The Crew | 2011
In an age where our 'friends' are pixels on a screen and our 'likes' are virtual thumbs-up dopamine drips, I find myself feeling a bit anachronistic and very fortunate. At the risk of sounding like Chandler Bing, I've got friends—real, tangible, three-dimensional friends. Guys who'd show up at 3 a.m. if I called, whether it was to pull me out of a literal ditch or help me ‘bury a body’. Rest assured, the only 'bodies' we're burying are the memories of late night tequila shots and the ghosts of girlfriends past—both had it coming. But let's back up a moment and look at the landscape of friendship today, because it's actually quite alarming. Real, deep friendships, particularly among men, are becoming more and more rare. While women certainly aren't immune to the challenges of finding authentic relationships in a digitally dominated world, it's often men who struggle most. Society’s skewed version of masculinity has, for far too long, handcuffed men to a pillar of stoicism, leading us into a solitary confinement of our own making. Now, this isn't an indictment of manhood or a surrender of masculine traits. On the contrary, my friends and I proudly subscribe to traditionally masculine pursuits. We love our occasional clay shoots, savoring new whiskey blends, and yes, sending each other ridiculous TikTok videos. We've grown up celebrating each other's milestones and sticking together through devastating losses. In other words, we're living proof that deep, authentic relationships among men don't require man buns or Birkenstocks. Here's where it's crucial to snap out of the melancholy and see the trend for what it is: a creeping public health crisis. This isn't just me being dramatic. Many psychiatrists underscore the profound impact of quality social bonds on our emotional well-being, an assertion given weight by a meta-analysis that links social isolation to a 26% increased risk of premature death. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy labels this emotional disconnect an epidemic, a claim substantiated by the AARP's alarming data that equates the health risks of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. In essence, the lack of meaningful relationships is not merely an emotional predicament; it's a demonstrable threat to our mental and physical health, corroborated by both expert insights and empirical evidence. So, while our grandparents fretted about cholesterol, we need to concern ourselves with the quality of our relationships. So how can we fix this? Real change starts around our bonfires, under the open sky of our camping trips, and in the glow of our shared birthday celebrations. It happens when we pull each other out of ditches—both the metaphorical and the kind involving icy roads and a mad dash to beat curfew (don’t tell my mom and dad ). One pragmatic approach to making new friends is to extend the concept of 'networking' beyond the professional realm. Whether it's a community event, a charity function, or even a casual social gathering, attend with the explicit goal of meeting new people who share your interests or values. Maintaining these friendships requires consistent effort, a currency more valuable than time in today's fast-paced world. A quick text or call for no reason other than to check-in can be invaluable. It not only keeps the friendship dynamic but also offers an opportunity for support when needed, which is often when least expected. The crew and I have been a case study in defying norms, carving out a corner of the world where we can strip away the small talk and actually listen, advise, and, occasionally, administer some tough love. And yes, this level of friendship is as rewarding as it is rare—a fact I'm reminded of each time I see our kids forging friendships of their own, watching them step into a legacy we've meticulously built, one campfire at a time.
Artificial Imagination Speaking of campfires, I recently put my digital brush to canvas on MidJourney, capturing an autumn evening where the fire crackles, friends share laughs, beers flow freely, and s'mores are so good they deserve their own food group. Now, that's what I call a perfect night. When’s the last time you had a campfire?
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney
Vibe Challenge Friendship Revival: We all have that one old friend who we've lost touch with over time, either due to different paths in life or just the chaos of our daily routines. This week, take the initiative to reach out to that friend. It could be a simple text, a phone call, or even a coffee catch-up. The key is to make it a meaningful interaction. I bet you’ll find it’s time well spent.
My Weekly Vibe
AI: For those who are fascinated by the blend of art and technology, you'll want to keep an eye on these groundbreaking updates. OpenAI just released DALL-E 3, a platform that collaborates with ChatGPT to transform your textual ideas into visual masterpieces. Likewise, the upcoming Midjourney V6 is teasing better image quality and enhanced language recognition features. These aren't just small upgrades; they're set to significantly shift the landscape of AI-generated art. Whether you dabble in digital art as a hobby or utilize it in professional projects, these tools will enrich your creative palette. Given the leaps in quality and user-friendliness, I can’t wait to test these out myself.
Light Therapy: There are so many studies that point to the importance of natural sunlight exposure, especially first thing in the morning. It helps calibrate your circadian rhythm, which in turn improves both your sleep quality and general mood. It's also a natural source of vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function. That said, if you're an early bird like me and find yourself awake long before the sun, I'd recommend this floor lamp. While not as potent as natural light, it does offer a dose of the same advantages. I use it during my morning reading, and it gives me a little burst of vitality to kickstart my day.
Travel: If the thought of smoky casinos and Las Vegas' more risqué offerings makes you hesitant, don't dismiss the city just yet. Vegas has evolved into a multifaceted destination that can appeal to all ages. Rachel and I don’t gamble, but we go for the amazing food and incredible shows. We enjoy just walking through the lavish hotels, each one more spectacular than the next. Last year, we brought our kids and my parents along and everyone had a blast. Between the roller coasters at Circus Circus, the amazing pools, and the marine life at Mandalay Bay's aquarium, they were in heaven. Plus, the brand new Sphere at The Venetian, is totally redefining what live entertainment can be. Choosing the right hotel in Vegas can be overwhelming given the options, but you can't go wrong with the Bellagio or the Cosmopolitan in my book. If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Artist: If you haven't delved into Lana Del Rey's discography yet, you're missing out on a unique blend of cinematic melancholy and vintage glamour. Her music is a compelling mix of indie pop and trip-hop, often exploring themes of nostalgia, romance, and the American Dream. Whether it's her haunting vocals in Video Games or the lush orchestration of Young and Beautiful, her songs offer a rich emotional tapestry that's both modern and timeless. Bottom line—Lana Del Rey is a playlist essential.
Sphere at The Venetian
Weekly Muse "Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." -Anaïs Nin
Real Estate In the world of real estate, taxes are like that annoying relative who shows up uninvited to your parties—you can't avoid them, but you can certainly try to manage them wisely. Consider capital gains taxes, the government's way of saying, "Nice flip! Now share the wealth." For long-term gains—those on properties held for over a year—the tax rate can range from 0% to 20% depending on your income. But if you're selling within a year, be prepared for short-term capital gains taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which can be substantially higher. Enter the 1031 exchange, the tax code's olive branch to real estate investors. It allows you to defer these capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds from one "like-kind" investment property into another. The term "like-kind" is fairly generous, allowing for exchanges between different types of investment properties. For instance, you can trade a residential rental for two commercial properties. Just remember, both properties must be for investment or business use; your personal residence doesn't qualify here. The clock starts ticking as soon as you sell your property. You have 45 days to identify up to three potential replacement properties and 180 days to complete the purchase of one of them. There's also the "200% rule," which lets you identify more than three properties as long as their combined value doesn't exceed 200% of the property you're selling. Note that the value of the new property must be equal or greater than the one you're selling to qualify for 100% tax deferment. If you're considering using your investment property as your primary residence later on, tread carefully. Post-exchange, you'll need to rent out the property for at least two years to maintain its investment property status, and selling within five years of the exchange won't give you the primary residence capital gains tax break. However, each financial situation is unique, so it's crucial to consult your tax advisor and real estate agent before selling an investment property in pursuit of a 1031 exchange. Like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the skill of the user and the advice of those around them. So, whether you're looking at long-term or short-term investments, understanding capital gains and the benefits of a 1031 exchange can make a significant difference in your financial outcome. After all, the more you save on taxes, the more you have to invest in your next venture.
With so many incredible properties in DC, it's tough to pick a standout. But a mansion with both indoor and outdoor theaters? That has to take the cake. And the best part? No need to negotiate with Congress to enjoy it. Just drop 25 stacks, and it's all yours. I've got the popcorn covered! (courtesy of TTR Sothebys International Realty)
Interesting Find In the realm of cardiovascular grandiosity, the blue whale takes the crown—its heart weighs over 400 pounds. To put that into perspective, some of its arteries are so cavernous that a human could literally swim through them. And you thought the little old lady next door had a big heart!
Photo Cred: Wired Magazine
Kommentare