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.