 1960s hit "Happy Together" became a pop classic, is a Seattle resident and a customer at our Bellevue UPS Store.  He was kind enough to autograph a copy of his 2013 book, Shell Shocked.  Kaylan also played in Frank Zappa's band, "The Mothers". He was on stage in Switzerland when the venue caught fire.  That was the inspiration for the band Deep Purple to write the rock classic "Smoke On The Water".

Wilson Leads Seahawks Back To Playoffs

The Seahawks will be back in the Playoffs as they beat the Cleveland Browns 30-13 victory.  Russell Wilson threw for 3 touchdowns to lead the 'Hawks to their 5th straight victory.   Russell Wilson became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 3 touchdowns with no interceptions for 5 consecutive games. 
Quite a turnaround for the Seahawks, who had a less than spectacular start to this NFL season.

Wilbur Leaving Democratic National Committee

Lona Wilbur has announced that she will not run for a third term as one of Washington's representatives to the DNC.  Wilbur, known for her warm smile and heartfelt speeches, was one of 4 members of the Washington delegation.  The representatives are chosen by the Washington State Democratic Central Committee, of which I am a member.  Wilbur is a member of the Swinomish Tribe and is completing her 8th year on the committee.  Among the duties of the DNC is picking the DNC chair, who is pretty much the face of the Democratic Party.

Adele at the BBC: When Adele wasn't Adele... but was Jenny!

This was posted on Ken Levine's blog.  Who better to win an Adele look a like contest? 

Carpenters Merry Christmas Darling

The Carpenters sang this beautiful Christmas song.

The Beatles - It's Only Love

In honor of the 50 anniversary of the release of Rubber Soul, the Beatles singing "It's Only Love"

Twelve Days of Christmas performed by Bob and Doug McKenzie

A more recent send up of 12 Days Of Christmas with Bob And Doug McKenzies.

Allan Sherman - 12 Days of Christmas

In the 1960s and 1970s, the late Allan Sherman would do parodies on songs, much like Weird Al would in later times.  This song, somewhat dated, would get play on KTEL, the rock station when I was a kid around the holiday season.

Beatle Album Rubber Soul Turns 50

It's the second Beatle album that I've owned. Rubber Soul was a gift from my baby sitter, who knew my love of the group. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the album.
 What the album marks in music history, though, is indeed significant.  It really was the first Beatles album with a seemingly cohesive theme.  However, in this article in the Wall Street Journal, Marc Myers writes that the theme of the US version of the album was "engineered" by Dave Dexter.  The irony is that Dexter has been vilified by both the Beatles and rock music fans for editing the groups musical efforts, mostly favoring commerce over art.
The album marked a turn by the group from a teen age dance style music to a more adult acoustical sound and is credited to influencing artists such as Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder.

Back In The Neighborhood

The Belmont Woods Storm Water Storage Pond was at the highest level that I had seen yesterday.  The ditch was empty most of this year.  It fills during rain storms to prevent flooding.

Issaquah Flood

Commutes were delayed this morning by overflowing rivers and creeks after two daysof  steady rain and a nasty windstorm. This picture was taken at Newport Way and Front Street in Issaquah.  Also, stretch of Highway 169 from Cedar Grove to Jones Rd was closed due to flooding.

Cougs Headed To Sun Bowl

The WSU Cougars will face the Miami Hurricanes in The Sun Bowl in El Peso, Texas on December 26th.  The Cougs are coming off a 7-4 season, which concluded with a disappointing loss to the Huskies.

Creed--The Rocky Saga Continues

I went into Creed with the lowest of expectations.  The Rocky Balboa character, once a hallmark in film achievement, had become totally cartoonish.  You just couldn't take  it seriously after watching the many sequels.
 This movie features the son of Apollo Creed, Rocky's arch rival and later friend who died fighting a robot like Russian in Rocky IV.  Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan was conceived in Apollo's extra marital affair.  Apollo's widow, looks up the angry boy, who seemingly can't help getting into fights, She wishes to raise the boy, who had lost his mother to an undisclosed death.
Adonis quits his job as a financier to attempt to become a professional boxer.
I think the reason this works is the movie deserts comedy which is where Rocky sequels turned and gotten back to drama.  Rocky is back in Philadelphia, seemingly near broke, his wife and best friends are gone.  In other words, the show goes back to it's roots.  As a result, you get that feel good feeling that the first Rocky, almost 40 years ago, was able to deliver and that sequels were not.

Have A Happy Hanukkah!

Chanukah Song Part 4

It's that time of the year,  Adam has released his 4th version of the Chanukah song in a 20 year span, so at that rate, he should have a song for each night by the time I'm 80.  Happy Chanukah and Seasons Greetings!

More Gun Violence

14 die and many others wounded in San Bernardino shooting.

Burl Barer KJR 1980's Reunion clips

Remember when radio sounded like this..?

"1974" "Boogie Bands and One Night Stands", Kathy Dalton

A rarely played but memorable song from the 1970s.

Seahawks Win Costly

The Seahawks 39-30 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers keeps their play off hopes alive, but the injury to tight end Jimmy Graham does not make it easier.  Graham (above) will need surgery on the patellar tendon on his right leg.  Graham, who was acquired from the Saints for Seahawk center Max Unger, injured the leg diving for a pass in the end zone. 
The game was played in front of a home crowd, was perhaps the most exciting of the season.  Russell Wilson, who was celebrating in 27th birthday, throw for 345 yards and a career high 5 touchdown passes.  Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 456 yards, the worst air attack the Seahawks had ever suffered. 

Christmas Trees In Maple Valley

The first thing you see entering Maple Valley from the North is Foley's Produce.  The name may not be familiar, but the site would be.  We dropped by today to purchase a Christmas Tree/Hanukkah Bush.  They also have apple cider and honey.  During the summer and fall, they sell fruit and vegetables.  They currently have a full lot of trees.  They are located at 21419 SE Renton-Maple Valley Highway Maple Valley, WA 98038.

Cougs Best Regular Season In Years, Ends In Downer

Cougar Coach Mike Leach doesn't show high regard for reporters, opponents, or his staff and for that matter, himself in this diatribe after our 45-10 defeat in the Apple Cup.  Hostility developed between Leach and reporters for his not speaking to questions about the health of the starting quarterback Luke Falk.
 Falk was carted off the field in the Cougars victory over Colorado, it was not known until game time that back up quarterback Peyton Bender would play.

Go Cougs!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sly And The Family Stone Co-Founder Cynthia Robinson Dies

Cynthia Robinson, trumpeter and co-founder of the brassy funk band Sly And The Family Stone has died.  She is known best for her ad libs in various songs of the Stone, like telling everybody to "get up and dance with the music"  in the song of the same name.  She also added the "Hey Hey Hey" in "I Wanna Take You Higher".  The Family Stone took rock music to a new level and most likely inspired Tower Of Power, Chicago, and Steely Dan. 
Robinson also played with Graham Central Station (which featured her cousin Larry Graham), George Clinton and Prince. 
A native of California, Robinson was 69.

WSU Ranked--Update On Luke Falk

WSU is ranked by 20th in the nation by most polls according to USA Today.   It is the highest ranking for the Cougs in 10 years.  The Cougars handily defeated Colorado last Saturday. 
The Seattle Times reports that WSU star quarterback Luke Falk had suffered a concussion in the game that may not be career ending or season ending. That is according to WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos.  The Cougar camp had been pretty closed mouth after the game and all of Sunday.
 Has status for the Apple Cup this week is uncertain.

J-Rod Comments Spark Outrage

In the early days of 5th LD Rep Jay Rodne's service, he was never much of a target.  Democrats would always focus efforts toward defeating then Rep Glenn Anderson and Senator Cheryl Pflug.  Rodne was considered a moderate Republican, who would straddle the middle on most issues.
That has changed and in a big way.  A few years ago, Rodne spoke out against marriage equality.  He has taken to walking up to the Democratic booth at festivals and debating issues, in it's self, not a bad thing to do. 
His latest foray has been statements criticizing the President and Governor Inslee on their stance on Syrian immigration.  After the Paris attacks, Rodne called Muslims barbarians and posted on facebook that Obama want to bring a million and a half Muslims into the country.  The Seattle Times called the statements false, using it's truth needle. 
The issue of bringing in Syrian refugees is indeed a sensitive issue, but before choosing sides, Rodne should get his facts straight and after that, articulate an opinion. 
Jay's district encompasses  North Bend, Issaquah, Carnation, and Maple Valley.

Damage From Tuesday's Storm

In the aftermath of last Tuesday's storm.  One of our Belmont Woods neighbors suffered damage to their fence. So far, I have not heard of a name for this one, but I'm happy that no damage was detected to our property.

By Ken Levine Calls 10 Years Party A Success

Ken Levine celebrated 10 years of blogging by inviting all of his readers to an actually party in LA.  To invite people you really haven't met is quite a leap of faith, but according to his post, it was a success.   The blog, which publishes daily, was recognized one year in Time Magazine as one of the best in the country.  You can read the post and see pictures here.

Turn On The Lights! Lights?

A huge storm hit the region yesterday, bringing heavy rain and wind.  We returned home last night happy to see our power was on, then in the middle of dinner, the power suddenly went out.  Luckily it was only for a half hour or so.

Ken Levine Celebrates 10 Years

I read Ken Levine's blog because it is funny and updated every day.  Ken is hosting a party in LA tonight for all of his blog readers to celebrate 10 years of blogging.  Who knows if 3 or 300 will show up.  If I lived in LA or had enough notice, I would attend. However, I here in windy, rainy, Seattle, so I'll have to read the post on his blog or look on youtube.

Art Fletcher--An African American Republican

Most people know that I'm a die hard Democrat, but I remember a Republican that is worth noting.   1968, Art Fletcher ran for Washington Lt Governor against the Democratic incumbent John  Cherberg,  narrowly losing.  He was the first African American to run for statewide office, and to this day, the closest to winning. At one time, a Pasco City Councilman, he would be eventually tapped to be assistant Secretary of Labor by the Nixon Administration.  He later was assistant ambassador to the UN. .
Fletcher would go on to serve in subsequent Republican presidential administrations.  He was a political ally of three term Washington governor Dan Evans.  He is noted as the "Father of Affirmative Action" and is credited for coining the slogan of the United Negro College Fund, "a mind is a terrible thing to waste".  Fletcher died in 2005. 

SNL Paris Opening - SNL

I turned my DVR to SNL this morning to see what satire they would perform on the opening.  Instead, they did this beautiful tribute to Paris, which suffered it's own 9/11 last Friday.

Last Minute Coug Drive Trips Bruins

After losing the lead late in the 4th quarter, WSU quarterback Luke Falk engineered a 75 yard drive ending in a completion to Gabe Marks in the end zone for a 31-27 victory on UCLA.  It was the Cougars first victory over a ranked team since 2013. The Cougs are now 7-3 and a bowl bid is almost a certainty.

Je Suis Paris!

KJR's Slickhawk

For the last few years, on the Mitch Levy program on 950 KJR, there has been a voice known as "Slickhawk".  He is Matt Mikolas and is technical director for the show.  From his outfit and effects, it looks like a well deserved nickname.  This picture curtesy of the NASORB blog.

Veteran's Day!

Mariner Trade Brings Boog

Last week, the Mariners traded Danny Farquar, Brad Miller, and Logan Morrison to the Tampa Bay Rays for 3 of their players,including one with a name familiar to boomers.  Boog Powell was an outfielder in the Ray's organization, who may be playing in the bigs for the M's in 2016.
In the 1960s and 70, there was a clean up batter for the Baltimore Orioles named John Powell, better known as Boog Powell.  This Boog Powell is no relation to that Boog Powell, but received his nickname in honor of the former Oriole.  Our Boog's real name is Herschel Mack Powell IV.

Where Is The Joke? Trump On SNL

Was it a put down or praise? Donald Trump appearence on SNL mostly a miss.

Cougs Notch 6th Win Now Bowl Eligible

It won't guarantee an appearance in a bowl game, but the Washington State Cougars became bowl eligible by beating the Arizona State Sun Devils 38-24.  Quarterback Luke Falk threw for 497 yards and 5 touchdown passes to assure the win. 

Red Dog Closed

The first sign of entering Maple Valley coming from Seattle, Bellevue and all points north is the Red Dog Saloon.  The bar, which usually had dozens of motorcyles parked in front has been closed for weeks.  The reader board in front says that a reopening is planned but does not disclose when that will take place.

Hollywood Car Customizer George Barris

George Barris, known as the "king of car kustomizers" has died.  Barris is credited to designing some of the cars that were seen TV during the 1960s and beyond.  He developed the car for The Munsters. which was supposed to be a trick out hearse.
He is most famously credited for the design of the Batmobile, which was designed from a 1955 Lincoln Futura.  The car ran on two atomic batteries and was slowed by parachutes.  Barris was born in Chicago and raised in California. He was 89.

Scmoozing On Election Night

In this picture in the Issaquah Press, I (second from left) can be seen celebrating at the victory party for city council candidates in that town.  The party was held at the Issaquah Brewhouse and included candidates Bill Ramos, Paul Winterstein, and Jennifer Sutton.  Also in attendance were Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler, former Issaquah Mayor Ava Frissinger, Councilman Tola Marts, and 2014 legislative candidate Essie Hicks.

How Will They Deal With Russia and China? - Obama Mocks GOP Candidates -...

Got to admit, this is a good one!

Ducks On The Pond

2015 has been a dry year.  It has been a while since the storm water run off pond in the Belmont Woods sub division in Maple Valley has been full, but Sunday's rain filled it and allowed three duck couples to take a leisurely swim.

Royals Crowned Baseball Champs

The Kansas City Royal overcame a 2-0 deficit  to force game 5 of the 2015 World Series into extra innings and an eventual 7-2 victory. That gives KC it's first championship since 1985.  2015 Hutch award winner Alex Gordon was on the winning team.

The Mamas & The Papas - Monday Monday

Burl With Sean Young

Burl Barer poses with Sean Young, I believe that Burl met Sean, when she was a guest on Outlaw Radio, the internet radio program that Burl does weekly in the LA area.

Have A Fun And Safe Halloween!

TRAGEDY- Grey's Anatomy - Music video

Maple Valley's Brandi Carlile does this....

Happy Birthday, Dasher!

Dasher looks at his presents with his Mom and Great Grandma (top picture).  He turns 4 today.

Groovie Goolies Monster Mash Music Video

Get ready for Halloween!

Mets Foil Cubs Again

Not long after when I first got interested in baseball, I read a magazine article about a star player for Detroit named Al Kaline.  Kaline was a veteran outfielder who was playing his last season in 1968.  He has never played in the World Series and this was his last chance.  As it turned out, the Tigers went to the series that year and became world champions.  During the season, on the NBC game of the week, after the Tigers had clinched the American League, Curt Gowdy mentioned that Kaline had gotten a letter or telegram from Chicago Cubs star Ernie Banks congratulating him for being able to play in the upcoming series and hoping that he (Banks) would get the chance.
The next season (1969) it looked like Banks and his team would get the chance.  Stocked with all time greats like Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Banks, it looked like it would be the Cubs year.  How could you not love the Cubs?  They played in Wrigley Field, a beautiful traditional baseball field in  the middle of a neighborhood.  At that time, it had no lights and the all the games were played in the daytime.  Everyone loved Ernie Banks, considered one of baseball's ambassadors.
However, post game play was not to be.  The New York Mets, who were only 7 years old, most of them as a baseball laughing stalk. Suddenly they starting winning and winning.  The Cubs were sputtering, soon the Mets had overtaken the Cubs.  The Mets would go on to win it all and go down in history as the "Miracle Mets".
This year, The Cubs won a post game series for the first time since 1908,    It looked like this was the year for them to go to the World Series and perhaps win it. Except once again, someone stopped them in the National League Championship Series.  After 46 years, the Cubs dream was once again crushed by the New York Mets.

Three Dog Night Lead Singer Dies

His name may not be familiar, but the voice and the name of the group is.  Cory Wells was one of three members who sang lead for Three Dog Night, a band who recorded a multitude of memorable hits in the late 60s and 70s.  The band's songs still enjoy frequent airplay.  The members of band functioned as a unit that not many people who heard the music seemed to know the names of the members.  At least I didn't.  Wells was a native of Buffalo.  He sang lead on the novelty song "Mama Told Me Not To Come" about a man who went to an out of control party in spite of  his mother's warning.

Mariners Pick Servais To Be Manager

The Seattle Mariners have chosen Los Angeles Angels Assistant General Manager Scott Servais to be the team's manager.  Servais worked with GM Jerry Dipoto when they were both in the Angel organization.

5th LD Democrats Endorse Senator Mark Mullet, Along With Ritchie

A full house, which included some long missed faces, attended the 5th District Democratic Meeting in Issaquah and unanimously endorsed incumbent Senator Mark Mullet and hard charging Issaquah businessman Jason Ritchie for the Washington State House Of Representatives.  Mullet broke a 10 year hold of Republican representation from the 5th when he was elected Senator in 2012.  Ritchie challenged Dave Reichert in 2014 to Represent the 8th CD and had planned to run again for the seat, when the opportunity of an open seat in the state house presented itself.  Republican Chad Magendanz, who now holds the seat the Ritchie is seeking, is planning to challenge Mullet for his senate seat.  Both Mullet and Ritchie spoke at the meeting.

Trudeau Son Becomes Canadian PM

In  the late 1960s, Pierre Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada, he was young, handsome, and Liberal, a far cry from earlier Prime Ministers.  He seemed to emblematic of the era, a throwback to our John F. Kennedy.  Pierre Trudeau led Canada from 1969-1978 and again from 1980 to 1984. 
This week the Liberal party is in power again after 10 years of  Conservative rule.  Justin Trudeau, son of Pierre is now in power and promises to bring progressive policies forward.  Trudeau has a Northwest connection, he received his degree in education at University Of British Columbia.  He also taught Math and French in Vancouver.   The outgoing Prime Minister was Stephen Harper, a Conservative.

King 5 Reports No Evidence Of Race In Fred Jackson Car Crash

A report on the KING 5 web site contradicts a report on the TMZ Sports site by saying there was no evidence of a drag race in an accident where Seahawk running back Fred Jackson  ran his black Corvette into a stop sign on the road from the Virginia Mason Athletic Complex (VMAC) where the team practices.  TMZ Sports had initially reported that the accident occurred after a drag race between Jackson and fellow running back Marshawn Lynch.  More details are sure to emerge.

Goldberg Meets Las Vegas Rabbi Cohen

Cousin Tod Goldberg, whose breakthrough novel, Gangsterland, featured a hit man who goes under cover as a Las Vegas rabbi named David Cohen, poses with a real Vegas rabbi, named Cohen.  The real Rabbi revealed his astonishment of the coincidence in a you tube video.

Democratic Debate Cold Open | SNL

Comedy writer Larry David got plenty of internet attention with his spot on imitation of Bernie Sanders in the SNL opening.

The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin

As Top 40 radio began to wear thin,  many turned to Album Oriented Rock on the FM band, where long album cuts highlighting instrumental music as well as often more sophisted vocals could be heard. This is one of the most memorable songs...

Cougs Make Statement--Trap The Beavs

Quarterback Luke Falk tied a school record with 6 touchdown passes, all in the first half, as the Washington State Cougars defeated their Oregon counterparts, the OSU Beavers 52-31.
 Cougar fans know that their is no safe lead and indeed the high powered offense was held scoreless in the second half, however, a 4th quarter interception by Shalom Luani run for a touchdown, put this victory away for the Cougs.  The victory was especially sweet because it was Homecoming and had come one week after an overtime victory over the Oregon Ducks in Eugene.  This victory should make way for the Cougars to be nationally ranked.