Want a ready-to-bake project? The American Institute of Architects has done a great job executing on their vision of assembling a listing of what it calls “stalled” projects. They currently have over 30 projects nationwide, and the AIA serves as matchmaker if you want to inquire about a project. Accessing the database requires that you [...]

Several months ago, I wrote a blog on how women were no different than men. It was sort of tongue-in-cheek, and it caused quite a stir which is always fun. I’m always on the alert for gender related commercials. There’s a fine line between funny and insulting, and it’s not always obvious. I recently read there are [...]

It isn’t easy being green, but thanks to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), there is a framework for practical, green building design, construction, operations and maintenance. The tools are in place, but it takes dedication, persistence and hard work to make sustainable building a reality. Achieving [...]

Part of the “Best Of The Missed At CES 2012” Continuing Series
We get a tremendous amount of pleasure by bringing some of the overlooked, often smaller, innovations from the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to light.

GoalZero’s Sherpa 50 Recharger

Despite a substantial presence at CES, the simple ingenuity and effectiveness of the devices from GoalZero seem [...]

Multiples - Do you have multiple items of the same color, shape or style around your house? This is one big “tell” I look for as I look through a client’s home. A kilim rug in the front hall, a kilim rug in the bedroom, another one in the living room? That means that you [...]

Over 200 joined us for last week’s webinars on the 2011 Annual Report on the Real Deals Joint Venture Equity Partnership Database! If you missed learning about how deals got done in 2011, included here is a video replay of the webinar, and the accompanying slides as well. Click below to learn about 5 Surprise [...]

Based on my conversation with Rebecca Marion Flach, Vice President of Membership and Communication for the Retail Council of New York State, here are some ideas to explore for implementation in your business in 2012.

Have an open mind. Start thinking, what are others doing that are bringing in customers? Are these good ideas for my [...]

If you want a building that is durable, long-lasting, flexible, attractive, reasonably priced, efficient and one in which you can take pride, you should consider Tilt-up concrete construction. It isn’t new. Tilt-Up has been in use since the turn of the century, and in the 1940s, it became the preferred method of construction for many types of [...]

WORD OF THE DAY - NOOSPHERE - the sum of human knowledge, thought and culture
QUOTE OF THE DAY - ”To a clear eye, the smallest fact is a window through which the infinite may be seen.”  Thomas Huxley
 
TRICKS OF THE TRADE - Tile Floors - To give the illusion of a tile floor or floor mass being larger [...]

I attended the CCIM/IREM Economic Forecast in Phoenix on Wednesday, January 18.  Whenever I attend these events, I like to summarize my notes to help people know what others are saying in addition to my own opinions.  The event was a little different format this year from previous years, so let me summarize it based upon [...]