July-August 2023

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF SWITZERLAND FACTOIDS

AMERICA’S FAVORITE RCHITECTURE

PROFILE – THE SIBBETT GROUP

REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE ARTCH TECTURE TR E DAT

THE BEST STATES IN WHICH TO RETIRE ON THE [STEVEN] WRIGHT TRACK

THE GROWTH IN HOUSE PRICES BY COUNTRY

THE SELECTION OF THE VICE PRESIDENT CITIES WITH THE MOST SKYSCRAPERS

COPENHILL — A POWER PLANT AS THE CENTER OF SOCIAL LIFE

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

WHERE DOES ‘OK’ COME FROM ROGER THAT!

DRUGS VS. MEDICINE KITTY-CORNER OR CATTY-CORNER WHY AND WHEN DID PEKING CHANGE ITS NAME TO BEIJING ME, MYSELF, OR I INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

15 FACTOIDS AT ONE FELL SWOOP

17

TR E DAT

NETBALL IS A BALL SPORT (EXCLUSIVELY FOR FEMALE COMPETITORS) PLAYED ON A RECTANGULAR COURT BY TWO TEAMS OF SEVEN PLAYERS—AND MORE INTERESTING FACTS.

34

EDWARD SNOWDEN CONTRIBUTING EDITOR T.J. EDWARDS UPDATES A STORY WHICH WAS VERY MUCH IN THE NEWS 10 YEARS AGO.

46

IMPORTANT VOICES — INSURANCE AS A CRITICAL ENABLER FOR INVESTING IN UKRAINE ROMINA BANDURA AND JANINA STAGUHN OF THE CENTER FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (CSIS) IN WASHINGTON, D.C. PROVIDE AN APOLITICAL ANALYSIS.

49 WRIGHT ON TRACK — FUNNY ONE-LINERS FROM STEVEN WRIGHT

57 THE PAGE

THE 12TH AMENDMENT – WHEN DID THE VICE PRESIDENCY STOP GOING TO THE SECOND PLACE WINNER?

56 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY GIVES HER UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BOOKS— INCLUDING THE FIRST BOOK EVER WRITTEN.

37 DIVERSI NS

HE SAID, SHE SAID PERCENTAGES

61 DIVERSI NS

62 DIVERSI NS

AGE ISN’T AN ISSUE

AN ALTAR BOY GOES TO CONFESSION FOR THE BIRDS NOW YOU SEE IT BA DUM BUMP 20 DIVERSI NS THE FOO BIRD

63 C NTEST — IT TAKES BALLS!

MASTHEAD | OUR AFFILIATES

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 09 INB X | ON THE COVER 18 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES PART 9 OF OUR PICTORIAL SERIES – THE DESIGNATED SITES OF SWITZERLAND.

20 THE BEST U.S. STATES FOR RETIREMENT THE BEST AND THE WORST ACTUALLY BORDER EACH OTHER. A VISUAL CAPITALIST GRAPHIC DEPICTION.

22 COPENHILL TURNING A POWER PLANT INTO THE BEDROCK FOR SOCIAL LIFE (INCLUDING A SKI SLOPE!).

25 IN THE N WS NEW YORK CITY IS SINKING!

26 THE SIBBITT GROUP A PICTORIAL PROFILE OF THESE DESIGNERS OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS.

25 THE FACTOR KRZYWY DOMEK

30 AMERICA’S FAVORITE RCHITECTURE PART 9 OF A SERIES — A PICTORIAL OF #S 121-135 IN AN AIA SURVEY.

36 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR A REAL ESTATE BROKER FINANCIAL WRITER FREIDA DAVIS OFFERS SOME SAGE ADVICE.

38 THE TOP 20 CITIES FOR RE DEVELOPMENT STORAGE CAFÉ EXAMINES THE LAST TEN YEARS BY THE NUMBERS.

44 REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE QONDESA - MAD ARCHITECTS UNVEILS ITS FIRST PROJECT IN SOUTH AMERICA.

39 2023’S MOST AFFORDABLE CITIES IN THE U.S. FOR HOME BUYERS WALLETHUB’ S COMPARISON OF 300 CITIES ACROSS TEN METRICS.

40 CAPITALIZING ON THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE DUTCH MENDENHALL, THE FOUNDER OF RAD DIVERSIFIED REIT, OFFERS STRATEGIES FOR SAVVY INVESTORS.

40 PROFILES IN REAL ESTATE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ROXANA TOFAN INTERVIEWS REGGIE JOHNSON OF REMA GLOBAL.

50 THE CITIES WITH THE MOST SKYSCRAPERS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM THE COUNCIL ON TALL BUILDINGS AND URBAN HABITAT (CTBUH), VISUAL CAPITALIST REVEALS THE 25 CITIES WITH THE MOST SKYSCRAPERS AND SUPERTALL BUILDINGS GLOBALLY.

52 EGAL VIEW

JONATHAN VOOS EXPLAINS HOW THE CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT WILL AFFECT BUSINESS IN AMERICA.

54 THE GROWTH IN HOUSE PRICES BY COUNTRY A VISUAL CAPITALIST GRAPHIC.

JULY/AUGUST 2023 / VOL 31 / ISSUE 4

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.

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

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

Dear Tech Support –

Last year I upgraded from BOYFRIEND 5.0 to HUSBAND 1.0 and I noticed that the new program began making unexpected changes to the accounting modules and limiting access to flower and jewelry applications that had operated flawlessly under BOYFRIEND 5.0. In addition, HUSBAND 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as HOTSEX 1.0 and ROMANCE 9.9 but installed undesirable programs such as NFL 5.0 and NBA 3.0.

CONVERSATION 8.0 no longer runs and HOUSECLEANING 2.6 simply crashes the system. I've tried running NAGGING 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail. Please help.

Desperate Wife

Dear Desperate Wife,

Keep in mind: BOYFRIEND 5.0 is an entertainment package, while HUSBAND 1.0 is an operating system. Try to enter the command CTL THOUGHTYOULOVEDME and install TEARS 6.2. HUSBAND 1.0 should then automatically run the applications: GUILTY 3.0 and FLOWERS 7.0. But remember, overuse can cause HUSBAND 1.0 to default to GRUMPYSILENCE 2.5, HAPPYHOUR 7.0 or BEER 6.1.

BEER 6.1 is a very bad program that will create ‘Snoring Loudly’ wav files. DO NOT install MOTHER-IN-LAW 1.0 or reinstall another BOYFRIEND program. These are not supported applications and will crash HUSBAND 1.0. In summary, HUSBAND 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. Consider buying additional software to improve performance. I personally recommend HOTFOOD 3.0, LINGERIE 5.3 and KEEP-A-NICE-BODY 10.1. Tech Support.

LIFE IS EASY FOR MEN...

Your ass is never a factor in an interview. Your orgasms are real. Always. Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Nobody secretly wonders if you swallow. Wedding plans take care of themselves. You don't have to curl up next to a hairy ass every night.

Chocolate is just another snack. You can be president.

You can wear a white shirt to a water park. Foreplay is optional.

You never feel compelled to stop a friend from getting laid.

Car mechanics tell you the truth. You don't give a rat's ass if someone notices your new haircut.

The world is your urinal.

Hot wax never comes near your pubic area. You never have to drive to another gas station because this one's just too icky.

You don't have to schedule sex, vacations, wearing that new outfit, etc. around your reproductive system.

Same work... more pay.

Wrinkles add character.

You don't have to leave the room to make emergency crotch adjustments. Wedding Dress $2000; Tux rental $100. If you retain water, it's in a canteen. People never glance at your chest when you're talking to them.

The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.

New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.

Porn movies are designed with you in mind. Not liking a person does not preclude having great sex with them.

Your pals can be trusted never to trap you with: "So, notice anything different?"

Going shirtless in public is perfectly acceptable.

No pantyhose.

One mood, all the time.

YOU STARTED IT

A young man with his ripped pants hanging half off his butt, a scruffy beard, and clothes that looked unclean walked into the local welfare office to pick up his check. He marched up to the counter and said, "Hi! You know, I just hate drawing welfare. I'd really rather have a job. I don't like taking advantage of the system, getting something for nothing."

The social worker behind the counter looked up and said, "Your timing is excellent! We just got a job opening from a very wealthy old man who wants a chauffeur and bodyguard for his beautiful daughter. You’ll have to drive her around in his new Mercedes-Benz, and he will supply your clothes. Because of the long hours, meals will be provided. You'll also be expected to escort the daughter on her overseas travels, and —this is rather awkward to say, but—as part of your job, you’ll also have the assignment to satisfy her sexual urges. Apparently, the daughter is in her mid-20s and has a rather strong sex drive."

The guy, just plain wide-eyed, said, "You're bull-shittin' me!"

The social worker said, "Yeah, well . . . you started it! n

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

FREIDA DAVIS (P. 36) has been working as a freelance content writer for more than 10 years. Through her experience working with different organizations, she has been able to write various articles about finance, lifestyle, health, tech, and business.

BRIGADIER GENERAL

ROMINA BANDURA (P. 46)

JANINA STAGUHN (P. 46) is an associate fellow for the Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) and Project on U.S. Leadership in Development (USLD) at the Center for Strategic and InternationalStudies(CSIS).Shehasan M.A. in global policy studies from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin and ta B.A. in international studies and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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.

is a senior fellow with the Project on Prosperity and Development and the Project on U.S. Leadership in Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Her current research focuses on the future of work in developing countries and the United States’ economic engagement in the developing world. She is an economist with more than 20 years of experience in international development research, policy analysis, and project management.

JONATHAN VOOS (P. 52) is a rising second-year law student at the Texas A&M University School of Law and a Summer Associate at Kessler Collins, P.C., a law firm in Dallas. His primary areas of interest are antitrust, appellate, securities, and commercial litigation. He has several publication credits to his name, writing on a diverse range of subjects including affordable housing, federalism, and the Supreme Court. Prior to law school, Jonathan attended Austin College, where he played baseball and earned degrees in political science and economics.

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

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.

DUTCH MENDENHALL

(P.40) is a highly sought-after thought leader in the real estate industry, developing education and training programs that have helped thousands of investors earn millions of dollars in revenue. In 2015, Dutch had a transformative vision that led to the creation of RAD Diversified—an exclusive opportunity for his students to partner with him on real estate investments. The RAD Diversified team comprises over 150 individuals, managing a portfolio of diversified real estate assets valued at over $100 million.

ON THE COVER

"The sea has always been present in my life. When I saw the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, I was overwhelmed by their grandeur and timeless beauty. The sea represents constant change and the origin of life. In this work I express that great spectacle of life in all its splendor, always different, always immutable—an example of the divinity of nature."

I found Cam Dowski’s article (Emerging Trends and Innovations in Real Estate) to be extremely informative. I knew about most of these things (though I admit, not all), but I have not seen them grouped together in such a concise way.

ANDREW SNYDER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Always Entertaining ��❗❗

BILL CONLEY, BONDURANT, WY

I absolutely loved the cover (and the Artchitecture pages)! I recognized Venice instantly.

BAILEY MORROW, GREAT NECK, NY

The Dan Quayle quotes were hilarious—scary (that he was the vice president), but hilarious!

ANN-MARIE ODLAND, EAU CLAIRE, WI

The graphics in are always great, but your designer really outdoes herself issue after issue on TrueDat. Interesting facts.

BEAUTIFUL presentation!

AMANDA BELSON, HOUSTON, TX

Part 3 of Sylvia Cohn’s series (Housing Those With Special Needs) was supposed to appear in this issue. Instead it will appear in our September-October issue.

‘MOHER CLIFFS’ by Antonio Mora

To learn more, contact: info@recycleacrossamerica.org or visit:

Dear Humans,™

We need your help. Seriously. Did you know that more than 68 million pounds of waste is dumped

into our oceans everyday? And around 60% of that waste could

have been recycled and manufactured into something new. Unfortunately, recycling is not doing as well as it should be in the U.S.

or worldwide due to public confusion about recycling, which results

in tons of trash being mistakingly thrown into recycling bins each

day, often making the recyclables useless. One of the best ways to prevent waste from going into oceans and

ensure the recyclables can be used again. That is why displaying the nonprofit society-wide standardized labels on recycling bins

have been proven to be the #1 solution to solve the U.S. and global

waterways is to make it easy for people to recycle ‘properly’ to help

recycling crisis, in turn helping to prevent these materials from being

Yours Truly, Sonja

disposed of in oceans around the world or littered. Here’s how you can help. Reach out to your employer, recycling service provider, and elected officials, urging them to display the standardized labels on recycling bins within your community. When everyone recycles more and recycles right, it will help keep the

oceans healthier for sea life ... and humans.

Recycle Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expediting environmental progress by introducing society-wide standardized labels on recycling bins, to make it easy and possible for the public to begin to recycle properly, wherever they might be.

‘Sonja’ the Sea Lion Volunteer Spokes-Sea Lion for Recycle Across America®

Displaying the society-wide standardized labels on recycling bins are the #1 solution to x the recycling crisis today. There is a standardized label created for every type of recycling sorting system and every kind of bin.

Stay on top of industry trends and best practices with hundreds of articles, reports, case studies and research in IFMA’s Knowledge Library.

Easy access to the industry’s most valuable resources.

Join

Knowledgelibrary.org

Ability to read, listen or watch from any device, any time.

Toolkit with templates and downloadable information.

The new and improved library is now 100% free for full IFMA members.

ifma.org

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

FACTOIDS

WHERE DOES ‘OK’ COME FROM?

Etymologist AllEn WAlkEr rEAd uncovered the first use of the word, and it turns out that "OK" was a joke that endured. "OK" emerged during a craze for intended comic misspellings of abbreviations in Boston in the late 1830s.

"OK" was a playful shorthand for "oll korrect"(which itself was a play on "all correct”). Obviously, the ‘joke’ was that neither word was correct. (Other abbreviations that were popular at the time included – "KG" for "know go" ["no go"] and "KY" for "know yuse" ["no use"]. "OK" was used among the upper middle class, where knowledge of it implied in-group status. Its first use in print was in the Boston Morning Post in 1839.

"OK" probably would have faded away (like "KY" and "KG") except for the presidential election campaign of 1840. Democratic candidate, Martin van Buren was known by his nickname, "Old Kinderhook" – or OK (which referred to his hometown of Kinderhook, N.Y.) and provided the already familiar expression with staying power.

Over the years "OK" has spread around the world. It is a wondrously versatile word that can be an adjective, adverb, noun and verb, signifying acceptance, satisfaction, mediocrity, safety, consent, and something that works adequately.

ROGER THAT!

Roger that is a phrase used to affirm or acknowledge a statement or question. It dates back to US radio communications as early as 1941, based on then-use of the given name Roger in the US military phonetic alphabet for the word for the letter R. Here, the Roger stands for the initial R in “(Message) Received.”

To indicate a message had been heard and understood—that is, received—a serviceperson would answer Roger, later expanded to Roger that, with that referring to the message. In military slang, the phrase Roger wilco conveyed the recipient received the message and will comply with its orders, shortened to wilco Roger was brought into the spotlight in part due to public broadcasts of NASA’s Apollo missions in the 1960s. Soon after, Roger that entered the popular lexicon as an interjection (Roger!)

[Radio code now widely uses the NATO phonetic alphabet, where Romeo represents R.]

DRUGS VS MEDICINE

We frequently use these words to mean the same thing, but drugs and medicine are not the same things. For starters, the word “Drug” is derived from Greek “Pharmacon” meaning “Drug”. The word “Medicine” derived from the Latin “Medicus” meaning “healing, or physician.”

A drug is any chemical substance which when it acts on the living body alters the physiological process; it is used for the prevention, diagnosis, control, and treatment of disease. Medicine is the formulated form of a drug. A drug has no suitable dosage form and dose; medicine does.

Sources of drugs are plants, animals, microorganisms, minerals, synthetic sources, semisynthetic sources, and recombinant DNA technology. The source of medicine is drugs formulated with or without other substances All medicines are drugs; however, not all drugs are medicines.

(Think of it this way: All people who live in Chicago live in Illinois, but not all people who live in Illinois live in Chicago.)

Adam & Eve were the first ones to ignore the Apple terms and conditions.

KITTY-CORNER (OR CATTY-CORNER)

First, they both mean the exact same thing. Second, neither has anything to do with cats or kittens. To be kitty-corner is to be located on the diagonal from something else. It originated in Middle English as catre corner, where it was related to a Latin term for four-cornered. Unless you have somebody holding your golf clubs permanently stationed in the corner of your room, don’t use the spelling “caddy corner.”

Both the old and new spelling are approximations of the Chinese sound, pronounced similar to "pay-cheeng." The same pseudo-change is seen in the name of Nanking which is now written as Nanjing. Also (and for the same reason- a change in the spelling system), Chunking is now written as Chongqing.

WHY AND WHEN DID PEKING CHANGE ITS NAME TO BEIJING?

Short Answer: The Chinese capital did not change its name, but Chinese words began to be spelled in English differently. In Chinese, the name stayed exactly the same and most Chinese people aren’t even aware that some Westerners think that there had been a name change. The old spelling was Peking. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the govern-

ment adopted the pinyin transliteration method* and used this to write many of the proper names (including place names, people's names, etc.) using the Latin alphabet. Theoretically, this was when Peking became known in the West as Beijing. In reality, however, the West has been using the old spelling long after it had already been replaced in China. It has only been since the 1980s that China started to enforce its official name on all flights, sea routes and official documents.

* [Also called the Chinese Phonetic Alphabet, it is a system of romanization for the Chinese written language based on the pronunciation of the Beijing dialect of Mandarin Chinese). The gradual acceptance of Pinyin as the official transcription used in the People’s Republic of China signaled a commitment to promote the use of the Beijing dialect as the national standard, to standardize pronunciation across areas that speak different dialects, and to end the confusion in Romanizing (converting text from a different writing system to the Roman (Latin) script) and alphabetizing Chinese characters.]

Pollen is what happens when flowers can’t keep it in their plants.

é Mao Zedong proclaiming the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

ME, MYSELF, OR I

Deciding whether to use me, myself or I in a sentence is one of the most common grammar mistakes people make. Proper grammar is essential to making a good impression, whether you’re expressing yourself orally or in writing. It doesn’t matter if you’re communicating with a customer, applying for a job, or any other types of communication, it’s important to learn how to speak correctly. In many cases, you only have one chance to make a good impression, so it is always a good thing to wow them with correct grammar!

At some point during their education, many people developed the idea that we shouldn’t use the word “me.” As a result, you often hear communications that say things like, “Please give your requests to Suzie or I…” or “Please give your time sheets to Bob or myself.” Both are incorrect!

I

Only use “I” when you are referring to yourself in the subject of the sentence. In other words, you are the one acting. (“I threw the rock.”) This seems simple enough, but what gets confusing is when you add another person to the subject. An easy way to decide whether you should use me, myself, or I in combination with another person in the sentence is to temporarily remove the other person from the sentence and see what sounds right.

Which of these is correct? (Remove the other person (Lisa) and the word 'and' to see which sounds best.)

A. “Lisa and I went to the movies.”

B. “Lisa and myself went to the movies.”

C. “Lisa and me went to the movies.”

The correct answer (hopefully obviously) is A. If you remove 'Lisa, and' you now have a choice between “I went to the movies,” “Myself went to the movies,” or “Me went to the movies.” When you do that, it’s easy to see which one is correct.

ME

The pronoun “me” should be used when someone else will perform the action to or for you. Which of these is correct?

A. “If you have a problem, please call Rick or myself.”

B. “If you have a problem, please call Rick or me.”

C. “If you have a problem, please call Rick or I.”

In this example, you are asking someone to call you, or perform an action to you. Just like before, to see which one is correct just remove the other person (in this case, Rick) from the sentence. The answer is then easy: “If you have a problem, please call me.”

I can tell when people are being judgmental just by looking at them.

MYSELF

The pronoun “myself” should only be used when you are performing the action on yourself. No one else can do anything to yourself.

Here are some examples of how “myself” is used correctly:

A. “I dressed myself today.”

B. “I’ll wash the dishes myself.”

C. “I got some ice cream for Grace and myself” (If confused, remove Grace from the sentence and see how it sounds.)

The misuse of “I” and “myself” for “me” is caused by nervousness about “me.” “Jim and me are going to the party,” is not correct. It should be “Jim and I” because if I went to the party alone, you would never say “Me is going. . . .”

Remember the simple test: Remove the second person from the sentences where you feel tempted to use “myself” as an object or feel nervous about using “me.” You wouldn’t say, “The IRS sent the refund check to I,” so you shouldn’t say “The IRS sent the refund check to my wife and I” either.

AT ONE FELL SWOOP

‘At one fell swoop' means 'suddenly; in a single action.' Shakespeare supposedly coined the phrase in Macbeth in 1605:

MACDUFF: [on hearing that his family and servants have all been killed] “All my pretty ones? Did you say all? O hell-kite! All? What, all my pretty chickens and their dam at one fell swoop?”

Explanation: The Oxford English Dictionary defines 'fell' as meaning 'fierce, savage, cruel, ruthless, dreadful, terrible.’ The 'kite' referred to is a hunting bird. And the 'swoop' is the rapid descent made by the bird when capturing its prey.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

President Biden became the first president to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in 2021; it falls on the same day as Columbus Day, and is intended to be a time of reflection, recognition and celebration of the role Native people have played in U.S. history. There are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities, and native villages) in the United States. Approximately 229 of these ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse nations are located in Alaska; the other federally recognized tribes are located in 35 other states. In addition, there are state recognized tribes located throughout the United States recognized by their respective state governments. 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.

Nutria are relatively big rodents that grow to between 17 and 25 inches from head to rump— about the same size as a raccoon. Their tail adds another 10 to 16 inches (and they weigh between 15 and 22 pounds. They look like a cross between a small beaver and a giant rat, with two large, orange front teeth and long, rounded tails.

*LAWN BOWLING is a game that’s very common across the UK and in other parts of the world; it is similar to the Italian game of “Bocce.” In both games, you attempt to get your ball (or ‘bowl’) as close to the Jack (also known as a pallino in Bocce) as possible. The biggest difference between the two is the balls. In Bocce, the balls are totally round; a lawn bowl is not completely round, and it’s weighted in a way that requires it to travel in a curved path. The lawn ball is also bigger than the ball used in Bocce.

CaptainMatthew Flinders

Australia

was actually drawn on a map in 150 A.D. by the Greek geographer and astronomer Ptolemy. He never actually visited Australia; he just imagined there was an unknown land mass there, hence the label Terra Australis Icognita (Latin for "unknown land of the South"). When Dutch and English settlers arrived much later, they named the continent New Holland and New South Wales, respectively. In the early 1800s, British navigator and cartographer Captain Matthew Flinders circumnavigated the island and is credited with returning its name to Australia.

*KORFBALL

IS A BALL SPORT SIMILAR TO NETBALL AND BASKETBALL. IT IS PLAYED (INDOORS AND OUTDOORS) BY TWO TEAMS OF EIGHT PLAYERS WITH FOUR FEMALE PLAYERS AND FOUR MALE PLAYERS ON EACH TEAM. THE OBJECTIVE IS TO THROW A BALL INTO A NETLESS BASKET THAT IS MOUNTED ON A 11.5 FEET HIGH POLE. IT WAS INVENTED BY DUTCH SCHOOL TEACHER NICO BROEKHUYSEN IN 1902. IN THE NETHERLANDS THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 500 CLUBS AND MORE THAN 90,000 PEOPLE PLAYING KORFBALL. IT IS ALSO PLAYED IN BELGIUM AND TAIWAN, AND IN NEARLY 70 OTHER COUNTRIES.

*PÉTANQUE IS ANOTHER BOULES SPORTS LIKE RAFFA, BOCCE, BOULE LYONNAISE, LAWN BOWLS, AND CROWN GREEN BOWLING. IN ALL OF THESE SPORTS, PLAYERS OR TEAMS PLAY THEIR BOULES/BALLS TOWARDS A TARGET BALL. THE OBJECT IS TO SCORE POINTS BY HAVING BOULES CLOSER TO THE TARGET THAN THE OPPONENT AFTER ALL BOULES HAVE BEEN THROWN. IT IS NORMALLY PLAYED ON HARD DIRT OR GRAVEL AND CAN BE PLAYED IN PUBLIC AREAS IN PARKS OR IN DEDICATED FACILITIES CALLED BOULODROMES. THE CURRENT FORM OF THE GAME WAS CODIFIED IN 1907 OR 1910 IN FRANCE. THE NAME IS DERIVED WORDS MEANING 'FOOT PLANTED' (ON THE GROUND).

*Netball is a ball sport (created exclusively for female competitors) played on a rectangular court by two teams of seven players. The object is to shoot a ball (8.9 inches in circumference) through the defender's 10 foot-high goal ring while preventing the opposing team from doing the same thing shooting through your own goal ring. It is most commonly played in nations of the British Commonwealth. It differs from basketball in (amongst other things) that it has no backboards, and dribbling, bouncing, and running while in possession of the ball are prohibited. In addition, netball not only identifies the different positions of its players, but also defines where and in which areas of the court specific players are allowed to be, obviously emphasizing accurate passing and positioning.

KNILLES , CC BY-SA

3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

ë Malawi playing Fiji at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games

Lawn Bowls

PÉTANQUE AT THE 2019 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES

Though not commonly used, the day after tomorrow is called "overmorrow."

*See Contest on page 63.

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.

There are 13 properties in Switzerland inscribed on the World Heritage List, nine of which are cultural sites and four of which are natural sites.

01/ The Old City of Berne was founded in the 12th century on a hill site surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. Over centuries, the city’s development followed the original concept, retaining its original character. The medieval city saw the introduction of water fountains in the 16th century and the renovation and rebuilding of older buildings in the 18th century.

02/ The Carolingian Convent of St Gall was founded in the 8th century and was secularized in 1805. It was one of the most important monasteries in Europe. Its library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains a number of precious manuscripts, such as the Plan of Saint Gall. Portions of the building were rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 18th century.

SWITZERLAND

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

WORLD HERITAGE LIST

03/ The Convent of St. John at Müstair is a Christian monastery from the Carolingian period, and was founded around 775. The church houses Switzerland's greatest series of figurative murals, painted in the first half of the 9th century. Some frescoes were painted over but restored in the 20th century. Since the 12th century, the convent has been used as a religious center for Benedictine sisters.

04/ The Fortifications at Bellinzona protected the entrance to the Ticino valley and in turn the access to one of the most important Alpine passes, leading to northern Italy. The bulk of the fortifications date to the 15th century, though some parts are centuries older. The property consists of

two castles, Castelgrande and Montebello, which are connected by walls, and a third castle, Sasso Corbaro, which was built on an isolated rocky promontory.

05/ This site encompasses one of the highest and most glaciated areas of the Swiss Alps, with peaks such as Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. It provides a geomorphological record of the processes that shaped the High Alps, as well as a diverse habitat for animals and plants, developing in a succession following the retreat of the glaciers. The landscape has played an important role in the development of mountaineering and alpine tourism, as well as in literature and in arts.

06/ Monte San Giorgio, overlooking Lake Lugano, is regarded as the best fossil record of marine life from the Triassic Period (245–230 million years ago). Then the area was a tropical lagoon, flourishing with reptiles, fish, bivalves, ammonites, echinoderms, and crustaceans. Fossils of

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

PHOTO: HANSUELI KRAPF, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: WLADYSLAW SOJKA, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: DIDIER BAERTSCHIGER, CC BY-SA 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

terrestrial animals are also preserved, as the lagoon was near the land.

07/ The Vineyard Terraces at Lavaux stretch for about 19 miles along the northern shores of Lake Geneva from Chillon Castle to the eastern outskirts of Lausanne. They date back to the 11th century, when the area was controlled by Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries. Wine has been important for the local economy throughout centuries. The protected area includes villages, individual buildings, roads, and footpaths.

08/ The Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway are two historic railway lines that cross the Swiss Alps. They were built in the early 20th century, providing a rapid and easy route into many formerly isolated alpine settlements. Building the railroads required overcoming technical challenges with bridges, galleries, and tunnels. The site is shared with Italy.

09/ La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle are two towns are located in the remote Swiss Jura Mountains which focused on watchmaking. After devastating fires in the 19th century, both towns were rebuilt to support this single industry. Artisanal production of a cottage industry developed into factory industry of the late 19th and 20th centuries. The town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, with its division of labor in the watchmaking industry, was studied by Karl Marx as a "huge factory-town" in his book Das Kapital.

10/ This transnational site (shared with Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia) contains 111 small individual sites with the remains of Prehistoric PileDwellings (or stilt houses) —settlements in and around the Alps built from around 5000 to 500 BCE on the edges of lakes, rivers, or wetlands. They contain a wealth of information on life and trade in agrarian Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures in Alpine Europe. Fifty-six of the sites are located in Switzerland. (See map)

11/ This transnational site (shared with Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, India, and Japan) encompasses 17 works of Franco-Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier was an important representative of the Modernist movement, which introduced new architectural techniques to meet the needs of the changing society. Two sites are listed in Switzerland, Immeuble Clarté (pictured) and Villa Le Lac.

12/ The Glarus thrust in the Alps of eastern Switzerland feature a major thrust fault, a geological phenomenon where older rocks are carried onto younger layers in the process of mountain building. As this area is well accessible, it has played an important role in the studies of tectonic processes and geological sciences since the 18th century.

13/ The Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians are used to study the spread of the beech tree in the Northern Hemisphere across a variety of environments and the environment in the forest. The site includes forests in 18 countries. The two forests in Switzerland are Forêt de la Vallée de Lodano and Forêt de la Bettlachstock.

PHOTO: ROLAND ZUMBÜHL, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO: ERIK CHARLTON, CC BY-SA 2.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

PHOTO: ROMANO1246, CC BY-SA 3.0, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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

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

THE BEST U.S. STATES FOR RETIREMENT

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF RETIREMENT PLANNING?

if yoU sAid finAncEs, you’re probably right. But have you ever thought about where the best place is to retire? Being strategic about location can make a big impact on your quality of life, and perhaps help your savings go a bit further. Visual Capitalist examined data from personal finance platform, WalletHub, which ranked the best U.S. states for retirement as of 2023 using 47 metrics across three dimensions: Affordability (7 metrics worth 40 points); Quality of Life (22 metrics worth 30 points); Health Care (18 metrics worth 30 points.)

The final scores (visualized as the bars in the infographic on the opposite page) represent each state’s weighted average across all metrics. According to this methodology, Virginia is currently the best state for retirement. Although it does not excel in any one category, it scores consistently well across all three to create a very balanced retirement profile. This gives it a slight advantage over second place Florida, which excels in quality of life and affordability, but falls behind in terms of health care. Third-placed Colorado is a mirror of Florida, offering excellent health care but a lower quality of life in comparison.

DIVERSI NS THE FOO BIRD

"Oh, no! Those are foo birds, and to shoot one means terrible things will happen to you!” The man figured that was only a superstition of the natives and shot one down.

A mAn WEnt to Africa to do some game hunting. While there, he hired a young native to accompany him as his guide. Soon, a large flock of birds flew overhead, and the hunter took aim. The guide grabbed his arm and said

Then the rest of the flock returned and pooped all over him. He hollered at the boy, "I must have some water right away to wash this mess off.” The boy said "Oh no! To wash the crap of the foo bird off means immediate death!”

Again, the hunter ignored his advice, found water, and cleaned himself off. Sure enough, he dropped dead then and there. The moral of this story is, "If the foo shits, wear it."

somEtimE lAtEr, tWo brAvE explorers set out to find the mythic bird. They sailed among the islands of Indonesia, inquiring with the locals. After several days, they were pointed to a lonely atoll far from all of the others. As they sailed closer, the air suddenly filled with a loud screeching "FOO! FOO!" In fear, they leapt into the water to avoid the fabled turds of death.

Hiding by the boat, they scanned the skies and the waters, but saw no birds, only a small pod of tropical sea lions swimming past, one of which emptied its bowels in the water as the pod swam away. The two men pulled themselves back

This ranking is based on data and the methodology used and may not be applicable to any individual’s particular needs and preferences. Visit <HERE> for a complete list of the rankings and the methodology used. n

onto the boat, covered in slimy shit.

The first stood there thoughtfully for a moment, but the second began scraping himself clean. The first man saw this and shouted, "NO!" ...but it was too late: His companion dropped dead where he had been standing on the boat. He lifted his friend in his arms, and while weeping said, “How wrong we were! All along, we hunted for a mythical bird, but there are deadlier creatures in these lands, as any seal can plainly foo!"

The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

Q. What do you call a can opener that doesn't work? A. A can't opener.

TURNING A POWER PLANT INTO THE BEDROCK FOR SOCIAL LIFE COPENHILL

CopenHill, also known as Amager Bakke, is a 441,000 sf waste-to-energy plant with an urban recreation center and environmental education hub, turning social infrastructure into an architectural landmark. BIG’s year-round ski plant won the international competition in 2011 and broke ground in 2013. As Denmark’s single largest waste initiative to date, Copenhagen Lord Mayor Frank Jensen officiated the first run of the slopes, commencing opening festivities from sports competitions to charity walks supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

CopenHill was inaugurated in 2021 ahead of the C40 Mayors Summit hosted in Copenhagen that year, a landmark gathering of 96 member cities committed to bold action on climate change.

“We are very proud to have built the most energy efficient waste-toenergy plant in the world. At the same time the plant delivers the best environmental performance with hardly any environmental emissions, enabling us to have neighbors only 200 meters (220 yards) away and to be located less than 2 km (1.24 miles) from the Queen’s Residence. Last but not least, we have succeeded in building the safest wasteto-energy plant so local citizens and guests from all over the world can ski on the roof.” Jacob Simonsen, Managing Director, ARC.

CopenHill was conceived as a public infrastructure with intended social side-effects from day one. Replacing the

adjacent 50-year-old waste-to-energy plant with Amager Ressourcecenter (ARC), CopenHill’s new waste-to- energy facilities integrate the latest technologies in waste treatment and energy production. Due to its location on the industrial waterfront of Amager, where raw indus-

“CopenHill is a blatant architectural expression of something that would otherwise have remained invisible: that it is the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world. As a power plant, CopenHill is so clean that we have been able to turn its building mass into the bedrock of the social life of the city – its facade is climbable, its roof is hike-able, and its slopes are ski-able. A crystal-clear example of Hedonistic Sustainability – that a sustainable city is not only better for the environment – it is also more enjoyable for the lives of its citizens,” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director, BIG.

PHOTO: RASMUS HJORTSHOJ

I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high. She seemed surprised.

dEsignEd by big-Bjarke Ingels Group, SLA, AKT, Lüchinger+Meyer, MOE and Rambøll, CopenHill opened as a new breed of waste-to-energy plant topped with a ski slope, hiking trail and climbing wall, embodying the notion of hedonistic sustainability while aligning with Copenhagen’s goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025.

trial facilities have become the site for extreme sports from wakeboarding to go-kart racing, the new power plant adds skiing, hiking and rock climbing to thrill seekers’ wish lists.

The internal volumes of the power plant are determined by the precise positioning and organization of its machinery in height order, creating an efficient, sloping rooftop fit for a 96,900-sf ski terrain. At the top, experts can glide down the artificial ski slope with the same length as an Olympic half-pipe, test the freestyle park or try the timed slalom course, while beginners and kids practice on the lower slopes. Skiers ascend the park from the platter lift, carpet lifts or glass elevator for a glimpse inside the 24-hour operations of a waste-to-plant.

Recreation buffs and visitors reaching the summit of CopenHill will feel the novelty of a mountain in an otherwise-flat country. Non-skiers can enjoy the rooftop bar, cross-fit area, climbing wall or highest viewing plateau in the city

“We wanted to do more than just create a beautiful skin around the factory. We wanted to add functionality! Instead of considering the Amager Ressourcecenter (ARC) as an isolated object, we mobilize the architecture and intensify the relationship between the building and the city – expanding the existing activities in the area by turning the roof of the new ARC into a ski slope for the citizens of Copenhagen. By proposing a new breed of waste- to-energy plant, one that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable, the facility becomes part of the city and redefines the relationship between production and recreation, between energy infrastructure and social infrastructure, between factory and city.” David Zahle, Partner, BIG.

the 10,000m2 green roof addresses the challenging micro-climate of an 85m high park, rewilding a biodiverse landscape while absorbing heat, removing air particulates, and minimizing stormwater runoff.

“CopenHill’s nature roof park and hiking trail invites locals and visitors to traverse a mountainous landscape of plants, rockscapes, 7,000 bushes and 300 pine and willow trees atop the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy plant. It also acts as a generous ‘green gift’ that will radically green-up the adjacent industrial area. CopenHill becomes the home for birds, bees, butterflies, and flowers, creating a vibrant green pocket and forming a completely new urban ecosystem for the city of Copenhagen.” Rasmus Astrup, Partner & Design Principal, SLA.

Beneath the slopes, whirring furnaces, steam, and turbines convert 440,000 tons of waste annually into enough clean energy to deliver electricity and district heating for 150,000 homes. The necessities of the power plant to complete this task, from ventilation shafts to air-intakes, help create the varied topography of a mountain; a man-made landscape created in the encounter between the needs from below and the desires from above. Ten floors of administrative space are occupied by the ARC team, including a 600m2 education center for academic tours, workshops and sustainability conferences.

Rather than consider ARC as an isolated architectural object, the building envelope is conceived as an opportunity for the local context while forming a destination and a reflection on the progressive vision of the company. CopenHill’s continuous façade comprises 1.2m tall and 3.3m wide aluminum bricks stacked like gigantic bricks overlapping with each other. In-between, glazed windows allow daylight to reach deep inside the facility, while larger openings on the southwest facade illuminate workstations on the administrative floors. On the longest vertical facade, a 279 foot climbing wall is installed — one of the tallest artificial climbing walls in the world.

PHOTO: LAURIAN GHINITOIU

PHOTO: ALDO AMORETTI

before descending the 490m tree-lined hiking and running trail within a lush, mountainous terrain designed by Danish Landscape Architects SLA. Meanwhile,

“To me CopenHill is a perfect example of the world changing power of architecture. That we have the power to give form to the future that we want to live in. My (almost 4-year-old) son won’t ever remember that there was a time when you couldn’t ski on the roof of the power plant – or climb its façades. He will take that for granted – and so will his entire generation. Clean energy and skiable power plants is going be the baseline of their imagination –the platform from which they will leap and propose new and wild ideas for their future. Standing at the peak of this humanmade mountain that we have spent the last decade creating – makes me curious and excited to see what ideas this summit may spark in the minds of future generations.” Bjarke Ingels.

All photos courtesy of BIG. n

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.

PHOTO: RASMUS HJORTSHOJ

PHOTO: SOREN AAGAARD

PHOTO: RASMUS HJORTSHOJ

PHOTO: RASMUS HJORTSHOJ

IN THE N WS

NEW YORK CITY IS SINKING!

According to A rEcEnt geological study, New York City is gradually sinking into the nearby bodies of water due to the immense weight of its buildings.

The findings (published in the journal Earth's Future) indicate that the Big Apple is sinking at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 mm annually. Although this may not seem substantial, it is similar to the sinking rate of Venice, a city famous for its subsidence. Some areas of New York City are experiencing even faster subsidence than the average rate of 1 to 2 mm per year, the study revealed.

The weight of the city's buildings plays a significant role in the sinking phenomenon. Researchers estimated that the one million buildings on Manhattan Island collectively weigh around 1.7 trillion pounds, and much of the underlying sediments

beneath the city's streets are prone to shifting and settling, particularly under the immense pressure exerted by these structures.

The sinking issue is not limited to Manhattan alone; geologists have observed

THE FACTOR

KRZYWY DOMEK

krzyWy domEk (Polish for "crooked house") is an unusually shaped building in Sopot, Poland. It was built in 2004, is about 43,000 sq ft in size, and is part of the Rezydent shopping center. It was designed by Szotyńscy & Zaleski, who were inspired by the fairytale illustrations and drawings of Jan Marcin Szancer and Per Dahlberg. n

subsidence in Brooklyn and Queens as well. Lead researcher Tom Parsons emphasized that this subsidence poses heightened risks of natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes for New York City.

The researchers noted, "New York faces considerable challenges due to flood hazards, with the threat of sea level rise being three to four times higher than the global average along the Atlantic coast...” The 8.4 million people in New York City are “exposed to varying degrees of danger from inundation."

The point of the study, Parsons pointed out, was to “raise awareness that every additional high-rise building constructed at coastal, river, or lakefront settings could contribute to future flood risk.” n

“For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong.” (H. L. Mencken)

THE SIBBETT GROUP

DESIGNERS OF IMMERSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

co-PrinciPAls of The Sibbett Group, an interpretive planning and exhibition design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area, sat down to reflect on their upcoming 30th anniversary.

Brianna Cutts: Q: When I tell people what I do, they often respond with a look of surprise. How do you describe our design practice?

Donald Sibbett: I usually start off by saying we are designers who work on projects ranging in size from square inches to square miles. If I really need to get into the details, I try to remember how you describe our work being a combination of space planning, design thinking, and learning theory.

DS: How do you describe our work?

BC: I usually say we tell stories in three-dimension. When I taught Exhibition Development, I’d use examples of books and films to emphasize how those methods create a linear journey through a story — a beginning, middle, and end. When we design exhibitions, controlling a visitor’s path is nearly impossible, so we need to design for the “pinball effect” when visitors bounce from one exhibit to another. That’s why it’s key to have one Big Idea that exhibits together.

DS: I’m always amazed at how you get new clients to share ideas. How do you do it?

BC: Along with a clear agenda, I let participants know that we’re in for a fast-paced experience and that all ideas are welcome; no value engineering at this stage! I also do a quick icebreaker to lighten the mood. During a recent remote brainstorming session to design a nature center complex, I encouraged the group to toss ideas my way — I’d keep up as I wore my trail running shoes sitting at my computer.

BC: We’re often asked about our favorite project, and for me, that’s a tough one to answer. What about you?

I was riding a donkey the other day when someone threw a rock at me and I fell off. I guess I was stoned off my ass.

Lead Designer, Day Dreamer, and long-distance athlete

Creative Lead and official Museum Geek

Donald Sibbet

Brianna Cutts

Donald hikes, but Brianna dives. Into projects, that is: into the stories, people, and objects that are the foundation for every exhibit.

The problem isn’t that obesity runs in your family. It’s that no one runs in your family.

The Sibbett Group’s website is: www.sibbettgroup.com

Brianna Cutts is also a painter and printmaker: www.breecutts.com

NATURE CENTERS:

01/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

02/ Jenny Lake, Historic Kiosk, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: HDLA]

03/ Jenny Lake, Wayside Exhibit, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

04/ Home Ranch Welcome Center, Jackson, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

05/ Home Ranch Welcome Center, Storyteller Station, Jackson, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

06/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Mountain Mosaic Exhibit, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: CLB Architects]

07/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Sound Scape Exhibit, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

08/ Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, 3D Tactile Model, Moose, Wyoming. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

DS: I think back to when I started our firm in 1994, and the types of projects I imagined. When you joined in 1997 it brought the museum studies side to our practice. Soon after we were awarded the Los Altos History Museum project, which is one of my favorite projects. Goody Steinberg and his team looked to the region’s agricultural history to design a contemporary barn-inspired building. Collaborating with the client for over two decades to design the original museum, temporary exhibitions, and now the updated permanent exhibition has been a highlight of my career. My other favorite projects include all of the work we’ve done in Jackson Hole. I’m still not sure how we were selected for the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve project, but I sure am happy that happened. That opened the door to other work, including the Jenny Lake project. We’ve been so fortunate to work with great clients and other design firms to create some truly exceptional work.

DS: What advice would you give to the next generation of exhibit designers?

BC: To ensure creative problem-solving is always top of mind, learn the rules so that you know how to bend them. Study accessible guidelines to ensure exhibits meet the needs of all visitors and try to stay up to date with the latest developments in technology. And bring chocolate to meetings. n

If I wanted to hear from an asshole, I’d fart.

FAMILY ENVIRONMENTS:

08-09/ Coca-Cola Fan Lot, Oracle Park, San Francisco, California. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

10-11/ Randall Museum of Science, Nature and the Arts, San Francisco, California. [PHOTO: Pfau Long / Kuth Ranieri Architects]

12-13/ Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven University of California, Davis. [PHOTO: Kathy Keatley Garvey, The Sibbett Group]

Q. Why was the shark model in Jaws called ‘Bruce’?

A. Because Steven Spielberg named it after his lawyer.

HISTORY MUSEUMS:

14-15/ House of Happy Walls Museum, Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen, California.

[PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

16-17/ Permanent Exhibition, Los Altos History Museum, California. [PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

18-20/ The Magic of Scale Model Railroading, California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento.

[PHOTO: The Sibbett Group]

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

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

In our last eight issues, we presented the top 120. This is part 9 of our 10-part series and here are 121-135. n

"Blobitecture"

Yesterday, I accidentally swallowed some food coloring. The doctor says I’m okay, but I feel like I’ve dyed a little inside.

got a new pair of gloves today, but they’re both ‘lefts,’ which on the one hand is great, but on the other, it’s just not right.

ARTCH TECTURE

ANTONIO MORA SEMBLANCE AND PHILOSOPHY

Antonio morA is the artist of impossible images, in which he manages to coexist reality and imagination, the tangible and the ethereal, what is seen and what is not seen, managing to provoke a holistic perception in which the senses and emotions who observes participate.

Looks that integrate textures, flowers... architectures that integrate faces... the cracks of the soul that show the most real dreams… in an infinite game between reality and dreams.

After more than twenty years in the profession, the artist of Spanish origin (from Ali-

“Inspiration guides me in my constant search for images. All of them are necessary to show the most intimate stories. From the empathy and the illusion that open the door to those emotions that we all, in some way, have experienced... even in our deepest dreams.”

‘Doctor, there’s a patient on line one that says he’s invisible.’

‘Well, tell him I can’t see him right now.’

cante) has an extensive collection of works, has participated in a multitude of collective and individual exhibitions, and made custom portraits, but above all, he has worked in a good number of interior design projects.

From his work as an interior designer, his deep empathy with spaces stands out. Integrating the artistic work in an exceptional way, in the dialogue of materials, lighting and natural environment in question. Antonio Mora has also collaborated on large interior design projects in various hotels around the world, as well as in emblematic places such as Le Bourget airport in Paris or The Americano restaurant in Scottsdale, (AZ). n

Antonio Mora

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.

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

...EDWARD SNOWDEN?

EdWArd snoWdEn’s story rEmAins relevant today given the on-going number of public leaders accused of mishandling classified information and violating the Espionage Act. A decade ago in 2013, Edward Snowden leaked highly classified information to the media exposing large-scale government spying on American citizens without their knowledge or consent. His disclosures at the time sparked heated debates about privacy, security, and government oversight. At that time, Edward Snowden was facing criminal charges for mishandling classified information and violating America’s Espionage Act. Fast forward to 2023, former President Trump now faces criminal charges related to the improper retention of classified information and violating the Espionage Act. Much as Edward Snowden’s classified information in 2013 caused great public alarm and concern, allegations that former President Trump willfully retained documents containing the nation's most sensitive secrets (including nuclear pro-

(NSA) operations to the media. The Espionage Act of 1917 is a law that makes it a crime to share or gather information related to the national security of the United States. It was originally passed during World War I to prevent people from giving away military secrets and has since been used to prosecute individuals for sharing sensitive information during the Cold War and after 9/11. Besides Edward Snowden and former President Trump, a number of other notable figures charged with violating the Espionage Act include Chelsea Manning, Julian Assange, and, most recently, Massachusetts’s Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira for allegedly posting classified military information on social media webpages. (See March-June issue of .)

clearances that enable access to information that is otherwise restricted for national security purposes. Snowden publicly revealed to the media that the United States government was secretly pursuing the means to collect every single phone call, text message, and email. His staggering leak described an unprecedented government system of mass surveillance that had the ability to pry into the private lives of every person on earth. Many people believe Snowden was justified to leak the government’s secret surveillance program. Some believe he should even enjoy “whistleblower” legal protections from the government because of the public’s overriding interests and right to privacy. For those with Libertarian views, Snowden simply exposed the United States government’s encroachment on and violations of individual liberties. On the flip side, some view him as a traitor. He betrayed his position of trust, and he betrayed his sacred obligation to safeguard classified information.

Snowden’s case provides us with an exceptional example of just how divided the public can see the same character– as either a villain, or a hero. In 2019, during a YouTube Podcast (with Joe Rogan), he said he believed that "the public had a right to know about the extent of the NSA's reach". This remains his story and defense, even if he hasn’t had his day in court to defend his position.

grams) after he left office, is of significant concern to the U.S. government and has tremendous world-wide media attention.

Edward Snowden was accused of violating the Espionage Act because he intentionally leaked classified information about National Security Agency

Edward Snowden worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and later worked as a contractor for the National Security Agency (NSA). As a result of his work, he held a “position of trust” at the NSA that afforded him exceptional access to classified programs and information. The same situation is true with Donald Trump. As former President of the United States, he enjoyed incomparable access. Holding “positions of trust” often corresponds to attaining security

Edward Snowden fled the United States after he leaked classified information. His passport was cancelled, so he ended up spending 6-weeks in a Moscow airport. In 2013, he was granted temporary asylum by Russia. According to Reuters, in September 2022, Russia President Vladimir Putin granted Edward Snowden full citizenship status. Putin, a former Russian spy chief, said that Snowden, who keeps a low profile while

PHOTO: LAURA POITRAS / PRAXIS FILMS, CC BY 3.0 VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

living in Russia, was wrong to leak U.S. secrets, but that he was not a traitor.

So why would Russia grant citizenship to Edward Snowden? Perhaps Russia accepted him to express their disapproval of the United States’ surveillance policies. Russia is also able to use him as a power move against the United States. Russia’s stance is that he was not spying for any country, but rather defending human rights.

Russia may want to use Snowden as a pawn in the game of nuclear disarmament, or they may have hopes of using him in terms of trying to get out from under U.S sanctions. Meanwhile, the U.S. has sought his return for years because he exposed how the NSA conducted mass surveillance on American citizens. If Snowden comes back to the United States, it is uncertain what kind of reception he would receive. He might face jail time for espionage and surveillance violations. Or he might receive some kind of leniency for reveal-ing government secrets.

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

é Headquarters of the NSA at Fort Meade, Maryland

BY FREIDA DAVIS

rEAl EstAtE brokErs cAn make the property-investment process much easier for you. They can guide you on several aspects of property investment, such as searching for properties to buy, what makes a good deal, and how much you set your selling or renting price. They'll also act as a liaison between you and property owners or interested buyers, ensuring the transaction goes through without problems.

A trustworthy broker can make a huge impact while you're investing in houses or condos. Their wealth of experience, expertise, and connections will help you navigate the world of condo investments much easier. They can also guide you toward making better-informed decisions.

But not all real estate brokers may be so excellent for you; some may not be as experienced or have the right expertise. So, it's important to choose your real estate brokers carefully. Here are some crucial factors to consider when deciding which real estate broker to work with.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING FOR A REAL ESTATE BROKER

1. EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION

A reputable dealer with extensive experience can provide valuable insights into the market, offer guidance on pricing, and help you avoid potential pitfalls. He/she can help you identify whether an option really is "too-good-to-be-true." Moreover, a broker with years of practice is likelier to have a broad network of clients and other professionals. This network can be beneficial when marketing a property, finding potential buyers or sellers, and handling negotiations.

Before you decide to work with them, double-check their credentials and read testimonials from their past clients. You can also reach out to your personal network for references to understand better what it's like to work with them.

2. AVAILABILITY AND COMMUNICATION

Availability and communication are key factors that can play a considerable role in your working relationship with a real estate broker. One way to determine their availability is to observe their response time. It could be a red flag if it takes them days to respond to your phone calls or messages. The ideal brokers are prompt in responding to you.

They should also be willing to accommodate your schedule, whether meeting you early in the morning or late at night. This flexibility shows that they are committed to providing excellent service to their clients. A broker with solid communication skills can navigate complex negotiations and advocate on your behalf effectively. They must be able to articulate your needs and pref-

erences clearly and work collaboratively with other parties to reach a decision you both agree on.

3. KNOWLEDGE OF THE LOCAL MARKET

Success in real estate hinges on investing in properties in prime locations. Therefore, your ideal real estate broker should understand the local market. Extensive knowledge of the local market will allow them to price property accurately, whether you're buying or selling. It also means they understand the local neighborhood, housing market trends, schools, amenities, and crime rates.

A broker in business for many years has likely seen many homes and may know the details of properties not currently on the market. They can also estimate how much you can expect to pay or how much you could be earning money through real estate if you're selling.

4. NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Keep in mind, when looking for a broker with whom to partner, that his or her negotiation skills are critical, as they can

recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

A

“Women want mediocre men, and men are working hard to be as mediocre as possible.” (Margaret Mead)

significantly impact the outcome of a transaction. If they're excellent at compromising or creating win-win scenarios, they can help you get a better deal when purchasing or marketing a property.

You can tell they have good negotiation skills if they stay calm and objective during talks with potential sellers or buyers. They also know when they need to be assertive and confident. They can remain composed because they thoroughly understand the legal aspects of real estate transactions, from drafting contracts to discussing clauses to protect your interests. So, observe how they handle talks with other parties and ask for references or testimonials from past clients. You can also ask if they can present examples of successful deals and happy clients to evaluate further whether they're the best broker for you.

5. COST AND FEES

Understanding the costs and fees involved in hiring a real estate broker is crucial to avoid wasting your money. Typical commissions can be around 5-6% of the property's sale price, and some may be willing to lower their charges if they buy or sell a high-priced property. In contrast, others may offer services for a flat fee instead of a percentage.

While hiring an agent comes with costs, the right broker can save you more money in the long run. It's an investment. They can help you navigate the market, avoid costly mistakes, and negotiate better deals if they're knowledgeable and skilled. Ask for a breakdown of all costs, including additional fees or expenses. Read any agreements carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

DIVERSI NS HE SAID, SHE SAID

FIND YOUR PERFECT PARTNER FOR THE HOUSING MARKET

Choosing the right real estate broker ensures successful and stress-free transactions. Their experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the local market are invaluable in making the different processes smoother and more rewarding. It's also imperative to understand what goes into the costs and fees of hiring a broker since these can vary depending on the location and the services they provide. Remember to research and ask questions to understand precisely what you're getting yourself into. n

DIVERSI NS PERCENTAGES

Freida Davis is a freelance writer about financial and business matters.

THE TOP 20 CITIES IN THE U.S. FOR REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT OVER THE LAST DECADE

thE U.s. rEAl EstAtE landscape has undergone a significant makeover during the past decade, with virtually all real estate sectors experiencing massive expansions. But, naturally, due to specific market conditions and demographics, the pace of development differs a great deal from one region to another.

To see which areas experienced the most sizable inventory growth across the major real estate sectors, Storage Cafe conducted an in-depth analysis of new construction over the last ten years (2013 – 2022) in the 100 largest US cities. Our report considers permits for new construction of single family and multifamily homes and new deliveries in the office, retail, industrial and self-storage sectors.

The rapid and ongoing growth in the Sun Belt cities has been an extraordinary boon to real estate development. Fifteen out of the top twenty best-performing cities in terms of real estate development

are in the Sun Belt, with Texas’s sought-after hubs in the lead. In fact, Texas is now in a league of its own and boasts the top five best cities for real estate construction. Some other interesting takeaways related to each of the 6 sectors:

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT BY THE NUMBERS:

• Single family homes: Almost all 20 cities having built the most single-family homes are located in the Sun Belt. These are popular relocation destinations which registered massive in-migration in the past decade. At the other end of the spectrum, Newark, NJ, saw the lowest amount of homebuilding in the past decade along with Toledo, OH, and Worcester, MA.

• Multifamily: New York City, NY, tops the charts for multifamily permits issued over the past decade (over 238K). Rounding out the top five cities are Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX, Houston, TX, and Seattle, WA.

• Office sector: NYC remains the top office real estate market in the US, having built the most office space square footage in the nation over the past decade (over 73M square feet). It is followed at a long distance by Houston, TX, Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, and Chicago, IL.

• Retail: Urban areas with high population densities were the most active retail markets, with New York City, NY, Houston, TX and San Antonio, TX at the top.

• Industrial: The top 5 largest and most active distribution markets are in the South and Southwest – Houston, TX Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Las Vegas, NV.

• Self-storage added 25% of its total stock between 2013 and 2022, more than any other commercial segment.

See the entire report <HERE> n

homE PricEs hAvE skyrockEtEd over the last few years during COVID-19, with the median sales price going from $313,000 in Q1 2019 to $436,800 in Q1 2023, Prices seem to be getting lower in some parts of the country this year; however, interest rates have climbed rapidly. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate shot up from a historic low of 2.65% in January of 2021 to 6.39% in May of this year.

The personal-finance website WalletHub released a report on 2023’s Most Affordable Cities for Home Buyers, They compared 300 U.S. cities across ten key metrics including the costs of homes and their maintenance to tax rates and vacancy rates. Some of the important takeaways:

• Springfield, Illinois, has the most affordable housing (median house price divided by median annual household income), 1.67, which is 17.5 times cheaper than in Santa Barbara, California, the city with the least affordable housing, with a ratio of 29.24.

2023’S MOST AFFORDABLE CITIES IN THE U.S. FOR HOME BUYERS

• Honolulu has the lowest median real-estate tax rate, 0.30 percent, which is 12 times lower than in Waterbury, Connecticut, the city with the highest at 3.59 percent.

• Flint, Michigan, has the highest rent-to-price ratio, 26.64 percent, which is 16 times higher than in Santa Monica, California, the city with the lowest at 1.66 percent.

• Miami Gardens, Florida, has the highest median home price appreciation, 94.61 percent, which is 59.1 times higher than in Hampton, Virginia, the city with the lowest at 1.60 percent.

• Miami Beach, Florida, has the highest vacancy rate, 35.24 percent, which is 17.4 times higher than in South Gate, California, the city with the lowest at 2.02 percent.

To view the full report and your city’s rank, and to understand the methodology and/or request data sets for specific cities, visit: wallethub.com/edu/most-affordable-cities-for-home-buyers/121950.

é Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery

BY DUTCH MENDENHALL

CAPITALIZING ON THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES FOR SAVVY INVESTORS

dEPEnding on Who yoU talk to, the current real estate market is either dead in the water or headed for a turnaround. Regardless of the cards dealt, however, investors can still take advantage of the market and reap some financial reward.

RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND NETWORKING

Before investing in real estate it is important that investors execute due diligence. Conduct thorough research and analysis of the local real estate market to identify areas with growth potential, favorable investment conditions, rising property values, high demand, and positive economic indicators.

Simultaneously, build a strong network within the real estate industry by attending local real estate events, joining investor groups, and connecting with professionals such as real estate agents, property managers, and fellow investors. Networking provides valuable insights, opportunities, and access to off-market deals, enhancing your overall investment strategy.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE DOWNTURN

For a number of reasons, the real estate market has been experiencing a noted downturn since its peak in mid-2020 to late 2021. Covid sparked a run on people selling their homes for top dollar, and the uptick in remote work led people to venture out and try new living arrangements.

In 2022 and into 2023, interest rates continued to rise sharply, leading to a slowdown in the mad rush for home purchases. The stories of homes with

multiple over-asking offers within hours of hitting the market began to wane and slowly fizzled out.

Although substantial price declines have still not occurred for real estate properties, the average sale price has

THINK INCOME PRODUCTION

Real estate investors should always consider what income can be produced from their investment properties. For example, investing in income-producing farms can lead to large returns due to the low cost of land and higher potential land appreciation. There is also income potential to be found in whatever goods those farms produce.

Vacation rentals can also be another option for investors seeking peak income production. There can be a high return on investment (ROI) potential for vacation rentals, especially those located in high-demand vacation areas.

slightly declined, allowing investors to find more deals with greater ease. While economists and real estate analysts are expecting a continued “modest downturn,” this could still be a positive shift for savvy investors looking to spend less on real estate. With bidding wars becoming a thing of the past, investors who know the market and have a finger on the pulse of home sales can get in and score some prime properties without paying a premium.

Another advantage for investors can be found within commercial and mixed-use real estate. These properties did not see quite the purchasing craze that residential real estate experienced in 2020 and 2021, meaning investors for these properties have still been able to find some good investment opportunities. Because these properties did not experience the sharp overvaluation of residential real estate, investors are not going to feel the pain of an equally sharp decline in valuation once the boom finally ends.

There’s a significant potential for the vacation rentals market, especially with more people venturing out further following the pandemic. If you can determine that the average monthly rental income you will garner from the property exceeds your mortgage payment, you have likely landed on a good investment opportunity.

TAX BENEFITS

Investing in real estate in the United States can offer several tax benefits. However, it's important to note that tax laws are subject to change, and the specific benefits can vary based on factors such as your individual circumstances, the type of investment, and the current tax regulations.

One of the significant tax advantages is the ability to deduct mortgage interest paid on your investment property. This deduction can be claimed on loans used to acquire, build, or improve the property.Real estate investors can take advantage of depreciation deductions.

An ergasiophobe is someone who's afraid of work.

The IRS allows you to deduct a portion of the property's cost over its useful life as a non-cash expense. This deduction can help offset rental income and reduce taxable income.

If you sell your primary residence, you may be eligible for a tax exclusion on the capital gains. If you meet certain ownership and residency requirements, you can exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly) from your taxable income. Real estate investments can generate passive losses, such as when rental expenses exceed rental income. These passive losses can be used to offset other passive income, reducing the overall tax liability.

Certain retirement accounts, such as self-directed IRAs or Solo 401(k)s, allow you to invest in real estate. By utilizing these accounts, you can enjoy tax advantages, such as tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on the type of account. Various expenses related to real estate investment can be taxdeductible. These may include property taxes, insurance premiums, property management fees, repairs, maintenance costs, and professional services like legal and accounting fees.

It's important to consult with a qualified tax professional or CPA to

understand the specific tax implications of real estate investment based on your circumstances and to stay updated on any changes to the tax laws that may impact your investments.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

In a volatile market, investors should proceed with caution when entering into any real estate deal. Though experts agree that any bubble burst will not be to the level we saw in 2008, a downturn is already occurring, meaning investors need to be aware of where they are choosing to spend their money.

With properties that are listed below market price, investors should do their research to discover why they are priced in such a way. Buyers need to analyze the cost of potential rehabs and operating costs of the property, as those costs may exceed what the property is worth and lead one to operate it at a loss. Buyers should also review the time the property has been on the market — the longer a property has sat on the market, the bigger deal an investor may be able to snag.

Additionally, in a volatile market, investors can take advantage of preforeclosure properties. Tax sales and

mortgage sales can bring some big deals to investors who know what to look for. Short sales, where owners owe more on a property than it is worth, are also making a return to the market, especially with commercial or rental properties. Investors can possibly negotiate bargainbasement prices with the mortgage holding bank with these properties they are looking to unload.

Because of the opportunities for longterm appreciation that still exist, despite the up and down of the current market, real estate is still a good investment in 2023. By carefully considering all of your options in the post-pandemic real estate landscape, investors can uncover some incredible deals and stellar income possibilities.

Although the current real estate market presents certain challenges, it also offers a range of possibilities. Despite market fluctuations, long-term appreciation potential remains intact, making real estate a worthwhile investment in 2023. By thoroughly evaluating all options in this post-pandemic landscape, investors can unearth substantial deals and impressive income prospects. n

Dutch Mendenhall is the founder of RAD Diversified REIT.

A Multi-Discipline Network

for Real Estate Professionals REAL

QONDESA

MAD ARCHITECTS UNVEILS ITS FIRST PROJECT IN SOUTH AMERICA

QUito, A city of coexisting contrasts influenced by its diverse ecosystems, ethnicities, and traditions, is the capital of Ecuador and a UNESCO world heritage site, which features the best-preserved and least altered historic center in South America. MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong, has revealed its first mix-use project “Qondesa” in Quito. Soon to be Quito’s tallest building, the firm aspires to offer a design solution for integrating nature into high-density living with a vision of an ecological future.

Inspired by its natural backdrop, the plan to connect residents to the beauty

of nature through the building’s dynamic design. Growing from the earth to the sky, Qondesa’s exterior facade emulates twisting vines weaving around the building to taper at its top, and sprout greenery which form planters throughout the building’s balconies. In addition, the exterior shape is designed so as not to block natural light and views from the surrounding buildings.

The city is located in the Guayllabamba river basin and on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano in the Andes mountains. The stonecolored appearance of the facade detail is

a nod to the stone facades in Quito’s Old Town, where historic buildings used the volcanic stone from the nearby volcano. The playful organic lines of the façade are paired with the protruding, native vegetation to create an elegant aesthetic that will become a landmark to the city’s skyline.

The building is a green design composed of intimately scaled urban apartments, and it is conveniently connected to Quito’s main destinations via the neighboring Iñaquito Metro station to offer an ideal residential destination for Quito’s city dwellers. It is also located across

from La Carolina Park, a 165.6-acre active green space in the heart of the city that connects all residential, business and leisure elements together. With multiple amenities and communal areas, Qondesa promotes a new possibility for a vertical community where residents play a fundamental role in animating the building.

Qondesa’s scale, design and functionality is complemented by eco-efficient engineering, which incorporates sustainability parameters through responsible consumption of resources and energy, as well as comprehensive waste management beginning in its construction stage. This important urban contribution is part of the new urban plan for Quito, which aims to create a more environmentally friendly city with an overall higher quality of life for its inhabitants. n

All images courtesy of MAD Architects.

IMPORTANT VOICES

BY ROMINA BANDURA

INSURANCE

BY JANINA STAGUHN

AS A CRITICAL ENABLER FOR INVESTING IN UKRAINE

UkrAinE nEEds mAssivE invEstmEnt to rebuild and modernize its economy. Russia’s ongoing invasion has caused immense destruction, with current estimates of reconstruction costs ranging between $411–$750 billion. These costs may eventually top $1 trillion Private sector investment is critical for Ukraine’s economic modernization. Uncertainty around the structure and durability of a peace settlement has made private investors leery about Ukraine. Even prewar, Ukraine’s investment climate was deemed too risky for sufficient foreign and domestic investment. Currently, risk mitigation tools offered by traditional multilateral development banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) are very limited, while private insurance is either nonexistent or very expensive.

To attract private investment, Ukraine needs significant policy and regulatory reforms. Moreover, private-public partnerships will be needed to spread risk. The donor community will need to assume early risk that can eventually be transferred to Ukraine and the private sector. These initial insurance and guarantees may create the confidence needed for private sector investments to flow in Ukraine.

Q1: What are risk mitigation tools and why are they important for investors?

A1: Risk mitigation tools, which transfer project risks from private lenders to third parties, include guarantees and insurance. Variations include the type of instruments covered (debt or equity), coverage (full or partial), type of risk (commercial, political, trade), and payment (principal or interest).

Guarantees and insurance are used in greenfield and brownfield on-balance sheet equity investments, project finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs), corporate bonds, and other debt products. These products are offered by export credit agencies in trade finance, such as loan guar-

antees and export credit insurance. They are also used to support the targeted operations of financial institutions, for example by de-risking a bank loan portfolio for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The public sector can also receive guarantees, for instance through the World Bank’s policy-based guarantees initiative or the United States’ sovereign guarantees program. Subnational governments and state-owned enterprises can also benefit from guarantees.

Several institutions issue guarantees and insurance: multilateral development banks (e.g., World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, or MIGA), bilateral donors (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID) and DFIs (e.g., International Finance Corporation, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, or EBRD), specialized guarantee providers supported by development agencies, private insurance companies, and sovereign governments.

Q2: What was the state of the insurance market in Ukraine before Russia’s fullscale invasion in 2022?

A2: There are roughly 60 political risk insurers in the world, although not all were active in Ukraine pre-war. In 2021, across all segments covered, the Ukrainian net market premium was 1.8 billion. Among the 20 largest insurance providers in Ukraine, all appear to be privately held. Given Russia’s annexation of Crimea and fighting in the Donbas region since 2014, many private insurers stopped offering Ukraine coverage. Some insurers began offering a product called Full Political Violence which covers “mass riots, strikes, revolutions, rebellions, civil war, war, conspiracy, terrorism, sabotage” but most backed out completely. As early as 2015, political risk in Ukraine was deemed very high by the private sector.

Q3: What has happened to the Ukrainian insurance sector following Russia’s invasion?

A3: Guarantees and insurance products offered by traditional multilateral development banks and DFIs are very limited in Ukraine. The private insurance market in Ukraine has in many cases ceased operations since the invasion began, with most remaining insurers scaling back. Remaining insurers cover health and other non-war related risks. Several local insurers in Ukraine have maintained their basic property treaty facilities but their capacity of 50–60 million euros is insufficient. The global reinsurers have imposed a blanket exclusion of Ukraine, resulting in inadequate capacity across the country. The materialization of risks covered by insurance, such as property damage or foregone income, could result in $20 billion of losses. Corporate policyholders are finding it difficult to file claims under existing policies because most have a “war exclusion” clause. Even under policies that include political risk insurance, those insured must prove that the loss was a direct result of the war and not from related factors such as property abandonment.

Since the war began, Lloyd’s has provided one of the only new insurance products to support the Black Sea grain deal that covered up to $50 million in damages to grain carried from Ukrainian ports. The deal includes multiple players, with Marsh brokering the agreement, Ascot serving as the lead underwriter, and Lloyd’s using their licensing system to enable many insurers to share risk. The London market was crucial because there are a large number of carriers to pool high risks. The program has continued into the beginning of 2023 with no rate increases.

Reinsurance has also been extremely limited, with Munich Re and Swiss Re being the most significant players. Munich Re exited Ukraine beginning in 2023, while Swiss Re took a loss of

You’re the reason God created the middle finger.

$283 million in the first quarter of 2022 partially because of Ukraine market exposure. Reinsurance contracts typically renew on January 1, and at least 12 of 13 major ship insurers canceled war risk insurance in Ukraine due to a lack of reinsurance in January 2023. This disincentivizes potential investment from the private sector.

Q4: What are the insurance needs in Ukraine?

A4: The insurance needs in Ukraine are significant, but it is important to differentiate between risk type, foreign and domestic investment, sectors, and types of products insured.

The first main differentiator is between risk mitigation for investors (such as political risk insurance) and standard insurance policies for other events (such as healthcare, property, and auto, home, and commercial casualty), and life and annuity products.

Types of risks covered for investors generally fall under these broad categories:

• Political Risk: This is where the borrowing entity’s capacity to fulfill its debt obligations, or the equity investor’s financial exposure, is affected by government actions (or lack thereof): breach of contract, nationalization, expropriations, the inability to import or export, forced abandonment (permanent political violence/loss of use), restrictions on foreign exchange transfer or convertibility, civil unrest, terrorism, or wars.

• Stand-Alone Terrorism and Political Violence: This solely covers the investors’ risk of property damage and loss of income (business interruption) due to events such as civil unrest, terrorism, and wars. This coverage is usually issued on an annual basis, with renewal uncertain.

• Standard Insurance: This is coverage where the investor (including its local Ukrainian subsidiaries) faces risk of traditional risk perils such

as fire, theft, natural disaster, liabilities, and executive liability for its operations in the country.

• Commercial/Credit Risk: This is where the borrower’s inability to meet its financial obligations is due to nonperformance of the investment or asset.

Very little political risk insurance is being offered because of the extremely high risk.

The private sector insurance and reinsurance market also has an extremely limited appetite to provide such coverage and carriers are generally off-risk until the conflict reaches a state of acceptable stability.

The second difference is between providing insurance for domestic or foreign investment. Some institutions, like MIGA, can only provide coverage to foreign investors while other multilateral institutions such as the EBRD are able to provide guarantees to domestic investors.

Finally, sector-specific insurance must differentiate between all products in the supply chain. In agriculture, for instance, there are coverage needs from seeds, farmland, storage, transportation, and ports. While some parts of the supply chain are covered, others are not and so a needs assessment is warranted.

Q5: What lessons from prior conflicts can apply to Ukraine?

A5: Spain provisionally established a political risk insurance (PRI) program in 1941 to support recovery after its Civil War (1936–1939). It covered losses from “extraordinary risks,” including natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and armed conflict. Claims could be made based on property damage and business interruption, and the territory covered was domestic with limited international offerings. Insurance was provided by an unlimited state guarantee with no reinsurance in place.

Because Spain’s PRI was financed following war, it may offer a precedent for Ukraine. Insurers in Ukraine have already struggled to access reinsurance, so the unlimited state guarantee may prove important. Beyond immediate recovery, Spain’s PRI program was adjusted during its EU integration. Since Ukraine aspires to obtain EU membership, selected aspects of the Spanish case may be relevant. However, a guarantee from the Ukrainian state alone may not provide sufficient due to mounting budget challenges.

Israel’s history with political risk insurance (PRI) could also provide a model. In Israel, claims could be made based on property damage, such as a manufacturing plant being damaged by a missile strike, and business interruption, such as lost profits from war. The territory covered was primarily domestic, although damages outside of Israel are covered for planes and ships. Compensation is partially paid by a state compensation fund and partially paid by private insurers.

Israel, like Ukraine, lies in an unstable neighborhood with reoccurring threats to its security. Israel also receives substantial U.S. aid as a crucial security partner, and Ukraine appears likely to benefit from the same support. Finally, Israel has sizable information technology and agriculture sectors, as Ukraine does. However, differences lie in the fiscal margin of the state, the availability of historical data, and the nature of damages. Israeli policies cover against damages incurred at a well-defined and small geographical scale (e.g., political violence on a single house), whereas reinsurers see war risk in Ukraine as potentially resulting in full destruction of the entire portfolio. In the long run, then, PRI based on the Israel model requires a security agreement for Ukraine.

Thomas Mahl, managing director of SFR-Consulting, suggested replicating an existing structure used in Africa. The structure groups a pool of policies underwritten by local insurers, of which a large portion of losses could be borne by donors. On a preliminary basis, another avenue may be the use of capital markets risk-transfer such as ILS (insurance linked securities), including CAT bonds as those investors do not have the same concentration of exposure as the reinsurance communities and if subsidized by donor funds could be a worthwhile endeavor to explore.

Q6: What are donors and DFIs currently offering to potential investors?

A6: Donors play a critical role in enabling bilateral and multilateral institutions to develop risk mitigation products. On the multilateral donor side:

• The EBRD, whose Trade Facilitation Program (TFP) covers commercial counterparty risks for international commercial banks. Since the war began, the EBRD has supported 400 million euros in trade transactions in Ukraine, a significant increase compared to the pre-war period.

Q. What kind of drink can be bitter and sweet?

A. Reali-tea.

• Recently, the EBRD formed a partnership with the World Bank’s MIGA. Under this agreement, MIGA will issue $200 million to support trade transactions made through Ukrainian stateowned banks.

• Additionally, in September 2022, MIGA allocated $30 million to Ukraine for a political risk insurance pilot project. While the scope of this project is limited, the goal of the pilot is to scale the program in the future and preliminary results will be released in April.

• Ukraine’s economy minister has proposed consolidating different efforts aimed at providing political risk insurance for Ukraine. On the bilateral side, several donors are also creating programs to incentivize companies, especially from their respective countries, to invest in Ukraine.

• UK Export Finance (UKEF) is providing war risk insurance for British companies that invest in Ukraine and has allocated 200 million pounds for political risk insurance in Ukraine.

• KUKE, the Polish Export Credit Agency will provide cover to Polish exports to Ukraine that are exempt from the National Bank of Ukraine’s payment moratorium, including coverage for political risk.

• The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change is offering investment guarantees for German companies interested in investing in Ukraine. Risks covered are war, expropriation, transfer and conversion risk, and breach of contract.

• The United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) mobilized $250 million to support access to capital for Ukrainian SMEs, and provided additional financial support and portfolio guarantees to commercial banks in order to support lending to SMEs. The DFC also provides political risk insurance for the ERU Group and its partners to support foreign investment in the Ukrainian energy sector. The DFC and USAID recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ukrainian government to identify private sector projects to be considered for financial support.

• Finally, USAID provided technical assistance for Advantage Ukraine, which will provide both U.S. and non-U.S. investors guarantees to cover Ukrainian exposure.

Although these are laudable initiatives, the volume of insurance needed for domestic and private investors will be significant. Donor agencies and DFIs could partner on a more concerted effort and pool resources to provide a multidonor political risk or war insurance mechanism, with a view to crowd in private investment.

Q7: What will the key pieces be in enabling the private insurance market in Ukraine, especially in the early stages?

A7: During the war and initial recovery phase, private insurers will have little appetite to provide insurance in Ukraine. A donor-backed political risk or war pool could provide coverage even if uncertainty around the conflict remains. The coverage could focus first on war insurance for inland transit of movable and stored goods, which may exhibit a less deterrent risk profile. It could then be extended to direct and indirect property damage, as well as agricultural yield losses. A multi-donor war pool would diffuse risk borne by each individual donor and maximize the likelihood of private sector participation. As Ukraine strengthens its economic growth during recovery, it can begin to take on risk. Several agencies are working on such proposals, including USAID, the European Investment Bank, and the EBRD.

Insurance for the international and Ukrainian private sector will be equally critical, and the international community needs to coordinate efforts. Technical assistance should also be provided to the Ukrainians and private political risk insurance market to develop best practices. Public support relies on the participation of the private sector, which should gradually increase as the intensity of the conflict fades. Local and global insurers should be involved as soon as possible.

Another key piece will be exploring regulatory challenges. Even prior to the war, an insurance company could only operate in Ukraine if they were a registered Ukrainian insurance company. In addition, there are currently currency controls in place that restrict the transfer and conversion of local currency into hard currency or transferring hard currency out of the country. This policy is affecting the ability to pay premiums to international insurance carriers. The National Bank of Ukraine is working to address these concerns, but greater speed and effort is needed.

The grain deal provides a case study of how the public and private sectors can cooperate despite great challenges. The United Nations signed an MOU with Russia that protects food and fertilizer exports in the Black Sea. The United Nations also provided risk assessments and intelligence to give a private sector actor, Lloyd’s, confidence to assume risk. The insurers of the grain deal also spread risk, which is another method to lower risk for each individual actor. n

Critical Questions is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary. CSIS does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed should be understood to be solely those of the author(s).This article was originally published on May 5, 2023, on the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and can be accessed in its original form <HERE>. It is reprinted here with permission. © 2023 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. All rights reserved.

Romina Bandura is a senior fellow with the Project on Prosperity and Development and the Project on U.S. Leadership in Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. rbandura@csis.org

Janina Staguhn is an associate fellow with the Project on Prosperity and Development at CSIS. jstaguhn@csis.org

I want to be cremated when I die. It’s my last hope for a smoking hot body.

PROFILES IN REAL ESTATE

REGGIE JOHNSON, REMA GLOBAL

thrEE yEArs from its outbreak and the consequences of COVID-19 are still there. In the last 14 months, the Fed raised interest rates 10 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. 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.

REMA GLOBAL

FINANCIAL MODELING | CONSULTING | STABILIZATION

I first met Reggie over a decade ago in Columbus, Ohio. He is the CEO of REMA Global LLC and works in a variety of markets across the United States. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, proud of his country and the opportunities it has afforded him, very passionate about accounting and how deals are structured. Reggie has been in commercial banking for 30 years primarily in multi-family real estate, and the asset management and dispositions space.

Roxana: What does your company do?

Reggie: REMA Global offers project feasibility underwriting for conventional, affordable and LIHTC developments. We deliver real estate development financial modeling for commercial office building, market rate and land development. And we prepare loan write ups for commercial construction and permanent loan facilities. We also provide strategic growth and succession planning, financial literacy training, and business plan analysis.

Roxana: Why REMA Global?

Reggie: As a typical “number cruncher” in commercial lending, you learn to recognize patterns, how transactions are assembled, yield objectives and how to mitigate risk to an acceptable level for your target audience. I worked in the governmental and private sectors and got the inspiration to bet on my dreams. I worked with an entertainment creation team and successfully raised $8MM. It was a lot of work and outreach to potential investors around the world but the journey was a lesson in persistence, proof of concept, having the ability to pivot, bonding with an extradentary group of leaders, being open to criticism, and celebrating the small steps

along the journey. REMA Global is a mindset for greatness in your pursuits. We want to empower clients to see the opportunity and risk in a transaction to make an informed decision. We want them to create leverage for any deal.

Roxana: What are your typical transactions?

Reggie: Some examples are: 1) Modeling a 50-150 workforce housing or market rate multifamily develop with 5,000-10,000 of retail. The capital stack is a combination of equity investors, public funding, and a construction/perm facility. We provide waterfall summary to include cash on cash, preferred return and IRR assumptions and hold periods. 2) Acquisition assessment and valuation of existing business. 3) Small business development that provides small businesses that are renting retail space the opportunity to own their own commercial facility with a mixed-use structure that provides housing for a tenant. The business renter becomes a property owner with a residential tenant. 4) Business plans that scrutinizes the concept to a measurable outcome, including a comprehensive pro forma, SWAT analysis, market analysis, cash burn, capital stack, pitch deck, and write up for the appropriate audiences.

BY ROXANA TOFAN

to credit is making penciling deals difficult. The days of 4-6% rates are rare to non-existent. Not sure when that becomes attractive again for lenders and borrowers. Workforce housing is in high demand —80%-120% AMI.

Roxana: Where is your business now and what do you see for the future?

Reggie: We were impacted by COVID-19 but 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 a deal.

Roxana: What is your favorite part of your role?

Reggie: Seeing that a volume of ideas get introduced, survive the underwriting scrutiny, get implemented and scaled. Not everything that is presented survives but there are great visionaries and an entrepreneurial energy in this country that just needs a little polish to shine. We love that aspect of the business.

Roxana: As a veteran in the real estate business, after seeing so many aspects of it, and having been through diverse market conditions, what is your approach to business now?

Reggie: This is the greatest country on the planet, and I celebrate those who have fought for our liberties and freedom. Capitalism is one of the greatest tools that provides financial security and lively hoods for those who choose to bet on themselves. Life is a risk but also a journey, so be grateful you’re alive to live it. Everyone has 24 hours in a day and choices on how to spend them. We can execute for outcomes or drive towards our goals and dreams. Hard and great dreams take time to birth, are uncomfortable, seem unfair, makes one lonely, doubtful, and just rough. But in those moments, we learn about ourselves, abilities, and capabilities. You learn more from the journey than the destination

Roxana: How did you grow your client base?

Reggie: Started small but there was gap for financial modeling, business plans and commercial loan write ups. Overtime we gained traction by word of mouth and successful outcomes.

Roxana: What are your thoughts on current market conditions?

Reggie: The market has opportunity but access

Roxana: We all have greatness in us, but it’s waiting for us to introduce it to the world. What’s your greatness? Present it. n

Roxana 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

THE CITIES WITH THE MOST SKYSCRAPERS IN 2023

in this grAPhic, Which uses data from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), Visual Capitalist reveals the 25 cities with the most skyscrapers and supertall buildings globally.

Hong Kong, along with Shenzhen (#2), and Guangzhou (#5) are part of the burgeoning megacity known as the Pearl River Delta, which is home to over 1,500 skyscrapers. This is even more impressive when considering that Shenzhen was a small fishing village until the 1970s.

New York City secures the third position on the list, boasting an impressive tally of 421 skyscrapers. Although it may have relinquished its title to Chinese cities, the city’s skyline endures as a globally renowned symbol, prominently featuring the iconic Empire State Building. Notably, while the Empire State Building enjoys widespread familiarity, it no longer ranks among the world’s 50 tallest structures.

Rounding out the top five is Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, which grabs the fourth position with 395 skyscrapers, a staggering 28 of which are supertalls. This desert oasis has become synonymous with grandiose architecture and record-breaking structures, exemplified by the Burj Khalifa, which is the world’s current tallest building at 2,715 ft.

Looking at this data from another perspective, China actually has more skyscrapers on this list than the rest of the world combined

As the world continues to reach new heights in architectural marvels, there are even more supertall skyscrapers in the pipeline that will reshape skylines across the globe.

From the soaring Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, poised to surpass the Burj

Khalifa as the world’s tallest building, to the remarkable Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, which is set to claim the title of the world’s second-tallest structure when it opens in June 2023, these projects will captivate city dwellers for years to come. n

Did you hear the one about the cross-eyed teacher who couldn’t control his pupils?

I hear the action at the circus was in tents.

BY JONATHAN VOOS

EGAL VIEW

NAVIGATING NEW REGULATORY WATERS HOW THE CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT WILL AFFECT BUSINESS IN AMERICA

any further guidance FinCEN provides.

REPORTING COMPANY CLASSIFICATION AND EXEMPTIONS

WHAT IS IT?

thE corPorAtE trAnsPArEncy Act (CTA) will require many statutorily created business entities to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) about the individuals who own or control the entity. The BOI report requirement takes effect beginning January 1, 2024. Reports will not be accepted until that date.

Congress passed the CTA to “better enable critical national security, intelligence, and law enforcement efforts to counter money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and other illicit activity” by creating a national registry. Entities and individuals should diligently prepare for compliance with the CTA to avoid significant civil and criminal penalties.

CLIENT NOTIFICATION AND LEGAL ADVICE

Local ethics rules determine whether lawyers have an obligation to notify their clients about the CTA. Nevertheless, regardless of ethics rules, firms should inform their clients about the BOI reporting requirement given the regulation’s broad scope.

In providing legal advice, lawyers should familiarize themselves with the CTA (31 U.S.C.S. § 5336), FinCEN’s Final Reporting Rule (87 Fed. Reg. 59498), the two forthcoming rules FinCEN must issue under the CTA (which respectively cover who may access the BOI and revise FinCEN’s customer due diligence rule), and

Whether an entity must file a BOI report depends on whether they are a reporting company and whether they qualify for an exemption. The CTA classifies reporting companies into two groups: domestic reporting companies and foreign reporting companies. A domestic reporting company is a corporation, LLC, or other entity created by the filing of a document with a Secretary of State or similar office under the laws of a state or Indian tribe. A foreign reporting company is any entity formed under the law of a foreign country and registered to do business in any U.S. state by filing a document with a secretary of state or similar office.

An entity that meets either definition must file a BOI report unless it qualifies for one of the CTA’s 24 exemptions under 31 U.S.C.S. § 5336(a)(11)(B). These exemptions are summarized below and grouped together for convenience:

1. SEC-reporting companies.

2. Entities that exercise governmental authority.

3. Regulated financial services companies, including banks, credit unions, depository institution holding companies, registered money transmitting businesses, registered securities broker-dealers, exchange or clearing agencies, registered investment companies and investment advisers, venture capital fund advisers, registered futures/ foreign exchange dealers, and certain pooled investment vehicles that are operated or advised by the foregoing.

4. PCAOB-registered accounting firms.

5. Insurance companies or state-licensed insurance producers.

6. Public utilities.

7. Tax-exempt entities or certain entities that assist tax-exempt entities.

8. Inactive companies.

9. Large Operating Companies, which

are entities that 1) employ more than 20 full-time employees in the U.S.; 2) have an operating presence at a physical office in the U.S.; and 3) demonstrate more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales on their federal income tax return (excluding receipt/sales from sources outside the U.S.). If a company ever falls below these thresholds, it must file a new report within 30 days. An updated report is required if a reporting company later becomes eligible for the exemption.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-EXEMPT ENTITIES

An entity’s initial BOI report must contain: 1) current information about the reporting company; 2) information about all the company’s beneficial owners; and 3) information about the company applicant. Individuals and entities can apply for FinCEN identifiers to streamline the reporting process.

REPORTING COMPANY INFORMATION

First, the required reporting company information generally includes the company’s: 1) legal name; 2) DBA names; 3) business address; 4) state of formation; and 5) Taxpayer Identification Number. However, there are separate reporting requirements for exempt entities with ownership interests in reporting companies, certain pooled investment vehicles, exempt subsidiaries, and exempt grandfathered entities.

BENEFICIAL OWNERS

Second, the required beneficial owner information includes each beneficial owner’s: 1) name; 2) date of birth; 3) resi-

dential address; 4) unique number from an acceptable document such as a U.S. passport, state ID, or driver’s license; and 5) an image of that document.

The CTA defines “beneficial owners” as including any individual who directly or indirectly either exercises substantial control over a reporting entity or controls at least 25% of the entity’s ownership interests. This definition leaves us with several things to unpack: 1) Who are indirect owners; 2) what is substantial control; and 3) what exceptions exist? FinCEN’s final rule addresses all of these questions beginning at 87 Fed. Reg. 59498.

First, indirect ownership includes the following groups of people: a) joint owners; b) owners through another individual acting as a nominee, intermediary, custodian, or agent; c) trustees, grantors/ settlors, or beneficiaries of a trust; or d) owners of or those with controlling interest in one or more intermediary entities that separately or collectively own or control ownership interests of the reporting company.

Second, an individual exercises “substantial control” over a company if the individual: a) serves as a senior officer of the company; b) has authority over the appointment or removal of any senior officer or a majority or dominant minority of the board of directors of a reporting company; or c) directs, determines, or has substantial influence over important decisions made by the reporting company. Thus, senior officers and other individuals with control over the company are “beneficial owners” under the CTA, even if they have no equity interest in the company.

Finally, the following people are exempt from reporting as beneficial owners: a) minor children (however, the reporting company must report information about the minor child’s parent or legal guardian); b) individuals acting as a nominee, intermediary, custodian, or agent on behalf of another individual; c) an employee of the reporting company, acting solely as an employee, whose substantial control over or economic benefits from the entity are derived solely from the employment status (provided that the person is not a senior officer

of the entity); d) an individual whose only interest in a reporting company is a future interest through a right of inheritance; and e) a creditor of the reporting company.

COMPANY APPLICANTS

Third, company applicants must report the same information as beneficial owners, except they must put their business address instead of their residential address. The company applicant is the person who files the document creating the business entity. If more than one person is involved in filing the document, the one who is primarily responsible for filing must report as the company applicant.

FINCEN IDENTIFIERS

Finally, reporting individuals and entities may each apply for and obtain a unique FinCEN identifier, which can be included in subsequent filings instead of the above information. Frequent filers should consider obtaining a FinCEN identifier because it will likely streamline the filing process.

PENALTIES UNDER THE CTA

The CTA lays out two types of reporting violations for which entities can be penalized: reporting violations and unauthorized disclosure or use violations. First, reporting violations occur when any person willfully provides, or attempts to provide, false or fraudulent beneficial ownership information or willfully fails to report complete or updated beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. The statute provides for a 90-day safe harbor for honest report-ing mistakes. Second, unauthorized disclosure or use violations occur when any person knowingly discloses or uses beneficial ownership

information obtained through reports or disclosures.

For reporting violations, the civil penalty will cost people up to $500 for each day in violation, while the criminal penalty has a maximum $10,000 fine, a 2-year prison sentence, or both. For unauthorized disclosure or use violations, the civil penalty will cost people up to $500 for each day in violation, while the criminal penalty imposes a maximum $250,000 fine, a 5-year prison sentence, or both.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD ENTITIES TAKE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE

To prepare for compliance, companies should develop internal policies and procedures to assess their reporting obligations, identify “beneficial owners,” and identify “company applicants.” Further, companies will need to develop policies and procedures to continually monitor changes to their reporting status or beneficial ownership. For any companies involved in merger and acquisition activity, ensuring target companies have fulfilled their reporting obligations is crucial as CTA violations are a new risk area to consider during due diligence.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the BOI reporting requirement takes effect in January 2024. In the meantime, business entities should figure out their reporting status and develop internal policies to ensure compliance. Likewise, law firms should familiarize themselves with the CTA and with FinCEN regulations so that they can offer sound legal advice come next January. n

Jonathan Voos is a second-year law student at the Texas A&M University School of Law and a Summer Associate at Kessler Collins, P.C., a law firm in Dallas. jvoos@kesslercollins.com

MAPPED: THE GROWTH IN HOUSE PRICES BY COUNTRY

globAl hoUsing PricEs rosE an average of 6% annually, between Q4 2021 and Q4 2022. In real terms that take inflation into account, prices actually fell 2% for the first decline in 12 years. Despite a surge in interest rates and mortgage costs, housing markets were noticeably stable. Real prices remain 7% above pre-pandemic levels.

The graphics on these pages show the change in residential property prices with data from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Türkiye’s property prices jumped the highest globally, at nearly 168% amid soaring inflation.

Real estate demand has increased alongside declining interest rates. The government drastically cut interest rates from 19% in late 2021 to 8.5% to support a weakening economy.

Many European countries saw some of the highest price growth in nominal terms. A strong labor market and low interest rates pushed up prices, even as mortgage rates broadly doubled across the continent. For real price growth, most countries were in negative territory—notably Sweden, Germany, and Denmark.

Nominal U.S. housing prices grew just over 7%, while real price growth halted to 0%. Prices have remained elevated given the stubbornly low supply of inventory. In fact, residential prices remain 45% above pre-pandemic levels.

HOW DO INTEREST RATES IMPACT PROPERTY MARKETS?

Global house prices boomed during the pandemic as central banks cut interest rates to prop up economies.

Now, rates have returned to levels last seen before the Global Financial Crisis. On average, rates have increased four percentage points in many major economies. Roughly three-quarters of the countries in the BIS dataset witnessed negative year-over-year real house price growth as of the fourth quarter of 2022. Interest rates have a large impact on property prices. Cross-country evidence shows that for every one percentage point increase in real interest rates, the growth rate of housing prices tends to fall by about two percentage points.

WHEN WILL HOUSING PRICES FALL?

The rise in U.S. interest rates has been counteracted by homeowners being reluctant to sell so they can keep their low mortgage rates. As a result, it is keeping inventory low and prices high. Homeowners can’t sell and keep their low mortgage rates unless they meet strict conditions on a new property.

Additionally, several other factors impact price dynamics. Construction costs, income growth, labor shortages, and population growth all play a role.

With a strong labor market continuing through 2023, stable incomes may help stave off prices from falling. On the other hand, buyers with floating-rate mortgages face steeper costs and may be unable to afford new rates. This could increase housing supply in the market, potentially leading to lower prices. n See

I’m feeling pretty proud of myself. The puzzle I bought said ‘3-5 years’, but I finished it in 18 months.

There are three kinds of people: those who can count and those who can't.

Research and visualization by Dorothy Neufeld. | Source of primary data: Bank for International Settlements.

BY ROSE-MARY RUMBLEY

MAKING BOOK ON IT

in the story, the great flood is mentioned.

a bookstore.) It is also the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian University student bookstore. Bethlehem was a steel town, but it also was a ‘Christmas’ town, and way back then, the bookstore offered only religious books. Later, children's books were added and now, of course, the store stocks any book a reader might want. By the way, there is a ghost in the store that is often seen by customers.

hAvE yoU rEAd Any good books lately? Ever read the very first book ever written? It was carved on stone tablets in ancient Mesopotamia in the 3rd century, and it bears the name, Epic Of Gilgamesh–written in poetry, telling the story of King Gilgamesh.

Stone tablets were used until the Chinese discovered a way of making paper. Books as we know them today originated in the church, with the monks laboring on those books, carefully writing the text. Then in 1448, Johannes Gutenberg invented a printing press and the first book he printed was the Bible. When I visited Germany, I made a point of seeing the Gutenberg Bible.

Books continued to be religious in content, but as time passed, ‘authors’ came to be, and their stories were published. Book stores were established, and people bought books! This, of course, took some time.

The largest bookstore in America today is Powell’s legendary bookstore (established in 1971) in Portland, OR; the Barnes and Nobel in New York City, 5th Avenue, is almost as big. The first bookstore in Dallas was Cokesbury's, brought to us by the Methodists. Barnes and Nobel came much later!

I remember as a child we had ‘book parades’ on Saturday. We would dress as our favorite character from a book and parade down Main Street. Why not? It was during WW II; gasoline was rationed and there was no traffic.

Small bookstores still survive and are fascinating. I just finished reading Once Upon A Tome by

Oliver Darkshire. The author claims this memoir is "the misadventures of a rare bookseller." One of the appealing stories told in this book is that of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, published by a man in England who embedded jewels into the cover of the book, and it was listed as the most expensive book in the world. A noted bookseller in America (Gabriel Wells) bought it, and it was shipped to the US. The book missed the intended ship but was safely entrusted to a luxury ocean liner making its maiden voyage to the US, the Titanic. This rare book remains at the bottom of the ocean to this day.

One small bookstore in Dallas I remember was Harper's Book Store in Deep Ellum. Some years ago, my mother and I were in Harper's when a lady, friend of my mother marched in, "Mr. Harper, you have sold me a Yankee Book. I want my money back!" Obviously, she was a true Southerner, still fighting the war, and wouldn't accept the fact that the South had lost. Mr. Harper graciously returned her money. Please visit your nearest bookstore or library, pick up a book, and read it. I guarantee pure pleasure. n

Like the epic poems of Homer, it probably originated in the oral tradition before it was written. The plot is rather thin: The king befriends a savage who is tamed by a prostitute and then killed by the hero—the king! Of course, the gods are upset and plan to kill the prostitute, but the king saves the day. He also discovers he has eternal life! The prostitute is saved, and somewhere

The oldest bookstore in America is in Bethlehem, PA. It was founded in 1745 and called the Moravian Book Shop. (The Moravian Church had appointed Samuel Powell of the Church’s Crown Inn on the south side of the Lehigh River to operate

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

King Gilgamesh

é Johannes Gutenberg

é RMS Titanic departing Southampton on April 10, 1912

THE 12 TH AMENDMENT

WHEN DID THE VICE PRESIDENCY STOP GOING TO THE 2ND PLACE WINNER?

thAt WAs, AftEr All, how it was done in the early days of the Republic—whoever came in second in the Electoral College voting became the vice president regardless of their political affiliation. That's how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson each got the job.

Then the 1796 election resulted in a president (John Adams) and vice president (Thomas Jefferson) from opposing parties, and the 1800 election led to a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr. They were members of the same party (the Democratic-Republican party), but it took the House of Representatives 36 contentious ballots to break the tie, electing Jefferson president and Burr vice president.

The fact that Jefferson almost lost the election to his own running mate made Congress rush through the 12th Amendment to the Constitution in 1804. Later that year, Jefferson was re-elected, and George Clinton became the first vice president to serve after passage of the 12th Amendment. (The 12th Amendment requires that the electors cast separate ballots for president and vice president and that if no candidate receives a majority, the House chooses from the top three candidates.)

As the two-party system developed, the tradition evolved wherein party conventions chose the party ‘ticket’ (starting with the Democratic convention of 1832). After the convention had chosen a presidential candidate, it went on to choose a vice presidential candidate, generally with no input from the presidential nominee, who was not present.

The vice-presidential nomination was made (usually on the last day of the convention) by the delegates. Not surprisingly, they were often motivated by

concerns of party unity, regional balance, rewarding particular factions. In more than a few instances, the running mates were not qualified to be president. (For example, Chester A. Arthur—before he was placed on the Republican ticket as James A. Garfield’s running mate in 1880—had held no public position higher than inspector of the port of New York, a position famous for making its occupant wealthy through graft.)

nominated for vice president. Wallace was nominated and this was the beginning of the new normal in which the presidential nominee chooses his own running mate. In 1944, when FDR was renominated for a fourth term, the party bosses persuaded him to let them nominate Harry Truman, which turned out to be a pretty big deal, since FDR died early in his fourth term.

This tradition (of conventions selecting the running mates) remained in place until 1940, the year Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term. During his first two terms, former Speaker of the House John Nance Garner was FDR’s running mate. He had been chosen by the convention, in the usual way (without FDR’s input).

Aaron Burr Jr. was a politician and lawyer who served as the third vice president of the United States from 1801 to 1805. His legacy is defined by his famous personal conflict with Alexander Hamilton that culminated with Burr killing Hamilton in a duel in 1804 (while Burr was vice president).

FDR didn’t like or trust Garner to preserve the New Deal, steer U.S. foreign policy away from isolationism, and to take active role in saving Britain and making sure that Hitler wouldn’t conquer Europe. (It didn't help that Garner had begun a campaign for the nomination, without FDR’s support or approval.) FDR let it be known that he wanted his agriculture secretary, Henry Wallace, to be

In all cases since, except one, the presidential nominee has made the choice. The exception was 1956 the Democrats nominated Adlai Stevenson and Stevenson voluntarily allowed the convention to pick his running mate. It took three ballots before the convention chose Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver.

The tradition of the presidential nominee rolling out his choice for running mate the week ahead of the convention is even more recent—the first being Walter Mondale, in 1984 when he made history by making U.S. Rep. Geraldine Ferraro the first woman on a major-party ticket.n

é John Nance Garner, 32rd Vice President of the United States (1933-1941)

é Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States (1881 to 1885)

é Henry Agard Wallace, 33rd Vice President of the United States (1941-1945)

é Aaron Burr Jr., 3rd Vice President of the United States (1801-1805)

JOHN VANDERLYN , PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

CHARLES MILTON BELL , PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

stEvEn Wright is An American comedian. He is best known for his slow, deadpan comedy of sayings, and one-liners. He was ranked as the 15th Greatest Comedian by Rolling Stone in its 2017 list of the 50 Greatest Stand-up Comics, and he was named No. 23 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 greatest stand-up comics.

7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.

A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.

All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.

AMBITION IS A POOR EXCUSE FOR NOT HAVING ENOUGH SENSE TO BE LAZY. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country.

Dancing is a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire. Drugs may lead to nowhere, but at least it’s the scenic route.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don’t have film. For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.

How do you tell when you’re out of invisible ink?

I almost had a psychic girlfriend, but she left me before we met.

I bought a house on a one-way deadend road. I don’t know how I got there.

I bought a million lottery tickets. I won a dollar.

I bought some powdered water, but I don’t know what to add to it.

I planted some birdseed. A bird came up. Now I don’t know what to feed it.

I saw a bank that said ‘24 Hour Banking’, but I don’t have that much time.

The hardness of the butter is proportional to the softness of the bread.

I saw a sign: ‘Rest Area 25 Miles’. That’s pretty big. Some people must be really tired. I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder. I eat Swiss cheese from the inside out.

I had amnesia once or twice.

I SPILLED SPOT REMOVER ON MY DOG. HE’S GONE NOW.

I took a course in speed waiting. Now I can wait an hour in only ten minutes. I used to have an open mind, but my brains kept falling out.

WRIGHT ON TRACK

I went to a general store. They wouldn’t let me buy anything specifically.

I was trying to daydream, but my mind kept wandering. It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to have to paint it.

Join the Army, meet interesting people, kill them.

Many people quit looking for work when they find a job.

Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7th of your life.

My socks DO match. They’re the same thickness.

My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted.

OK, so what’s the speed of dark?

EVERYWHERE IS WALKING DISTANCE IF YOU’VE GOT THE TIME.

Right now, I’m having amnesia and déjà vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before. Smoking cures weight problems…eventually.

Support bacteria – they’re the only culture some people have.

The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard. What a nice night for an evening. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn’t park anywhere near the place.

I’D KILL FOR A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?

If you can wave a fan, and you can wave a club, can you wave a fan club?

If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.

If you were going to shoot a mime, would you use a silencer?

What’s another word for Thesaurus? When everything is coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.

Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

I was a peripheral visionary. I could see the future, but only way off to the side. Do Lipton employees take coffee breaks?

I invented the cordless extension cord.

ë Steven Wright in 1994.

I don't have a girlfriend. But I do know a girl who would get really mad if she heard me say that.

I saw a subliminal advertising executive, but only for a second. Even snakes are afraid of snakes.

All the plants in my house are dead—I shot them last night. I was teasing them by watering them with an ice cube. I’m writing an unauthorized autobiography.

A cop stopped me for speeding. He said, ‘Why were you going so fast?’ I said, ‘See this thing my foot is on? It’s called an accelerator. When you push down on it, it sends more gas to the engine. The whole car just takes right off. And see this thing? This steers it.’ A friend of mine once sent me a postcard with a picture of the entire planet Earth taken from space. On the back, it said, ‘Wish you were here.’

Doing a little work around the house. I put fake brick wallpaper over a real brick wall, just so I’d be the only one who knew. People come over, and I’m gonna say, Go ahead, touch it... it feels real.’

A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I’m afraid of widths. When I was in school the teachers told me practice makes perfect; then they told me nobody’s perfect, so I stopped practicing.

I BOUGHT SOME BATTERIES, BUT THEY WEREN’T INCLUDED.

I hate it when my foot falls asleep during the day because that means it’s going to be up all night.

PLAN TO BE SPONTANEOUS TOMORROW.

I have a hobby. I have the world’s largest collection of seashells. I keep it scattered on beaches all over the world. Maybe you’ve seen some of it. I have an answering machine in my car. It says, ‘I’m home now. But leave a message, and I’ll call when I’m out.’’

I worked in a health food store once. A guy came in and asked me, ‘If I melt dry ice, can I take a bath without getting wet?’

I love to go shopping. I love to freak out salespeople. They ask me if they can help me, and I say, ‘Have you got anything I’d like?’

Then they ask me what size I need, and I say, ‘Extra medium.’

I was going 70 miles an hour and got stopped by a cop who said, Do you know the speed limit is 55 miles per hour? Yes, officer, but I wasn’t going to be out that long…

I went to a fancy French restaurant called Déjà Vu. The headwaiter said, ‘Don’t I know you?’

I went to a restaurant that serves breakfast at any time. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.

I wrote a song, but I can’t read music, so I don’t know what it is. Every once in a while, I’ll be listening to the radio, and I say, ‘I think I might have written that.’ Change is inevitable... except from vending machines.

WHEN I WAS A KID, WE HAD A SANDBOX. IT WAS A QUICKSAND BOX. I WAS AN ONLY CHILD... EVENTUALLY. There is a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

I busted a mirror and got seven years bad luck, but my lawyer thinks he can get me five. –Ever notice how irons have a setting for permanent press? I don’t get it… You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?

The severity of the itch is proportional to the reach. The sooner you fall behind, the more time you’ll have to catch up.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.

“I WAS BORN. WHEN I WAS 23, I STARTED TELLING JOKES. THEN I STARTED GOING ON TELEVISION AND DOING FILMS. THAT'S STILL WHAT I AM DOING. THE END.”

One time, a cop pulled me over for running a stop sign. He said, ‘Didn’t you see the stop sign?’ I said, ‘Yeah, but I don’t believe everything I read.’ Sponges grow in the ocean. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn’t happen.

I put instant coffee in a microwave oven and almost went back in time.

I got a new dog. He’s a paranoid retriever. He brings back everything because he’s not sure what I threw him.

I intend to live forever – so far, so good. Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

Half the people you know are below average.

Borrow money from pessimiststhey don’t expect it back.

For my birthday I got a humidifier and a dehumidifier. I put them in the same room and let them fight it out.

I bought a dog the other day and I named him ‘Stay’. It's fun to call him... ‘Come here, Stay! Come here, Stay!’ He went insane. Now he just ignores me and keeps typing.

It doesn't matter what temperature the room is, it's always room temperature.

THE GUY WHO LIVES ACROSS THE STREET FROM ME HAS A CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY, AND HE CAN'T GET OUT.

Ed. Some of these one-liners have also been attributed to other stand-up comedians, and frankly it’s difficult to be sure who ‘wrote’ the one-liner. But they are funny!

The priest asked, “Is that you, little Joey?”

“Yes, Father, it is.”

“And who was the girl you were with?”

“I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation.”

“Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Esposito?”

“I cannot say.”

“Was it Carla Muller?”

“I'll never tell.”“Was it Julie Garnier?”

“I'm sorry, But I cannot tell you her name.”

“Was it Cathy Puglisi?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Was it Barbara Standish, then?”

“Please, Father, I cannot tell you.”

The priest sighed in frustration. “You're very tight lipped, and I admire that, but you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now go and behave yourself.” Joey walked back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispered, “What'd you get?”

“Four months’ vacation and five good leads.”

THE BACK PAGE

ANSWERS FROM THE MAY/JUNE CONTEST: THE FIRST LADIES OF THE UNITED STATES

H 26. Edith Kermit Carow

Roosevelt

EE 27. Helen Herron Taft

QQ 28. Ellen Axson Wilson

II 28. Edith Bolling Galt Wilson

SS 29. Florence Kling Harding

OO 30. Grace Anna Goodhue

Coolidge

Y 31. Lou Henry Hoover

G 32. Eleanor Roosevelt

NN 33. Elizabeth (Bess) Wallace

Truman

E 1. Martha Dandridge Custis

Washington

M 2. Abigail Adams

T 3. Martha Skelton Jefferson

B 4. Dolley Dandridge Payne

Todd Madison

J 5. Elizabeth Kortright Monroe

U 6. Louisa Catherine Johnson

Adams

AA 7. Rachel Donelson Jackson

RR 8. Hannah Van Buren

UU 9. Anna Tuthill Symmes

Harrison

V 10. Julia Gardiner Tyler

S 11. Sarah Childress Polk

CC 12. Margaret Mackall Smith Taylor

PP 13. Abigail Powers Fillmore

I 14. Jane Means Appleton Pierce

P 16.Mary Ann Todd Lincoln

BB 17. Eliza McCardle Johnson

L 18. Julia Boggs Dent Grant

JJ 19. Lucy Webb Hayes

O 20. Lucretia Rudolph Garfield

R 21.Ellen Herndon Arthur

LL 22. Frances Folsom Cleveland

TT 23. Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison

Z 25. Ida Saxton McKinley

DD 34. Mamie Doud Eisenhower

A 35. Jacqueline Bouvier

Kennedy

F 36. Lady Bird Johnson

K 37. Patricia Nixon

W 38. Betty Ford

MM 39. Rosalynn Carter

D 40. Nancy Reagan

KK 41. Barbara Bush

N 42. Hillary Rodham Clinton

X 43. Laura Bush

C 44. Michelle Obama

Q 45. Melania Trump

HH 46. Dr. Jill Biden

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR CONTEST WINNERS!

Rachel McIntyre of Nyack, NY Bill Bollinger of New Orleans, LA Cindy Schultz of Scranton, PA Brett Wyler of St. Louis, MO

Shayla Rollings of Miami, FL Hiram Quintana of San Antonio, TX. Each will receive a copy of The Book of Diversions from the pages of (See Page 3 for how to get your own copy.)

BOLO (BE ON THE LOOK OUT) FOR WHAT'S COMING NEXT

Our cover and Artchitecture pages will be graced by the incredible photomanipulation artwork of Micaela Calderón, an exceptional digital artist from Bueno Aires, Argentina.

We will bring you pictures of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Austria in the tenth installment of our series, and we will complete our series on America’s Favorite Architecture according to the AIA. We will introduce two new pictorial series: America’s National Parks and the National Register of Historic Places. Also new – 6Q – Who, What, Why, When, Where and How (with our first entry being Who, What, When Where, How and Wyoming.)

In Herstory, Contributing Editor Rose-Mary Rumbley takes on the creator of comic strips. In Legal View, Attorney Christian Torgrimson examines the intersection between land-use and zoning and eminent domain

Sarah King-Cohen will contribute part 3 of her multi-issue series of profiles of highly specialized real estate organizations that cater to the needs of the disabled population, and we will tap into the malapropisms from the one and only Yogi Berra. (Sample: "Baseball is 90 percent mental and the other half is physical.")

Want more? Of course, there will be other specially contributed articles from various segments of the real estate industry as well as our affiliates, You Need (or might want) to Know, Wow Factors, Real Estate of the Future, Diversions, Tru Dat, Vertical Lines, The Resource Page, Whatever Happened To...? and much MUCH more. We get a lot into 64 pages!

DIVERSI NS: AGE ISN'T AN ISSUE

C NTEST: IT TAKES BALLS!

SPORT SIZE

Sports balls come in many shapes and sizes. Here we’re just looking at round ones. Some of the smallest are the squash (1.56-1.59 inches wide) and table tennis balls (1.6 inches wide). At the other end of the scale, the largest is the basketball (about 9.4 inches wide). The basketball is not the heaviest though; the shot put and the bowling ball can be 16 lbs.

Bocce Bowling

Carom billiards

Cricket

Croquet

Field Hockey

Golf

Jai Alai

Korfball*

Lacrosse

Lawn Bowling*

Netball*

Pétanque*

Pickleball

Polo Pool

Racquetball

Shot Put

Soccer

Softball

Squash 1

Table Tennis 2

Team Handball

Tennis

Volleyball

Water polo

Wiffle Ball

*See TruDat on page 17.

How well do you know your balls? They’re listed here alphabetically, but can you list them in order of their size (by diameter) with the smallest first?

Scan or copy this page and send your entry to editor@thenetworkmagazine.online or fax it to 817.924.7116 on or before July 31st for a chance to win a valuable prize. (And be sure to check out the sports with an asterisk (*) on TruDat on page 17 of this issue).

...BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT'S WHAT YOU KNOW

Highly focused. Highly specialized.

respected. 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.

Leases are

Anyone with experience.

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.

Highly

Procurement

Supply Chain Management

Procurement Administration

Supplier Recognition Programs

RFI, RFP, RFQ Administration

Vendor/Supplier Resourcing

Vendor Reduction Programs

Customized Purchase Orders

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.

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