Posts — Page 939

Hi everyone. This post was inspired by a community member who posted a little over a year ago about a Finnegan's Wake reading group that he wanted to put together. Since the beginning of the year, I've been preparing myself to read Karl Marx's Capital / Das Kapital - I started out with a few of some of the classic Enlightenment thinkers such as Descartes, Locke, and Hume, complemented by the bedrock texts on political economy - Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, David Ricardo's On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, and most recently some of Marx's "early", philosophical works ( 1844 Manuscripts, The German Ideology, Grundrisse) , with a light smattering of German Idealism. Starting/partaking in a group reading of Das Kapital seems like an appropriate (and enjoyable) culmination of my recent efforts, and I wanted to gauge the community's interest in tackling a notoriously conceptually dense and deeply impactful work of philosophical and economic thought. I would probably pick some time during a weekday evening to reserve The Snug at Doyle's (same venue where the above-mentioned FW reading group takes place), where participants could come and collectively pick apart the text one digestible section at a time. This would probably not begin for another few weeks, so if anyone is interested I would love to hear from you and I recommend picking up a Penguin edition of the book so that everyone is reading from the same translation. -Alec

Dr. Jimmy Leonard, our Chief Clinical Officer at Washington Poison Center Hey everyone, Washington Poison Center here. Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. For the past 7 years, we’ve celebrated this day by hosting a big educational series on overdose prevention, harm reduction, and treatment. We just wrapped up this year’s series, and we wanted to keep building awareness by sharing out the recordings. All of the talks are provided by our own staff or expert doctors and/or public health practitioners from around the country. The sessions and their descriptions are listed below. We're still working on getting the recordings up on YouTube. If we have it uploaded, the link will be included below. If you want access to all of the recordings, you can sign up to watch them on our Zoom event (it's free!), or wait another week for us to finish uploading to YouTube. Don’t have the time to watch hour long sessions? Jimmy, our Chief Clinical Officer (a pharmacist and clinical toxicologist) helped us out by giving us quick summaries of several stand out topics. Ask us your questions! Jimmy and Meghan (our director of education) will be monitoring this post. Fireside with Dr. Holtzer: Public Health in Rural Family Medicine Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GZYL6KHwa2s This fireside session features an intimate conversation with Dr. Caleb Holtzer exploring the deep, intrinsic connection between family medicine and public health in a rural setting. Drawing from Dr. Holtzer’s extensive background—including his leadership in the Rural Residency program and his public health training—the discussion highlights how a community clinic system can drive robust public health initiatives in Northeast Washington. Speakers: Caleb Holtzer, MD, MPH; Scott Phillips, MD, FACP, FACMT, FAACT Fostering Hope After Overdose: A Panel Discussion Join this panel style discussion from staff at The Jamestown Healing Clinic, an integrated care clinic operated by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe offering an opioid treatment program, primary care, dental, substance abuse disorder counseling, and behavioral health. The panelists will explore maintaining hope after overdose and using it as an opportunity to engage or retain patients in SUD treatment. Speakers: Anita Infelise, SUDP; Molly Martin, DNP, ARNP; Harmony Stratton, MD, MPH Coping with Wildfire Smoke Join Washington Poison Center’s Chief Medical Officer as she discusses smoke inhalation, health impacts from wildfires, and coping with wildfire smoke. Speaker: Colleen Cowdery, MD The Emerging Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Substance Use Disorders: Part 2 Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TayvxRpXiA8 Summary by Jimmy: https://reddit.com/link/1w3sre3/video/g7yyk2g08smh1/player This presentation will review emerging evidence of GLP-1 and the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). This includes how this class of medications works, how they impact the mechanism of SUD, and potential treatment options using this class of drugs. This presentation will summarize last year’s presentation, but will also include new studies that have since been published on this topic. Learning Objectives: Describe the pharmacology of GLP-1 receptor agonists Explain the emerging literature describing the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in SUD Evaluate potential treatment implications for using GLP-1 receptor agonists in SUD Speaker: Nicole Rodin, PharmD, MBA Reducing the Risk of Overdose in Shelter and Supportive Housing Moving inside, whether it be into shelter or into housing, should be a time to celebrate. However, a study out of San Francisco indicates that people who are experiencing homelessness have a 19x increase to the risk of fatal overdose when moving inside due to several compounding factors. During this presentation, we’ll explore what factors lead to this increased risk and what resources staff can use to help our newly housed neighbors thrive. Learning Objectives: Understand the factors that lead to the increased risk of overdose when moving inside. Learn about impacts of stigma on houseless and formerly houseless people who use drugs. Explore concepts, tools, and services that direct services staff can use to help mitigate overdose risk. Speaker: Jess Olson, MFA, CLE Substance Use During Pregnancy & Postpartum Pregnant people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) face a number of challenges, including stigma, punitive policies, and unique health effects for themselves and the fetus. This session covers the epidemiology of OUD during pregnancy and explores the role of medications for OUD for pregnant people, including risks, benefits, and logistical considerations. Speaker: Kelly Wurzel, MD How Cannabis Adverse Events Impact Health Systems Patients presenting with cannabis related adverse events (AEs) and other problems have become increasingly prevalent in the U.S. and Canada. The University of Washington’s Cannabis Education and Research Program (CERP) will present three projects focused on describing the people most vulnerable to cannabis AEs and how health systems are impacted. Projects 1 and 2 utilized WA State data from the International Cannabis Policy Study. Project 1 used latent profile analysis to characterize six clusters based on the frequency of use of various cannabis product types and how these use patterns relate to the experience of adverse events and cannabis use disorder. Frequent use of a variety of products was associated with an increased risk of experiencing an AE. Project 2 examined how mental health diagnosis relates to different types of cannabis AEs and found that people with psychotic disorders are particularly vulnerable to all types of AEs. Project 3 summarized results of a survey of WA State health care providers that elicited frequency and seriousness of cannabis-related AEs and other health problems that they encounter, current clinical practices, and barriers and facilitators to identifying and intervening in such events. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, cannabis-induced psychosis, and Cannabis Use Disorder were identified as being most frequent and/or severe. Providers saw value in intervening and would be more likely to do so if they had clear clinical guidelines. Current and future work on this topic will also be discussed. Speakers: Jason Williams, PhD; Sharon Garrett, MPH, MA The Link Between Sports Betting & Intentional Poisoning Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W2MzpLJ94So Summary by Jimmy: https://reddit.com/link/1w3sre3/video/zfc5s2iw4smh1/player There are clear links between problematic gambling and mental health. This presentation will show new data on links between local professional football team losses and self-harm overdoses in adults. Additionally, it will evaluate the relationship between sports betting and how that may be associated with an increase or decrease in self-harm overdoses in select populations. Speakers: Ty W. Lostutter, PhD; Jimmy Leonard, PharmD, DABAT Peptides, Placebos, and Problems: Public Health at the Crossroads of Hype and Hazard Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/siY9C9P7Dsw Summary by Jimmy: https://reddit.com/link/1w3sre3/video/q2kw1f9a7smh1/player The consumer market for unproven peptides and research chemicals has expanded rapidly, driven by social media, biohacking culture, and demand for weight loss, performance enhancement, and anti-aging solutions. Explore some of the more common products, regulatory monitoring and public health impact. Learning Objectives: Define unproven peptides and research chemicals and describe their growing market. Identify common products currently being marketed and used by the public. Recognize health risks associated with these substances. Understand regulatory gaps that contribute to widespread availability. Speaker: Sasha Kaiser, MD Scenario-Based Naloxone Dosing Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6JdIG6Z_Im4 This lecture will discuss how to optimally dose naloxone depending on the therapeutic intent and scenario, with a review of the evidence. Learning Objectives: Review naloxone/opioid pharmacology in the context of naloxone dosing Interpret the evidence and rationale behind various naloxone dosing strategies Evaluate the argument that naloxone should be titrated with 0.04 mg IV aliquots Speaker: Adam Blumenberg, MD, MA From Policy to Practice: Demonstrating Statewide Impact in Opioid Harm Prevention This session presents a statewide model for advancing evidence-based opioid harm prevention through hospital leadership and multi-sector collaboration. Learn how Washington hospitals, supported by the Washington State Hospital Association, have translated best practices into measurable action, improving prescribing safety, expanding access to MOUD and increasing naloxone availability. The presentation will highlight targeted strategies addressing high-risk populations, including youth, older adults, pregnant and postpartum individuals and rural communities. Attendees will also explore how initiatives such as Starts with One and Scala NW amplify prevention and treatment efforts through coordinated outreach and system alignment.Participants will leave with actionable strategies and implementation insights to drive similar impact in their own systems. Learning Objectives: Summarize statewide strategies used to reduce opioid-related harm across hospital systems. Assess approaches that effectively address population-specific vulnerabilities in opioid prescribing and treatment. Recognize the value of partnerships between hospitals, public health and community campaigns. Translate successful models into scalable interventions within varied healthcare settings. Speakers: Jenica Sandall, MSN, RNC-OB, C-ONQS; Brittany Weiner, MS, LMFT, CPPS; Tina Seery, MHA, FACHE, BSN, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, LSSBB, SANE; Abigail Berube, MPH, CPHQ, CPCHE; Megan Hermann Education as Prevention: Addressing Post-Release Overdose Risk Through Correctional Programming Individuals recently released from incarceration face a dramatically elevated risk of overdose death, particularly in the weeks immediately following release due to decreased opioid tolerance, fentanyl contamination in the drug supply, and limited access to treatment and recovery resources. This session will describe the development and implementation of a correctional-based opioid education program designed for incarcerated individuals convicted of drug-related offenses. Learning Objectives: Describe the elevated overdose risks faced by individuals during the post-incarceration reentry period. Identify key components of developing effective opioid education and harm reduction curriculum in patient specific populations. Apply culturally responsive approaches when developing or implementing substance use prevention programming for justice-involved populations. Speakers: Laci Larsen; Nicole Rodin, PharmD, MBA Perinatal Hepatitis C The Washington State Department of Health Hepatitis C Surveillance and Prevention Team will be providing an overview of hepatitis C in children and pregnant people. Speaker: Jennifer Braun, MPH; Madison McPadden, MSW, LICSW; Jon Stockton Not Just “In Your Head”: The Science and Recovery of the Meth-Altered Brain Methamphetamine changes the brain’s chemistry, creating a ripple effect that impacts memory, focus, and self-control. But how exactly does this happen, and can the damage be undone? Join us for an accessible, low-jargon look at the neuroscience of meth. We will demystify how the drug alters the brain’s internal messengers and explore the hopeful science behind brain recovery and healing. Speaker: Scott Phillips, MD, FACP, FACMT, FAACT 7-Hydroxymitragynine: The New Face of Kratom Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DCt4imSvdxM Kratom is a supplement that has rapidly grown in popularity in the last few years for its reported benefit for energy boosting and anxiolysis. The market has recently seen the appearance of another related product, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), that resembles much more closely a full opioid effect in users. This session will focus on the mechanism of action, clinical effects of Kratom and 7-OH, and regulatory landscape surrounding these products. Speaker: Emilie Lothet, MD Updates on Nitrous Oxide Abuse in the United States Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eB6ofp6F-g0 Nitrous oxide misuse has rapidly evolved in the United States with increasing recreational use, changing product availability, and growing reports of severe neurologic and psychiatric toxicity. This session will review contemporary trends in nitrous oxide misuse, mechanisms of toxicity, common clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and current approaches to management, with emphasis on recent poison center data and emerging public health concerns. Learning Objectives: Describe the underlying mechanisms, diagnostic evaluation, and current management strategies for patients with suspected nitrous oxide toxicity Recognize the neurologic, psychiatric, and hematologic manifestations associated with nitrous oxide toxicity misuse and abuse Review recent epidemiology, trends and patterns of nitrous oxide misuse in the United States Speaker: Courtney Temple, MD Increasing Access to MOUD for Youth Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1h2me_kaOc While youth overdose death rates are declining, they are still tragically high. Youth are the least likely age group to be treated with MOUD or to get naloxone in the event of an overdose. Learning Objectives: Explore ways in which youth differ from adults in terms of use, overdose patterns, and treatment Elucidate benefits of and barriers to MOUD in this population Discuss avenues for increasing access to naloxone and MOUD for youth Speaker: Chris Buresh, MD, MPH GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: The Health Risks and Misuse of an Emerging Drug Class GLP-1 receptor agonists have rapidly emerged as one of the most widely prescribed drug classes, but also one of the most widely misused. As their use continues to expand beyond approved indications, healthcare providers must be informed of an evolving safety profile that is still be studied and understood. This session examines both the known and emerging health risks associated with therapeutic use and misuse of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The goal of this session is to educate clinicians with what they need to know to counsel patients, and to provide toxicologic consultation on this emerging class of drugs. Learning Objectives: Identify patterns of misuse seen in clinical and non-clinical populations Describe the known and emerging health risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including adverse effects from therapeutic use. Apply evidence to provide toxicologic consultation to other healthcare providers or counsel patients on the safety risks and considerations of GLP-1 receptor agonist use Speaker: Caroline Wight, MD, MPH Kava: Risks, Benefits, and Epidemiology Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SQLGgWbFZMA Kava (kava kava, kavalactones) is from a root native to South Pacific Islands. It has been used as a traditional ceremonial and recreational drink. Interest as a treatment for anxiety has grown in Western countries for the last 30 years. This talk will describe the risks and benefits of kava and changing epidemiology of poison center data. Speaker: Jimmy Leonard, PharmD, DABAT Medetomidine Adulteration of the Fentanyl Drug Supply Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cYeLIs6Cs9E A review of medetomidine’s basic pharmacologic properties, and the resultant intoxication and withdrawal syndromes seen in Philadelphia with suggestions for management. Learning Objectives: Understand the pharmacologic class and anticipated effects of medetomidine Acknowledge signs of medetomidine intoxication and overdose Recognize medetomidine withdrawal syndrome and methods of management Speaker: Lauren Murphy, MD From Surveillance to Action: Using OD2A Data to Strengthen Equitable Overdose Prevention Strategies The CDC’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) initiative translates overdose surveillance data into practical strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. This session is designed for a public health audience and highlights how data can be used to guide population-level responses to substance use and overdose.Participants will learn how to interpret local overdose data, recognize emerging trends, and apply findings to inform prevention strategies, care coordination, and system-level decision-making. The session emphasizes culturally responsive, equity-focused approaches that address how structural and community factors influence overdose risk and outcomes.Through real-world examples and discussion, attendees will explore how OD2A data can be integrated into public health planning, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and support trauma-informed, data-driven interventions. By the end of the session, participants will be able to use OD2A data to inform public health practice, guide equitable overdose prevention efforts, and support community-level responses to substance use and overdose. Learning Objectives: Describe the CDC’s Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) framework and its relevance to public health practice. Apply overdose data to inform culturally responsive interventions that address disparities and improve population and client outcomes. Integrate OD2A strategies across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and systemic levels to strengthen behavioral health and public health practice. Develop actionable plans to enhance organizational and community-level overdose prevention and recovery efforts. Speaker: Ryan Warner, PhD AI in Tox Patients use it. Doctors use it. Parents and even children use it. AI is here to stay, and it is changing the healthcare landscape. Learning Objectives: Describe the current common AI tools used by the public. Discuss examples of AI generated medical/toxicology advice. Examine the challenges of using large language model AI tools to generate medical information Speaker: Marlo Murray, PharmD, CSPI Propranolol: Challenges with Overdose & Untreated Anxiety Recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/30jU2LYY7J8 Summary by Jimmy: https://reddit.com/link/1w3sre3/video/956k9v1p3smh1/player Over the last twenty years, propranolol has increasingly been prescribed to treat anxiety, particularly in young adults. However, propranolol is not a APA-recommended treatment for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder in adults and it carries very significant risks of morbidity and mortality in overdose. This talk will explore the history of beta blocker use for treating psychiatric illness, the current trends of use, and the risks those trends pose. Finally, we will discuss what treatment options are currently recommended for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and depression with anxious distress. Speaker: Colleen Cowdery, MD

Hello I’m based in Seattle and looking for adding some wallpapers to my living room and I would like to hear some specialist to do this set up, we already have the wallpaper we just need someone who do this work! I would appreciate some recommendations :)

We are starting the process of looking for companies to build a home in Pierce county/ Tacoma area. We would love any recommendations and extra bonus if they are women and LGBTQ friendly!

Hi everyone! I just got my PhD and am moving to Seattle for work. I’m definitely nervous about the move and would love some advice from people familiar with the area. Internet: I’ll be living in Greenwood and can’t seem to find fiber availability at my address. Xfinity is available, but I’ve heard pretty horrible reviews. Any recommendations for reliable internet in Greenwood? Transit: I could take Route 40 all the way downtown, but that seems like a long commute with traffic. I’m considering getting an e-bike, biking to Northgate, and taking Link downtown. I saw that Sound Transit says bikes may not be allowed on Link when trains are crowded during rush hour. Does anyone actually do this commute with a bike regularly? I’m also pretty short and wouldn’t be able to lift a heavy e-bike onto the bike hooks. Would a foldable e-bike make things easier, especially during rush hour? I’d make sure it meets the 50-lb requirement. I know Northgate has bike lockers, but they’re first come, first served, and I’d rather not leave an expensive e-bike there all day because of theft/damage concerns. Would love to hear from anyone who does something similar!

Hello Neighbors! Every week, I distribute food and supplies to my neighbors who are in need near 128th and 4th in south Everett. If you’re cleaning out your house or pantry, or have yard sale leftovers, I can use them! Here’s what I can use- if it’s not on the list please feel free to ask me if I can use it! Items in bold are high need. If I had three wishes, I’d get body wipes, rolling carts, and more storage space. Please feel free to message me with any questions, or if you need any of this stuff! What I need Storage space! Got a spare room, garage, shed, attic, basement? I am in desperate need of space to store and organize donations. I can’t pay much at all because my entire operating budget is about $1500 a year right now, but I can trade food, supplies, or organizing help! Plastic bags, zip lock bags of any size, twist tie style bags Someone to make baked goods on Sundays or Mondays so I can distribute on Tuesdays. The laws around baked goods are different, so you could do it out of your home kitchen. I can contribute flour, pancake mix, and sometimes other stuff. I also have industrial size baking pans you can use. A commercial kitchen space to cook meals- this is me dreaming big for the future. I would love to be able to serve hot meals but I can’t do it out of my apartment and I don’t have the budget to rent a certified kitchen. Food especially things that don’t need refrigeration and can be eaten cold or prepared with no facilities or with just a microwave Canned protein, like chicken, tuna, spam Fruit, canned or fresh food that doesn’t need to be chewed much is great to have, as many of those I distribute to have dental problems Drink mixes, bottled water, bottled or canned drinks, including large sizes Granola bars, jerky, fruit cups , anything single serving and portable for those who live outside I can take out of date food I do not need rice, dry beans, or pancake mix at this time I cannot take anything that needs to be kept frozen or refrigerated Clothing Coats, jackets, sweaters Hats of any kind including ball caps Gloves, scarves, knit hats Underwear, bras , and socks (used but clean is ok for all of these!) Anything plus size Pajamas and slippers Shoes of all kinds, especially those appropriate for walking in winter, composite toe work boots, non slip shoes approved for working in restaurants, and shoes appropriate for interviews Interview clothes Ponchos and rain coats Shoe inserts I cannot take kids clothes but I can take any adult size Used stuff is ok! I am always ok with refusing something that’s too worn, and most of the time I’ll take it so it’s always worth checking. Personal Supplies Soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash Chapstick, lotion deodorant Makeup, perfume, including samples, nail care supplies, nail polish Hair ties, hair products, brushes, combs, bonnets, First aid supplies, including over the counter medicines, bandaids, gauze, neosporin, antiseptic wipes, cough drops, alcohol prep pads, hand sanitizer. I do not take cough medicine or bottled isopropyl alcohol. Acne treatments Tooth brushes, toothpaste, floss, floss sticks, mouthwash, denture cleaner Anything related to foot care- shoe and foot powders, corn pads, nail clippers, etc Razors and shaving cream Personal wipes are in very very high demand- imagine going to a job interview without the ability to take a shower sunscreen Pads and tampons (not reusable pads or period panties) Powdered or sample size laundry soap (so I can split it up) Any size is ok, including samples partly used containers are ok for stuff like shampoo, floss sticks, meds, etc Pet Supplies Food for dogs and cats, wet or dry; opened dry food is ok Leashes, collars, harnesses Booties for dogs Muzzles Toys Bedding Supplies for living outside Hand warmers Tarps Tents , even if they need some repairs Rolling carts - these are an absolute life saver Blankets (no sheets) New or very gently used and laundered pillows, including decorative Sleeping pads Other Tarps and plastic sheeting Plastic bags- garbage, shopping, etc Backpacks and bags Suitcases, especially rolling, any luggage Strollers , including pet strollers Anything that rolls and carries stuff Umbrellas Water bottles/storage of any size or kind Small games and entertainment, like packs of cards Cell phone charging cords and blocks Cell phone cases Working cell phones Pens, mechanical pencils, notepads, address books, planners Gift cards to Safeway , Arco, Taco Bell, Taco Time, Macdonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC/A&W, Shell, Denny’s, Chevron, Dairy Queen, Starbucks, or anywhere that sells food and is walkable from 4th and 128th

I know traffic will be light around 10 am from I-5 north to south but early bird deal is enter the Pike place market garage by 9am. I live up north so I have to leave my house at 8am and go south I-5 but traffic will be very bad right like over 50 mins drive, correct? I looked up herospot for 10am to 2-3pm parking slot, the parking spot /garage information is unclear exactly the address. I can only figure out a few within 8mins walk to aquarium and see their online reviews Like Target one, people said unsafe and stink. I had a hard time to figure each garage names, location and then unable to review on Yelp. Which one would you recommended under $30 and 10 mins walk and safe and can fit my big truck and hopefully not stinky? Also, I have a big truck, most them said narrow and no big SUV, mini van and truck.

I'm in a disagreement with a friend. I was just on the bus about 30 minutes ago. There was a grandma, a grown daughter, and a baby on the bus. The baby was babbling like babies do with happy made up sounds. But they were doing it loudly. The bus driver yelled that they needed to shut the baby up, then parked the bus and wouldn't move and called bus security. When transit security arrived the driver said they couldn't concentrate enough to drive with the baby being loud. This is where the disagreement comes in. The baby *was* loud, but not screaming loud. My hg says the bus driver was totally in the right because she is saying she was too distracted to drive. I say *if* the driver was telling the truth (which I think her ego got involved when there was pushback on what she said, also because she told security the baby was "screaming" when it wasn't) that I totally agree. She shouldn't be driving the bus. But, not at all. Ever. Not for just that one moment. From my perspective if that's all it takes to make her an unsafe driver then she is a liability because loud stuff happens all the time. However, I'm also not originally from here, I'm from a city where things get much more rowdy than loud babies so I may be holding her to a higher standard than is fair. But also I feel you can't force a baby not to cry, and babies cry because they can't talk. So. What say you Tacomans. Is this a normal thing here and totally fair and I'm tripping, or is it out of line to kick a family off the bus because a baby is being loud.

I am looking for a listing agent to sell my condo. Since I know pretty much about the market in this area and the price of a condo wouldn't be that widely different from a single family house. So I focus on the cost of listing fee a little bit more. I did a Google search and saw this company called "Upgrade Realty". They charge 1% listing fee for a full service package(except staging which i don't need it). Their reviews are good on Google Maps but not sure if that’s reliable? Has anyone even heard of them or had business with them, would like to hear some real experience. Also, if you know any good agent who offer lower listing fee, please share as well. Thank you!

Hi all, I'm a filmmaker and interdisciplinary creative looking for a city to relocate to in the next couple months. I was considering Seattle because I've loved visiting in the past. It's very important to me that I meet fellow creatives and queer people, hopefully to collaborate or just share ideas. I was curious if there is a creative/DIY/queer scene here. I'd be even happier if there are dedicated DIY spaces that put on shows and exhibitions. I have lived in Montreal and really enjoyed the constant independent events everywhere around the city, and I'm looking for something similar in the next place I move to. I'm also curious about the filmmaking environment. It seems like the larger productions opt for Vancouver, but are there any film studios or productions that shoot in Seattle? Lastly what is the queer scene like? Bars, cafes, events, etc. TIA!