Robins had a vision for the historical neighborhood and used some of his savings to purchase properties in the area while it was cheap. Although many people wanted to completely tear down existing structures, Robins and a select group of people believed in preserving and transforming the area, thought even they couldn’t predict the impact these transformations would have.

“…while I thought it would be fabulously successful, and that we would do things that would facilitate that, I also never in my wildest dreams thought it would take on the power and resonance that it did over time,” said Robins.

In the 1980s and 1990s Robins, through his real estate development company Dacra, focused on urban revitalization of the South Beach area. Robins has always focused on collaboration and infusing art and design into his work. In one of his first properties which opened in 1987, Dacra gave studio space to Cuban artist Carlos Alfanso, cementing the path for future partnerships.  In 1991, Dacra revamped the landmark Marlin Hotel, even adding a state-of-the-art music studio to further encourage the arts. Dacra also restored the Netherland Hotel, the first major residential building on Ocean Drive, and held a giant street party on Espanola Way further revitalizing the city. These improvements helped the city explode, and become a powerhouse for the arts, music, and film.

Sources: Dacra History, CNN

“I’ve had people contact me based on my work from the Smithsonian show,” Evans said. “It’s definitely my most consistent and my best show.”

Evans’ detailed quilts draw inspiration from maps and satellite images to convey the human influences over land and water, as well as to show how humans are impacted by their environment.

Over the past 50 years, AIE “has played a leading role in U.S. public diplomacy through a focused mission of vital cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through the visual arts and dynamic artist exchange.” The program was formalized in 1963 through the U.S. Department of State by former President John F. Kennedy. Now, AIE includes more than 20,000 participants globally, made up or museums, galleries, universities, private collectors and artists themselves. Some 200 venues span 189 countries around the world.

As stated by Hillary Clinton, “Art in Embassies reveals the rich history and cultural heritage of the United States and the experiences that we share with people of different countries, backgrounds and faiths. Every exhibition reminds us of the diversity of mankind and the values that bind us together.” The program is directed under Beth Dozoretz, a Washington D.C. business executive.

From: art.state.gov

While searching for jobs online is more convenient, it is often thought to be more competitive because of the ease with which one can apply. As a result, it’s even more important than ever for a candidate to attempt to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Job search consultants recommend spending extra time to tailor each resume and cover letter to a particular position so as to clearly highlight why you are interested in the position, and why you are a good fit. The Human Resources team will often be able to tell when a candidate has sent a generic application to multiple companies, versus a personalized application.

A variety of search engines are dedicated wholly to matching candidates with employers. These range from general sites like Indeed, and Monster, to more focused outlets such as Intern Sushi, and Serious Teachers. On these sites, prospective employees can search by job title, company, location, salary range, company size, and a host of other options in order to get a customized job search experience.

Other tools, such as the Better Career Search toolbar designed by Mindspark, make it easier to navigate the process of finding a new job by providing must-have tools in an easy to use format. The toolbar provides one-click access to Monster, LinkedIn, and other popular job websites, along with other handy buttons like a salary calculator, and career how-to tips.

Source: About.com

The FitBit One Activity Tracker provides a comprehensive approach to thinking about fitness. FitBit acts as a pedometer, measuring the number of steps taken throughout the day. But it can also measure total distance traveled, calories burned, the number of stairs you’ve taken, and sleep quality. The tiny device can be clipped onto a belt loop, carried in a pocket, worn as a wristband, or even as a necklace, and still receive accurate results. One of the best features of FitBit is its compatibility with the iPhone, enabling users to easily upload their data and monitor their progress. The FitBit dashboard displays data in an easy to read format, complete with bar graphs showing calories burned over the course of the day, and pie charts highlighting daily activity breakdown. Users can earn badges for reaching certain milestones, and have the opportunity to interact with other FitBit users as well.

The Tummy Tuck Belt is another useful tool to aid those looking for an easy, no-frills way to cut excess weight. As their website suggests, users simply follow the ’10 Minute Method’ two times a day to begin the fat reducing process that can last up to hours. From start to finish, users apply the Thermal Accelerator cream, do two minutes of standing abdominal Tummy Tighteners, and eight minutes of any other relaxing activity to complete the process. Users can wear the belt under their clothes for a slimming effect, or combine the belt usage with a revamped fitness plan and diet for even more effective results (see Tummy Tuck Belt Reviews).

The Oster My Blend 250-Watt Blender is also a great must-have kitchen accessory to help stay motivated to eat healthy. The single serve smoothie maker is easy to use and ensures perfect serving sizes. Users can make and transport their smoothies in the same dishwasher-safe container, reducing the number of dishes that need to be washed.  The device is easy to store, and comes in a variety of colors.

Sources: About.com

Female bed bugs can deposit between one and five eggs a day, and lay up to 500 eggs over the course of a lifetime. These bed bugs survive under normal room temperatures and can live for almost a year. A bed bug’s flat, thin frame creates a great advantage for the tiny pest, allowing it to hide in unusual places and making it difficult to detect. So be wary, if you can’t easily spot them, bed bugs could still be right under your pillow.

Bed bugs tend to stay close together, giving off a sweet yet unpleasant smell, and leaving blood spots on furniture and mattresses—telltale signs of a bed bug infestation. But the bugs aren’t just unpleasant for your bed sheets; they also bite, leaving itchy welts on skin causing allergic reactions and severe itching. Immediately seeking pest control services should be your first priority if you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home. By removing clutter from your home, washing and drying your bed linens at least once a week, and closely inspecting your furniture, you can help reduce your chances of bed bug infestation or a repeat of the problem.

Folsom has a strong background in international law, ethics, and corporate governance marked by extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. Folsom spent eight years at the prestigious law firm O’Melveny & Myers, served as the Counselor to the President of the World Bank Group for five years promoting anti-corruption initiatives, and was asked to lead AIG’s regulatory and compliance team during the financial crisis. The compliance program she implemented at AIG reached the company’s 3,000 subsidiaries in 130 countries. While at ACADEMI, Folsom’s new anti-corruption policies focus on all parties involved in the business, and range from increased employee compliance training and mentoring programs, to new due-diligence programs for outside contractors. ACADEMI, which is currently the largest private security contractor for the U.S. government, has also strengthened its position with U.S. officials.

“We’ve gone from a company that had either nonexistent or less than positive relationships with regulators to having extremely positive and interactive relationships,” said Folsom in an interview with The National Law Journal.

The WMACCA honored a total of 23 people and companies as part of its 2012 Corporate Counsel Awards for the categories of “Outstanding Chief Legal Officer,” “Outstanding In-House Counsel,” “Outstanding Paraprofessional,” “Outstanding Law Department,” and “Community Service.” The WMACCA is the Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), an organization which provides resources, education, and a community for in-house counsel members throughout the world. The organization boasts over 30,000 members, of which 2,100 are in the WMACCA region.

Source: ACADEMI

In order to shed those winter pounds and get your body to be the best it can be, a healthy, active, lifestyle, is crucial. Fad diets might be tempting because of their accelerated results, but these results are only temporary, and eventually all the weight you’ve lost, will be gained back again. So to get that hot bod back in time for warm sunny days, eat clean and exercise daily and the hard work will surely pay off.

As for your diet, eating five to six small portions a day is the best thing you can do. Your metabolic rate won’t slow down, and you won’t binge eat by the time dinner rolls around because you won’t be skipping any meals. Skipping breakfast might keep you thinner for the day, until you eat all of your calories (and more) at dinner that night, which will completely slow your metabolism down.

Another common misconception people have about losing weight is to totally cut out carbs. Actually, carbs provide you with the energy you need, especially if you’re planning on exercising that day.  As long as you’re not consuming white bread or refined sugars, then whole wheat/complex carbs are a must in your diet. Also, don’t forget to fill up on your veggies and fruits, as both are a great source of protein, minerals and fiber, and will definitely help keep you slimmed down.

Exercise is also a huge factor in achieving that perfect body. Any type of exercise, whether walking, running, weights or yoga will help you drop those extra pounds and tone your body. When you need a quick fix, solutions like the Tummy Tuck Belt can help to jump start your slim-down goals with relatively low effort. Get in at least an hour of exercise a day, no matter what it is, and maintain a clean, healthy diet, and you will be on the right track to getting the body you’ve always dreamed of.

Meticulously crafted and designed, the penthouse has three bedrooms, and three and a half baths, in addition to a staff room with a bath. The recently renovated kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances, and an adjoining breakfast room, while the formal dining room seats 20 guests and opens to a grand terrace. Residents can maneuver through the penthouse, which is located on the 30^th and 31^st floors, through a sprawling, spiral staircase, or private elevator. Other features include nine feet ceilings, carved fireplaces, a wood-paneled library, a marble bathroom, and double dressing room, among other amenities. Maintenance costs are just under $14,500 per month. The apartment also boasts a 1,250 square-foot beautifully landscaped terrace which features a unique view of the New York City skyline. The penthouse is the only one on Park Avenue that offers a view of Central Park.

Purchased for roughly half a million dollars in the 1970s by investment banker Herbert Allen of Allen and Co., the penthouse is located in a famous building on the corner of 71^st street which features a wine cellar, gym, and just 28 apartment units. 733 Park Avenue was constructed in 1972 at the site of a 30-room mansion. The penthouse was sold by Herbert Allen’s family, including wife Ethel and son Herbert Allen III, who now runs Allen and Co.

Allen and Co. is one of the most notable investment banks in the media and entertainment sector, and is famous for its annual high-profile Sun Valley conference in July. Previous attendees include Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Rupert Murdoch, Andy Grove, and Oprah Winfrey. The unit was sold to an undisclosed name, listed as Park Avenue Family Trust Agreement under city records.

Another notable sale for the week includes a 4,266 square-foot apartment on 1 Central Park West that sold for $15.575 million.

Source: New York Times

Although SoHo isn’t solely just for today’s fashionistas; it’s also a perfect place for food lovers to come and engorge in their favorite food. Forget the shopping, let’s have some lunch! Many people only associate fashion and the latest trends when it comes to SoHo, but SoHo offers a deliciously enticing menu, spanning from Mediterranean, French, and Italian food, to healthy cafés and delicatessens. Dress up for extravagant dining, or throw on a sweater and jeans for a quick meal, SoHo restaurants have it all, and the tasty food will certainly exceed your expectations.

In addition to the fabulous shopping and amazing food, museums help to complete SoHo in its entirety. Why museums in a shopping district? Well, these museums help keep art instilled in SoHo, as art had such a large role in creating SoHo’s history. CMA, New York City’s only hands on museum for kids is located in SoHo, along with the New Museum of Contemporary Art, The New York Earth Room, and The New York City Fire Museum.

If you’re wondering what to do in NYC, besides the typical Times Square and central park visits, then hop on the subway to Spring Street, and spend the day (or two) in SoHo.

“It is a prime, high-visibility site in the heart of a world-recognized destination shopping corridor that enjoys one of the city’s highest sales volumes, with Macy’s as its neighbor. It has intrinsic appeal to upscale big-box retailers, based anywhere in the world, who are seeking a major branding opportunity,” said Anthony E. Malkin, President of Malkin Holdings LLC, which supervises W&H Properties.

An estimated 20 million people visit the flagship Macy’s store every year, and nearby retailers and restaurants certainly benefit from Macy’s popularity. As of early February, 1333 Broadway is completely full, 1350 is ten percent vacant, and 1359 is six percent vacant. The buildings have recently been renovated, and feature new lobbies, elevators, and windows.

Four brokers at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank are responsible for the leasing of the buildings, William Cohen, Ryan Kass, Neil Rubin, and Andrew Weisz. The men have years of experience, and hundreds of tenant transactions under their belt, in order to secure the best commercial outlets for the buildings.

“They understand our vision for these Pre-War Trophy properties, and they have helped make this vision a reality through aggressive, strategic leasing efforts that attract top brokers and their tenants,” said Malkin.

Between the three locations, tenants have a variety of floor plans and designs that cater to the varying needs of traditional corporate offices, more open layouts for creative firms, and retailers. W&H Properties also runs Empire State Building, and One Grand Central Place, among other prestigious buildings throughout the city.

Sources: Commercial Observer, Real Estate Weekly