Admin | Emerald City Journal

Puget Sound Wood Stove Program – No Thank You

Published on January 14, 2022

I’m not sure how many people have a wood stove but considering the way things are going with the government and more regulations you should in my opinion. First of all Puget Sound Clean Air Agency doesn’t have money to buy people’s old stoves. Taxpayers furnish them with their money. They have decided that they want everyone to go electric, that way we are completely under their control and at their mercy. They are going to use Windmills to make the electricity.

First of all the scenic country will be rows of UGLY windmills. The vast spaces of open land will be gone. Birds will be killed by the millions and the other animals will suffer. It will do absolutely nothing to improve the environment. Puget Sound Energy says the windmills will generate enough power to run themselves. But New York is at least being honest. New York is going to take natural gas out of a bunch of apartments and they say they will use this “dirty fuel” to power the windmills they put up. WHAT EXACTLY WILL BE GAINED?

There was a study done in 1989 by the EPA that promised the use of wood to battle the “greenhouse effect”. They recommended the use of more wood and they planted plantations to grow it.

They learned that to naturally let forests die and decay yielded as much carbon dioxide without the energy benefits. When burned wood properly, fuel is better for the environment than fossil fuel because it is renewable.

With all the building going on (come look at Georgetown) and the piles of nice clean 2 x 4 ends, why is it better for the environment to haul it in a big truck to the South Park dump and burn there vs me just heating my house with it 3 miles away. I get my fuel for free and not only does it warm my house but it is so relaxing and comforting just to sit in front of my country stove.

Here are some more reasons for keeping my wood stove. Last winter we continually lost power. Big trucks would go through here, hook into the lines and/or 9 rotten light poles blew down about a mile from my house. We were without power time after time. I have little lanterns for light but OMG with no gas furnace this old house gets mighty cold. I have lived in this same house for 76 years. No heat ducts in any bedrooms so giving up this wood stove was a no-no for sure. I couldn’t even heat myself a pan of water for coffee. I am 98 and don’t drive so I can’t jump in the car and head for the coffee shop. So when someone from the government says we are here to help you – find out how they intend to do that.

The Puget Sound Wood Stove Program can be found here: https://pscleanair.gov/409/Wood-Stove-Program

Photo: “Morning fire to take the chill off.” by Counselman Collection

Dr. Mehmet Oz: From Humble Beginnings to Senate Dreams (Biography)

Published on January 2, 2022

Born to immigrant parents, Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Oz has seen an extraordinary life and career as a physician, author, and TV personality. Born on June 11th, 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio, Oz had been encouraged to join the medical field early in life by his pharmacist mother and his father, Mustafa Oz, who was the chief of thoracic surgery at the Medical Center of Delaware for a few years. Oz spent summers in Turkey as a child, and in order to maintain his dual citizenship, he served with the Turkish army for two years.

He received his early education at the Tower Hill School, a college preparatory school located in Wilmington, Delaware. Studying biology at Harvard University, Oz received his undergraduate degree in 1982. Oz was an athlete during his time at Harvard, playing on their football team, and winning an intramural championship in water polo. He received both his MD and his MBA in 1986 at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania respectively. During this time, he served not only as the student body president and class president, but he also received Captain’s Athletic Award for leadership.

Dr. Oz’s medical career began at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City where he completed his residency. At the time, the Presbyterian Hospital in New York City was affiliated with Columbia University. He earned the Blakemore research award during his residency. In 1995, he established the Cardiac Complementary Care Center with his colleague, Jerry Whitworth. This program offered alternative medicine approaches to people suffering from heart disease.

Dr. Oz successfully completed a heart transplant in 1996 on Frank Torre, who was the brother of then New York Yankees manager Joe Torre. Oz received a large amount of attention from this success and seemed to enjoy the publicity. In 2000, Oz rechristened the Cardiac Complementary Care Center as the Cardiovascular Institute and Integrative Medicine Program, serving as director.

The following year, in 2001, Oz began teaching as a professor at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and continued to do so until early in 2022. Through innovation, he has worked to develop tools used during heart surgery. One such device is called the MitraClip, and it is used to treat those who for some reason or other are ineligible for open-heart surgery. Another such device is the left ventricular assist device, which helps with cardiac circulation. By 2015, Oz was the holder of several patents related to heart surgery.

For five seasons of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Oz made appearances as a health expert, where he talked about different conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity. This eventually led to Dr. Oz hosting his own show, and the first episode of The Dr. Oz Show premiered on September 14th, 2009. Here, he discussed a number of conditions and concerns and how to manage them, such as insomnia, stress, chronic pain, and anti-aging. Through these episodes, he discussed different homeopathic remedies and medicines for a wide range of conditions.

Dr. Oz has been married to his wife Lisa since 1985, and they have four children. Together they have founded HealthCorps, which is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing America’s youth with knowledge about health and wellness, including fitness, nutrition, and CPR training.

Raised in a religiously diverse home, Oz practices Sufism, which is a sect of Islam that identifies with spirituality and mysticism. He also practices transcendental meditation. Oz’s father was a strict Muslim, while his mother was less secular and ascribed to Kemalism.

He was diagnosed with a precancerous polyp on his colon during a colonoscopy on an episode of his show in August of 2010. He attributes this to likely saving his life. He has co-written thirteen books and has received several awards including eight Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show Informative, and Outstanding Talk Show Host, and on February 11th, 2022, he received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

He has appeared as a guest on several television programs including 60 Minutes, Larry King Live, The View, The Colbert Report, Wheel of Fortune, Match Game, and Dr. Phil. On November 21st, 2022, Oz declared his candidacy for the United States Senate Republican seat in Pennsylvania. Due to FCC regulations regarding the equal-time rule, a number of TV stations removed his show from the air. On June 3rd, 2022, he officially became the Republican candidate for the open United States Senate seat. If he is elected in November of 2022, he will be the first Muslim to serve as a member of the United States Senate. At this time, he is self-described as a moderate Republican and cites such inspirations as Former President Teddy Roosevelt and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2021, when he announced his candidacy, he self-identified as a conservative Republican. Dr. Mehmet Oz is now a professor emeritus, and no longer sees patients.

Photo Credit: “WPBF 25’s Health & Wellness Festival Featuring Dr. Oz” by The Gardens Mall is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Betty White and Her Unbelievable Career

Published on January 2, 2022

Betty White was a well-known American actress whose attitude and charisma landed her adoration for decades. Playing a crucial role in the rise of television and modern media, White went on to become one of the most popular women behind, and in front of, the camera. With one of the longest careers in television, White received countless awards and honors for her work in entertainment, as well as being a household name across the country. She was not only a talented entertainer and creator but an advocate for inclusivity and equal treatment. Though her passing at the end of 2021 was the end of an era, White will always be remembered as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Early Years

Going back to the beginning, Mrs. Betty White Ludden was born on January 17^th of 1922 in the city of Oak Park, Illinois. Shortly after she was born, her family moved to California, where she would spend her childhood. As a child, White’s family struggled through the Great Depression and she understood at a young age what difficult times felt like and wanted to help. As she got older, she found an interest in the outdoors and wildlife. She mentioned in interviews that she even wanted to be a forest ranger before her career in entertainment, but at that time, women weren’t allowed to do so.

White ended up finding a love for writing in school, which ultimately sparked the beginning of her creative career. When she was in elementary school, White wrote for and starred in a play for her school’s graduation, demonstrating her amazing young talent.

As time went on, White decided that she wanted to try to become an actress. But at this time, film was still the most popular medium of entertainment, and finding a start in it was no easy feat. White told interviewers that she was often denied modeling opportunities or roles in films because she wasn’t “photogenic enough.” Of course, she didn’t let this get in her way. But it wasn’t until after White graduated high school and served time in World War II that she would make her debut within the world of radio and television.

The Beginning of Betty White’s Career

Betty White is most widely known for her role in the popular sitcom The Golden Girls, as well as her prominence in games and variety shows throughout her early career. But before she gained traction through television, White began her entertainment career in radio. She slowly made her way up the ladder from reading short commercials to reading for shows to getting proposed her own show.

At this same time, White made her television debut by co-hosting a talk show that was quite popular at the time known as Hollywood on Television. Soon after, White took strides to push her career forward by co-founding a production company, where she would work to create well-known classics like Life with Elizabeth. This was a major stepping stone for women in the entertainment industry who never had much of a chance to be behind the camera before.

As time went on, White demonstrated that she was much more than just a girl in front of a camera. As a writer and producer, she not only created unique characters that people loved, but she fought for the inclusivity of both women and people of color throughout her career. When White was given her first talk show, The Betty White Show, she hired an African American man named Arthur Duncan to be a performer. At the time, this decision received a great deal of backlash and hatred, to which White simply replied, “Live with it.” Due to the controversy, her show was ultimately canceled. But that didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most well-known women in the entertainment world.

The Golden Years

After Life with Elizabeth ended, White dipped her toes in a few other series, but would find great luck when she began appearing in games and variety shows. Perhaps the most popular of the game shows she appeared in was Password, a game where contestants give each other clues to guess a mystery word or “password.” The show was hosted by Allen Ludden, who White went on to marry in the early 1960s. For the next decade, White was featured on a variety of shows like Late Night with Jonny Carson, and starred in her own self-titled sitcom, The Betty White Show.

In 1985, White landed her infamous role as Rose and The Golden Girls made their television debut.From here, White’s popularity soared even higher. The series depicted a group of older, single women sharing a house and living out their “golden” years together. White went on to play her character Rose for 7 seasons, winning awards all along the way. The series was adored by fans across the country and is still a critically acclaimed sitcom talked about today.

After the popular series came to a finish in the early 1990s, White went on to appear in a soap opera, multiple different television series, and even a film. By 2010, White experienced what many people call a “resurgence” in her popularity. Because of this, she would go on to host Saturday Night Live and appear in multiple other sitcoms and movies.

The End of an Era Betty White’s career is one of longevity and success. From radio to television to filming and production, White had one of the longest, most influential careers in entertainment history. Not only did she win countless awards for her roles in series like The Golden Girls, but she took massive strides for minorities in the entertainment industry like women and people of color. She not only landed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but a Guinness World Record for the longest female career in entertainment. For over eight decades, White shared her passions and devotion with the world around her, ultimately landing her a spot in hearts across America.

Photo: “Betty White David Shankbone 2010 NYC”

Washington Tourism Alliance Announces New Rural Tourism Support Program

Published on November 11, 2021

Tri-County Economic Development District Picked for Pilot Program

SEATTLE (November 11, 2021) – The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is launching a new Rural Tourism Support (RTS) Program, and has selected Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) in Northeastern Washington as its inaugural destination partner through a competitive process and review by a panel of industry experts.

The RTS program will serve as a seminal phase of development for communities across the state as well as a key strategic element In the WTA’s broader destination development programming. The program and WTA’s ongoing commitment to rural and tourism-dependent communities operates in tandem with broader marketing programs and a focus on statewide natural wonders and outdoor recreation, attraction of international visitors, identification of local visitor offerings, and assistance for tourism areas adversely impacted by natural disasters.

The RTS program will be facilitated by sustainable tourism expert Kristin Dahl, founder of Crosscurrent Collective, and it will use a community-based progressive approach to achieve short-term and long-term goals. A committee of local stakeholders will determine key action items, including a ten-year vision for the evolution of the destination and a better understanding of regional, national, and global travel trends. In some communities, growth may be one of the objectives but, in many cases, development may incorporate management of visitor flow to communities that need them most while mitigating impact on others. In all cases, the program is designed to improve the experience for residents and visitors alike.

“It is so exciting to think of the possibilities that a project with the scope of the Rural Tourism Support Program can bring to Northeast Washington,” said Shelly Stevens, Director of Regional Marketing for TEDD. “Especially considering that the way people travel and what they want to experience have changed in the wake of the pandemic. The timing couldn’t be better to collaboratively develop a thoughtful, regionwide tourism plan to help guide us into the future,”

The mission of TEDD is to promote economic resiliency, job creation and business retention through maintaining and developing business, tourism, community, and area development, while preserving the culture and environment of Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille Counties. The WTA’s partnership with TEDD will result in a tourism road map that will significantly and positively impact the region.

The Tri-County region is the first in what will be ongoing annual partnerships with Washington’s rural, tourism-dependent counties.

“We’re excited to inaugurate our Rural Tourism Support Program and to work closely within these communities In Northeast Washington,” said David Blandford, WTA Executive Director. “Our enabling legislation identified the importance of this role and the rigor of the pandemic underscores the critical need for tourism recovery.”

Managed and funded by the WTA, the RTS Program will focus on long-term destination development for both residents and visitors, along with sustainable tourism and regenerative travel. The application process for the next RTS partner destination will begin in spring 2022, followed by a fall launch.

About Washington Tourism Alliance

The Washington Tourism Alliance (WTA) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders, with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. The WTA procures and administers funds for marketing efforts and creates and implements a strategic statewide marketing plan. For more information, visit www.watourismalliance.com.

Contact: Sienna Spencer-Markles / siennasm@greenrubino.com

Top 3 Philanthropists in America: Warren Buffett, Alice Walton, and Melinda Gates

Published on November 9, 2021

Philanthropic initiatives focus on promoting the welfare of others, usually through the donation of money to charitable causes. In America, numerous groups focus on improving the quality of life for those who are less fortunate. However, when it comes to philanthropy, three names are heard more often than others – Warren Buffett, Alice Walton, and Melinda Gates. These individuals have taken advantage of their success by reinvesting their wealth into the communities that surround them, bettering the lives of countless families.

Warren Buffett

Referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Warren Buffett is an investor, business magnate, and world-renowned philanthropist who has served as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970. Forbes reports that, at one point, Warren was the world’s richest man. Still, he never let this title define him. He has done as much as possible to give his money to those who can best utilize it to help the society around us. Also holding the fitting title of the world’s most successful investor, he decided to take the money he earned and reinvest in what matters most – the various philanthropic needs of the U.S.

In 2006, Warren committed to gradually giving away 99% of his Berkshire Hathaway stock to philanthropic foundations. He stands firm in this commitment and has already donated approximately half of his wealth. In 2009, he partnered with Bill and Melinda Gates, becoming co-founder of the Giving Pledge. This pledge was created to inspire rich Americans to pledge at least 50% of their wealth to charity. Two years later, he was listed in Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2010, he was named one of the most influential global thinkers. The following year, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Warren Buffett has demonstrated many times that he values his philanthropic work over his net worth. He continues to actively support his family’s individual foundations, including Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and NoVo Foundation. Yet, he has also made it clear that he won’t be leaving his children a lot of money. He has seen how wealth can impact a family and believes it is more important that he share with his children and grandchildren his desire to help others than to give them a large inheritance. Warren also participates in auctions where the winning bidder receives a luncheon with him, and the proceeds are used to fund different philanthropic foundations. [Wikipedia]

Recent News:

Warren Buffett announces he will be donating $4.1 billion to various charitable foundations

Warren Buffett Hits Halfway Mark of Donating 99% of Net Worth

Alice Walton

Heiress to the Walmart fortune and second richest woman in the world, Alice Walton, has dedicated her life to philanthropic works. She believes in bettering the world by increasing access to arts, supporting education, and enhancing economic opportunities. Much of her work so far has been dedicated to the arts, but her goals for the future continue to expand her efforts into other important areas. Much of her philanthropic work focuses on her local community of Bentonville, Arkansas.

Alice founded the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2011, a 120-acre park with galleries, classrooms, a gathering hall, a library featuring over 50,000 art reference volumes, and a five-mile walking trail of sculptures. This Museum’s permanent collection contains five centuries of American art, including works created by Indigenous people and other artists who traditionally have been underrepresented in most museums. She is also a member of the Walton Family Foundation and the founder of the Alice L. Walton foundation.

In 2017, Alice founded Art Bridges, a nonprofit foundation that partners with a wide variety of institutes to provide greater access to American art. This foundation supports several projects geared towards creating deeper engagement within communities. Recently, she led the formation of the Whole Health Institute and is deeply involved in the development of the Whole Health School of Medicine and Health Services, both based in Bentonville. The goal is to create an arena where health and well-being are both affordable and accessible.

Alice Walton is passionate about outreach in her community and beyond. She became the first chairperson of the Northwest Arkansas Council, which played a major role in improving the transportation infrastructure of the area. She also established Camp War Eagle, a summer camp available to children of all different socio-economic backgrounds. She has received The Archives of American Art Medal from the Smithsonian Institute and the John Cotton Dana Medal for Visionary Leadership in Museums from the American Alliance of Museums. In 2018, she was inducted into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame. [Wikipedia]

Alice Walton Steps Down as Chairperson: Expanding Horizons

Alice Walton has long been known for her philanthropic work and her love of the arts. Much of her work focuses on her hometown of Bentonville. Her desire has been to create a place rich in art and other forms of social connection. She is most well-known for helping make Bentonville, Arkansas an art destination. This museum offers both in-person and virtual art events in the hopes of reaching a larger community and bringing people together.

She is known for her vast collection of art, and her commitment to making the art world more accessible for those less fortunate. Alice Walton recently announced that she would be stepping down as the board chairperson for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Stepping Down

Walton has led the board of the Crystal Bridges Museum since opening its doors in 2011. This nonprofit museum was a major component of economic and artistic growth in Northwest Arkansas. This museum has been a cultivation of her passion for the arts, and her desire to make art accessible. She will continue to stay involved, transitioning to the function of a board member of Crystal Bridge, which she first created as a non-profit in 2005. A close family member Olivia Walton, is taking the role of leading the board as chairperson.

Alice Walton couldn’t be happier to have a family member take her place. In a news release, she had nothing but praise for Olivia Walton, extolling her lifelong passion for the arts and acknowledging what an excellent museum board leader she will be now into the next decade. While Alice Walton will continue to be a part of the museum, she also wanted to free more of her time to focus on additional artistic and philanthropic work.

Expanding Her Focus

Alice Walton continues to dedicate her life to philanthropic work. Her step down as chairperson is largely due to her desire to work on other projects. Along with her passion for art, she also has a passion for health and well-being. She is deeply engaged in the Whole Health Institute, as well as the Whole Health School of Medicine and Health Sciences, that she founded recently. The goal of these new projects is to create an arena where health and well-being are both accessible and affordable. She also helped to establish Camp War Eagle, which is a summer camp for all socio-economic backgrounds. Alice Walton had often expressed her desire to branch from the art world to continue helping those in need in other areas. This move highlights her desire to continue her philanthropic work outside of the art world. She is excited to see how new, fresh leadership will continue to inspire and shape the projects of the Crystal Bridges Museum.

Recent News:

Philanthropist Alice Walton discusses her interest in healthcare reform

How Alice Walton is Bringing the Art World to Bentonville, Arkansas

How Alice Walton Is Doubling Down on Her Mega-Museum in Arkansas

Alice Walton Envisions the Future of American Art

Melinda Gates

Former computer scientist and general manager at Microsoft, Melinda Gates is an American philanthropist who consistently ranks as one of the world’s most powerful women. During her career in the technological industry, she witnessed first-hand the struggles of being a woman in a male-driven industry and became passionate about achieving greater gender equality in such fields. Her passion for empowering women can be seen through much of her philanthropic work.

Melinda is best known for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which she co-founded in 2000. She is responsible for shaping and approving the foundation’s strategies, reviewing the results of their charitable efforts, and setting the organization’s overall direction. This foundation continues to be one of the world’s largest private charitable organizations. Her philanthropic work has been acknowledged for quite some time, going back to 2002, where she received a Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged. In 2016, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her philanthropic efforts from President Barack Obama.

Although Melinda and Bill are separated, she continues to serve as co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she focuses on helping people achieve healthy, happy, and productive lives. She helped found The Giving Pledge, which consists of the upper society of America committing at least half of their wealth to the betterment of society. In 2015, she founded Pivotal Ventures, an organization that strives to identify problems affecting woman and their families in the workplace and implement creative solutions to solve them. [Wikipedia]

Seattle’s City Council Votes to Decriminalize Psychedelics

Published on October 8, 2021

The Seattle City Council voted on Monday to legalize non-commercial use of a wide range of psychedelic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, ayahuasca, ibogaine, and mescaline that is not derived from peyote.

To safeguard the growing and sharing of hallucinogenic plants and fungi for “religious, spiritual, healing, or personal growth practices,” the groundbreaking bill expands Seattle’s policy of not arresting or prosecuting persons for personal drug possession.

As a result of the legislation’s unanimous passage, the city of Seattle’s police department is being asked to “work toward the formal codification and implementation of that practice as departmental policy.”

Seattle now joins a growing list of American cities, including Denver, Washington, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, in taking such measures. Oregon was the first state to approve the therapeutic use of psilocybin in 2020.

Using “entheogens,” such as psilocybin and ayahuasca, which are commonly taken for spiritual or religious purposes, will be among the lowest priority for municipal police.

The federal government classifies psilocybin, a mind-altering chemical often known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, as a Schedule I narcotic, the most restrictive classification.

Councilmember Andrew Lewis of Seattle, who spearheaded the initiative, called it a “first step” in changing the city’s drug regulations. During a phone interview just before the vote, he stated, “Our overarching goal is to follow Oregon’s lead.”

“These chemicals have a big demonstrated promise for cutting-edge therapy for substance misuse, healing from brain injuries,” Lewis said. “I want to ensure that our policies for regulating these chemicals are based on sound science.”

Benefits to the Economy and Mental Health

Psilocybin and other substances are becoming more popular as an alternative to established mental health therapies among academic researchers and the general public.

There are also economic benefits to consider especially since the Canadian Securities Exchange has raised $277 million for such companies since 2020 through listings, and many investors have already jumped in.

High-profile scientists are asking for federal action now, according to reports. A Harvard Law School professor, Mason Marks, argued for a loosening of restrictions on the use of psychedelic drugs on Monday, hoping to spark new developments in mental health care.

Since federal money for psilocybin research is difficult to come by due to the current status of the drug, private companies are doing the bulk of the work and helping to impact public policy as a result.

Calls for Reclassifying Psilocybin

Psilocybin is in the same category as heroin and other hard narcotics as a Schedule I controlled substance. Reclassifying the drug will allow for “more inclusive clinical studies and unbiased regulatory scrutiny,” according to Marks.

The general view is that postponing is the best course of action in this case in the hope that it will fix a slew of issues, Marks further stated.

Even while plant-based psychedelics like LSD, ketamine, and MDMA are becoming popular with users, investors, and academics, the Seattle law would not apply to them. When it comes to living, fresh, dried, or processed plant or fungal material (including teas or powders), a municipal spokeswoman in Seattle says most of these substances don’t fit the bill. The decriminalization of natural psychedelics could be the start of further legalization.

Washington State previously, announced they will be restricting police pursuits. Gov Inslee has stated that it is an effort to fight racial injustice. Police officers stated their concerns with the restrictions and many do not agree with Gov Inslee. Some officers have resigned because they feel they cannot do their jobs and in some cases that requires using force.

_{Photo: “Psychedelic 070707” by move-at-light-speed is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.}

Staying Safe on the Road as Seattle’s Wet Season Returns

Published on September 18, 2021

Whether this is your first or umpteenth season driving in Seattle rain, be warned that, according to the Washington State Patrol, collisions are most prevalent on Western Washington roads following the first rain after a long dry spell.

The region’s wet season has begun, with up to 2 inches of rain anticipated between Friday and early Monday on 21st September in the Seattle area.

The first fall rain sends a summer’s worth of lost oils and fluids to the road’s surface, making the road slippery and traction tricky. People seem to have forgotten how to drive in the rain after a long dry spell, says Trooper Rick Johnson.

He noted that it is not uncommon for traffic collisions and disasters to occur all across the region once the rainy season arrives for the first time.

Winter Forecast: How About Some Rain and Snow?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its updated winter prediction for the country on Thursday 17th September and offered some excellent news for those who enjoy cool, wet – or possibly even snowy – winters.

Long-range forecasts are increasingly confident that a large portion of the Pacific Northwest – particularly Western Washington – is on track to see a cooler and wetter than average winter season.

For the Seattle area, analysts believe there is a better than 40% likelihood of the overall temperature ranging about 0.75 degrees below usual, a roughly 33% possibility of temperature averages falling within 3/4 of a degree, and a 20% chance of a warmer than average winter. There is a similarly high degree of certainty that rainfall will exceed normal — at least 2 inches or more than the standard 3 inches of winter rainfall.

When these two factors are combined, the likelihood of lowland snow events increases-though the danger is still relatively low, just not as low – and this provides an optimistic picture for the ski season. The estimates are based on the rising evidence that the world will experience La Nina conditions for the second consecutive winter, dubbed a “Double Dip” La Nina, with an 80 percent probability of La Nina arriving by winter.

La Nina occurs when the central Pacific Ocean’s waters become colder than usual, initiating a cascade of global weather conditions. One result is that the jet stream is shifted northward to suck up cooler air, which is then pushed into the Pacific Northwest, keeping us chilly and wet during the winter.

Last winter saw above-average precipitation, a healthy snowpack coupled with a lowland snowstorm. While the La Nina prediction does not ensure a similar outcome, the odds are stacked in favor of it.

Keeping Yourself Safe on the Road

After a rainstorm, rainwater can form large puddles and a slick road surface. This makes the slightest error, or even momentary hesitation, lead to a total loss of control.

“We’re lousy drivers in general and things get a lot worse in the rain,” says the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver Training Group, Joe Giammona.

To stay safe in Seattle’s rain, the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to reduce speed even while driving a 4-wheel SUV, maintain a longer following distance, use headlights at all times, inspect tire treads and ensure that your windshield wiper fluid is fully charged before the rainy season officially begins.

You can also leave early and provide enough travel time to avoid feeling rushed. If you’re annoyed or angry, pull over and take a break, as this is frequently when people are tempted to make a poor decision.

Photo: “After the rain” by user kewing is licensed with CC BY-NC 2.0.

Construction Projects Expected to Slow Down After Seattle Carpenters Go on Strike

Published on September 17, 2021

On Thursday, hundreds of Washington carpenters took to the streets for the first time in almost 20 years to protest over low wages and poor working conditions.

Members of the Northwest Carpenters Union voted to approve the strike over the weekend, rejecting a tentative contract agreement by a margin of 56% to 44%. Early Thursday morning, pickets were scheduled across the city.

Hundreds of construction projects could most likely be affected by the strike, including both small projects with just a few carpenters and large projects with hundreds of carpenters. Both Eastside Microsoft office projects and Vulcan’s Block 38 will be impacted by this issue.

The ordinary population, on the other hand, may see little impact from the strike. Most of the city’s largest projects, such as the Sound Transit rail project and the Climate Pledge Arena, already have agreements in place that prevent a strike. Union carpenters will continue to work and contribute a portion of their earnings to a strike fund to help those who choose to walk out. According to the union, about 2,000 of its 12,000 members work at locations where they can go on strike.

To keep up with inflation, the carpenters said they’ll demand higher wage rises in their next contract. The walkout also highlights the divides inside the organization, whose members have voted against four tentative deals so far this year.

There were some rank-and-file members who campaigned against the idea while others urged a “yes” vote in the last ballot. Not long before the strike, a number of union members challenged why the union had not scheduled additional pickets while some union leadership expressed concerns about illegal wildcat strikes and sick-outs.

“Under this agreement, we were not able to come together as a team. The time has come for us to unite under a general strike.” stated the union’s executive secretary-treasurer, Evelyn Shapiro. The carpenters’ employer group, the Association of General Contractors of Washington, claims to have offered a “solid package” of salary increases to their members. The organization informed employers this week that contractors “plan to continue operating their companies.”

The AGC said in a statement released after the strike began on Thursday that it was “disappointed and mystified the union is going with this strike after such a comprehensive and competitive package offer.” The AGC warned that high building prices could “drive developers to other markets, cause loss of Union market share, and possibly cut carpenter hours.” It’s unclear when the two parties will meet again.

Total package increases amounting to $13.25 were all but rejected in a four-year plan recently voted down by union membership. The current hourly wage ranges from $46.92 to $48.42. In the last 4 years, the union said the salary would have climbed by $9.40 per hour. To be fair to retirees, the union had proposed a four-year rise in pension contributions from $8.60 to $11.15 per hour.

Carpenter Joe Sosa, who voted against the most recent contract proposal, said that union members who rejected it are calling for just a $15 increase in a period of 3 years and improved parking pay.

They want to gain millions, but refuse to share the money with the rest of the workforce, says Sosa. The pandemic and its resultant economic impact have brought to the fore the tough conditions workers face in almost every industry from meatpacking to construction. If labor is critically necessary for keeping the economy going through a crisis such as the present pandemic, then workers will be more emboldened to exercise their rights and power to demand better pay.

Photo: “Seattle Construction” by Rob.Bertholf is licensed with CC BY 2.0.

Danny Strong Biography & Career

Published on September 14, 2021

Danny Strong is a popular actor, writer, and producer in the American entertainment industry. With roles in notorious TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls, as well as helping to write screenplays for critically acclaimed films like Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Strong has demonstrated his effortless flexibility throughout the entertainment industry. His latest project, a Hulu miniseries known as Dopesick, depicts the opioid crisis in America while showing the perspective not only of doctors but of the people who produce Oxycontin. With many opportunities still to come, Danny Strong’s career has the attention of many. Danny Strong is engaged to producer and actress Caitlin Mehner.

Early Life

Daniel Strong, most commonly known as Danny Strong, was born on June 6, 1974. He grew up in southern California (Manhattan Beach, California) where he knew he wanted to be an actor from a young age. He comes from a Jewish family and mix of Lithuanian, Russian, and Polish. By the time he was 10, Strong was sending his photo to agents all over and becoming infatuated with the world of film. He went to Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, CA.

During this time, Strong spent a lot of his spare time at a video store near his house called Video Archives. He would talk to the clerk who worked there often, sharing opinions on his favorite movies, and getting recommendations from him. Ironically, the clerk that worked there was Quentin Tarantino. Strong told interviewers he used to talk about films with Tarantino after school for hours, just discussing different scenes and what they thought of them. As Danny Strong grew up, he quickly took an interest in theatre and drama in school. And by the time he got to college, he knew that he wanted to study film and theatre for his degree.

The Beginning of Danny Strong’s Career

Strong finally made his acting debut in the 90s television hit Saved by the Bell. Quickly afterward, in 1995, he appeared in his first full-length feature film, titled Dangerous Minds. Within the next few years, Strong scored role after role in popular films and television series. By 1998, Strong not only got his iconic role as Jonathan Levinson in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but he appeared in the popular sitcoms Boy Meets World, 3^rd Rock from the Sun, Seinfeld, and the cult classic film Clueless.

After his acting career jumpstarted in the late 90s, Strong’s part in the entertainment industry only continued to grow. He landed his next notable character as Doyle McMaster in the series Gilmore Girls in 2003 and ended up staying on the show for the next 4 years. After his time on Gilmore Girls, he continued to be featured in popular series like Grey’s Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother into the early 2010s. This was when he decided to start slowing down his appearances in front of the camera to focus more on his writing.

Scripts, Screenplays, and Achievements

Strong had always been interested in writing his own script or screenplay. When he was just 25, he tried writing his first film, which was a dark comedy. The film was based on two men that kill an old man so they can move into his rent-controlled apartment. Unfortunately, the film never was put into action and it stayed on paper forever. Regardless, creating this helped Strong realize that he wanted to write much more in the future.

And that’s exactly what he did. Danny Strong’s first written piece to come to fruition was a film called Recount. Released in 2008, the film depicted the 2000 elections and the chaos that ensued when the recount was ordered in Florida. The political drama ended up being a great success and was ultimately nominated for 11 Emmys, one of which was for best writing, as well as 5 Golden Globes. Not long after, Strong found himself writing for another political drama entitled Game Change. This time, Strong wrote the screenplay that earned him an Emmy award for outstanding writing.

Gaining more experience in the world of writing and producing, Strong began to work on multiple different popular projects over the years. He found success in his screenplays that were written for the two-part ending films of the popular trilogy The Hunger Games. Both Mockingjay Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2 were films that brought their audiences to the edges of their seats.

But perhaps one of Strong’s most popular works is the screenplay he wrote for Lee Daniels’ The Butler. The film was based loosely on a real butler named Eugene Allen, who served the White House presidents for decades. In Strong’s screenplay, the trials, tribulations, and injustice that the butler endured demonstrate the hardships of the African American community during this time.

The film is a touching story of a hardworking, kind African American man who served white presidents for years, despite not always being treated well. In the end, he finally is able to see a Black man take presidential office. With stars like Oprah Winfrey and a strong screenplay, the film soared to great heights and reached larger audiences than Strong ever imagined.

Latest Work

Some of Strong’s most popular recent works include the hit television series Empire. Created with Lee Daniels, Strong’s previous partner on The Butler, the musical drama highlighted a family battling each other for control of their entertainment company. Empire quickly became popular and even was one of the most-watched shows on Fox at the time it aired. It went on for six drama-filled seasons, where Strong even stepped in as director before it came to an end in 2020.

Strong’s latest piece of work is the miniseries entitled Dopesick. Based on research by Beth Macy, as well as her book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company, Danny Strong wanted to create a series that focused on the devastation created by the opioid epidemic in America. Dopesick highlights the focal point of the opioid epidemic — the creators. Showing different perspectives like a small-town doctor versus the twisted mind of Oxycontin owner Richard Sackler, the audience gets a much better understanding of the corruption taking place underneath the surface of the epidemic. A recent interview with Danny Strong.

Though Danny Strong’s career is nowhere near over, it has already been full of accomplishments and successes that can last a lifetime.

You can follow Danny Strong on Twitter and Instagram.

Awards: 2 Emmy Awards, 2 Writers Guild of America Awards, Producers Guild of American Award, NAACP Image Award, and nominated for a DGA Award as well as a Peabody.

Danny Strong Honored with Prestigious Pioneer Award

It can be difficult to make a name for yourself in Hollywood. It often involves a lot of hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck. Danny Strong is one individual who was able to take Hollywood by storm. Danny Strong is a well-known actor, screenwriter, and director. His work spans all different mediums and genres, offering the audience something new each time. He is an artist who isn’t afraid to take on a project no one else would.

His most recent success, “Dopesick,” was a gamble that paid off well for everyone involved. Danny Strong continues to inspire individuals who want to make it in Hollywood. He is a trailblazer both on and off-camera. Though he has been in the industry for some time, he shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Danny Strong was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California. He developed his love for acting and film early in his life. As a boy of 10, he was renting movies from a local video store. He would spend hours discussing movies with the clerk, who helped shape and develop his artist tastes. That clerk is known by many now as the famous director Quentin Tarantino. Strong attended high school at Mira Costa High School. His love for acting carried through high school and into his college career at the University of Southern California where he studied film and theatre.

Danny Strong was able to secure successful roles in TV shows now considered cult classics. He took on the role of Jonathan Levinson in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. The character appeared in five seasons of the show, playing an active role in 30 episodes. Strong also played Doyle McMaster in “Gilmore Girls.” Doyle is a recurring character in the later seasons of the show, appearing in 20 episodes. Strong also appeared in several different films such as “Pleasantville,” “Seabiscuit,” and “Dangerous Minds.” He also had a role in the hilarious spoof, “I Know What I Did Last Friday the 13^th.” He has also held guest roles in popular sitcoms such as:

“3^rd Rock from the Sun”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“Seinfeld”
“Boy Meets World”
“How I Met Your Mother”

He had a recurring role in “Mad Men” as Danny Siegal, too. He is currently starring in “Billions” as the character Todd Krakow. While acting has always been a large part of his career, he found himself drawn to behind-the-scenes work early in his career.

Danny Strong has experienced a rich, diverse acting career. He always wanted to branch into larger, more significant roles. This inspired him to write his own dark comedy in hopes of acting in the lead role. The project never fully materialized, but it did pave the way for a new, bright path in Strong’s future. This project awakened a passion in Strong to become a full-time screenwriter.

Screenwriting helped launch Danny Strong’s career to a whole new level. His first successful script was for the movie “Recount,” which depicts the events of the 2000 U.S. election. This movie reached number one on Hollywood Blacklist and would go on to become an award-winning HBO film. Written in 2007, it enjoyed well-received reviews from critics and fans. It won two awards and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. It would win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and was awarded Best Original Screenplay for a Television Movie by the Writers Guild of America. This first instance of success helped solidify Strong’s place as someone quickly gaining momentum as a talented screenwriter.

Strong would go on to write the screen adaptation for the movie “Game Changer” in 2012. This film would go on to be awarded a Peabody, as well as winning Strong his second Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or a Dramatic Special.

His success continued to grow with his next screenplay for the film “The Butler.” This movie would make over $100 million at the U.S. box office. Following the success of these screen writes, he went on to co-write “Mockingjay,” which is the two-part final installment of the “Hunger Games” franchise. Strong also played a role in both writing and directing for the hit TV drama, “Empire.” The show has been nominated or won several different awards for best series. Even though Strong was seeing much success through his work as a screenwriter, he wanted to continue to grow. He next set his eyes on directing.

Strong started to move into directing while working on “Empire”. He directed several episodes of this highly popular show. His work on “Empire” would earn him the NAACP Image Award. Strong made his first full-directing debut with his movie “Rebel in the Rye” which is a biographical film about author J.D. Salinger. This film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Danny Strong recently received praise from fans and critics for his work on “Dopesick.” This Hulu miniseries is an examination of the opioid crisis that stars hit actor Michael Keaton. Strong worked as co-creator, executive producer, writer, and director for this dramatic TV series. Danny Strong is set to receive this year’s Pioneer Award at Sun Valley Film Festival. This award is to honor his work as an industry innovator. Strong was also honored to be nominated for this year’s Directors Guild Awards for his part in creating, co-writing, and directing the final two episodes of the show.

Photo: “Danny Strong” by Mirka23 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Meet Billy Walters: The Pro Gambler Donating $1M to Harry Reid Airport Rebrand

Published on September 14, 2021

Recently, it was revealed that the McCarran International Airport would be renamed (to the support of many Las Vegas residents), and it’s thanks to Billy Walters, along with his wife Susan.

So, who is Billy Walters? For those who are unfamiliar, Walters is a retired professional gambler, who has made a big name for himself over the years both in and outside the scope of his career.

Growing up, Walters didn’t quite have the easiest arrangement in the books. In fact, his upbringing had been difficult in a number of ways. Walters grew up in poverty, and his father had passed when he was just an infant. His mother’s alcoholism only complicated the situation further, leading Walters to be raised by his grandmother, without indoor plumbing and running water.

Given his upbringing, Walters has devoted a good portion of his career to giving back. As someone who has been so dedicated to philanthropy, it’s no surprise that Walters has befriended Harry Reid, the former Nevada Democratic senator.

Reid is a “personal friend,” in Walters’ own words. He also described Reid as a “man of integrity,” and this is exactly why Walters is using his donation to help rename the McCarran International Airport after Reid, rather than the infamously anti-Semitic Pat McCarran. Really, this rebranding was a long time coming.

About Harry Reid: Behind the Renaming Effort

In particular, Harry Reid was a strong candidate for the airport’s rebranding. Over the lengthy course of his career in office, U.S. Sen. Reid has had an enormous charitable impact on the people of Nevada.

Notably, Reid is an avid supporter of Opportunity Village. This nonprofit organization is based in Las Vegas and is dedicated to offering vocational training, employment, and recreational opportunities to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

This hits close to home for Walters, given his own experience raising and caring for his son. At the age of seven, Walters’ son underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. However, the surgery resulted in brain damage. Due to these complications, Walters’ son, who is now an adult, has only a limited ability to care for himself.

According to Susan Walters, “We didn’t hesitate to show our gratitude when we learned of the privately funded rebranding effort.”

Walters has made quite a contribution to Opportunity Village himself over the years. He has advocated for and supported the charity for over two decades. In that time, Walters has managed to raise a remarkable fifty million dollars for the nonprofit. He also encourages all of his professional contacts, whether they’re at Las Vegas casinos, hotels, or resorts, to employ the clients of Opportunity Village.

Not only that, but Reid is an individual who puts genuine passion and effort into all that he does. This is another characteristic that Walters admires. Reid’s parents were a high school dropout and a miner, and he wasn’t born into the coziest conditions to grow up in, much like Walters, himself. In fact, according to Walters, “As someone who also grew up in less-than-ideal conditions, I can appreciate the grit and determination it took for Harry Reid to accomplish all that he did.”

Then, Walters went on to add that Reid “appreciated and empathized with people from all walks of life.” As such, the airport renaming will be a “fitting tribute that visitors to our great city and state will be reminded of that legacy when they travel here.”

The Effort to Rename McCarran: Gathering Private Contributions

Of course, Walters was far from being alone in his belief that the McCarran International Airport is due for a new name, one that better reflects the beliefs and integrity of Las Vegas residents.

Earlier in 2021, the Clark County Commission voted to rename the airport. Unsurprisingly, it was unanimous. They decided that Reid would be a fitting individual to draw the new name from, given his status as Nevada’s longest-serving senator. When Reid retired from office in 2017, he’d been serving for three decades.

Although Walters’ one-million-dollar donation was generous, it wasn’t all that was needed to spur the renaming process into action. As it turns out, quite a bit more is projected to be needed, to cover all the necessary expenses.

Currently, it is predicted that around seven million dollars will be needed, for all costs to be covered. Even still, it could be more. This is only the estimate, and at this early stage, it’s impossible to say the exact financial requirement.

As per the original agreement, none of this money will be coming from public funds, Instead, all the money will be coming from private donations, such as Billy Walters.’ Although the airport’s renaming is still at a relatively early stage, the process is looking promising. It seems that we’re just about set to see the McCarran International Airport receive a new name, and the generous donation of Billy Walters has played a significant role in that.

Seattle Newspaper for the People by the People

Admin - page 9

Admin has 356 articles published.