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Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging Specialists, Enthusiasts Will Connect in Seattle June 10-13

City of Seattle

(SEATTLE, June 1, 2022) – With cardiovascular disease still the leading cause of death in the United States, improving the diagnostic assessment of patients with cardiovascular ultrasound is paramount. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging.

The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the U.S. and the world. More than 1,200 physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, scientists, and others are expected to attend the four-day conference, which for the first time will be held in a hybrid format. In-person attendees will convene at the Seattle Convention Center and will have access to over 60 sessions, workshops, oral and moderated presentations, and hands-on learning labs featuring cutting-edge education, foundational concepts, evolving practice and developing research.

Virtual attendees can live stream sessions from the main plenary room. “ASE 2022 is a comprehensive program that weaves together basic echo foundations, innovative science, and the traditional networking and social interactions that we have been missing since the onset of the pandemic,” says ASE Program Chair Sharon Mulvagh, MD, FASE, FRCP(C), FACC, a cardiologist and echocardiographer who retired from the Mayo Clinic and now works in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. “The meeting’s theme, Sound Waves in Seattle: Connecting the World, celebrates the silver lining that we have learned from our recent virtual meetings by also providing equity in digital access and global connections that our multidisciplinary cardiovascular ultrasound community now expects.” Examples of cardiovascular topics and abstracts that will be covered during the conference include ischemic heart disease, stress echocardiography, cardiomyopathy, and cardio-oncology; pediatric, congenital, and fetal echocardiography including the impact of COVID; structural heart disease, interventional and perioperative imaging; quality and appropriateness in cardiac imaging; and innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence, point of care ultrasound and critical care echocardiography. “ASE 2022 is the largest echocardiography-specific gathering in the world where attendees learn the latest and greatest in current practice and get a glimpse into the future of care,” says ASE Abstract Chair Dr. James Kirkpatrick, MD, FASE, chief of cardiac imaging and director of echocardiography in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. “In addition to providing a platform for echo enthusiasts to learn and network with colleagues and thought leaders, in-person attendees can handle an echo probe and learn practical skills with one-on-one mentoring from an expert.” Dr. Kirkpatrick explains that cardiovascular ultrasound provides a unique window into the anatomy and function of the heart and blood vessels at the patient’s bedside, and that correct diagnosis determines a patient’s medical therapy. “Cardiovascular ultrasound is central to the practice of modern medicine, and ASE 2022 gives cardiac ultrasound specialists opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills and learn about the latest new developments, which ultimately improves the quality of care for patients living in the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” he says.

Other happenings at ASE 2022 include the Echo Expo, which consists of nearly 50 exhibitors, presenting new concepts, technology, devices and research; a keynote session by ASE’s 2022 Gardin Lecturer, Suzanne Simard, PhD, who will sign copies of her book, Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest; dynamic social and networking events; and the 13th Annual Research Awards Gala—a black-tie fundraiser hosted by the ASE Foundation. On Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday, June 13, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Convention Center, attendees are encouraged to visit rescue dogs in the ASE Bark Park, which will feature dogs from Ginger’s Pet Rescue—a Seattle nonprofit specializing in saving death row dogs. ASE’s membership includes veterinarians who use ultrasound in their practice to safely assess animal’s circulatory and cardiac functions. Learn more about ASE 2022 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About ASE The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals. Founded in 1975, ASE is the largest global organization representing cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. ASE is the leader and advocate for physicians, sonographers, scientists, veterinarians, students, and all those with an interest in echocardiography, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives.

For more information about ASE, visit: ASEcho.org and follow us @ASE360. Suggested General Photo Cutline: The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, Wash., June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the United States and the world.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13

Photo Credit: “Seattle Sunset” by Howard Ignatius is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Why is This Seattle Highway Exit an Accident Magnet?

Seattle Traffic

The I-5 off-ramp at the Seattle Convention Center is a frequent site of car accidents. So much that many residents have begun asking why this is so. Although the DOT has made various modifications, this off-ramp continues to be a wrecking ball.

At least one risky road or crossroads may be found in every city. In certain cases, it might be that there aren’t enough turn lanes, or that there is a piece of road with a different speed restriction than the rest of the road. The I-5 off-ramp at the Seattle Convention Center is an excellent example of this.

Actually, this route has been the topic of a recent viral video compilation that has swept the internet. As the videos show, this exit ramp has seen a number of collisions over the years, prompting many to wonder whether or not it is safe for other motorists and pedestrians to continue using it.

Apparently, this specific off-ramp has been problematic for some time. A Seattle YouTuber, Michael Basconcillo, has been documenting the spot since 2017 when he filmed a Lamborghini catching fire as it veered off the freeway. Basconcillo says he saw many vehicles speeding through the intersection while driving, which prompted him to record them and share the information online.

Many residents and visitors are wondering why this particular exit is such a hotbed of car accidents yet there is concrete and reflective signage all around this short one-lane exit in Google Street View. One of the reasons is that most motorists don’t seem to be capable of reducing their speed from the highway’s limit of 60 mph to the suggested departure speed of 20 mph.

There are roughly 464 feet from the exit gore to the middle of the steep bend where accidents are happening, according to a Washington Department of Transportation spokeswoman. Because the speed limit on I-5 is 60 miles per hour, the driver of a 60-mph vehicle would have around 5.25 seconds to slow down before exiting the freeway.

As a reminder to slow down, there are multiple warning signs and reflective markings on concrete barriers: a 30mph sign at the solid white line before the exit, 20mph signs before the exit gore, and a 20mph warning below the exit gore, and stoplight warning signs.

The reflective poles and markers visible in the video shot at the site, as well as the extra speed warning under the exit sign, had all been erected by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as of 2019. Since the new signs were put up, Basconcillo’s cameras have filmed at least three more collisions.

Even towing firms were taken aback by the high number of automobile accidents on that specific off-ramp, considering how abrupt the bend is. Regardless, the clearly designated portion of the road has seen its fair number of fatalities through the years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.

No particular future upgrades were mentioned by WSDOT, although that does not exclude interim measures. According to Basconcillo, rumble strips might help prevent inattentive drivers from making errors.

People in the area need to keep an eye out for how many accidents occur and how many automobiles end up leaping over the curb. This steep off-ramp might one day be the cause of the death of an innocent pedestrian if a reckless driver fails to slow down.

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Wet and Cold Seattle Gaining the Admiration of a Drought-Stricken World

Seattle Sunshine Weather

Seattle is indeed the admiration of a globe afflicted by a severe water shortage. Everyone in this area is aware of the chilly months of June through January and the fact that the official start of summer is on July 5.

However, this year is just rainy and chilly. We’ve apparently passed through spring completely. Long underwear during Little League games or a down jacket in the backyard are obvious targets for grouses. However, given the alternative, it may be appropriate to show some appreciation.

Excessive heat and a lingering drought are wreaking havoc throughout the globe, including in parts of California. Franklin County, for example, is located in southeast Washington.

There is now a severe drought that affects all inhabitants, 62,999 acres of wheat, and 34,623 livestock in the area. This has resulted in stunted crops, more wildfires, and greater difficulty feeding cattle. According to the United States Census Bureau, Franklin County has a population of 98,000.

Even in the worst-case scenario of drought, no one in King County will be affected. Actually, it’s been a great season for skiers. To put this into perspective, in King County there are only 14 acres of wheat compared to 11,000 cattle.

Heat isn’t an issue in the Seattle region, at least not just yet. We’ve already absorbed more rain than is average for the month of May, and it’s still raining. On the 13th of April, Olympia had its lowest temperature ever recorded: 28 degrees.

Others are envious of our ability to get rain. Drought conditions have gripped large swaths of California and the Southwest. Hydropower production is at risk as reservoir levels fall to unprecedented lows. People with backyards are being urged to turn off their sprinklers by water regulators. This isn’t a big deal in Seattle, where yellow lawns seem to be a staple of summer for decades.

Although summer officially begins on June 21, parts of the southern Plains and the Midwest are already seeing temperatures that are approaching record highs. Much of the Western United States is on fire. This was a year without spring for both India and Pakistan.

While May and June are often the hottest months of the year, this year saw record-breaking temperatures in March and April. Recognizing the atmospheric dangers of the rest of the globe will not make it easier around here to ruin your BBQ or damp outdoor wedding.

For the second time in as many years, we’re experiencing a La Nina year. It’s hard to say what the weather might be like following this chilly period. On June 28 of last year, the temperature reached an all-time high of 108 degrees. According to the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group, human activity has caused the area to continue to warm.

The heat won’t be an issue for long. Now, let’s be grateful for the cool weather and rain. It is a blessing to be working and living in Seattle at this time of the year.

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Seattle Dry Streak Is Over

The rain hit Seattle on Sunday thus breaking our dry streak.  It was an impressive attempt, however, lasting 48 days

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

Seattle’s Homeless Problem: End Of The Road

Seattle's Homeless Problem

The homeless crisis in Seattle is something that many Washingtonians are very well aware of. Native residents and visitors alike both ask the question: How has it gotten this bad? From the nomadic tent cities that struggle to find a placement within the city, to the prime windows of world-renowned corporations downtown, the juxtaposition between affluence and poverty is alarming. The income gap is massive.

Although the community has only recently seen a sharp incline, homelessness has always been in the city’s limits. The history of Seattle in particular is important to know when learning about how the current day homelessness affects the city.

In the 1890s, around twenty years after the city of Seattle was incorporated, early signs of poverty were starting to become apparent. On one hand, the city was starting to flourish and grow, as many of Washington’s early industries such as lumber and fishing were starting to gain traction; On the other, the population growth led to many residents being pushed to the fringes. Petitions were made by the community to the city for help keeping their businesses afloat or for housing but the city denied them. In fact, the city even went as far as to burn some of these camps down due to complaints from other residents with reasons mainly concerning the crime increase and public health.

 Soon after the 1929 crisis, one of the biggest “Hoovervilles” (shanty towns built by the unemployed and destitute during the 1930’s) was in the city of Seattle. In 1941, just after The United States entered the second world war, many of the Hoovervilles, including the largest one, were burned to the ground for wartime use.

Evidently, Seattle leaders have failed to maintain sustainable or reliable solutions for the city. Instead, they have succeeded in alienating a population of thousands.

To this day, people experiencing homelessness struggle to stabilize their lives when the city does a relocation. IDs, wallets, and medications are some of the most crucial losses. This is also incredibly triggering for some people.

Currently, the city of Seattle has a budget of millions to help aid this crisis. According to The Seattle Times, The budget has gone from $50 million in 2015 to an estimated $150 million in 2022. Where is all of this money going?

“In 2017, the City of Seattle directly invested $68,098,060 in the homelessness crisis (City of Seattle, 2017). Such spending included money for rental assistance programs that prevent people from falling into homelessness, providing transitional shelter, building low-income housing, and other various assistance methods.” (Source)

According to Seattle.gov, there are three main categories that the city invests into:

Prevention (services to help those already in homes), emergency (services that provide safe spaces for people to stay, and a connection to housing), and housing: (services focused on permanent housing solutions including; rapid re-housing, diversion, and permanent supportive housing). There are also locations where the homeless can shower and some programs where donated toiletries are accessible, though these are limited.

I believe prevention is the most important place to invest in for the following reasons: Whether the homeless population is receiving assistance from the city directly or not, there is still a massive impact on the city. Homelessness is not something that is exclusively impacting those without homes, but also the community at large. Think about the children who face the harsh realities of not being permitted to play in playgrounds and sports fields due to potential needle exposure from the percentage of homeless who are drug users. Think of the average income taxpayers who wonder where their contributions are going, and what impact their money is truly making. Think of the thousands of frustrated service workers who work in shelters with those struggling with addiction and psychosis who do not have enough assistance, and see high turnover rates, and regressions back into the streets on a daily basis. It is also disappointing to be a city official who may deeply care for the displaced community but whose efforts are ultimately having little to no impact.

“The metric’s always been, ‘Well, we’re spending more money,’” said Jon Scholes, president of the Downtown Seattle Association and a supporter of the authority’s plan. “And then you walk down the street and you don’t see a difference.” (Source)

More examples in favor of prevention are the following: If an individual is homeless, this has the potential to lower their immune system from exposure to unsanitary environments, high-stress, and high risk potential for heightened drug use. A percentage of the homeless population often is in and out of the emergency room which makes it incredibly hard on hospital staff to address everyone who needs immediate care for those with homes and without homes alike. Also, once an individual becomes homeless, it may be harder to regain stability if they are having difficulty improving their lives. This is connected to a variety of issues Seattle faces, such as a portion of homeless individuals turning to crime. This is even exacerbated by less funding for the police force, which can potentially have a hand in making local businesses suffer due to theft and vandalism primarily.

Hope exists not only in direct solutions like the aforementioned ways of getting help but also in investing in public education so students are getting more opportunities to succeed. This includes food programs, increased mental health awareness and assistance, and higher pay for teachers so they have a greater drive to connect with students that are on the fringes. More alternatives include: implementing more opportunities for apprenticeships in the workforce (so young adults can have more respected alternatives to college), lowering the cost of education (to welcome more prospective students and lower post-education debt), and overall, a different reformed curriculum in the school system that is not only more forgiving, but encourages more meaningful critical thought, diverse classes, and equal wealth distribution. 

The last angle on this issue I would like to explore is: Why might Seattle’s homeless reject help? In an article written in 2021 for The Seattle Times, an article cited that the city’s outreach assistance was struggling to give referrals that the homeless would follow through with in terms of short-term shelter. There is always a hesitation before one may decide to stay in a shelter because they are extremely uncomfortable. Many people report crowding, assault, thievery, cleanliness (i.e lice and other pests), or just generally poor experiences within shelters. The staff in these facilities are more often than not, overworked with pay that isn’t reflected by the amount of effort that is given. People also may deny assistance because of an inability to be accepted. People among this group would be illegal immigrants or refugees, individuals with pets that they are not willing to part with and individuals who abuse drugs. For the latter, there is also the inverse issue, where some shelters are known to accept drug users, therefore turning off those who are working towards sobriety. What homeless residents do tend to accept referrals for are private rooms, such as single-motel rooms or tiny houses. The average length of time stayed at enhanced shelters and tiny houses in 2020 was 102 and 349 days, compared to 68 days at basic shelters.

Many more efforts are needed to be done on everyone’s part to even begin to remedy homelessness as a social epidemic. What is being done isn’t enough. It is imperative to realize that homelessness is a symptom of a variety of ills that plague society; This is including the way drug addiction is handled, our societal attitudes toward mental health, surrounding regional cities not giving their homeless populations adequate assistance and then the said community relocating to Seattle, and lastly, the popular narrative that it is primarily due to skyrocketing rents and social security payments to at risk households, those claiming disability, and individuals struggling to find work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large percentage of those below the poverty line were pushed into the streets, due to social programs withdrawing assistance, and shelters limiting capacity. Inversely, the homeless that previously camped in forested areas have come further in, due to scarcity of resources. This has resulted in rising health issues (mental health, illness spreading more rapidly), and increased drug use. According to an article in The Seattle Times, one local study found there to be a 50% increase in tent usage between the summers of 2019 to 2020. Seattle is not unique, because many cities across the country suffer from rising homeless populations; It would be optimistic to conclude that I believe it will improve soon, but unfortunately, in a society where many even above the poverty line struggle with ailments such as increasing living expenses, and studies reporting mental health worsening in all age groups within The United States, there is understandably a lowered initiative to change attitudes among all social classes to shift the situation.

Photo: “Seattle Homeless” by davidjlee is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

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Seattle’s Free Riders Are Creating a Strain on the City’s Transit System

Sound Transit Map

Passengers who refuse to pay for the city’s transit system are causing problems. A recent study showed that almost two-thirds of all passengers in Seattle are free riders.

Most stations lack turnstiles. This being the case, passengers have to either buy tickets or use pre-paid cards as they enter the station. As a result of the low number of users who are willing to pay, only 5% of the system’s operating costs are covered by fares, a far cry from the required 40% by Sound Transit.

The departing CEO of Sound Transit, Peter Rogoff gave a succinct summary of the issue at a recent Board meeting. “Our fee collecting system depends largely on an honor system,” he stated. “And our extremely severe issue is that our passengers aren’t following the system.”

Estimates show that close to 70% of passengers in the city ride free. This is just an estimate because fare enforcement measures have not yet been implemented. In the wake of a study revealing a disparity in the amount of money fined to passengers of color, Sound Transit eliminated its fare enforcement officers.

There’s however a new “fare ambassadors” system currently in place. If you’re on the light rail system, you’ll only see a few of these vehicles. The fare ambassadors’ approach only works on 2 percent of all the transit system users. They currently only work with 2% of all riders.

When fare ambassadors board a train, they inquire as to whether or not passengers have paid their fare. Usually, not everyone has. Rather than removing ticket evaders off the train, fare ambassadors begin the conversation by requesting proof of identity. It is hard to issue a warning since 76 percent of the free-riders fail to present a valid ID.

Prior to issuing the first fine, Sound Transit provides two warnings to the offender. However, penalties are seldom issued and even less commonly paid due to a lack of identity. Fare ambassadors may not be able to persuade many free riders to pay their fare, but they do gather useful information about them. Non-payers are compelled to provide personal information such as their home address, race, and gender.

Councilmember Reagan Dunn views the lack of enforcement as only a piece of the greater issue in the transportation system in King County. “We are currently experiencing a form of decriminalization of many things, including farebox recovery and even failure to register known sex offenders under the pretext of equity and social justice,” said Dunn. “And the result is an increase in crime”.

Several additional light rail systems, like those in Portland, Denver, and Dallas, depend on the honor system. The first time a fare evader is found, they are all going to impose substantial penalties.

A majority of the Sound Transit Board do not show a lot of concern for the decreased fare collection problem. Claudia Balducci is one of the few who applaud the nonchalant approach of the ticket ambassador. “It’s less scary for people to utilize our system because of the lack of fare enforcement,” said Balducci.

The Sound Transit Board’s only Republican, Bruce Dammeier, says taxpayers who paid more than $168 billion for the system are being scammed. “This is the largest waste of money we’ve ever seen,” said Bruce Dammeier.

Photo: “Sound Transit System Map” by Oran Viriyincy is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

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Why Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner is a Good Pick for the Seahawks

Seattle Blitz

The Seahawks recently traded Russel Wilson. They now have a top 10 draft pick and the question on fans’ minds is who could be the person to fill that No. 9 position. As we head for the April 28 draft, there are several prospects the Seahawks might consider in the first round but the person to watch out for is cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.

So who exactly is Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and why is he a perfect pick for the Seahawks? Well, Gardner is a Detroit native and a 3-star recruit in high school. Notably, Gardner never got scholarship offers from Michigan’s Big Ten schools and never played defensive back in high school. As a senior in high school, he weighed 160 pounds only.

After helping Cincinnati make its first berth in the College Football Playoffs as a junior, Gardner allowed only three receptions (on four targets) for 17 yards versus Alabama. According to Pro Football Focus, he was a first-team All-American in 2021 and never allowed more than 18 passing yards in any game. In 33 career games, he has nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups, with no touchdowns allowed in coverage.

He might be an excellent match for the Seattle Seahawks because a lot of people have compared Gardner to the Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman because of his size, quickness, and confidence. If the Seahawks’ scouts feel the same, Gardner should be the easy choice at No. 9 for the team. Actually, it’s a great matchup.

Gardner embodies everything Pete Carroll looks for in a cornerback—size, length, speed, and, of course, confidence. In a recent tweet, Gardner stated “I’m the greatest draft pick in the league. God knows how modest and confident I am and how much effort I put in to even be able to make that remark, and that’s all that counts. Confidence and cockiness are required for the position I’m in,”

When Russell Wilson retires, Carroll has said that he intends to rebuild the defense to be even more dominating, and acquiring a cornerback with Sherman’s press coverage skillsets would be a wonderful place to start. Additionally, the Seahawks are in need of a new cornerback with the departure of D.J. Reed to the New York Jets in free agency.

No one disputes that Gardner can play as a starter right away as a rookie cornerback. If Gardner is still available at No. 9, the Seahawks should choose him. According to several draft experts, Houston too might choose Gardner in the top three.

However, there are a few reasons why the Seahawks would not want to sign him. When was a Seahawks obvious selection made under John Schneider-Pete Carroll? You could trade down and take a cornerback like Trent McDuffie or Andrew Booth with the first selection if the Seahawks are looking to acquire additional draft capital, which they are known to do. Even though Schneider and Carroll have participated in 12 drafts together, they have never selected a cornerback in the first round of the selection process. They picked Shaquill Griffin, a cornerback, in the third round in 2017. (90th overall). For now, we can only wait to see if the draft will happen.

Credit: “Loudest crowd roar at a sports stadium Seahawks” by Philip Robertson is marked with CC BY 2.0

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.

Seattle Residents Concerned About the Increase of Graffiti Now Using a Mobile App to Solve the Problem

Seattle Graffiti Problems

Graffiti in Seattle, Washington, is as common as rain and dreary skies these days. Public and private property has been defaced all around the city, from shops to apartments to commercial cars to roads to bridges to street signs and recycling bins.

There is no holding back. Everything, including magazine racks, power poles, and even historic places, seemed to be fair game. Apparently, taggers don’t seem to discriminate.

Parents and other locals are now speaking out against the rise of graffiti in the area. Ari Hoffman, a Seattle resident and the father of three says that graffiti isn’t “some person writing ‘Jim was here.'”

If you’re going to use graffiti to define your territory, you’re going to utilize gangs or drug dealers or even individuals living on the street who are used for illegal activities,” Hoffman said. Ari Hoffman is the host of “The Ari Hoffman Show” on Seattle’s KVI AM 570 and a previous candidate for the Seattle City Council.

“Residents in Seattle who want to live quietly and politely with their neighbors feel they are being neglected by the city because it has opted to cease enforcing regulations, policies and laws”, Vassie Skoulis, a mother of two and a homeowner in the city recently stated. According to her, the responsibility for cleaning up trash and vandalism falls squarely on the shoulders of residents.

Additionally, residents must “pay for property damage caused by people who refuse to be a member of any community,” she said.

In the last several years, Christine Villani, a 30-year Seattle resident, has witnessed an uptick in graffiti. She says, “I find it discouraging, and I feel like I reside in a battle zone.” No one seems to care.

Find It Fix It App

A smartphone app called “Find It, Fix It” has been developed by Seattle in order to fight the city’s graffiti issue. In addition to reporting graffiti to the city, the app may also be used to report other concerns including abandoned cars and unlawful dumping. Needles and syringes are among the items thrown out at the landfill.

Since its first release in 2013, it seems that the demand for this app and a “Graffiti Report” phone line, which anybody in the community may contact, is stronger than ever. A public information officer for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) tells Fox News Digital that there has been an uptick in graffiti complaints since 2020.

SPU stands for the city’s municipal code and graffiti eradication initiatives, which are backed by the mayor’s office. It has been made quite evident that Mayor Harrell intends to combat graffiti. After being elected mayor in November 2021, Bruce Harrell began his duties in January.

Seattle had 16,625 graffiti complaints in 2021, according to SPU. When compared to the 13,000 complaints that were filed in 2019, this is a significant rise. A total of 500,791 square feet of graffiti were “abated” in 2021 by SPU’s Graffiti Rangers squad. According to Register, that’s around the size of 10 1/2 football fields.

iPhone users in Seattle’s tech-savvy neighborhood are being urged to contribute to the solution by installing the app they’ve just learned about. The application is available on the Google Play Store for Android users.

It’s as simple as taking a picture with your phone, filling out the necessary information, and pressing submit, according to the city’s website. In addition to using the “drag and drop” function on the map, you can also utilize your phone’s own technology to identify where you are located.

SPU Graffiti Rangers have been able to swiftly identify places with various graffiti that can subsequently be abated thanks to customer complaints submitted via the ‘Find It, Fix It’ app,” Register stated. With six SPU employees, the Graffiti Rangers squad in Seattle now covers the city’s areas of Freemont, Ballard, and the Central District, as well as Little Saigon.

Graffiti on public property is supposed to be removed within 10 business days – and hate graffiti is to be removed within 24 hours or less – according to the city of Seattle’s website.

Photo: “Seattle Graffiti” by cactusbones is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Residents in Seattle and Spokane Are in Favor of Developing Additional Apartments

Seattle Housing and Apartments

With growing housing prices, most residents of Washington’s main metro regions approve the construction of new apartments near their homes, according to a Zillow study.

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue and Spokane-Spokane Valley, Washington’s two most populous metropolitan regions, participated in the study. Between January and February of 2022, a total of more than 850 people were interviewed in both metro areas.

The housing market in both Spokane and Seattle seems to be overcrowded and overpriced, according to a recent survey. Residents of Seattle and Spokane are equally concerned about home costs, according to Zillow, at 73% and 74%, respectively.

  • Accessory dwelling units, which Seattle residents favor 72% of the time and Spokane residents support 81% of the time, are largely supported by both cities’ residents.
  • Duplexes and triplexes; 66% approval in Seattle and 70% in Spokane.
  • Apartment structures; 53% of Seattle residents and 50% of Spokane residents approve them.

Zillow points out that people’s views on this specific topic are polarized. More than half of those who oppose the construction of new apartment complexes in Seattle say they strongly disagree with them, while the other half say they strongly agree.

More than half of people in Seattle and Spokane supported the construction of apartment complexes, while the majority of people in the suburbs were less enthusiastic. People in the suburbs preferred more moderate densification measures like duplexes, triplexes, and auxiliary living units.

As a result, suburbanites in Seattle (71 percent) and Spokane (70 percent) said that they would be in favor of small or medium-sized apartments.

In both Seattle and Spokane, the majority of respondents (62 percent in Seattle and 54 percent in Spokane) said that these additional residences will have a detrimental effect on parking and traffic. Free parking is more essential to 60 percent of Seattle residents and 61 percent of Spokane residents than providing more affordable homes.

House Bill 1782 was the subject of a hearing on Saturday, and two things are clear: There is a severe housing shortage in Washington State, and reaching a consensus on how to address it will be difficult. It’s dubbed as the “Missing Middle” housing measure because it would overturn the restriction on multi-family dwellings in certain jurisdictions.

The objective is to increase the supply of more reasonably priced “middle housing,” such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses. For properties within a half-mile of major transportation hubs, HB 1782 would alter residential zoning regulations.

New Burien City Councilmember Hugo Garcia spoke in support of the measure. He claimed that the only way he could manage to be near to his ailing parents was to live in a duplex. Other mayors in the Puget Sound region aren’t as enthusiastic.

Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Kent, Auburn, and Lake Stevens elected officials all came out against the measure, as did the mayor of Lake Stevens. As a response to worries over over-expansion, several leaders suggested that regional governments had a better knowledge of local requirements.

This law will increase the density outside the metropolitan center, where amenities like shopping and education aren’t readily available,” Mary Lou Pauly of Issaquah stated. In his words, “This law will lead to car-centric development undercutting our climate objectives and exacerbating our inadequate transportation infrastructure.”

Nobody disputed the need for affordable housing. The cost of a house in the Puget Sound region has increased dramatically during the last three years.

Photo: “The city of Seattle, Washington in the fall, from amazon.com, Beacon Hill, USA” by Wonderlane is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

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