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Sue Bird Announces Her Retirement from the WNBA in Her Farewell Game

Seattle Storm Basketball

After 21 years in the WNBA, Sue Bird has finally retired. The Seattle Storm’s season came to an end Tuesday when they lost 97–92 to the Las Vegas Aces in the Western Conference Finals. In her farewell game, Sue Bird told the Seattle crowd, “I hope I did everybody proud.”

With her retirement, she leaves the WNBA with the record for most assists in a single postseason. She contributed 46 assists and committed only six turnovers in six postseason games in 2022. In her last game on Tuesday, she scored eight points and sent out eight assists. On-court recognition for the 41-year-old guard was given by the Storm and the Aces, with cheers from the crowd.

Speaking to a reporter after the game, Bird said, “Obviously, I am quite grateful for my twenty years at this institution. That place holds so many wonderful memories for me, and I’m going to miss it terribly when I go. I’m not leaving, but I’m going to miss it. It’s been a privilege to suit up for this team and represent these supporters.”

Bird spent her entire professional basketball career with the Seattle club, where she helped lead the Storm to four WNBA championships. After the final game in 2021, the same supporters who chanted “One more year!” now greeted her with “Thank you, Sue!”

When questioned about what she would like to leave behind, Bird stated she wants the Storm to keep winning and playing at the high level they set during her tenure. She hoped the incoming point guard could continue the team’s winning ways and sustain its championship status for the sake of the fans.

At first, Bird followed her colleagues off the court, but then she changed her mind. After the game, she stayed on the floor to be embraced by the Aces’ entire squad and coaching staff. As Bird greeted the fans and made her way to the locker room, the spectators stayed on their feet.

“I genuinely did not wish to leave the court,” Bird said. “At first, I just followed since it seemed that was the direction everyone was heading. Still, I wanted to take a minute before leaving to express my gratitude and take it all in, as this is, after all, a positive development. When I think of what we’ve done, I feel a sense of pride. Yes, I’m disappointed, but I’m also glad that I got to share that moment with the fans and hear them chant in such an enthusiastic way. Even if it may not seem like it from the outside, there is a great deal of joy.”

Bird said it seemed “sort of surreal” to have played her last game in the WNBA. Her teammates, notably Breanna Stewart, still are getting used to the thought of life without Bird on the court. Stewart remarked, “As disappointing as it is that we won’t be able to compete for a title this year, I believe what’s more painful is that we won’t be sharing the court with Sue anymore.

We won’t be able to interact with her in any way before or during games, so she won’t even be present during practices. To have it become a reality so suddenly is really painful.” The entire team, however, wished the legendary Sue Bird all the best in her retirement.

Photo: “Seattle Storm victory rally, Westlake Plaza, Seattle, WA” by djwudi

5 Fun Things to Do in Seattle This August

Seattle Things To Do

Summer in Seattle is the perfect time of year to visit or be in the Emerald City. You can enjoy outdoor activities in moderate weather at this time of the year.

Whether it is strolling around the city’s attractions and parks or traveling to nearby state and national parks or attending a food or music concert, Seattle has you covered.

To get you started, here are a few of the many fun things happening in Seattle this August!

  1. Attend the “Day In Day Out” Festival

Enjoy three days of funky music performances from prominent musicians at the Day In Day Out Festival. Throughout the event, artists will perform in unison on a single stage.

Keynote performers at the Fisher Pavilion will include The National, Mac DeMarco, Mitski, and Animal Collective among others. The festival runs from August 12 to 14 at the Seattle Center.

  • Aerial Shows at the Arlington SkyFest

Attend the Arlington SkyFest to see hundreds of drones synced in a breathtaking show of aerial acrobatics and aerobics.

Walk around and eat from food trucks or check out military equipment on exhibit well before light shows begin. Additionally, there will be a children’s area that includes play activities and simulations.

At the start of this three-day event on Friday night, campers will have access to the campsites, which include entertainment and activities.

Come enjoy a family-friendly movie, a historic car exhibition, and aerial displays of drones, balloons, and planes in the skies this coming Saturday! Free aircraft flights will be available for children ages 8 to 17 on Sunday throughout the afternoon festivities, including face painting.

No tickets will be given out at the door for this event. In order to make the most of your tailgating spot, you should bring lawn chairs with you when you buy tickets.

  • Gigantic Bicycle Festival in 2022

Gigantic Bicycle Festival has us rethinking our transportation options every summer. When your bike ride is over, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities like music and art exhibits as well as outdoor movies and camping during the festival. You may also simply get behind the wheel.

Superchunk and Black Belt Eagle Scout will be among the artists performing in honor of the bicycle, the region’s most popular mode of public transportation. The Gigantic Bike Festival happens on August 12 and 13 at the Centennial Fields Park.

  • Emerald City Comic Con

Emerald City Comic Con, the largest local comic convention of the year, is where geeks from all over save their most creative costumes.

The four-day festival is packed to the brim with seminars, meetings, special events, parties, and a ton of visitors lounging out in the artist lane. It all happens from August 18 to 21st at the Seattle Convention Center.

  • Chomp!

The 2022 Chomp is happening on August 20 at Marymoor Park, Redmond. This free event will have a farmer’s market, educational seminars on the environment and sustainability an upcycled items market from local craftsmen, zucchini races, a petting zoo, and much more. It’s also worth noting that the Drive-By Truckers are coming.

There’s Everything for Everyone!

The cool summer weather may seem like it’s just getting started, but that’s exactly why you should make the best of its late arrival and the previous July heatwave. If you’re a music fan, a gamer, a wine enthusiast, a film fan, or a combination of the above, Seattle has something for you in August.

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Conflict Over Technology and Art Leads to Cancellation of the Microsoft vs Amazon Exhibition in Seattle

Amazon VS Microsoft

The ‘Amazon vs. Microsoft’ display at a Seattle museum was canceled due to community outcry regarding the conflict between technology and the arts.

Because of criticism from Seattle’s artistic community and online commenters, organizers have scrapped plans for an exhibition including the work of Amazon and Microsoft workers.

The Museum of Museums (MoM) in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood asked for contributions a few days ago for an upcoming exhibition titled “Amazon vs. Microsoft.” To promote the event, a picture was posted to Instagram that depicted Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft) and Jeff Bezos (co-founder of Amazon) trading blows while wearing boxing gloves.

Microsoft and Amazon employ nearly 1.5 million people, as stated in their Instagram posts. The two corporations have alternate and equally astonishing riches of creative skill to go along with the extraordinary wealth that has come to characterize them. Amazon versus. Microsoft is an exhibition that aims to “recalibrate the narrative surrounding what a tech worker is by showcasing the artists working in big tech.”

According to the museum, anybody working for either of the two computing giants anywhere in the globe was eligible to submit an item for display. The applications’ deadline was August 7, and the opening reception was scheduled for October 7.

However, the idea was met with immediate and negative backlash from Seattle residents, who seemed to be tapping into the widespread belief that the city’s art scene has been faltering in recent years due to the rise of big giants like Amazon and Microsoft.

On Monday, MoM director Greg Lundgren announced through Instagram that the museum had heard its patrons and would no longer be accepting proposals for the “Amazon vs. Microsoft” exhibit.

“A healthy environment for the arts is one that welcomes all types of participants”, Lundgren stated. “There are those with unusual views and those with common values as well as those who are poor and those with both. A vibrant cultural ecology in this city demands financial support, and plenty of it,” he said implying that Seattle is growing more costly by the day.

Lundgren said that he had received “loud and unambiguous” feedback that the show was not the appropriate venue for discussing “art, wealth, and the future cultural environment of our city” or that “giant tech should not be considered as the insurers of our long-term health and vitality.”

About the Museum of Museums in Seattle

The Museum of Museums was established in 2020 at a former medical facility on 900 Boylston Ave. There are permanent and temporary exhibition halls, theatrical performances, art lessons every week, temporary exhibitions, and a gift store.

The museum’s website states that it seeks “to enhance the artist community of Seattle and stimulate our local arts ecosystem via exhibition, education, and discourse about the responsibilities of the artist, benefactor, and collector.”

Microsoft and Amazon are not alone among IT giants in their predilection for decorating their offices with works of art. Since its inception in 1987, Microsoft has amassed a sizable art collection, which is now overseen by a group of fine art specialists.

Amazon’s “Artist in Residence” program promotes regional and up-and-coming artists and serves as a public service to the arts community. As the residency’s slogan states, artists are given the time and space to “dream large, inspire, and develop ambitious ideas”.

Photo: “Good and Evil Unicorns Battle For the Space Needle” by zoomar is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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Jared Leto Biography

Jared Leto Biography

Jared Leto is famous for his vast career in film and television, as well as his work in the music industry. The roles he takes on are challenging and nuanced. He’s a method actor, applying himself rigorously to the roles he’s been given. His band, Thirty Seconds to Mars, is also an accomplished rock group.

Early Life

Jared Leto was born in 1971 in Bossier City, Louisiana. Following his parent’s divorce, he and his brother, Shannon Leto, lived with their mother and their maternal grandparents. The family moved around often, all over the United States, thanks to Leto’s grandfather’s career in the Air Force.

Jared Leto’s mother, Constance Bryant, raised her sons in the communal art experience of the hippie movement. This environment fostered their involvement in the arts, creativity, and expression. Against that backdrop, Leto was able to develop a wide range of artistic talent. Following graduation, he initially enrolled at the University of Arts in Philadelphia to study visual fine arts. He later became interested in filmmaking and transferred to the New York City School of Visual Arts to pursue that field.

Early Career

Jared Leto moved to Los Angeles in 1992 to continue his directing career. While there, he also pursued a music career and took up acting roles on the side. Acting, of course, became a much bigger part of Leto’s life. While looking for film roles, he was cast in the 1994 TV series My So-Called Life, turning a guest appearance into a recurring love interest role by impressing the producers. He even assisted with the show’s soundtrack. Leto’s film debut was in the 1995 ensemble How to Make an American Quilt, alongside Winona Ryder, Ellen Burstyn, Anne Bancroft, Alfre Woodard, Kate Nelligan, and Jean Simmons.

Jared Leto first became known for his method acting during his role in Prefontaine (1997). It is a skill he brings to all his roles, devoting himself to research and maintaining character throughout filming. The movie, in which he played the lead role of Olympic-hopeful long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine, garnered him a lot of critical attention. Leto’s dedication to method acting meant that he trained for weeks for the role and also spoke with Prefontaine’s friends and family. Leto had a strong physical resemblance to the long-distance runner, and his intense and powerful performance made the role very memorable.

In 1998, Jared Leto and his brother Shannon formed the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. In addition to the band’s early work, Jared Leto began to pick up more acting roles. He starred in the horror film Urban Legend (1998). The same year also saw him in a supporting role in The Thin Red Line, which was nominated for seven different Oscars. In 1999, Leto was cast in Girl, Interrupted, and Fight Club. He then received much praise for his performance in American Psycho (2000). His method of acting was very intense for his lead role in Requiem of a Dream (2000). He lived on the streets and spent months starving himself to accurately portray a heroin user working toward sobriety. His hard work paid off, and he received widespread acclaim. Leto then focused on his music career with his band as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Their debut album was released to positive reviews on August 27, 2002.

Recent Work

Throughout the 2000s, Jared Leto had a number of accomplishments, from albums to roles. Thirty Seconds to Mars released albums in 2005, 2009, and 2013, each album bringing the band increasingly into the public consciousness. Their success was both critical and commercial, with the band having sold more than 15 million albums as of the present day.

Leto’s acting roles throughout the 2000s were numerous, including movies such as Alexander (2004), Lord of War (2005), Lonely Hearts (2006), Chapter 27 (2007), and Mr. Nobody (2009). In 2012, Leto had his directorial debut with the documentary Artifact (2012), which was given the Toronto International Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary. His 2013 co-starring role in Dallas Buyers Club earned him an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe, all for Best Supporting Actor.

Jared Leto Now

Leto has continued to be very active in Hollywood, taking on successful roles such as Suicide Squad (2016), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), The Little Things (2021), House of Gucci (2021), and Morbius (2022). His performance in The Little Things earned him nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his supporting role, and his role in House of Gucci earned him nominations for a Critic’s Choice Movie Award, a Satellite Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. His ongoing success in acting and music, as well as upcoming acting and directing jobs, has ensured that his star will continue to rise. Read more on his Crunchbase.

Photo by “Jared Leto” by Nathan Congleton

Paul McCartney Lights Up Seattle – Nothing Short Of Spectacular

Paul McCartney Sings Black Bird In Seattle

I questioned why I decided to drive six hours in traffic to see a 79-year-old Paul McCartney perform in Seattle. It occurred to me that McCartney is nothing ordinary, he is modern-day history. Concert number four of his 16-date Get Back tour was a privilege. My heart pounded, the lights dimmed, and a sold-out crowd roar sent goosebumps everywhere. McCartney wore his classic waistcoat and jacket and jumped straight into his show as he sang, “Can’t Buy Me Love”. Thousands of fans, young and old, screamed when McCartney removed a layer of clothing and rolled up his white sleeves as he showcased his instrument versatility.

McCartney performed hits after hits from “Love Me Do” to songs on “Abbey Road”. McCartney mocked his fans when he played “Blackbird” on a rising stage. He asked how many fans have tried to play “Blackbird” and questioned how many of his fans were unsuccessful. “Here Today” broke me, and other fans had tears streaming down their face. A tribute to John Lennon that resonated with so many. McCartney suggested, “if you love someone, just tell them. Don’t wait.” The words were so simple yet, so comforting. “Lady Madonna” lifted the spirit of the crowd. Of course, McCartney was the center of the show, but “Being for The Benefit of Mr. Kite” felt like a circus as many gazed at the ceiling light show instead. “Ob La Di, Ob La Da” ignited the crowd. McCartney encouraged everyone to sing as people danced and shouted the bizarre lyrics. An elderly couple in their 80s caught me by surprise. I feared watching them struggling to walk to their seats. Nonetheless, when the 1968 Beatles song played, the married couple stood up and danced. For a few minutes, I witnessed a miracle catching a glimpse of the two in their 20s and pain-free. McCartney turned fantasies into reality. He paused his show for a few minutes to read different posters audience members created. McCartney read and explained that “Saiko” means fantastic in Japanese. Another fan held a sign which stated he attended over 120 of McCartney’s concerts. McCartney jokingly said, “that might be slightly obsessive”. His simple acknowledgments will be lasting memories by those fans.

Paul McCartney then said he wanted to enjoy the moment. His eyes moved through every inch of Climate Pledge Arena, gazing at as many faces as possible. A solid three minutes of loud cheers and appreciation passed. McCartney got back to his show by playing “Get Back” which included video clips of Peter Jackson’s documentary about The Beatles. Emotional fans lit the venue like stars with flashlights for “Let it Be”. However, “Live and Let Die” stole the show. A loud boom and several fireworks set off as the wind pushed McCartney’s hair in every direction. McCartney concluded the song by covering his ears as the loudest firework exploded. The arena continued to go wild as McCartney signaled he could not hear.

A Paul McCartney concert is not complete unless “Hey Jude” is in it. McCartney calmed the audience down and sang the famous words, “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad”. Strangers wrapped their arms around other strangers and sang “na na na nananana nannana, Hey Jude.” It was a touching moment to see everyone come together happily. McCartney enjoyed the moment himself; his eyes lit up, and a bright smile overcame his face while listening to the echoing crowd. As he walked off stage fans whistled and screamed until he came back out. McCartney picked up his bass and recited “I’ve Got a Feeling”. Unexpectedly, McCartney provided a twist. John Lennon appeared on the videoboard singing a verse with such great sound and visual quality that it felt like Lennon was there. The moment I saw McCartney and Lennon singing and playing in sync, I believed it was real.

McCartney finished the night with songs from “Abbey Road” including “The End”. Soon to be 80, McCartney looks as healthy as ever, but age will catch up. While the band left, McCartney remained on the stage to take one more moment to say thank you and cherish everything as we all should.

– By Mario C.

Photo Credit: Emerald City Journal

Paul McCartney Singing at Climate Pledge Arena 4/3/22. The Got Back Tour

Anthony Anderson Biography

Anthony Anderson

Coming from humble beginnings, Anthony Anderson has become a beloved shining star in some of Hollywood’s most well-known comedy productions. Anderson, born in Compton, California, in 1970, pursued his stardom while going to Hollywood High School for the Performing Arts. He won first place for a rendition of the iconic monologue from “The Great White Hope” in the NAACP’s ACT-SO Awards. His performance and commitment to his art earned him a scholarship to Howard University.

In the late 90s, after a brief stint as a stand-up comedian, Anderson began auditioning and landing roles in various film and tv roles. His first ever role was as Eddie on the show In the House, followed by his long-standing role as Teddy Broadis on NBC’s teen drama Hang Time. His film debut came in 1999 when he portrayed Scribbles in Liberty Heights, and in the same year, he took roles in two other films as well, playing Cookie in Life and Z-Boy in Trippin’. Anderson started taking on roles in films and TV shows, expanding his filmography to include classics like Me, Myself & Irene, and Barbershop, propelling him to stardom.

Prominent Works

Anthony Anderson’s acting adventures, primarily on TV,  have spanned decades and genres. As an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Anderson serves as both the executive producer and star of the ABC television show Black-ish. He plays Andre “Dre” Johnson, an upper-middle-class black father who tries to find a sense of cultural identity while parenting his children in a predominantly white environment. Alongside Black-ish, Anderson also hosts a beloved prime-time remake of the cherished classic game show of the same name, To Tell the Truth, on ABC. His Mother, Doris Hancox, is also featured on the show.

Along with Uzo Aduba and Khalil Everage, Anderson recently starred in the Netflix movie Beats, which was helmed by Star director Chris Robinson. He gained recognition via his parts in well-known movies, including Michael Bay’s blockbuster Transformers, Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award-winning drama The Departed, in which he co-starred with a brilliant cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, and the ensemble comedy The Big Year.

In addition, he recently appeared in the films Small Town Crime, starring alongside Octavia Spencer, John Hawkes, and Dale Dickey; The Star, produced by Columbia Pictures and starring Tyler Perry, Gina Rodriguez, and Oprah Winfrey; and Ferdinand, an Oscar-nominated film from 20th Century Fox.

Awards And Accolades

For his well-liked performance on Black-ish, Anderson has been nominated for three Critics’ Choice Awards, two Golden Globes, and five consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also received his fourth solo Image Award in 2018 for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series, bringing his career total of Image Award nominations to 12. He has received four Screen Actors Guild nominations, four BET nominations, four Teen Choice nominations, one People’s Choice nomination, and two Kids’ Choice nominations. Anderson has also presided over the NAACP Image Awards for the past six years.

Philanthropy Efforts

After being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2002, Anderson has been making an effort to connect with others facing the same illness. He has been prominent in his support for research efforts and medical treatments. Anderson has done work with the American Diabetes Association, Get Real About Diabetes, and the Fearless African Americans Connected and Empowered (F.A.C.E.) Diabetes campaign, which specifically benefits the black community.

In support of the American Diabetes Association, Los Angeles Mission, and Boys & Girls Club of America, to name a few, Anderson presents an annual golf tournament, “Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic,” to raise money for various charitable organizations. Anderson is an active member of the community and a philanthropist. In 2011, Anderson made a guest appearance on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire, winning $250,000 for his chosen charity, the Alzheimer’s Association. Along with being recognized in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s National Alumni Hall of Fame for the Class of 2017, he proudly serves on the GOOD+ Foundation’s Fatherhood Leadership Council.

Anthony Anderson Today

After working on Black-ish for eight years as both his titular character and executive producer, the season finale for the show aired in April of 2022. Anderson’s work on the Black-ish spinoff show Grown-ish, which started in 2018, helped continue his legacy and love for his original work, spearheading the production team and creating new episodes with each new season. Following the children of Anderson’s character Dre from Black-ish, the show chronicles their journey into adulthood. Anderson’s life and career have brought so many relatable, iconic pieces of media to life. From the dedication he shows to larger projects like Black-ish to his range of productions like The Departed and Barbershop, Anthony Anderson is a phenomenal actor whose presence and influence go beyond the screen. His philanthropic work, as well as his commitment to bettering his community, has cemented him as one of Hollywood’s most cherished contributors.

Follow him on Facebook or Instagram.

Joe Rogan Biography

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan, a multifaceted personality known for his versatile career in stand-up comedy, podcasting, and mixed martial arts commentary, has captivated audiences worldwide with his candid and unfiltered approach to entertainment. From his humble beginnings in the comedy circuit to becoming one of the most influential figures in the media landscape, Rogan’s journey is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Whether you love him or hate him, his career trajectory has been one of reinvention and admiration.

Joseph James Rogan was born in Newark, New Jersey, on August 11, 1967. At the age of seven, he relocated with his mother to San Francisco, California. By the time he was 11, they had moved to Gainesville, Florida, before finally settling in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts. Rogan completed his high school education at Newton South High School in 1985. He attended the University of Massachusetts Boston after high school but found college too trivial and dropped out early.

One achievement that most people do not know about Rogan is his accomplishments in the world of martial arts. At the age of 14, he began studying karate and added taekwondo to his repertoire a year later. By the time he was 19, he had already achieved great success in the world of martial arts, winning the US Open Championship taekwondo tournament in the lightweight division. Over the course of four consecutive years, he dominated as the Massachusetts full-contact state champion, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated athlete. In addition to his taekwondo accomplishments, he also delved into amateur kickboxing, boasting a respectable 2-1 record. However, at the young age of 21, he made the difficult decision to retire from competition due to persistent headaches and concerns about potential long-term injuries. 

Rogan embarked on his comedy career in 1988 in the Boston area. He had always been a fan of comedy from a very young age, and he wanted to emulate comedians like Richard Pryor. At the age of 21, after dedicating six months to preparing material and honing his delivery, he took the stage for his inaugural stand-up routine on August 27, 1988, at an open-mic night held at Stitches comedy club in Boston.

 In 1994, he decided to move to the entertainment hub of the world, Los Angeles. Following his move to Los Angeles, he secured an exclusive developmental agreement with Disney and made appearances as an actor on various television programs, such as Hardball and NewsRadio. In 1997, Rogan joined the UFC as an interviewer and color commentator. He debuted his inaugural comedy special, “I’m Gonna Be Dead Someday…,” in 2000 and presumed the role of host on the game show Fear Factor from 2001 to 2006.

Fear Factor was a popular reality TV show that first premiered in 2001 and ran for six seasons before being revived in 2011. The show features contestants facing various challenges that test their physical and mental strength, pushing them to confront their deepest fears. These challenges often include extreme stunts such as bungee jumping, eating disgusting foods, or being submerged underwater for extended periods of time. Contestants are pushed to their limits, with the goal of winning a cash prize. “Fear Factor” has received criticism for its controversial and sometimes dangerous stunts but was a very popular show.

As the host of Fear Factor, Joe Rogan brought a unique combination of charisma, wit, and fearlessness to the reality competition show. With his background in stand-up comedy and mixed martial arts commentary, Rogan was able to effortlessly engage contestants and viewers alike with his quick banter and genuine interest in the challenges they faced.

 After departing Fear Factor, Joe Rogan shifted his focus to his stand-up career and took on more hosting duties for comedy specials but then he would create a podcast that would become one of the most listened to podcasts in the world, The Joe Rogan Experience.

In 2009, he launched The Joe Rogan Experience, a free podcast that he hosted with his friend and fellow comedian Brian Redban. This podcast would quickly become one of the most popular podcasts globally, consistently garnering millions of plays per episode by 2015. The podcast featured a diverse range of guests, such as business tycoon Elon Musk, whistleblower Edward Snowden, Senator Bernie Sanders, and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. While most episodes of the podcast feature entertainers, academics, comics, UFC fighters, and other non-political figures, The New York Times has described the podcast as an unexpected political influencer in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. 

This was evident when presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Tulsi Gabbard experienced significant increases in popularity and fundraising after appearing as guests on the program. Additionally, Bernie Sanders received Joe Rogan’s endorsement following his appearance on the show, with the Sanders campaign actively promoting the endorsement through its online platforms.

In a landmark deal in 2020, Spotify secured exclusive distribution rights to The Joe Rogan Experience for an estimated $200 million. Since then, Rogan’s audience has continued to expand significantly. In 2024, he renegotiated his agreement with Spotify for an estimated $250 million, but with the caveat that the podcast will no longer be exclusive to the platform.

Joe Rogan married Jessica Ditzel, a former cocktail waitress, in 2009. They are proud parents of two daughters, born in 2008 and 2010. Rogan also plays a significant role in the life of Ditzel’s daughter from a previous relationship. 

In 2008, the couple initially moved to Gold Hill, Colorado, but returned to Southern California after four months when Ditzel became pregnant. They eventually settled in Bell Canyon, California, a place Rogan had frequented since 2003. In 2018, they invested in a new home in the area, valued at nearly $5 million.

Their journey continued in 2020 when the family relocated to a stunning $14 million property on Lake Austin in Austin, Texas. This move marked a new chapter in their lives, filled with excitement and new opportunities.

Washington Tourism Alliance Announces New Rural Tourism Support Program

Washington Tourism Alliance

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

James Gunn Biography

Screenwriter and Director James Gunn

James Francis Gunn Jr. (James Gunn) was raised in Manchester, MO and St. Louis, MO, after being born in St. Louis on August 5th, 1966. His father, James F. Gunn, was an attorney. He and his wife, Leota, raised six children together. The family raised their children in a Roman Catholic home, and James Jr. has stated that prayer plays an important part in his life. In terms of his feelings on religion, Gunn has said, “My personal take is that there is a role for spirituality in some people’s lives, and I think that a belief in God can be a good thing for a great amount of people…I believe faith and spiritual belief is a very, very personal thing, and if I started applying what I believe to everybody else it would be unfair to everybody’s individuality and I really hate that.”

After graduating from the Jesuit St. Louis University High School in 1984, James Gunn attended Saint Louis University and film school at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, earning a bachelor’s degree from the former. Later, James completed his master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City, with a Master of Fine Arts in prose writing.

James’ career has included various work in music and screenwriting for film and television. He was the founder and lead singer of a band called The Icons in St. Louis in 1989. The band attained some success with two songs, “Walking Naked” and “Sunday”, which were featured in the film Tromeo and Juliet, but stopped working together in the mid-1990s. Other work he has done in music includes compositions for the films Movie 43, Scooby-Doo, and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.

In addition to composing music, Gunn first found success in the film industry with his screenplay for Scooby-Doo in 2002. With this hit under his belt, he went on to write the sequel Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed and the remake of Dawn of the Dead in 2004. In 2006, James tried his hand at directing, with the horror-comedy Slither. This film can be found on Rotten Tomatoes’ 50 Best Ever Reviewed Horror Movies.

After his short films, Humanzee! and Sparky and Mikaela in 2008, James did a short-form web series, James Gunn’s PG Porn, for Spike.com. That same year, there was a reality show on VH1 called Scream Queens, for which Gunn was a judge. On this show, ten aspiring actresses were competing for a role in the movie Saw VI. In 2010, he went on to release the dark comedy superhero satire Super, which starred Ellen Page and Rainn Wilson.

The year 2014 was a big one for James Gunn, with Guardians of the Galaxy, which he co-wrote and directed for Marvel Studios. After Jack Black and Dan Gilroy criticized the rise of superhero movies, James struck back with a well-versed Facebook post, in which he said, “…if you think people who make superhero movies are dumb, come out and say we’re dumb. But if you…think you put more love into your characters than…I do…you are simply mistaken”.

After finding this success in 2014, James went on to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017 and then directed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in 2019. He was also hired to write and direct The Suicide Squad that same year.

James Gunn met his former wife, Jenna Fischer, through his brother Sean in St. Louis. Sean knew Fischer through plays he acted in with her in high school. James and Jenna were married on October 7th, 2000, in a ceremony where screen actor, writer, producer, and director Lloyd Kauffman gave a speech. Their marriage lasted for seven years, but, unfortunately, they announced that they were separating on September 5th, 2007, and divorced in 2008. The two still have a cordial relationship, and Jenna actually made the suggestion that Gunn hire her friend and co-star on The Office, Rainn Wilson, for his film, Super. Although he is not currently married, James Gunn has been in a relationship with Jennifer Holland for the past five years. He continues to work in the film industry and looks forward to his upcoming sequel to Suicide Squad, known as The Suicide Squad, which is slated for release in August of 2021. James Gunn Reveals Full Character List, Offers First Look At Action-Packed Pic – DC FanDome.

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https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/james_gunn – Most popular movies by James Gunn.

James Gunn to Celebrate 55th Birthday with The Suicide Squad Release

James Gunn will celebrate his 55th birthday a day before his newest, much-anticipated project, The Suicide Squad, to be released August 6, 2021.

Though he hasn’t yet announced how he plans to spend the 24 hours leading up to The Suicide Squad’s summer 2021 movie theater debut, Gunn did comment on his experience writing and directing the film in a recent sneak peek trailer shown during DC’s virtual FanDome event. Regarding The Suicide Squad, or Suicide Squad 2, as it has been unofficially dubbed, Gunn stated, “This has been truly the greatest, most exciting journey of my life making this film.”

What a way for Gunn to celebrate this remarkable journey as a day after his 55th birthday, he will finally get to experience the crowds’ reactions to his work. David Ayer’s 2016 rendition, Suicide Squad, did fall short of critics’ expectations but still quickly became a fan favorite, particularly for those familiar with DC Extended Universe. Ayer’s interpretation raked in nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars. Though no clear predictions as to the success of Suicide Squad 2 have been made, fans of DC are anxiously awaiting its arrival to theaters.

The final cut of The Suicide Squad is described as a “gritty 1970s war movie” by producer Peter Safran. James Gunn’s take on the Suicide Squad crew is expected to take a darker, bloodier turn when compared with the Ayer’s version. It also features many new faces. Returning cast members include Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Other familiar characters found in The Suicide Squad are Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag and Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang.

New to Gunn’s on-screen vision are familiar names playing unfamiliar faces, including John Cena as Peacemaker, Alice Braga (of Queen of the South fame) as Sol Soria, and Idris Elba as Bloodsport. Elba was featured in the FanDome sneak peek, shedding light on his own opinion of the film when he stated, “You kind of sit there and go, ‘How did they do that?’” Elba’s character, Bloodsport, is being introduced in The Suicide Squad as a member of Task Force X who attempted (and failed) to assassinate Superman with a kryptonite bullet.

Other DC Extended Universe characters to make an appearance in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad 2 include The Thinker played by Peter Capaldi, Michael Rooker as Savant, and Sean Gunn, James’ brother, as Weasel. Crafted to be a standalone sequel that does not require the viewer to have seen 2016’s Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad contains characters hand-selected by James Gunn without interference or refusal from DC. A native of Missouri, James Gunn is a lifelong fan of horror and began making scripted films at the age of 12. Now 54 years of age, James is building upon his reputation for directing otherworldly films (such as 2006’s Slither and both Guardians of the Galaxy) with The Suicide Squad. Gunn is currently working on the third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy, which is rumored for a late 2021 or 2022 release.

James Gunn gets engaged to actress Jennifer Holland

Together since 2015, the director of “The Suicide Squad” James Gunn, and actress Jennifer Holland are officially engaged.

The happy couple made the announcement Instagram official during what appears to be a picturesque getaway in the mountains. James Gunn shared a photo of his new fiancé rocking a beautiful engagement ring on her left hand to his social media page, while Jennifer Holland followed suit, posting a photo of the pair to her account shortly after.

Thousands of people showed their support and offered their well-wishes and congratulations for this exciting announcement. Messages of love and joy poured in from their colleagues into their comment sections. Celebrities like Viola Davis, who worked with the couple in Suicide Squad and the HBO Max spin-off series Peacemaker, showed support. Additional happy sentiments came from other Peacemaker cast members Steve Agee, Star Trek actor Wil Wheaton, and Guardians of the Galaxy star Karen Gillan.

Though he took to Twitter instead of Instagram, John Cena (also a Suicide Squad and actor of the titular character in Peacemaker) went a step ahead of the rest. Not only did he offer his congratulations to the couple but may or may not have offered to preside over the wedding as Peacemaker himself!

Gunn and Holland were reportedly first introduced by a mutual friend, Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luther on the popular series Smallville, which was a coming-of-age story of a young Clark Kent. Holland recalls the beginning of their relationship saying, “I just told him my whole life story.” On their first date, “we spent like seven hours together and that’s it. That’s how it started.”

Since the couple first started dating in 2015, they have not only been romantically involved, but professionally, too. James Gunn is famously known for writing and directing The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and the trilogy Guardians of the Galaxy. Jennifer Holland plays a national security agent, Emilia Harcourt in both The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker.

In season one of Peacemaker, Harcourt’s main objective was working on the black ops team to help fight against a butterfly-like parasitic alien species that has taken on human form. The mission was called “Project Butterfly” and required Holland to put her competitive gymnast skills to the test with stunts and fight choreography. Holland is also known for her roles in American Pie Presents: The Book of Love and her appearance in season two of American Horror Story.

The first time Holland and Gunn’s work paths crossed was when Holland acted and Gunn produced the superhero horror film Brightburn, which was released in 2019. The two were already a couple and even though they didn’t work directly together on this project, their professional careers together officially started here. It wouldn’t be until 2021, working on the blockbuster hit The Suicide Squad when the couple would finally work together as actor and director.

Originally, Holland’s character was only expected to be a one-and-done supporting role, but Gunn had a spark of inspiration during the pandemic. A creative surge led him to create the spin-off action series, Peacemaker. Here Holland would get to play Emilia Harcourt again and evolve the character even more than the couple ever dreamed before. Peacemaker, starring John Cena, continues the story of The Suicide Squad and has become one of the most popular streamed series of 2022.

Holland and Gunn have certainly stood the test of time. Some couples, especially in the entertainment industry, find it difficult to work together, but Holland says it’s only brought the two closer together. On working on the spin-off series, Holland said, “It was great. We had an absolutely amazing time. At the end of it, our personal relationship was closer for the experience. We got really lucky that we work really well together and it just works for us. Now they’ll have plenty to keep them busy with not only a wedding to plan, but their film and tv careers showing no signs of slowing down. Peacemaker was renewed for a second season and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is in progress. Holland is anticipated to be returning to season two of Peacemaker in her role as Emilia Harcourt.

This is Jennifer Holland’s first engagement, while James Gunn was formerly married to The Office star Jenna Fischer. Gunn and Fischer ended their eight-year marriage in 2008.

Recent News:

James Gunn Gets Engaged To Actress Jennifer Holland

James Gunn Not Pleased With ‘The Suicide Squad’ HBO Max Release

The Suicide Squad director James Gunn confirms the final cut of the DC movie is complete, eight months before its theatrical and HBO Max release.

What Happened To Elyes Gabel?

Body Of Proof Show by ABC.

Accidents happen all the time in Hollywood, but few were as drastic as the injury Elyes Gabel suffered after wrapping up Season 3 of Body of Proof. Gabel starred in the show’s final season as Detective Adam Lucas in all 13 episodes.

What Happened to Elyes Gabel on Body of Proof?

Shortly after production wrapped on Body of Proof, Elyes Gabel accidentally fell through a glass table. As you might expect, the fall resulted in some serious cuts requiring medical attention. Gabel headed to the doctor’s office, where they gave him 40 stitches to close up all the wounds on his face. Gabel suffered the injury in Los Angeles, where ABC filmed the show. It did leave some lasting scars on his face but that didn’t slow him down as he returned to acting soon after wrapping up the show.

Body of Proof

Body of Proof was a hit television show on ABC that ran for three seasons from 2011 to 2013. The show combined elements of comedy and drama to tell the story of a medical examiner who assisted police in solving crimes by performing autopsies on victims. Dana Delany starred in the show.

Body of Proof took place in Philadelphia, though they filmed the show in Rhode Island and later Los Angeles. Gabel joined the cast in the third season as a detective. The character, Adam Lucas, was a Philadelphia native with street smarts and was unafraid of a clever turn of phrase. Lucas wasn’t afraid to follow his heart and intuition, even if it put him on the hot seat with his bosses.

The show was really popular with fans and had solid ratings for ABC for its entire run. Despite its popularity, ABC decided to shelve the series and canceled it. The news came as a shock to many fans, who enjoyed the show’s mix of police and medical procedural styles.

The cast for the show included Dana Delany, Jeri Ryan, John Carroll Lynch, Nicholas Bishop, Sonja Sohn, Geoffrey Arend, Windell Middlebrooks, Mary Mouser, Mark Valley, and of course, Elyes Gabel.

Elyes Gabel: A Short Biography

While he might not be a household name, Elyes Gabel has been working in entertainment since 2001. His over 20-year career has seen him work on television and film. Gabel got his start on the BBC medical drama Casualty in 2004. Before Body of Proof, Gabel captured national attention for his role in the hit television drama Game of Thrones. He left the show in its second season to seek new acting challenges.

After finishing up with Body of Proof, Gabel had one of the biggest successes of his career when he starred in the show Scorpion. The show ran for four seasons, and he starred as protagonist Walter O’Brien, a genius computer expert who used his knowledge to solve crimes for the Department of Homeland Security.

Today, Gabel has branched out into new creative ventures to expand his scope. He’s directed multiple short films and the pilot episode for a television show. Most recently, he’s begun recording music as a solo artist. Gabel has said music is his true passion in life in various interviews.

There was a chance Gabel’s accident on Body of Proof would have cost him future opportunities in the television industry, but he pushed through the injury to have the biggest successes of his career.

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