Family Band--The Cowsills Review

 In an era of upheaval, the image of the Cowsills was so clean, it squeaked, however, there was a dark side to this popular band of the late 60s.  Much like reports of the Jackson 5, they had a father that reportedly was demanding and abusive.

This was outlined in the documentary, Family Band The Cowsills, which is available on Amazon's Prime Video. Sadly their image was just that, an image, a couple of them did get into drugs and were not always the ideal kids, although, not all bad.

I was never a fan of the group, which by the way, the TV show, The Partridge Family, was based on, but saw them play in the Happy Together Tour at Snoqualmie Casino. At the time, there were only 3 members left in the group/family.  The mom and two of the brothers have since passed away.

Beloved Former Spokane TV News Anchor Beverly Carr

I have read from Facebook, that Beverly Carr, who worked at Spokane TV stations KREM and KHQ, as well as a station in New Orleans has died.  I remember watching her on TV when I was at WSU in my senior year.

I connected with Bev on Facebook and she made many nice comments on various posts of mine. 

Yom Kippur 2020

 

Starring Adam West Documentary Compelling

I watched "Starring Adam West" on Amazon Prime.  It was a very touching documentary from 2014 about Adam West, one of a handful of stars to hail from my hometown of Walla Walla, Washington.

West, who died in 2017,  is shown as a very relatable people person, who wears his heart on his sleeve.

The story begins with LA radio station KROQ's    eventually successful effort to get West a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. 

The premise of the story was the rise of West's career to iconic status in the last half of the 1960s and his dramatic fall, where he was typecast in the Batman role, to the point where he essentially fell off the Hollywood map. 
There are interviews with Adam's family, his manager, and various fans.
America's taste for nostalgia and the rise of social media, along with his lending voice to a popular cartoon TV show, brought Adam West back into prominence as the show ends in uplifting fashion. 

Pac-12 votes to play college football this fall: Seven-game, conference-...

Pac 12 football season for 2020 is a go.  The season will start on November 6th.

Hopefully it will be a relatively safe season.

In Passing--Ginsburg Breaks A Gender Barrier

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will become the first woman to lie in state in the US Capitol.  A list of all who have had that distinct honor can be found here.

Gale Sayers, Legendary Running Back

Gale Sayers, the running back who helped personified the Chicago Bears in the late 1960s, has died. He was 77.

 Sayers was the premier running back in the NFL, when I became a fan.  I watched the game on TV where he suffered the devastating knee injury, that helped inspire the movie, Brian's Song, still my favorite movie of all time. 

Brian's Song featured the friendship of Sayers with Brian Piccolo, who filled in for Sayers during his injury while helping him train to come back.  Piccolo would soon fall victim to cancer.  

Eddie Feigner: King and His Court

The barnstorming softball pitcher, Eddie Feigner, a native of Walla Walla, is featured here.

Seahawks Beat Patriots In Dramatic Fashion

 In what could be the most dramatic finish in Seahawk history, Patriot quarterback Cam Newton was stuffed at the 1 yard line to preserve a 35-30 victory.  The game was broadcast to a national Sunday Night Football audience on NBC and it did not disappoint. 

 Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson had 5 touchdown passes as he gets off to a hot start for 2020.  The game was played at Century Link, but the 12s were absent.   The empty seats added an eerie vibe to the game.  Of course, the Patriots were without Tom Brady, but with Cam Newton at the controls, it looks like they will remain in the league elite. 

Fall Is Almost Here

Just like that our summer is ending.  I saw this pile of leaves near the park in Patrick's Faire.

Rosh Hashanah Celebrated Online

Chava Mirel and Josh Niehaus lead songs as members of Temple B'Nai Torah celebrated Rosh Hashanah in their  homes.  

For the first time that I'm aware of, High Holiday services will be conducted on Zoom and You Tube only because of the Covid Pandemic.

The rabbis the temple president and the singers were at the temple, but the chairs in the sanctuary were empty.

Ginsburg Dead

Reports say Supreme Court Justice Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died. She was 87.  You can see a well done tribute to Ginsburg by clicking here.

The High Holidays Begin!

 

Pat O'Day Role In Seafair Hydroplane Broadcasts Detailed In Puget Sound Media Blog

 In a well researched post, Puget Sound Media's great writer and historian Steven Smith examines the relationship between radio legend Pat O'Day, who passed away last month, with his broadcasts of hydroplane races of  Seafair races, the Seattle broadcast media, and the community.

The article points out that what pretty much started as an accident in the late 1960s, Pat winding up broadcasting the races, evolved into what can easily be described as a local institution.  O'Day, at the time was at KJR. 

O'Day would continue his broadcasts when he became owner of radio station KYYX, which had it's own sponsored boat, driven by the Brenda Jones, pictured with Pat. 

You can read the post by clicking here

Court Rules That Sawant Recall Effort Can Proceed

 Seattle Superior Court Judge Jim Rogers has ruled that a recall effort against Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant can move forward.  

The charges against Sawant include using her Seattle City Hall pass key to allow protesters to enter the building and appearing at a protest outside the home of Mayor Jenny Durkan.

To get the recall effort on the 2021 ballot, the organizers need to collect 10,000 signatures from people living in Sawant's district. 

Legendary WSU announcer Bob Robertson passes away at 91

A very moving tribute to the voice of the Cougars, Bob Robertson, who passed away over the Labor Day weekend.

Seahawks Beat Falcons To Open Season

 

The Seahawks were firing on all cylinders as they opened the season with a 38-25 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on the road. 

Newly acquired Safety Jamal Adams led all tacklers with 12, as he seemed to fire up what last year was the team's weak spot, the defense.

Quarterback Russell Wilson was 31 for 35 in pass completions, resulting in 322 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Spinning Seahawk Helmet

A novelty in our store.  Go Hawks!!!

Maple Valley Sky Covered In Smoke

The sun has been filtered by smoke, as wildfires rage up and down the West Coast. This photo taken in the Four Corners area of Maple Valley.

When we returned from our trip on Labor Day, the sky was like this.  The smoke had mostly cleared by mid week only to return with a vengeance yesterday.  

Remembering 9/11

 

It's Blue Friday

 Seahawks fans should wear their Blue today!  The Hawks play Atlanta this Sunday.

The Allies - Emma Peel (Video)

I just learned of the passing of Diana Rigg, who played the iconic Emma Peel on the Avengers TV show.

Honoring the life and career of Mets legend Tom Seaver | New York Mets |...

A great tribute to the late Tom Seaver.  A great pitcher in an era of great pitchers. 

Dasher Tests The Waters In Bellingham

From our Labor Day Trip.  Another Dasher video.

Barers Of Maple Valley Enjoy Bellingham Over The Weekend

 We spent much of the  Labor Day Weekend in Bellingham, known to many as a stop between Seattle and Vancouver.  Because of the pandemic, the border was closed, so we got to really appreciate the beautiful College town. 

We met Deb's twin sister, husband, and son at Twin Sisters Brewery for a nice dinner as we arrived.  They were to leave the next day for a trip to the San Juan Islands.

We stayed at the Bellwether, a resort on Bellingham Bay.  It was very dog friendly and there were many paths where we could walk Dasher. 

 

On Sunday, we took Dasher swimming at a nearby park.  After cleaning him and a long walk, we enjoyed dinner at Anthony's Hearthfire, which was next to the Bellwether.  We ate outside and watched the sunset on the bay.

On Monday, we packed up and headed back, but first, we had brunch in Bellingham's artsy Fairhaven district. 

Bob Robertson--Voice Of The Cougs

Bob Robertson, the voice of Cougar football and basketball for decades, has died, according to a post by Jack Thompson, legendary WSU quarterback.

Robertson had recently retired from all announcing duties for the school, he was 91. 

Lou Brock Dies

St Louis Cardinal legend, Lou Brock, who dominated baseball in the late 1960s with his base stealing prowess, has died.

Clowney To Sign With Titans

ESPN reports that Jadeveon Clowney, who was one of the few bright spots on the Seattle Seahawks defense, will leave to sign with the Tennessee Titans.

Mets Great Tom Seaver--Dead At 75

 Tom Seaver, the pitcher who helped take the New York Mets from worst to first, has died of Lewy body dementia  and covid 19, he was 75.

Seaver joined the Mets, who were then 5 years old, an expansion team to replace the Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, who both left for California.  The team was known as a ragtag bunch of lovable losers.  

Two years later, in 1969, the Miracle Mets, would come out of nowhere and pass up the Chicago Cubs, who had been leading the NL West for the entire season.  They beat the Atlanta Braves in the League Championship Series and then go on to beat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. 

Considered one of the best pitcher of all time, Seaver and his wife, Nancy were considered pro sport's glamour couple. His wife survives him, along with their two daughters. 

LIVE: Joe Biden's speaking from Pittsburgh, PA

Joe Biden, now the Democratic standard bearer, answers Trump's charges that he is soft on crime.

Profile Of Wes Uhlman's Mayoral Years Found

Although he only served 2 four year terms compared to successor Charles Royer's 3 terms as Seattle Mayor, Wes Uhlman may be Seattle's leader.  Like every mayor after him, he was able to navigate some very choppy waters in during his terms, yet, unlike many of his successor's he seemed to always come through unscathed.  

One of my earliest political heroes,  I have blogged about Uhlman several times.  I think Uhlman played a big part in establishing Seattle's image as an upbeat progressive town.  When elected, he was the first Democratic Seattle mayor in three decades,  that's a little hard to believe, in today's Seattle where Liberals seems Conservative and is widely viewed as a one party town.  

Uhlman's last run for public office was in 1976, when he sought the Democratic nomination for Governor of Washington.    He was upset in the primary by Dixie Lee Ray, who would go on to win the election. 

I found an extensive profile on the Washington Secretary of State Website of Ulman's tenure as Seattle mayor, you can find it by clicking here. 

Jackie Robinson interviewed on Dick Cavett Show

Here is the real Jackie Robinson, a hero and a well spoken gentleman.  Perhaps, the most important figure in sports history.

Chadwick Boseman Who Played Jackie Robinson--Dead Of Cancer

He acted in many different movies, but to me, Chadwick Boseman brought baseball hero Jackie Robinson to life in the movie "42" .  Ironically, Boseman's death occurred on the day Major League Baseball was celebrating Jackie Robinson Day.

Truth Meets Fiction As Gangsterland Author Meets Rabbi With Criminal Past On True Crime Uncensored

True Crime Uncensored Host Burl Barer interviews his nephew (my cousin) Tod Goldberg (pictured below) and LA Rabbi Mark Borovitz (pictured above).  

Goldberg has written a series of books about a gangster who goes in hiding as a rabbi.  Borovitz, actually was a mobster who became a real rabbi.  

This is a very compelling podcast.  

You can listen to the podcast by clicking the arrow above.

Former Seahawk Safety Earl Thomas Cut By Ravens

 Earl Thomas was cut this week from the Baltimore Ravens after a series of  off the field and on field incidents that culminated in a fight with a popular teammate.   Thomas is a 7 time Pro Bowl Safety who helped lead the Seahawks to 2 Super Bowls.

His tenure with the Seahawks ended in ugly fashion when he flipped off his own bench when being carted off the field.  

Hi From T-Mobile Park

 I have not been to any Mariner games this season and yet, I've been to all the home games.  You can see a cardboard cut out of me about 5 rows up in the orange shirt.  

It was a birthday present from my wife.  If you are one of the fans or if your looking for someone you know, click here.

Here is a closeup 

Former Sonic Coach Paul Westphal Has Brain Cancer

 NBA great Paul Westphal, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  Westphal has played for many teams, including the Phoenix Suns (above) and the Seattle Super Sonics in 1980-81.  Westphal coached the Sonics from 1998-2000.

Welcome To Our Town

Maple Valley sign close to our house marks the city limits.  

My friend and I had walked our dogs on the Pipeline Trail when we decided to take this picture, in honor of the town that I have lived in and loved for 21 years.

True Crime Uncensored--Burl's Daughter Speaks About Walla Walla Murders

Burl does this edition of True Crime Uncensored from Pioneer Square in Seattle, along with his daughter, Anea.  We learn that a former roommate of Anea's was sadly murdered in Walla Walla.  Also an undate on the murder of an elderly woman that made headline in the mid 1980s.  Hit the arrow on the above podcast for the story.

Watch Barack Obama’s Full Speech At The 2020 DNC | NBC News

Former President Barack Obama addressed the virtual Democratic National Convention.  I thought it was a great speech.

Game Changer Book Entertaining.

 Game Changer, written by Rob Angel, an Eastern Washington native who, like me, has transplanted to the Seattle area.  As I have mentioned, Rob and I crossed paths at Camp Solomon Schechter in 1971.  Angel is the creater of one of the most impactful board game developments in the last half century, Pictionary.   While many successful games were probably created by development teams out of corporations, Pictionary was developed by Rob and his buddies having a  great time over beers.

With a great memory for detail, Rob takes you through the genesis of his creation, how he dared to dream big and follow up with pennies to his name and a heart full of hustle.  Full of victories and set backs, it's another example, and I know this is cliché, that truth could be can be more incredible than fiction.  

With his able team of friends and a few connections along the way, Angel has gone from living from living in a ratty apartment and a car running on a wing and a prayer to game changer mogul. Yet, he still found time to answer my personal message.  

If you enjoy the game, Pictionary or just a personal success story, I would recommend Game Changer.  

Gorton Dies

Long time Washington state Republican leader Slade Gorton has died.  He was 92. 

Gorton, an heir to a New England Seafood family, is probably most remembered for two things, for knocking off the iconic Senator Warren Magnuson and also to helping keep the Mariners in Seattle. 

Gorton served in the state legislature, beating my uncle, Arny Barer in 1964.

In 1968, Gorton was elected Washington State Attorney General.  When the Seattle Pilots, a Major League Baseball expansion team moved to Milwaukee., Gorton sued MLB, and as a settlement, Seattle was granted a second expansion team, the Mariners. 

Gorton would serve 3 terms as AG, then in 1980, he ran against for US Senate against Magnuson.   Magnuson had served 36 years in the senate, but Gorton, bouyed by the Reagan presidential landslide and Magnuson appearing much older than 75, defeated the state's senior senator.  

Gorton was considered a moderate, but Republican politics starting moving to the Right.  Democrats would not forgive Gorton for beating their standard bearer.   Gorton lost his bid for a second term to Brock Adams. 

When Washington's other Senator Dan Evans, announced he would not run for reelection,  Gorton was able to return to the senate by beating congressman Mike Lowry for the former governor's seat.  It was then that he helped save the Seattle Mariners, who were planning to move to Tampa Bay.  After losing the Seattle Pilots, area fans were not ready to embrace a new baseball team,  owners were losing money and it was thought that Seattle would never accept baseball.  Gorton worked to get new ownership for the team.  Then as the team started to improve, he worked to have a new stadium built in what is now considered one of the most divisive issues in Seattle politics. 

In 2000, Gorton lost for the second time to Democrat Maria Cantwell, who still serves in that position. 

Michelle Obama’s 2020 DNC keynote address [FULL SPEECH]

A wonderful speech by Michelle Obama to kick off the Democratic election.  I really miss this grace in the White House.

Blazers Earn Playoff Spot

 Portland, who like Seattle, is in need of good news, can be happy that its Blazers secured the 8th spot in this year's NBA playoffs.  The Blazers defeated Memphis 126-122 to edge into the post season.  CJ McCollum (pictured above) scored 8 of his 29 points in the final 3:08 of the game.

The Blazers will face the Western Conference top seeded LA Lakers tomorrow night.    

Excessive Heat Predicted For The Area

There is an excessive heat warning for the Puget Sound area.

Chad & Jeremy "A Summer Song"

Today, we have a song for you!

Sen. Harris Gives First Speech As Biden's Running Mate: 'I Am Ready To W...

Presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden introduces his choice for running mate, Kamala Harris.

Pat O'Day's 40th Seattle Seafair - Aug 2006

One of the best tributes to Pat O'Day, who passed away last week.

Biden Picks Harris

Joe Biden has chosen California Senator Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee.

Chief Best Will Resign

 Amid the Seattle City Council's vote to cut the police budget, Chief Carmen Best has announced her resignation from the force.

Badfinger - Baby Blue (Kenny Rogers Show 1972)

One of my old favorite songs.

Mitch To Interview Apolo Ohno

 After a one week hiatus, Mitch Unfiltered, the podcast by Mitch Levy will return Monday August 10th with an interview with Olympic Speed Skater Apolo Ohno.  Ohno, the most decorated US athlete in Winter Olympic History, was raised in Seattle by a single father.   Ohno was also a winner in Dancing With The Stars in 2007.

Levy has expressed his lack of interest in Olympic sports, however, a documentary on mental health problems often faced by Olympic athletes called The Weight Of Gold will soon show on HBO.  Those are issues that Levy has focused on the podcast.  

You can find Mitch Unfiltered on your favorite podcast platform or click here.

Bar Mitzvah 50 Years Ago Today

 I guess I "became a man" 50 years ago, today.  My Bar Mitzvah was July 8th, 1970 at the old Congregation Beth Israel (top picture) on Rose And Tucannon in Walla Walla.  A reception took place afterwards at the Royal Motor Inn, across the street.  Bottom picture, I'm posing with Grandmother Barer's family at the Royal Motor Inn. 

Fire Too Close For Comfort

A two alarm fire, not too far from our house, brought emergency vehicles to Maple Valley's Daybreak neighborhood.   A grass fire had gotten out of control and would wind up destroying an abandoned house, some building structures and some vehicles. These were near, but not part of  Daybreak.

 KIRO 7 reports 24 units and 50 firefighters responded to the blaze.  The billowing smoke was visible from our yard and a helicopter circled above. 

Pat O'Day Remembered.

I have spoken a lot about Pat O'Day in this blog.  I was fortunate to work for him.  I remember the excitement of working at a Seattle station.  It was not long after college and I was working for my father, at the same time, my cousin, Burl was working with me in that business in Walla Walla.  Burl was working weekends in Seattle at KYYX, flying back and forth.  Burl had told me about an entry level job at the station, which was owned by Pat.  I went to interview in the Spring, not hearing back from them.  That is until one August day, Burl came out and said, Mike, Elvin (the station manager) is on the phone.  There was a job open at KYYX if I could come up.   Having always wanted to live in Seattle, I enthusiastically accepted.  It was there, that I learned about how big Pat O'Day was.

I have been friends  with Pat's son Garry ever since we worked at the station.  I have been to the family ranch in the San Juan Islands a couple of times.  

Burl and Pat worked together at KJR   and formed a great friendship.  

With KJR bringing such a high share of the radio market, Pat was able to bring many Seattle acts to the national scene.    Pat became a close friend and confident of Seattle based Rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix (pictured with Pat below).  I was touched be hearing about how when Hendrix died in England, O'Day found there were no plans to bring his body back to the States. The record execs had bailed on him and his family couldn't afford to.  O'Day flew to England and paid to have Hendrix's body returned.

Pat was recently famous as the voice of Schick Shadel, the alcohol and substance abuse clinic. 

He was very present on Facebook.  He praised me for a video I posted a few years ago, thanking me for keeping memories alive.  

In a status update about a year ago, he chastised the mayor of Seattle and the city council, as he felt that the city government was letting the homeless problem get out of hand.    

Pat had a need for speed and loved Seafair, the Seattle Summer celebration.  He was the voice of unlimited hydroplane racing in Seattle for over 4 decades. Pat died two days after what would have been the Seafair unlimited hydroplane race.  This year's Seafair was cancelled because of the Corona virus. 

Temple B'Nai Torah To Do High Holidays Online

Rabbi Sydney Danziger announced that all Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services for the Temple will be held online rather than having us congregate.  This will allow the community to worship while being safe.

Shabbat services have been held online only since the Spring when Covid was announced.

Pat O'Day--Dead At 85

Pat O'Day, one of the last reminders of when Seattle was "the little engine that could", has died.  Known as afternoon drive DJ for KJR.  O'Day helped turn Seattle into a Rock And Roll hot spot. 

Up to the time of his death, he was a sought after guest for radio programs and podcasts. 

So much can be said of his career and legacy, some of the high points can be heard here.  In addition, Pat O'Day stories from years gone by can be read at Puget Sound Media, click here.

Riders On The Trail

This last weekend was warm and sunny. Horseriders took to the Pipeline Trail in Maple Valley.

Missing Maple Valley Teen Found

This city is rejoicing after 18 year old Maple Valley resident Gia Fuda was found alive and well up a steep ravine between Skykomish and Stevens Pass.  Fuda, who had not been seen in 9 days, she apparently had run out of gas, and having no cell reception, began walking to where she could get reception or find help.  She apparently got disoriented.

As of Sunday night, Fuda was in a Monroe Hospital. 

New Location Makes Maple Valley Farmer's Market Enjoyable

The Maple Valley Farmer's Market is up and running every Saturday from 9am to 2pm until September 26th.  

The location has moved from Rock Creek Elementary School to a brand new location across the street from the school at 25719 Maple Valley-Black Diamond Road S.E.

The new location has more parking, more space, and in my opinion, more aesthetically pleasing.   The market continues to feature the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers and much more from around the area.

Masks are required and pets, except for service animals, are no longer permitted.

Mariners Win Home Opener In Front Of Cardboard Crowd

Yes, this is real baseball, just fake people. Mariner fans paid to have pictures of themselves in T-Mobile Park.  I'm in there somewhere in the stands, too.

We will watch for that.

Crowd noise was also pumped in. As crazy as that sounds, it worked for the Mariners as they beat the Oakland A's 5-3.