Homecoming! Linda Cohn Joins Seattle Kraken Team

 Linda Cohn, who many remember was as a sports anchor for KIRO 7 from 1989-1992 before as long and storied career as an ESPN anchor.  is returning as a host for the at least 15 Seattle Kraken games.  

Cohn will be working on the newly founded Kraken Hockey Network.  The broadcasts will no longer be on Root sports, but on free TV.

Whether Cohn will live part or full time here in the Seattle area is unknown, but I would guess that she will keep her ESPN duties. 

Cohn definitely has ice hockey chops as she was a goalie in her New York college days. 

Cohn's journey from local TV to the big time is documented in her autobiography Cohn-Head.  

Adam West Roger Smith Mary Tyler Moore Edd Byrnes Louis Quinn 77 Sunset ...

You can't miss this voice. Adam West, whose hometown is Walla Walla as is mine, before his iconic role as Batman.  He had a guest role in the classic late 50s-early 60s show 77 Sunset Strip

It's because his voice is so unique, he found it nearly impossible to find work in Hollywood, once Batman was cancelled. 

This is just a clip of the show's conclusion. 

Seahawks vs Patriots

Let's Go Seahawks! 

WSU Scores Huge Apple Cup Win

 In an exciting game that went down to the wire, The Washington State Cougars beat the Washington Huskies 24-19 in the 2024 version of the Apple Cup. 

This was a very satifying win for the Cougars as they were left behind along with Oregon State, while the Dawgs joined the Big 10.  While other schools joined The Big 10, Big 12, and ACC, the Cougs and Beavs were left on their own, allowing a new version of the conference, which will come in a couple of years.

Apple Cup 2024

 Go Cougs!

Pac 12 Expansion Announced

 

Rumors have apparently been confirmed, as Pac 12 officials have announced the addition of four new schools.    I guess numbers no longer matter in the names of college conferences. 

From the Mountain West, original members WSU and Oregon State, will be joined by Boise State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Colorado State, all from the Mountain West Conference.

According to Pac 12 writer Jon Wilner, two more school will need to be added to the conference by the summer of 2026.

Speculation is that UNLV may join as fans look for desirable travel destinations, now that the schools from Los Angeles and Arizona have left. 

Lionel Richie Concert 2023

This came up as a Facebook memory.  The Lionel Richie concert.  Earth, Wind, And Fire opened up the evening and did an amazing job.

 

Remembering 9/11

 The 23rd anniversary is today (September 11th, 2024).

Trump vs Harris Debate

Trump and Harris started the debate with a handshake.  

Given the animosity between the camps, it was a little surprising 

Lionel Richie Concert 2023

This came up on my Google Photos.  On September 11th last year, we attended the Lionel Richie Concert, although Lionel's music is not heard in this video, here are some visual highlights.

 

Early Apple Cup 2024 Or Is It

 The Apple Cup, most of our lives or as far as we can remember, has always been in November. It was close to the last game and often a must win game for either side as conference positions and bowl games are to be decided.  This year, Washington and WSU are no longer conference rivals.  The game will be this Saturday (September 14th, 2024) and what used to be a fun week of jokes about either team, has now turned to bitterness.  

Last year, Washington announced, along with Oregon that it was leaving the PAC 12 for the Big 10.  This along with defections of other schools, left the PAC 12 to crumble. Many Cougar fans will probably boycott the game, possibly for good.  

I plan to watch and root on the Cougs, happy to see some form of this tradition to continue. 

Go Seahawks!

 Seattle Seahawks open the season against the Denver Broncos today (September 8th, 2024)

The Summer Of 2024 Wraps Up

 The weather is warm, but it's safe to say the Summer of '24 is in the books.  Thanks to the magic of Google Photos, here is a look at our's. 

Ready For Football

The 2024 NFL season is now underway.  The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs took on the Baltimore Ravens last night (Thursday, September 5th, 2024).

The Chiefs beat the Ravens 27-20.

Love The Game

Picture of attending Mariners games, along with baseball collectables.  

 

Mike's Best Of August

Highlights from August 2024.  Capping off a great summer. 

Happy Labor Day

 Capping off a great Summer.

WSU Flag Is Back

Game Day is back on ESPN. I caught the white WSU flag.  The crimson one was also visible.

Suncadia

Here is a video from a few years back, the Suncadia Resort in Central Washigton. 

 

Lee Goldberg's Calico Review--Tough To Put Down

 First of all, do not read any reviews of this book until you have read it yourself!!  There are secrets that can be given away that could spoil the read.  

Calico, by Lee Goldberg, sat on my shelf for months because it was a western and those who know me, know that I'm not really into that genre.  

I bought this while attending the author's book signing last winter.  After months of collecting dust, I opened it and was hooked by the first page. 

Page turner may seem like a cliche, but Calico really fits the bill, it's imagery and imagination, so vivid, it is like going to a movie. 

It's hard to really write more without crushing the book's impact.  This may be Lee Goldberg's best work yet. 

You can find Calico on Amazon by clicking here.

Mariners Win Again

Julio Rodriguez rounds the bases after hitting a homer in the Mariners 6-2 victory over Tampa Bay.

It was the second homer that inning.

The Mariners have now won two series in a row under the helm of New manager, Dan Wilson.

That was the third game I've attended this season.

Maple Valley Town Hall

With the city council in smart matching blue shirts to his left, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly addresses towns people at the Town Hall last night (Monday, August 26th, 2024). 

The meeting, which also celebrated the anniversary of the incorporation of the town, took place at the Legacy Site 

A good crowd showed up.  Other officials, including state house member Bill Ramos, were also present 

Attendees were treated to ice cream and cake 

Ice Cream Man

The ice cream man where's traditional white outfit with red bowtie at a music festival at Confluence Park in Issaquah.  

After a few days of rainy weather, it was a perfect sunny day.

Seahawks Get Exhibition Win

We went to our first Seahawk game of the season.  The Hawks beat the Cleveland Brown 37-33.  Although the game did not count in the standings, we saw some great plays on both offense and defense.

Dan Wilson Era Begins

 

Former Mariner catcher Dan Wilson is now the team's manager.   This will be Wilson's first time in that  position.  

The Wilson era got off to a good start last night (Friday, August 23rd, 2024), as the team overcame a four run deficit to beat the San Francisco Giants in extra innings 6-5

Performing At Carillon Point

Performing at El Encanto at Carillon Point in Kirkland, my cousin Joe Barer on guitar and Eddie Malakoff on keyboards, they are also members of the rock band, The Underhills.

Servais Reportedly To Lose Job As Mariner Skipper

King 5 TV reports the Seattle Mariners are firing veteran manager Scott Servais.

The move comes as no surprise as the team, once leading its division by 10 games, has seeming lost its footing. 

Parents of Israeli hostage address DNC crowd

A plea to send home the hostages taken in Israel on October 7th at the Democratic National Convention.  

Gimme Shelter Plays Last Issaquah Concert

Looking like the legendary rock band, Gimme Shelter played Rolling Stones music, thrilling the crowd at the last Concerts On The Green, a weekly summer feature at the Community Center in Issaquah.

Kirkland 4--Point Of Sail Easy Lover

 One more from last Thursday's concert at Marina Park in Kirkland.

Talk Show Pioneer Phil Donahue Dies

 Phil Donahue, whose daytime talk show broke new ground, has died.  His shows, featured a single topic and he would take his mic into the audience to allow them to question guests and express their opinions.  

The show, which originated in Dayton, Ohio, eventually moved to Chicago in the early 70s, were it became a national hit. 

Donahue was married to Marlo Thomas, another groundbreaking TV figure, who had starred in the ABC comedy, That Girl.  The marriage lasted 44 years, until his death yesterday (Sunday, August 18th, 2024).

Phil Donahue was 88.

Sunday Downpour 2--Front Yard

 I continued to video the storm in the front yard, where I actually was outside.

Sunday Downpour

 

It's been a stormy weekend. Last night (Saturday, August 17th, 2024), I drove though a rough thunderstorm.  Today was sunny and mild, this.  Taken in our backyard. 

What Really Happened To Seattle Supersonics

This is a great history of the Seattle Super Sonics.  They left in 2008 to become the Oklahoma City Thunder, but word is, they will be coming back in an NBA expansion in the next few years.

Kirkland 3--Brandy Point Of Sail

When of the older Yacht Rock songs. 

Greg Kihn--Pop Star Of The 80s

 Greg Kihn whose namesake band was popular in the '80s has died, reportedly of Altheimer's Disease, he was 75. 

Kihn sang the catchy "The Breakup Song", actually released in 1978. Also, a later hit simply titled "Jeopardy" 

During a period of either long hair or close cropped hairdo's, along with heavy synthesizers, Kihn had what I would call a California surfer look and a guitar and drum somewhat retro sound. 

He had a penchant for using puns of his last name for album titles like Rockkihnroll and Kihnspiracy. 

I got to see him perform at the '83 Wave Spectacular, which was actually held in 1982 (that's not an error) and was sponsored by KYYX. Since I worked for the station, I was able to get in free. 

Kirkland Concert 2 You Can Do Magic--Point Of Sail

More Yacht Rock from Point Of Sail.  More to come.

Saturday In The Park--Point Of Sail

We enjoyed the band Point Of Sail last night (Thursday, August 15th, 2024) in Marina Park in Kirkland.  They played an evening of Yacht Rock.

The Kirkland Summer Concert series was recently rated as one of the ten best concerts series in the US. 

This summer, we have also enjoyed free outdoor concerts in Covington and Issaquah.

Lewiston 3--Big Horn Sheep In Hells Canyon

 "Them are big", ha ha.  A great time and a chance to observe wildlife up close and personal.  More of last week's boat ride through Hells Canyon. 

Lewiston 2--Navigating Hells Canyon

 On Friday (August 9th, 2024), we took a jet boat tour of the Snake River, which ran through Hells Canyon.  We started in Clarkston, Washington, which is across the river from Lewiston, and went all the way past the Oregon border

On To Lewiston

This McDonald's in Lewiston has the golden arches.

At first, I thought it was original, but found out it was a retro design.  It is in the same parking lot as the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, where we stayed. 

I found out to facts about Lewiston.  It is the most eastern West Coast seaport and also was once the capital of Idaho territory.

The picture is a little grainy because of the distance needed to take the picture and capture both arches.  

Levine Does Final Podcast

 

Ken Levine, TV comedy writer, cartoonist, and former baseball play by play announcer, ended his weekly podcast series last week (August 8th, 2024).

Levine began his podcast approximately eight years ago, while doing a daily blog. The blog was a daily read for me until he discontinued it on the Labor Day weekend of 2022. 

Ken explains his reasons and gives us the history behind the blog and podcast.  Just click the arrow.

The Lodge 2--Cruise Ship

Cruise ship rolling down the Columbia.

As we sat at our hotel room, we were surprised to see this huge ship go by.

The best thing about staying at The Lodge is watching all the activity on the river.  

The long walkway is a close second.  

Celebrated Rock Journalist Charles R Cross

 

Charles R Cross, Seattle's journalistic connection to the bigtime rock world has died.   Cross, who owned the Seattle Rock periodical, the Rocket, from 1986 to 1995, was known for writing biographies of Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain and Heart. 

I read the Heart biography, Kicking and Dreaming and found it very enjoyable. 

He was also a contributor to the Seattle Times.  

Cross was 67. 

Return To The Lodge In Tri Cities

We went to one of our favorite places, The Lodge At Columbia Point in Richland, where we spent the night on our way to meeting friends in Lewiston. 

I snapped this shot of the sunset over the Columbia River.

Mike Barer Reporter

Thank you to Jackson Barokas, for this hilarious compilation of videos made after just about every visit with our Bellevue friends.  

For more of Jackson's work, you can find his previous compilation by clicking here.

Harris Picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

 The last decision of the 2024 Presidential campaign was made today as Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota governor Tim Walz to be her running mate.  

The Walz pick has been largely well received and seen as perhaps a chance to bring much needed unity to the party.  

Highway to Hell Sh80s @ Covington Community Park August 1st 2024

Covington Community Park is a great venue, with its stage, children's playground, soccer field, and endless trails.  We watched the 80s band Sh80s this past Friday (August 2nd, 2024).

Pour Some Sugar On Me--Sh80s At Covington Community Park

 

We enjoyed a local group at Covington Community Park.  Sh80s played 80s music. 

In this video, the Def Leopard classic "Pour Some Sugar On Me".

Issaquah Troll

After Tuesday's concert in Issaquah, we walked by the Troll, one of 6 in the region.

You can find this troll by walking south from the community center on the Rainier Trail 

Bang A Gong--Diamond Star Halo Wows Issaquah

 Deb and I enjoyed Diamond Star Halo last night (Tuesday, July 30th, 2024), this week's installment of the summer Concert On The Green series in Issaquah. 

Issaquah Paraglider

It's always fun to watch the paragliders off Issaquah-Hobart Road.  Generally, it's during hot weather.

We took this picture through our car's sunroof.

The Delta Center--Utah 10

Just to make it an even number, here is the Delta Center where the Utah Jazz play 

Just a reminder that NBA basketball in Seattle is missed.

Dick Balch, Jack Roberts and Vern Fonk pitchman Rob Thielke

Before Seattle's huge growth spurt (or actually spurts, because there have been several periods of rapid growth), it was for the most part, a small quirky town.  

Much like Portland was in the past, it was known for creativity.  There was even an SNL like show known as Almost Live, which highlighted and poked fun at it's uniqueness. 

One thing that is truly missed by those of us who have lived here for over 25 years, is the zany TV commercials, some of which can be seen in this video.

Mike Does Bonneville Salt Flats--Utah 9

If my ad libs are quirky, I was just a little nervous riding in a tiny sportscar.   Minutes later, I was driving the little Fiat.  

My wife also drove the flats in her rented car. 

The drive kicked up a lot of salt residue in and around the car. 

RIP--Former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer

 Charles Royer, who served 3 terms as Seattle mayor in the from the late 70s until 1990, has died.  Royer was previously a TV reporter and analyst.  

Royer is credited with moving the Seattle Art Museum to Downtown and developing the Convention Center over I-5.  

 

The Skiers--Utah 8

Circling back to Utah Olympic Park.  I got to pose with the ski jumpers from the show.

The Bonneville Salt Flats--Utah 7

A pose before taking on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Choir--Utah 6

On Sunday (July 21, 2024), we drove to Salt Lake City, where we watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. 

They did a great performance for free.  We then toured the LDS conference center.

It was a great learning experience.

Maple Valley Flyover Part 3

 Once again, Maple Valley got buzzed by what I think is a C-17 Cargo plane. 

Sundance Resort--Utah 5

We visited the Sundance Resort near Park City, where you can take a 3 chairlift, 45-minute ride to the top of the mountain and get an amazing view. 

The resort is tied to actor Robert Redford, who also hosts the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. On the way up, we ran into Miss Utah and Miss Teen Utah, who had ridden to the top for a photo shoot. 

Freestyle Ski Demonstration--Utah 4

The 2002 Winter Olympics were held in Park City, Utah, near Salt Lake City.  The grounds have been preserved and are open to the public.  Last Saturday (July 20th, 2024).  We attended a freestyle ski show.  It was breathtaking, some of these great skiers are probably bound for the 2026 Winter Olympics.  

In 2034, the Winter Olympics will return to Park City. 

 

So Long Debra Wilde

I was saddened to read about the passing of longtime Spokane TV news personality Debra Wilde. 

I watched as she did the weather forecast on KHQ-6 news when I was a student at WSU.  The Spokane stations served WSU in Pullman was well as most of the rest of Eastern Washington.  Since my interest at the time was to break into media, I wrote a letter to her, to which she wrote back. 

Since I've lived in the Seattle area most of the time since then, I wasn't following her career, but believe that she left KHQ for KXLY, then returned to KHQ, expanding her duties to news anchor.  

Debra Wilde was 73.

  

Utah Olympic Park--Utah 3

The Utah Olympic Park ski museum has Olympic Medals on display.

More Utah

We visited the Bonneville Salt Flats on our trip, I'll have the video up soon 

Olympic Mascots From The Past

Mascots at Utah Olympic Park   The Olympics were held there in 2002

Biden Drops Out

In a startling announcement, Joe Biden has said he will not seek another term as president.

Two Less Lonely People In The World. Air Supply At Marymoor Park 3

Another great song from Sunday's concert

Sonics Return Imminent?

 Word from reputable sources say that NBA could consider plans to expand as early as this fall (2024).  Likely sites for new teams would be Seattle and Las Vegas.  

The Seattle Super Sonics, who left for Oklahoma City in 2008, was Seattle's first major league sports franchise, at least in modern times.  It also gave the city an NBA title in 1979.

I'm All Out Of Love--Air Supply at Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA 3

Another number from Sunday's concert. 

Trump Picks JD Vance

 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has picked Ohio Senator J. D. Vance as his selection to be on the ticket as his running mate.  

Vance had previously been an adversary to the former president, according to sources, but in recent years, has become an important ally. 

25th Anniversary Of T-Mobile Park

 Once again, I'm dragging out the picture of the ticket of the first game, played at what was then Safeco Field, now known as T-Mobile Park.  

The Mariners first game and first opening ceremony for Safeco Field was 25 years ago, today (July 15th,2024).

Sweet Dreams--Air Supply At Marymoor Park

This is the opening number from last night's (Sunday, July 14, 2024) concert.  I love how the song has a  great build up. 

 

Making Love Out of Nothing At All--Air Supply At Marymoor Park

We watched Air Supply at the arena at Marymoor Park.  With the tall evergreen trees, it may be the prettiest concert venues in the area.  

Moment Trump rushed off stage after shots fired at rally

This is terrible, it had been decades since a president or presidential candidate had been shot or shot at.

Anne McCoy named WSU Athletics Director

Congrats to Anne McCoy for becoming Washington State University's first woman athletic director.   McCoy had been serving as interim AD, after Pat Chun departed for Washington.

McCoy faces many challenges in her new role, including navigation of the conference realignment. 

Concert From Ten Years Ago

 

We saw the Turtles at Snoqualmie Casino, along with other acts from the 60s.  Howard Kaylan, the lead singer, lived in the Seattle area at the time and was a customer at our store. 

Hard Playing Pup

 Oliver and neighbor dog, Dwight playing doggie games.  Fun to watch.

Fire--Underhills 6

One more video from Friday's concert at the Croc.  This one is a Jimi Hendrix cover, with the band's usual keyboard player, Ed Malakoff, on the lead vocals.

The Moment Logan Gilbert Found Out He Was An All-Star

One of the very bright spots for the Seattle Mariners.

Congratulations to Mariner pitcher Logan Gilbert for his first selection as an American League All Star. 

Gilbert has been lights-out this season. 

Takin' It To The Streets. The Underhills at the Croc--Underhills 5

It was a great Friday night.  Look forward to seeing them again.

Nite Wave At The Croc

From Friday's Battle Of The Bands.  Nite Wave does "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure. 

Music In Newcastle

 We enjoyed the music of Soul Siren at the Lake Boren Fireworks on the Lake Festival in nearby Newcastle. 

Raspberry Beret--The Underhill At The Croc. July 5th, 2024--Underhills 4

This is one of my favorites, The Underhills covering Prince!

Stone In Love--Underhills 3

 This Journey cover has a dynamic solo from Manisha. 

Jessie's Girl--Underhills 2

Another great cover of the Rick Springfield classic.

Rock The Casbah--The Underhills at the Croc July 5th 2024

We went to the Crocodile in Downtown Seattle last night (July 5th, 2024) to watch The Underhills, which features my cousin Joe Barer, in a"battle of the bands" with Night Wave, another popular area cover band. 

Joe sings lead on this classic by the Clash. 

Who won the battle? I would say it was the audience.

Media Maven Covers Northwest Media Scene

 Seattle area media blog, QZVX announces still another local media blog.  Industry insider Wayne Lynch has launched Media Maven.    It can be found by clicking here

Lynch ran Northwest Cable News for 11 years.

Maple Valley Early Fireworks Show

 Maple Valley had its fireworks show, this year on Wednesday July 3rd.  Although the show was at Lake Wilderness, we were able to watch from our subdivision. 

The Fourth Of July

 Happy Independence Day. 

4th Of July With Seattle Radio Icon Pat O'Day

I live to share this every 4th Of July.  

The Turtles parody themselves, 1968, nobody notices

This is the funny origins to I song I love, the Turtles, Eleanor. 

Howard's wife, a customer at the time at our Crossroads store, told me that Eleanor was Happy Together reversed.  

Seattle Skyline Painting

I had this painted for my wife for her birthday several years ago. The artist was a customer at our store. 

The second skyscraper from the left is where we had our wedding in  1995.