FACTOIDS IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE COST TO PROPERTY OPERATIONS
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE’S BANISHED WORDS LIST REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE
ARTCH TECTURE WAYNE STATE WORD WARRIORS THE QUIZ
THE GE GRAPHY QUIZ THE Wonders OF THE WORLD PAM BONDAIAGE & THE SYCOPHANTS
AMERICA'S MOBILE HOME MOVEMENT THE MINDSET LIST NOT WANTED!
U.S. POPULATION GROWTH WHEN SOLDIERS PATROL OUR STREETS... TR E DAT THE HUMOR OF DON ADAMS | THE WIT OF JANE LYNCH THE GRAND RING THE IMPACT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ROLLBACK ON THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY
C NTEST: I’M IN REAL ESTATE THE MOST & LEAST EDUCATED STATES
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.
from the pages of also from The CREST Publications Group
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
Vertical Lines I, II, III, IV and V
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
"Incisive yet expansive - as if the psychology of R.D. Laing encountered the selfexploration 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.
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.”
My Hand Book Leading With My Heart A Book
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
Short, light-hearted, satirical, unrelated vignettes. Episodic. Descriptive. Cryptic. Quixotic. Wry. Sardonic. Sarcastic. Ironical. Unrealistic. Whimsical. And probably a whole lot of other things. But most of all, fun and funny.
“Reading this collection is like attending a dinner party where every guest is both hilariously confused and somehow correct.”
Marigold Splint, Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Unnecessary Brilliance
"A perfect companion to Vertical Lineshumor in bite-sized pieces.”
Ellen Campbell, Sinclair Book Reviews "Dyslexics of the world, untie!”
L. Bartow. The Network Bookshelf unite! this!
Punsters of the world, read shit!"
Available at your favorite online bookstores –click on the links at the top of the page.
Marion Danziger, The Toronto Town Crier
09 INB X | ON THE
12 FACTOIDS
RED HERRING, JIJIVISHA, WABI SABI, EVERYDAY EXPRESSIONS, ORRERY, COPS AND BOBBIES, HYGROMETER, CELSIUS AND FAHRENHEIT, SCALAWAGS, BEFORE SOS THERE WAS CQD, THE 4 SEASONS, DOXING, BLOOD TYPES, INDICTMENT & ARRAIGNMENT
17 TR E DAT
A FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS, THE HUMAN CHIN, THE SPEED OF THE EARTH, SHARKS, A SHRIMP’S HEART, A PARLIAMENT OF OWLS, JACKSON MISSISSIPPI, GIRAFFES, CAMELS, NOODLING, WAUSAU WISCONSIN, HONOLULU
19 PICTORIAL HUMOR
20 U.S. POPULATION GROWTH SLOWS DUE TO HISTORIC DECLINE IN NET INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
A U.S. CENSUS BUREAU STUDY
27 THE MINDSET LIST
OUR 14TH INSTALLMENT —THE CLASS OF 2029
28 THE WAYNE STATE WORD WARRIORS
BRINGING BACK GREAT WORDS—OUR ANNUAL INSTALLMENT
29 LAKE SUPERIOR BANISHED WORDS LIST
WORDS BANISHED FROM THE QUEEN’S ENGLISH FOR MISUSE, OVERUSE AND GENERAL USELESSNESS—OUR 10TH INSTALLMENT
43 – THE 287(G) TASK FORCE
A FEDERAL INITIATIVE THAT AUTHORIZES STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO PARTNER WITH ICE
44 THINKING OUT LOUD –WHEN SOLDIERS PATROL OUR STREETS, DEMOCRACY PAYS THE PRICE
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR (AND RET. BRIGADIER GENERAL) T.J. EDWARDS OFFERS AN IMPORTANT (AND CAUTIONARY) VIEW
48 THE GE GRAPHY PAGE A QUIZ
46 WHEN STABILITY BREAKS: IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE COST TO PROPERTY OPERATIONS
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR ROXANA TOFAN PRESENTS A PERSONAL AND FRIGHTENING VIEW
56 GET SMART – THE HUMOR OF DON ADAMS
57 WHO THINKS...? –THE WIT OF JANE LYNCH
58 THE MOST & LEAST EDUCATED STATES IN AMERICA (2026) A WALLETHUB STUDY
60 THE LINK MARKETPLACE, BIDDER’S LIST & DIRECTORY
62 BACKPAGE
OUR ADVERTISERS, WINNERS FROM LAST ISSUE’S CONTEST 63 C NTEST: I’M IN
15 SENTENCES THAT LIVE IN MY HEAD RENT FREE
SONGS, DOG’S HAIRCUT, ROSES ARE RED, SENIOR TRYING TO RESET PASSWORD, GOLF ETIQUETTE, CAPITAL LETTERS, I CAME IN PEACE 62
WEIRD FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY, OXYMORONS
22 TRENDI G: PROPERTY TAXES BY STATE (2026) A WALLETHUB STUDY
36 THE IMPACT OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ENVIRONMENTAL ROLLBACKS ON REAL ESTATE WHAT THE REPEAL OF ‘ENDANGERMENT FINDINGS’ PORTENDS
THE BLUEPRINT
24 THE Wonders OF
THE WORLD
OUR TENTH INSTALLMENT –THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE MIDDLE AGES
38 KEY INSURANCE COVERAGES EVERY REAL ESTATE BROKER SHOULD HAVE GABI STINSON STREET PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO THE NECESSARY PORTFOLIO
40 MESA, AZ, AND LARGO, FL, LEAD AMERICA’S MOBILE HOUSING MOVEMENT ANDREI POPA OF STORAGE CAFÉ PRESENTS A RESEARCH REPORT
42 TRENDI G: GREENLAND AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EQUATION
52 THE PAGE NOT WANTED
42 THE FACTOR THE GRAND RING
53 SATIRE THE TOWERING ASPIRATIONS OF A MEGALOMANIAC AND IT'S MINE (WHAT'S IN A NAME?)
54 SATIRE TRUMP ISN’T GETTING ANY (SEX)
30 REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE
AI TOOLS HELP CREATE DIAMOND-SHAPED AI CONVENTION CENTER
54 NOT SATIRE MEXICAN PRESIDENT CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM ADDRESSES TRUMP
55 SATIRE PAM BONDIAGE & THE SYCOPHANTS
58 TRENDI G: MOST & LEAST EDUCATED STATES IN AMERICA (2026) A WALLETHUB REPORT BY ADAM MCCANN
MARCH/APRIL 2026 / VOL 34 / ISSUE 2
ABOUT US
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ANTHONY BARBIERI: Legal.
ROXANA TOFAN: 6Q –Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
T. J. EDWARDS : Thinking Out Loud.
Anthony Barbieri
Roxana Tofan
T. J. Edwards
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AT OUR READERS ARE saying
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.
JESSICA WARRIOR, Director of Property Management, Granite Properties.
Give me ambiguity or give me something else.
VOODOO PENIS
A mAn wAs getting ready to go on a long business trip. He knew his wife had an extremely healthy sex drive, so he thought he'd buy her a little something to keep her occupied while he was gone. He went to a store that sold sex toys and started looking around. He thought about a life-sized sex doll, but that was too close to another man for him. He was browsing through the dildos, looking for something special to please his wife, and started talking to the old man behind the counter.
He explained his situation. The old man said, "Well, I don't really know of anything that will do the trick. We have vibrating dildos, special attachments, and so on, but I dont know of anything that will keep her occupied for weeks, except—" and he stopped.
"Except what?' the man asked. "Nothing, nothing."
“C'mon, tell me! I need something!"
Editor’s note
'Well, sir, I don't usually mention this, but there is the Voodoo Penis."
"So what's up with this Voodoo Penis?" he asked.
The old man reached under the counter and pulled out a very old wooden box, carved with strange symbols and erotic images. He opened it, and there lay an ordinary-looking dildo. The businessman laughed and said, "Big deal. It looks like every other dildo in this shop!"
The old man replied, "But you haven't seen what it'll do yet." He pointed to a door and said, 'Voodoo Penis — the door."
The Voodoo Penis miraculously rose out of its box, flew over to the door, and started pounding the keyhole. The whole door shook wildly with the vibrations - so much so that a crack began to form down the middle. Before the door split, the old man said, 'Voodoo Penis — return to box!"
The Voodoo Penis stopped, levitated back to the box, and laid there motionless once more.
"I'll take it!" said the businessman. The old man resisted, saying it wasn't for sale, but he finally surrendered. The guy took it home to his wife, told her it was a special dildo, and that in order use it, all she had to do was say 'Voodoo Penis — my crotch." He left for his
trip satisfied that things would be fine while he was gone.
After he'd been gone a few days, the wife was unbearably horny. She thought of several people who would willingly satisfy her, but then she remembered the Voodoo Penis. She undressed, opened the box and said, "Voodoo Penis — my crotch!"
The Voodoo Penis shot to her crotch and started pumping. It was incredible, unlike anything she'd ever experienced before. After three giant orgasms, she became very exhausted and decided she'd had enough. She tried to pull it out, but it was stuck in her, still thrusting. She tried and tried to get it out, but nothing worked. Her husband had forgotten to tell her how to shut it off.
Worried, she decided to go to the hospital to see if they could help. She put her clothes on, got in the car, and started to drive, quivering with every thrust of the dildo. On the way, another incredibly intense orgasm made her swerve all over the road. A police officer saw this and immediately pulled her over. He asked for her license and then asked how much she'd had to drink.
Gasping and twitching, she explained, "I haven't had anything to drink, officer. You see, I’ve got this Voodoo Penis thing stuck in my crotch, and it won't stop screwing me! I’m on my way to the hospital."
The officer looked at her for a second, shook his head, and in an arrogant voice replied, “Yeah, right... Voodoo Penis – my ass!”
ICH SPRECHE KEIN DEUTSCH
In Texas, there’s a town called New Braunfels with a large German-speaking population. One day, a local rancher driving down a country road noticed a man drinking water from the rancher's stock pond with his hand. The rancher rolled down the window and shouted: "Sehr angenehm! Trink das Wasser nicht. Die Kühe haben darein geschissen!" (This means: “Glad to meet you! Don't drink the water. The cows have shit in it!")
The man shouted back: "I'm from New York and just down here campaigning for Trump's presidential run. I can't understand you. Please speak in English." The rancher replied: "Use both hands."
BY ANDREW FELDER
Managing Editor & Publisher
THE FACELIFT
A woman decided to have a facelift for her birthday. She spent $5000 and felt great about the results. On her way home, she stopped at a dress shop to look around. As she was leaving, she asked the salesclerk, “I hope you don’t mind my asking, but how old do you think I am?” “About 35,” the clerk replied. “I’m actually 47,” the woman said, feeling delighted.
After that, she went to McDonald’s for lunch and asked the order taker the same question. He replied, “Oh, you look about 29.” “I’m actually 47!” she said, feeling euphoric.
While standing at the bus stop, she asked an old man the same question. He replied, “I am 85 years old, and my eyesight is going. But when I was young, there was a sure way to tell a woman’s age. If I put my hand up your skirt, I will be able to tell your exact age.” There was no one around, so the woman said, “What the hell?” and let him slip his hand up her skirt. After feeling around for a while, the old man said, “OK, you’re 47.” Stunned, the woman said, “That’s amazing!” How did you do that?” The old man replied, “I was behind you in line at McDonald’s.” n
BRIGADIER GENERAL
THOMAS J. EDWARDS (P. 44) retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of distinguished service, earning accolades such as the Distinguished Service Medal, five Legion of Merit awards, and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in combat. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, the Military Officer’s Association of America, and the 82nd Airborne Division Association. T.J. holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and Master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma, the Naval War College, and the Army War College. In May 2022, he relocated to San Antonio, Texas, earned his Texas Real Estate license, and joined Clear Integrity Group (CIG) as a partner, where he applies his leadership expertise to optimize the company's commercial real estate portfolios and operations.
ANDREI POPA (P. 40) is a writer and trends editor at StorageCafe. After two years of crafting real estate copy, he transitioned into content writing, focusing on the self-storage industry. He also has a strong interest in literature, storytelling, and economics.
Have you checked our social media yet?
Contributing Writers
JOHN KIERNAN (P. 22) is the Managing Editor at WalletHub. He oversees their content strategy and helps produce product reviews, educational guides, and other content to help answer people’s financial questions and help them save money. He joined Evolution Finance (WalletHub’s parent company) as a writer in 2010, before WalletHub even existed. Since then, he’s helped build WalletHub from the ground up, becoming one of the most senior members of the team.
GABRIELA STINSON STREET (P. 38) is co-owner of Street Insurance Agency, where she oversees the firm's commercial insurance portfolio. She partners closely with business owners to build coverage strategies that protect assets, support day-to-day operations, and enable long-term growth. With experience in commercial property, general liability, workers' compensation, and specialty programs for emerging industries, she brings a practical, forward-thinking perspective to every client relationship. She breaks down complex insurance concepts into clear, actionable guidance and stands by her clients throughout the policy and claims process. Outside the office, Gabi stays active in the community, invests in ongoing professional development, and enjoys collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs across Texas.
ADAM MCCANN (P. 58) is a personal finance writer for WalletHub who also helps produce WalletHub's weekly 'Best and Worst' studies. At Hopkins he took a wide variety of classes in writing, English, economics, political science, history, and language. While pursuing his education, Adam worked part-time in the Special Collections department of JHU's Milton S. Eisenhower library, where he helped out with the university's collection of rare books and manuscripts.
ROXANA TOFAN (P. 43 AND 46) is the founder and principal broker of Clear Integrity Group, specializing in commercial real estate across Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee. With a focus on multifamily and commercial properties, she excels in acquisitions, dispositions, and property management, particularly in transforming underperforming assets through strategic operations and team building. Roxana is a dedicated community advocate and enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and supporting charitable causes. She has also served as a contributing editor for for over 15 years, covering topics including commercial real estate, business ownership, sports, and travel.
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. Each Vertical Lines book is over one hundred and fifty 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.
It's only because of their stupidity that they're able to be so sure of themselves. (Franz Kafka)
If you're scared of escalators, there are steps you can take.
INB X ON THE COVER
I just read the Editor’s Notes pageyour poem is truly beautiful. ♥ And “mother is on the roof” about killed me! – Aimée Lee, Edina, MN
The Satire and Opinion pieces are SOOO well written. The writing, layout, design, and diversity of information have always been excellent, but these additions put over the top (in a good way, of course J)! – Stephen Richter, Annapolis, MD
The magazine looks fantastic! The layout and visuals are beautifully done—such an engaging publication. – Aura Michelle Mogosanu, Phoenix, AZ
Your publication is like that one friend at a party who can seamlessly pivot from debating quantum physics to sharing a killer pun about squirrels— utterly unpredictable and delightfully refreshing!
In a world where most magazines stick to one lane (real estate this, business that, or tech the other), joyfully zigzags across topics with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated bumblebee. One page, I'm pondering "You Need (or Might Want) to Know" trivia that makes me feel smarter than I am, the next, I'm chuckling over the Andy Rooney-style grumblings that remind me why my own family rolls their eyes at my rants. And let's not forget those stunning covers and Artchitecture pages—they're the eye candy that lures me in before the humor hooks me for good.
Thank you for keeping things eclectic, informative, and hilariously human. Your magazine is a breath of fresh, funny air. Keep surprising us! With quirky admiration. – Lynn Gladstone, London, UK
CORRECTIONS & AMPLIFICATIONS
Did we make a mistake? Or does something we wrote about need further clarification? Let us know. editor@thenetworkmagazine.org
“DALLAS WITH MAP SKY”
BY GREGORY ARTH
“Dallas with Map Sky” speaks to the ubiquitous nature of technology, represented by the mixed media of circuit boards and tech hardware. The structured nature of circuitry resembles an aerial view grid layout of cities and the building’s windows. The textured relief of the material adds to the dimensional aspect of the work. The collage map in the sky echoes the same grid pattern in a more subtle way.
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.
FACTOIDS Betcha didn’t know...
Red herring
A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. It may be either a logical fallacy or a literary device that leads readers or audiences to a false conclusion. A red herring may be used intentionally, as in mystery fiction or as part of rhetorical strategies (e.g., in politics), or it may be used inadvertently in argumentation.
The term was popularized in 1807 by English polemicist William Cobbett, who told a story of using a strongsmelling smoked fish to distract hounds from chasing a rabbit.
Celsius and Fahrenheit
Celsius and Fahrenheit are two important temperature scales. The two scales have different zero points, and the Celsius scale is bigger than the Fahrenheit scale. However, there is one point on the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales at which the temperatures are equal. This is -40 °C and -40 °F. The Fahrenheit scale is used primarily in the United States, while Celsius is used throughout the world. If you find yourself needing to quickly convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, here is a simple trick you can use: multiply the temperature in degrees Celsius by 1.8, and then add 32 to get the (estimated) temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer is an instrument that measures humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air, soil, or confined spaces—typically expressed as relative humidity (%RH). It functions by detecting physical or electrical changes, such as material expansion or condensation, to provide readings critical for environmental monitoring, industrial processes, and residential comfort. A normal indoor hygrometer range for comfort and health is generally 30% to 50% relative humidity (RH), though some sources suggest a slightly broader range of 40% to 60%, with levels below 30% being too dry and above 50-60% encouraging mold, dust mites, and allergy issues. Optimal levels vary seasonally, needing more moisture in winter and less in summer.
Wabi-Sabi
In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi centers on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It is often described as the appreciation of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete, and it is prevalent in many forms of Japanese art. It is about accepting things as they are.
It combines two interrelated concepts: Wabi (according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, may be translated as "subdued, austere beauty"; sabi translates as "rustic patina"). Wabi-sabi comes from the Buddhist teaching of the three marks of existence, which include impermanence, suffering, and emptiness, or the absence of self-nature. Characteristics of wabi-sabi aesthetics and principles include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of natural objects and the forces of nature. It has been said that the three realities of wabi-sabi are: nothing lasts; nothing is finished; and nothing is perfect.
A good speech should be like a woman's skirt; Long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest. (Winston Churchill)
Sex is like a gas station. Sometimes you get full service, sometimes you gotta ask for service and sometimes you have to be happy with self service.
Scalawags
Scalawags were white Southerners who supported the Republican Party and Reconstruction policies after the U.S. Civil War. They were often viewed by fellow Southerners as traitors, opportunists, or disloyal to white supremacy. They included former Whigs, small farmers, and Unionists who sought to modernize the South, often collaborating with freedmen and Northern "carpetbaggers."
The term was a pejorative used by Southern Democrats to mock white Southern Republicans. It likely originated in the 1840s to describe low-grade livestock or worthless individuals. While some were motivated by personal economic gain, many were former Unionists or pre-war Whigs who opposed secession. They sought to rebuild the Southern economy, improve education, and, reluctantly, accept black political participation to stabilize the region. Most were non-slaveholding yeoman farmers or merchants, often from the upland South, who felt marginalized by the planter class.
Scalawags were a critical part of the Republican coalition in the South, helping to draft new state constitutions. They faced severe social ostracism, threats, and violence from groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, which viewed them as worse than Northern carpetbaggers. Although often stereotyped as "poor white trash," modern historians recognize them as a diverse group crucial to the Radical Reconstruction era.
Orrery
A orrery a mechanical model of the solar system, or of just the sun, earth, and moon, used to represent their relative positions and motions. The word comes from Charles Boyle, the 4th Earl of Orrery, a 17th-century Irish nobleman, after London instrument-maker John Rowley built a mechanical model of the solar system for him around 1712, naming the device in his patron's honor.
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Doxing
Doxing is the public disclosure of personally identifiable information about an individual or organization, usually via the Internet, without their consent. It isn't illegal (federally) unless it involves threats, harassment, or specific illegal conduct, but many states have enacted laws criminalizing malicious doxing, especially when it leads to harm, fear, or stalking. For example, California Penal Code 653.2 makes it unlawful to harass or intimidate people through electronic communication or to instigate harm against them. A person accused of posting harmful online information risks misdemeanor charges, fines, and imprisonment.
Cops and Bobbies
Linguists generally trace cop back to the verb “to cop”, meaning to seize, catch, or capture. This usage appears in English by the early 1700s and may come from several related European roots: (French caper (“to seize, take”); Latin capere (“to take, grasp”); ï Dutch kapen (“to take, hijack”) By the mid1800s, ‘coppe’” was slang for a police officer—likely because officers “copped” (caught) criminals. Cop then emerged as a shortened form of copper around 1859, especially in thieves’ slang.
British police officers are called ‘bobbies’ because the modern police force was created by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel in 1829, and ‘Bobby is a common nickname for ‘Robert Officers' in this new force were informally nicknamed ‘Peelers’ or ‘Bobbies.’ The term bobby stuck and became the enduring, friendly nickname for British police. It emphasized the idea that the police were public servants, accountable to citizens rather than the military—one of Peel’s core principles.
Jijivisha
Jijivisha is a Hindi term for the intense desire to live life to its fullest. It embodies the concept of hope and the intrinsic motivation to survive and thrive, and is often used in philosophical and spiritual contexts to emphasize the value of life. It reflects a positive outlook and resilience in the face of challenges, and can also signify the pursuit of one's goals and aspirations in life.
Before
SOS, the standard maritime distress signal was CQD
CQD was used in the early 1900s by wireless operators sending Morse code. It’s often said to mean “Come Quick, Danger,” but that’s a backronym—officially it came from “CQ”, the general call to all stations, plus “D” for distress.
Everyday Expressions
Rule of thumb
Originated among carpenters and brewers, who used their thumbs to make rough measurements before rulers were common.
Pulling someone’s leg
Originated in 19th-century London, where thieves would trip their victims by tugging on their legs before robbing them. Today, the phrase means ‘joking around.’
Sold down the river
In the early 1800s, enslaved people in the United States were sometimes sold "down the river" to plantations in the Deep South, where conditions were far harsher. The phrase came to mean betrayal or deception.
Toe the line
In the old days, sailors being inspected had to line up perfectly, with their toes touching a marked deck plank. Failure to "toe the line" could result in punishment or extra duties. The phrase later came to mean staying within the rules or meeting expectations.
Bum rush
In the early 1900s, saloons would literally throw out freeloaders who came for the free lunch but didn’t buy a drink, rushing them to the door. These days, we might say "bum-rushed” to mean hurrying someone away.
Skeleton in the closet
It is a metaphor for a hidden shame or scandal, evoking the image of concealing a corpse. Today, it simply means hiding a secret.
It worked, but it wasn’t especially clear or distinctive when tapped out amid static and interference.
Raining
cats and dogs
Centuries ago, when city streets were filthy and drainage was poor, heavy rain would sweep debris into the gutters— sometimes even animal carcasses. This grim sight inspired the phrase "raining cats and dogs." Today, it simply means it’s pouring outside.
Caught red-handed
originally referred to criminals literally found with blood on their hands after committing a violent act. Over time, it came to be used for being caught in the act of any wrongdoing.
Bite the bullet
Before anesthesia, soldiers in pain were given something hard (like a bullet) to bite on during surgery. Today, it means bracing yourself for something unpleasant.
Saved by the bell
Today, this phrase is commonly associated with boxing, where a bell ends the round and spares a fighter. But in the 18th and 19th centuries, safety coffins with bells were invented to prevent premature burial, and ringing from inside would literally save someone’s life.
In 1906, an international radio conference decided to replace CQD with SOS, not because it stood for words, but because its Morse pattern (· · · — — — · · ·) was unmistakable and easy to recognize. For a while, both signals were used side by side—most famously on the Titanic in 1912—until SOS became the universal distress call we recognize today.
Dead ringer
Today, it means an ‘exact duplicate,’ but in olden days, when there were fears of live burial, it had a similar meaning to "saved by the bell," so that a mistakenly buried person could ring for rescue— hence, a "ringer" from the dead.
Deadline
During the U.S. Civil War, prison camps had a line that, if crossed, allowed guards to shoot prisoners instantly. The word later evolved into a publishing and workplace term for a time limit.
Silver bullet
There was a time when silver bullets were believed to be the only way to kill werewolves or other monsters. Today, it refers to a simple, almost magical solution to a complex problem.
Close but no cigar
It's an idiom meaning you almost succeeded but ultimately failed to achieve a desired outcome. it originated in 1920s at carnivals where cigars were common prizes for difficult games; if a player narrowly missed winning, the barker would say "close, but no cigar," It signifies a good effort that fell just short, with no prize or success.
Nine months before
I was born,
I went to a party with my Dad and left with my Mom.
This getting old is a terrible thing. I blacked out for twenty minutes this morningthen I realized that I'd put my hoodie on backwards.
Indictment | Arraignment
The U.S. criminal justice system follows a series of specific steps, with indictment and arraignment among the earliest and most important. Though you’ve likely heard these terms in news reports or crime shows, their distinct roles and significance aren’t always clear.
An indictment is a formal written accusation issued by a grand jury stating that there’s sufficient evidence— known as probable cause—to believe that someone committed a serious crime, usually a felony, and to warrant bringing the accused to trial. It is not a finding of guilt. (Think of an indictment as the ‘gateway to a trial.’)
Once formal charges have been initiated through a grand jury indictment, the next significant step is the arraignment—the defendant’s first formal court appearance to hear those charges and enter a plea. It marks the official beginning of the criminal trial process.
Blood Types
Human blood types are classified using two main systems: ABO and Rh. Together, they determine your full blood type (like A+, O-, etc.). The ABO system is based on antigens (special proteins) found on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens differ by blood type. The Rh factor (+ or -) refers to another antigen called the Rh (D) antigen (and the + or – indicates whether the antigen is present). The Rh factor matters because if an Rh-negative person receives Rh-positive blood, their immune system may react and attack it. This is also important in pregnancy (for example, if an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby).
There are 8 common blood types: A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-. Blood type is genetic. You inherit one ABO gene from each parent and one Rh gene from each parent. Type O is recessive. A and B are dominant over O. AB occurs when you inherit one A and one B gene.
O- is a universal red cell donor. AB+ is a universal red cell recipient.
Scientists think different blood types may have evolved partly due to disease resistance.
é According to Visual Capitalist, the most common blood type among 7,9 billion people across 195 countries and 7 continents is O+, found in 39% of the world's population. The rarest is AB-, with just 0.4%.
How did agreement on the 4 seasons come about?
It… kind of didn’t J… at least not in a single, globally agreed-upon way.
What we do share is a common astronomical framework. What we don’t share is a universal rule for when the seasons “begin and end” on the calendar.
When seasons begin and end isn’t a fact of nature—it’s a human labeling choice layered on real astronomical cycles. Nature gives us: a tilted planet, an orbit, and changing sunlight. Humans give us: seasons, calendars, start dates, and arguments about whether spring really starts in March or late February.
Most countries ultimately point to the same four astronomical events: the March equinox, the June solstice, the September equinox, and the December solstice. These moments are precisely defined by Earth’s orbit and tilt. Equinoxes: day and night are roughly equal. Solstices: the longest and shortest days of the year. Because these
events occur at an exact moment worldwide, they became the most neutral reference point—especially useful for navigation, calendars, and later, science. That’s the astronomical definition, and it’s the closest thing we have to an international standard.
But… long before anyone cared about Earth’s axial tilt, people defined seasons by what mattered to them: planting, harvesting, rainfall, heat, cold, and animal behavior. So different regions evolved distinct systems: monsoon vs. dry seasons; wet vs. dry tropics; agricultural “growing” vs. “rest” seasons; six-season systems (like the traditional Indian calendars); and three-season systems (common in parts of Africa and Australia). When Europeans later spread their calendars globally through trade, colonization,
and science, the four-season model traveled with them—but local realities didn’t always cooperate.
You may have noticed that weather reports often say: Spring = March–May; Summer = June through August; Autumn = September through November; and Winter = December through February. Those are meteorological seasons, not astronomical ones. They align better with temperature cycles, are easier for statistics (full months), and are more useful for climate analysis. This system was adopted by national weather services—not by international treaty, but by practical consensus.
Bottom line:
• Astronomers agreed on equinoxes and solstices because of physics.
• Governments and scientists adopted whatever system best fit their needs.
• Schools taught one version (often an astronomical one).
• Weather services used another.
• Cultures kept their traditional ones. They coexist, slightly awkwardly, to this day. n
A flamboyance is the collective noun for a group of flamingos describing these social birds with bright, pink-hued plumage and striking, synchronized, and flamboyant behavior. They are highly social, forming colonies of thousands on mudflats and lakes to defend against predators.
A group of owls is called a parliament. The term stems from the long-standing association of owls with wisdom. Ancient cultures, from the Greeks to the Romans, revered owls as symbols of knowledge
Annapolis, Maryland, is the smallest U.S. capital by land area — just 6.7 square miles! Montpelier, Vermont, is the least-populated state capital, with a population of just 7,900.
In Indiana, ‘noodling’ (catching a catfish with your bare hands) could result in a fine.
In Wausau, Wisconsin, a city of about 40,000 with a metropolitan area population of about 140,000, throwing a snowball is technically illegal. The city once grouped snowballs with 'stones and missiles.' Local police no longer patrol sledding hills looking for offenders, but the law is still on the books.
Crossing the street while your eyes are fixed on your phone is the 21st century’s version of jaywalking. In Honolulu, Hawaii, that can cost you up to $99 under a local ordinance meant to curb ‘distracted walking.’
THE TRAVELSEARTH 67,000 MPH IN SPACE
Octopuses (or octopi) have blue blood
Jackson, Mississippi, is the only U.S. capital built atop an extinct volcano. During the Civil War, the city was burned by Union troops, earning it the nickname ‘Chimneyville.’
HUMANS ARE THE ONLY ANIMALS WITH A CHIN
Giraffes only need 5 to 30 minutes of sleep per day.
Camels are desert-adapted mammals known for storing fat in their humps (not water), having long eyelashes and closable nostrils to protect against sandstorms, and enduring long periods without drinking by efficiently using stored fat for energy and water. The dromedary (one hump) and Bactrian (two humps) are the most common species.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. Army brought camels to the Southwest, hoping their strength and stamina would make them the ideal means of desert transport. The experiment didn’t last — soldiers preferred their mules — but the camels did, wandering off into the wild. To protect the survivors, the State of Arizona outlawed camel hunting, a law that remains in effect today.
A shrimp's heart is in its head
Sharks don't have bones
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A farrago is a jumble of odds and ends—a random collection of items, a disorganized mix of things that don't fit together. Farrago sounds more formal than hodgepodge or mishmash, but it means about the same thing. We hope you enjoy this new feature of
Doctor: “So, are you still sexually active?” Patient: “Well, actually, I just pretty much lie there".
Officer: “So, what seems to be the problem, Mr.
Mr. Smith: “I can’t find my daughter.” Officer: “What’s her name?”
Mr. Smith: “Hope.”
Officer: “I see. So, you’ve lost hope…”
She: “What does a man with a big penis have for breakfast?
He: “I don’t know.”
She: “I didn’t think you would.”
Doctor: “It looks like you’re pregnant.” Patient: “I’m pregnant?”
Doctor: “No…but it looks like you are.”
E.
and
was shocked when
The 5 burros of Nuyuk
Everyone
Ravi played the race card.
Gil
and Milly Nilly
their son, Willy
Chair
Vice Chair | Table
Fakir: I don’t understand, Fakkit. Fakki: Don’t be stupid, Fakhir.”
Smith?”
U.S. POPULATION GROWTH SLOWS DUE TO HISTORIC DECLINE IN NET INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
PoPulAtion growth in the United States has slowed significantly, with an increase of only 1.8 million, or 0.5%, between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s new Vintage 2025 population estimates released in late January.
This was the nation’s slowest population growth since the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the population grew by a historically low 0.2% in 2021. The slowdown also follows a sizeable uptick in 2024, when the country added 3.2 million people and grew by 1.0%, the fastest annual population growth rate since 2006.
“The slowdown in U.S. population growth is largely due to a historic decline in net international migration, which fell from 2.7 million to 1.3 million from July 2024 through June 2025,” said Christine Hartley, assistant division chief for Estimates and Projections at the Census Bureau. “With births and deaths remaining relatively stable compared to the prior year, the sharp decline in net international migration is the main reason for the slower growth rate we see today.” Slower population growth was felt nationwide. All four census regions and every state except Montana and West Virginia saw their growth slow or their decline accelerate.
MIDWEST’S POPULATION GROWING AGAIN
The Midwest was the only region where all states gained population from July 2024 to July 2025. After experiencing population decline in 2021 and small growth in 2022, the Midwest’s population grew solidly in 2023 (259,938), 2024 (386,231), and 2025 (244,385). Slight gains in natural change
(births minus deaths) in some Midwest states contributed to their population growth.
SOUTH CAROLINA IS THE NATION’S FASTEST-GROWING STATE
Fueled by a net domestic migration gain of 66,622, South Carolina’s population grew by 79,958 between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The 1.5% increase was the highest among states and was down slightly from its 1.8% increase in 2024. Idaho (1.4%) and North Carolina (1.3%) followed closely, with growth also driven by domestic migration gains. Texas (1.2%) grew rapidly from a combination of natural change and net international migration, despite a sharp slowdown in the latter’s gains. Utah (1.0%) grew mainly from natural change, as net international migration — the largest contributor to its growth last year — slowed.
NATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the U.S. population grew by 1.8 million (0.5%) to 341.8 million.
The U.S. population grew at a much slower rate between July 2024 and July 2025 than from 2023 to 2024 (when it increased by 1.0%, or 3.2 million people). The slowdown is largely due to lower net international migration.
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, net international migration was 1.3 million, a notable drop from 2.7 million the year before (a decline of 53.8%). If current trends continue, net international migration is projected to be approximately 321,000 by July 2026, another decline of nearly 1 million since July 1, 2025.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
All four U.S. regions saw population growth between July 2024 and July 2025, though at a slower pace than in recent years.
I don’t lose keys. I just develop intricate scavenger hunts for myself.
I finally got my head together, and now my body’s falling apart.
STATE HIGHLIGHTS
Changes in Householder Race and Ethnicity
• All but five U.S. states grew between July 2024 and July 2025. The states that experienced population decline were California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont, and West Virginia.
Household Composition Changed
Married householder living with spouse
• Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, 33 states and the District of Columbia had positive natural change (births outnumbered deaths), up slightly from 32 states and the District of Columbia in the prior year. However, this figure is significantly higher than in 2021, when 24 states and the District of Columbia had positive natural change.
Householder living with own children
Householder living with extended family
Householder living with nonrelatives
• Like the nation, every state and the District of Columbia had lower net international migration from July 2024 through June 2025 than in the prior year, but the levels remained positive. Florida (178,674), Texas (167,475), California (109,278), and New York (95,634) had the highest levels of net international migration from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
Thirty-one states had positive net domestic migration between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, up slightly from 27 states the prior year. Notably, Florida’s net domestic migration (22,517 in 2025) was down sharply from 2023 (183,646) and 2022 (310,892). Although Florida has often ranked at or near the top for net domestic migration, in 2025 it ranked 8th. Neighboring Alabama (23,358) had a higher net domestic migration than Florida from July 2024 through June 2025. n
Note: Data on race/ethnicity, marital status, household social characteristics, age, veteran or active military status, and move-in pertain to the householder (the primary owner, renter, or occupant). Household composition categories are not mutually exclusive. More than one category may apply to a unit. “Extended family” means a relative of the householder who is not their spouse or child. When necessary, variables from 2023 and 1973 were recoded for compatibility. Note that in 1973, the military variable refects householder’s service status as of 1970 (three years prior to the survey), whereas in 2023, the military variable refects householder’s current service status. All percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number. All comparisons between 1973 and 2023 are signifcantly dierent at the 90 percent level, except for one age comparison. Defnitions and more information on confdentiality protection, methodology, and sampling and nonsampling error are available at <www.census.gov/ahs>. The U.S. Census Bureau has reviewed this data product to ensure appropriate access, use, and disclosure avoidance protection of the confdential source data used to produce this product (Data Management System [DMS] number: P-7533599; Disclosure Review Board [DRB] approval number: CBDRB-FY25-SEHSD003-066).
*Not statistically dierent between 1973 and 2023.
More Veterans and Service Members Became Homeowners
Fewer Owners and Renters Recently Moved
The AHS, sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, is the most comprehensive national housing survey in the U.S.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1973 and 2023 American Housing Surveys.
BY JOHN KIERNAN
TRENDI G
Property Taxes by State (2026)
DePenDing on where you live, property taxes can be anything from a minor annoyance to a significant financial strain. The average U.S. household pays $3,119 per year in property taxes on their home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and residents in the 26 states that levy vehicle property taxes pay an additional $499 annually.
While property taxes may seem irrelevant to the 35% of households that rent, that assumption misses the mark. Whether paid directly or indirectly, nearly everyone bears the cost of property taxes, as they influence rental prices and help fund state and local governments.
So which states place the heaviest property tax burden on residents, and what should taxpayers know about managing and potentially reducing what they owe? To find out, WalletHub examined real estate and vehicle property taxes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia and consulted a panel of property-tax experts for both practical guidance and policy insight.
sure whatever you have to say can wait until you’re smarter.
Vehicle Property Tax Rates by State
1 Hawaii 0,00 % US$0
1 Idaho 0,00 % US$0
1 Delaware 0,00 % US$0
1 Tennessee 0,00 % US$0
1 Utah 0,00 % US$0
1 District of Columbia 0,00 % US$0
1 New Mexico 0,00 % US$0
1 Florida 0,00 % US$0
1 Georgia 0,00 % US$0
1 Oklahoma 0,00 % US$0
1 Oregon 0,00 % US$0
1 Washington 0,00 % US$0
1 Maryland 0,00 % US$0
1 North Dakota 0,00 % US$0
1 South Dakota 0,00 % US$0
1 Alaska 0,00 % US$0
1 Rhode Island 0,00 % US$0
1 Pennsylvania 0,00 % US$0
1 Ohio 0,00 % US$0
1 Wisconsin 0,00 % US$0
1 Texas 0,00 % US$0
1 New York 0,00 % US$0
1 Vermont 0,00 % US$0
1 Illinois 0,00 % US$0
1 New Jersey 0,00 % US$0
26
50
*$29,100 is the value of a Toyota Camry LE four-door Sedan (as of January 2026), the highest-selling car of 2025.
To see the whole report (including interactive maps), the methodology used, and expert commentary, click <HERE>. n
DIVERSI NS
The Seven Wonders
of The Middle Ages
this is PArt 10 of our series – 200 Wonders!
Aachen Cathedral (Germany)
Aachener Dom is a Catholic church in Aachen, Germany, and the cathedral of the Diocese of Aachen. It is one of Europe's oldest cathedral buildings, originally constructed as the royal chapel of the Palace of Aachen for Emperor Charlemagne, who was buried there in 814. From 936 to 1531, the original Palatine Chapel hosted the coronations of 31 German kings and 12 queens. Later, after extensive expansion, it served as a collegiate church, became a cathedral briefly from 1803 to 1825, and again in 1930, when the Diocese of Aachen was revived. In 1978, it was among the first 12 sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional artistry, architecture, and central importance in the history of the Holy Roman Empire.
The old-new synagogue
Mont Saint-Michel (France)
The Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is an abbey located within the city and island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, in the department of Manche. It is an essential part of the structural composition of the town the feudal society constructed. On top, God, the abbey, and monastery; below this, the Great halls, then stores and housing, and at the bottom (outside the walls), fishermen's and farmers' housing.
The abbey has been protected as a French ‘monument historique’ since 1862. Since 1979, the site as a whole – i.e., the Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay – has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abbey is among the most visited cultural sites in France.
The Staronová Synagoga (Prague, Czech Republic)
The Old New Synagogue (also called the Altneuschul) is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue located in Josefov, Prague, in the Czech Republic. Completed in 1270, it is Europe's oldest active synagogue and one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague.
The synagogue was originally called the New or Great Synagogue and, after newer synagogues were built in the 16th century, it became known as the Old-New Synagogue. According to legend, angels brought stones from the Temple in Jerusalem to build the synagogue in Prague—on the condition that they be returned when the Messiah comes (i.e., when the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt and the stones are needed).
Online shopping is amazing! I can buy stuff I don’t need, without even knowing I bought it!
é Aachen Cathedral with Palatine Chapel.
é Le Mont-Saint-Michel
é Island view from the southeast at sunrise
PHOTO BY CEPHOTO, UWE ARANAS
I joined Facebook to keep up with family. Now I just argue with strangers about bread recipes.
The Tower of London (England)
The Tower of London is famous for its 1,000-year history as a royal palace, fortress, and infamous prison, symbolizing Norman power, housing the Crown Jewels, and serving as the site of royal tragedies, famous prisoners (like Anne Boleyn), executions, and mysteries, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with intrigue, horror, and royal splendor.
The White Tower (which later became known as the Tower of London) is a former royal residence. It was built by William the Conqueror in the early 1080s as a timber fortification enclosed by a palisade and subsequently extended. The White Tower, the great stone keep that still dominates the castle today, was the castle's strongest military point yet provided accommodation fit for the king and his representatives. In Norman architecture, the keep was a symbol of a lord's power.
The White Tower now houses the Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown, for centuries, showcasing immense royal wealth and history. It began as a fortress and also served as London's first zoo, a gift to Henry III that included leopards, elephants, and lions, making it a diverse royal collection. A superstition holds that the kingdom will fall if the resident ravens leave, so they're cared for by the Yeoman Ravenmaster, while Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) guard the Tower.
The Bayeux Tapestry (Bayeux, France)
é A scene from the
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth nearly 230 feet long and 20 inches tall that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 (led by William, Duke of Normandy, who challenged Harold II, King of England, and culminated in the Battle of Hastings). It is thought to date to the 11th century, within a few years of the battle. Now widely accepted as having been made in England, perhaps as a gift for William, it tells the story from the point of view of the conquering Normans and has been preserved in Normandy for centuries. It is one of the supreme achievements of Norman Romanesque art. Its exceptional length, the harmony and freshness of its colors, its exquisite workmanship, and the genius of its guiding spirit combine to make it endlessly fascinating.
The cloth consists of 58 scenes, many with Latin captions embroidered on linen using colored woolen yarns. It is now exhibited at the Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux, Normandy, France. It will return to England for the first time in 900 years, on loan from France, for display at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027.
You deserve to work in an eco-friendly, clean,
Bayeux Tapestry depicting Bishop Odo rallying Duke William's army during the Battle of Hastings in 1066
é The Tower of London.
The Cathedral of Our Lady (Chartres, France)
Our Lady of Chartres is a Catholic cathedral about 50 miles southwest of Paris. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was mostly constructed between 1194 and 1220 and stands on a site that has hosted at least five cathedrals since the Diocese of Chartres was formed as an episcopal see in the 4th century. It is one of the best-known and most influential examples of High Gothic and Classic Gothic architecture, built above earlier Romanesque foundations, while its north spire (1507–1513) is in the more ornate Flamboyant style.
Since at least the 12th century, the cathedral has been an important destination for travelers, attracting large numbers of Christian pilgrims, many of whom come to venerate its famous relic, the Sancta Camisa, said to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at Christ's birth, as well as large numbers of secular tourists who come to admire the cathedral's architecture and art. A venerated Black Madonna statue enshrined within was crowned by Pope Pius IX in 1855.
The cathedral has been well-preserved and restored: the majority of the original stained-glass windows survive intact, and the architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century. It is one of the most beautiful and historically significant cathedrals in Europe. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, which called it "the high point of French Gothic art" and a "masterpiece".
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é Biete Ghiorgis
The Rock-Hewn Churches (Lalibela, Ethiopia)
The eleven Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela are monolithic churches located in the western Ethiopian Highlands near the town of Lalibela. They are named after the late-12th-and early-13th-century King Gebre Meskel Lalibela, who commissioned the massive building project to recreate the holy city of Jerusalem in his own kingdom. The site remains in use by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church to this day and is an important place of pilgrimage for Ethiopian Orthodox worshipers. It took 24 years to build all 11 rock-hewn churches.
Tradition holds that in Ethiopia, before his accession to the throne, Gebre Meskel Lalibela was guided by Christ on a tour of Jerusalem and instructed to build a second Jerusalem in Ethiopia. The site of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela was first included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978. n
I have a fear of over-engineered buildings. It’s a complex complex complex.
é Chartres Cathedral.
It just kept ringing and ringing.
The Mindset List
the minDset list wAs created at Beloit College in 1998 to reflect the worldview of entering first-year college students. The list garnered national and international media attention. In 2019, the list moved to Marist and became the Marist Mindset List. It continued for four years, and last year it was renamed The Old-College-Try List. Its focus changed, and Beloit once again is being credited with the choice of entries. And many others are doing their own versions of this list also. Because we’ve been doing this for the previous 13 years, we didn’t want to stop abruptly. So, for this, our 14th (and perhaps last) installment, we chose what (in our opinion) are the best from that list—the list—a glimpse of the cultural milestones that mold the lives of those who entered college in the fall of last year—the class of ’29. The "class of 2029" refers to students entering college in the fall of 2025. Most of these students are 18 or 19, which means they were born in 2007. For them, Anna Nicole Smith, Steve Irwin, Ray Charles, James Brown, Saddam Hussein, and Robin Williams's career have always been dead. And…
1. No one's ever worn a digital watch.
2. To relax, they've always turned on the nightly news. The news has always been delivered by comedians.
3. They've always been able to use a cell phone on a plane.
4. Mr. Rogers has never taken them to the Land of MakeBelieve.
5. Good sitcoms have never had laugh tracks.
6. Apple has always been a big deal, as have Google and Facebook.
7. They've never paid for a classified ad.
8. Kids have always had their own phones.
9. They've never "missed" a TV show that they couldn't watch an hour later.
10. They don't care if Tony Soprano died, if Ross and Rachel ever got together, or who got to be a millionaire.
11. What's a mousepad?
12. There's never been smoking in restaurants.
14. The "dot-com bust" means as much to them as the Great Depression. Quarters have never all looked the same.
16. All TVs are "high definition."
17. They've never licked a stamp. n
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Abnegate
Renounce or reject (something desired or valuable).
He abnegated the family inheritance to make a name for himself on his own.
Abscond
Leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft. The burglar absconded with the money before anyone noticed he'd entered the house.
Coterie
A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of other people. He retreated to an online chat room, where he could be surrounded by a coterie of fellow enthusiasts.
Fluckadrift
Excessive speed or urgency of movement or action. The kids spent most of the summer day rotting around the house but moved with a frantic fluckadrift to straighten things up once they knew Mom was on her way home from the office.
wAyne stAte university’s worD Warriors return in 2026 with their annual list of underused words, once again celebrating the joy and precision of language. This year’s selections range from the swullocking weather of late summer to the quiet psithurism of leaves stirred by the wind. Some words describe moments when we’re completely quanked by the demands of daily life, while others give shape to those inchoate thoughts that haven’t yet found their final form. Together, they remind us that the right word can transform even the most ordinary experience.
Now in its 17th year, the Word Warriors program continues its mission to rescue overlooked words from the brink of obscurity. Each annual list grows from a global coterie of contributors who delight in rediscovery, submitting words that once might have absconded from everyday use. The program resists fluckadrift trends and linguistic shortcuts, instead inviting speakers and writers to slow down, savor language, and refuse to abnegate nuance in favor of convenience. New words are shared weekly at wordwarriors.wayne.edu and on Facebook, where they find fresh life in modern conversation.
“Seventeen years in, what continues to surprise me is how timeless these words feel once you put them back into use,” said Chris Williams, associate director of copy and editorial for Wayne State University Communications and Marketing and head Word Warrior. “They aren’t museum pieces. They’re practical, playful and precise, and they add richness and depth to our conversations and writing.”
Below are the 10 words that Wayne State’s Word Warriors urge users to revive in the coming year.
Gudgeon
A person who is easily fooled; a gullible person.
The gudgeon believed almost everything he was told, no matter how improbable.
Inchoate
Just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary. The inchoate organization was a mess of squabbling and confusion as the members learned how to work with each other.
Psithurism
A rustling or whispering sound, such as leaves in the wind; susurration. He left his earbuds at home and took a long walk in the woods, the blathering of podcasts replaced by the soothing soundtrack provided by the psithurism in the trees.
Quanked
Overpowered by fatigue; exhausted, or having one's energy consumed. After spending all of his Thanksgiving weekend managing the demands of customers, he was positively quanked and slept for 12 hours.
Snoutfair
Having an attractive or pleasing face. His character might leave much to be desired, but his snoutfair appearance made him a hit on TV.
Swullocking
Overwhelmingly hot, boiling and humid weather.
He stepped outside, bracing himself for the swullocking August day. n
My friend was trying to explain electricity to me, and I was like, “Watt?”
If money doesn’t grow on trees, why do banks have branches?
2026
WORDS LIST
6-7 (SIX SEVEN)
“There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped,” says Paul E. from WI. The volume of submissions for this one could have taken up the whole list, at least slots 6-7. The top banishment this year, Scott T. from UT adds, “it’s time for “6-7” to be 86’ed.”
DEMURE
this is our 10th year presenting the list you see here. Now a New Year’s Eve tradition, Lake Superior State University (Michigan’s smallest public university) released its 50th annual “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness” on December 31st.
The tradition began on December 31, 1976, when the late W. T. Rabe, a public relations director at Lake Superior State University, created the first list. Though he and his friends compiled it from their own pet peeves about language, Rabe knew from the volume of mail he received in the following weeks that the group would have no shortage of words and phrases to choose from. Since then, the list has consisted of nominations received from around the world throughout the year; it has been so popular among language purists that the university has kept it going. Over the decades, Lake State has received tens of thousands of nominations for the list, which now totals more than 1,000 entries. The university copyrighted the concept, “to uphold, protect, and support excellence in language by encouraging avoidance of words and terms that are overworked, redundant, oxymoronic, clichéd, illogical, nonsensical—and otherwise ineffective, baffling, or irritating.”
“It’s very said more than very done, and we’re all very done hearing it!” remarks Tammy S. Often used in the phrase ‘very demure, very mindful,’ Madison C. shares that the overuse “waters down the real meaning.”
COOKED
Here is the list of the banished words and terms for 2025, along with the reasons for their banishment. As they say on their website: “Language is a dynamic, ever-evolving entity. The banished words list recognizes the rapid changes in expression, encouraging a reassessment of the impact and relevance of our vocabulary.”
Here are this year’s golden class of banishments and rationale:
“Hearing it… my brain feels ‘cooked,’” groans Zac A. from VA. Parents and guardians led the charge on this one, with some feeling this isn’t enough. James C. from WA suggests a ban of “all forms of the word cook,” hoping that hearing them will become rare.
MASSIVE
“Way overused! (often incorrectly),” exclaim Don and Gail K. from MN. This word’s massive overuse has secured its place on this year’s list.
INCENTIVIZE
In the longstanding effort to turn nouns into verbs, this is another culprit. Two separate submissions likened hearing this word to “nails on a chalkboard.” Patricia from TX asks, “What’s wrong with motivate?”
FULL STOP
“For the same reason ‘period’ was banished… redundant punctuation,” explains Marybeth A. from OR.
PERFECT
“There are very few instances when the word actually applies,” notes Jo H. from CA. Often heard during customer service interactions, Char S. from OH wonders: “How do they know it’s perfect... what does that mean?”
GIFT/GIFTED (AS A VERB)
“I found this on the 1994 list, but it will make me feel better to recommend that it be included once again,” reveals James S. from OK. Another case of a noun being used as a verb.
MY BAD
In the 1998 banishment, Elizabeth P. from MI suggested, “students and adults sound infantile when using this to apologize.” The phrase hasn’t matured in credibility since then. Andrea R. from OH shared, “It does not convey much meaning in the way of an apology.”
REACH OUT
First banished in 1994, this saying has strayed from the positive message it once intended to deliver. “What started as a phrase with emotional support overtones has now become absurdly overused,” asserts Kevin B. from the United Kingdom.
To nominate a word or phrase for 2027, or for more information on the tradition, visit: www.lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords n
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REAL ESTATE F THE FU URE
AI TOOLS HELP CREATE DIAMOND-SHAPED AI CONVENTION CENTER
when skiDmore, owings & merrill (SOM) was commissioned to design a permanent home for a major AI convention in Shanghai, China, it decided the building itself should embody the technology it was meant to celebrate. Rather than starting with sketches or stylistic concepts, the team first defined a set of non-negotiable constraints: site size, required total floor area, and necessary ceiling heights. With those fixed, they handed the creative exploration to an algorithm.
The architects programmed six primary objectives into the system: 1) maximize usable floor area; 2) calibrate the balance between open and enclosed spaces; 3) determine the optimal size of each room and how they connect; 4) align façade panel dimensions with the structural grid; 5) increase access to natural daylight; and 6) enhance outward views for occupants.
In traditional architecture, these ambitions often conflict. Expanding floor
space can reduce daylight. Improving views may compromise efficiency. Optimizing façade systems can constrain interior layouts. Designers typically navigate these trade-offs slowly, testing options one by one.
However, the AI processed thousands of possibilities overnight. By morning, the architects were not reviewing a single proposal but were instead examining 800 distinct building varia-
tions—each balancing the six goals in a slightly different way. With more time, the system could have generated thousands, even millions, of alternatives.
At that point, the architect’s role shifted. Instead of searching for an idea, the team evaluated outcomes. They compared the strongest options side by side, guided by performance data. Yet the final decision was not made by numbers alone. The architects chose the scheme that felt most composed and assured in its context. An algorithm can measure efficiency and optimize trade-offs, but it does not perceive elegance or cultural resonance. That judgment remained human.
The finished façade reflects this hybrid process. Nothing is arbitrary. Every
I have no idea what you're talking about, but I suspect you don’t either.
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the ability to reach it.
pane of glass is angled and positioned according to precise performance calculations, maximizing light while preserving structural logic. The result is a surface that feels dynamic without relying on ornament. By day, it reflects light with a metallic sheen; by night, it absorbs light and recedes into near-blackness. The contrast is deliberate. This approach—what SOM calls “faster architecture”—compressed weeks of research and enabled the team to simulate carbon impact and energy performance before construction began.
Understanding how the building was designed is only part of the story. Equally important is where it stands. The West Bund Convention Center sits along the Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Xuhui District, within a 7-mile waterfront zone covering approximately 3.6 square miles. Today, the area appears open, cultural, and carefully orchestrated. For much of the twentieth century, however, it was an industrial corridor filled with rail yards, cement plants, factories, and port facilities. It was built for production, not for public life, and access to the river was limited.
That changed under Shanghai’s longterm development strategy. In the Shanghai 2035 Master Plan, West Bund was designated a high-quality Central Activity Zone (CAZ)—a district intended to concentrate a global city’s core functions: culture, innovation, commerce, and civic life.
One of the first major moves was reclaiming the waterfront. Rather than concealing infrastructure behind walls, planners transformed the Huangpu River into the district’s organizing
spine. A 5.2-mile cultural corridor now runs along the river, lined with more than 20 major museums and exhibition spaces. On summer evenings, Riverside Park can draw up to 20,000 visitors. A former industrial belt has evolved into one of Shanghai’s most active public realms.
At the same time, West Bund was positioned as a technology hub. The district promotes what it calls the “AA Engine”—Art and AI—emphasizing the deliberate pairing of cultural production with advanced technology. Rather than isolating tech development on a detached campus, Shanghai sought overlap: laboratories beside galleries, startups near public promenades.
This vision is evident in existing landmarks such as the AI Tower and in plans for a 13-million-square-foot “AI Valley,” expected to host technology firms with a combined valuation of about $14 billion. The area is rapidly becoming one of the most concentrated AI clusters in the country.
Within this broader framework, the convention center’s placement feels inevitable. An AI-assisted building would lose meaning in isolation. Here, it participates in a larger ecosystem— museums on one side, tech campuses on the other, and public space threading between them. Nearby megaprojects, including the 1.8-million-square-meter Western Central mixed-use development, further reinforce this integration of offices, housing, hotels, retail, and cultural venues, with completion projected around 2028.
Zoom out further, and West Bund fits within Shanghai’s broader regeneration strategy. The city contains more than 20 million square meters of historic buildings and has committed to renewal that preserves identity rather than erasing it. The Huangpu River connects multiple districts, and Shanghai is constructing 27 tunnels beneath it to ensure the waterway unifies the city rather than divides it.
West Bund has effectively become a testing ground—where new planning models are first implemented and new design methodologies are tested under real-world conditions. An AI-driven architectural experiment belongs in such a place.
Ultimately, the West Bund Convention Center is more than a single building. It signals a shift in architectural practice: a model in which algorithms expand the field of possibilities, data informs decision-making, and human judgment defines meaning. The machine explores. The architect decides n
ARTCH TECTURE
GREGORY ARTH A CONFLUENCE OF STYLES
gregory Arth conceiveD of using tech hardware as a medium for his artwork in 1989. Looking at a circuit board reminded him of an aerial view of a city. The first piece in this popular series, “Oversaturation,” depicts New York City, including the World Trade Center’s twin towers, with a toy airplane in the sky—strangely ominous given what was to come. Within a year, the piece drew significant attention before it was damaged in a fire and then lost to a salvage company, but not before it sparked a series of artworks that remain as popular and relevant today as when he began. Arth refers to it as the Circuit Board Series. The artwork’s tactile nature pushes 2D imagery toward sculpture, and you find yourself wanting to touch and feel the relief.
It was also 1989 when Arth excitedly purchased his first portable car phone, which, including the battery, was
almost as large as a cinder block. He could see that technology was changing everything and growing exponentially, and he wanted to represent it in his work. Arth sees tech hardware as the nuts and bolts, or the magic behind the curtain, that make possible the software that powers everything. The advanced multifunction phones we hold in our hands now would be pure magic to anyone from just a few generations back, and it is the hardware that makes the magic work. With this series, Arth aims to create images in a medium that conveys the ubiquitous nature of technology. With familiar and relatable images, he puts a friendly spin on what is becoming increasingly threatening with every innovation.
Arth was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1955, but grew up mostly in Texas. His artistic influences are as varied as his work, including all the big names in Impressionism, Surrealism, Modernism, Postmodernism, Realism, and several other isms. As an artist,
Arth has always been hard to categorize. A list of projects he has worked on over his career in search of a voice is long and varied. He was finishing high
school when his family lived in England, and he briefly attended the American School in London, where he designed and painted an interactive backdrop for the high school production of “Anne Get Your Gun”. He studied art and theater in college at the University of Texas at Arlington. While still in college, he began creating indoor and outdoor murals for local businesses in Dallas and Fort Worth, painted a large canvas mural in the student cafeteria at UTA, and painted backdrops and designed sets for productions in which he also acted.
Gradually, he became so busy that he dropped out of college, leaving his Fine Arts degree unfinished. He worked for several production companies and served as the on-set artist. He spent nal, and contemporary wall and ceiling murals popular at the time in homes and home theaters, including some of the finest private homes in Texas. He also worked with a Los Angeles set painter in his Dallas studio as the layout
drops for the Dallas and Houston Opera and Ballet. He also built and painted movable sets and canvas backdrops for the Crazy Horse Saloon theater at Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Over
He created canvas murals and painted wall murals on location for the Cinemark theater chain, which were installed nationwide, including in their Dallas corporate offices. Some of these murals were reproduced in South America and Asia. Arth has been represented by Park West Galleries for his Circuit Board print work, which was sold on cruise ships. This series has been used on college textbooks, in print media, and in a promotion for an opera about Steve Jobs. He was even featured in a Neiman Marcus catalog for his ability to paint the bottoms of swimming pools to look like underwater scenes.
He has developed at least five successful series, including the award-winning Circuit Board series. His current focus
is on private commissions and projects for Art Consultants, who have commissioned him to create numerous large-scale pieces and triptychs for technology companies, corporate offices, and medical facilities nationwide. Sometimes, just for fun, he paints with oil or acrylic on canvas in an impressionistic style.
Arth doesn't question the how or why of what he does or worry about intellectual explanations. He doesn’t feel the need to write a dissertation on his motivations or produce heady artist statements describing the mental magic required to execute his creations. Asked about any of this, he might just quote the Grinch, “Don’t know, don’t
01
care.” He says he does what he does because he enjoys the challenge, the process, and the problem-solving involved in creating something that is satisfying and that other people enjoy enough to pay the ultimate compliment—buying the work.
Gregory Arth lives in Colleyville, near Fort Worth, Texas, with Claudia, his wife of nearly forty years, who calls him the ADHD artist on the spectrum. Arth doesn’t seem to mind and, with a laugh, says, “It’s probably true.” She has served as his muse and is the inspiration behind numerous paintings and mixed-media works. His femaleempowerment piece, “Shebot mE2,” depicts a sexy female robot holding a ray gun. He says it “was inspired by my wife, who is also sexy and a little dangerous.” He continues to seek new inspiration, ideas, and projects that are challenging and exciting. A sampling of his work and history is available on his website—gregoryarth.com n
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.)
/ 15. World Map.
. San Francisco. / 02. Robby the Robot. / 03. Saguaro and Mesas. / 04. Shebot mE2-with Rocket & Saturn. / 05. See, Hear, Speak, Robots. / 06. Tree of Knowledge. / 07. Interstate 635 Express Lane. / 08. Claudia in Key West, O-C. / 09. Urban Canyon. / 10. Chrysler Bldg. / 11. Fort Worth with Long Horn. / 12. Van Gogh 21st Century. / 13. Dallas with Full Moon-Light up. / 14. San Francisco with Golden Gate.
THE IMPACT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ROLLBACK ON THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY
the trumP ADministrAtion’s rollbAck of environmental laws last week will immediately ease regulatory burdens for real estate development, reducing permitting times, compliance costs, and development restrictions. This is likely to accelerate new projects and lower upfront costs, especially for residential, commercial, and industrial developments. However, in the long term, these rollbacks may increase exposure to environmental and climate risks, drive up insurance and financing costs, and reduce the attractiveness of U.S. real estate to ESG-focused investors. The net effect is a short-term boost in development activity, but with heightened long-term risks and market segmentation as state and local regulations diverge
Directed EPA to review and repeal Endangerment Finding Set legal and policy foundation for rollbacks
DIRECT IMPACTS ON REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Environmental reviews and permitting timelines will be significantly shortened, especially for projects previously subject to federal GHG and related reviews. Some projects may see approval times drop from years to months.
Developers will save on environmental studies, mitigation, and ongoing monitoring—potentially reducing the cost of a new home by $20,000–$30,000 and even more for commercial projects. Rollbacks may open up previously restricted sites (e.g., near wetlands or in high-emission zones) for development, especially benefiting urban infill and infrastructure projects.
WHO BENEFITS MOST?
• Urban infill housing and advanced manufacturing projects in high-demand markets
• Developers in regions with previously stringent federal oversight Indirect Impacts on Real Estate Markets
• Reduced environmental protections can make properties less desirable, especially in areas exposed to pollution or climate risks. This can suppress property values over time.
• The rollback may deter ESG-focused investors, who increasingly favor sustainable assets. This could reduce capital inflows to U.S. real estate and increase the cost of capital for non-compliant properties.
• As climate risks grow and are less regulated, insurance premiums are expected to rise sharply. Commercial real estate insurance costs have already increased 88% over five years, and further deregulation could accelerate this trend.
• Lenders may become more cautious, reducing loan-to-value ratios or declining to finance properties in high-risk or deregulated areas
• Demand may shift toward properties and regions with stronger environmental protections, as tenants and buyers increasingly seek resilient, sustainable assets.
• Markets with robust state/local regulations may outperform those relying solely on weakened federal standards.
SHORT-TERM VS. LONG-TERM EFFECTS
Increased investment and leasing activity Likely
Lower compliance costs for new projects
Uncertain, may reverse
Immediate May rise if policies reverse
Shift to greenfield development Begins quickly Urban sprawl intensifies
Legal and regulatory uncertainty High Continues, especially with policy swings
State/local regulatory divergence
Emerging Becomes entrenched
Environmental/health impacts Minimal initially Accumulate over years
Strategic risk management by industry Increases Becomes standard practice
KEY FINDING:
Short-term gains from deregulation (faster development, lower costs) are likely to be offset by long-term risks: higher insurance and financing costs, policy reversals, and market segmentation.
CONCLUSION
The Trump administration’s environmental law rollbacks will provide immediate relief to real estate developers and accelerate new projects by reducing regulatory hurdles and costs. However, these benefits come with significant long-term risks: increased exposure to environmental hazards, rising insurance and financing costs, and potential loss of investor interest in non-sustainable assets. The industry is likely to see greater market segmentation, with state and local regulations playing a larger role and sustainability remaining a key driver of long-term value and resilience. n
Future of Facilities Starts Here The
Power Speakers
Dorice Horenstein International Keynote Speaker, Positive Intelligence Expert and Author
IFMA’s Facility Fusion isn’t your typical conference. It’s a fusion of fresh ideas, bold solutions and intimate networking that moves facility management forward. Whether you're a decision-maker, service provider or emerging leader, you'll find real conversations, relevant insights and strategic opportunities — all in one place. Unlike larger conferences, the Facility Fusion experience is intentionally intimate — giving you more access to peers, speakers and solution providers who are invested in your success.
Skyler Tibbits Founder & Director, MIT Self-Assembly Lan
Rory Gardner TED Speaker, awardwinning comedian & CCMA-nominated artist
The two-day expo is back to give you even more time to explore solutions and connect with the people behind them. You’ll also experience new formats, curated tracks and fresh voices redefining the future of FM.
BY GABRIELA STINSON STREET
for reAl estAte brokers, the insurance environment in 2026 is becoming increasingly complex and demanding. While some rate relief is emerging in certain markets, risk appetite remains cautious, especially in hazard-exposed geographies or among brokers with weak loss histories. Brokers who are proactive in selecting the right insurance coverages, maintaining operational and documentation discipline, investing in risk mitigation (especially around cyber and climate), and staying compliant with varying state laws will be best positioned to secure favorable terms and protect their businesses.
Also known simply as “E&O,” this is perhaps the single most important policy for brokers. It protects you when clients allege negligence, misrepresentation, failure to disclose, misstatements in listings or contracts, or other professional mistakes. E&O policies typically cover legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments.
GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Brokers interact with clients in person, host open houses, run offices, and may invite people onto properties or into their physical offices. General liability (or commercial liability) protects against bodily injury (e.g., slip-andfall at a property showing), property damage, and certain personal injury liabilities (libel, slander) arising from business operations.
INSURAN E
KEY INSURANCE COVERAGES EVERY REAL ESTATE BROKER SHOULD HAVE
BUSINESS OWNER’S POLICY (BOP)
A BOP bundles property insurance (for your office, equipment, and furniture) with general liability. It often includes business interruption, which can compensate for lost income and operating expenses if your business is disrupted by a covered peril. For many small and medium-sized brokerages, a well-structured BOP provides cost efficiency.
COMMERCIAL AUTO INSURANCE
If agents or brokers use vehicles for business purposes (showing homes, transporting clients, signage, etc.), commercial auto coverage (or hired/ non-owned auto liability) is relevant. Standard personal auto policies often exclude business use.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE
Required in most states if you have employees. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation for work-related injuries. Even in small offices, a single serious injury claim can be financially damaging without this coverage.
CYBER LIABILITY / DATA BREACH INSURANCE
Real estate brokers handle sensitive client data: financial information, personal identities, and contracts. As cyber threats and regulatory privacy obligations increase, so do the risks and potential damages from hacks, ransomware, and data breaches. Cyber liability insurance helps cover notification costs, legal exposure, and, in some cases, business interruption. With everything going digital in real estate, including wire transfers, e-signatures, and client data, brokers are becoming bigger targets for cyberattacks. We've seen it firsthand, with clients losing significant amounts of money from data breaches and wire fraud. It's happening more than people think. This insurance helps cover the fallout, including legal costs, notifying affected clients, forensic investigations, and even lost income while you recover. It used to be a ‘nice to have,’ but for any brokerage handling sensitive client information, it's becoming a ‘must-have.’
UMBRELLA / EXCESS LIABILITY INSURANCE
Because even standard liability policies have limits, brokers with high-value list-
For those who don’t want Alexa listening in on their conversations, they’re making a male version. It doesn’t listen to anything.
ings, large client bases, or significant exposure should consider umbrella coverage to protect against large, unexpected claims. Umbrella policies kick in when underlying policy limits are exhausted.
EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY INSURANCE (EPLI)
If you employ staff (assistants, marketing personnel, and administrative support), you face risks such as claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment. EPLI protects against litigation related to employment issues.
According to market reports, property-insurance pricing is softening for favorable risk profiles (i.e., brokers/ offices with strong loss control in low-hazard regions). Underwriters are more willing to negotiate terms for lower-risk clients. However, for those in high-risk areas (fire, flood, wildfire zones) or with spotty loss histories, premiums, deductibles, and exclusions are being imposed more rigorously.
go digital, agents and brokers handle more data, use tech platforms, list sites, digital signatures, etc. Data breaches or unauthorized disclosures are now more likely to result in claims. Cyber liability is moving from “nice to have” to essential for many brokerages.
Clients and partner firms increasingly expect brokers to carry robust insurance. Listings, fiduciary duties, and real estate firms often require proof of insurance before affiliation. Strong insurance may be a competitive differentiator. Some insurers also offer enhanced risk management services
• MAINTAIN CONTINUOUS COVERAGE – Many E&O and professional liability policies are “claims-made,” meaning the policy must be in force both when the error occurs and when the claim is filed. Gaps can be very costly.
• DOCUMENT PROCEDURES, DISCLOSURES & CONTRACTS CAREFULLY – Errors often stem from poor documentation or failure to disclose. Strong documentation, transaction checklists, and training reduce E&O risk.
• INVEST IN CYBER AND DATA SECURITY HYGIENE – Use encryption, secure backups, and access controls. These practices help secure better cybersecurity insurance
STAY LEGALLY COMPLIANT IN ALL JURISDICTIONS IN WHICH YOU OPERATE – Licensing, required minimum insurance levels, and consumer disclosure laws vary by state. Ensure your insurance and practices satisfy all relevant laws.
gabi.nstreet@farmersagency.com He’s so stupid, he comes in second at solitaire.
Insurers are looking more closely at how brokers account for physical assets (offices, signage, inventory), the extent of their exposure to client data, and the accumulation of risk (e.g., many properties in flood zones). Mitigation steps — e.g., cyber hygiene, flood/ fire prevention, proper office security — are increasingly part of underwriting.
Some states mandate specific coverages (especially E&O) for brokers. For example, in Louisiana, there are specified minimum E&O limits that depend on the number of licensees. Brokers operating in multiple states need to track each state's licensing and insurance regulations to ensure compliance. As more business processes
prone to floods, wildfires, hurricanes, or other catastrophic events faces rising insurance costs, more restrictive terms, higher deductibles, and even insurers pulling out of certain high-risk geographies. Climate risk is increasingly priced in. Brokers with properties or listings in such areas need to be especially diligent.
RECOMMENDATIONS & BEST PRACTICES
• CONDUCT A RISK AUDIT –Review all potential liability areas: professional errors, property damage, cyber exposure, employment risk, vehicle use, etc.
• MATCH POLICY LIMITS TO EXPOSURE –Ensure that E&O, general, and umbrella liability limits are sufficient given transaction sizes, asset values, and likely damages.
WORK WITH SPECIALIZED – Brokers who understand real estate industry risks can help tailor coverage, advise on emerging threats, and negotiate terms. n
Gabriela Stinson Street is co-owner of Street Insurance Agency.
BY ANDREI POPA
MESA, AZ, AND LARGO, FL, LEAD AMERICA’S MOBILE HOUSING MOVEMENT
the term mobile home broadly refers to housing units built offsite and transported to the location where they’ll be lived in. That umbrella includes two main types: Manufactured homes, which have been built to federal HUD standards since 1976 and are usually installed as permanent residences; and Recreational vehicles (RVs), which are towable and mobile by design, often used for long-term living or seasonal stays, but built under different construction codes.
At half the price of a standard home, manufactured housing remains a cornerstone of affordability in the U.S. While widespread, its footprint is uneven, with some areas much better equipped than others to meet the need for more diverse housing options.
At the city level, Mesa, Arizona, leads in overall inventory with 29,300 mobile homes, while Largo, Florida, leads by share, with 28% of its housing stock consisting of mobile homes.
Nationally, there are about 7.9 million units, representing 5.4% of all housing stock. Regionally, the Sunbelt stands out as the capital of manufactured housing, with both a high share and sheer number of units. Florida leads in total inventory with 824K mobile units, while New Mexico holds the highest statewide share at 15%.
Keeping housing costs under control is the main reason many Americans are embracing the manufactured-housing lifestyle. In 2024, the average new manufactured home sold for about $123,300 – less than half the national median home price. Although that figure doesn’t include land costs, it still makes manufactured homes one of the few reliable paths to ownership, especially in an era of relentless housing price growth.
Mobile homes trace their deepest roots to the Sunbelt and the Southeast, where warm weather, flexible zoning, and wideopen land make them both practical and popular. Whether in coastal communities, desert towns, or quiet rural settings, residents are drawn to the promise of comfort, community, and financial freedom.
Florida has the largest inventory of manufactured homes in the United States, with about 824,400 units — roughly 7.8% of all housing statewide. The price gap compared with traditional housing is striking: $135K versus a median price of $397K for homes of all types and ages in Florida.
Texas ranks a close second, with about 776,200 manufactured homes, accounting for 6.2% of the state’s housing stock. In 2024, the average manufactured home sold for roughly $122.5K, compared with a median price of $313K for the state’s broader housing market — a 156% affordability gap that underscores the importance of manufactured housing in keeping ownership within reach.
North Carolina is home to about 525,500 manufactured homes, which represent 10.4% of all housing – one of the nation’s highest concentrations.
In 2024, the average new manufactured home sold for around $125K, compared with an average home price of $333K in NC’s overall housing market – a 166% price gap that keeps ownership within reach for many households.
California highlights the nation’s affordability divide in sharp focus. The state has about 507,800 manufactured homes, representing just 3.4% of its 15 million housing units. Yet their impact is significant – the average new manufactured home sold for roughly $167K in 2024, while overall home prices reached a staggering $759.5K. That’s a 355% price gap, the widest in the country.
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." (Steven Wright)
Georgia has 345,500 manufactured homes, or 7.4% of its total housing stock, with average prices around $124.8K, compared with $343.3K for the overall housing inventory. This results in a 175% affordability gap, supporting demand in both rural and suburban markets.
South Carolina and Alabama deepen the Southeastern footprint. Manufactured housing accounts for 12–13% of all housing stock in these states, among the highest shares nationally.
When it comes to inventory share, New Mexico leads, with manufactured homes accounting for 15% of its housing stock — more than one in seven homes. Close behind are Mississippi (14%), West Virginia (13.2%), and South Carolina (12.8%). These states share two traits: housing markets priced well below the national median of $360.6K and large manufactured inventories that keep ownership within reach. For example, Mississippi’s average home price is $186.5K, while a new manufactured unit averages $121.6K.
This is essentially a supply-side adjustment — markets with high shares of manufactured housing maintain lower overall housing costs because supply fills in where traditional development does not. Here, manufactured housing serves as a price anchor, preventing runaway escalation and keeping housing accessible across a wider range of incomes.
Contrast that with pricier states with lower shares of manufactured housing — places like Colorado and California. There, zoning constraints — land scarcity and local political resistance — keep manufactured housing marginal. The result is market segmentation: the affordable end of the spectrum is undersupplied,
For decades, manufactured housing has been a practical choice for retirees and downsizers, offering comfort, lower costs, and a sense of community without the financial strain of traditional homeownership. But times are changing. Recent Freddie Mac consumer surveys show that Millennials and
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The appeal extends beyond price. Today’s younger buyers value flexibility, efficiency, and low maintenance, and many are drawn to simpler lifestyles that align with financial freedom and mobility. With the rise of remote work, more Millennials and Gen Zers are exploring affordable, well-designed living in smaller spaces, often in communities with shared amenities or scenic settings that were once thought to appeal only to retirees.
é Today’s manufactured homes often come with open floor plans, smart-home technology, energy-efficient features, and stylish interiors that rival those of their site-built counterparts — all at a fraction of the price. As a result, they’re no longer seen as a fallback option but as a savvy, forward-thinking path to homeownership for cost-conscious Americans of all ages.
Industry experts note that modern manufactured homes have evolved dramatically from the “trailers” of decades past. They’re now built with quality materials, contemporary designs, and lasting appeal — a far cry from the temporary structures many people still picture.
You can see the entire report, the methodology used and a ranking of all 50 states <HERE> n
Gen Z are increasingly open to manufactured homes as home prices and interest rates continue to climb.
Greenland
in our mAy-June 2025 issue, we featured Greenland in our Geography Pages, and in our last issue, we satirically presented the huge island as our 51st state. It is still very much in the news.
President Trump’s fixation on and threats to seize Greenland have brought the sparsely populated island to the forefront. Beyond the obvious damage to NATO and the many widely covered geopolitical redlines it would cross, little has been written about what follows.
In the early 20th century, both Greenland and the Danish West Indies were under Denmark’s control, and both had long been desired by American leaders. The interest in each was closely tied to the other. Ultimately, the United States wanted the Caribbean islands more. [At the time, for commercial and military reasons, a deep harbor in a major commercial shipping lane was more valuable than an icebound expanse in the Arctic.]
THE GRAND RING
the grAnD ring wAs the symbol of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The Expo ran from April to October of last year.
It served as the main route for visitor traffic around the Expo site, enabling smooth movement and providing a comfortable, sheltered space from wind, rain, and sunlight. The building was constructed using a fusion of modern construction methods and traditional Nuki joints, such as those used in Japanese shrines and temples. It was recognized by Guinness World Records on March 4, 2025, as the largest wooden architectural structure on Earth.
The Grand Ring was designed by Sou Fujimoto to express the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity.’ It covered
TRENDI G
ç A statue commemorates Hans Egede, a Danish missionary who founded Nuuk, (the capital of Greenland)
In 1917, the United States bought the Danish West Indies (St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John), now the U.S. Virgin Islands, and agreed to respect Denmark’s hold on Greenland. That deal still binds the U.S. government. The U.S. paid $25 million in gold for the islands, one of the final expansions of U.S. territory in a 19th century dominated by the Manifest Destiny doctrine of growth. [In the 1800s, the United States grew by more than 70 million people and 29 states.]
THE FACTOR
That may not constrain Trump today, however. He has pulled out of more than a few treaties and made it clear that he feels limited only by his own sense of morality, not by international law. At least for now, he has backed down from his threat to seize the territory. “I don’t need international law,” he told The New York Times. When asked whether his administration had to follow such law, he vaguely said it “depends” on one’s definition. n
Manifest Destiny, in U.S. history, is the belief in the inevitability of the United States' continued westward expansion to the Pacific and beyond. Before the American Civil War (1861–65), the idea of Manifest Destiny was used to justify continental acquisitions in the Oregon Country, Texas, New Mexico, and California. The purchase of Alaska after the Civil War briefly revived the concept of Manifest Destiny, but it became most evident as a renewed force in U.S. foreign policy in the 1890s, when the country went to war with Spain, annexed Hawaii, and laid plans for a canal across Central America.
656,980 square feet, and the top of the structure featured a 6640-foot-long ‘Skywalk,’ accessible via five escalators and six elevators.
The ring was originally scheduled for demolition after Expo 2025, with its wooden materials to be reused. However, the private sector has proposed preserving 220 yards of the
northern ring as a landmark, while Hirofumi Yoshimura, the governor of Osaka Prefecture, has proposed preserving 660 yards of the southern ring. In October 2025, officials from Ishikawa Prefecture proposed using parts of the Grand Ring to rebuild damaged houses in Suzu. Fujimoto said in December that most of the Grand Ring would be dismantled and burned as fuel. n
My partner accused me of having no sense of direction. I got so angry, I packed up my stuff and right.
THE 287(G) TASK FORCE
when A routine trAffic stop or a call for help becomes the first step toward deportation, the line between local policing and federal immigration enforcement quietly disappears. For many communities across the United States, that line is reshaped by a little-known but powerful policy tool: the 287(g) program. Understanding what this program is—and how it operates—reveals far more than an enforcement mechanism. It exposes how communities define safety, authority, and trust.
The 287(g) program is a federal initiative that authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce limited aspects of federal immigration law. Established under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the program allows ICE to deputize trained local officers to perform specific immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision. In practice, these officers may identify, question, and in some cases detain individuals suspected of being in the United States unlawfully, and initiate immigration actions that would otherwise fall exclusively under federal authority.
The 287(g) program was created in 1996 through the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. Its use expanded significantly in the mid-2000s, particularly after the September 11 attacks, when immigration enforcement became closely linked to national security. During the Obama administration, the program was scaled back due to concerns over civil rights, racial profiling, and damage to community trust. It expanded again under the Trump administration, including renewed emphasis on task force models. Under the Biden administration, the program was reduced and restructured, with a narrower focus on serious criminal activity. As a result, the program’s scope has fluctuated with changing political priorities.
BY ROXANA TOFAN
WHO WHAT HOW WHEN WHY WHERE
Participation in 287(g) is voluntary and involves a formal partnership between ICE and a state or local law enforcement agency. ICE administers the program, provides training, and retains ultimate authority over immigration decisions. Local participants are typically sheriffs’ offices, police departments, or state patrol agencies. Within those agencies, only designated officers who have completed ICE-approved training may carry out 287(g) duties. Agencies must apply, receive federal approval, and sign a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE that outlines responsibilities, limitations, reporting requirements, and oversight mechanisms.
287(g) agreements exist in select jurisdictions rather than nationwide. They are most common in southern border states, rural or suburban counties, and areas with strong sheriff-led enforcement structures. Many large cities and urban jurisdictions choose not to participate, often citing concerns about civil liberties, community trust, or local policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The uneven geographic distribution of the program reflects the influence of local leadership and political philosophy rather than uniform federal practice.
Supporters of 287(g) argue that it strengthens cooperation between federal and local law enforcement, enhances public safety by identifying non-citizens who commit serious crimes, and expands federal enforcement capacity without requiring additional federal agents. Critics counter that the program blurs the boundary between local policing and immigration enforcement, discourages immigrant communities from reporting crimes, increases the risk of racial or ethnic profiling, and undermines trust between law enforcement and residents. The debate is not primarily about legality, but about the program’s social and constitutional consequences.
The 287(g) program sits at the intersection of immigration policy, policing, civil rights, and federalism. It raises fundamental questions about who should enforce federal immigration law, how much discretion local officers should have, and how communities balance public safety with constitutional protections. These are not abstract debates. The consequences play out in neighborhoods, courtrooms, and families long after an enforcement action ends.
In the end, 287(g) is not merely a technical law enforcement tool—it is a policy choice. Whether adopted, rejected, or limited, it reshapes the relationship between government and the people it serves. And just as a single traffic stop can change a life, the decision to implement 287(g) can redefine a community’s values, priorities, and sense of trust—bringing us back to the question of where that line between protection and enforcement should truly be drawn.
The program operates through three primary models. The most common is the jail enforcement model, where officers screen individuals already in local custody following arrest for another offense. The task force model allows officers to conduct immigration enforcement during routine policing activities such as patrols and traffic stops, and has generated the greatest controversy due to civil liberties concerns. The warrant service officer model is more limited, permitting officers to execute ICE administrative warrants under federal direction. While ICE provides training and oversight, local agencies bear many operational costs, and day-to-day enforcement occurs at the local level, where its impacts are felt most directly. 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
BY BRIGADIER GENERAL (RET) T.J. EDWARDS
WHEN SOLDIERS PATROL OUR STREETS, DEMOCRACY PAYS THE PRICE
there comes A moment in the life of every democracy when it must confront a question more consequential than can we do this? The true measure of democratic resilience lies in asking the harder question: should we?
That moment arrives when soldiers appear on city streets.
Throughout American history, the domestic deployment of the U.S. military has been justified as an extraordinary response to extraordinary circumstances—civil unrest, public disorder, emergencies that overwhelm civilian institutions. The language is always familiar and reassuring. This is temporary. Local authorities are stretched thin. Order must be restored. Public safety requires it. Yet history offers a sobering lesson: when military force is used to police civilians, the consequences are rarely temporary—and they are never neutral.
The United States was founded on a deliberate separation between civilian governance and military power. The Founders' opinions, shaped by their experience under British rule, viewed standing armies operating among the population as instruments of coercion rather than guardians of liberty. Soldiers enforcing civil order symbolized authoritarian control, not democratic stability. That fear was not a philosophical abstraction; it was born of lived experience.
Yet time and again, America flirts with crossing that line.
THINKING OUT LOUD
SOLDIERS ARE NOT POLICE—AND THAT DIFFERENCE MATTERS
The military exists to defeat enemies on the battlefield. Police, at least in principle, exist to enforce civilian law, protect communities, and de-escalate conflicts. These missions are fundamentally different—not only in training, but in mindset, culture, and purpose.
When soldiers are placed into civilian environments, the framing inevitably changes. Streets become operational terrain. Crowds become potential threats. Civilian movement becomes something to control rather than understand. The tools, posture, and psychology of military operations are designed for war zones—not for neighborhoods where families live, businesses operate, and constitutional rights are exercised daily.
This distinction is not theoretical. In June 2020, federal forces and National Guard units were deployed to American cities amid widespread protests. In Washington, D.C., peaceful demonstrators were forcibly cleared from Lafayette Square using chemical agents and explosive crowd-control devices to facilitate a presidential photo opportunity. Images of heavily armed troops confronting unarmed civilians were broadcast around the world. General Mark A. Milley, then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walked with President Trump and other administration officials through Lafayette Square in his Army Combat Uniform (ACU). Retired Gen Milley has publicly apologized for his presence in uniform in Lafayette Square. In congressional testimony and interviews years later, he has reiterated his regret, describing it as a "terrible moment for the United States military" because it created a perception of politicization, caused damage to the military's image, and was something he would "always regret."
The damage was immediate and enduring. Public trust eroded sharply. Civil liberties organizations filed federal lawsuits alleging violations of the First Amendment and constitutional protections. Some cases resulted in settlements and policy reforms, while others dragged on through the courts for year, underscoring the legal and democratic risks inherent in military involvement in civilian policing.
Most senior defense officials recognize the danger of deploying active-duty troops against American civilians. Their concerns are not political—they are institutional. Once the military is positioned against the public, escalation rather than stability becomes the most likely outcome. The use of active-duty military forces in the United States should be reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.
MILITARY PRESENCE ESCALATES CONFLICT—IT RARELY CALMS IT
Supporters of domestic military deployment often argue that overwhelming force restores order. History suggests otherwise.
After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, federal troops entered cities including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago. While violence eventually subsided, the long-term damage was profound. Entire neighborhoods were economically devastated. Trust between citizens and government collapsed. Resentment hardened into generational memory. Soldiers did not heal wounds; they deepened them.
This pattern has repeated itself with unsettling consistency. Governors and mayors closest to unfolding crises—those directly accountable to their communities—have repeatedly warned that deploying active-duty troops or heavily militarized forces during protests or immigration enforcement does not calm cities; it inflames them.
In Minneapolis during 2025 and 2026, protests erupted following aggressive federal immigration operations, including a two-agent involved fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti. City and state leaders publicly rejected calls to deploy active-duty soldiers, warning such a move would escalate tensions and undermine constitutional governance. Their assessment proved accurate. As federal actions expanded, protests intensified—not because of insufficient force, but because communities felt they were being treated as hostile terrorists rather than citizens demanding accountability. Importantly, no active-duty U.S. military personnel were ever deployed to Minneapolis. The Pentagon, however, placed 1,500 active-duty soldiers (primarily from the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska) on “prepare-to-deploy” status just in case.
A similar dynamic unfolded in Los Angeles in mid-2025, when National Guard units and active-duty Marines were deployed over state
Some people feel
the rain.
Others just get wet.
(Bob Dylan)
é Portland Avenue and 34th Street in South Minneapolis shortly after the shooting of Renée Good.
CHAD DAVIS
é Two federal officers fired their weapons during the fatal weekend shooting of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
PUBLIC DOMAIN
not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the
objections following large-scale immigration raids. Protests grew more volatile. Confrontations escalated. Civilians shouted “go home” at uniformed troops. Military presence did not signal safety—it signaled occupation.
Crowd psychology is not complicated. Intimidation breeds defiance. Armored vehicles and rifles communicate that dialogue has ended.
CIVIL LIBERTIES ARE ALWAYS THE FIRST CASUALTY
When the military enters civilian life, constitutional rights become fragile.
Freedom of speech and assembly are often the first casualties. Lawful protesters exercising protected rights suddenly face soldiers trained to suppress threats rather than facilitate dissent. The margin for error narrows. Mistakes become dangerous. Accountability becomes unclear.
The legal framework enabling domestic military deployment—the Insurrection Act—is broad, outdated, and dangerously vague. Written in the early nineteenth century, it grants presidents sweeping authority with minimal oversight. Civil liberties advocates have long warned that it lacks modern guardrails, meaningful congressional review, or clear limits on duration and scope.
Once troops are deployed, fundamental questions arise: Who issues orders? Who investigates misconduct? Which court has jurisdiction? In moments of crisis, these questions are rarely resolved before force is applied.
History offers sobering reminders. During labor strikes in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, troops were deployed to suppress protests and protect powerful economic interests. Workers were injured. Organizers were arrested. Speech was silenced. The military did not act as a neutral force—it acted on behalf of entrenched power.
watched rather than protected. Once trust is broken, rebuilding it is slow, costly, and uncertain.
These deployments do not affect all communities equally. They disproportionately impact neighborhoods already subject to heavy policing—immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-income areas. For many residents, the arrival of soldiers reinforces a painful message: you are viewed as a threat, not a constituency.
The long-term effects undermine public safety itself. Civic participation declines. Cooperation with authorities erodes. Fear replaces trust, making communities less resilient and institutions less effective.
THE MILITARY BEARS HIDDEN COSTS
There is another consequence often overlooked: the harm done to the armed forces themselves.
Service members swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution—not to referee domestic political conflict or enforce partisan agendas. Deploying them against fellow citizens places them in untenable positions, erodes morale, and strains civil-military relations.
Senior military leaders across administrations have consistently warned that domestic policing roles risk long-term damage to the military’s nonpartisan standing. The armed forces’ legitimacy depends not only on capability, but on public trust. When troops are used for domestic control, that trust frays.
Readiness also suffers. Units trained for warfighting divert time, resources, and focus to roles they were never designed to perform. Skills degrade. Frustration grows. National security weakens.
Turning the military inward undermines the very institution meant to protect the nation.
When citizens accept soldiers in the streets as a response to unrest, protest, or political disagreement, the line between democracy and authoritarianism grows dangerously thin.
THERE ARE BETTER—AND SAFER— ALTERNATIVES
None of this denies that cities face real challenges. Civil unrest, crime, disasters, and fear demand serious responses. But the answer is not to turn neighborhoods into war zones.
America has better tools: accountable civilian law enforcement, transparent oversight, community-based conflict resolution, courts and legislatures, and policies that address root causes rather than symptoms—economic insecurity, housing instability, political polarization, and lack of trust in institutions.
The military has a vital domestic role—in disaster response, humanitarian aid, and logistical support. When hurricanes strike or wildfires rage, soldiers save lives and strengthen democratic legitimacy. Policing civilians does the opposite.
at the
Democracy paid the price.
COMMUNITIES PAY LONG AFTER THE TROOPS LEAVE
Even after soldiers withdraw, the damage remains.
Residents do not forget military patrols. Children remember fear. Businesses remember disruption. Neighborhoods remember being
THE MOST DANGEROUS CONSEQUENCE: PRECEDENT
Perhaps the greatest danger is not what happens the first time—but what becomes acceptable afterward.
Each domestic deployment lowers the threshold for the next. What was once extraordinary becomes standard procedure. What was once unthinkable becomes debatable. What was once debated becomes normalized.
Democracies rarely collapse through sudden coups. They erode through repetition— through exceptions that become habits, through leaders who discover that extreme measures carry fewer consequences than expected.
A LINE WORTH DEFENDING
When soldiers patrol American streets, something fundamental has already gone wrong.
It signals a failure of civilian governance, a breakdown of trust, and a willingness to trade liberty for the illusion of control. History shows that once that trade is made, regaining liberty is far harder than restoring order would have been.
The question is not whether the government has the power to deploy the military domestically. In limited circumstances, it does.
The question is whether a democracy that values freedom, trust, and constitutional rule should rely on force meant for war to manage its own people.
That line exists for a reason. A democracy worth defending should be far more reluctant to cross it. n
BY ROXANA TOFAN
WHEN STABILITY BREAKS: IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE COST TO PROPERTY OPERATIONS
you sit in A meeting with your manager asking about the performance of your maintenance guy, only to learn that his focus isn’t slipping because of work—it’s because he’s terrified about his upcoming immigration court date. He tells you that people are getting judge extensions, then being picked up by ICE outside the courthouse. Later that same day, you find out you lost seven residents this month—either because they were detained or because they left in fear they would be. One resident is walking around the property threatening neighbors, saying he’ll call ICE on them. Two employees are afraid to come to work. And through all of this, the hardest part is that most of the people affected are here legally.
This is not a political headline. This is daily life in property operations in Texas.
Across the country, new immigration enforcement policies and more aggressive tactics are reshaping the way communities function. While the national conversation often focuses on borders, politics, and ideology, the real impact is being felt quietly—inside apartment complexes, small businesses, schools, and workplaces. For property managers, owners, and operators, the consequences are operational, financial, and deeply human.
Stronger enforcement, faster deportations, courthouse arrests, and expanded cooperation between federal and local agencies have created an environment of fear—even among people who have legal status or are in the middle of legal processes. When enforcement becomes more visible and more unpredictable, fear spreads faster than facts.
In operations, fear is not just emotional. It is disruptive.
Maintenance teams, leasing agents, cleaners, landscapers, and office staff are suddenly distracted, anxious, or absent. Some stop showing up—not because they are undocumented, but because they don’t trust that being in public spaces, driving, or attending court is safe anymore. Productivity drops. Projects fall behind. Work orders pile up. Response times increase. Residents complain. Managers burn out trying to cover gaps.
At the same time, residents begin leaving. Some are detained. Others leave preemptively — breaking leases, disappearing overnight, abandoning units, furniture, and belongings. Occupancy drops. Delinquencies increase. Turnover costs rise. Marketing budgets stretch. Leasing teams work harder just to stay even.
This is not a theory. This is happening.
When seven residents disappear in one month, that is not just a social issue—it is a financial one. Rent loss affects budgets. Vacancies affect investor confidence. Staffing shortages affect service quality. Service quality affects reputation. And reputation affects leasing velocity. One policy shift at the federal level ripples all the way down to whether a maintenance request gets completed on time.
Another layer of damage is internal conflict. When one resident threatens others by saying they will call ICE, the property becomes unsafe—not because of crime, but because of intimidation. Fear replaces community. Neighbors stop talking. Kids stop playing outside. People avoid common areas. Trust disappears.
Property managers are not trained to handle immigration crises. They are trained to manage buildings, budgets, people, and performance. Yet suddenly they are mediators, counselors, crisis managers, and emotional support systems. They are explaining policies they didn’t create. Calming fears they cannot fully control. Trying to protect staff while still operating legally and responsibly.
And the hardest part? Many of the people affected are doing everything right.
They have work visas. Court dates. Pending applications. Extensions. Documents. Lawyers. They are in the system, following the process, waiting. But when enforcement tactics become aggressive and unpredictable, legality no longer feels like protection. It feels fragile.
This creates a chilling effect. People stop trusting systems. They stop showing up to court because they are afraid of
My desire to spontaneously sing
The Lion Sleeps Tonight is always just a whim away.
getting arrested there. They avoid reporting crimes. They avoid hospitals. They avoid schools. They avoid work. Fear pushes people into isolation, and isolation breaks communities.
From an operational standpoint, this is unsustainable.
Businesses depend on stability—stable teams, stable residents, stable income. When fear enters the workplace, performance suffers. Employees who are worried about survival cannot focus on service. Managers who are constantly in crisis mode cannot plan strategically. Owners who see financial volatility lose confidence in long-term growth.
There is also the moral toll. Watching good employees suffer, watching families disappear overnight, watching children lose stability—it weighs heavily on leaders. Most property managers did not choose this profession to watch people live in fear. Yet they are now standing at the intersection of housing, law, trauma, and policy.
Immigration policy is often debated in terms of numbers: how many crossings, how many deportations, how many approvals. But on the ground, the cost is measured differently:
• In missed workdays
• In vacant units
• In broken trust
• In anxious phone calls
• In employees crying in offices
• In residents packing overnight
The current climate does not just target undocumented immigrants. It destabilizes entire communities, including citizens, legal residents, and businesses that rely on immigrant labor and immigrant residents. Fear does not check paperwork before it spreads.
Operations depend on people. And people do not perform well when they are scared.
This does not mean laws should not be enforced. It means enforcement must consider real-world consequences. Policies created far from apartment complexes do not always account for what happens when fear enters a workplace or a neighborhood.
There are ways to reduce harm:
• Clear communication so people understand their rights
• Consistency, so people are not surprised by sudden tactics
• Respect for legal processes without turning them into traps
• Support systems for employers and communities navigating change
But when enforcement becomes unpredictable, communities fracture. And when communities fracture, operations fail.
Property managers are now forced to ask questions they never expected:
How do we support employees who are terrified?
How do we retain staff when fear is stronger than pay?
How do we stabilize occupancy when paying families disappear overnight?
How do we protect residents from intimidation and threats?
These are not abstract policy questions. These are Mondaymorning problems.
The truth is simple: stability is good for business, and fear is bad for operations.
When employees feel safe, they work better. When residents feel safe, they stay longer.
When communities feel safe, they grow. But when fear takes over, everything becomes temporary—jobs, homes, trust, and hope.
The story that started in a manager’s office—about one stressed maintenance worker—ends in a much larger reality. It is not just about him. It is about seven residents gone - 18% of a small property. Overnight. Paying residents. Four employees afraid. One resident threatening others. ICE parked in your property parking lot, sitting in the car with bullet proof vest. Watch. A team stretched thin. A property struggling to function normally.
This is what immigration policy looks like on the ground—not in headlines, but in hallways, parking lots, maintenance shops, and leasing offices.
And until policy discussions include the operational, economic, and human impact on communities like these, the cost will continue to be paid quietly—by workers, families, businesses, and neighborhoods trying to survive in a climate of fear. 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 U.S. GEOGRAPHY
QUIZ
Just for fun, we’re doing something different in this issue. Rather than an article, it’s a quiz. (The answers are on the opposite page at the bottom.)
[No prizes—just the satisfaction that you may be smarter than a 7th grader.]
1. In which direction does the Mississippi River generally flow?
A) West B) South C) North D) East
2. Which state is home to the lowest point in North America (Death Valley)?
A) Arizona B) Nevada C) California D) Utah
3. Which US state is the only one surrounded by two oceans?
A) Alaska B) Hawaii
C) American Samoa D) Guam
4. Which of these is the only state that is an archipelago?
A) Florida B) Hawaii C) Rhode Island D) Maine
5. Which of these states does NOT border Canada?
A) Idaho B) Minnesota C) Wyoming D) Vermont
6. Which of these is the largest mountain system in North America?
A) Sierra Nevada B) Alaska Range
C) Appalachians D) Rockies
7. Mount Rushmore is located in which state?
A) North Dakota B) South Dakota
C) Wyoming D) Colorado
8. Which state has the longest coastline in the lower 48 states?
A) Florida B) California C) Maine D) Louisiana
9. In which city would you find the Space Needle?
A) Portland B) San Francisco
C) Seattle D) Chicago
10. Mount Whitney is located in which mountain range?
A) Sierra Nevada B) Olympic Mountains
C) Cascade Range D) Rocky Mountains
11. Which of the Great Lakes is located entirely within the United States?
A) Lake Superior B) Lake Michigan
C) Lake Erie D) Lake Ontario
12. Which mountain range runs along the eastern coast of the United States?
A) Rockies B) Sierra Nevada
C) Appalachians D) Cascade Range
13. Washington shares a border with Idaho and what other state?
A) Oregon B) California
C) New Mexico D) North Dakota
Martinis
I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.
14. Which river forms a large portion of the border between the United States and Mexico?
A)Colorado B)Mississippi C)Rio Grande D)Missouri
15. The "Four Corners" is the only point in the US where four states meet. Which state is NOT part of the Four Corners?
A) Colorado B) New Mexico C) Arizona D) Nevada
16. What is the largest estuary in the U.S.?
A) San Francisco Bay B) Tampa Bay C) Chesapeake Bay D) Long Island Sound
17. Which state is known as the "Sunshine State"?
A) California B) Florida C) Arizona D) Georgia
18. Which of these states is not considered part of the Midwest?
A) Missouri B) Arkansas C) Ohio D) Kansas
19. Which of these is the southernmost state in the New England region?
A) Massachusetts B) New Hampshire C) Connecticut D) Rhode Island
20. Which mountain range rises along the Tennessee-North Carolina border?
A) Cascade Range B) Sierra Nevada
C) Great Smoky Mountains D) Catskills
21. Which state is nicknamed the "Grand Canyon State"?
A) Arizona B) New Mexico C) Utah D) Nevada
22. The Missouri River is a tributary of which major river?
A) Ohio B) Colorado C) Mississippi D) Columbia
23. Which state is often called the "Centennial State"?
A) Colorado B) Wyoming C) Oklahoma D) Washington
24. Which is the smallest capital city in the United States by population?
A) Dover B) Montpelier C) Augusta D) Helena
25. Which US state is the only one to produce coffee commercially?
A) California B) Hawaii C) Florida D) Texas
26. What is the largest state in the US by land area?
A) Texas B) California C) Montana D) Alaska
27. Which of these mountain ranges is in northeastern New York?
A) Ozarks B) Adirondacks
C) Sierra Nevada D) Rockies
28. What is the only U.S. state with coasts on an ocean and a Great Lake?
A) New York B) Florida C) Washington D) Illinois
29. In which bay is the famous island of Alcatraz?
A) Topeka Bay B) San Francisco Bay
C) Augusta Bay D) Little Rock Bay
30. In which state lies the largest portion of the Mojave Desert?
A) Colorado B) California C) Texas D) Florida n
THE PAGES THE U.S. HISTORY
QUIZ
Just like the geogrAPhy pages (on the preceding pages)… another quiz. (The answers are on the opposite page at the bottom.) If you get fewer than 22 correct, we suggest writing a strongly-worded complaint to your high school.)
1. Which war began in 1955?
A) World War I B) World War II
C) The Gulf War D) The Vietnam War
2. Which of these national symbols is famously cracked?
A) Liberty Bell B) Lincoln Memorial
C) Washington Monument D) Statue of Liberty
3. On what date in 1969 did Apollo 11 land on the moon?
A) June 19 B) July 20 C) August 21 D) September 22
4. What other name did the White House once have?
A) National Mansion B) Executive Mansion
C) The Great House D) The Offical House
5. When did prohibition start in the United States?
A) 1910s B) 1920s C) 1930s D) 1940s
6. The US entered World War 2 after the 1941 attack on ____.
A) California B) Alaska C) Puerto Rico D) Pearl Harbor
7. In what year was Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinated?
A) 1958 B) 1963 C) 1968 D) 1971
8. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave the right to vote to which group?
A) Women B) Legal Immigrants
C) 18-Year-Olds D) American Indians
9. Which U.S. President resigned in August of 1974?
A) Reagan B) Carter C) Nixon D) Johnson
10. What was enacted in 1933 to end the Great Depression?
A) Operation Humanity B) The Marshall Plan
C) The Monroe Doctrine D) The New Deal
11. Who was the author of the Bill of Rights?
A) John Adams B) James Madison
C) George Washington D) Thomas Jefferson
12. Which founding father lived in a house called Monticello?
A) Thomas Jefferson B) John Adams
C) George Washington D) Benjamin Franklin
13. What happened at Fort Sumter in 1861?
A) Confederate surrender
B) The Treaty of Paris was signed
C) The Revolutionary War ended D) The Civil War began
14. Which politician was responsible for starting the Red Scare in the 1950s?
A) Huey Long B) Eugene V.Debs
C) J. Edgar Hoover D) Joseph McCarthy
15. By what other name was the War of 1812 known?
A) Queen Anne’s War B) Madison’s War
C) War of the Roses D) Reform War
16. What group was responsible for the Boston Tea Party?
A) Continental Congress B) Colonial Assembly
C) Patriots’ Union D) Sons of Liberty
17. What earlier U.S. policy did the Roosevelt Corollary expand upon?
A) Monroe Doctrine B) Manifest Destiny
C) Bill of Rights D) Northwest Ordinance
18. Which first name was the most common among all of the U.S. presidents?
A) William B) George C) John D) James
19. Which of these American colonies was known for its shipbuilding industry?
A) Virginia B) Rhode Island
C) Massachusetts D) New Jersey
20. What was the primary weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
A.) Too much power given to the president B) Lack of a national judiciary C) Inability to tax or regulate commerce effectively D) States could not maintain militias
21. The main goal of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was to:
A) End the Vietnam War B) Expand voting rights
C) End segregation and discrimination
D) Establish affirmative action
22. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ruled that:
A) Voting taxes were unconstitutional
B) School segregation was unconstitutional
C) Slavery was illegal D) Women had the right to vote
23. The Progressive Era aimed to:
A) Reduce government involvement
B) Address social and economic problems
caused by industrialization
C) Expand U.S. imperialism D) Promote segregation
24. Which territory was acquired by the United States after the Mexican-American War?
A) Florida B) Alaska C) California D) Louisiana
25. Which Supreme Court case expanded the rights of the accused by requiring Miranda warnings?
A) Gideon v. Wainwright B) Miranda v. Arizona
C) Roe v. Wade D) Plessy v. Ferguson
26. The sinking of the Lusitania influenced the U.S. to:
A) Enter World War I B) Join the League of Nations
C) End isolationism permanently D) Declare war on Japan
27. The policy of “Manifest Destiny” was used to justify:
A) Industrial expansion B) Overseas imperialism
C) Westward territorial expansion
D) Civil War Reconstruction
28. What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?
A) To outline foreign policy
B) To oppose the Constitution
C) To promote ratification of the Constitution
D) To organize political parties
29. What was the main objective of the Populist Party?
A) Support big business
B) Promote civil rights legislation
C) Advocate for farmers and laborers
D) Expand U.S. territory
30. What was a major cause of the Great Depression?
A) Overproduction and stock market speculation
B) High wartime taxes C) Government regulation
D) Increased foreign trade n
Q. What did the cop say to his belly button?
A: You’re under a vest!
The Towering Aspirations of a Megalomaniac
in A lAnD where ambition grew like skyscrapers and branding was considered a form of national service, there lived a man whose aspirations were so large they required their own zoning board. His aspirations were not like normal dreams — they were hostile takeovers of reality.
His first aspiration was simple: Put his name on everything. Not just buildings — those were beginner level. No, he wanted his name on steaks, water, vodka, a university, a shuttle, a board game, and possibly the moon. He once gazed upon a mountain range and whispered, “Needs signage.”
He aspired to have his name on every airport, every highway, every train station, every national park, and possibly every child born after 2030. He envisioned a future where kindergarteners would learn their ABCs as: A is for
IT’S MINE! (WHAT’S IN A NAME?)
TRUMP-RELATED NAMING EFFORTS
Washington Dulles International Airport è Donald J. Trump International Airport
Aspirations, B is for Branding, C is for Covfefe, the national beverage. He aspired to replace Mount Rushmore with a single, enormous bust of himself — not carved into the mountain, but replacing the mountain entirely.
He aspired to rewrite history — not maliciously, but simply because he felt history could use more gold leaf. He aspired to have a fragrance line that smelled like victory, a sneaker line that walked like victory, and a Bible that read like victory. If victory had a scent, a sole, or a scripture, he wanted it licensed. He aspired to be remembered forever, ideally in a font visible from space.
He aspired to build a library — not for books, but for tweets, each preserved under glass like sacred relics. He aspired to have a presi-
Multiple reports indicate Trump wanted Dulles renamed after himself, including in negotiations involving federal infrastructure funds.
New York Penn Station è Donald J. Trump Station Trump reportedly sought to have Penn Station renamed after him as part of discussions over releasing Gateway Project funds.
Palm Beach International Airport è Donald J. Trump International Airport
A Florida bill proposed renaming PBIA after Trump, widely reported as aligned with his supporters’ efforts.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts è The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts—The White House announced this renaming in 2025.
U.S. Institute of Peace è The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace— In December, federal officials installed new signage on the building, which serves as a nonpartisan think tank focused on peace initiatives.
dential portrait so large it required its own ZIP code.
He aspired to create a new branch of the military dedicated solely to defending his legacy from bad Yelp reviews. He aspired to be remembered not just in history books, but in every book. He aspired to replace the national bird with a more majestic creature: The Trump Eagle, a species that does not yet exist but would, in the future, be bred in captivity to have perfect plumage and a natural instinct to pose for cameras.
He aspired to create a new branch of science dedicated to studying his achievements. Proposed name: Trumpology, with subfields such as Quantum Self-Confidence and Theoretical Braggadocio. He aspired to have his autobiography translated into every language, including ones not yet in existence.
He aspired to replace the moon with a more flattering celestial body — something with better lighting, ideally equipped with a built-in spotlight that followed him across continents. He aspired to redesign the periodic
BY ANDREW FELDER
table. Hydrogen would remain hydrogen. Helium would become ‘Trumpium.’ Everything else would be ‘Fake Elements.’ He aspired to create a new unit of measurement in which 1 Trumpendous would equal 10,000 regular units. [Scientists protested that this made no sense. He replied, “That’s because you’re using the wrong math.”]
He aspired to such heights that even his shadow filed a complaint for overwork. Whether people admired him, criticized him, or simply needed a break from the news cycle, one thing was certain: His aspirations were so large that even his aspirations had aspirations. And in the end, his aspirations became so vast, so operatic, so cosmically oversized that astronomers began reporting a new celestial body in the night sky — a glowing mass of ambition orbiting Earth, occasionally blocking out the sun. They named it Trumpius Maximus. n
“Trump-class” U.S. Navy battleships—“The future Trump-class battleship –the USS Defiant –will be the largest, deadliest and most versatile and best-looking warship anywhere on the world’s oceans,” said Navy Secretary John Phelan as part of a broader pattern of naming military assets after Trump.
“Trump Accounts” for newborns— Established as part of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act, these are the president’s attempt to give American children a head start. For kids born between 2025 and 2028, parents can open an account and receive a $1,000 government stipend.
$1 Coin Featuring Trump’s Face— After getting rid of the penny, which featured Abraham Lincoln, the U.S. Treasury is planning a $1 coin for the 2026 nation's 250th anniversary.
“TrumpRx” federal prescription drug platform— In October, the administration created TrumpRx.gov, a federal website allowing folks to directly purchase certain medications from participating manufacturers at discounted prices.
Trump Gold Card (trumpcard.gov)—A 2025-introduced, expedited immigration program allowing foreign nationals to gain U.S. permanent residency by making a $1 million contribution to the U.S. Department of Commerce. n
Trump isn’t getting any (sex) in the (No) Wife House, so he’s taking it out on the whole country
the PeoPle were wArneD: a man deprived of affection is a danger to democracy. Not since Nixon sweated through Watergate has America seen this level of pent-up testosterone wreak havoc on public policy. Staffers whisper that when Melania’s marble statue likeness was moved out of the East Wing, something inside him snapped. Now, with no First Lady to smile, slap his hand away, or tell him to go to bed before midnight, Trump has redirected all his unsatisfied energy into executive orders—and, unfortunately, the country is on top of his list.
Every morning begins the same: Trump shuffles out in his gold bathrobe, fires off 40 “truths” about how “nobody ever thanks me for being celibate for America,” and demands an emergency Cabinet meeting. “We’re gonna MAKE AMERICA FEEL AGAIN!” he bellows, pounding the Resolute Desk as if it owes him alimony. Homeland Security nods nervously, trying to figure out why the latest order requires every citizen to compliment him before lunch.
The economy, once merely confused, is now in open therapy. The Department of Labor has
been renamed “The Department of Hard Work (Unlike Melania),” and the Treasury prints new bills featuring Trump’s face— smirking, shirtless, and captioned ‘In Me We Trust.’ His followers call it genius branding; historians call it foreplay to fascism.
Foreign policy has suffered most. NATO, long accustomed to Trump’s tantrums, now finds itself ghosted at summits while he tweets pictures of himself “dating America exclusively.” The U.K. offered condolences, Canada offered distance, and Kim Jong-Un sent a fruit basket with a note that read only: “Hang in there, big guy.” The basket was immediately classified top secret and added to the lunch menu.
White House aides describe the atmosphere as “emotionally moist yet spiritually barren.” Every attempt to brief him ends in an unsolicited monologue about “loyalty” and “fake women who never appreciate greatness.” One staffer reports that he in-
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addresses Trump
“So, you voted to build a wall. Well, dear Americans, even if you don’t understand much about geography, since for you America is your country and not a continent, it is important for you to know, before the first brick is laid, that there are 7 billion people beyond that wall.
stalled a mirror behind the Resolute Desk so he can gaze lovingly into the eyes of “the only person who never betrays him.”
Meanwhile, the nation’s collective blood pressure has climbed to levels seen only during Cold War duck-and-cover drills. Late-night comedians are on strike—not for better pay, but because the material now writes itself faster than they can deliver it. Even Fox News anchors have developed what psychologists call “Trump Fatigue Syndrome,” marked by dry eyes, twitching smiles, and a longing for a time when the biggest scandal was a president who read too many books.
And yet, like a jilted lover still hoping for reconciliation, the public watches, doomscrolling in fascination. America, ever the codependent partner, keeps asking, “Maybe he’ll change?” But he won’t. He’ll keep signing things no one understands, claim victory over invisible enemies, and remind everyone that celibacy makes him “stronger than ever.”
In the end, historians may agree on one thing: the fall of the American Republic didn’t begin with corruption, division, or greed—it began with one man’s dry spell. As the last executive order is signed, reading “MAKE AMERICA MINE AGAIN,” the ghost of the Founding Fathers can only sigh: Should’ve just bought him a puppy. n
But since you don’t really know the term “people,” we will call them “consumers.” There are 7 billion consumers ready to replace their iPhones with Samsung or Huawei devices in less than 42 hours. They can also replace Levi’s with Zara or Massimo Duti. In less than six months, we can easily stop buying Ford or Chevrolet cars and replace them with Toyota, KIA, Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, Volvo, Subaru, Renault or BMW, which are technically better than the cars they produce. These 7 billion people can also stop subscribing to Direct TV, and we don't want to do that, but we can stop watching Hollywood movies and start watching more Latin American or European productions that have better quality, message, cinematic techniques and content.
Although it may sound incredible, we can skip Disney and go to the Xcaret resort in Cancun, Mexico, Canada or Europe: there are other great destinations in South America, East America and Europe. And even if you don't believe it, even in Mexico there are better hamburgers than McDonald's, and they have better nutritional content.
Has anyone seen pyramids in the United States? In Egypt, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Sudan and other countries there are pyramids with incredible civilizations. Find out where to find the wonders of the ancient and modern world. None of them in the US. Shame on Trump, he would have bought them and sold them!
We know that Adidas exists, not just Nike, and we can start wearing Mexican sneakers like Panam. We know more than you think. We know, for example, that if these 7 billion consumers don't buy their products, there will be unemployment and their economy will collapse (within the racist wall) to such an extent that they will beg us to tear down this ugly wall.
We didn't want to, but.... You want a wall, you get a wall.
Sincerely yours." n
There’s a new Viagra and prune juice diet. Unfortunately, you can’t tell if you’re coming or going.
Give me ambiguity or give me something else.
PAM BONDIAGE AND THE SYCOPHANTS (A/K/A MAGATS)
Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this profile are the author’s alone, who insisted on filing it at 3:17 a.m., with a subject line reading, “I’m not saying it’s a circus, but someone is definitely selling popcorn.” For legal reasons, we must clarify that no actual circus animals were harmed in the reporting of this story, though several staffers reported symptoms consistent with prolonged exposure to televised press briefings. Our editorial policy remains unchanged: we don’t endorse any particular political ideology, but we do reserve the right to point out when public officials appear to be governing with the same commitment one typically finds in junior high-school theater Shakespeare. If that offends anyone, we recommend a brisk walk, a glass of water, and perhaps a moment of reflection on why satire feels so uncomfortably accurate.
If American politics is a theme park — and at this point, it’s hard to argue otherwise — then the attorney general has become its most dedicated ride operator, dutifully buckling the nation into yet another loopde-loop of performative loyalty. She glides through press conferences with the serene confidence of someone who has never questioned whether the roller coaster is actually bolted to the tracks. Why would she? The merch is selling, the lights are bright, and the crowd keeps lining up for another spin. In the official portrait, she’s framed as a guardian of justice. In the unofficial one — the one whispered in staff hallways and muttered over burnt coffee — she’s the administration’s most reliable hype-woman, a kind of political brand influencer whose product is unwavering devotion. If there were a loyalty rewards program for public officials, she’d already be Platinum Elite with rollover points.
Her admirers call it conviction. Her critics call it aulation (the performative, ritualized cousin of adulation —the full-body-worshipping kind—both beloved tools in any self-respecting sycophant’s starter kit). But everyone agrees on one thing: she has perfected the art of turning every podium into a stage and every legal question into an opportunity to demonstrate that the real job description is ‘chief defender of the narrative. She delivers her talking points with the crisp efficiency of someone who has memorized not just the script but the lighting cues as well. She doesn’t merely stay on message — she treats the message like a beloved family heirloom, polishing it, displaying it, and occasionally wielding it like a ceremonial sword.
And surrounding her, like a chorus in a particularly chaotic opera, are the administration’s most enthusiastic loyalists — a constellation of aides, advisors, and self-anointed superfans who orbit her with the gravitational pull of pure devotion. They nod in synchronized precision, as if afraid that even a single offbeat blink might be interpreted as dissent. Her talent isn’t legal interpretation — it’s narrative stabilization. She can take a wobbling storyline, prop it up with a few well-placed buzzwords, and send it back into the world looking almost coherent. Almost.
BY ANDREW
‘ABSOLUTELY
NOT CLEARED FOR CABLE NEWS’ [LAST NAME REDACTED]
reography. And she is the choreographer.
She’s not just defending policies; she’s defending the entire concept of unwavering allegiance as a governing philosophy. She’s the high priest of narrative maintenance, the keeper of the sacred flame of “everything is going exactly as planned,” even when the plan seems to have been scribbled on a napkin during a turbulent flight.
And the loyalists? They adore her for it. They see in her a model of devotion at Olympic levels — a kind of political figure skating routine in which the judges award points not for difficulty but for enthusiasm. She doesn’t just toe the line; she turns the line into a catwalk and struts it.
And the administration loves her for it. In a political ecosystem where loyalty is the currency and dissent is treated like a contagious disease, she is the gold standard. The exemplar. The one who never breaks character, even when the plot does.
Her constellation of loyalists orbits her like satellites around a particularly charismatic planet. They trail her through hallways, clutching binders and iced coffees, nodding along to every syllable as if their necks were hydraulically powered. They amplify her talking points on cable news, social media, and anywhere else that will give them a microphone. They treat her public statements like sacred texts, parsing each phrase for clues about the administration’s next move.
Some do it out of ambition. Some out of fear. Some out of the sheer adrenaline rush of being close to power, even if only as a background extra. It’s not governance. It’s cho-
But here’s the twist: in a system built on spectacle, she might be the most honest performer of all. When the history books eventually get around to this era — assuming they aren’t replaced by branded coloring books — her chapter will be a case study in the power of staying on message even as the message melts. A portrait of a public official who understood that in the modern political circus, the ringmaster isn’t the one with the whip; it’s the one who never breaks character.
And she? She’s still center stage, spotlight blazing, script in hand, delivering her lines with the conviction of someone who knows the show must go on — even if the tent is on fire. n
About the Contributor: Andrew “Not Cleared for Cable News” [Last Name Redacted] has been writing about American politics long enough to remember when press briefings still resembled information sharing, rather than experimental performance art. He has filed stories from congressional basements, airport bars, and at least one broom closet he mistook for a media room during a particularly chaotic summit. His reporting career began when he accidentally wandered into a campaign rally while looking for a food truck and emerged three hours later with a notebook full of quotes, a headache, and a deep suspicion that democracy had become a contact sport. Since then, he has covered scandals, pseudo-scandals, and scandals about how previous scandals were handled.
Andrew is known for asking questions that get him uninvited from future briefings, including the now-infamous moment when he asked whether “narrative discipline” was being considered for cabinet-level status. He has been escorted out of at least two press areas, once by security and once by a staffer who whispered, “You’re not wrong, but you need to go.”
His work has appeared in publications that favor plausible deniability and in group chats that have since been deleted. He lives surrounded by half-filled notebooks, empty coffee cups, and the creeping realization that satire is no longer a genre — it’s a survival mechanism.
WO U LD YO U B E L I E V E ...?
in the clAssic tv series Get Smart, Don Adams used "Would you believe...?" as a desperate bluff. When a KAOS villain didn't buy his initial boast, Max would immediately backtrack with a series of increasingly pathetic, "diminishing" claims. (Adams won three consecutive Emmy Awards for his performance in the series (1967–1969).) These are some of the most famous examples of the "Would you believe...?" routine:
MAX: "I THINK IT’S ONLY FAIR TO WARN YOU THAT AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THIS HOUSE IS SURROUNDED BY 130 HIGHLY TRAINED SNIPERS!"
VILLAIN: "I DON’T BELIEVE YOU."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE TWO DOZEN DELTA FORCE COMMANDOS?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "HOW ABOUT CHUCK NORRIS WITH A BB GUN?"
MAX: "I HAVE A TINY CAMERA HIDDEN IN MY TIE THAT HAS ALREADY TAKEN 500 PICTURES OF YOUR SECRET MAP!"
VILLAIN: "I DON'T BELIEVE YOU."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE 50 PICTURES?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE A VERY REALISTIC SKETCH BY A STREET ARTIST?"
The "Close Call" One-Liners
"MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH!" (USUALLY SAID AFTER A NARROW FAILURE OR A COMPLETELY WILD MISS)
"SORRY ABOUT THAT, CHIEF." (HIS STANDARD APOLOGY FOR BLOWING HIS COVER OR ACCIDENTALLY SHOOTING THE CHIEF)
"I ASKED YOU NOT TO TELL ME THAT." (USED WHEN 99 OR THE CHIEF DELIVERED BAD NEWS HE WANTED TO IGNORE)
"THE OLD [BLANK] TRICK!" (USED WHEN HE FIGURED OUT A TRAP— USUALLY AFTER FALLING FOR IT FOR THE SECOND TIME THAT MONTH)
"IF YOU DON'T MIND, 99, I THINK I CAN HANDLE THIS. I AM A HIGHLY TRAINED SECRET AGENT." (USUALLY SAID SECONDS BEFORE WALKING INTO A WALL OR FALLING INTO A TRAP)
"I HOPE I WASN'T... OUT OF LINE." (OFTEN SAID AFTER HE DID SOMETHING INCREDIBLY INAPPROPRIATE OR CLUMSY DURING A HIGH-STAKES MOMENT)
"THIS IS AGENT 86 CALLING CONTROL... PICK UP, 99." (SPOKEN INTO HIS FAMOUS SHOE PHONE).
MAX: "I HAPPEN TO HAVE FIFTY OF THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS AGENTS WAITING OUTSIDE THAT DOOR!"
VILLAIN: "I DON'T BELIEVE YOU."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE TWENTY-FIVE AGENTS?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE TEN VERY ANGRY BOY SCOUTS?
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT AT THIS VERY MOMENT THE ENTIRE 6TH FLEET IS OUT LOOKING FOR US?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE THREE CRUISERS AND A DESTROYER?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "THREE BOY SCOUTS IN A ROWBOAT?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "WOULD YOU BELIEVE TEN SQUAD CARS AND A MOTORCYCLE COP?"
VILLAIN: "NO."
MAX: "HOW ABOUT A VICIOUS STREET CLEANER AND A TOOTHLESS POLICE DOG?"
"I DEMAND THE CONE OF SILENCE!" (USED FOR TOP-SECRET CONVERSATIONS. THE JOKE WAS THAT THE CONE OF SILENCE NEVER WORKED—EITHER THEY COULDN'T HEAR EACH OTHER AT ALL, OR IT WOULD CAUSE A DEAFENING ECHO) "...AND LOVING IT!" (HIS RESPONSE WHEN ASKED IF HE ENJOYED THE DANGER OF HIS JOB)
"THAT'S THE SECOND BIGGEST [X] I'VE EVER SEEN!" (A RECURRING GAG WHERE HE WOULD SEE SOMETHING ABSURDLY LARGE (LIKE A GIANT MAGNET OR A MASSIVE GUN) AND CLAIM IT WAS ONLY THE SECOND BIGGEST ONE HE'D ENCOUNTERED)
Who thinks...?
JAne lynch is known for starring and recurring roles in comedic television. She has won one Golden Globe, five Primetime Emmys, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Since 2020, she has served as host and executive producer of the American version of the game show The Weakest Link, bringing a distinctive comedic energy and often balancing sharp insults with a dry, smarmy
delivery that keeps the tone lighter than the original series.
Her "joke buckets" are a highlight of the revival. Her writers aim for about 15 to 19 of these transitions per episode, specifically looking for those absurd "Who thinks X is a Y?" comparisons. The writers provide her with a "joke bucket" of these lines for every episode, so she can choose the one that best fits the contestants' vibe. Here’s a sampling:
Who thinks Shonda Rhimes is a type of poetry?
Who thinks K-Pop is a breakfast cereal?
Who thinks IQ stands for 'I Quit'?
Who thinks Fauci is a type of pasta?
Who thinks Quentin Tarantino is an entrée at Olive Garden?
Who thinks Hump Day is a holiday for camels?
Who thinks veni, vidi, vici are Jersey Shore cast members?
Who thinks a protractor is a prehistoric bird?
Who's the pretzel in this bag of Chex Mix?
Who's riding shotgun on the struggle bus?
Whose brain cell reception is down to a single bar?
Who brought their F-game?
Who's one fry short of a Happy Meal?
Who thinks the chief petty officer is the one in charge of all the pets?
Who thinks Planet Hollywood is between Mercury and Venus?
Who thinks a hot flash is a trendy news segment?
Who thinks General Tso is a high-ranking officer in the Army?
Who thinks TikTok is the sound a clock makes when it’s angry?
Who thinks The Rolling Stones is a warning sign on a mountain road
Who thinks Pilates is a group of Caribbean sea bandits?
Who thinks Big Tech is a famous Texas rapper?
Who thinks G-String is a chord on a cello?
Whose brain cell is currently in airplane mode?
Whose thinking cap is currently being used as a coaster?
Whose brain waves are currently waving goodbye?
Whose internal GPS is screaming 'Recalculating'?
Whose train of thought has derailed and is currently on fire?
Who dialed up knowledge and just got a busy signal?
Who's one marshmallow short of a lucky charm?
Who's one brick short of a load-bearing wall?
Who's one topping short of a Deluxe Pizza?
Who's one episode short of a binge-watch?
Who thinks The Magna Carta is a luxury sedan from the 80s?
Who thinks Elon Musk is a scent from the 1970s?
Who thinks The Milky Way is a scenic route through Wisconsin?
Who thinks Cardi B is a type of vitamin?
Who thinks Dolly Parton is a brand of moving truck?
Who thinks Bitcoin is what happens when you bite into a nickel?
Who's one feather short of a pillow?
Who thinks Vin Diesel is a fossil fuel?
Who thinks Caitlin Clark is a famous explorer who looked for the Northwest Passage?
Who thinks The Super Bowl is just a very large dish used for serving potato salad?
Who thinks Shohei Ohtani is a brand of high-end sushi knives?
Who thinks The Kelce Brothers are a 1920s vaudeville act?
Who thinks Zandaya is the name of a prescription sleep aid?
Who thinks The Golden State Warriors are a group of statues in a museum?
Who thinks Lionel Messi is a polite way to describe a teenager's bedroom?
BY ADAM MCCANN
Most & Least Educated States in America (2026)
for millions of AmericAns, a quality education is a pathway to a better future. A college degree can unlock greater career opportunities, higher earning potential, and broader social networks, among other advantages. The level of education attained also plays a crucial role — higher educational attainment is generally associated with increased income prospects and lower unemployment rates.
However, not all states offer the same quality of education. In this study, WalletHub evaluated all 50 states using 18 metrics that capture the key components of a well-educated population, including educational attainment, school quality, and disparities in achievement across gender and race.
WalletHub also conducted a separate analysis ranking the Most and Least Educated Cities in the United States.
In-Depth Look at the Most Educated States
Massachusetts, known for its top colleges like MIT and Harvard, ranks as the most educated state in America. The state has the highest percentage of adults ages 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree, at over 47%, and the highest share who have a graduate or professional degree, at nearly 22%. The Bay State ranks second in the country in the average quality of its universities. Colleges can’t hog all the credit for why Massachusetts is the most educated state, though. Massachusetts has the second-best public school system in the country, and students boast the highest math and reading test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Finally, Massachusetts is one of the states that provide state-sponsored free college tuition programs, though eligibility is limited by factors such as income, merit, location, or field of study.
Vermont is the second-most educated state in America.
Nearly 44% of residents ages 25 and older have at least a bachelor’s degree, while 19% have a graduate or professional degree. In addition, 95% of people ages 25+ have at least a high school diploma, the highest percentage in the country. To top things off, Vermont has the eighthhighest share of adults aged 25 and older who have some college education or have earned an associate’s degree or higher, and its universities collectively rank as the 12thbest in the nation.
Maryland is the third-most educated state, which is notable for enacting a free statewide community college program that allows anyone who wants to pursue higher education to have the opportunity. This is partially responsible for why Maryland has the fifth-highest share of residents ages 25+ with at least a bachelor’s degree and the second-highest share with a graduate or professional degree. The Old Line state has great education at the high school level, too. The state has the seventh-highest
share of students who scored at least a 3 out of 5 on an AP exam during high school, and its public school systems rank as the fifth-best in the nation. To top things off, Maryland’s universities collectively rank as the seventh-best in the country. The state also has one of the smallest gender gaps when it comes to Bachelor’s degree attainment, and and has enacted legislation promoting summer learning education.
Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected as of January 29, 2026 from the U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. News & World Report, Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health, National Summer Learning Association, The Campaign for Free College Tuition, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, U.S. Department of Education, The College Board, EdChoice and Wallet-Hub research
To view the whole report, to understand the methodology, and to read expert commentary, click <HERE>. n
Adam McCann is a personal finance writer for WalletHub.
SENIOR TRYING TO RESET PASSWORD
REACH YOUR FOR LESS
DIVERSI NS
SONGS DOG'S HAIRCUT
ROSES ARE RED, NUTS ARE BROWN
GOLF ETIQUETTE
CAPITAL LETTERS
Dear people who type in all lowercase, We are the difference between helping your Uncle Jack off a horse and helping your uncle jack off a horse.
from different specialties of those who work ‘in’ real estate. In our next issue, we’ll provide an explanation for each correct answer.
Scan or copy this page and send your entry to editor@thenetworkmagazine.org or fax it to 817.924.7116 on or before April 1, 2026 for a chance to win a valuable prize.
Choose the most precise answer. [Some questions may have more than one acceptable answer, but there is only one best answer for each question.]
LAND, TITLE & LEGAL DESCRIPTION
1. a ___ of land
A. plot B. parcel C. field D. tract
2. a(n) ___ of real property
A. unit B. piece C. asset D. holding
3. a ___ of record
A. matter B. filing C. notice D. statement
4. a ___ of title
A. string B. history C. chain D. sequence
5. a ___ of ownership (or rights)
A. list B. bundle C. grant D. schedule
6. a ___ of easement
A. license B. dedication C. grant D. transfer
7. a ___ of right-of-way
A. strip B. corridor C. lane D. zone
8. a ___ of mineral rights
A. share B. bundle C. parcel D. claim
9. a(n) ___ of air rights
A. lease B. transfer C. easement D. waiver
10. a ___ of encumbrance
A. cloud B. burden C. lien D. notice
ZONING, PLANNING & REGULATION
11. a ___ of zoning
A. category B. class C. classification D. schedule
12. a ___ of permitted uses
A. list B. table C. schedule D. matrix
13. a ___ of nonconforming uses
A. group B. class C. set D. category
14. a(n) ___ of variances
A. approval B. issuance C. grant D. allowance
15. a ___ of conditional uses
A. category B. class C. schedule D. tier
16. a ___ of setbacks
A. rule B. standard C. requirement D. measure
17. a(n)___ of density
A. rate B. amount C. level D. ratio
18. a(n) ___ of FAR (floor area ratio)
A. limit B. measurement C. calculation D. allowance
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
19. a(n)___ of development rights
A. assignment B. allocation
C. conveyance D. reservation
20. a ___ of entitlements
A. package B. set C. series D. bundle
21. a ___ of homes
A. neighborhood B. subdivision C. cluster D. tract
22. a(n) ___ of housing stock
A. reserve B. supply C. inventory D. volume
23. a ___ of apartment units
A. building B. complex C. block D. set
24. a(n) ___ of condominiums
A. board B. association C. corporation D. registry
25. a ___ of mixed-use development
A. site B. project C. phase D. zone
26. a ___ of office space
A. suite B. floor C. wing D. section
27. a ___ of retail frontage
A. row B. stretch C. line D. strip
28. a ___ of industrial space
A. factory B. warehouse C. plant D. shed
29. a(n) ___ of parking
A. quantity B. inventory C. supply D. stock
30. a ___ of common area
A. section B. portion C. zone D. allocation
FINANCE, TRANSACTIONS & BROKERAGE
31. a(n) ___ of properties (held by one owner)
A. collection B. portfolio C. inventory D. schedule
32. a ___ of assets
A. pool B. basket C. bundle D. set
33. a ___ of leases
A. file B. roll C. stack D. ledger
34. a ___ of rental income
A. flow B. source C. stream D. pipeline
35. a ___ of comparable sales
A. group B. set C. series D. range
36. a ___ of offers
A. batch B. group C. stack D. queue
37. a(n) ___ of due diligence
A. phase B. term C. period D. interval
38. a ___ of closing documents
A. file B. packet C. bundle D. set
39. a(n) ___ of title insurance
A. coverage B. contract C. policy D. agreement
40. a(n) ___ of consideration
A. value B. amount C. sum D. payment
...BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT'S WHAT YOU KNOW
We Speak Real Estate
The Arsenal Companies are a diversified consulting, educational and publishing group, dedicated to service in the real estate industry. With national reach, regional strength and local sensibilities, we serve and service large and small companies as well as governmental entities in acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, licensing, contracting, procurement, insurance certificate tracking, educational program development, mediation services and collections.
Our Contracts and Procurement Services Division provides solutions and services that help real estate owners and companies effectively manage their contractual needs and commitments. We provide industry knowledge and we practice deal facilitation rather than obstruction. Whether you are a property, facility or asset manager, your functions are integrally related to real estate contracts. Quality management is all about contracts.
Leases are highly specialized documents. A few words can make a world of difference. 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.
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.
