Autographed Magazine Cover

Hydroplane driver Russ Wicks was a customer at our store a while back 

He was kind enough to autograph this picture of himself on the cover of the March 2003 edition of Wired magazine.

Tod Goldberg Places Two Books In Jewish American Fiction Best Sellers

 With Gangster Nation as number one, my cousin Tod Goldberg has two books at once on the Top Ten Best Seller list of Jewish American Fiction.   Gangsterland comes in at number nine.  

In a Facebook post, Goldberg jokingly compared his accomplishment with the Beatles when they hit it big. 

Israeli Singer Performing with IDF Female Combat Commander

Keren Peles, a well known Israeli pop singer visits an IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) post and sings a duet with a female soldier. I found this video extremely touching, partly, because of the beauty of the song.  I also loved the message that was brought forth. 

Mariners Take 3 In A Row From A's

 I had thought that it was a sweep and that would have been the headline, but I read that Oakland took the opening game.  Still, the Mariners took game 4 of the series, their 3rd win in a row.   That puts the team a game and half out of the wild card position.   

Now, it seems, people around town are talking "baseball" for the first time in years.  Remember, the Mariners have the longest playoff drought in major league professional sports. 

RIP Comedian Jackie Mason

 The New York Times reports Jackie Mason, a former rabbi turned comedian, has died at 92.   Mason was well known in the days of variety show and late night talk shows, although not much was heard from him in the last few decades.

New Coach Controversy At WSU

 While many Coug fans were sorry that previous coach Mike Leach, one of the most successful at WSU, left Pullman for Mississippi State, others were relieved.  The coach was known for his undying support for President Trump  and his snappy attitude toward his players and the media.

When Nick Rolovich was hired, Cougars were excited to have a new face who would make more news on the sidelines and little news away.

Well, that has changed when it was announced that Rolovich would not attend Pac 12 Media Day.  He had not gotten his COVID vaccination and had no plans to do so.  Suddenly, Cougar football fans found themselves in familiar territory, another polarizing move by a football coach.

While I need to point out, Rolovich said he respected everyone's opinion on whether or not to get vaccinated, his decision not only takes the program where it doesn't really want to go,  it can also endanger the health of the players and staff.  Just last Fall, the Apple Cup was cancelled when players tested positive for COVID. 

Cleveland Announces New Name For MLB Team

 The American League will have a new team name without an expansion team.  Cleveland's Major League Baseball team, known since 1915 as the Indians, will now be the Cleveland Guardians.

At the end of 2020, the organization announced that it was dropping its 10 year nickname out of social awareness in the wake of events like the George Floyd killing. 

The new name was announced today with a video narrated by Tom Hanks. 

Wa-Hi Class Of '76 Will Celebrate

 This weekend (July 23-25, 2021), members of the Walla Walla High School class of '76 will gather for it's 45th reunion.  It's the 5th formal gathering of the class and the first that is only 5 years after the last one rather than 10 years.  In other words, other reunions were 10, 20, 30, and 40.  

This year, for the first time, I won't be in attendance, as work obligations at our store will require me to stay in the Seattle area.  I am already planning to attend the 50th though in 2026. 

 

Robin Roberts--The Latest Jeopardy Guest Host

Robin Roberts, the latest guest host on Jeopardy, talks to contestants at the show's conclusion.

I like Roberts, who comes across as warm and engaging. She doesn't take herself too seriously.

Her unique outfit (pictured above) on last night's show, caught my eye.

Jack Arends--Rest In Peace

Jack Arends received national attention when he showed up in a wheelchair as a Washington elector last year at the meeting of the Electoral College and cast his ballot for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.  He know that he would not be around much longer.

 I knew Jack only in passing when we were both involved with the Washington State Democrats, but through Facebook, I was able to follow his struggles with the disease that ultimately cost him his life.

Jack was at WSU at the same time that I was and worked at the school paper, the Daily Evergreen. He was friends with my fellow dorm member, Pete.  

Jack was a lover of  WSU Cougar sports and often shared his opinions on the Die Hard Cougs page.  

Last Sunday, looking at what I thought was another update, I learned that Jack Arends had passed away.  Although it had been expected for a long time, it was still overwhelmingly sad.  

Dasher And The Lion.

Dasher poses with his stuffed Lion on his bed downstairs.

When I'm Sixty Four (Remastered 2009)

I always loved this song, but starting today, I get to live it.  Today is my 64th birthday.

Catchy Campaign Sign

From a distance, the O in Joe Cohen's last name on these eye catching signs, looks to me like a bagel.

With a Jewish  sounding last name, that would be fitting.

The close up at top shows that does not seem to be the case.  

Cohen is running for King County Council.  He is not in my district, however, his signs are scattered across Issaquah.   Although I don't vote in that district, I'm pulling for Sarah Perry in the race, with whom I became friends with when I worked with the 5th District Democrats.

Article Celebrating Walla Walla Synagogue Found

 A look in a suitcase  pocket, a few weeks ago, located not just the article, but the entire edition of  the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin with the headline of Congregation Beth Israel celebrating it's 60th anniversary in February of 2001.  

The celebration took place 20 years ago, I was not able to make it down, but brother Steve can be seen in the top picture of the article with other congregants, listening to Rabbi Hillel Cohen who was a special guest.  Steve is the one closest to the wall.  

Rabbi Cohen"s father, Franklin Cohen was the temple's founding, and as far as I know, only rabbi.  He and his family had been sponsored by the Jewish community of Walla Walla after escaping Germany. 

I have not heard if the community has had celebrations for it's 70th and/or 80th.   Congregation Beth Israel, known to us as "the shul" was our place of worship growing up.  It has had it's highs and lows as far as membership numbers, but has been able to continue and thrive through the years. 

Sherman's Struggles Shocking And Heartbreaking

 Richard Sherman, whose iconic tipping of a pass to allow a Malcom Smith interception helped send the Seahawks to the Super Bowl, has been known for being very outspoken, but not so much for being in trouble with the law.  The former Seahawk cornerback, was arrested yesterday after crashing his car  (pictured partially above) into a construction site, leaving and driving his barely operable vehicle off Highway 520 in Redmond.  He then reportedly had abandoned his vehicle and somehow made his way to his in law's house where his wife was staying, he then was arrested by Redmond police, after being called by his wife.  What is also disturbing is that Sherman was denied bail at the time because he was deemed a threat to himself and others.

Sherman had left the Seahawks and has played the last three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.  He is currently an unrestricted free agent and their had been some talk about him returning to the Hawks. 

Ex Seahawk Sherman Arrested

ESPN reporter Adam Schefter has tweeted that former Seahawk cornerback Richard Sherman has been arrested for on a burglary domestic violence charge.  Details are sketchy at this time.  

Kraken Expansion Draft Will Be Public Event In Seattle

 The Seattle Times has announced that the the city's expansion NHL team, the Kraken, will hold it's expansion draft July 21st at Gasworks Park.   

An expansion draft in any major league sport, allows a new team to build it's roster from existing players from the other teams in the league.  The other teams can usually protect certain players from being taken. 

The event will take place this Tuesday from 3:30-7:00 pm.  Fans attending will be required to obtain a free ticket.

The Kraken will pick one player from each of the other NHL teams, except for the Vegas Golden Knights, who are exempt. 

Richard Branson makes historic spaceflight

There is a race amongst billionaires to get into the space race, but do people really care?  I'll see how many hits this gets to make that determination.  Seattle's Jeff Bezos is planning one of those trips at a later date.  This is the beginning of the flight by Sir Richard.

Local Winery Sold For 1.2 Billion

 The Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, one of the Eastside's most iconic sites, has been sold to an East Coast investment company for over a billion dollars.

In the Puget Sound region, the winery is probably as much known for it's summer concert series, held on it's beautiful ground in the South part of Woodinville, as it is for it's product.

For over a generation, the winery had been operated by tobacco company Altria, maker of Marlboro cigarettes.  

Sale of the winery to Sycamore Partners, is expected to close in the latter half of this year. 

Enjoying The Park

After a great dinner, we capped of our anniversary night with a walk with the dog in Bellevue park.  

One of the great things about having it in the summer 

Celebrating

We celebrated our 26th anniversary with dinner at the Central Bar and Restaurant in Downtown Bellevue.  Deb snapped this picture of me and my grilled salmon dinner, which, by the way, was delicious.

Multiple Jeopardy Winner Has Washington Ties

 Courtney Shah had won 7 Jeopardy games in a row before meeting her defeat in an episode airing last night.   Shah is resident of Portland, Oregon, who teaches at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, just across the Columbia River. 

Shah,  usually started slow, but picked up points in the Double Jeopardy round.  Because of her multiple victories, she is eligible for the Jeopardy Tournament Of Champions.

Shah was defeated last night after wagering only $800 dollars on the Final Jeopardy clue, in which she had the correct answer. 

Flying Over Maple Valley

This plane or maybe, planes like this are often seen circling around the neighborhood.

This one did a few flips and similar acrobatics.

Woodinville Wineries On A Holiday Weekend

Deb and I spent our day off from work yesterday wine tasting in Woodinville with my cousin and her boyfriend.  

We went to Alexandria Nicole Cellars tasting room at the Hollywood Schoolhouse and the Airfield tasting room down the street.

Golda Meir: Iron Lady of the Middle East | History of Israel Explained |...

I recently discovered these videos on the history of Israel.  They are well presented. This one is on the first Israeli prime minister that I remember, Golda Meir.

Happy 4th!

 Have a safe and happy 4th Of July.

The Thunderbird In Bellevue

 This place has special memories because when I lived in Walla Walla, we would usually stay at this place when I came up to the Seattle area with my family.  Mostly, I  remember the coffee shop. 

I first remember it as the Thunderbird, then it was the Red Lion.  As the Red Lion, it was soon confusing, because another Red Lion was built down the road in about 1980.  Eventually, it became the Doubletree.

It was located on Northeast 8th and 112th.  It was torn down many years ago.  I mentioned this place on a Bellevue nostalgic site on Facebook and got a good response. 

According to a link from the Seattle Times sent by my brother Steve, and also sent by a family friend, the structure, at that time, known as the Paragon Hotel,   was torn down in 2008.  It was also a Ramada Inn at one time.

Washington Lawmaker Has Apology For Wearing Gold Star Of David

 Washington State legislator Jim Walsh R-Aberdeen has apologized for wearing a gold Star Of David, at a recent meeting.  The star, worn in that form, symbolizes the Nazi's persecution of the Jews.   It was a despicable comparison as part of a protest of Governor Inslee's efforts to reign in the COVID pandemic and allow business to open and allow life in the region to go on as close to normal as possible. 

Walsh's apology aired on Conservative talk show host Jason Rantz program yesterday after the lawmaker's Facebook page was filled with angry comments from across the  country and amongst many different ideologies.  

While many of Inslee's moves during the pandemic are open to debate, there is little doubt that they were intended, and so far, seem to be an effective way to keep the citizens of this state (to that end, the entire nation and world) safer. 

You can hear Walsh's apology here, or by clicking the arrow below.

Big Weather Change

Just 3 days after record shattering heat engulfed the Puget Sound region, temperatures have settled down.

Weather for today is overcast, with a high of 74 degrees.

Cosby Conviction Overturned

Actor/comedian Bill Cosby's rape conviction has been overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.  This means that Cosby is now a free man.  Of  course, this once revered American figure will face the fact he no longer be America's dad. 

Doobie Brothers And Santana At White River

From 2 years ago, about this time.  One thing that I really miss is outdoor concerts of which were all cancelled last summer.  This summer, they seem to be resuming. 

Kenny Rogers - You Can't Make Old Friends (duet with Dolly Parton) [Offi...

This video is especially touching in light of Rogers in light of Rogers passing last year. 

Record Setting Heatwave Continues

Car thermometer reads 117 degrees Fahrenheit, unheard of for this region.

Cooling Off On The Cedar River

 We took Dasher to the Cedar River Trail just outside Maple Valley, near the Seattle watershed to cool down on a record hot day for the area.

Heatwave Begins

 

Seattle area temperatures reached 101 degrees yesterday (Saturday, June 26th), setting the record for the hottest day in June for this region.  Today and tomorrow are expected to be even warmer. 

Dave Hakstol Named Kraken Coach

 Will he become a Seattle institution or just the answer to a sports trivia quiz?  Our new NHL Ice Hockey franchise, the Kraken has named Dave Hakstol as it's first head coach.

He has experience coaching in the college ranks,  leading the program at  the University Of North Dakota for ll years.   In 2015, he was picked to coach the Philadelphia Flyers, leading the team to three winning seasons, before being fired in the 2018-2019 season.  

In 2019, he was the assistant coach for  the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hakstol is a native of Warburg, Alberta, Canada. 

Heatwave Predicted For Seattle Area

 People like me who endured  cool temperatures and rainfall and welcomed the sun returning, earlier this month, may need to be careful what we wish for.  Record breaking hot weather is due for this weekend with temperatures rising above 100 degrees, extremely rare for the Puget Sound region.  

While we are fortunate enough to have air conditioning here at home, we are hoping that will hold out during the coming weekend. 

Summer Moon In June

Tonight's full moon was breathtaking.  We took this while walking with the dog in our neighborhood in Maple Valley.

Enjoying The Sunset

Deb and I posed for this picture of the deck of the Renton Hyatt Regency, which looks out to Lake Washington.  We had a great dinner with friends as the sun was setting.

Diamond Girl

This is from Seals And Croft who also did "Summer Breeze"

Shed Long Jr. Walk-off Grand Slam

The Mariners brought some excitement to fans for the first time in a longtime when Shed Long, Jr  hit  a grand slam homer in the bottom of the 10th for a victory.  The completed a four game sweep over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Dad reads a story from his book.

In memory of my Father.

Happy Father's Day!

 

Juneteenth Celebrated Today

 Today, as this is being written, is June 19th, marking Juneteenth, now a national holiday. 

Up until probably a week ago, I did not know much about the holiday, which is sad.  It commemorates an extremely important event, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last bit of slavery in our country ended.   

This is a holiday that we all can celebrate, because it helps us remember how precious freedom can be. 

Ricky Pierce--Former Sonic And Former WWCC Warrior Interviewed On Sonics Forever

 

Mike Gastineau, former Sports Radio 950 afternoon host, has an interesting interview with Ricky Pierce, an NBA journeyman (played for several teams in his career), on the Podcast, Sonics Forever. 

Pierce played for the Seattle Super Sonics in the early 1990s, but Pierce has another Washington connection, he played for the Walla Walla Community College Warriors.  Pierce attended WWCC, according to the interview, with plans to attend Washington State University.  Instead, Pierce would go to Rice University.

The lower picture  is the Dietrich Dome, where WWCC basketball is played.

Pierce played for a total of 8 NBA teams in his career. 

You can hear the interview by clicking here. 

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

Every summer I post this, because I love this video of the Seals And Croft classic, Summer Breeze. 

The Kominsky Method

 I just watched the last episode in the last season of The Kominsky Method. Since the show streams, I won't include a spoiler, but I will say that it wasn't what I expected.  

The Kominsky Method is a Netflix series created by Chuck Lorre (who also created Two And A Half Men and The Big Bang Theory).  It is about an aging acting coach, Sandy Kominsky, played by Michael Douglas. 

One thing that I thought was remarkable was the number of big time actors, some playing characters and some playing themselves, yet the mix worked. 

Netanyahu Out In Israel

 He survived 4 elections in two years, but it wasn't enough to keep Benjamin Netanyahu in power.  Naftali Bennett (pictured above) has replaced Netanyahu and becomes the country's 13th prime minister. 

 Bennett is the son of parents who immigrated to Israel from the US.  He was born in Haifa, the youngest of three sons. 

Bennett served in the military and has been the country's minister of defense. He has made millions in Israel's growing hi-tech field.  

Bennett was at one time Netanyahu's chief of staff, but the two have since parted ways.     Although Bennett is considered a pro settlement nationalist, it's thought that he may be pragmatic enough to restore bipartisan support from the US. 

Mudcat Grant--A Baseball Star From My Childhood

 Jim "Mudcat" Grant, who led the Minnesota Twins to it's first World Series is dead at 85.  In that year, 1965, Grant became the first African-American pitcher to win 20 games.  Grant would start 3 games in that series, winning two.  Years later, Grant was traded to the team that beat him in that series, the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Dead Tree On Pipeline Trail

This tree probably had many good years, but it looks like it's time is over.

'Joints for Jabs'

One of the more controversial recovery plans.  Washingtonians over 21 can receive a free joint for getting a COVID vaccination. 

So Long To Jim Baum

 I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Jim Baum.  Jim was a home and building inspector working primarily in South King County.

I met Jim through the 5th LD Democrats where he became the chair in 2011.  He was a hard worker, who encouraged fellow members to work as hard.   One of  his crowning achievements, which I think anyone would give him plenty of credit, was the election of Mark Mullet to the state senate from the 5th LD, the first Democrat to represent that district in 20 years. Baum was also very active in the campaigns for John Urquhart for Sheriff and Matt Larson's campaign for state house.  He also campaigned for several judges. He also worked behind the scenes to help get me prepared for the 2016 Democratic Caucuses. 

Jim and I, along with other 5th members occasionally met for beer and trivia at Mark Mullet's Zeeks Pizza, in the Issaquah Highlands.   We once drove to Olympia to have lunch with Senator Mullet. 

We were both centrist Democrats, often at odds with the progressive wing, we exchanged political ideas often through texts. 

Jim Baum will be missed. 

Could Netanyahu Government Be Nearing The End?

 The Wall Street Journal reports an eight party coalition is set to be sworn in that could end the 12 year reign of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Netanyahu has survived a number of elections, although his administration has been plagued by a number of scandals.  It is also thought that Netanyahu's hardline approach has been harmful in garnering support for the nation amongst world leaders. 

Our Place To Stay In Indio

The Wyndham in Indio, where we spent Memorial Day Weekend.  The city of Indio is about 20 miles from Palm Springs.

Go Cougs!

It's always good to see the Washington State University flag when I'm away from home.

The flag was hanging from the balcony at Wyndham in Indio, where we were staying.

Remembering Gavin MacLeod from TV's "The Love Boat" - Dead at 90, Rest I...

It's been over a week, but we were in the middle of leaving vacation.  We want to give recognition to the sad passing of Gavin MacLeod.  Perhaps known to most as the captain on the Love Boat., but I'm most familiar with him as TV writer, Murray Slaughter. 

More Palm Springs--The Walk Of Stars

Elke Sommer's star may have faded in Hollywood, but it shines bright on the Walk Of Stars in Palm Springs.

Sommer, who is from Germany, was a 60s movie star who also appeared on TV game shows.

Memorial Day Weekend In The Desert

 Deb and I posed on Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, as we spent the Memorial Day Weekend at the family timeshare in Indio.    We had originally planned the trip in February, but the state was pretty much locked down due to COVID at the time.

The temperatures were scorching, although we spent much of the daytimes hours at the pool, using massive amounts of sunscreen.  

One of the highlights of the trip was seeing my cousin Tod Goldberg and his wife, Wendy.  Although we speak frequently on social media, I had not scene them in person in over a decade. 

I may post a few more pictures in subsequent writings. 

Sonny And Barer

 I debated whether to use that corny headline.  We just came back from spending the Memorial Day Holiday weekend in the Palm Springs area.  Mayor Sonny Bono, famous as part of the 1960s and 1970s singing duo, Sonny And Cher, is immortalized with a statue in the center of town.  

The concourse of the Palm Springs Airport is also named after Bono. 

Beast Quake Game

Perhaps the most memorable Seahawk playoff game to that point in the history of the team. 

The Hawks made the playoffs with a losing record.  The team's first opponent was the defending champion New Orleans Saints. Not many people gave the team a chance.

The memorable Beast Quake run was when Marshawn Lynch, relatively unknown at the time, broke a series of tackles to score a touchdown.

It was a huge turning point in the team's history.  

On Sports Radio 95, they said people will say they were there when they were not, but the ticket stub above, which I didn't remember saving, proves that I was in that crowd.