Tim Burgess Is Seattle's Mayor

Tim Burgess, who did not run for reelection for Seattle City Council is now Mayor of Seattle.  Burgess will give up his seat on the council to serve.  Burgess will serve until a new mayor is picked in the fall elections. 

Walla Walla Adam West Celebration This Week

Walla Walla's celebration of hometown hero Adam West will be tomorrow (Tuesday, September 19th).  A whole days events are planned and can be seen by clicking here.  West, who died from Leukemia earlier this year, grew up in Walla Walla, and is revered in the town where he was known by his real name, Bill Anderson.  West became a pop culture icon by playing Batman in the mid 60s TV series.

Grown In Our Yard

Grapes harvested yesterday are delicious.

Dino Rossi May Run For Congress

Speculations seem to indicate that GOP Washington State Senator Dino Rossi may be gearing up for a run for congress.   Rossi would run in Washington's 8th district, the only Congressional District in the state that has been in Republican hands since it's inception. If elected, he would succeed retiring 5th district congressman Dave Reichert.
  Rossi is a veteran politician who served 2 terms in Washington's 5th legislative district until his nearly successful race for governor.  In 2004, Rossi was defeated by Attorney General Christine Gregoire in the closest Governor's race in US history.  Rossi would later make another unsuccessful attempt for governor against Gregoire.
Rossi would later run for US Senate against incumbent Patty Murray. 
Rossi was appointed to return to the state senate, succeeding Cheryl Pflug who resigned to take an appointment from Christine Gregoire.  Rossi left the position after Democrat Mark Mullet was elected to the Senate.
After the death of Senator Andy Hill in the 45th district, Rossi was appointed to again serve in the state senate on an interim basis.  Rossi is in Real Estate and has had other business interests in the Seattle area.

Old Walla Walla Radio Rememembered 19--KTEL Newsman Terry McConn

Terry McConn was the newsman, morning show personality when I was at KTEL.  At the time, it was exclusively Country music with news and sports. The station owner had grown old and for the most part, ran the station over the phone.  The motivation had to come from within. 
McConn was a hard worker.  He was amazingly focused and always delivered. 
I worked at KTEL twice and both times, McConn was there.  I remember his work on the story of  a local elderly woman's murder by a local teen.
It was a pleasure working with Terry. We were always on friendly terms. 
After working at KTEL, McConn would begin a 30 year career with the local Walla Walla paper, the UB.   After I moved to the Seattle area, I saw him on the news, being interview after he witnessed an execution at the State Penn.  It was at the local paper that Terry probably got the recognition he deserved. 
Terry was recently featured in an article by UB columnist Annie Charnley Eveland.  After 30 years on the city beat, he is retiring.  We wish him well!

Ed Murray Resigns

Ed Murray, Seattle's first openly gay mayor has resigned after a 5th person acuser came forward.  City Councilman Bruce Harrell will be acting mayor for the remainder of what would have been Murray's term.

Posing On The Red Carpet

Much like Planet Hollywood, which opened for a brief time in Downtown Seattle, The Sugar Factory in Bellevue's Bravern, promotes the idea of meeting celebrities.  The man above is not a celebrity, but the red carpet and backdrop were still up from Mariah Carey's visit a couple nights before we dined.  Deb took this fun picture.

We Remember 9-11-01

Angie Mentink Gets Cancer Diagnosis

Angie Mentink,  a reporter and anchor for Root Sports, announced on twitter last week that she has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Mentink, who has been with the network previously known as Prime Sports Network and Fox Sports Northwest, was overwhelmed by the response from friends and viewers, offering prayers, warm wishes, and personal stories. 
Mentink is currently the anchor for Seattle Mariner broadcasts.  She played professional baseball with the Colorado Silver Bullets.

Cougs Win In Incredible Fashion

Back up quarterback Tyler Hilinski threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to Jamal Morrow to lead the Washington State Cougars to a 47-44 triple overtime win over the Boise State Broncos.  The Cougars overcame a 31-10 4th quarter deficit to force the game into overtime. Starting Cougar QB Luke Falk had left the game with an injury  Pictured above: Morrow's game winning touchdown.

At Sports Radio KJR It's Business As Usual---Minus One

Will anyone address the "elephant in the room"?  The morning crew of Sports Radio KJR is on at the usual time, except for host Mitch Levy, who has hosted the morning  show for about 20 years.  Of course, Levy was arrested in a Bellevue prostitution sting late last month. 
The crew has covered an array of topics including the recent Michael Bennett controversy. 
Apparently, it is an uneasy "wait and see" time at the station. 

Dining At The Sugar Factory In Bellevue

 

 

 

 

The Sugar Factory at The Bravern at Bellevue is so new, that at the time of this writing, the location doesn't appear on the website.  The grand opening was Wednesday and Mariah Carey was the featured guest. (pictured above)
Deb and I checked it out last night (Friday, September 8th).  Although you hear horror stories about new restaurants, the prices were reasonable and the service was exceptional.  Our food server, Mandee was enthusiastic and very attentive.  The goblet drinks  (we had The Drake, bottom picture) are very exotic and what is really neat, they can be served with or without alcohol. 
A combination restaurant and candy store, The Sugar Factory in Las Vegas is a popular place to watch for celebrities.  It's web site lists about 23 locations located mostly in major cities in the US and abroad. 
The Sugar Factory in Bellevue is located at 11111 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA 98004.  Reservations can be made by calling 424-454-0313.

More Mount Si Along With Snoqualmie River

Another picture from Sunday's barbecue at Marjie and Rick's house.  This picture catches Mt Si at Sunset along with the Snoqualmie River.

Wear Your Blue Today, Seahawks Fans!

Seahawks play the Packers this Sunday! Go Hawks!

Moon Over Mt Si

We visited Marjie and Rick for a barbecue at their house in Snoqualmie Sunday.  I snapped this picture of the Moon peering out from behind Mt.Si.   Of course, Mt Si was the inspiration behind the show from the 90s, Twin Peaks.

Dave Reichert Will Retire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News has been received that Dave Reichert not seek another term representing Washington's 8th Congressional District.  Reichert has held the seat since 2005.

Orange Moon

Nearby wildfires gave the Moon an orange appearance last night.  This morning, air quality is still poor.

Steely Dan Guitarist-Co-Founder Walter Becker Dies

Even though the decade of the 1970s has the historical connotation of being the "Disco" decade, it really was the crossroads of popular music.  James Taylor and The Eagles introduced a soft folk type rock.  Bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin brought hard rock into vogue.  Bands like Steely Dan introduced an instrument rich pleasant to listen to pop sound that would stand the test of time.  Guitarist Walter Becker, who with lead singer Donald Fagen, found Steely Dan, died this weekend of undisclosed causes. 
Steely Dan played the Jazz Rock hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" one of my favorite songs of all time.  They brought in sounds and songs never heard before in Pop music and were a staple on progressive and underground FM radio stations. 
I saw them twice in concert. 

It's Labor Day

Tracy Taylor Joins Ron And Don Team As KIRO FM's Evening Traffic Reporter

After a busy spring and summer of fill ins and special projects on both KIRO 7 TV and KIRO FM 97.3, Tracy Taylor has finally found a home as afternoon and evening traffic reporter on KIRO FM.  Tracy will report the drive home on the popular Ron And Don Show.  She replaces Candy Harper who will produce the afternoon show.
With a love of traffic, a distinct delivery, and a great sense of humor, Taylor began reporting traffic on KJR Sports Radio 95, leaving to join the KING 5 TV morning news team.  After almost 7 years on KING, Taylor found herself jobless, sparking angry viewer outrage toward the station. 
The post on this blog announcing her departure set records at over 30 thousand hits.

Veteran Sports Radio Talkshow Host Arrested

A 20 year plus career in broadcasting and perhaps much more are in peril after news of Sports Radio KJR morning host Mitch Levy's arrest in a Bellevue prostitution sting.  Levy's often controversial show had run since the late 90s.  His show had often been rough around the edges in the early going, however, in the later years, the show concentrated more on the topic of sports. 
Levy has been known as a good interviewer and someone who would speak his mind.
Although the show may sometimes be off color, especially in it's early years, Mitch would often speak of his children and their Little League exploits.  A native of the East Coast, Levy would take annually take time off for the Jewish High Holidays and sprinkle his show with Yiddish terms.  It seemed like he had a happy home life. 
A departure of Mitch Levy could be a shift for the station and could rock the local radio scene.  It will be interesting to see how this will play out.

Cool Wood Carving

I thought this was cool.  It is by the bridge at the Wood Creek condos in Bellevue.

27 Years Ago--Ken Griffey And Ken Griffey, Jr In Same Line Up

It's hard to believe that it has been 27 years but on August 31st, 1990, the Seattle Mariners became the first team in baseball history to have a father and son on the same team at the same time.  Veteran Ken Griffey, Sr. joined the Seattle Mariners after being cut by the Cincinnati Reds.  Of course, Ken Griffey, Jr was already a second year star for the club.   The two only played together for a month, but they would later hit back to back homeruns for the team.  Ken Griffey, Sr would retire the next year, however big things were ahead for Junior who is now enshrined in Baseball's Hall Of Fame.

Seattle Times: Sports Reporters To Be Read, Not Heard

My favorite sports blog, Seattle Sportsnet, reports that starting September 5th of this year, the Seattle Times will not allow it's sports staff to appear in other local media.  Sportsradio KJR 950 has routinely sought analysis from reporters from both Seattle Times and the Tacoma News Tribune.  I first heard of John Clayton from from former KJR host Mike Gastineau's afternoon show, Clayton at the time, was a reporter for the Tacoma paper. Clayton would eventually shoot to fame as an ESPN football analyst.
Presently, Seattle Times reporters Ryan Divish (baseball) and Bob Condotta  (football) are prominently featured on KJR. 
According to Sportsnet, this was an order from the Times publisher, perhaps in response to attacks from KJR talk show hosts attacking the paper's stance on the building of the proposed Sodo arena.  The Times editorially has been a critic of the Sodo Project and an advocate for a remodel of the Key Arena at the Seattle Center.

See Tanya Tucker sing touching tribute to Glen Campbell live on TODAY

Old Barn

Sometimes when building something new, you discover something old. This old barn or garage became visible after new streets were built not far from our house.

More Evergreen State Fair

We had just entered the fair through the White Gate when we came upon the Clydesdale horses that had just finished a performance.  This coach caught my attention  because it reminded me of the Budweiser commercial. 

  

 

 

Whole Food Prices Expected To Drop

Locally based retail giant Amazon should get the green light to take over Whole Foods today. 
The organic foods chain has been nicknamed "whole paycheck" for it's high prices, but Amazon recently announced that it would cut prices on many items.  No telling on how this will shake out. 

Adam West Day Has Facebook Page

Adam West Day in Walla Walla will take place on September 19th of this year.  The day, an idea of Walla Walla residents Jonathan Grant and Adam Lore now has a page on facebook. Clink here  The day was set up to honor West in his home town. 
West, whose real name is Bill Anderson, grew up with his family on a wheat farm near Walla Walla.
He gained international acclaim as TV's Batman.

Evergreen State Fair

We're watching the figure 8 car races

Dasher Shops The Market

The Maple Valley Farmer's Market began allowing pets last summer, according to market volunteers, and continued doing so this year. 
The Market takes place on Saturday mornings during the summer months at Rock Creek Elementary at 25700 Maple Valley Black Diamond Road.
Before the summer of 2016, shoppers were asked to leave pets at home.
I believe this is Dasher's first time there.  

Our Thoughts And Prayers Turn Toward The People On The Gulf Coast

Gene Conley--2 Sport Athlete With Northwest Ties

Gene Conley, a professional NBA player and pitcher with Washington ties, died last month.  Conley,  was part of a 4 man pitching rotation for the Milwaukee Braves that included the legendary Warren Spahn, won the 1957 World Series, with sluggers like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews. He was the tallest man to ever pitch in the majors at the time.  He was also part of the Boston Celtics team that won three consecutive world NBA championships beginning in 1959.  Although a little more than a handful of players have two major league sports, Conley is one of  only two to win a championship in both.  The other player is Otto Graham.
According to Walla Walla Union Bulletin sportswriter Jim Buchan, Conley grew up in Richland Washington after his family relocated from Oklahoma.  He pitched and played basketball for the Washington State Cougars.  He pitched for the semi pro Walla Walla Bears in 1950.  His son lives in Walla Walla. 

Legendary Rocker Goldy McJohn

Goldy McJohn, credited with founding 1960s rock group Steppenwolf and a long time Seattle area resident, has died. His passing was on August First.  McJohn played keyboards for what now would be referred to as a classic rock band.  The group's hits include "Born To Be Wild" and Magic Carpet Ride".
We were at a West Seattle nightclub in the Alaska Junction about 10 years ago when we watched him play as a warm up act to a Heart tribute band.  My friend told me his about his history and that he worked at the West Seattle Golf Course.
He had been a mentor in the cause "Stand Up For Music."

Jerry Lewis Dies At 91

More on the comedy legend.

Solar Eclipse

I found it very impressive.  I thought that the sky would be darker.

Solar Eclipse Today

Protect your eyes!

Grand Finale For Jerry Lewis!

Sources have reported the death of veteran comedian Jerry Lewis.  He was 91.

One Year Since The Flood

It was one year last Friday since coming home from work and discovering that our house had flooded.  At this time last year, we had began a two and a half week stay at the Silver Cloud in the Eastgate area of Bellevue.  It was a very pleasant stay considering the circumstances.  I used the gym and we would occasionally catch a cocktail in the lounge.  I wish I could say the same about the Kent Howard Johnson's.  That place was miserable.
  We also spent a couple of weeks at Deb's parent's new house while they had left town.  One night with Deb's sister and brother-in-law.
We could not be happier with the results of the remodel. 

Thank you to Farmer's Insurance Group for all the help to find a place to stay and supporting our fixing the house.

Maple Valley Will Celebrate 20

Maple Valley will have a celebration this month of 20 years of incorporation.  On August 28th, a street will be dedicated to the city's first mayor Laure Iddings.   The celebration will continue at Lake Wilderness Lodge after a brief city council meeting.  A formal ceremony will begin at 6:30pm.  There will be awards and speeches.  There will also be kid friendly activities and the Lions club will hand out hot dogs.   Maple Valley incorporated only a few months before we moved here in 1998,
Maple Valley's neighbor, Covington, will celebrate it's 20 year as a city on August 25th.

Go Walla Walla Little League

Walla Walla's Little League team, now known as Washington, will start play in the Little League World Series in Williamsport tomorrow (Friday August 18th). 

Dasher Time

We have now been back from the Oregon Coast for a week, but I've been happy to keep the trip going through pictures.  Here is a selfie that I took of Dasher and I in Cannon Beach.  It's easy to get him on the bench. 

A Tribute To Glen Campbell

Ken Levine does a great job of paying tribute to Glen Campbell who passed away last week.  I agree that social media embraced Campbell in the way it did, being that he may have been on the North side of the so-called generation gap of the latess1960s and early 1970s.
Of course, much of that is probably due to the grace in which he faced Alzheimer's Disease.  You can read Levine's tribute by clicking here.

Walla Walla Little League Going To World Series

Congratulations to Walla Walla Valley Little League team.  After a 4-3 victory over LaGrande Oregon, the team will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

Edgar Gets His Number Retired

Mariner great Edgar Martinez and his wife, Holli greet the cheering crowd as the team retires his number 11 in a pre-game ceremony.

Seaside History III

A plaque on the beach wall (above) honors the Keltys who owned the apartments at 710 Prom, where we often stayed.
 The picture in the middle (which I have posted before) is me on the wall in probably 1967. My grandfather is at the doorway. The Kelty's lived in a similar looking house to the left.  Further left, you can see the Boxer house, which I mentioned in a previous post, it was green at the time.
At the bottom is the apartment house as it looks today.  The house where they lived is clearly visible on the left. 
I'm not sure what exactly was involved in renting for as short of time as we stayed. Our apartment was bottom left as you walk into the door. 

The Pig'N Pancake

Remodeled recently, the Pig, located on Broadway, is probably Seaside's most well known restaurant. It is primarily a breakfast place, as the name would suggest, but also serves lunches and dinners.
  According to it's website, it was established in 1961.  It now has 5 additional locations throughout the Oregon coast and Portland.