The Ethical Hacker / RCA Capital Trends / Gmail 'Undo' / Party Construction Game

NAREIM Acquisitions and Asset Management Summer Meeting

Leave it to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers’ President, Gunnar Branson, to run events that get people thinking outside the box.  At this week’s Acquisitions and Asset Management meeting, he brought in a keynote speaker who bills himself as an ‘Ethical Hacker.’  Nicholas Percoco of Trustwave Holdings spoke about some of the ways confidential information gets stolen.  It was an eye opening and somewhat frightening discussion.  I must share with you what I found to be the most outrageous piece of information.

Nick advised that we keep our mobile phones turned off (as in completely ‘powered off’) when in meetings.  Apparently, malware (malicious software) can be downloaded into the phone - without your knowledge - and allow remote activation of the phone’s microphone.  Someone looking to get confidential information can actually record the conversation without even being there!

When I heard Nick talk about this, I thought, “How crazy is that???” I was grateful to have heard this talk at the NAREIM Summer meeting.

Real Capital Analytics (RCA) US Capital Trends May 2013

Where are you investing your money these days?  Going along with the trends or venturing out from the pack?   Some of the discussions at the NAREIM meeting this week (see article above) centered around the on-going challenge of buying properties at the ‘right’ price and then executing an asset management plan to generate the level of current income that investors seek.

With the kind permission of RCA, please allow me to share some of their May 2013 highlights from the US Capital Trends report. 

Hotel

Sales of significant hotel properties in May totaled $1.1billion, down 12% versus last year.  This is the first year-over-year decline in the hotel sector in 2013.

Hotel cap rates, averaging 8.0% nationally, remain well above the other property types and have stabilized in recent months.

Apartment

Sales of significant apartment properties totaled $4.9 billion in May representing a 27% decline from a year ago.

Despite the slowing sales trend, cap rates trended lower in May, down approximately 10 basis points to a national average of 6.0%.

Retail

Sales of significant retail properties in May totaled $3.2 billion, down 15% year-over-year. The declines were similar across most retail subtypes as well as portfolios and individual property transactions.

Cap rates on retail acquisitions have been relatively stable with the national average for retail property still above 7.0%

Industrial

Sales of significant industrial properties in May were the highest so far this year, totaling $3.8 billion, up 43% compared with 2012. 

Average cap rates on industrial acquisitions have increased over recent months and may be influenced by both a greater proportion of distressed sales in April and May and the growing trend of increasing investments into secondary and tertiary markets.

Office

Sales of significant office properties surged forward in May totaling $8.0 billion, up 68% measured against 2012. The gains were broad-based across both the CBD and suburban sectors. 

Cap rates on suburban properties have exhibited inward movement in recent months while CBD yields have been relatively stable with the national average cap rate for all office properties still above 7.0%.

Only time will tell if what appears to be the ‘right’ price today will result in realizing the pro forma profit down the road.

Gmail ‘Undo’ Setting

Following last week’s column I received a thoughtful and enlightening email from a long-time OTR reader and thought I would share:

“Gmail does have an ‘undo’ setting – click on the settings icon in the upper right hand corner (the gear), then settings, and labs.  I think all it does is delay the sending of your email a few minutes so you can stop it before it leaves Gmail.  Once the email leaves Gmail server, there is no way to undo it.”

Pizza / Drink Thing - construction game

We played a very colorful game Monday night at the Summer Pizza / Drink Thing in New York City. Everyone seemed to have fun.  Thank you all for your active participation! 

Below are photos of the three construction projects with a brief description of each.   

CONGRATULATIONS again to Table 1!  Well done!

Table 1:   Bad Bank Condos. A LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum, fully accessible building with private entrances and a water feature.

Table 2:  Bicycle repair shop with many "spare parts."  They even got the bike inside the building!

Table 3:  Rehabilitation/meditation center for overworked commercial real estate executives with an outdoor pool and natural cliff waterfall.  Great use of the Lincoln Logs for benches!

We had fun watching everyone play Monday night, and in the planning process as well. While preparing for this game on my ‘patio’ across the street from where I live, there were lots of smiles from those walking by as people watched adults playing with their toys.  It’s amazing how a little playtime can clear one’s head.

‘Shop for a Cause’ to Support Music Education

As many of you know, music has played a very important part in my life.  Let me introduce you to the non-profit organization Education Through Music.  ETM partners with New York’s inner-city schools to promote the use of music as a means of enhancing students’ academic performance and general development.

When you purchase a $5 Macy's saving pass from Education Through Music, 100% of the money received will support ETM's wonderful work! (Even if you don't use the pass - your $5 will still go to ETM).

Macy’s 8^th annual ‘Shop for a Cause’ savings pass is good for use on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at any Macy's store (You’ll save 25% in many of their departments!).

Feel free to pass this along to family or friends who may be interested in supporting ETM’s work, or who just like to shop!  Thanks.

To purchase a pass online, please visit. 

Correction

A member of the OTR community pointed out the correct spelling of that fabulous toy store - FAO Schwarz.  My apologies to toy store lovers everywhere! 

You Touch Me

Something special occurs when I travel from conference to conference and meet OTR readers for the first time. I can’t tell you how fabulous it is to hear that something published in my column resonates with you.  

What I have found so interesting over the years is that the majority of emails I receive back are about the ‘other stuff’ I write about - the similar experiences we have traveling down the road of life together.  I continue to cherish this relationship that we share.

Summer Breather

For the first time since the birth of this column in 1999 I’m taking some time off to recharge my batteries.  Thank you for your continued encouragement and support.

Have a safe July 4^th holiday and enjoy the month.  See you back here in August!

Don’t forget the sunblock!

Congratulations

Conor Flynn promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Kimco Realty.

Zach Kayce, 2013 Graduate of the Johns Hopkins Masters of Science in Real Estate program, has joined Clarion Partners in Multi-family asset management.

On The Road

Sept. 15 – 17:  NAREIM Executive Officer Fall Meeting, New York, NY

Oct.  23 – 24:  PERE Summit, New York, NY

Disclaimer 

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

Pizza & Drink Thing / Email Recall? / Feeling Like A Kid Again

Pizza / Drink Thing – Summer 2013

My Summer 2013 Pizza / Drink Thing (as it’s come to be known) will take place Monday evening, June 24.  These events have typically attracted a collegial group of commercial real estate professionals - some known to each other; others meeting for the first time. I’ve been doing this kind of get-together for many years but this one will have a different twist – something fun and specifically constructed for the commercial real estate folk.  You’ll need to come by to experience it!  Bring your inner child, and a hard hat (just kidding about the hard hat)!

Where: Joe-G Restaurant

244 West 56 Street, NYC

(between Broadway & Eighth Ave)

Downstairs in the DaVinci Hotel

When:  Monday, June 24 

6pm until 9ish

What:  I supply the famous Joe-G pizza; 

You buy your own drinks.

Why: Why not??

I look forward to seeing you there!  Bring a friend.

What’s the rush?

A few times a year I purge my email folders. Some messages make me feel proud of my communication skills; reading some of the ‘less than perfect’ emails reminds me how important it is to pause before hitting ‘SEND’. (Perhaps I should have a ‘PAUSE’ button added to my program to help me remember!)

It’s prudent to have a trusted colleague read a draft before the final version blasts off into cyberspace.  But we don’t always have that luxury.  It helps to remember the old adage about sitting on a letter overnight and reading it the next day, perhaps in a different frame of mind. In certain situations it’s just better to PICK UP THE PHONE.  Ugh, the importance of hindsight. 

But alas, sometimes we forget – especially if our emotional button has been pushed. Interestingly, it’s not always another person that does the pushing – I am very capable of doing this myself.  Is anyone aware of an email 'recall' feature on Gmail?? This tool would be extremely helpful when you've hit SEND too quickly....Perhaps this feeling is familiar?

I vow to be more mindful of the messages I send  - putting myself in the shoes of the recipient.  After too many instances of allowing my emotions to get me in trouble, I realize it’s simply the proper thing to do.  The willingness to reevaluate myself, and be receptive to ideas from people who care about me, is a life-long adventure.  And it feels good when I make progress – after all, it’s all about baby steps, isn’t it?

Feeling Like A Kid Again

When I was a kid growing up in Forest Hills, Queens, my friends and I would come into ‘the city’ (Manhattan) and go to FAO Schwartz, which may possibly be the coolest toy store EVER. The staff allowed us to just hang around and play with stuff, even though they knew we probably wouldn’t buy anything.   It was so much fun!

The other day a friend and I stopped in to this toy wonderland. FAO Schwartz’s approach has hardly changed over the years; their ‘hands-on’ policy endures – shoppers are encouraged to explore and try out new toys. The employees are very knowledgeable and act as ‘specialists’ in their respective areas. Roaming from department to department, we had fun.  

Unfortunately, there was one interaction that made us both cringe; we were accosted by a salesperson as she trained a new hire. The veteran was simply over-the-top with her approach and didn’t listen when we explained what we were looking for. This got me thinking:  Every employee is a customer service representative.  So - I ask you now: What’s happening in YOUR company? Remember: there’s only one chance to make a good first impression!

(Note:  We also hit another large toy store which offered pretty mediocre customer service {name purposely withheld} but had a wonderful indoor Ferris wheel.   The kid in both of us felt the need to take a spin. It was fun and the view of Times Square from the top of the wheel was very cool. Woops. Did I give away the name of the store?) 

‘Hello Herman’ (Update)

I learned this week that ‘Hello Herman’ is only available on iTunes and Amazon Video On-Demand. If you didn’t see my last column, here’s the link.  This movie addresses the impact of bullying and is definitely worth a look. 

Correction

Last week I mentioned the June 29^th Summer Gala for the East End Hospice on Long Island.  Here is the correct link to that event.

On The Road...

June 25 – 26:  NAREIM Asset Management and Acquisitions – Summer Meeting, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. 

Sept. 15 – 17:  NAREIM Executive Officer Fall Meeting, New York, NY

Oct.  23 – 24:  PERE Summit, New York, NY

Disclaimer  

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

Felix Family Reunion / 'Hello Herman' / Manhattan Residential Bidding Wars Return / Proud Dad

Felix Family Reunion

Greetings from Black Mountain, North Carolina, the site of this weekend’s Felix Family Reunion! 

From my perspective - in attendance we have:

Two sets of brothers.

Two sons and their wives.

Three grandsons.

One granddaughter.

One nephew and his wife.

One niece once removed.

And five cousins (all under the age of 4).

It’s a very special time to be together. The kids are getting along fabulously, as are the adults. Cooking and cleaning chores have all been divvied up and pre-assigned.  My brother Jay and I are the clean-up crew.

The mountain setting is spectacular although there are multiple warnings about the active bear population in the neighborhood!  Some bears have actually been known to break into garages seeking garbage!

We’re a family that is distributed around the US – San Francisco, Asheville, Manhattan and Brooklyn!  It’s rare for us all to be in the same place.  Our trademark friendly-competitiveness has been evident at Ping Pong, Foosball and Bumper Pool. Unfortunately, my brother Jay beat me in Ping Pong and my son Kevin and I lost in Foosball to his wife, Marissa, and Bri’s wife, Bridget.  But, there is always tonight!

These are special times, to be remembered and savored.   It’s also fabulous to watch the cousins interact for the first time!

 ‘Hello Herman’

I can remember my father telling stories of growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan where people from different nationalities were drawn to certain neighboring blocks.  There was a sense of bullying in his descriptions of the street fighting that went on - but that was with bare knuckles, not guns. 

Years ago, Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people.  He was bullied by fellow high school students who mocked his shyness and the strange way he spoke.  Cho, who was a senior and English major at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, killed 32 people in two attacks before taking his own life.

More recently, as I’m sure you’re well aware, there have been too many of these horrific tragedies related to bullying.  I could begin to list them all, but prefer to share with you a more positive movement that is occurring.

Jerry Katell is a real estate developer-turned-producer and actor.   Last weekend he invited me to the premier of his latest venture, Hello Herman, an independent film about a 16-year old boy who kills 42 people in his school.  Jerry is both Executive Producer and has a part in the picture.  It’s an inspiring film about how bullying affected one young man. The movie handles this disturbing subject in a tasteful manner – if you can imagine – and has spawned THE HELLO HERMAN PROJECT, which is raising awareness of the horrible events and psychological damage that result from bullying.  I recommend taking the time to see this film. 

Manhattan Residential Real Estate Bidding Wars Return

In her newsletter, Debra Weiner, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Halstead Property in Manhattan, cites content from the firm’s newly introduced “Absorption Report” which substantiates that “Inventory is incredibly low throughout Manhattan and bidding wars are becoming the norm”.

Manhattan residential real estate never suffered as much as other US markets during and following the Global Financial Crisis.  Today it is truly a seller’s market with cash being king.  In one case, I heard a story which I’m sure is regularly repeated:  A couple visits an apartment for sale; later that day they submit a respectable offer; the seller calls them, “Sorry, someone came in after you and offered us more than the asking price…all cash!”  How do you compete with that??

Proud Dad

My older son Brian is Assistant Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. On Wednesday night I was in the audience when he played organ and keyboard bass in a trio.  The performance of jazz standards and some of Bri’s own tunes was at a high level (the sax player is a member of Michael Bublé’s touring band!).  In addition to hearing excellent music, something else happened that really moved me. When introduced to a few of my son’s students, each told me individually that Brian was their mentor.  One student was going to transfer schools and, with Brian’s guidance and sincere musical interest in her, decided to stay – a decision she is very happy with. Hearing these students talk about my son that way…well, what better Father’s Day gift can you imagine?

A Worthy Cause

A long-time OTR reader informed me about a special event that I want to share with you.  On June 29 the East End Hospice is hosting  their summer gala. 

From the invitation: “East End Hospice provides care and comfort for all terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the North and South Forks of Long Island. No one shall be denied care by East End Hospice because of inability to pay.”

Are you looking for a worthy cause?  This event is open to all.

On The Road…

June 24:  Spring Pizza / Drink Thing with a new spirited twist! 

Join fellow commercial real estate folk at:

Joe-G Restaurant

244 W. 56^th Street (bet. Broadway and Eighth Avenue)

6 – 9pm

Famous Joe-G pizza on me – drinks on you.

I look forward to seeing you there!

June 25 – 26:  NAREIM Asset Management and Acquisitions – Summer Meeting, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

Sept. 15 – 17:  NAREIM Executive Officer Fall Meeting, New York, NY

Oct.  23 – 24:  PERE Summit, New York, NY

Disclaimer 

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

ICSC Convention / Public Plazas

A friend’s observations from the ICSC Convention

For many years I’ve attended the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) annual convention in Las Vegas.  It’s where virtually the entire shopping center industry gathers once a year to make deals, network and learn about new trends.  While I unfortunately wasn’t able to be there this May, Bruce Johnston of Johnston Real Estate Services – an OTR reader and veteran of 28 ICSC conventions - sent me some observations from his perspective:

• There were more international participants and exhibitors than ever before including some from China, Japan, Korea, the Caribbean, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and across Europe.
• Bruce wondered how much paper gets recycled or tossed. He saw more people with just a tablet and a cell phone… but no briefcase. 
• Grocery and drug center owners are still building way too much satellite store space. Bruce believes the market can’t absorb what exists today, so is confused as to why there is a need for more… except that it makes the pro forma work (until they realize it is going to be vacant for a long time…).
• There’s lots of complaining from landlord and tenant representatives about the workload with no relief in sight. Only the brokers do not complain about being busy.
• Lots of parties, and very few $5 blackjack tables…the economy must be getting better.

My thanks go to Bruce for sharing. And I will add the following thoughts: There is no question about the globalization of the commercial real estate industry as seen in some of the countries represented at the convention.  The comment about paper brought me back to the term ‘paperless’ society that I feel never really came about.  In my opinion it boils down to whether or not a company adopts an environmentally responsible policy.  When speaking about building, if money is available, there is going to be overbuilding.  It seems almost like a law of nature. Bruce commented on people complaining of too much work. Perhaps these individuals have never had the unfortunate luck to experience a ‘lack of work’ in their professional career.  But overall it sounds like the atmosphere at the convention was very upbeat.

Public Places

My son Kevin turned me on to the May 31, 2013 New York Times article called, “A Streetcorner Serenade for the Public Plaza.”  From the article, “…fresh thinking has focused on cheap, quick, temporary and D.I.Y.-style approaches to creating public space — among these, curbside ‘parklets’ in San Francisco and a communal farm on what had been a derelict parcel in the middle of Phoenix. ‘Small steps, big changes,’ said Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City Department of Transportation.”  

While the energy of a city is often what attracts people, sometimes we need a respite from it all.  Across the street from my apartment is a public plaza with tables, chairs and some trees. Spaces like this are scattered around Manhattan, both indoors and outdoors.  These mini ‘sanctuary’ spots exist because the developer of that property asked the city for some type of ‘bonus’ space for their building.  And, even though what I’ve now come to consider ‘my patio’ is surrounded by huge buildings and loads of traffic, it’s amazing how remote it can feel when I’m sitting there, thinking, reading or working.  All of this is pretty and a step in the right direction.  

A friend told me about a radio segment she heard this week that mentioned how lucky New Yorkers are to have the ‘grand-daddy’ of all public spaces, 840-acre Central Park.  As the largest positive interruption to Manhattan’s grid system of streets you can find people doing almost anything on any given day as you stroll through that fabulous park.  I love New York!

Congratulations

Barry Klayman joined BBR Partners as a partner and Chief Operating Officer.

Youguo Liang, on his new job as Global Head of Research, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. 

In last week’s column I mentioned the newly-launched Citi Bike program in Manhattan.  Thanks to Marty for sending along this photo.

On The Road…

June 11-12:  Chicago, IL

June 13-16:  Felix Family Weekend, Black Mountain, NC

June 24:  Spring Pizza / Drink Thing with a new spirited twist!  

Join fellow commercial real estate folk at:

Joe-G Restaurant

244 W. 56 Street (bet. Broadway and Eighth Avenue)  

6 – 9pm

Famous Joe-G pizza on me – drinks on you 

I look forward to seeing you there!

June 25 – 26:  NAREIM Asset Management and Acquisitions – Summer Meeting, Georgetown University, Washington, DC. 

Sept. 15 – 17:  NAREIM Executive Officer Fall Meeting, New York, NY

Oct.  23 – 24:  PERE Summit New York, NY

Disclaimer  

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

Quotes from IMN / Utopia in NYC?

IMN U.S. Real Estate Opportunity & Private Fund Investing Forum

This week I attended the Information Management Network conference in New York City (along with 899 of my closest friends!).  This event is one of the few in the industry that attracts a true cross-section of commercial real estate industry professionals.  

A sampling of the panel topics included:  Fund Raising, Acquisition Due Diligence, Mezzanine Loan Origination, GP/LP Relations, Regulatory Trends, Multi-family financing, and - my own panel - A day in the life of an LP.  Consider attending their next event if you’re looking for an immersion experience and useful takeaways on the art of raising and investing real estate funds. 

In keeping with my practice of publishing non-attributable quotes, here are some I heard at this conference:

• “When real estate goes up there’s nothing better; when it goes down you’re depressed.”
• “We use 100 basis points as our theme; buying at a 5 cap and selling at a 6 cap is ideal.”
• “Everyone is searching for yield.”
• “The next stop on the capital train is suburban nodes.”
• “We’re going to invest our own money [vs. institutional dollars] and our bet is on New York City.  It may be very pricey but that’s where you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck.”
• “Baring a meltdown in Europe, U.S. pension funds will continue to increase their real estate allocations.”
• “The risk profile of the cash flow is what determines whether an investment is defined as core, value-add or opportunistic.”

The mood and chatter at the conference was optimistic during the breaks.  There’s a lot of positive energy in the commercial real estate space these days.  

Bike to Work (or just around town) 

Manhattan’s very own bike-sharing service called Citi Bike was launched over Memorial Day weekend.  The adoption was instantaneous. Walking the streets over the past couple of weeks, i first noticed the racks appear, and then the bikes arrived.

The scale of operation is in line with the city it serves, with up to 40 bikes available in some locations.  This is awesome!  

An article in Crain’s New York on May 5 offered these comments: “The program sold thousands of memberships last month within the first 12 hours of their becoming available. Landlords are touting proximity to docking stations as a selling point. And while plenty of individuals plan to use the bikes to commute, some companies are even offering annual memberships as a newfound benefit for employees.”  While this may sound utopian I see this program having the potential to positively impact the human body, the city streets and ultimately the planet.  

Curiously, there is no bike helmet law in New York (or 28 other states for that matter) but annual Citi Bike members receive a $10 coupon to purchase a helmet.  Why someone would ride a bike around Manhattan without a helmet is beyond me but I’ve seen a bunch of people doing just that already.  Go figure!

Under Mayor Bloomberg’s administration, designated bike lanes have increased the safety of cyclists. Living in California I learned about the ‘rules of the road’ hierarchy:  Pedestrian, bicycle, car. While I don’t know if that is universally accepted it seems to make sense. Don’t you think?  Several times a cyclist has nearly struck me believing that I should make room for them.  Now people on foot need to be even more alert crossing a city street as it’s not only the aggressive and competitive taxi drivers who are threats but also an increased number of very assertive cyclists who are sharing the road.

I’d love to hear some feedback from anyone who has used Citi Bike.  

Check out their site. 

On The Road...

June 11-12:  Chicago, IL

June 13-16:  Felix Family Weekend, Blackrock, NC

June 24:  Spring Pizza / Drink Thing with a new spirited twist!  Join fellow commercial real estate folk at Joe-G Restaurant, 244 West 56 Street (bet. Broadway and Eighth Avenue).  6 – 9pm.  Famous Joe-G pizza on me – drinks on you. I look forward to seeing you there!

June 25 – 26:  NAREIM Asset Management and Acquisitions – Summer Meeting, Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Sept. 15 – 17:  NAREIM Executive Officer Fall Meeting, New York, NY

Oct.  23 – 24:  PERE Summit New York

Disclaimer  

All content in this blog is created for informational purposes only. Content, which includes all text, photos, video and graphics is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual.  Steve Felix makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or other information as a result of following any featured link to or from this site.  The intention of this blog is to do no harm in regards to injury, defamation or libel. What is written or shown is not to be taken as fact or absolute.  Steve Felix will hold himself harmless for any errors or omissions in this blog’s information; including but not limited to external link information, translation or interpretation of content or incorrect grammar or punctuation. 

Memorial Day 2013

To those in the United States, please enjoy your long holiday weekend.

I've decided to take a break this week.

Take care and safe travels.

See you next week.

Steve

Manney Felix, World War II Veteran  (1917-2009)