T-Mobile Park

Reports confirm the Safeco Field will now be T Mobile park as the Bellevue based Cell phone giant has inked a 25 year deal for naming rights.

Portland Has Eyes On MLB

The Portland Trail Blazers may have a major league companion in their own town.  A Portland Oregon group has apparently come up with a design and plan to build a baseball stadium in hopes of luring a team to Oregon's largest city.  

The group is known as the Portland Diamond  Project and the plan is to build 45 acre state of the art ballpark that would seat between 32 and 34 thousand people. Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson is reported to be an investor in the project.  

The proposed stadium to me seems to be quite a gamble since I have not heard of any MLB plans for expansion or relocation of any existing teams.  It would, of course, be nice for the Mariners to have a neighboring team, creating a natural rivalry and having a town that they can visit without taking a long plane ride.

Penny Marshall Dead

CNN reports Penny Marshall, who starred on LaVerne And Shirley and directed movies like "A League Of Their Own" has died.  She was 75.

Enchant At Safeco

Deb and I posed by a Christmas tree at Enchant Seattle. A Christmas festival at Safeco Field.

Phoenix Suns Owner Reportedly Threatens Move

Have the tables been turned?  In the news, recently, the owner of the Phoenix Suns has reportedly said that if  he doesn't get the arena deal that he desired, he will move the team TO Seattle, also tossed in as a potential landing spot was Las Vegas.  We in this area have seen every one of our major pro teams threaten to leave and the Super Sonics actually carried through.  Since then, we have been repeatedly teased with the potential of the NBA moving back.

While Key Arena is undergoing a major rebuild that will allow us to put an NHL team on the ice, it is clear that teams may use this area, now once again a hot spot due to growth from Amazon, to gain leverage on their cities to build arenas at tax payer expense.  

My guess is that Phoenix's arena issues will work themselves out, but  for maybe just instant, Seattle has been teased with the possibility of an NBA return. 

Maple Valley Christmas Lights

Although this video was taken last year, we went to visit the house last night!

US Senate Approves Renton Post Office To Change Names

A bill sponsored by local congressman Adam Smith to change the name of the U.S. Post Office Building on NE 4th  Street in Renton to the James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix Post Office Building has cleared the US Senate.

The bill now needs to be signed by President Trump.   Hendrix is buried in Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Renton.

Leonard And Mike

Taking a break from the holiday rush at The UPS Store,  I met up with my buddy, Leonard Barokas. 
Barokas has been the longtime producer of the Kent and Alan Show on Star 101.5.
Barokas and other air personalies were at Fred Meyer in Issaquah to promote the Salvation Army Toy Drive.

Posing With KOMO 4 TV Personality Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson was at Fred Meyer in Issaquah for the Salvation Army Toy Drive.  Johnson is graduate of WSU.

Sondra Locke Dead At 74

Sondra Locke, whose tart tongue played up against Clint Eastwood in 6 movies in which they had co-starred has died at 74.

Locke was nominated for an Oscar in the 1968 movie "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter". 

Locke, who was in a relationship with Eastwood at the time of their movies.  Their splitting turned into an ugly palimony suit.    Locke seemed uable to revive her career after her split with Eastwood.
Locke had been suffering from breast and bone cancer.

A New Addition

We have just had a gas fireplace installed on our house to replace the woodburning one.   Thank you to PMG of Bellevue.

Seahawk Miracle--One Win From Playoffs

I won't say "virtually assured" because anything can happen, but after losing Earl Thomas to injury and without Cam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, and Cliff Avril, the Seahawks need just one more victory to get into the playoffs.  

This is really a surprise for Seahawk fans as this was to be a rebuilding year.  Chancellor, and Avril were also lost to injury and Sherman and Bennett were cut. The plan was to rebuild the great defense that had gotten the team to two Super Bowls.  The Seahawks failed to make the playoffs last season.

This could give hope to the Mariners for 2019, who are also beginning a rebuilding process.

Happy Birthday, Susan Dey

This is out of the blue, since I don't normally post celebrity birthdays, but I read that Susan Dey, who played Laurie Partridge on the Partridge Family, has turned 66.  It reminded me that time does indeed fly.

Maple Valley Fire Engine

It's not the best picture, but we've lived in Maple Valley for 20 years now.  We have seen many changes, but happy to see the tradition of the decorated fire truck going through the neighborhoods at Christmas time is still with us.

Times Reports Inslee Considering A Run For White House

A front page story in the Seattle Times has revealed that Washington Governor Jay Inslee is seriously considering a run to be the 46th president of the United States.  The newspaper revealed that Inslee has set up a political action committee to explore his options in the race.

Inslee, a Democrat, has been at the forefront of Washington politics since he first went to Congress in 1992, a huge year for Democrats as Bill Clinton was elected.  Inslee would represent Washington's generally Conservative 4th Congressional District in Central Washingon.  Inslee was defeated in the next cycle after a Republican sweep, but reemerged in 1998 to be elected back to the House Of Representatives in the 1st Congressional District which encompasses suburban Seattle.  

Inslee ran for governor in 2012 upsetting Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna.  He was reelected  in 2016.  Inslee is known for his passion for the environment and is a frequent critic of President Trump.   

My First Stereo

My first year at WSU, at least my first semester, my roommate had a great stereo, stereos were essential in a college residence hall (dorm).  Everyone had their own musical preferences.  There were often "stereo wars" were students would try to made  their music louder than their neighbors.  

I was allowed to use Jeff's stereo, but second semester when he moved to an apartment, I did not have one.  My new roommate didn't have one, so I got my music from a clock radio.  I was not quite armed for a stereo war.  

In the summer, I made up my mind that I was going to get my own stereo.  Back then (1977), you needed to get your stereo in components.  You didn't have to, but that was the cool way to do it and that is how stereo stores would market.  

Being that my aspirations at the time were to work in radio and I in fact worked at the campus station, KUGR,  it was essential that I would need a radio, which in stereo lingo was a "receiver".  I wanted a record player (turntable) and of course, separate speakers. Each component needed to have a separate brand name.  The audio stores must have been making a mint over these.  

That summer, Walla Walla had a new stereo shop known as Stereocraft.  It was a chain based out of Ellensburg.  They had a special for people buying a stereo.  It was $399.00, about $1300 of today's dollars.  As I remember, I had a Sansui receiver, a Gerard turntable with a Pickering cartridge (record player needle), and to top it off, Pioneer speakers.
No longer would I have to depend of roommate's stereos. 

FULL VIDEO: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Seattle Center arena

Winter Sports are returning to Seattle as ground is breaking on what is currently known as the Seattle Center Arena.  An NHL franchise has been granted for 2021 and an NBA team that will make this town it's permanent home, should be in the not too distant future.

No Joy In Marinerville

Two of the Mariner's biggest stars are leaving the team, Robinson Cano, who has been up and down since  signing a huge contract to come over from the Yankees and Edwin Diaz, the team's lights out closer.  Both players are headed to the Mets. 

They may bump into another Mariner star, pitcher James Paxton, who was traded to the Yankees in this off season.

The  trades are part of an attempt to rebuild the team.  The team does not feel it can win with it's current crew, so it is trying to trade people of value or with big contract to get prospects who can blossom into stars.  

Seattle Granted NHL Team

About 10 years after the NBA left Seattle during a crippling recession, the NHL has announced it will be playing in a remodeled Seattle Center arena in the same location the Sonics vacated. 
With a now thriving economy, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Seattle's entry into the National Hockey League, with the first season to be played in 2021.

Quality Remains At The Seven Diner

The Testy Chef is now the Sev7n  Diner.  Maple Valley's most unique restaurant has changed it's name, but the menu has stayed the same as well as the local warmth and atmosphere.

Congresswoman Elect Kim Schrier

Washington's Freshman Congresswoman elect Kim Schrier had a party at Zeek's Pizza in Issaquah to thank volunteers.  Schrier is the first Democrat ever elected in Washington's 8th CD.

Happy Hannukah!

The Return Of Sherman

Richard Sherman returns to the Clink as a San Francisco 49er today.

George Bush Meets Women Fencing Team In 2008

My cousin Sada Jacobson on the left, with Becca Ward and Mariel Zagunis poses with the late 41st President George Bush after the US team won Silver, Bronze, and Gold in Women's Sabre Fencing at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.  During his visit, Bush lent Jacobson his handkerchief as she wept.

Former President George HW Bush Dead At 94

George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of  the United States and father of the 43rd President, George W. Bush has died.  He was 94.

Former Principal Dick Neher Dies

Dick Neher, longtime principal of Walla Walla High School passed away Wednesday at 87. He held the position from 1970 to 1999.   I  remember Mr. Neher (pronounced Near) very fondly, he had a commanding presence, tall and bald, but always friendly.  He was a tireless advocate for his students. He turned up frequently at class reunions where he was warmly welcomed.  He was the first and only Wa-Hi graduate to serve as it's principal.
  He was very active in his community and also, at one time, served in the Washington State legislature. 

Former students reacted with sadness mixed with fond memories on social media for the former educator.  

Elisa Hahn Leaves KING 5

Elisa Hahn has left KING 5 TV in Seattle after 22 years as a crime reporter.  Hahn reported that now that she's a mother, years of  tragedies local and across the country had begun to take their toll.   Hahn is reportedly taking a new job with Boeing. 
We wish her the best.

The Turtles - Eve Of Destruction

When Viet Nam protests were raging, as well as the war itself, The Turtles did this remake.

Former Walla Walla Community Leader Phelps Gose

Phelps Gose had an amazing life, he was a war veteran, a Spokane deputy prosecutor, a  criminal lawyer, a crusader for social justice, and a Walla Walla County Superior Court judge.
 Gose was a friend of our family and occasionally did important legal work for my father and his Walla Walla business.
He was an active Democrat in Walla Walla.  I remember him as quiet and bookish.  He was a member of a law firm that was so distinguished, that he and his senior partners all ran against each other when a superior court judgeship became vacant.  Although Gose was the temporary choice to fill the vacancy, he would go on to lose in the primary to partners Bill Tugman and Yancey Reser.  Reser ultimately would win the position.
My lasting memory of Mr. Gose goes back 40 some years.  At the time, WSU's football team would play it's big games at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.  Gose invited my dad and I along with his son and one of his friends to watch the game in Spokane.  We stopped for lunch at the Ridpath, one of Spokane's two signature hotels. The other being The Davenport.  Gose's family, I believe,  owned the Ridpath. I remember  the 5 of us getting VIP treatment because Phelps was with us.
Gose had retired to his wife's native Hawaii. He died on November 12th.

Puget Sound Media Plugs The Blog

Hats off to Pugetsound.media who linked to this blog in not one, but 2 different stories.  The first one was from a facebook post from Burl (above) using an app on his phone to turn himself into an art piece.
Then, they linked to my story on the Mitch Levy's first podcast.  Mitch's second podcast will roll out tomorrow, you can hear it at the Mitch unfiltered website.

Seahawks Beat Panthers

The Seattle Seahawks proved they can beat a tough opponent on the road with a 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers.  

The game was won with a last second field goal by Sebastian Janikowski, who has become an MVP for the team.  The Seahawks lost a few games by missed field goals by Blair Walsh last year.  

Cougars Foiled Again

Once again the Cougars met the Huskies with a chance to make the Pac 12 playoffs and once again they fell victim to a Huskie team  having what they considered disappointing season.  The score was 28-15, but the Cougs never seemed to be in the game.  At least, from my perspective.  A heavy snowfall which seemed to help the Cougs in the 1992 Apple Cup seemed to work in the Huskie's favor as it was inconducive to the Cougar's Air Raid offense.  

Husky running back Myles Gaskin continued  his Apple Cup mastery with 170 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.  Gaskin's career Apple Cup record is 550 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Cougar's Campaign For St Jude Hospital Successful.

A WSU student who underestimated the power of social media has now helped  raised over 100 dollars for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Danni Messina pledge a quarter donation for every "like" and 50 cents for each retweet to be donated in a tweet that she made last year.  She thought a thousand dollars would be enough.  When she found out she owed $200,000, she set up a go fund me page with a goal of 50 thousand dollars.  Today, that page has raised almost 102 thousand dollars.   No doubt that is money that is much needed.  In my mind, this makes this member of  our Cougar family a national hero!

Happy Thanksgiving

Maple Valley Gives Cougar Love

The Washington State Cougars are getting some emphatic support in their  quest to take the 2018 Apple Cup.  This sign is on the main highway in Maple Valley. Go Cougs!

Emotional Apology From Levy

Former SportsRadio 950 morning man Mitch Levy started his first podcast, Mitch Unfiltered in his usual wisecracking style.  Levy, who had commanded the mornings on the station for well over 20 years, has been off the air since an arrest in a Bellevue prostitution sting in August of 2017.  

About 15 minutes into the podcast, Levy's voice started to break as he spoke of what he felt led him into the situation.  He emotionally apologized to his family, his co-workers and his listeners.  

Levy said that strong support that he received on twitter helped lift his spirits and motivated him to return.   The next podcast, according to Levy will have ex-UW coach Rick Neuheisel as a guest.  You can hear Mitch Unfiltered by clicking here.

Paxton traded

The Mariners traded ace pitcher James Paxton to the Yankees for prospects.  A sure sign that the M's are rebuilding.

Apple Cup Week

Once again, we have an Apple Cup that matters.  You can always throw out the records in Apple Cup matches, but  the Dawgs may be the Coug's toughest test.  The game will be this Friday, November 23rd at 5:30.  The winner is claim the Pac 12 North title.

Introducing the CSS Aqua Park!

Camp Solomon Schechter, located, outside of Tumwater,  has just  announced the addition of a water park.

I attended the camp in both 1971 and 1972.   The camp is a summer learning and play center for Jewish youth from all over the Northwest.

Go Cougs!

Cougars go for tenth win against Arizona tonight!

Lost Restaurants Of Walla Walla--Review

If you grew up in Walla Walla in 50s, 60s, or 70s, you'll enjoy this, if I could use the overused cliché, walk down memory lane. City historian Catie McIntyre Walker not only reminds of the establishments of our childhood, but provides us with great historical context.
You'll learn things you didn't know about the town's history, and how it became what it is today.  You can find Lost Restaurants Of Walla Walla by clicking here.

Levy Podcast Announced

It's official.  Mitch Levy has announced that he will start a podcast known as Mitch unfiltered. 
It will debut this Monday, November 19th.  You catch it by clicking here .  Right now, you can listen to a practice session by clicking the link.

Mariners Investigated After Ex Employee Claims Racism

The Seattle Mariners will be investigated by Major League Baseball after a fired employee, Lorena Martin accused the GM, Jerry Dipoto , Manager, Scott Servais, and director of player development, Andy McKay of making anti-Hispanic comments.

As sad as this  is, and I don't want to assume innocence or guilt until more evidence comes forward,  it shows the organization does not appear to be going in the right direction.  The Mariners have the longest playoff draught of any major professional team in any sport. 

Queen - Live at LIVE AID 1985/07/13 [Best Version]

If you watched the movie, you can appreciate Rami Malek's performance as  Freddie Mercury in this video of the actual Live Aid concert.

Levy Podcast In The Works?

I recently posted about former KJR Sportsradio 950 morning host Mitch Levy beginning a podcast. The above tweet suggests that indeed something must be in the works.  Levy held the morning spot for years on the station and was known for no holds barred commentary.

Bohemian Rhapsody Rocks

Some Spoilers 
It may have been more of the production than the story line itself, but Bohemian Rhapsody, the biopic of the band, Queen was thoroughly enjoyable.  Critics have assailed the movie for inaccuracies  and desexualizing  front man Freddie Mercury, and indeed their complaints are legitimate.  However, I saw the movie as a tribute to the power and personality of a group that was innovated, talented, and bucked the norms. 

Although the premise is somewhat similar to The Doors, a movie released in the early 90s, a much more positive view of Freddy Mercury in this movie than the portrayal of Morrison.  

Mercury is presented as a egotistical and outrageous, but with a big heart and a desire to entertain.  With perhaps the greatest voice in rock history, and a talented group to match, his band was a leader in rock innovation.  The title song of the movie was so out of the norm for the time, an operatic theme aimed at teens,  a song whose lyrics were clear, but not easy to discern.  

Rami Malek delivers an Oscar worthy performance of  Mercury.  The movie accentuates his ethnic roots as the son of Indian parents.  He was born, Farrokh Bulsara, in Zanzibar. 

The final scene in the movie of Queen playing in Wembley is epic and captures the excitement and charisma of the band.  

The audience in the theatre applauded.  Something I hadn't heard at a movie theatre in years.

So Long, Darrel Huntley

I was saddened to read this weekend of the passing of Darrel Huntley.  Darrel was a friend of mine throughout my Walla Walla school days , starting with when his family moved next-door to us in the early 60s on Leonard Street.  I was just starting 1st grade and Darrel was my age, his sister, Tammy was my sister, Debbie's age.  Our parents became quick friends.  

The next summer, we moved to our house on Palouse Street.  It wasn't until Junior High that we would go to the same school again.  Darrel and I did not really keep in touch after our Wa-Hi graduation in 1976, but we would always get together and  reminisce at our first three high school reunions.  He was not able to make the last in 2016.    

Darrel liked playing music and golfing. 

Weekend Update: Pete Davidson Apologizes to Lt. Com. Dan Crenshaw - SNL

An SNL controversy turns into a teachable moment.

Dori Monson Could Enter Washington Governor's Race In 2020

Dori Monson, the midday host on KIRO 97.3 KIRO FM,  recently on Twitter, floated the idea of running as a Republican for Washington governor.  Monson has been with KIRO, starting on the AM new station, since 1995.  He is popular with listeners who dislike government and Liberal (especially Seattle) politicians. 

In 2004, KIRO morning host, Dave Ross, ran unsuccessfully as a Democratic for Congress in Washington's 8th District.

My guess is that his campaign would be a so-called populist campaign, very similar to Donald Trump's 2016 run.  Washington has elected only Democratic Governors since 1984. 

Schrier Wins As Rossi Concedes

KING 5 has declared Democrat Dr Kim Schrier the winner in Washington's 8th Congressional District.  The last congressional district in Washington to elect a Democrat for the first time.
At one time, the 8th was a safe Republican seat, however, demographics changed over time and the Democrats gained strength in Eastside suburbs. Democratic Challengers began nipping at Representative Dave Reichert and it appeared likely to change hands until a redistricting in 2010 changed the district landscape, taking out Bellevue, and spreading the district into Conservative Eastern Washington.

Possible Changes In South East King

Washington's 8th Congressional District, currently one of  two Districts in the state to be represented by only one party in it's history and the only state district to not never elect a Democrat may change both soon.  Although it's too close to call, Democrat Kim Schrier has a sizable lead over former state senator Dino Rossi.  
Rossi, who almost was elected governor in 2004, started out the campaign painting himself as the guy who achieved the American Dream.  He talked about working his way to get to college.  He wound up the campaign with scare tactics accusing Schrier of supporting taxes that would be issued on the state level., which don't involve US House.
Schrier, referred to Rossi as a "career politician" ,  she emphasized  her career as a pediatrician, outraged by Congress's attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act.  She also questioned Rossi's business dealings and refused a chance to repudiate those claims during their debate.
In what may have been the bluest election in Maple Valley history,  Democrat Bill Ramos hold a lead over former house member Republican  Chad Magendanz for position 1 of the 5th District House of Representatives, while Democrat Lisa Callen has the lead over freshman incumbent  Republican Paul Graves for position 2.  No Democrat has previously represented the 5th in Washington's House.  The 5th LD, includes Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Issaquah, and North Bend.

Alexa Turns 4

The Amazon Echo, a device seemingly out of The Jetson's , turns 4 today, according to Alexa, the female voice inside.  Alexa can tell the weather, answer trivia questions, play music, spy on you, well that's what some are saying.  It also tells what happened on a day in history.

I use my echo to play music and games.  It can also give me the time to drive to work.

Happy Birthday, Alexa! 

Paul Allen Honored

Although it's hard to see it in this picture, the 12 Man Flag flew at half staff today to honor the late owner of the Seahawks Paul Allen.  In the first home game in weeks, the Seahawks lost to the LA Chargers 25-17.    
Chargers quarterback Phil Rivers seemed impervious to the loud crowd at Century Link Field.  Russell Wilson threw a costly interception that was run back for a touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game.
Allen was also honored with an insignia PGA 12 on the field.

Going To Seahawks Game

First Seahawk game that I've attended since  the 2011 Beast Quake playoff game.  Today, the Seahawks are taking on the LA Chargers.

Maple Valley Honors Outgoing Congressman And Business Leader

The Maple Valley Reporter reports that on October 23rd, the Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly and the  City Council made proclamations to make honorary street signs for Retiring Congressman Dave Reichert and former councilman and deputy mayor Jim Flynn (third from left in picture).
Reichert, a former King County Sheriff, was honored for his part in helping to reopen the Hicks-Rayburn precinct station in Maple Valley.  The station had been closed during an economic slump as a cost cutting measure.  Dave Reichert Way will be SE 231st Street between State Route 169 and Witte Rd.
Jim Flynn and his family were developers of  the Wilderness Village area on the Maple Valley Highway and Witte Rd.  He was involved with the city's incorporation, serving as Deputy-Mayor from 1997-2007.   He was also president of Maple Valley's Chamber Of Commerce.  Flynn Way will be 225th Ave SE, North of State Route 169.

Tod Goldberg Speaks Out On Pittsburgh Shooting

Last weekend's tragedy in Pittsburgh has motivated my cousin, Tod Goldberg  to write this guest column for the Desert Sun, a Palm Springs area newspaper.  You can read it by clicking here. Tod is a best selling author, based in the Palm Springs area.

Willie McCovey Dead At 80

Willie McCovey, Hall Of Fame 1st baseman for the San Francisco Giants, has died at 80.  McCovey played alongside the great Willie Mays to form one of the best homerun hitting duos in baseball at the time.  

McCovey's 18 career grand slams are the most in National League history.  The body of water behind right field in the Giant's stadium is name McCovey Cove after the popular slugger. 

Since Seattle did not have a team when I first started watching baseball in the 1960s, the Giants were my favorite team.  Decades later, I ate in McCovey's a restaurant in Walnut Creek named after him.