September-October 2023

DEFLECTING THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF CONDEMNATION AND ZONING

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF AUSTRIA

AMERICA’S FAVORITE RCHITECTURE

HOUSING THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS (PART III)

VISUALIZING 1 BILLION SF OF OFFICE SPACE

REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE

ARTCH TECTURE

TR E DAT THE FACTOR

THE SAFEST AND MOST DANGEROUS CITIES IN THE U.S.

MISS ELAINE E. YUSS

– WYOMING THE ZONG MASSACRE

THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

FACTOIDS

THE U.S. CITIES WITH THE MOST VACANT OFFICE SPACE

THE VOICE OF REAL ESTATE

The Best Diversions

Give yourself the gift of smiles. J

A handsome, artbook-style volume with the best Diversions to appear in over the last decade. A compendium you will treasure for years to come.

"This collection is laugh-out-loud funny!"

Kirkland Review of Books

"Prescription: Read 3-4 pages a day for a month. It’ll brighten your day! And make it last a month."

Susan Carnegie, The Montreal Voice

From Where I Sit

The Editor’s Page in is almost totally devoted to humor and wisdom and this is a collection of some of the best of them.

Vertical Lines I and II

Compilations of Sarcasm, Word Play, and Witticisms from the pages of

"This is simply genius. I kept on laughing the whole day when I read it."

Maria Tariq

"...absolutely hilarious! I laughed so hard that it brought tears to my eyes."

Randal Maynard

also from The CREST Publications Group

My Hand Book Leading With My Heart

"Incisive yet expansive - as if the psychology of R.D. Laing encountered the self-exploration of Hugh Prather to help readers delve into their own thought, experiences and behaviours."

The Rockford Tribune

"Curiously intense and ironic. This is a work that will make you think and feel and you will revisit it over and over.

Marion

Danziger, The Toronto Town Crier

S.H.I.T. from the Internet

“An often off-color (but always entertaining and almost always hilarious) collection of jokes that you will read, enjoy – and probably tell –over and over.”

Joey Cousins, The Greenwich Times

"It matters not who we have been, or why, with whom, or how. What matters is that we have met and who we are from now."

Original reflections on new love, its flame, intensity, and all-consuming spirit. Short, poetic expressions of heartfelt longing, passion, and desire. Intimate expressions of tenderness and adoration, accompanied by romantic pictures. A wonderful gift for someone you love.

“So simple. So eloquent and beautiful. Absolutely wonderful!”

Allison Templeton

A Book

"A perfect companion to Vertical Lineshumor in bite-sized pieces.”

Ellen Campbell, Sinclair Book Reviews

unite! this!

"Dyslexics of the world, untie!”

Punsters of the world, read shit!"

L. Bartow. The Network Bookshelf

07

Editor’s note

12

FACTOIDS

WOKE ACRE-FOOT

AURORA BOREALIS

COUPLE, FEW, SEVERAL, SOME AND MULTIPLE

JAYWALKING

DON'T BE AN IDIOM

NAMASTE

SANTA ANA WINDS

34

MICHAEL AVENATTI CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

T.J. EDWARDS LOOKS AT (AND TELLS US) WHERE THE LAWYER FOR STORMY DANIELS’ IS TODAY

47 THE PAGE

THE ZONG MASSACRE AND GREGSON

V. GILBERT: A HORRIBLE EVENT AND A LESSON IN INSURANCE

54

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY GIVES HER UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON CARTOONS AND COMIC STRIPS.

15 FACTOIDS

AURORA BOREALIS

32

ARTCH TECTURE

ARGENTINA’S MIKII COLELLA IS A DIGITAL ARTIST WHO IMAGINES A NEW REALITY.

17

TR E DAT

THE ‘O’ IN IRISH NAMES, PITTSBURH SPORTS’ TEAMS COLORS, THE GRAND TETON MOUNTAINS, JERKINHEAD, FORTUNE COOKIES, 64% OF CANADIANS LIVE SOUTH OF SEATTLE, THE EARTH IS AN OBLATE SPHEROID, JIFFY, PAPER MONEY ISN’T PAPER, FUBBY BONE, FRECH DEATHS IN WWI

48

– WYOMING

THE WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE AND HOW OF THE LEAST POPULOUS STATE IN THE U.S.

DIVERSI NS

56

CAESAR’S BERRY

61

SIGN VOICES BOOK WHO WEARS THE PANTS? SHIRT

62

A MODERN CRUISE SHIP COMPARED TO THE TITANIC

58

MISS ELAINE E. YUSS— FUNNY ONE-LINERS FROM A LOT OF FUNNY PEOPLE.

62 BACKPAGE — OUR ADVERTISERS, ANSWERS TO LAST ISSUE’S CONTEST, WINNERS FROM LAST’S ISSUES CONTEST, BOLO (COMING NEXT ISSUE).

63

C NTEST — YOU CAN’T FORGET THE LYRICS!

38 UNLOCKING HOUSING

CREATION: EVALUATING THE PROGRESS OF SB-9 AND THE POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

CALIFORNIA IN THE SPOTLIGHT BY MATT LUCIDO.

40 HOUSING THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: TRANSITIONING FROM GROUP HOME TO APARTMENT

SYLVIA COHEN’S FINAL INSTALLMENT OF THIS THREE-PART SERIES.

43 PROFILE – OF CHANGE

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ROXANA TOFAN LOOKS BACK AT THE LAST THREE YEARS

52 EGAL VIEW

CHRISTIAN TORGRIMSON EXPLAINS HOW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS CAN DEFLECT THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF CONDEMNATIONS AND ZONING.

56 THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES THE FIRST IN A NEW PICTORIAL SERIES.

60 THE LINK : MARKET PLACE AND DIRECTORY

ABOUT US

Now in our 31st year, reaches over 500,000+ architects, engineers, developers, brokers, construction managers, property and facility managers, bankers, lawyers, appraisers, investors, service providers, and many more throughout the U.S. via subscription and social media! We proudly serve and service any and all real estate associations bimonthly. If your group would like to be included, please let us know. Email: editor@thenetworkmagazine.online or call the number above.

EXECUTIVE STAFF

ANDREW A. FELDER: Publisher/Managing Editor. aafelder@thenetworkmagazine.online

XENIA MONTERO: Associate Editor and Art Director. xeniam.design@gmail.com

ANNETTE LAWLESS: Social Media Manager. annettelawless@hotmail.com

MARK ANGLE: Director of Business Development. mark@thenetworkmagazine.com

MARIA TARIQ: Technical Director, Book Division. mariatariq070213@hotmail.com

MUKUL TRIPATHI (SAM): Website Manager. sam@cypher-squad.com

ADVISORY BOARD

LINDSEY KOREN, Director of Communications, American Society of Interior Designers.

JONATHAN KRAATZ, Executive Director, USGBC Texas.

RICK LACKEY, CEO, REAL Professionals Network.

AIMÉE LEE, National Accounts Director, Recycle Across America.

LESLIE ROBINETT, Marketing and Communications Manager, International Facility Management Association.

LAURA MACDONALD STEWART, RID, FASID, IIDA, LEED AP, Editor of Plinth & Chintz.

MICHELLE THATCHER, CEO, The U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce.

JESSICA WARRIOR, Director of Property Management, Granite Properties.

WHAT OUR READERS ARE saying

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY: Herstory.

ANTHONY BARBIERI: Legal.

ROXANA TOFAN: Profiles in Real Estate

T. J. EDWARDS : Whatever Happened To...?

Copyright ©2023 The CREST Publications Group, 2537 Lubbock Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76109. All rights reserved. All information contained herein (including, but not limited to, articles, opinions, reviews, text, photographs, images, illustrations, trademarks, service marks and the like (collectively the “Content”) is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. The Content is the property of The CREST Publications Group and/or third party licensors. You may not modify, publish, transmit, transfer, sell, reproduce, create derivative work from, distribute, republish, display, or in any way commercially exploit any of the Content or infringe upon trademarks or service marks contained in such Content. GENERAL DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: magazine contains facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations. The publisher does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information displayed and any reliance upon same shall be at the viewer’s sole risk. The publisher makes no guarantees or representations as to, and shall have no liability for, any content delivered by any third party, including, without limitation, the accuracy, subject matter, quality or timeliness of any Content. Change of address: Mail to address above or email editor@crestpublicationsgroup.com

Rose-Mary Rumbley

T. J. Edwards

Anthony Barbieri Roxana Tofan

Andrew A. Felder Xenia Montero

Maria Tariq Mark Angle Mukul Tripathi (Sam)

Annette Lawless

THE SMITH BROTHERS’ CAT

John and Bill Smith were brothers, 44 and 41 years old respectively, who lived together with their mother in Dinsdale, Iowa — a town of about 1600 people out in the middle of nowhere. They never married, never travelled—they led very simple lives, almost like hermits. Bill was moderately mentally handicapped and had been all his life. Their mother (who they called ‘Mother’) was approaching 80 and was paralyzed from the waist down, and Father had died in a tractor accident what seemed like forever ago. Not surprisingly, John was the head of the family.

For companionship, John had adopted a cat several years earlier and he had become very attached to it. It followed him around all day and night, in the yard, in the kitchen, in the bedroom, even in the bathroom. Cat, as she was called, was a very important part of John’s life, much more so than for Bill or their Mom who really wasn't aware of much and seemed to just tolerate her because she was important to John.

One day it became necessary for John to take an overnight trip. In the days before, he worried about it incessantly. “Who will take care of Cat?” he asked his brother. “Do not worry,” said Bill. “I will feed her and clean her litter box. She will be fine. It’s only for one night.”

John was worried, but where he was going, he could not bring his pet with him. On the day of his travel, he beseeched Bill. “Please be attentive to Cat. You know how important she is to me.” And reluctantly, he went on his way.

That night, he called home to check on things. Bill answered the phone. “How’s Cat?” John asked, unable to contain his uneasiness. “Oh…she’s dead,” answered Bill with no empathy whatsoever.

John was stunned! He slowly hung up the phone and collapsed on the floor, vacantly staring off into space. An hour passed, maybe more. When he finally could bring himself to move, he felt tears rolling from his

eyes. He remained motionless for what must have been another thirty minutes. Then he sat up, reached for the phone, and called home again.

“Yell-o,” Bill answered, his voice lilting on the second syllable.

“It’s John,” said his brother. “Your brother.” “Oh. Hi John. How is your trip going?”

“It’s terrible,” said John, choking back more tears. “You told me that Cat died, and you told me in such a way that was cruel and heartless. Like you were trying to hurt me.”

“I’m sorry, John. I didn’t mean to hurt you. How should I have told you?”

“Well…you could’ve…should’ve… had some feeling, to somehow lighten the blow, soften the shock. You know how important Cat is… er, was… to me. Maybe you could have said that Cat got out and she was on the roof and that you called the fire department for help, and they were on their way…. Then, when I called back. You could’ve said, ‘Well, CAT fell off the roof and you don’t really know how she is because they took her to the pet hospital…. Then, when I called back again, you could’ve told me that they couldn’t save her, that she’d died. At least that way, I would’ve been prepared for the worst.”

“I’m sorry, John,” said Bill. “I understand.” “We’ll,” John began, feeling more composed, “I guess there’s nothing more to say about that, nothing to do. I will miss Cat… a lot”

Bill was silent.

“So, how’s Mother doing?” John asked. Bill paused, and then he said in a hesitant voice, “Well… Mother’s on the roof...

BY ANDREW FELDER Managing Editor & Publisher aafelder@thenetworkmagazine.online

BASEBALL IN HEAVEN

Two old men, Abe and Sol, are sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons and talking about baseball. Abe turns to Sol and asks, "Do you think there's baseball in heaven?"

Sol thinks about it for a minute and replies, "I don’t know, but let's make a deal. If I die first, I'll come back and tell you if there's baseball in heaven, and if you die first, you do the same."

They shake on it and sadly, a few months later, Abe passes on.

Soon afterward, Sol is sitting in the park feeding the pigeons by himself when he hears a voice whisper, "So... So...”

Sol responds, "Abe! Is that you?"

"Yes, it is, Sol, whispers “Abe's ghost.” Sol, still amazed, asks, "So, is there baseball in heaven?"

"Well,” says Abe, "I've got some good news and some bad news."

"Gimme the good news first," says Sol. Abe says, "Well, there is baseball in heaven." Sol says, "That's great! What news could be bad enough to ruin that?"

Abe sighs and whispers, "You're pitching on Friday."

If you see me talking to myself, just move along... I'm self employed. We're having a staff meeting.

ISOLATION

I've heard some people are really going crazy from isolation. I'm glad I'm not one of those. I've just been talking about this with the microwave and toaster while drinking coffee and all of us agreed that things are getting bad. I didn't mention anything to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything. Certainly not to the fridge because he’s acting cold and distant.

The sink just said everything is going down the drain. In the end the iron calmed me down and she said everything will be fine; the situation isn't that pressing. The vacuum was very unsympathetic — told me to just suck it up. The fan was more optimistic and felt it would all blow over soon.

The toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and it didn't say anything, but the doorknob told me to get a grip. The front door said I was unhinged and then the curtains told me to pull myself together! n

I was young, I was poor. But after years of hard work, I am no longer young.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SYLVIA E. KING-COHEN

(P. 44) originally from Oklahoma - graduated from Oklahoma State University. During her time in graduate school at OSU, she was the first Black person to be named editor of The Daily O’Collegian, the college newspaper. She went on to become the first Black female editor of a major Oklahoma daily, the prize-winning Weatherford Daily News. She also worked for the Harte-Hanks newspaper chain in Texas and for The Dallas Times Herald before moving to the Atlanta Journal-Constit ution as a sports editor. She moved to New York in 1995 to become the high school and college sports editor for New York City edition of Newsday. She worked for Newsday in various capacities before leaving in 2019. She now is a publicist working for the PR firm Todd Shapiro Associates.

BRIGADIER GENERAL THOMAS J. EDWARDS (P. 36) recently retired from the Army after 30 years of service and moved to San Antonio, Texas in May of 2022. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Military Officers’ Association of America, and the 82d Airborne Division Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and master’s degrees from Oklahoma University, the Naval War College, and the Army War College.

MATT LUCIDO (P. 38) is a social impact entrepreneur and investor. He is the Co-founder & CEO of Yardsworth, an online real estate marketplace for buying and selling backyard land. In 2014, he was recognized by the LA Business Journal as one of the “Twenty in their 20s.” He has an MBA from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Virginia, where he lettered on the Virginia Baseball team, founded a non-profit to benefit children of cancer patients, and co-founded a restaurant. He has since held strategy and finance roles at the Honest Company and CapNet Financial. More recently, Matt was a Principal & Investor at Wavemaker Partners, an $800b AUM Venture Capital Firm. He is a 3x Founder with 1 exit, and a member of the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.

ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY (P. 48) holds a Ph.D. in communications from the University of North Texas. She is a well-known speaker in Texas and enjoys researching each and every topic. She is a Contributing Editor of and Herstory appears in every issue.

ROXANA TOFAN (P. 36) is the owner of Clear Integrity Group in San Antonio, Texas and the company’s principal broker in Texas, Ohio and South Carolina. Her main focus is multifamily commercial brokerage in San Antonio area and property management. She enjoys taking over nonperforming properties and turning them around. She is also a Contributing Editor of and her Profiles appear in every issue. In addition to her company, her passion is giving back to the community as she volunteers for various support organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics, Alzheimer’s Association and supporting the military. She loves to travel with her teenage children and supporting their extra-curricular activities.

THE UPSIDE OF DOWNTIME...

Fans of will love these compilations of humor from the last decade. The Best of Diversions is just that – the very best of the hilarious Diversions that have appeared on the pages of the magazine. Vertical Lines is over a hundred pages of wit, witticisms and sarcasm that have appeared between the pages (”in the gutter”, as they say). They are both available at your favorite online bookseller and you can see samples at the link here My Handbook is... well... look at the cover comments and a few sample pages. You’ll know soon enough if it’s for you.

bookshelf

on days off on off-days

on rainy Sundays

if you’re alone if you need a break to pass the time to brighten your day to sharpen your skills to open your mind to make you smile turn to thenetworkmagazine.online

CHRISTIAN TORGRIMSON (P. 52) is an experienced eminent domain attorney, helping her clients navigate the complexities of related issues and condemnation procedures across Georgia and throughout the Southeast. For more than 20 years, she has represented a wide spectrum of property owners and businesses in the condemnation of private property for public projects, property disputes, and other real estate related matters. She can be reached at christiantorgrimson@parkerpoe.com

Impressive!

BRIANNA CUTTS, SAN ANSELMO, CA

Wow! The magazine looks great! I don’t know how you keep doing it!

BERT BERAT, NEW YORK, NY

A great evolution! Now, it’s like two magazines in one—the Blueprint showing the real estate articles and You Need To Know listing everything else. Très cool!

TRACIE NICHOLS, ATLANTA, GA

I love a good pun. So, when I read the Foo Bird diversion, I smiled because (probably like most people) I’d heard the joke a long time ago, and it’s a funny play on words. But then it didn’t end where I expected it would and Zing! — another great pun! I love it. I emailed it to some of my closest friends. ��

DON LASSITER, TOPEKA, KS

The contest (It Takes Balls) was fun. I didn’t send it because I didn’t know many answers, but I’m looking forward to seeing them in the next issue. Seeing some sports that I’ve never heard of was interesting, too!

DANNI PEARSALL, SPRINGFIELD, IL

Ed. See the Back Page of this issue. ��

To be honest with you, at first I didn’t care for the fact that there was so much non real estate stuff in , but I’ve come to realize that it is interesting (and FUN) stuff, and I may even like that better! Keep up doing whatever it is you’re doing.

TODD JOSEPH, WALTHAM, MA

I bought a copy of each Vertical Lines book. I keep one on my end table in my bedroom and one in the TV room. What great collections – and a wonderful way to make yourself laugh no matter what!

DEBORAH SHIELDS, TEMPE, AZ

Ed. Thank you. Watch for the third book of Vertical Lines coming soon.

‘BATCH OF BLUE PLANETS’

by Mikii Colella

"Batch Of Blue Planets depicts a dream I had. A surrealistic marvel: architecture mingled with cosmic wonder. People pass beneath celestial orbs, as if nothing were there, as if it didn't matter. But not for us, the viewers. The sun sets, illuminating the grandeur of human imagination, reminding us that within the structures we build and in which we live, lies the vastness of the universe as the magnitude of our creativity and the beauty that surrounds us. Hidden message: Take time to enjoy everyday marvels."

THREE SIMPLE TIPS TO RECYCLE RIGHT!

#1

DISPLAY the standardized labels on your bins to help everyone, everywhere to recycle right. Order labels for you bins today at: recycleacrossamerica.org

#2

WHEREVER ACCEPTED, RECYCLE ALL: clean office paper clean flattened cardboard empty metal cans empty glass bottles and jars

empty plastic bottles and jugs

If we ALL recycle ALL of these items properly, it will change the world dramatically. Remember to check locally to find out what can be recycled in your area, and when in doubt, throw it out.

#3

NEVER put these items in general recycling bins:

NO plastic bags

NO plastic wrap

NO napkins or tissues

NO coffee cups

Operations. Experience. Footprint.

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Environmental Activist & Consumer Advocate

George Westerman

Radhika Dirks

CEO & Co-Founder of XLabs

FACTOIDS

‘COUPLE,’ ‘FEW,’ ‘SEVERAL’, ‘SOME’ AND ‘MULTIPLE’

Couple is used to refer to two things but is also often used for a small number greater than two.

Few is often used the same way as couple and also for a number slightly greater than a couple.

Several is usually used for a number greater than a couple or a few. Occasionally it is used in the same way as couple and few. Clear? Somewhat?

Oh – some! Another unspecified amount, more than two—like a few.

Of course, a few could really be many, depending on your perspective. Not a few and quite a few both refer to many.

And multiple (the opposite of single) can mean 'more than one' in some contexts, but usually means many.

AURORA BOREALIS

An aurora, also commonly known as polar lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen around the Arctic and Antarctic. Auroras display dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky. The word "aurora" is derived from the name of the Roman goddess of the dawn (Aurora) who travelled from east to west announcing the coming of the sun.

The words "borealis" and "australis" are derived from the names of the ancient gods of the north wind (Boreas) and the south wind (Auster) in Greek mythology.

Auroras are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by the solar wind. Major disturbances result from enhancements in the speed of the solar wind from coronal holes and coronal mass ejections. These disturbances alter the trajectories of charged particles in the magnetospheric plasma. These particles, mainly electrons and protons, precipitate into the upper atmosphere (thermosphere/exosphere). The resulting ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents emit light of varying color and complexity.

In northern latitudes, the effect is known as the aurora borealis or the northern lights. The term was coined by Galileo in 1619, from the Roman goddess of the dawn and the Greek name for the north wind. The southern counterpart, the aurora australis or the southern lights, has features almost identical to the aurora borealis and changes simultaneously with changes in the northern auroral zone.

WOKE

Woke is an adjective derived from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) meaning "alert to racial prejudice and discrimination". Beginning in the 2010s, it came to encompass a broader awareness of social inequalities, such as sexism, and has also been used as shorthand for some ideas involving identity poli tics and social justice, such as white privilege and slavery reparations for African Americans.

During the 2014 Ferguson protests, the phrase was popularized by Black Lives Matter activists seeking to raise awareness about police shootings of African Americans. As it spread internationally, the term was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2017. By 2020, however, members of the political center and right wing in several Western countries were using the term woke in an ironic way, as an insult for various progressive or leftist movements and ideologies perceived as overzealous, performative, or insincere.

ACRE-FOOT

An acre-foot is defined as the volume of one acre of surface area to a depth of one foot—43,560 cubic feet. It equals approximately an eight-lane swimming pool, 82 ft long, 52 ft wide and 9.8 ft deep. The acre-foot per year has been used historically in the US in water-management. As a rule of thumb in US water management, one acre-foot is understood to be the amount of water a family of four uses in one year.

ç Then-U.S. Congresswoman Marcia Fudge in 2018

MARCIA FUDGE PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

JAYWALKING

The meaning of jaywalking is different than it was when it first began to be used. The word was formed in imitation of a slightly older word—jay-driving. This initially referred to a driver of horsedrawn carriages or automobiles who drove on the wrong side of the road. The use of the terms actually began in Kansas in the early part of the 20th century and are taken from a sense of the word jay, meaning ‘a greenhorn,’ or ‘rube.’ It is unclear why jaywalker shifted its meaning and survived for more than a hundred years now, while jay-driver languishes in obscurity.

SANTA ANA WINDS

The Santa Ana winds (sometimes devil winds) are strong, extremely dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. They originate from cool, dry high-pressure air masses in the Great Basin.

Santa Ana winds are known for the hot, dry weather that they bring in autumn (often the hottest of the year), but they can also arise at other times of the year. They often bring the lowest relative humidities of the year to coastal Southern California, and "beautifully clear skies." These low humidities, combined with the heated air mass, plus high wind speeds, create critical fire weather conditions and fan destructive wildfires.

There are typically about 10 to 25 Santa Ana wind events annually, which can blow from one to seven days, with an average wind event lasting three days. The longest recorded Santa Ana event was a 14-day wind in November 1957.

NAMASTE

Using namaste at the end of a yoga class is probably the result of the term being brought back home from the East by Western tourists. At the end of a typical yoga class, the teacher sits cross-legged at the front of class, takes a deep breath and, pressing hands together in a prayer position, leans into a deep bow and reverently intones the word “Namaste.” The students mirror the pose and bow low in return, whispering namaste in unison. This scene is puzzling to some South Asians, where it is a more formal expression.

In Sanskrit, nama means bow; as means I; and te means you. So, namaste literally means ‘I bow to you.’ The gesture associated with namaste is called Anjali Mudra— which evolved from the Sanskrit word “anj,” which means to honor or celebrate. Mudra means gesture. (It is often used to say ‘thank you.’)

To perform the Anjali Mudra—a physical expression of namaste—press your hands together, fingers touching and pointed up, with the thumbs at the breastbone. Close your eyes and bow your head or bend at the waist. Alternately, you can place your hands together in front of you, bowing your head, and then bring your hands down to the heart.

In India, if you use Anjali Mudra and bow, you don’t have to say the word namaste; it is understood. It is used as a greeting of respect when you meet and greet an elder, a teacher or other honorable person. A student would address a teach this way. In yoga, it’s best used as a considerate greeting, not a pseudo-spiritual way to signal ‘Class is over. Y’all can go now.’

You remind me of a penny. Two-faced and not worth much.

ç Satellite image. The Santa Ana winds sweep down from the deserts and across coastal Southern California, pushing dust and smoke from wildfires far out over the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles is in the upper left of this image, while San Diego is near the center.

DON’T BE AN IDIOM!

An idiom is a phrase that, when taken as a whole, has a meaning you wouldn’t be able to deduce from the meanings of the individual words. Sort of like the verbal equivalent of using the wrong math formula but still getting the right answer. “Killing two birds with one stone” is an example of an idiom; it doesn’t refer to harming birds or using stones, rather that someone is completing two tasks at once.

Every language has its idioms—normal to fluent speakers, but strange to others. People who struggle with idioms often can’t see the forest for the trees, which is itself an idiom used to describe someone who’s too involved with the details of a situation and can’t see the bigger picture at hand. It doesn’t involve any forests or trees.

There are 4 types of idioms. 1. Pure idiom: The typical idiom, in which the meaning can’t be deduced by its individual words. When someone says, “Spill the beans,” they’re asking someone to reveal a secret, not to pour out a can of beans. 2. Binomial idiom: A phrase that contains two words joined by a conjunction or a preposition (e.g., “by and large” [everything considered], “dos and don’ts” [guidelines on what to do or avoid in a certain situation], and “heart-to-heart” [a candid conversation between two people]).

Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!

3. Partial idiom: One that’s been shortened into one part, with the second part generally being understood by fluent speakers. “When in Rome,” for example, is often used with the understanding that the other person knows the second part: “do as the Romans do.” 4. Prepositional idiom: A phrase that combines a verb and a preposition to create a verb with a distinct meaning. The phrase “agree on,” for example, combines the verb “agree” with the preposition “on” and is used to express that you share an opinion with someone.

A cliché can be an idiom, but an idiom is not always a cliché. Clichés are expressions that are so overused

that they lose their meaning (and indicate a lack of original thought). For example, no-one feels better when they hear this after a breakup: “Don’t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea.” The phrase has been used so often that it fails to have any impact.

Just a few samples: Under the weather (not feeling well); Break a leg (to wish someone good luck); Once in a blue moon (Rarely); The ball is in your court (The decision is up to you.); You can say that again (That’s true!); Beat around the bush (to avoid saying something); Hit the sack (to go to bed); Kick the bucket (to die). n

A NON-TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO BUSINESS COLLECTIONS

Business-to-business debts require special, focused expertise and finesse... and the selection of your commercial collection service is an important decision. It revolves around Service, Trust and Recovery. Rates are important, and recovery is the objective (the bottom line)... but there is more to it.

The company you choose will be handling your money, talking to your customers, and representing you in the marketplace. You want your money as soon as possible – but you don’t want to lose clients.

At Arsenal Business Collections (ABC), you’re never out-of-pocket for our services. We collect (at prearranged terms) and when – and only when – we succeed (i.e., once we collect money owed to you), do we get paid. There is no fee UNLESS and UNTIL we collect!

Our payment is contingent upon your recovery – so our success is integrally tied to yours.

As a privately-owned company, we make decisions based on what is best for clients, not shareholders or outside investors. Our focus is exclusively on improving your bottom line, and we have the knowledge and experience to deliver exceptional results.

Always use a handkerchief. Sneezing into a handkerchief will help your germs collect, so they can grow strong enough to kill you and put you out of your misery.

The Earth isn’t round! It isn’t flat either—duh! Technically the Earth is an “oblate spheroid” due to the bulge at the equator and the flattened poles.

Your funny bone is not a bone at all. It’s actually your ulnar nerve, which runs all the way from your neck to your pinky finger. It’s what gives your pinky and ring fingers sensation and helps you grip things. When it bangs or rubs up against your humerus (one of the bones in your upper arms) it creates the strange burning or tingling sensation from which it gets its name.

named them the "Les Trois Tétons" ("The Three Breasts") due to their resemblance to a woman's bosom. Over time, the name became anglicized as "The Tetons," and is now commonly used to refer to the entire mountain range. The Grand Teton (13,775) is the highest peak in the range.

French Casualties

A LL THREE MAJOR SPORTS TEAMS FROM PITTSBURGH (PIRATES, STEELERS, PENGUINS) USE BLACK AND YELLOW AS THEIR COLORS. THESE COLORS ARE BASED ON THE ONES OF WILLIAM PITT’S COAT OF ARMS. IN NO OTHER AMERICAN CITY DO 3 MAJOR SPORTS TEAMS USE THE SAME COLORS.

A “JIFFY” is a real unit of time. Informally, we understand it to mean “A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME,” but it’s actually  a scientific term. In the world of physics, a “jiffy” is the time it takes light to travel a centimeter in a vacuum or around 33.4 PICOSECONDS. (A “picosecond,” is a trillionth of a second.) In electronics, a jiffy is the period of an alternating current power cycle—1/60 or 1/50 of a second.

Fortune cookies are an American invention. They were invented by Makoto Hagiwara of San Francisco in the 1890s and sold at the Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden. They were made by a San Francisco bakery, Benkyodo.

Of all French soldiers mobilized, 67.9% were killed or wounded.

During the first world war alone, France lost about 1,360,000 soldiers. In contrast, the United States has recorded about 1,350,000 military deaths total, over every war since 1775.

THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES GOES FARTHER NORTH THAN YOU THINK, AND THE MAJORITY OF CANADIANS LIVE NEAR THE SOUTHERN BORDER. THE RESULT: SEATTLE IS FARTHER NORTH THAN TORONTO AND MONTREAL, MEANING THAT 64% OF CANADIANS LIVE SOUTH OF SEATTLE.

The "O" before an Irish name, such as "O'Reilly," means "descendant of."

IN THE U.S., PAPER MONEY ISN’T REALLY PAPER! ACCORDING TO THE BUREAU OF PRINTING AND ENGRAVING, MONEY IS ACTUALLY 75% COTTON AND 25% LINEN.

The Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming got their name from French trappers who explored the region in the early 19th century. The word "Teton" is derived from the French word "téton," which means "nipple" or "breast." The name is thought to have been inspired by the distinctive shape of the mountains, particularly the prominent peaks known as the Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton. It is likely that these French trappers, upon encountering the impressive and visually striking peaks,

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

WORLD HERITAGE LIST

The UniTed naTions, edUcaTional, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites of outstanding universal value to cultural or natural heritage which have been nominated by countries that are signatories to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, established in 1972. Cultural heritage consists of monuments (such as architectural works, monumental sculptures, or inscriptions), groups of buildings, and sites (including archaeological sites). Natural heritage is defined as natural features (consisting of physical and biological formations), geological and physiographical formations (including habitats of threatened species of animals and plants), and natural sites which are important from the point of view of science, conservation, or natural beauty. Greece ratified the UNESCO Convention in 1981.

Austria has 12 sites inscribed on the list and an additional 10 on the tentative list.

01/ The Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg (a/k/a Altstadt) is the historic city center of Salzburg, Austria, situated on the left and right banks of the Salzach river. Its flamboyant Gothic art attracted many craftsmen and artists before the city became even better known through the work of the Italian architects Vincenzo Scamozzi and Santini Solari, to whom the center of Salzburg owes much of its Baroque appearance. This meeting-point of northern and southern Europe perhaps sparked the genius of Salzburg’s most famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

02/ The 1,441-room Baroque Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn was the residence of the Habsburg emperors from the 18th century to 1918.. It was designed by architects Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Nicolaus Pacassi and is the site of the world's oldest continuously operating zoo. The name Schönbrunn (meaning "beautiful spring") has its roots in an artesian well from which water was consumed by the court. The history of the palace and its vast gardens spans over 300 years, and it is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country.

03/ Hallstatt–Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape: The

mining of salt deposits, exploited since the 2nd millennium BCE, brought prosperity to the region. The town gave name to the Hallstatt culture, the Iron Age society. The region is also known for its mountain ranges and caves, the longest of the latter reaching a length of 50 miles.

04/ The Semmering Railway was built between 1848 and 1854 and covers 25 miles of rugged mountains. The project was undertaken in the early days of railway construction and required a number of innovations. The tunnels, viaducts and other works are still in use today.

05/ City of Graz – Historic Center and Schloss Eggenberg: A branch of the Habsburg family lived in Graz for centuries. The Habsburgs and other local nobles beautified and expanded Graz over centuries, leading to a city with grand buildings in a number of styles.

06/ The Wachau is a 25-mile long Austrian valley with a picturesque landscape

Most people are shocked when they find out how bad I am as an electrician.

PHOTO: THOMAS PINTARIC (= PINTARIC), CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: C.STADLER/BWAG, CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: C.STADLER/BWAG CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: C.STADLER/BWAG CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: RALF ROLETSCHEK, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

formed by the Danube river. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of Lower Austria, located midway between the towns of Melk and Krems that also attracts "connoisseurs and epicureans" for its high-quality wines. It was settled in prehistoric times

07/ The Fertő / Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape has been occupied by different peoples for eight millennia. The original network of towns and villages dates to the 12th and 13th centuries. Several palaces were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The site is shared with Hungary.

08/ Vienna, the capital of the Habsburg Empire, has long been acknowledged to be the musical capital of Europe. The historic center is rich in architectural ensembles in various styles, including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century

Ringstraße (The Vienna Ring Road), a 3.3 mile circular grand boulevard that circles the historic Innere Stadt (Inner Town) district. The road is located on sites where medieval city fortifications once stood.

09/ Prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps are a series of prehistoric pile dwelling (or stilt house) settlements in and around the Alps built from about 5000 to 500 BC on the edges of lakes, rivers or wetlands. In 2011, 111 sites located variously in Switzerland (56), Italy (19), Germany (18), France (11), Austria (5) and Slovenia (2) were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

10/ The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe is a transnational serial nature site encompassing 94 component parts (forests of European beech trees)

in 18 European countries. Together, the sites protect the largest and least disturbed forests dominated by the beech tree.

11/ The Danubian Limes (or Danube Limes) is a network of fortifications along the Danube river which protected the borders of the Roman Empire. The Austrian section is (222.1 miles long and includes sites at 46 locations. The site is shared with Germany and Slovakia.

12/ The Great Spa Towns of Europe is a transnational site consisting of 11 spa towns across seven European countries. Developed around natural mineral water springs from the early 18th century to the 1930s, they would often include gardens, casinos, theatres, and villas surrounding the springs and the bath houses. Pictured: The Austrian town of Baden bei Wien.

PHOTO: C.STADLER/BWAG CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: LUTZ FISCHER-LAMPRECHT CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: GUGERELL, CC0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: GERHARD SCHAUBER, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: MARKO.VL CC BY-SA 4.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: ZIEGELBRENNER CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: UOAEI1, CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS n

Commercial real estate is a business – and most of us would not be we are today without our of friends and associates. Nothing seems any more.

Everyone’s being asked to do with less, and in this digital age, you’re when you find to read. You may get much of your on a computer or tablet, but there’s still nothing like the feeling of curling up with a real page turner, or unwinding at with a friendly companion – the , pictures of and articles by in your industry. It’s

I got a new stick deodorant today. The instructions said: “Remove cap and push up bottom.’ I can barely walk, but when I fart, the room smells lovely.

THE IMPACT OF

From raging wildFires To tornadoes, floods and hurricanes, the U.S. sees its share of natural disasters every year. With the deadliest U.S. wildfires ever estimated to have caused $5.5 billion in damage and claimed well over 100 lives in Hawaii, and the damage and death tolls growing, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted a study on the states most impacted by natural disasters.

NATURAL DISASTERS

States Most Impacted by Natural Disasters

They compared the 50 states across two key metrics—the number of climate disasters causing at least $1 billion in damage since 1980 and the loss amount per capita of those disasters. The current situation in Hawaii is especially impactful given the fact that Hawaii normally has few natural disasters causing at least $1 billion in damage; and fifteen other natural disasters have already caused over $1 billion in damage each during 2023. Millions of Americans’ homes and workplaces have been damaged or destroyed by severe weather, leaving people to rebuild while still dealing with mental and emotional scars.

The complete methodology for the study, the ranking of all 50 states, and the full report can be accessed <HERE>. n

RANKED:

THE U.S. CITIES WITH

THE MOST VACANT OFFICES

For many across The U.S., hour-long transit rides and traffic jams to work have been replaced by roll-out-of-bed commutes and stand-up desks at home, leaving vacant offices behind. Long story short, more and more offices in major U.S. cities are empty. At the end of March 2023, the national average vacancy rate of U.S. offices had climbed as high as 18.6%.

So how have different cities in the U.S. been impacted? This ranking uses data out of fDi Intelligence to rank the top 10 cities that have seen the biggest increases in office vacancy rates from Q4’2019 to Q1’2023.

NO VACANCY

It is anticipated that by 2030, over 300 million square feet of U.S. office spaces will be obsolete. According to Pew Research Center, around 35% of U.S. workers who can work from home in 2023 are already doing so all the time. In short, unless trends begin to reverse, offices in many cities will stay empty or continue getting emptier.

Here’s a closer look at the cities with the fastest growing vacancy rates in percentage points (p.p.) terms since just before the COVID-19 pandemic:

San Francisco has been hardest hit, with vacancy rates climbing by 19.8 p.p. in just over three years. Meanwhile, New York City has added over 16.8 million square feet, equivalent to 293 football fields of new office space since Q4’2019 between its three most vacant neighborhoods. However, not all of the cities with the most vacant offices are huge metropolises. Urban areas like Austin, Columbus, and Raleigh-Durham have also seen massive increases in their office vacancies, but their increasing rates may be blamed more on new construction and oversupply than to falling demand.

THE OFFICE REAL ESTATE MARKET

At the national level, the supply of new office real estate has been dropping steadily since Q1’2022, down by a whopping 67% year-over-year.

Overall, it looks like U.S. office buildings are not as bustling as they once were, but there still may be opportunities for the office real estate market in growing cities. n

The ToBy awards are more than the result of a one-year competition. They are the rewards from many years of dedication and attention to detail and of relentless passion for excellence. It is truly evidence of the character of all of those who contribute to making it happen. A reputation is the opinion of others — and all of the nominees have earned an outstanding reputation. Character is who you are.

Since 1985, The Outstanding Building of the Year Award has been recognizing excellence in building management, operating efficiency, tenant retention, emergency planning and community impact. It is among the most prestigious and comprehensive programs of its kind.

At the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International’s annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri, 13 commercial properties were honored with The (2023) Outstanding Building of the Year® (TOBY®) Awards. These buildings first won a TOBY Award from their BOMA local association and then went on to compete and win at the regional level. Judging is based on criteria that includes community impact, occupant and employee relations, sustainability, accessibility, emergency evacuation procedures, building personnel training programs and overall quality indicators. A team of industry experts also conducted comprehensive building inspections.

The 2023 BOMA International TOBY Award winners are:

THE TOBY AWARDS

CORPORATE FACILITY

Located in Toronto, Ontario and managed by Crown Property Management, Inc., North York Square is a two-building complex housing several of the Government of Ontario’s operations including the Ministry of Attorney General and the General Ministry of

Health. With a BOMA BEST Gold certification, the property focuses on carbon footprint reduction, improved indoor air quality, thermal comfort, waste reduction and energy efficiency. In addition, the properties hold a fitwel Viral Response with Distinction certification and a WiredScore rating.

Little known fact: Before the crowbar was invented, crows simply drank at home.

EARTH

Located in Toronto, Ontario and managed by Menkes Property Management Services Ltd., 25 York Street has received 56 awards and certifications including BOMA BEST Platinum, fitwell, LEED-EB O+M Platinum, and EnergyStar among others. The management team is committed to understanding and implementing environmental best practices which include an extensive storm water management program and a Healthy Spaces Program providing resources focused on healthy lifestyles. A LEED Dynamic Plaque, installed in the lobby, provides continuous, real-time information on building performance in key environmental areas.

MIXED USE

HISTORICAL

Located in San Francisco, CA and managed by Cushman & Wakefield, Bay Area Metro Center represents a mid-century style with clean, horizontal lines, and a lack of ornamentation. Over 80 years old, its inflatable atrium skylight system provides natural lighting into the common areas. The renovated terrace on the eighth-floor houses one of the original 1935 brass bells that alerted passing ships during dense fog. The property is Energy Star rated and the management team incorporates sustainability and health/wellness initiatives into its tenant engagement program.

INDUSTRIAL OFFICE

Located in Mississauga, Ontario and managed by Menkes Property Management Services Ltd., the tenants at Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex enjoy a strategic location with direct access to four major highways, an international airport, and three city public transit bus routes. The property is BOMA BEST Platinum certified and a two-time recipient of BOMA Canada’s Earth Award and serves as an influence for energy conservation and sustainability to the tenants.

Located in Mexico City, Mexico and managed by Servife Real Estate Management, the design of Chapultepec Uno R509 complements its position on the Bosque de Chapultepec, a significant avenue in the capital city. The first layer of the double skin glass exterior acts as a wind barrier and the second façade has sliding doors to exterior terraces. The mixed-use property includes offices, a hotel, and residences. This LEED Core & Shell certified property has a state-of-the-art water treatment plant and a rainwater treatment center.

I may have multiple personalities but none of them like you.

SUBURBAN OFFICE PARK LOW-RISE

Located on 24.45 acres in Lake Mary, Florida and managed by CP Group, the three-buildings of Northpoint 1 Center are each WELL Health-Safety and Energy Star rated. The property team hosted 36 virtual tenant events in 2022 and a variety of community events including food trucks, blood drives, back to school drives, toy and clothing drives, holiday events, ice cream socials and an Earth Day celebration.

SUBURBAN OFFICE PARK MID-RISE

Located in: Oakville, Ontario and managed by Fengate Property Management Ltd., 2275 Upper Middle Road East prioritizes sustainability and energy efficiency through beehive adoption, smart irrigation, LED retrofits, advanced HVAC and BAS systems among others which have led to a BOMA BEST Gold Certification, a WELL Health-Safety Rating and WiredScore rating.

RENOVATED BUILDING

Located in Toronto, Ontario and managed by Riocan Management Inc, Yonge Sheppard Center achieved the 2021 Architizer A+ Popular Choice Award in the Shopping Center category as recognition of its revitalization and rebranding. Renovations to the entire building included a green roof installation, exterior cladding, glazing, and upgrades to electric, fire/life safety and surveillance systems, elevator modernization, and lobby and restroom upgrades. A major part of the renovation changed the pedestrian entrances to street level to enhance neighborhood connectivity.

UNDER 100,000 SQUARE FEET

Located in: Toronto, Ontario and managed by First Capital REIT Management Services LP, 85 Hanna Avenue is conveniently located for accessibility to commuter train stations and to downtown Toronto. Receiving a WELL Health-Safety rating, BOMA BEST and LEED Gold ratings is evidenced by staff and tenant training programs and the “Green Talk” newsletters sent to all tenants. A 95% waste recapture rate and mature recycling program are additional features of the property’s successful sustainability programs.

When I finish eating something,

I have to show my hands to the dog like I'm a blackjack dealer...

250,000 – 499,999 SQUARE FEET

Located in downtown Edmonton, Alberta’s financial district and near Canada’s largest mixed-use sports and entertainment district, HSBC Place is an attractive business destination for urban professionals. It is managed by Epic Investment Services. The property’s LEED Gold certification, WELL Health-Safety certification, BOMA BEST Platinum Award, Energy Star rating, WiredScore Platinum Certification and the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification has helped to entice high profile tenants to the property. Energy Star scores in the 99th percentile showcase the building’s best practices in energy efficiency and management.

500,000 – 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET

Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and managed by Piedmont Office Realty Trust, the US Bancorp Center is LEED Gold certified and holds an Energy Star rating. The building’s amenity center offers its tenants a spacious and modern facility providing panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis, a connection to the downtown Skyway, and access to the fitness center, golf simulator course, and state-of-the art training room.

100,000 – 249,999 SQUARE FEET

Located in Irvine, California and managed by The Muller Company, the 17-story Airport Tower was the first high rise commercial office building constructed in Irvine in 1987, and it provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ana Mountain Range. The management team of this LEED Gold certified building has reduced energy consumption by 12% and water use by 30%. Tenant engagement and communication initiatives have resulted in high tenant satisfaction rates exceeding the index in every category, including overall satisfaction.

OVER 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET

Located in Chicago, Illinois (at the nexus of the city’s west loop submarket) and managed by Jones Lang LaSalle Americas L.P., One South Wacker’s prominent continuous glass curtainwall creates four rooftop decks and six atriums and unique intra-floor connectivity and design. A significant repositioning program included exchanging 5,118 windows to a higher light transmittance without sacrificing energy use. Energy improvements including automation upgrades and monitoring, lighting retrofits, and vacant space energy improvements produce energy savings of 1.5 million kWh. The building has achieved a LEED EB O+M Gold certification and WELL Health-Safety rating and increased occupancy by over 25% in one year. n

You’re confusing me with someone who cares what you think.

Top 100 Safest Cities in the U.S.

quarter of them are in Massachusetts, mostly clustered around Boston. The median population of the cities and towns in the top 100 is just 32,000, and few widely recognized cities make the list. Carmel, Indiana (#60) is the only city with a population above 100,000 to make the rankings. One surprising observation from the data is that many of the safest U.S. cities are in very close proximity to some of the most dangerous. Also, many small cities were among the most dangerous ones.

See the full list <HERE>.

These maps were created in 2023 using FBI data and Census Bureau populations compiled by NeighborhoodScout and only taking into consideration cities with a population of 25,000 or higher. The report is based on total ‘index crimes’ reported in each city, which includes arson, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.

40% oF The ciTies in the ranking are located in Northeastern states. One

Crime

the safest cities in the us have total crime rates of 8.6 per 1,000 people and lower. These numbers are strictly for the most violent forms of crime, and don’t include things like simple assault and various forms of property crime. These push the total crime rate, and therefore the likelihood of becoming a victim of any crime, much higher in these hotspots.

It’s difficult to touch on violent crime in the U.S. without discussing gun violence. According to the Gun Violence

Archive, there have already been more than 22,000 gun violence deaths in the U.S. as of July 2023. That includes 371 mass shootings, and 150 children’s deaths. And though the latest annual FBI data shows that violent crime has decreased from 2020 to 2021, murders have gone up over the same time frame.

See the full list <HERE>. n

The violent crime rate for the entire U.S. is 5.6 per 1,000 people. Comparatively,

in the U.S.

AMERICA’S FAVORITE RCHITECTURE

as parT oF The commemoration of the organization's 150th anniversary in 2007, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the list of the 150 highest-ranked structures as "America's Favorite Architecture". It was based upon a study by Harris Interactive over the course of two years polling a sample of the AIA membership and later polling a sample of the public. The public's preferences were ranked using a "like- ability" scale developed for the study. AIA president R.K. Stewart acknow-

ledged that the rankings did not represent architects' professional judgments, but instead reflected people's "emotional connections" to buildings. As a result, many build-ings that architects consider highly significant did not make the list.

In our last nine issues, we presented the top 135. This is the final part of our 10-part series and here are 136-150. n

136/ JORDAN J. MILLER, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

137/ AREND VERMAZEREN, CC BY 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

138/ CERVIN ROBINSON, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

139/ HEQUALS2HENRY, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

140/ MBTRAMA FROM UPLAND, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

141/ DAVEMN CC BY 2.5 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

142/ I, TOMTHEMAN5, CREATIVE COMMONS SHARE ALIKE 2.5 GENERIC

143/ CERVIN ROBINSON, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

144/ DESTINATIONFEARFAN, CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

145/ KEN LUND FROM RENO, NEVADA, USA, CC BY 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

146/ HIBINO, CC BY 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

147/ VICTORGRIGAS CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

148/ ONETWO1 AT THE ENGLISH WIKIPEDIA, CC BY-SA 3.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

149/ CAROL M. HIGHSMITH, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

150/ LARRY D. MOORE, CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

I know, by saying that, that I’m dating myself—but we’re thinking about breaking up.

ARTCH TECTURE

MIKII COLELLA IMAGINING A NEW REALITY

andrea micaela calderón, known as Mikii Colella (her mother’s last name) was born on March 28,1984 in Argentina, where she still resides As a youngster, she was always with a camera, filming, making home movies about Sci-Fi zombie attacks, or taking pictures. She studied art in high school, and because she is oriented towards analysis and curiosity, she later studied physics and philosophy at the university.

In 2015 she began to create irrational digital drawings and paintings, and since 2018 (after taking a photography course at the university), she has incorporated photographic juxtaposition into her work—using disconcerting imagery. In 2020 she made a presentation at the VII Conference of Philosophy Students (at the University of Buenos Aires) called "Real Visual Contradictions?" as a crosssectional analysis of her own works, dialetheism, and quantum mechanics.

Mikki’s favorite quote: "We have art so that we shall not die of reality"

(Friedrich Nietzsche)

Dialetheists in philosophy of logic argue that the law of noncontradiction can be violated in some paradoxes because some contradictions at the limits of our knowledge are true and that there may be adequate grounds for holding explicitly contradictory beliefs in those cases.

She currently works as a digital artist, photo and video compositor, and highend re-toucher, and studies filmmaking. She has worked for production companies, streaming services, and extreme sports brands. Her work has been published in the Spanish cultural magazine: "Librújula", Barcelona, and exhibited in rooms dedicated to local contemporary art, in Malvinas Argentinas and Tigre, Buenos Aires.

Her handling of composition, lighting, and perspective in bitmap software, and of the tacit idea from sketch to result, make her work unique. It reflects fantasy, surrealism, the game of scales, and an implicit philosophical background. Thus, her works are stories to imagine and/or to make the viewer think about reality in a different way.

She does this because she strongly believes in the idea that art offers a refuge from the often painful and mundane aspects of everyday life, allowing us to find inspiration and a deeper sense of meaning. And in a way, it helps us to explore and communicate deeper truths about existence and the human condition. n

I try to see the best in people, but you certainly make it hard.

I thought the right to bear arms was permission to wear a short-sleeved shirt.

WHY ARTCH TECTURE ?

Great art is among the most sublime, meaningful, and redeeming creations of all civilization. Few endeavors can equal the power of great artwork to capture aesthetic beauty, to move and inspire, to change perceptions, and to communicate the nature of human experience. Great art is also complex, mysterious, and challenging. Filled with symbolism, cultural and historical references, and often visionary imagery, great artworks oblige us to reckon with their many meanings.

Where to buy her work: NFT: opensea.io/mcavisuals

Merchandise: redbubble.com/people/mcavisuals

Social Media: instagram.com/mcavisuals youtube.com/@MikiiColella tumblr.com/mcavisuals twitter.com/mcavisuals pinterest.com/mcavisuals

Portfolio: behance.net/mcavisuals mcavisuals.myportfolio.com

Architects and designers (many of our readers) have a lot of influence on the way we perceive the world. A structure often plays a significant part in how we experience a place. (Think of a restaurant, a museum, an arena, a stadium... even an office building - virtually anywhere!) The interior design impacts our sensory perception, our comfort, and our physical connection and there is also artistry in the exterior design. (That’s why we call it artchitecture.)

BY T. J. EDWARDS ... MICHAEL

AVENATTI?

Michael Avenatti was born February 16, 1971, in California. He spent his early years in Utah and Colorado before his family settled in St. Louis, Missouri in 1982. He had an early interest in law and politics, and he graduated first in his class in law school at George Washington University. Following his formal education, Avenatti embarked on a legal career that involved numerous high profile legal cases and famous clients (such as Pepsi, Nike, Kimberly-Clark, Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, etc.). The Netflix series, “Pepsi, where’s my jet?” showcases an early Avenatti lawsuit.

RISE TO PROMINENCE

donald TrUmp’s presidency (20172021) introduced the world to various fascinating characters and plot lines. One of the most colorful and infamous characters during this time was former attorney Michael Avenatti. In 2018, Michael Avenatti represented adult film actress Stormy Daniels in her legal battle against then President Donald Trump. Stormy Daniels’ case received widespread attention due to its implications regarding campaign finance laws and allegations of hush money payments. According to reporter Kate Briquelet at the Daily Beast, Michael Avenatti appeared on cable news more than 150 times in 2018. Avenatti’s anti-Donald Trump rhetoric made him an extremely popular political counterweight for the left, compared to right-leaning media celebrities like “My Pillow” CEO Mike Lindell and New York City attorney Rudy Giuliani.

THE STORMY DANIELS CASE: SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL AVENATTI

Michael Avenatti's involvement in the Stormy Daniels legal case highlighted his reputation as a lawyer who represents high-profile clients. He had a talent for navigating complex legal matters while handling intense media scrutiny. As details of this legal battle unfolded, media outlets closely followed

the case and provided updates on court proceedings and developments. Almost overnight, Michael Avenatti became an inexhaustible TV commentator. He was popular on the more left-of-center friendly cable sites including CNN, MSNBC, The View on ABC, and several late-night news and entertainment shows.

While representing Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, Avenatti began to express personal aspirations for a political career. In 2018, he even traveled to Iowa to explore running for president in the 2020 election. He actively positioned himself as a vocal critic of the Trump administration. He became a polarizing figure within the Democratic party, with many urging him to run for president in 2020 (although you might be hard pressed to find those supporters today; especially since he is now a convicted felon serving jail time in a federal prison).

Do you remember the popular television series, “Better Call Saul” from 20152022? Michael Avenatti is regularly compared to this show’s main character, Saul Goodman. If you haven’t watched the show, Saul is a shady lawyer and con man. Like Saul, Avenatti’s political aspirations eventually caught up and collided with his own controversy and legal troubles. In 2019, he was convicted in California of fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and stealing $300,000 thousand from his former client, Stormy Daniels. On February 14, 2020, he was convicted of attempting to extort athletic company Nike, and on July 8, 2021, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison. These

PHOTO: LUKE HAROLD , CC0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

é Stormy Daniels and Michael Avenatti in 2018.

PHOTO: THE CIRCUS CC BY 3.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

legal battles each significantly damaged Avenatti's reputation and credibility. As a result, his once-promising political and legal career came to an abrupt halt.

CONCLUSION: A CAUTIONARY TALE

Michael Avenatti's legal troubles had far-reaching consequences, both personally and professionally. He is in federal prison today. The lawsuits filed against him highlight the importance of ethical conduct within the legal profession. His story serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to engage in fraudulent activities or extortion tactics.

Michael Avenatti was sentenced to 14 years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from his clients – and for obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect more than $3 million in payroll taxes. United States District Judge James V. Selna ordered him to pay $10,810,709 million in restitution to four clients, and to the

race cars. As a result of his illegal acts, he has lost his right to practice law in California, and now he will serve a richly deserved prison sentence.” So, what happened to Michael Avenatti? He is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, in San Pedro, California, with his parole eligibility date being in 2026. Instead of putting the former president behind bars as he originally promised, perhaps tonight Michael Avenatti is keeping a light on and blanket ready in a prison cell in preparation for former President Trump’s eventual arrival. Time will tell. n

tjedwardsjr23@gmail.com

T. J. Edwards recently retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service.

VISUALIZING 1 BILLION SQUARE FEET OF EMPTY OFFICE SPACE

By Dorothy Neufeld Graphics/Design: Christina Kostandi

in april, one oF America’s largest office owners, Brookfield, defaulted on a $161 million loan.The loan, covering 12 office buildings, was mainly concentrated in the Washington, D.C. market. Faced with low occupancy rates, it joined other office giants Blackstone and WeWork defaulting on office debt this year. The graphic on the opposite page shows nearly 1 billion square feet of empty office space in the U.S. based on data from JLL—and the wider implications of office towers standing empty.

RANKING U.S. CITIES BY EMPTY OFFICE SPACE

At the end of the first quarter of 2023, a record 963 million square feet of office space was unoccupied in America. An estimated five to 10 office towers are at risk of defaulting each month according to Manus Clancy, senior managing director at Trepp.

Here are cities ranked by their total square feet of office vacancy as of Q1 2023. Figures include central business districts and suburban areas.

New York has roughly 76 million square feet of empty office space. If this were stacked as a single office building, it would stretch 7 miles into the atmosphere. In 2019, the office sector accounted for about a third of all jobs in the city.

Falling closely behind is Washington, D.C. with a 21% vacancy rate—8% higher than what is typically considered healthy. Occupiers are downsizing given remote work trends, yet some office buildings are

being converted to residential properties, curtailing vacancy rates.

Across 54 markets in the dataset, San Francisco has the highest vacancy rate at over 26%. Prior to the pandemic, vacancy rates were about 4%. This year, Salesforce walked away from a 30-story tower in downtown San Francisco spanning 104,000 square feet in an effort to cut costs.

Overall, rising interest rates and higher vacancies have hurt U.S. office markets, with many cities potentially seeing an uptick in vacancies going forward.

EMPTY OFFICE SPACE: IMPACT ON BANKS

Office building valuations are projected to fall 30% in 2023 according to Richard Barkham, global chief economist at CBRE Group. A sharp decline in property values could potentially result in steep losses for banks. This is especially true for small and regional banks that make up the majority

of U.S. office loans. Big banks cover roughly 20% of office and downtown retail totals. Consider how commercial real estate exposure breaks down by different types of banks:

For big banks, a recent stress test by the Federal Reserve shows that a 40% decline in commercial property values could result in a $65 billion loss on their commercial loan portfolios. The good news is that many big banks are sitting on healthy capital reserves based on requirements set in place after the global financial crisis. Smaller banks are a different story. Many have higher loan concentrations and less oversight on reserve requirements. If these loan portfolios deteriorate, banks may face a downgrade in ratings and higher credit losses. Additionally, banks with loans in markets with high vacancy rates like San Francisco, Houston, and Washington, D.C. could see more elevated risk.

HOW HIGH RATES COULD ESCALATE LOSSES

Adding further strain are the ramifications of higher interest rates.

Higher rates have negatively impacted smaller banks’ balance sheets—meaning they are less likely to issue new loans. This is projected to cause commercial real estate transaction volume to decline 27% in 2023, contributing to lower prices. Banks have already slowed lending for commercial real estate in 2023 due to credit quality concerns. The good news is that some banks are extending existing loan terms or restructuring debt. In this way, banks are willing to negotiate new loan agreements to prevent widespread foreclosures from hurting their commercial loan portfolios. Short-term extensions on existing loans were often seen during the global financial crisis. Still, foreclosures could take place if restructuring the loan doesn’t make financial sense.

Overall, only so many banks may be willing to wait out the uncertainty with loan extensions if fundamentals continue to worsen. Offices that are positioned to weather declines will likely have better quality, location, roster of tenants, and financing structures. n

BY MATT LUCIDO

California in the Spotlight

UNLOCKING HOUSING CREATION: EVALUATING THE PROGRESS OF SB-9 AND THE POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

as The ceo oF Yardsworth, a local LA-based, social-impact-driven real estate tech company, I am deeply invested in finding innovative solutions to the housing crisis in California. When Senate Bill 9 (SB-9), also known as the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, was enacted in January of 2022, there was both excitement and, admittedly, fear about its potential impact on the real estate landscape.

later, the law is having trouble meeting its expectations due to its overly complicated process. The costs associated with lot splits are expensive for the average homeowner, unintentionally cutting into the payday homeowners expect once the process is finalized. According to Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, in SB-9’s first year on the books, only 28 lot split applications were submitted in Los Angeles, a city of 3.9 million people.

So, what went wrong? The initial failure of SB-9 can be attributed to two factors: 1) cost; and 2) complexity.

The people most likely to benefit from the law and create much-needed housing are those who simply cannot afford to do so in the first place. The cost of utilizing SB-9, primarily driven by government fees, has made it prohibitively expensive, with fees reaching $50,000 or more just to subdivide a yard, before even starting to permit or build new housing. Additionally, the process of splitting lots and implementing the changes has proven to be lengthy, taking 12+ months to split. The truth is, we still don’t know how long it takes - we are still waiting for the first lot splits to be approved and completed, now 20 months post-bill becoming CA law.

Unsurprisingly, many California homeowners have yet to hear about SB-9; lack of visibility is only part of the problem. Still, the new law could have profound effects, as it allows CA homeowners to split their single-family property into 2 lots – one front lot with the existing home and a second, “backyard lot” for a new small home or duplex. And, importantly, SB-9 allows a homeowner to sell off the newly created second lot. Legislators hope that SB-9 will create much-needed new, permanent housing in underutilized backyard space. For homeowners that participate via selling part of their land to a builder, SB-9 is an opportunity to generate meaningful income while staying in their homes and communities.

It was expected to dramatically alter our neighborhoods, both for better and for worse... but so far, its uptake has been abysmal, falling far short of expectations. A year and a half

SB 9 also allows local governments to add their own rules within the bill’s framework. This can make things more complicated, with considerations like historical areas, conservation zones, and frontage rules.

While it would be ideal for the cities to rally around the state mandate and to step in and streamline the SB-9 process and cut costs, we can’t wait for the wheels of government to turn faster. Private enterprise must take a leading role in solving this housing crisis and fighting on behalf of communities hardest hit by gentrification and displacement.

As an entrepreneur and a Los Angeles resident, it is clear to me that housing is THE problem of our day. And, it’s solvable. We have the ability to empower our communities with the knowledge and financial tools to fight against gentrification and displacement and to invest in new housing development. I’m

é The California State Capitol in Sacramento

not alone in this belief: from the Mayor of San Diego to the LA Times editorial board, policymakers and advocates have highlighted the desperate need to solve California’s housing crisis.

Our company, Yardsworth (yardsworth.com), was created with that mission in mind – and to make SB-9 live up to its billing: making lot splits easy and affordable, while putting enough cash in homeowners’ pockets to keep them in their homes instead of being gentrified out of them. Yardsworth pays 100% of all SB-9 fees and expenses for eligible homeowners and takes care of all the bureaucratic hurdles they may face. Most importantly, in the next few years, Yardsworth plans to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into low- and middle-income communities across Southern California through the purchasing of underutilized backyard land. This cash infusion will provide homeowners critical and occasionally life-changing funds, will keep incumbent homeowners in their homes & communities, and will allow for the creation of new permanent housing that the state so desperately needs.

lower income, regular citizens who will. But typical homeowners can’t afford to pay $50,000+ just to split their lot (before they even think of building).

3. Slash the timeline: let’s set a 60-day shot-clock for lot splitting and parcel map approval. California needs housing stock on the market sooner rather than later - there isn’t time to waste.

At Yardsworth, we believe that the combination of private enterprise and a government committed to housing reform will be the catalyst needed to turn SB-9 into the successful, game-changing law that was envisioned. With an estimated 200,000+ single-family lots eligible for development in Los Angeles alone, this law holds the potential to make a significant impact on our housing crisis. We can help our city’s most vulnerable homeowners realize significant income without gentrification. That’s been my mission and my team’s mission at Yardsworth, and we will make it happen. Municipal government has the ability to accelerate this change to the benefit of all its constituents. But it has to act. Together, we will build more inclusive and prosperous communities, and take big steps toward solving the housing crisis.

However, we can only do so much without crucial reforms to SB-9. According to Governor Newsom, who championed SB-9, California needs an additional 3.5 million homes by 2025. This law has the potential to be a down payment on that campaign promise, if we let it work to its full potential. It's time to take our foot off the brake and hit the gas on housing creation:

1. Streamline SB-9: reduce bureaucratic red tape and provide clear and consistent guidelines across municipalities.

2. Reduce or Subsidize lot split costs: address the cost barrier that hinders SB-9's success. Millionaires and billionaires aren’t going to build new housing stock in their backyards; it will be

In summary, with sufficient public-private collaboration and visibility, SB-9’s potential to alleviate California's housing crisis is undeniable. But its current shortcomings must be addressed if we are to see short- or even medium-term impact. By working in lockstep with private enterprise – and through implementing essential reforms e.g., simplifying the application process, reducing costs, and expediting timelines – local governments like Los Angeles can unlock the transformative power of SB-9. As we look ahead, we must recognize that, for the path to affordable housing for all Californians to be paved, private innovation, public policy, and community engagement must intersect. The time for action is now. By working together, we can turn the promise of SB-9 into a thriving housing solution. n

I’m not responsible for what my face does when you talk.

Matt Lucido is the Co-founder & CEO of Yardsworth, an online real estate marketplace for buying & selling backyard land. matt@yardsworth.com

HOUSING THOSE WITH

SPECIAL NEEDS

BY SYLVIA E. KING-COHEN

when James napoli awakes in the morning, he has a lot to be joyous about, and it begins with waking up in a bed in his own apartment. Napoli, who has two roommates, had always dreamed of having his own place. He finally realized that dream a year ago.

Napoli, 53, who has been diagnosed with learning disabilities, spent eight years in a group home before finally transitioning into an apartment with roommates Pete and Kevin. “The independence is what I like most,” said Napoli, who also has a job working in a carwash and is a client with RISE Life Services in Riverhead, NY. “I am really happy here. It was time for me to move on from the group home.” Just wanting to move on is not enough for Napoli and others in a group home. Transitioning is a long arduous process that involves such tasks as managing their medications, finances, diet, and household chores such as grocery shopping and preparing meals. The process is the same whether it is someone with developmental or behavioral difficulties, mental illness, or substance abuse.

Napoli is supervised through one of RISE’s programs, the Supportive Indivi-

PART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES

TRANSITIONING FROM GROUP HOME TO APARTMENT

dualized Residential Alternative, which is run by Vinita Jeanette Permenter, operations director for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Her department works with those with developmental and behavioral issues, as well as those on the autism spectrum. Permenter and her OPWDD staff focus on helping clients achieve independence, even if that independence doesn’t lead to moving into their own apartment.

Explains Permenter, "For individuals living in an ICF, an Intensive Care Facility, the reality of living completely independent may not be attainable, but we strive to have them be as independent as possible. For some, a group home is their forever home."

abused, an expose by a young Geraldo Rivera at the Staten Island, N.Y., facility, led to major changes that saw the beginning of group homes and efforts to integrate special-needs individuals back into society. It was parents with children in the facility who implored Rivera to shine a light on the abuse and neglect. Although it took years to completely close all the warehousing facilities in

The evolution to apartment living was a slow march that started 50 years ago when most with special needs were warehoused in massive complexes or lived at home. After the Willowbrook State School scandal that saw patients in various stages of undress just lying around all day in excrement and being

New York, their efforts bore fruit that also included moving to the group home model, which has existed for 50 years. The next step in the evolutionary process is apartment living that offers independence and a degree of autonomy. While the group home model still exists and works well for some with special needs, others benefit from the autonomy and self-confidence apartment living offers.

For those who aspire to that apartment and all it entails, one of the first things they learn is what to do in an emergency. Do they know how to call 911? Can they keep their meds on track? Can they cook for themselves? Arrange transporta-

Q.

é Napoli derives a lot of satisfaction from simple chores. Why? He finally is living in his own apartment and chores are just part of what makes this new transition to greater independence possible.

é Client James Napoli (left) gets some help filling out his calendar from Kadijah Booker, who supervises the three roommates at the apartment in Riverhead, N.Y. Booker, who works for RISE Life Services, visits twice a week to check on the three and make sure things are going smoothly.

é Even laundry can't dampen his job in having a place of his own.

I asked myself if I was crazy and we all said ‘No.’

tion? Take their meds independently or through telehealth?

Robert Melnick, who oversees mental health services at RISE, understands that each person’s needs and path to greater independence is unique regardless of the type of disability a person has; intellectual, physical, mental illness, or a combination. He added that a person’s desire to live as independently as possible in the community is universal.

Melnick explains, “Rise is privileged to support individuals with a wide array of needs, each being provided with the necessary supports to maximize independence and help them reach their fullest potential. A structured service plan is designed with the person served to address each aspect of their life, helping them through the growth process toward greater independence.”

to find suitable homes. Of those that are opened, available slots go to those who have the greatest need, instead of those who would mesh well together either because of their particular difficulties or abilities.

Currently, Permenter’s program oversees two apartments housing six individuals. They work with 96 clients and have

others who could graduate to apartment living, but the program doesn’t have the available apartments. “We’ve got proposals before the state, and we have people ready to go that we would like to move into an apartment on a trial basis,” Permenter said. “Just because you have a developmental disability doesn’t mean you don’t want independence, a relationship, the same thing as others. We [as a society] just have to stop stifling them, stop thinking of them as a monolith and realize they’re individuals. There will always be a need for group homes, but the apartment model is what many are moving toward.”

While each person’s needs and path is individual, some steps are along the same road, explained Melnick, mental health director for RISE, who works with mental-health and substance-abuse clients. “We work with clients eighteen and older, male and female,” Melnick explains. “Our goal is restorative services.”

Melnick and his staff often receive referrals from other group homes where

Permenter and Melnick agree that for many, the apartment model is the future. This can be the case for various reasons. It is becoming more difficult to secure homes as more communities adopt the attitude of “Not In My Back Yard.” In addition, there is more competition for suitable housing for group homes, whose needs include being handicap-accessible or that can be cost-effectively converted to handicap accessible, often one-story or a ranch-style and that have ample yard space and parking. And, as state funding lags behind cost-of-living allowances and interest rates go up, organizations that provide group housing are less able

é Keeping things spic and span is one way that the staff at RISE Life Services monitors Napoli's progress.

é Napoli enjoys cooking meals in his new apartment. Each roommate is responsible for his own meals – and cleaning up afterward.

é Napoli and his roommates enjoy watching television.

things may not be working out. Once they accept a client, their goal is to get them stabilized and able to manage the various tasks in their lives and back on the road to independence.

“The team process is well planned with the person served, at a pace that is methodical, clinically based, and provides the necessary supports at each level to meet desired outcomes,” Melnick said. “And while there are people who decompensate [relapse] along the path to greater independence and may require enhanced supports or taking a step-back, the goal never changes, living as independently as possible, planning to live in your own apartment or home, having more control over your life and being a contributing member in the community starts during the admission process and remains on the radar screen every step along the way."

The process is incremental. Clients first are placed in what is called supportive housing. Once they are stabilized, only then would the person be allowed to begin looking for a job. “They eventually may graduate from our services,” Melnick says. “We do have people who relapse, which we refer to as decompensate. They may start using drugs again, go off their meds or even become delusional.”

While living on their own is a goal, it also requires an adjustment. A group home has different rules and more of a home-life feel to it. It also will have more roommates. There is less autonomy. While they generally have others cook their meals, do their laundry, and perform other chores, they also have at least two attendants with them round the clock. And, while the attitude is that it is the clients’ home and the staff is there to assist them, there still is a degree of dependence that exists as clients are kept to schedules set by others, eat meals together and their medication process is monitored.

Kadijah Booker, residential manager for RISE, supervises the apartment where Napoli lives, coming twice a week to check on the three roommates. “When I come, I am looking to make sure things are in their place, dishes washed, no messes,” Booker, 27, said of her visits to Riverhead and to another apartment in Shirley, which also is on Long Island. “Are things tidy? Is there food in the refrigerator or cabinets? I am basically making sure that everything is on track. Those things that aren’t done could be an indication that something is wrong. If I have to go behind them and tidy up, that would be a reg flag.”

Napoli says that one of the things he had to get used to was not having anyone to pick up after him. He does enjoy cooking for himself, making what he likes and not having to consider the tastes of others. Each roommate is responsible for his own meals and cleaning up after himself. Another thing he had to do on his own is get to and from work. Luckily, he lives within walking distance of his job at the carwash.

Even though they are independent, the three roommates often spend time together. “We watch TV, go out together and go to Splish Splash in the summer,” he said of a popular water park in the Riverhead area.

On Booker’s latest visit, everything was fine. In fact, Napoli wanted help putting his roommates’ birthdays into his calendar. Napoli said: “I wasn’t ‘unhappy’ in the group home. I am just happier on my own, more confident.”

“Whether it is their meds, their money or other aspects of their life, we’re there to help them through the process,” Melnick says of the Apartment Treatment Program he manages. “We take them from being monitored twenty-four hours, seven days a week, to three or four days a week to a couple times a month. We’re checking to make sure they are maintaining their meds, their finances, and their symptoms.”

“Everyone wants independence,” Melnick says. “Moving to an apartment usually means your self-esteem is higher. You have more control over your life and a sense of well-being.” Melnick says that while group homes serve a purpose, the move toward apartments is prevalent and that last year only one of his clients returned to the group home model from living in an apartment. While all those milestones are possible to a degree in a group setting, the sense of accomplishment of “graduating” to an apartment is difficult to replicate.

RISE Life Services helps autistic, specialneeds, drug-recovery, and mental health clients graduate from group homes to apartment living. Find out more at www.riselifeservices.org. n

All pictures courtesy of Kadijah Booker, Rise Life Services.

Sylvia E. King-Cohen is a publicist with the PR firm Todd Shapiro Associates. Skingcohen2021@gmail.com

é Napoli spent years living in a group home, but his one great desire was to have a place of his own. Here he tackles sweeping the floor, a task which he dislikes because he isn't very good at it.

é Napoli tackles recycling—one of the chores for which he now is responsible.

PROFILES IN REAL ESTATE

PROFILE –OF CHANGE

ever since The oUTBreak of Covid-19, life has changed in big and small ways. Some of the changes — like toilet paper shortages and social distancing — were temporary. Other shifts have had more staying power – like welcome to Zoom meetings and working remotely, working for ourselves, increased drive thru restaurant traffic. Some new trends are just beginning to emerge. We all just want to do better, be better, be healthier and enjoy life more.

Over the last three years I interviewed a variety of business leaders in real estate investing, title, restaurant, advertising, banking, brokerage, power engineering, journalism, coaching and law industries. They all shared about how their business handled and adapted to a pandemic and post-pandemic world.

Some, like Mike Watson, Managing Director of MMG Real Estate Advisors decided to start his own brokerage: “I really wanted to do my own thing. As we came into Covid and things were slowing down, it become evident this is a perfect time to take advantage of a slowdown in the market and create our new company as we had more time away from transactions and able to set up. The basics of our industry have not changed.”

Almost all businesses were forced to adjust their practices for employees and to keep employee morale high. Jeff Weller, co-owner of Lion Real Estate Group shared how “early on we decided to give some financial incentives even with the company not doing well financially - or as well as it has done - to make sure that everyone knew that we appreciated them, so we gave out gift cards on a regular basis. I think because we were empathetic to the people working at the properties, they were able to carry that forward to the tenants.”

Zoom and Google meetings became the norm and today they are used as a more common way to hold business updates, meetings, and trainings.

Humberto Vega, Controller at Power Engineering Services, talked about how their field technicians had to adapt to regulations and technology. “One of our biggest challenges was communication and being able to have our employees all on the same page while being spread out. Before Covid most of our meetings and communication were in person. We had to not only switch to Zoom or Google meetings, but we had to work with our technicians having different technology available and train them how to use their devices to join team meetings and communicate.”

For James Rosenblatt, president of his own law firm, “Zoom courtrooms were not only non-existent prior to Covid, they were considered unconstitutional. Today, in-person hearings are the exception to the rule. Hearings, depositions,

discovery disputes, and even trials are no longer controlled by the location of witnesses, parties, or litigators. The result is a much more efficient system for attorneys which should result in cost savings for clients.”

But how did business and customer service change? Amy House, founder and owner of Growing Out Loud Darlin, a coaching, consulting, and marketing company explained it very well. “I have always said that when people are retreating it is an opportunity to push forward. When you see people play defense rather than offense, there is an opportunity for your business to gain market share and do it strategically. The clients that worked with us during Covid grew 20 to 40%. Why? Because other people in their businesses pulled back, and our clients showed up in a big way. They had parking lot parties with social distancing, meetings at picnic benches with people bringing their own lunch. Salespeople met clients in their parking lots. When other companies were stuck and went silent, we had clients showcase their team and how their team was still servicing customers working from home, with their children doing homework at the dining room table. The message was simple, ‘We’re still here for you, and we are people just like you—dealing with the same obstacles and we are here to help.’ We simply changed the marketing message. And people engaged.”

In the commercial real estate world, multi family has overall done much better than office and retail over the last three years. Doug Martine and Billy Johnson of GAN Group, a real estate development and acquisition company, were in contract and in the process of starting a minimum of three Alamo Draft Houses in 2020 and 2021.

“In a blink of an eye it all went away because of Covid. We had invested a lot of our time and money in these projects and these projects were to provide the overhead for our business. It all went away. We had to adjust and relied on our architecture and development consulting connections for projects to pay the bills. We also worked on senior living and multifamily acquisitions. We had a group of investors that we acquired some multifamily projects as well.”

Today, “the market for cash and well capitalized buyers is gaining traction as over leverage deals are emerging. There is a lot of demand for financial loan packages, and business plan analyses. We see headwinds ahead in the credit market making access to credit facilities challenging. This will impact how a client stacks capital to make

BY ROXANA TOFAN

a deal.”, according to Reggie Johnson of REMA Global, a real estate development company.

The Fed raised interest rates 11 consecutive times with rates rising at the fastest pace in decades. It has taking investors time to adjust. Many commercial real estate owners still pay rates lower than current levels, so refinancing activity has slowed. Delinquencies and vacancies have increased in the multifamily sector for certain class type properties, yet new construction remains at full speed. It’s unclear if rates will continue to rise or if the Fed will change course in the second half of the year. This leaves investors with a familiar feeling: uncertainty for commercial real estate through the rest of 2023.

In my own commercial real estate brokerage and property management business, we have seen changes in investors, tenants, staff, and our own family expectations. Everyone has higher expectations and expects to put less into it. Investors that were looking for 15-20% returns and getting 3-4% interest rates on their loans must adjust expectations at 10% returns and 7-8% interest rates. Tenants that were allowed to go months without paying rent are receiving 3-day notices again and are being evicted sooner. The challenge with that is that tenants have gotten used to moving more often and have no problem having a bad credit and rental history, which will become a growing challenge as owners look to upgrade their screening criteria and resident profile. Good dedicated and hardworking staff is harder to come by and many in the workforce choose to change jobs more frequently for better pay or choose unemployment instead of going back to work. Finally, in our own families, we want to spend more time with each other, travel and enjoy life instead of being focused on work and business only. We have made efforts to adjust our spending on travels and adventures versus “stuff” and “things”. We make better health focused decisions and have disciplined ourselves to put family first and enjoy more time together.

Perhaps, Mark Twain said it best, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.”

Ed. Beginning with our next issue, Roxana Tofan takes on a new regular feature: 6Q— Who? What? Why? When? Where? and How? n

Tofan is a commercial real estate and business broker and the founder and owner of Clear Integrity Group in San Antonio. She is also a Contributing Editor of roxana@clearintegritygroup.com

When a man of 60 marries a girl of 21, it's like buying a book for someone else to read.

Roxana

REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE CAPITA SPRING

singapore has a new skyline addition with the completion of CapitaSpring—a 920-foot-tall high-rise oasis that continues the city's pioneering vertical urbanism with a diverse neighborhood of restaurants, office space, a serviced residence and sky gardens from the ground all the way up to the 51st floor. Currently among the city's tallest towers, CapitaSpring was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Carlo Ratti Associates (CRA) who collaborated on its architecture, public space, and digital user experience (respectively).

Located in the heart of Singapore's financial district on the site of a former public car park and a hawker center, the 51-story 1.001-million-square-feet mixed-use high rise is defined by a dynamic interplay of orthogonal lines, lush greenery, and contrasting textures. In addition to the abundant sky gardens and rooftop park, CapitaSpring includes premium grade A office space, a Citadinesserviced residence, a hawker center, restaurants, and public places spaces.

A ‘hawker center’ or cooked food center is an open-air complex commonly found in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. They were built to provide a more sanitary alternative to mobile hawker carts and contain many stalls that sell different varieties of affordable meals. Dedicated tables and chairs are usually provided for diners.

At multiple elevations, the vertical elements comprising the building’s exterior are pulled apart to allow glimpses into the green oases blooming from the base, core, and rooftop sky garden. The tower reinforces Singapore's reputation as a Garden City, housing over 80,000 plants, with a green plot ratio of more than 1:1.4 — translating to a total land-

If nobody wants to come out to the ballpark, there's nothing you can do to stop them. (Yogi Berra)

Singapore at night

scaped area of more than 90,000 square feet, equivalent to 140% of its site area.

On street level, CapitaSpring restores a portion of the historically significant Market Street to the public realm by pedestrianizing the stretch and creating an expanded landscaped area which creates new green breathing space in the high density CBD for the neighboring tenants and passersby.

Meandering garden paths create natural entryways into the City Room, a 59-foot-

high generous open space at the bottom of the tower that provides shelter from the tropical sunlight and showers and welcomes tenants into separate lobbies for the offices and residences, as well as shoppers and diners into the food center within the tower’s podium. The iconic Market Street Hawker Center is recreated on the building’s second and third floors with 56 stalls — solidifying the location as the beating heart of the city's culinary experience, and the role it plays in maintaining local culture and community.

The first eight floors of the tower are dedicated to the serviced residence including a wide range of facilities such as a swimming pool, jacuzzi, jogging track, gymnasium, social kitchen, residence house, and barbecue pits. The top 29 floors offer premium spaces with panoramic views of the Singapore River and Marina Bay.

The overall vertical softscape of the Green Oasis mimics the plant hierarchy of tropical rainforests; the hierarchical leaf growth of the plants is in direct proportional relationship to light availability within the vegetation layers. Shade-

If you want to lose weight quickly, you could always shave your legs.

tolerant plants with large leaves are found on the “rainforest floor,” requiring the least amount of direct light. Moving toward the canopy layer - the “roof” of the rainforest - the trees are defined by their smaller leaf structure.

CapitaSpring has been accorded Green Mark Platinum & Universal Design Gold PLUS certifications by the Building and Construction authority of Singapore. The building also has amenities in support of the sustainable transport vision in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, including

165 bicycle lots, fully equipped end-oftrip facilities and a 650-yard cycling path around the building's perimeter, which forms part of the central area cycling network connecting to Singapore’s larger cycling network.

“Our design seeks to continue Singapore’s pioneering vertical urbanism with the 280m (920 feet) tall diverse neighborhood of places to work, live and play inside as well as outside... At grade, the street is closed to form a new linear park and public plaza. A vertical park in the middle of the tower forms a spiraling promenade ascending among tropical tree trunks and canopies. On top, an urban forest feeds all the restaurants and cafes in the building and allows visitors to enjoy the lushness of the summit. CapitaSpring is like a vision of the future in which city and countryside, culture and nature can coexist, and urban landscapes can expand unrestricted into the vertical dimension.”

(Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG)

I like to spend every day as if it's my last. Staying in bed and calling for a nurse to bring me more pudding.

All images by Finnbar Fallon, courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group. n

I was sitting in traffic the other day.  Probably why I got run over.

THE

ZONG MASSACRE AND

GREGSON

V.

GILBERT

A HORRIBLE EVENT AND A LESSON IN INSURANCE

The Zong massacre was a mass killing of more than 130 enslaved African people by the crew of the British slaver ship Zong in November 1781. The William Gregson slave-trading syndicate, based in Liverpool, owned the ship as part of the Atlantic slave trade. As was common business practice, they had taken out insurance on the lives of the enslaved Africans as cargo. According to the crew, when the ship ran low on drinking water following navigational mistakes, the crew threw enslaved Africans overboard.

claim to their insurers for the loss of the enslaved Africans. When the insurers refused to pay, the resulting court cases (Gregson v Gilbert in 1783) held that in some circumstances, the murder of enslaved Africans was legal and that insurers could be required to pay for those who had died. The jury found for the slavers but at a subsequent appeal hearing the judges, led by Lord Chief Justice, the Earl of Mansfield, ruled against the slave-trading syndicate owners, due to new evidence that suggested the captain and crew were at fault.

Olaudah Equiano (1745 –1797), known for most of his life as Gustavus Vassa, was born in the village of Essaka in modern southern Nigeria. Enslaved as a child, he was shipped to the Caribbean and sold to a Royal Navy officer. He was sold twice more before purchasing his freedom in 1766. As a freed man in London, he was part of the abolitionist group the Sons of Africa, whose members were Africans living in Britain and he was a leader of the abolitionism movement in the 1780s. His 1789 autobiography, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, helped secure passage of the British Slave Trade Act 1807, which abolished the slave trade and sold so well that nine editions were published during his life.

anic route by which enslaved Africans were brought to the New World.

enslaved Africans on Zong was installed at Black River, Jamaica. n

After the slaver ship reached port at Black River, Jamaica, the Zong's owners made a

Following the first trial, Olaudah Equiano, a freedman, brought news of the massacre to the attention of the anti-slavery campaigner Granville Sharp, who worked unsuccessfully to have the ship's crew prosecuted for murder. Because of the legal dispute, reports of the massacre received increased publicity, stimulating the abolitionist movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Zong events were increasingly cited as a powerful symbol of the horrors of the Middle Passage, the transoce-

The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade was founded in 1787. The next year, Parliament passed the Slave Trade Act 1788, its first law regulating the slave trade, to limit the number of slaves per ship. Then, in 1791, Parliament prohibited insurance companies from reimbursing ship owners when enslaved Africans were murdered by being thrown overboard. The massacre has also inspired works of art and literature. It was remembered in London in 2007, among events to mark the bicentenary of the British Slave Trade Act 1807, which abolished British participation in the African slave trade (though stopped short of outlawing slavery). A monument to the murdered

Zong was originally named Zorg (meaning "Care" in Dutch) by its owners; it was a slave ship based in the Netherlands. When it sailed from Accra (Ghana) with 442 enslaved people on August 18th of 1781, it had taken on more than twice the number of people that it could safely transport. In the 1780s, Britishbuilt ships typically carried 1.75 slaves per ton of the ship's capacity. On the Zong, the ratio was 4.0 per ton. It was extremely unusual for a ship of Zong's relatively small size to carry so many.

é The Slave Ship (1840), J. M. W. Turner's representation of the mass killing of enslaved people, inspired by the Zong killings.

é William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield by John Singleton Copley, in his parliamentary robes as an earl.

é Granville Sharp.

– WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW, AND W(H)Y_OMING ?

Esther Hobart Morris was a key figure in women's suffrage and a pioneer for women's rights. She became the first woman to serve as a justice of the peace in the United States and made history in 1870 when she was appointed as a justice of the peace in South Pass City, Wyoming Territory.

WHO?

Wyoming has been home to several notable individuals throughout its history.

Richard "Dick" Cheney, born in Lincoln, Nebraska, spent a significant part of his life in Wyoming. He served as the 46th Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and also held various government positions, including Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush.

william Frederick "BUFFalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917) was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. While not originally from Wyoming, he established his famous traveling Wild West show in the town of Cody and played a significant role in popularizing the image of the American West.

Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States. She became the governor of Wyoming in 1925, succeeding her late husband, William B. Ross and played an important role in advancing women's rights and political representation.

Jackson Pollock, a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement of the 20th century, was born in Cody, Wyoming, in 1912. While he grew up in Arizona and California, Pollock's early years in Wyoming had a major impact on his later artistic development.

Elizabeth Lynne (Liz) Cheney was the U.S. representative for Wyoming's at-large congressional district from 2017 to 2023. She chaired the House Republican Conference, and supported the second impeachment of Donald Trump for his role in the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Cosmetic surgery used to be such a taboo subject. Now you can talk about Botox and nobody raises an eyebrow.

WHAT is the population of Wyoming and why is it so low?

In September 2021, the population of Wyoming was estimated to be around 576,851 people, the least of any state in the U.S. It is the 10th largest state in land area but its rugged terrain, including many mountain ranges naturally restricts population growth as does its harsh climate—long, cold winters and relatively short summers. The state’s economy relies heavily on industries such as mining, agriculture, and energy extraction, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas. These industries often require

specialized skills and may not attract a large labor force. Also, Wyoming is relatively isolated from major population centers. The state has few large cities, and its distance from urban areas in neighboring states can make it less appealing for individuals seeking proximity to urban amenities and services. [About 48 of the land in Wyoming is owned by the federal government. The state owns 6% and Indian Trusts Land consist of an additional 4%.]

WHEN

did the first settlers arrive in Wyoming and when did it become a state?

Before European-American settlement, Wyoming was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Arapaho, Crow, and Cheyenne. The first ‘settlers’ arrived in the early 1800s, primarily fur trappers and traders who ventured into the region in search of valuable pelts. Driven by companies like the Hudson's Bay Company and American Fur Company, the fur trade played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of Wyoming.

One notable expedition was led by John Colter, a member of the Lewis and

é John Colter

Clark Expedition. After the official expedition ended in 1806, Colter explored the region that is now Wyoming on his own. His reports of the area's natural wonders, including Yellowstone National Park, helped fuel interest in the region. The establishment of the Oregon Trail in the 1840s brought a significant influx of settlers and served as a major route for pioneers migrating westward to Oregon, California, and other western destinations.

Wyoming became the 44th state of the United States on July 10, 1890.

LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION, NATIONAL ARCHIVES.

JOHN COLTER, LEGENDS OF AMERICA

The borders of Wyoming were determined through a combination of historical, political, and geographical factors. The process involved negotiations, territorial disputes, and congressional actions. Here is a brief overview of how the borders of Wyoming were established:

1. The Oregon Treaty of 1846: The initial borders of Wyoming were influenced by the Oregon Treaty of 1846 between the United States and Great Britain. This

HOW

were the borders determined?

United States Congress created the Utah Territory, which encompassed a significant portion of what is now Wyoming. This territory extended from the 37th parallel (the present-day southern border of Wyoming) to the 42nd parallel (near present-day Cody).

treaty established the boundary between British North America (Canada) and the United States along the 49th parallel, extending from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. This demarcation served as the northern border of present-day Wyoming.

2. The Compromise of 1850: The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures that resolved various issues related to slavery and the western territories. As part of this compromise, the

WHERE

did the name come from?

Wyoming, got its name from the Wyoming Valley in northeastern Pennsylvania. The name "Wyoming" has its origins in the Native American languages of the region.

In the 18th century, European settlers began exploring and settling the northeastern parts of North America. The Wyoming Valley, situated in present-day Pennsylvania, was known for its picturesque landscapes, fertile lands, and abundance of wildlife. It attracted settlers from various European backgrounds, including English, Dutch, and Swedish.

The valley's name, "Wyoming," is derived from the Munsee Delaware language, which was spoken by the Native Amer-

ican Lenape people inhabiting the area. The exact meaning of the word is uncertain, but it is generally interpreted to mean "at the big river flat" or "large plains" in the Lenape language. The term referred to the vast meadows and open plains in the region.

As pioneers and settlers began to explore and move westward, some of them carried the name "Wyoming" with them. When the Wyoming Territory was established in 1868, it adopted the name in homage to the picturesque Wyoming Valley. The territory eventually became the state of Wyoming on July 10, 1890, making it the 44th state to join the Union. It's worth noting that Wyoming, the state, is geographically distant from the

3. The Wyoming Territory: In 1868, the Wyoming Territory was established, and its borders were officially defined. The territory included the lands that now make up the state of Wyoming, as well as parts of present-day Idaho and Montana. The territorial borders were determined by congressional action and political decisions.

4. Statehood and Final Borders: When Wyoming sought statehood in the late 1880s, its borders were further refined. Through the Enabling Act of 1889, the proposed boundaries for the state were established. These boundaries were based on the existing Wyoming Territory and minor adjustments were made to ensure the state's symmetry and to resolve any conflicting territorial claims.

I’ve met some pricks in my time but you’re the full cactus.

Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, the name was chosen due to the association with the beautiful landscapes and the spirit of the American West that the name evoked.

é Wyoming Valley Courthouse

Wyoming is known for its open spaces, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Some people are drawn to the state's rural character, slower pace of life, and a strong connection with nature. However, this lifestyle may not be attractive to everyone, leading to a smaller population.

Wyoming holds significance in several areas, contributing to its importance on various fronts. Here are a few reasons why Wyoming is considered important:

1. Energy Resources: Wyoming is known for its abundant energy resources. The state is a leading producer of coal, natural gas, and uranium. It also has significant wind energy potential. Wyoming's energy resources contribute to the nation's energy independence and play a crucial role in meeting domestic and regional energy demands.

2. National Parks and Natural Beauty: Wyoming is home to some of the United States' most iconic national parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. These parks attract millions of visitors each year, providing recreational opportunities and preserving unique ecosystems and natural wonders. The state's natural beauty and preserved landscapes contribute to tourism, outdoor recreation, and ecological conservation.

3. Biodiversity and Wildlife: Wyoming boasts diverse wildlife and serves as a critical habitat for several species. Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its iconic megafauna, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison. The state's wildlife populations, along with its vast open spaces and protected areas, contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts and ecological research.

4. Outdoor Recreation: Wyoming offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and more. Its expansive wilderness areas, mountains, rivers, and trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The state's empha-

sis on outdoor recreation supports its tourism industry and contributes to the physical and mental well-being of residents and visitors.

5. Historical and Cultural Significance: Wyoming played a significant role in the history of the American West. It was a crossroads for explorers, fur traders, and pioneers during westward expansion. The state's history includes important events such as the Oregon Trail, the establishment of the first national park (Yellowstone), and the women's suffrage movement. Wyoming's historical and cultural significance adds to its overall importance.

6. Agriculture and Ranching: Wyoming's agricultural sector, including ranching and livestock production, contributes to the state's economy and provides essential resources. Cattle and sheep ranching are prevalent, and Wyoming ranks among the top states for sheep production. The agricultural industry helps sustain rural communities and supports the nation's food supply.

Coming to 6Q in Our Next Issue — Rugby n

I'm terrified of elevators so I'm going to start taking steps to avoid them.

é Grand Teton Mountains

é Old Faithful in Yellowstone Park

EGAL VIEW

BY CHRISTIAN TORGRIMSON

HOW COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS CAN DEFLECT THE ONE-TWO PUNCH OF CONDEMNATION AND ZONING

when The governmenT condemns a commercial property for a public project, it can be a rude awakening for the property owner to realize the layers of damage they may suffer. Many owners are familiar with the basic concept that a state or local department of transportation, for example, must compensate them for taking their property. But many are surprised to learn that the condemnation is often the first of two punches.

The second punch can land unexpectedly, sometimes after owners have already settled with the government entity. It involves the additional burden of cost, risk, time, and the value of going through the zoning and permitting process to fix or “cure” the property after a taking, especially if a commercial business is operating on the property. It often involves losing grandfathered rights for certain improvements like business signage despite owners being forced through that process through no fault of their own.

Fortunately, property owners have the right to be compensated for this additional burden as part of the condemnation process. The key is knowing the second punch is coming and planning proactively for it.

BACKGROUND ON EMINENT DOMAIN AND CONDEMNATION

The one-two punch starts with eminent domain: the authority granted to the government through the Fifth Amendment to take private property and property rights for public use. Condemnation is the process by which

government entities exercise that authority.

Condemning authorities can include the federal government, state DOTs, counties, cities, and other local entities such as school boards. The power of eminent domain also may extend by legislation to quasi-governmental entities and even some private companies that build and operate necessary infrastructure that benefit the public. Depending on the jurisdiction, that may include utility companies, oil and gas companies, railroads, and regional or county industrial, economic, or redevelopment authorities.

The exercise of eminent domain is restricted to public use as stated in the Fifth Amendment. Jurisdictions vary as to how they define public use. For example, Florida does not allow eminent domain to be used to transfer property to private entities or people except when the use provides common carrier services or systems. On the other hand, Connecticut allows private actors, such as redevelopment authorities, to use eminent domain so long as the primary purpose is not to increase local tax revenue. Public use is further defined by state statutes or case law.

Condemning authorities have a constitutional duty to pay just and adequate compensation for not only the property and property rights taken, but also any

damages caused by the taking on any remainder property. Those damages can include the additional burden of zoning and permitting.

HOW CONDEMNATION CAN TURN INTO ZONING AND PERMITTING HEADACHES

There are two types of takings that can lead to zoning and permitting headaches. The first is a government entity taking the entire property, in which case any business has to relocate to keep operating at a new location. This will force the business to start from scratch with zoning and permitting, including potentially rezoning the new property after it is purchased. If zoning and permitting requirements have changed since the property owner last went through them, the new property likely will have to meet the existing requirements, regardless of the fact that the relocation is involuntary and caused by a taking. While it may be possible to get a variance or a break from the local jurisdiction in these cases, the taking itself does not automatically protect an owner from going through the normal zoning and permitting process.

The second way it can happen is through a partial taking of the property. Let's say a state department of transportation takes half of a commercial owner’s parking lot, including the spot where

its 20-foot single pole sign stands. To replace the sign, the property owner will need a permit from the local jurisdiction for the sign. It turns out, however, that the sign ordinance has changed in recent years. The owner has now lost grandfathered rights: the sign has to shrink to a more expensive, smaller brick and mortar monument sign. To add insult to injury, the setback also has changed from the prior 5-foot setback along the road frontage to a new, deeper 10-foot setback from the road, meaning both parking and the sign will be even farther back from the new road. If a variance is not possible, the loss of grandfathering is a damage in and of itself, adding to the cost in restoring the sign under the new requirements.

While the local jurisdiction might give property owners a break given the circumstances, it is not a guarantee due to the taking. In fact, property owners should never bank on that, especially if they conclude their negotiations with the condemning authority for just compensation before seeking input on permitting. If they are forced to meet the new requirements after a full or partial condemnation, the best property owners can do is confirm all of the zoning and permitting steps they will need to take and put that cost back on the condemning authority.

HOW STATE LAW CAN POTENTIALLY ADD TO THE BURDEN

Part of what can make navigating the one-two punch so challenging is the conflict between a state condemning

authority and a local jurisdiction on how to mitigate the impact of the government taking private property. Some jurisdictions require variances or contain limited exceptions to address that conflict. For example, Georgia enacted a law in 2020 (O.C.G.A. §32-3-32) that requires local jurisdictions to apply the “minimum degree of variance” to the mitigation plan as part of permitting. If the local jurisdiction refuses, it must compensate the owner for any resulting damages rather than the condemning authority.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO DEFLECT THE ONE-TWO PUNCH

The number one takeaway for commercial property owners is not waiting until they have settled with the condemning authority to figure out what permitting they will need to cure damage to their property. It is crucial to know what the options are and make an informed decision before resolving the condemnation proceedings.

In vetting what will be needed, it is helpful to have an attorney, land planner, or other professional who is familiar with the local zoning and permitting codes. That professional can help owners understand the process they will need to go through and the requirements they will need to comply with. Property owners may need a variance in some cases, which requires an administrative hearing that adds time and cost. But if the resulting damages without it are substantial enough, it may be worth it.

Experienced eminent domain attorneys can help property owners find the right professionals, navigate the process, and ensure the appropriate amount of damages are included as part of the compensation from the condemning authority.

CONCLUSION

Even that attempt to solve a problem for property owners comes with its own risks. In cases where the local jurisdiction does not give property owners a break, for example, do the owners now need to file a second, separate lawsuit against the local jurisdiction as a condemning authority? Or do they bring the local jurisdiction into the case with the original condemning authority, which would also add time and expense for the property owner? There has yet to be guidance from Georgia courts on those questions. In the meantime, it has increased the importance of negotiations between property owners, condemning authorities, and local jurisdictions to resolve this conflict.

It is imperative that property owners know their rights and options with full and partial takings, as well as how local zoning and permitting rules can limit those options. The reality is that condemnation and zoning can turn into a one-two punch that threatens the viability of a property or business. But with proactive planning, property owners can maximize compensation for that one-two punch, putting the business in a stronger position to emerge successfully on the other side of it. n

Christian Torgrimson is an Atlanta-based partner in the multi-state law firm of Parker Poe.

BY ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY

THE FUNNIES

The FirsT carToons were found on the walls of caves where prehistoric man drew simple figures whose actions told of the activities of the day. These primitive drawings led man to more complicated artwork. Time went on and much later, cartoons brought a message. Today, we enjoy American political cartoons which started with the work of Benjamin Franklin.

KID. The readers fell in love with the cute little kid who caught the reader's eye with his bright yellow shirt. Mr. Outcault created other loveable characters —Happy Hooligan, Little Nemo, and Buster Brown with his dog Tige.

school band director, so we knew exactly how Mr. Dinkle felt when he had to sell "Band Turkeys" at Thanksgiving to buy uniforms for the band. My husband was always selling "Band Candy." We knew the trials of fund raising!

friend, Daisy Mae, with Mammy and Pappy Yokum, were on Broadway. Mammy and Pappy were physically little people, and the two that played them in the Broadway show were in the company that traveled all over the country. They had parts in that show for years--an actor’s dream.

His famous drawing in 1754 of a snake chopped into thirteen pieces with a caption reading, JOIN OR DIE, brought the message to the colonists – STAY TOGETHER!

BECOME THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! The people heeded his plea. We won the Revolutionary War and became the nation we are today!

Later on, the Brown Shoe Company created Buster Brown shoes for children. I remember getting some Buster Brown shoes and as a bonus I was given a little toy dog, Tige. Outcault allowed his characters to talk by drawing ‘balloons’ over the characters with the words they were saying written inside the balloons. (Today we call them ‘speech bubbles.’

William Randolph Hearst, not to be outdone, had his cartoonist, Rudolf Dirks, create a strip--the Katzenjammer Kids, Hans and Fritz, for his San Francisco Examiner. This strip is over 100 years old and is still in print!

It tells the story of two little German kids who speak with a German accent! It was published through two World Wars we waged with Germany, and no one said a word about it. That's amazing.

é Richard Outcault (1863-1928)

Today, we not only have cartoons, but we also have what are called comic strips, or sometimes referred to as "the funny papers.” The first comic strips were in the German papers, but soon, they came to the US in 1895 by way of Richard Felton Outcault, cartoonist for Joseph Pulitzer and his New York World Outcault drew a series of cartoons telling a story about THE YELLOW

I still read the funny pages. Today, I am a fan of PICKLES, the story of an older couple with all their problems of aging. I get a laugh every morning. I loved FUNKY WINKERBEAN, but about two months ago, Funky's creator, Tom Banticek, just quit writing this strip. I read where he was 72 years old and tired. When the strip started, Funky was in high school. There was a character, Mr. Dinkle, the band director. My husband was a high

Chic Young created BLONDIE and Dagwood in 1930. In the early episodes, Blondie had another boyfriend when Dagwood Bumstead fell in love with her. To make certain they would not marry, Dagwood's parents sent him to Europe, but in 1933, Dagwood returned, and they married and later had children, the boy, Alexander, whom they called Baby Dumpling, and the girl, Cookie. The family is still going strong! Dagwood is still eating his monstrous sandwiches and we (the public) still refer to large sandwiches as Dagwood Sandwiches. Dagwood is always eating, but he doesn't gain a pound—he's skinny with a cow lick. Blondie is as darling as ever. She has gone into the catering business, so now she does have a career, something most women in 1933 did not have. Chic Young moved to California because BLONDIE became a movie! He died at 72 years, and now his son, Dean Young, is writing the strip.

LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE was a popular strip that also went to Broadway and Hollywood. Miss Hannigan, who was the keeper of the orphanage, was played by Carol Burnett. She was at her comic best in that role.

My daughter has a wrist telephone. When she answered a call one day, I thought of Dick Tracy and his two-way wrist radio. Creator Chester Gould was ahead of his time. Tracy was taking calls in 1933!

The characters in the funny paper never aged--except for one strip: GASOLINE ALLEY. Uncle Walt grew older and the kid, Skeezix, grew up and went to fight in WWII. Our language grew with the strips. When a short person and tall person walked together, we said, "Here come Mutt and Jeff!" The strips influenced our diets. I've already mentioned the Dagwood Sandwich. Don't forget Popeye's spinach! Times have changed but one strip has not changed whatsoever--BARNEY GOOGLE. There was a song that came out of this strip, BARNEY GOOGLE WITH THE GOO-GOO-GOOGLE-DEE EYES! That song is not sung in today's world. But Barney lives on.

Yes, I believe the funny papers are a great part of our lives. n

Rose-Mary Rumbley has written three books about her native city – Dallas. She has also written “WHAT! NO CHILI!” and a book about the 300th anniversary of the invention of the piano. She has appeared on the stage at the Dallas Summer Musicals and at Casa Mañana and was head of the drama department at Dallas Baptist University for 12 years. Today she is on the speaking circuit and teaches drama classes at Providence Christian School. Her loving views of Texas history appear in every issue of rosetalksdallas@aol.com

Al Capp created a strip which became very, very popular, LI'L ABNER. In fact, Abner and his girl-

prices Up 6.2% since last year, WalletHub conducted a study on 2023’s Best & Worst Places to Rent in America, They compared more than 180 U.S. cities based on 21 key indicators of rental attractiveness and quality of life with a data set ranging from historical rental-price changes to the cost of living to job availability. Here are the best and the worst. You can see the whole study <HERE>

THE FACTOR THE SPRING BAMBOO

china resoUrces Tower (colloquially known as the Spring Bamboo) is a (1,288 ft) supertall skyscraper in Shenzhen, China. It was completed in 2018, is the 3rdt tallest building in the city of over 17.5 million (making it the third largest city in China, after Shanghai and Beijing). It is owned by China Resources (a state-owned conglomerate founded 85 years ago that owns a variety of businesses in Hong Kong and Mainland China), which has its headquarters there. (According to Fortune Magazine, China Resources was ranked 70th on the 2022 Fortune Global 500 list.)

At the foot of the building is a shopping mall (named "Shenzhen Bay MixC"),

TRENDI G

BEST CITIES FOR RENTERS

1. Overland Park, KS

2. Scottsdale, AZ

3. Bismarck, ND

4. Sioux Falls, SD

5. Chandler, AZ

6. Fargo, ND

7. Plano, TX

8. Lincoln, NE

9. Irvine, CA

10. Nashua, NH

together with basement carparks. Subways connects the shopping mall with Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre and the city’s major subway lines.

Shenzhen (11 miles from Hong Kong) has been a Sister City of Houston, TX since 1986 and Reno, NV since 2008. n

[formerly THE RES URCE PAGE ]

WORST CITIES FOR RENTERS

173. Hialeah, FL

174. Shreveport, LA

175. Huntington, WV

176. New Orleans, LA

177. Chattanooga, TN

178. Akron, OH

179. Jackson, MS

180. Memphis, TN

181. Cleveland, OH

182. Detroit, MI

DIVERSI NS – CAESAR’S BERRY

A farmer who lived in ancient Rome was working in the fields one day when he came across a giant strawberry, about one foot wide and 18 inches high. He thought this would be a novelty that many would want to see, so he took it home, washed it off, and set up a display in a case. He advertised the giant strawberry far and wide, and people came from all over to see his exhibit. He charged admission and made a pile of money.

Unfortunately, however, he failed to report his earnings to the tax authorities, and, as a result, two uniformed policemen came to his farm to confiscate the exhibit. When they arrived at his door, the farmer said, "I suppose you have come to admire my exhibit?"

"No," said one officer indignantly. "We've come to seize your berry, not to praise it."

VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

CHARLIE FONG CC BY-SA 4.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

é The Shenzhen Skyline

“I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones.” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC

PLACES

The naTional regisTer oF Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Register is administered by the National Park Service and is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources.

The National Park Service is a department within the Department of the Interior. It reviews nominations that Americans believe are worthy of preservation submitted by states, tribes, and other federal agencies and list eligible properties in the National Register, and, through the National Register Bulletin series and other publications, if offers guidance on evaluating, documenting, and listing different types of historic places.

Since its inception in 1966, more than 95,000 properties have been listed in the National Register. Together (as of 2020) these records hold information on more than 1.5 million individual resources–buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects–and therefore provide

a link to the country's heritage at the national, state, and local levels. Almost every county in the United States has at least one place listed in the National Register.

The Historic Preservation Act also created corresponding State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO). Initially, the National Register consisted of the National Historic Landmarks designated before the Register's creation, as well as any other historic sites in the National Park system. Approval of the act, which was amended in 1980 and 1992, represented the first time the United States had a broad-based historic preservation policy.

Clearly there are far-too-many properties for us to list here, but in each issue, we will bring you pictures of several interesting properties from the Register with links to learn more about them.

é Old Slater Mill, a historic district in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was the first property listed in the National Register, on November 13, 1966.

é Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts is an example of a natural site listed on the NRHP.

é Elfreth's Alley is a residential alley located in Old City Historic District in Philadelphia. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country, dating back to the early 1700s.

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, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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Listed properties are generally in one of five broad categories, although there are special considerations for other types of properties. The five general categories for National Register properties are: building, structure, site, district and object.

Buildings, as defined by the National Register, are distinguished in the traditional sense. Examples include a house, barn, hotel, church, or similar construction. They are created primarily to shelter human activity. The term building, as in outbuilding, can be used to refer to historically and functionally related units, such as a courthouse and a jail or a barn and a house. Structures differ from buildings in that they are functional constructions meant to be used for purposes other than sheltering human activity. Examples include an aircraft, a grain elevator, a gazebo and a bridge. Objects are usually artistic in nature, or small in scale compared to structures and buildings. Although objects may be movable, they are generally associated with a specific setting or environment. Examples of objects include monuments, sculptures, and fountains. Sites are the locations of significant events, which can be prehistoric or historic in nature and represent activities or buildings (standing, ruined, or vanished). When sites are listed, it is the locations themselves that are of historical interest. They possess cultural or archaeological value regardless of the value of any structures that currently exist at the locations. Examples of types of sites include shipwrecks, battlefields, campsites, natural features and rock shelters. Historic districts possess a concentration, association, or continuity of the other four types of properties. Objects, structures, buildings, and sites in a historic district are united historically or aesthetically, either by choice or by the nature of their development.

Over the course of the next several issues, we will bring you a scattering of some of the most interesting of the Register’s listings. If you can’t wait, go <HERE> n

é East Battery & Atlantic Street in Charleston, South Carolina — home to the first historic district protected by local legislation in the United States.

ç The American Legation, Tangier in Tangier, Morocco is the only site on the NRHP in a foreign nation.

é Pikes Peak seen from the Garden of the Gods.

é The Robert C. Weaver Federal Building in Washington, D.C. is an example of a modern building listed on the NRHP.

é Detail of the Washington Monument near the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

é The demolition of the Jobbers Canyon Historic District in Downtown Omaha marked the largest National Register historic district lost to date.

é The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois is one of 44 U.S. state capitols listed on the NRHP.

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MISS ELAINE E. YUSS

“I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” – Lily Tomlin

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” – A.A. Milne

“The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.” – Maureen Dowd

“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.”

– Mark Twain

“I find television very educational. Every time someone turns it on, I go in the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx

“Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent.” – Langston Coleman

“My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.” – Dave Barry

“Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget tossing in the lifeboats.” – Voltaire

“IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, YOU MIGHT WIND UP SOMEPLACE ELSE.” – YOGI BERRA

“Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.” – Kyle Chandler

“The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.” – Joe Girard

yoU know iT’s a bad day when you jump out of bed and miss the floor! That’s an image that doesn’t come easily. Sometimes people say things that make you smile, or make you think, or maybe both. Sometimes they’re funny enough, or wise enough to make you remember them and use them as if they were your own. Here’s a small collection of some very funny (or wise) quotes— with full accreditation. ��

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

“Life is like a sewer – what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.” – Tom Lehrer

“THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENIUS AND STUPIDITY IS; GENIUS HAS ITS LIMITS.” – ALBERT EINSTEIN

“When I hear somebody sigh, Life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?'”

– Sydney Harris

“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

– Robert Frost

“Age is of no importance unless you’re a cheese.” – Billie Burke

“Money won’t buy happiness, but it will pay the salaries of a large research staff to study the problem.”– Bill Vaughan

“Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.” – Mae West

“I didn’t fail the test. I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.”

– Benjamin Franklin

“I think you can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow.” – Janis Joplin

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing; that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

“FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE PEEING ON YOURSELF: EVERYONE CAN SEE IT, BUT ONLY YOU GET THE WARM FEELING THAT IT BRINGS.” – ROBERT BLOCH

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito.” – Betty Reese

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

– Truman Capote

“Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.” – Isaac Asimov

“If you’re going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.” – Marie Osmond

“I HAVE A SIMPLE PHILOSOPHY: FILL WHAT IS EMPTY. EMPTY WHAT IS FULL. SCRATCH WHERE IT ITCHES.” – ALICE ROOSEVELT LONGWORTH

“Even a stopped clock is right twice every day. After some years, it can boast of a long series of successes.”

– Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.”

– Sam Levenson

“Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.”

– Franklin P. Jones

“YOU CAN LIVE TO BE A HUNDRED IF YOU GIVE UP ALL THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO LIVE TO BE A HUNDRED.” – WOODY ALLEN

“Age is a very high price to pay for maturity.” – Tom Stoppard

“Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.” – Andy Rooney

“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.”

– Charles Schulz

“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”—Rita

Rudner

“Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path. Then by all means follow that path.”

—Ellen DeGeneres

“I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.”—Michael Scott, The Office

“You know you’ve reached middle age when you’re cautioned to slow down by your doctor, instead of by the police.”

—Joan Rivers

“Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with a seat missing, but it hurts.”

—Lt. Frank Drebin

“I used to sell furniture for a living. The trouble was, it was my own.”

—Les Dawson

“I WANT MY CHILDREN TO HAVE ALL THE THINGS I COULDN’T AFFORD. THEN I WANT TO MOVE IN WITH THEM.”

—PHYLLIS DILLER

“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.” – Mitch Hedberg

“You must pay for your sins. If you have already paid, please ignore this notice.” — Sam Levenson

“IT’S OKAY TO LOOK AT THE PAST AND THE FUTURE. JUST DON’T STARE.”

— LISA LIEBERMAN-WANG

“Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”

– Mark Twain

“Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever you were gonna do anyway.”

– Robert Downey Jr.

“Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” – Terry Pratchett

“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”

– George Carlin

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.” – Reba McEntire

“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.”

– Frank Zappa

“Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.”

– Dale Carnegie

“Life doesn’t imitate art, it imitates bad television.” – Woody Allen

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

– Abraham Lincoln

“LIGHT TRAVELS FASTER THAN SOUND. THIS IS WHY SOME PEOPLE APPEAR BRIGHT UNTIL YOU HEAR THEM SPEAK.”– ALAN DUNDES

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.”

– Andy Rooney

“The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.”

– Bill Watterson

“MONEY WON’T BUY HAPPINESS, BUT IT WILL PAY THE SALARIES OF A LARGE RESEARCH STAFF TO STUDY THE PROBLEM.”– BILL VAUGHAN

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

“They say marriages are made in Heaven. But so is thunder and lightning.”– Clint Eastwood

“By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.”

– Charles Wadsworth

“Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else’s can shorten it.”– Cullen Hightower

“I was born to make mistakes, not to fake perfection.” – Drake

“Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”

– Elbert Hubbard

“If you live to be one hundred, you’ve got it made. Very few people die past that age.”– George Burns

“I WAS THINKING ABOUT HOW PEOPLE SEEM TO READ THE BIBLE A WHOLE LOT MORE AS THEY GET OLDER; THEN IT DAWNED ON ME – THEY’RE CRAMMING FOR THEIR FINAL EXAM.”

– GEORGE CARLIN

After Alan proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side and said, “Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did. They were huge on her, and she said that she couldn't wear them because they were too large. I said to her, ‘Of course they're too big for you. I wear the pants in this family, and I always will.’ Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem.”

Alan took his dad's advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and

gave them to Alan. “Try these on,” she said. Alan went along with it and tried them on, but they were far too small.

“What's the point of this? I can't get into your panties,” said Alan.

“Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don't change your attitude, you never will!!”

ANSWERS FROM THE JULY/AUGUST CONTEST: IT TAKES BALLS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR CONTEST WINNERS!

Ashleigh Montague of Pittsburgh, PA, Victor Romero of Phoenix, AZ, Jeanette Diaz of Houston, TX, David Tannenbaum of Edison, NJ, Joan Burg of Colorado Springs, CO, and Marcus Mitchell of Minneapolis, MN.

Each will receive a copy of Vertical Lines from the pages of . (See Page 3 for how to get your own copy.)

Our cover and Artchitecture pages will be graced by the creations of Kinga Britschgi, an award winning Hungarian digital artist and illustrator who has lived with her American husband and son in the Boise, Idaho since August 1995.

We will bring you pictures of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Belgium, and continue our series about the National Register of Historic Places. And Contributing Editor Roxana Tofan takes over our new – 6Q – Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How - all about Rugby. In Herstory, Contributing Editor Rose-Mary Rumbley writes the story of Joe Justin and his boots, and we will have two more hilarious pages of quotations assembled by Miss Elaine E. Yuss.

In Whatever Happened To...? Contributing Editor T.J. Edwards looks at John and Lorena Bobbitt (need we say more? 30 years after...

DIVERSI

As I get older and remember all the people I’ve lost along the way, I think to myself maybe a career as a tour guide wasn’t the right one for me.

C NTEST: YOU CAN’T FORGET THE LYRICS!

By some standards, the 1960s was the best decade for music. By other standards, it was the 1970s or 1980s. It really doesn’t matter. Great music is forever—and here’s the proof! We’ll start with the sixties—it’s only fair, they came first. One list below contains lyrics from

a popular song from that decade. Whether you’re 75 or 25, we think you’ll find it easy to match those lyrics to the song title and artist in the second column. That proves they were great (and lasting) songs. (Of course, that’s if you can do it.)

1 There’re more than seven wonders in the world. I just met number eight.

2 I ain’t gonna eat out my heart any more.

3 God speed your love to me.

4 These boots are made for walkin’…

5 Today Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge.

6 Good times never seemed so good.

7 You’re just too good to be true.

8 I bet you’re wondering how I knew…

9 A time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to reap. A time to kill, a time to heal.

10 And now the end is near, and so I face the final curtain.

11 All we need is music, sweet music. There'll be music everywhere.

12 I don’t live you, but I love you. Seems that I’m always...thinking of you.

13 How does it feel? To be without a home. Like a complete unknown.

14 But if you try sometime, you'll find … you get what you need.

15 Ground Control to Major Tom. Take your protein pills and put your helmet on.

16 Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to talk with you again.

17 What you want, baby, I got it. What you need, do you know I got it?

18 I read the news today, oh boy. About a lucky man who made the grade.

19 There's something happening here, but what it is ain't exactly clear

20 Sittin' in the morning sun. I'll be sittin' when the evening comes.

21 Girl, you really got me goin’. You got me so I don't know what I'm doin’.

22 Think it over… After I've been good to you. Think it over… After I've been sweet to you.

23 I've gaot sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside I've got the month of May.

24 You know that it would be untrue. You know that I would be a liar

25 There is a house in New Orleans, they call the Rising Sun.

26 I went down, down, down, and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns…

27 Different strokes for different folks. And so on and so on and scooby-dooby-dooby.

28 Oh, yeah, I tell you something…I think you'll understand.

29 All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey. I've been for a walk, on a winter's day.

30 They say we're young, and we don't know. We won't find out until we grow.

Scan or copy this page and send your entry to editor@thenetworkmagazine.online or fax it to 817.924.7116 on or before September 30th for a chance to win a valuable prize.

Y The Animals – House of the Rising Sun–1964

H Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through The Grapevine’–1967

D Nancy Sinatra – These Boots Are Made For Walkin’–1966

V The Supremes – Stop! In The Name of Love–1965

I The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn!–1965

W The Temptations – My Girl–1964

A Jimmy Clanton – Venus in Blue Jeans–1962

J Frank Sinatra – My Way–1969

DD Sonny and Cher – I Got You Babe–1965

K Martha and the Vandellas – Dancing in the Street–1964

L Smokey Robinson & The Miracles – You Really Got A Hold on Me–1962

M Bob Dylan – Like a Rolling Stone–1965

B Young Rascals – I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Hear Any More–1966

N The Rolling Stones – You Can't Always Get What You Want–1965

F Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline–1969

P Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence–1964

G Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You–1967

Q Aretha Franklin – Respect–1967

CC The Mamas & the Papas – California Dreamin’–1965

AA Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People–1968

R The Beatles – A Day in the Life–1967

Z Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire–1963

E Bobbie Gentry – Ode to Billie Joe–1967

S Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth

C The Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody–1965

T Otis Redding – Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay–1964

O David Bowie – Space Oddity–1969

U The Kinks – You Really Got Me

X The Doors – Light My Fire–1967

BB The Beatles – I Want to Hold Your Hand–1963

...BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT'S WHAT YOU KNOW

We Speak Real Estate

The Arsenal Companies are a diversified consulting, educational and publishing group, dedicated to service in the real estate industry. With national reach, regional strength and local sensibilities, we serve and service large and small companies as well as governmental entities in acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, licensing, contracting, procurement, insurance certificate tracking, educational program development, mediation services and collections.

Our Contracts and Procurement Services Division provides solutions and services that help real estate owners and companies effectively manage their contractual needs and commitments. We provide industry knowledge and we practice deal facilitation rather than obstruction. Whether you are a property, facility or asset manager, your functions are integrally related to real estate contracts. Quality management is all about contracts.

Procurement

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Leasing

Acquisitions, dispositions, renewals, surrenders, amendments, abstracting, administration, interpretation – our professionals are experienced in residential, commercial, industrial, professional and retail leasing issues of all kinds.

Don’t assume that problems won’t occur. Plan what you can do to avoid them. A small reduction in costs can be the equivalent of a substantial increase in value. We suggest ‘refinements’ to improve language and reduce direct and indirect costs. Our attorneys have successfully resolved leasing issues for both small and Fortune 100 corporations – effectuating $millions in savings.

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Are the contracts for services and supplies which your organization uses prepared for your organization – or are they the vendor’s or contractor’s agreement forms? Wouldn’t you be better off if those agreements and purchase orders were revisited from your perspective? Isn’t it time you fortified your real estate related contracts?

Contract Negotiation and Drafting Services

Do you have contract issues that call out for review, interpretation and the advice of a specialist? Do you have a service contract which is about to expire and will need to be renewed or replaced? Do you have oversight of a real estate or facilities function which has been given savings targets? Have you considered ‘outsourcing’ this part of your real estate function but fear a loss of control?

We analyze the details of your proposed service contracts before they begin - while you still have leverage. Or, we can review your existing service contracts, help reveal cost efficiencies and/ or savings opportunities. We look for pragmatic solutions that are sensitive to your business interests, anticipating issues that may arise, and we assist in minimizing those risks that cannot be avoided.

Leases are highly specialized documents. A few words can make a world of difference. Anyone with experience.