Mike Cameron Joins Team Then Retires

It may be impossible to replace a legend, but Mike Cameron sure made  it easier.  The Centerfielder who came from the Cincinnatti Reds to the Mariners in a trade that for Griffey, has retired as a Seattle Mariner.   Cameron played for seven different teams in his career, including the Mariners, but Seattle seems to where his heart was.  He made some incredible catches and also hit 4 homers in a single game.  This was just "what the doctor ordered" for Mariner fans who have had little to cheer about since the 2001 116 game winning campaign.  Cameron was a part of that team. Griffey would come back and also retire as a Mariner, but while Griffey seemed to be an eternal sulker many times, Cameron always seemed to play the game with a smile.

Go Mariners

Dasher wore a Mariner bandana to celebrate Mariner's Home opener.

Maple Valley Democratic Precinct Caucuses Planned

The first step toward chosing delegates for the Democratic National Convention will commence in Washington this coming Sunday, April 15th.    Maple Valley Democrats will gather at Tahoma Junior High at 25600 Summit SE Landsburg Rd in Ravensdale for Precinct Caucuses.  5th District Precinct Caucuses will also take place day in Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and Carnation, with locations here.  The Caucuses will begin at 1:00 pm, but it would be wise to arrive early to sign in.  Any voter in the designated area who will be of voting age at the time of the 2012 general election is eligible to participate.  Voter registration forms will be available.  For more information, see the 5th District Democrats website.

Congratulations To Adam West!

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that Pop Culture Icon Adam West will get a star today on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.  West, who brought the comic book character Batman to life from 1966-1968 on ABC TV, is a native of Walla Walla and would be on any list for most famous figures to hail from there.  He graduated from Lakeside High here in the Seattle area, then graduated from Whitman College.  The Wikipedia reports that West's star will be at 6764 Hollywood Blvd.

Cougar Fans Saddened By Leaf Trevails

Once upon a time, the idea of the Washington State Cougars playing in the Rose Bowl was thought to be a fairy tale, then came Ryan Leaf.  In 1997, the junior quarterback from Montana, showed presense in the pocket, a strong arm, and a cocky attitude.  He lead his team to the Pac 10 championship for the first time in over 30 years.   He was considered a can't miss pro prospect, then the bubble burst.
The San Diego Chargers, gave up the house to have drafting rights to Leaf.  He hit a snag in his rookie season and made ESPN highlight reels with a nasty exchange with reporters. His struggles culminated with his arrest a couple of years ago for burglary.
Recently though, reports came out about a new Ryan Leaf, who was working to fight against his addictions. He survived a brain tumor and wrote a book, the world seemed ready to forgive Ryan and visa versa. But a couple of days ago, the Leaf saga took a turn for the worst, as he was once again arrested for burglary, has Ryan Leaf fooled us again, or is this just another bump on the road to his recovery.  Leaf was arrested again today for burglary in attempt to steal prescription drugs.  Prosecutors had already moved to revoke his probation.

Radio Voices From The Past

They got Seattle rolling in the mornings.  Bobby Ryan and Gary Ryan comprised the "morning drive" team of Ryan and Ryan on KYYX-FM and KXA-AM in the early 80s.   They were not related.

Keith Olbermann--Fired Again!

TV writer Ken Levine reports on his blog that mercurial Liberal commentator Keith Olbermann has been fired from his latest network, Current TV.   Olbermann had been at the network that was co-founded by former Vice President Al Gore for less than a year after losing the job that brought him the most fame, hosting countdown at MSNBC.  Previously a sportscaster, Olbermann had also worked for ESPN and Fox Sportsnet.

Mr Ed's Reopens After Community Outpour

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that landmark Walla Walla Restaurant, Mr. Ed's, has reopened, a few weeks after ceasing operations due to lower crowds and high food costs.  The restaurant on East Isaacs had at one time been an A &W Root Beer Drive In, but had become independent in the early 70s, after the root beer giant started marketing in local grocery stores.
Now one of Walla Walla's oldest restaurants, the announcement of Mr. Ed's closing was met with expressions of sadness on social media sites.  Co-owner Dan Givens, a Walla Walla High School classmate of mine, says that the reopening was made possible by shortening the hours of operation and reworking the menu.

Hitting The Slopes

My buddy Rick and I spent yesterday afternoon skiing at The Summit at Snoqualmie. It was a beautiful sunny day, and people were sitting outdoors at the lodge where a  local band provided live music.  It was my first time skiing in about 10 years, but still loads of fun. 

Happy Birthday, Connor!

Happy 8th birthday to my nephew, Connor!

Manning Now A Horse Of A Different Color

Peyton Manning went from being a Colt to a Bronco this week.  After days of being one of the most sought after free agents in NFL history, Manning has decided to play for previous quarterback legend John Elway, now Denver's GM. 
Manning follows fellow Colt Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, and Joe Montana as quarterback greats who finished with different teams than where they carved their legend.

Happy 13th Birthday Ethan!

My oldest nephew is now a teenager!

Dancing With TBT

Last night we attended "Dancing With The TBT Stars, a benefit for the Temple B'Nai Torah youth education program.  5 couples including the ones in the above video competed in the temple's version of ABC's popular "Dancing With The Stars" program.There was also a silent auction as well as a live auction, in addition, there was a raffle for a Nordstroms gift certificate.   In the end, everyone left with smiles on their faces and much lighter wallets.

Seahawks Sign Quarterback Matt Flynn

It seems familiar, a back up Green Bay quarterback is coming to town to lead the Seahawks. In 2001, Mike Holmgren brought a then unknown understudy to Bret Favre named Matt Hasselbeck to towns.  Now it has been reported that Packer Aaron Rogers' back up Matt Flynn has just been signed to be the Seahawks new starting quarterback.  Flynn was a seventh round draft pick in 2008 from LSU.

Janis Joplin--Me And Bobby McGee

"Feeling good was good enough for me"  that line points out that being happy is what life is really about.

Winter Not Over Yet

Seattle area is hit with a mid-March snowfall.

Dasher Keeps His Dad Informed

Every morning, Dasher will walk down the driveway and bring the Seattle Times to me.  Except on Sunday's when the paper weighs a ton.  Not bad for a 4 month old!

Good Bye, Jim Nelly, Sr

With a reputation of being a somewhat "loose cannon", Jim Nelly bought Walla Walla radio station KUJ in the mid 70s and local radio was never the same.  Changing the station from Middle Of The Road to 24 Hour Hit Radio, the station (the oldest and most powerful in the city) spoke constantly of it's high ratings and big contests. It was the dawn of the disco era and KUJ was able to capitalize on it.  Movies like Saturday Night Fever were rendering constant hits. Nelly gave catchy, sometimes rather silly radio names to his DJs like Mason Dixon and Wee Willie Winkle.  The theory is that in personality radio, "Dr Love" is easier to remember that "Steve Brown".  A few years later, KHIT, a local rival, launched a Hit Radio FM station known as XT97, Walla Walla suddenly had 2 commercial Rock stations.
 He also acquired the Walla Walla Padres, the city's Northwest League baseball franchise. Nelly had his wife, Patricia (Peppermint Patty) run the baseball team, adding beer sales, as well as a wide variety of stunts, loudly promoted on the station.  Although, Nelly was considered quite a flamboyant presence in a small quiet town, he reportedly sold KUJ in the early 80s at a value that was many times higher than when he bought it.   Nelly died last week.

Can Seahawks Land Superstar Quarterback

When was the last time the Seattle Seahawks landed a big time free agent?  Reports are out that the Seattle Seahawks have entered the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes.  Manning, who lead the Colts to 2 Super Bowls and one victory is an alumni of Tennessee where my wife went to College was just released .  The future Hall Of Famer would, if healthy, add swagger if not a Super Bowl to the 'Hawks, but there are other teams gunning for him and he may not be warm to the idea of playing on the West Coast.