News

Frank Chopp, Speaker of the State House of Representatives

Frank Chopp, Speaker of the State House of Representatives, held the floor. He touched on the topics of Education, Health Care, and Jobs. These being complex issues, his method was to allot a few general statements to each topic and then spend the rest of the session fielding questions thereon.

As to education, he alluded to the massive effort in progress to fully fund basic education. Taxpayers have invested heavily into schools. With the financial goal reached, it must be assured that the money will be well spent. To get kids out of poverty via the Learning Assistance Program is one imperative.

Health Care is on the right track. Washington leads the nation in coverage, with, at this juncture, half of the kids being covered statewide.

Jobs. He mentioned only one avenue of employment, namely the 520 Project. This has to do with the Floating Bridge and its current development on the west side.

In the Q&A session, the subject of taxes arose. Rep. Chopp believes the head tax to be “stupid”, the income tax fully unwanted by the populace, and the B&O tax a long-standing albeit imperfect revenue source. He points to oncoming legislation in which capital gains on the wealthy may be taxed more highly and the property tax lowered.

Redistricting, he points to the fact that we are the only state that has a bipartisan Districting Commission. Thus, there is no gerrymandering or successions of redistricting as one party or the other gains a majority.

Mental Health. More revenue and resources are sought for it. The state hospital has been decertified. This poses a problem that the Governor has not moved to fix. A building to house mental patients has been approved by the House, but not as yet by the Senate.

Gun control. This is a challenging matter in that there are widely differing attitudes throughout the state. However, by working with advocates, there has been passed legislation banning bump stocks and gun possession by the mentally ill. Action is pending regarding the age for owning assault rifles as well as safe storage and safety training.

The Homeless. Public sentiment is more in favor of mental illness than the homeless. However, the two are obviously intertwined. Ergo, if people support housing for the mentally ill, they are, in fact, doing so for the homeless. Efforts are therefore to occur in that direction in the legislature.

In summary: Any one of these topics could probably take a fortnight to discuss and probably not exhaust the subject in question. It was therefore well to have covered as much as there was in the time allotted.

Today_Sand Point Block Party

 

On Thursday, June 28th the University Sunrise Rotary Club is hosting its 12th annual block party for Solid Ground Housing in Sand Point. Solid Ground connects people with resources and tools to help them stabilize their housing, access healthy food, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families. We will be grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs, and putting on carnival games, face painting, and a good ol’ soccer match for the kids. All are welcome to join us.  If you need additional information reach out to Betsy Conklin at communityservice@usrotary.org.

 

 

Michael Bronsdon, Digital Marketing

Having pitched effectively in classification mode, Michael Bronsdon went into extra innings to explain Digital Marketing. It was quite apparent that this has revolutionized the advertising/selling arena. Traditional marketing messages via radio, direct mail, newspaper, and magazines yielded slow (if any) response times and were costly. By the e-mail route, the process is cheaper, has a quicker response time, and can be tailored to a smaller, more select group of potential customers or even individuals. Digital Marketing entails knowing something about a targeted person and catering to that person. As any business, this modality has its own jargon, to wit:

 

  •  Search Engine Optimization. In this, a marketer may pay for an ad popping up on google. Also, a web page may be tailored, with an ad likely to be captured on the searcher.
  • Behavior Analysis. An advertiser ascertains where individuals may spend their time on the web. Their interests can thus be catered to.
  • Buyers’ behavior. The vendor can tell when people are abandoning a search avenue and can learn from it. This gives rise to A/B Testing. In this, two offerings are made. Such information can show which works better. 

All of this leads to offers being tailored to an individual. 

  • Big Data. Large amounts of stored data provided by companies to advertisers trying to understand customers.
  • Machine learning. This is a technique in identifying and tracing fraud, particularly in credit cards. Knowing the patterns of both the cardholder and the aberrant patters of the illegal user, a company (i.e., bank) can pinpoint this in a much shorter time than previously and can put a hold on the credit card.

During this presentation, a murmured “Orwellian” was heard. The implication was, perhaps, that this may be the beginning of further delving, beyond buying habits, into private lives.

Comment: “He who knows, and knows he knows, he is wise. Follow him.”

 

Paul Raidna, Honorary Consul for the Estonian government

 

Paul Raidna, Honorary Consul for the Estonian government, said it all when he posited, “Estonia is recognized as the most digitally connected, transparent society in the world.” After the (most recent) domination by Russia, everything in Estonia is digitally connected to its citizens–all 1.3 million of them.

 

 

To wit:

  • Everything is instantly monitored and updated.
  • There are no checks. All payments are made by wire transfer.
  • An electronic chip in a card accesses a portal that tells all about an individual
  • All business is done electronically, except are weddings and real estate purchases.
  • Digitalization allows not only voting online but allows for a change of mind and reversal of a vote.
  • Information about a candidate is public and readily available.
  • This method saves 2% of the GDP in light of less bureaucracy.
  • A digital reader in a police car tells all about a passing car and its driver.
  • As of 2014, any Estonian can conduct transactions from anywhere in the world and can enjoy all the benefits of citizenship except the ability to vote.
  • Skype was developed in Estonia; 85% of all gaming software is from Estonia.
  • A child starts school at age 7. Criticism aside, there is a ranking of the top 4 or 5 in education in the world.  There is produced the largest percentage of technicians next to Finland.
  • Even the dogs are profiled. Vaccination records are on line.
  • They are told, “The Government does not own the data; you do.” Block chain technology provides security no access personal data is provided without user authorization.
  • It is hard to be corrupt when transparency is used. (So ’tis said).
  • To promote population growth, free digital dating is an effort to get singles together.
  • There is next to no unemployment in the fast-growing economy.

COMMENT:  All shall continue unimpeded as long as Estonia enjoys a NATO presence

Related Articles:  

Digital Estonia, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/12/18/estonia-the-digital-republic  

Building a Digital Society, https://e-estonia.com/

Carol Bogezi: Human/Carnivore Interaction a place to start

Can you think of two more diversified interests than coexistence with carnivores and education of the young?

Carol Bogezi is perhaps the only person this side of the dateline (both directions) to carry both credentials. A native of Uganda, Carol has academic degrees both there and in the US. In her slide on human/carnivore interaction, she as an adolescent is seen with a young, trussed up crocodile on her shoulder.

Her work here entails studies on the movements of western WA cougars as well as better acquaintance with wolves.  This must, of needs, take into consideration the economic needs of ranchers. Tolerance for wildlife is the overriding concept of her work.

In her native Uganda, one of her targets is the plight of widows and orphans. She works toward livelihoods for them through the acronymized Community Action Plan and Women Enhancement Progress. This has allowed women to develop their own small businesses through crafts and sweater production, among other creativities.                        

 Then came we to the Child Education Program.  Beginning with universal primary education, the concept is to get as many as possible through at least secondary studies. The impediments to be overcome include HIV, few employment opportunities, lack of resources, driving poverty, and exploitation by sugar companies. Moreover, many regard the country as a forgotten region. 

Additionally, there is school overcrowding and few teachers. But—-once one can make it through secondary school, there may lie ahead good jobs, less HIV, and fewer teenage pregnancies.  It is a teenage pregnancy that so often stops short a girl’s chance for a career (not only there.) A vocational training center for dropouts is now in place.

 

Claire Petersky & Detective Nicole Freutel, Elder Abuse Advocates

Behind bland and innocent façades, venues of ugliness lurk. Occasionally one erupts for all to see, in the form of domestic violence, spousal abuse, child cruelty, and the like.

Claire Petersky of the Wallingford Community Senior Center and Detective Nicole Freutel of Seattle Police HQ, gave us insight into the dark realm of elder abuse. This is a practice that is often hidden; its total prevalence is not known. However, 18,400 cases were identified in King County alone (over what span of time was not specified).

The types of elder abuse may be bodily, sexual, and psychological. As to the category of financial, the elderly has been bilked to the extent of $36 billion nationwide, with an average of $120K per victim. Add to this the areas of neglect and self-neglect.

The risk factors that lead to vulnerability include low social support via no use of social services, isolation, previous trauma, dementia, low income, poor English, and deficient physical health. In any of these situations, an abuser has fertile ground for this sort of mischief. In many cases one’s innate prefrontal cortical “BS detector” will have declined, leading to victimization. Social isolation, including widowed status, contribute to vulnerability. 

Of the perpetrators, 90% are family members, 50% being adult children. 45% are caregivers. A warning sign is the sudden interest one might take in an older person. Others may be unusual money transfers or gifts, unpaid bills, or the purchase of items not appropriate for the elderly.

Victims include those who become vulnerable due to some factor such as a stroke. Someone steps in to assist the newly financially dependent.

What to do? If you feel that something fishy is afoot, file an Adult Protective Services or a Law Enforcement report. The money cannot always be recovered. Seattle does have a unit for elder protection. It is presently understaffed. 

Of interest is that JP Morgan Chase has set up a program to aid in recognizing the red flags when they occur.

Be aware of the recommendation, in case of a suspected instance of abuse, to tell at least one other person.

Comment: Inhumanity takes no holidays.

 

And a good time was had by all

 

Debuts and Discoveries is now over for 2018.  This year Seattle Uncorked, and University Sunrise Rotary had a great fun hosting an array of new beverage vendors along with good food and the band “Ranken File.”  All this effort to support “Friends of the Children” but pictures are worth a thousand words.

 

 

 

More photos>https://www.flickr.com/photos/125163167@N05/sets/72157692867151011

Monica Cortes Viharo, Communication Skills

Emanating from the UW School of Drama, Monica Cortes Viharo provided a set of sine qua nons in confronting an audience. She began with a few examples of the wrong things to do. Thus, were enumerated communication skills in everyday life, with or without addressing a large group. As follows:

  • Eye contact. Without it, one is not engaged nor communicating.
  • Intonation. This should entail variety. A flat affect makes for loss of listeners’ interest.
  • Do not show discomfort.
  • Body Language. Crossing arms shows insecurity, as if the speaker is defensive. In 30 seconds, all can be lost.
  • Ergo, engagement or disengagement happens in the first 30 seconds.
  • Narrative. The ability to tell one depends upon a clear, specific beginning and a clear ending.
  • Preparation. Be in a presentative state of mind. Prepare to take charge. Show with confidence that “I’ve got you.”
  • It is re-emphasized to start with a smile. 
  • Ahead of time, tighten abdominal muscles and do not slouch. Do deep breathing. Warm up with tongue twisters.
  • Stretch. Do some power poses.
  • During the address, keep going, even if a mistake is made.

Comment: Have a look at a speaker, possibly on TV, and see how many of the requirements are met.

 

Debuts & Discoveries Partner: Seattle Uncorked

The last 5 years University Sunrise Rotary has partnered with Seattle Uncorked to bring you Debuts and Discoveries, a wine, beer, and spirts tasting event to benefit a local charity. The Rotary Club would not have been able to produce these events without our partnership with Seattle Uncorked.

David LeClaire is the founder of the Northwest’s largest wine club, Seattle Uncorked. Seattle Uncorked is a “social” club for enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine, beer, and spirits! Unlike most “wine clubs” whose real purpose is to sell wine, Seattle Uncorked is a resource to learn about fun tasting & social events in the Greater Seattle Metro area.

In its 16th year, Seattle Uncorked also produces their own annual events such as NW Women Stars of Food & Wine, Sexy Syrah, Debuts & Discoveries, Rose’ Revival, The Cabernet Classic, Taste of Oregon, Fresh Hops Festival, and many more. There is no membership fee to join.

Come join the fun and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, with us this year at Debuts & Discoveries. The fun runs from 5-9 pm and you’ll have a chance to find your new favorite wine, beer, spirit or cider!  Over 20 local vendors will introduce you to their latest special beverages.  When you get hungry, four food trucks will be on hand with a variety of delicious victuals.  And the Ranken File Band will entertain with a variety of music; dance anyone?

Where’s all the fun?

Building 30, in Magnuson Park.  Enter the park at NE 74th off Sandpoint Way NE and follow the signs to parking and the hangar.

Buy your $35 tickets online, www.usrotary.org or $40 at the door.  Entry limited to 21+.  This event is coordinated by University Sunrise Rotary, Seattle Uncorked (www.seattleuncorked.com) and Friends of the Children (www.friendsseattle.org).  Proceeds benefit “Friends,” an organization that provides professional mentors to at-risk youth.

 

 

John Dobken of Energy Northwest: Nuclear is good

Prior to his talk, we asked John Dobken of Energy Northwest if his talk would be convoluted and hard to summarize. His reply was, “Just keep in mind: Nuclear is good.” Then he proceeded to explain why it is so.

 

 

 

And here is why:

  • Wind is a variable and at times is quiescent. In fact, most of it is in the Columbia Gorge.
  • Time is running out in re carbon emissions and the resultant carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Solar energy is also hard to harvest in times of scant sunlight.
  • De-carbonization is essential as regards automobiles.
  • Nuclear is our largest source of energy. It is independent of the weather; produces zero greenhouse gases; used fuel is safely stored and can be recycled.
  • To cut back on coal, nuclear and hydraulic power sources will suffice.
  • More people are being born and will require the energy that uranium fission can provide. 3000 kilowatts = the good life.
  • China, with great pollution due to coal dependence, is building nuclear plants.
  • Nuclear plants run 92% of the time and can run for years.
  • The wartime sludge burden at Hanford should not be confused with the storable uranium pellets used for fuel.
  • Nuclear plants, water and air cooled, cannot melt down.
  • Nuclear plants can pair with wind farms, both bring carbon-free.
  • It is the safest.