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Aicube: We are talking to Scott Safadi, owner and president of Cal Bay Property Management. Thank you, Scott, for taking the time to speak with us today.

Scott Safadi: My pleasure.

Aicube: You mentioned earlier that you have a message for today’s youth. What is that?

Scott Safadi: Just that life doesn’t get any easier. If you get a chance to do something you thoroughly enjoy—seize it. The best time to do it is before you take on the obligations of a family and career.

Aicube: That sounds like great advice, but isn’t it rather difficult to avoid responsibilities?

Scott Safadi: Yes, but when life’s mounting pressures and expectations overwhelm us with all the things we need to do, sometimes what we really need is to have some fun to stay sane. One day I suddenly realized that college might be my last opportunity to be unfettered of the responsibilities that awaited me in the “real” world.

Aicube: What brought about this epiphany?

Scott Safadi: During an internship at a San Jose hospital, it became obvious to me that hard work doesn’t end when you graduate from school. My stress at school paled in comparison to the constant pressures the doctors experienced.

Aicube: Is that what led to your Jackson Hole adventure?

Scott Safadi: Most definitely. The comparison lingered in my mind until one evening during my college days, a friend and I happened to watch a snowboarding video. A crazy thought popped into our heads. What if we took a couple of winter months off from college and followed the snow? One year later, we did just that.

Aicube: How did you arrange it?

Scott Safadi: Before the start of our junior year, we both went to summer school so we could take the winter quarter off. We moved to Jackson Hole and proceeded to have the time of our lives. It was great!

Aicube: Tell me a little about Jackson Hole.

Scott Safadi: Jackson Hole is a mountain resort located in a large valley surrounded by high-peaked mountains. A lot of the terrain in Jackson Hole has steep sections with long chutes and trees. It offers challenges that snowboarders like me especially enjoy.

Aicube: It sounds like a very nice winter resort.

Scott Safadi: It’s that and more. It has more backcountry terrain than in-bounds. We were in the backcountry at least 50% of the time.

Aicube: It sounds different than a typical resort.

Scott Safadi: It is. It has all the appeal of a classic American resort with saloons and cowboys, but Jackson Hole is not the usual rolling mountain, tree-lined resort found in many other western U.S. resorts.

Aicube: What other activities did you enjoy while there?

Scott Safadi: Snowboarding was our main focus, but it’s definitely not the only activity available. Snow skiing, sleigh rides and dog-sled tours are also attractions to explore if you happen to tire of snowboarding. Of course, that wasn’t a problem for us.

Aicube: It seems like a great winter vacation destination. Is it quiet in the summer?

Scott Safadi: Not at all. Jackson Hole is great for whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding and golfing. Other activities available are hang gliding, kayaking, mountain biking, hot air ballooning and stagecoach rides.

Aicube: Jackson Hole seems to have a variety of attractions for all ages.

Scott Safadi: And that’s just a sample of the activities you’ll find there. There’s so much to do you can’t possibly get bored.

Aicube: So, it seems you have no regrets?

Scott Safadi: No regrets. Today, as a husband, father, homeowner and businessman, I am so thankful that I didn’t let that opportunity pass me by. While most Dartmouth students were going to class or doing internships, I was having the time of my life.

Scott Safadi and his wife, Rachel, were married in 2007 and have a daughter named Sophia. Scott Safadi and his family live in Saratoga, Calif. For more information about Scott Safadi visit aboutscottsafadi.com.

Pixels

Pixels refer to the tiny little dots that make up a photo and how many of those are in an inch. The more megapixels a camera gets, the better the photo’s potential print quality. A camera with even just 2 to 3 megapixel capabilities can produce beautiful and crisp 4”x6” photos. Today, even low-end consumer cameras are usually outfitted with at least 5 to 7 megapixels.

White balance

There are two basic types of light: daylight and tungsten. Daylight is just that, light created by the day. Tungsten light is standard non-fluorescent indoor lights. Photos shot indoors that are not properly adjusted look yellow, and outdoor shots set for indoor lighting have a blue cast.

ISO

ISO refers to the amount of light that is needed for a photograph to expose. It should be left set at auto on most handheld consumer cameras. Low ISO numbers equate to a sharper image while higher numbers may look grainy unless post-processed correctly.

File types

There are three basic file types used in print. The most common, JPEG, is fine for most photographers. TIFF is a larger file good for editing photos, as editing and re-saving a JPEG can degrade the file. RAW (or in Nikon cameras, NEF) files are extremely large image files that most shutterbugs never use nor have sufficient memory to store, unless they are professionals.

Shutter speed and aperture

For those who make the leap to a higher-end DLSR camera, shutter speed is another common term. The speed that the shutter closes is only important when combined with the aperture.

In digital photography aperture simply refers to a little circle inside the camera that allows light to pass through to the sensor. A larger aperture means that more light enters the camera. Aperture and shutter speed work together to determine how quickly and efficiently an image is captured. Sports photographers typically use a fully open aperture with an extremely fast shutter speed to capture action shots without motion blur.

Focus points

When a camera focuses, it finds one or more spots on the image that will be clearer than others. How much clearer is determined by aperture, shutter speed, movement, etc. Pocket cameras may have one or two focal points while professional cameras can have dozens.

Body

DLSR cameras come in two pieces—the lens and the body. The lens is what determines the focal length (how far away the camera can get a clear shot), while the body handles the other aspects of imagery. Many cameras have a built-in motor to help the lens focus faster while others require the motor be built inside the lens in order to focus automatically.

While not a comprehensive guide to digital photography, the above points should clear some mysteries and misconceptions for the beginner. Many major camera manufacturers including Nikon, Sony and Canon offer a moderately priced and extremely user-friendly model of their higher-end cameras. These cameras are scaled down without as many manual controls as most professional grade bodies that offer interchangeable lenses for a variety of functions.

The most important thing to remember is that photography is an art like any other and should only be judged by the personal satisfaction of the photographer or the ones who commissioned the images.

Q: Do foreclosed properties always need lots of repairs?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: No, in fact, many foreclosures need only minor, inexpensive repairs, and most new homeowners like to put their personal touches on the property through these small repairs. As with any home, some foreclosures can be a bit run down, but most are in great condition.

Q: Is it true foreclosures only happen in low-income areas?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Not true at all. Foreclosures happen in all neighborhoods. Decreasing home values and rising interest rates affect homeowners all over the country.

Q: Are foreclosures much cheaper than homes that aren’t in foreclosure?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Some foreclosures might be a lot cheaper than what the previous owner paid, but compared to the prices of comparable homes in the same area, their reductions are fairly moderate.

Q: Is it risky to purchase a foreclosure?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: It depends. Purchasing a foreclosure in cash at an auction outside a courthouse can be risky, but the majority of buyers buy bank-owned properties that are listed with other, non-foreclosed homes. The sales process is the same as for a regular home.

Q: Do foreclosures come with extra fees?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Closing costs need to be paid no matter what type of property is purchased. Any unpaid fees and taxes from the previous homeowner need to be cleared by the bank prior to the sale.

Aicube: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Charles Brennan: I can think of anything more I’d rather do.

Aicube: The Brennan Rock ‘n Roll Academy is a big deal for the kids at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club. What gave you the idea to promote music to this particular group?

Charles Brennan: Long before I moved to the Las Vegas, Nevada area, I was a Club kid myself growing up and I know that these programs can really make a difference in the lives of the children they serve. I’m in a position where I can give back to the community that gave me so much growing up and I feel it’s my duty to do so. And, I love music.

Aicube: We understand that a very influential artist had something to do with your idea for the Academy?

Charles Brennan: I’ve had a lot of motivation. First is my son Jett, who is a student at the School of Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada. My friend Alice Cooper was another major inspiration, especially after seeing the success of his Phoenix-based program, Solid Rock Foundation.

Aicube: How much does admission to the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy cost?

Charles Brennan: There is no cost to members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire. However, I believe it costs $25 per year to be a member of the Boys and Girls Club.

Aicube: We understand that you welcomed some pretty big names to promote the opening event.

Charles Brennan: I don’t like to name drop or anything but we managed to score some of the most high-profile Rock gods of all time. Along with my good friend Alice Cooper, Sebastian Bach, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, and Gene Simmons of KISS and even one of the original band members of The Doors, Robbie Krieger, turned up in Sioux Falls during the grand opening week.

Aicube: You managed to get some pretty interesting comedic acts as well, right?

Charles Brennan: Yes. Two of the funniest people I’ve ever met—George Lopez and Louie Anderson.

Aicube: Any other celebrities?

Charles Brennan: Just for good measure! Yeah, Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison and Night Ranger.

Aicube: Switching gears back to the Academy for a moment, what sort of instruments will you focus on?

Charles Brennan: Pretty much anything you can imagine on a rock set—drums, bass and guitar, keyboard.

Aicube: Vocals?

Charles Brennan: Well, rock isn’t rock without a front man or woman right!?

Aicube: Who is this Brennan Rock ‘n Roll Academy Rock ‘n Roll Ambassador we keep hearing so much about?

Charles Brennan: Kory Van Sickle of Kory and the Fireflies.

Aicube: He had a lot to do with the vision and design, right?

Charles Brennan: Yes, he will also act as a real-life example of what the students can achieve if they believe in themselves.

Aicube: This is really an amazing thing you’re doing for these children and on behalf of all of our readers we thank you.

Charles Brennan: This is just my way of giving back to the Boys and Girls Club in making my mark on my hometown.

Las Vegas, Nevada businessman Charles Brennan has enjoyed a career that, over the last 25 years, has taken many interesting twists and turns. From his early days as a collections agent for Citibank, through the excitement of rock concert promotions, to his current position as founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center, a successful company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Charles Brennan has maintained a love of music and a passion for helping children achieve their dreams.

Aicube: Thank you, Rick Dover, for joining us today. It is always a pleasure to speak with people who appreciate history.

Rick Dover: The pleasure is all mine. I’m excited to be here.

Aicube: For our readers who are not familiar with Family Pride Corporation, can you tell us a bit about it?

Rick Dover: Family Pride Corporation is a company that my mother, Lucy Dover, and I started after the death of my father. It suddenly became important to me to help others hold onto their heritage.

Aicube: But, why Loudon County?

Rick Dover: I’m from Knoxville, which is about 45 minutes away, so I have been through the small town many times throughout my life. It is just a beautiful town and deserves attention.

Aicube: We understand that you had your children involved all along.

Rick Dover: Yes, actually from the time they were old enough to understand business principles, my wife and I have had them helping to pay vendor bills and organize our offices.

Aicube: And your wife, she is involved in the business as well, correct?

Rick Dover: She has an eye for design and works with us as an interior designer. I have to say, Laurie has a talent for seeing how things would have looked in their grandeur.

Aicube: We can definitely see that based on some of the images we’ve seen from your renovations. We know that your father passed away. How has that affected your work ethic?

Rick Dover: I have always been a hard worker but since his passing I have focused more on restoring the places where people live versus creating new places for people to live.

Aicube: So you have a background in regular real estate development?

Rick Dover: Yes I do. I have been building houses for as long as I can remember.

Aicube: What is so intriguing about historic sites for you?

Rick Dover: When you walk into somewhere that has history, you feel it. It’s in the details from the way the arches were constructed to the decorative molding. It’s like looking at a blueprint of real estate progression. You can really see how modern real estate evolved from looking at buildings that are 100-plus years old.

Aicube: It seems that you began to focus quite a bit on assisted living facilities. Can you explain that?

Rick Dover: Back when we were looking for somewhere for my grandfather, I thought to myself why isn’t there a reasonably priced assisted living facility anywhere?

Aicube: And so you turned an old school building into River Oaks Place?

Rick Dover: Yes, the building just haunted my mind. I thought it was perfect. I enjoyed the project so much I went on to convert two historic hospitals into senior living facilities.

Aicube: We understand that you haven’t stuck just to senior living. Tell us about downtown Louden.

Rick Dover: I’m not going to say that we’ve gotten a little carried away but we’ve pretty much restored an entire block, including the Carmichael Inn. This historic building is just beautiful.

Aicube: You have not worked outside of Loudon County for over 15 years. Don’t you think that’s a little odd considering you’re not even from there?

Rick Dover: Who’s to say what the future is to bring. I think it’s a beautiful town and definitely think its charm and character are worth seeing in person.

Aicube: We appreciate your time today and definitely appreciate all of the Southern beauty that you have brought back to East Tennessee.

Rick Dover: Thank you for having me.

Aicube: Do you have any final thoughts before we close?

Rick Dover: Just that Family Pride Corporation is devoted to keeping the memories of our golden generation alive for the next generation to enjoy.

Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation have been restoring America’s memories for the last two decades. Since 1994, Rick Dover has placed an emphasis on creating affordable and memorable housing for senior adults.

Rick Dover currently lives in Tennessee with his wife and continues to preserve Loudon County, Tennessee with respect for the past and hope for the future.

A native of East Tennessee, Rick Dover holds a degree from the UT Knoxville.

Matt Schilit has the advantage of also having studied health and nutrition extensively. Matt Schilit is a former health and physical education teacher and, in his spare time, he still enjoys studying nutrition. But weight lifting is more than a way to stay fit for Matt Schilit. For the past 15 years, he has regularly worked out, both to prepare himself for competition and stay in shape.

During this time, Matt Schilit has heard all of the different recommendations for building muscle. After extensive research into the matter, Matt Schilit has learned the science behind effectively creating muscle quickly. Through this research, Matt Schilit has realized protein is the key to building solid muscle. To maximize its effectiveness, he advises ingesting protein after each workout.

As Matt Schilit explains, when a person lifts weights, he or she is essentially breaking down muscle. As that muscle heals, it comes back stronger than it was before. Matt Schilit has learned that protein actually helps promote quicker healing and stronger muscle cells.

Matt Schilit consumes a protein shake after each day’s workout. He has personally had great success with Champion Nutrition’s Ultramet, as well as BSN’s Syntha 6. Matt Schilit is impressed with the taste of both products, as well as the results he’s noticed. Both Ultramet and Syntha 6 have a variety of flavors to ensure things never get boring.

Another benefit of protein is that it helps suppress appetite, Matt Schilit has noticed. This has helped keep him from taking in too many calories each day, which can negate all his hard work. Since weightlifting can work up an appetite, Matt Schilit has found that suppressing that appetite with a delicious, nutritious protein shake is also a great way to get recommended nutrients without overindulging.

Protein is also a great way to burn fat, which is important to your muscle-building routine, according to Matt Schilit. By using protein to help build muscle, he experiences a boost in his metabolism, increasing his energy and helping him shed fat. While building muscle is not an overnight process, through a combination of hard work and the right diet, the results will be amazing.

Just Fab is taking the world of online shopping to a new level. A personalized web-based boutique featuring shoes, handbags, jewelry, denim, and more, Just Fab has captured the heart of celebrities and media outlets alike. Just Fab has been featured in Woman’s Day, Glamour, and People magazines as well as on the Wendy Williams show and Extra.

Highlighted Looks

After Glow – a Just Fab exclusive studded clutch – reigned supreme in the Top 10 Clutches in People StyleWatch. The edgy hardware on this evening clutch has made the After Glow is a Just Fab favorite. People Magazine has also featured many other Just Fab styles including the sultry summer stiletto Annika. Woman’s Day magazine featured the Boston Common as an Amazing Under $40 pick. This versatile and simplistically designed bag is another super style only available through Just Fab.

Just Fab – Hot for all the Right Reasons

It’s no wonder why the media loves Just Fab so much. Just Fab offers fashions that real women can actually afford. Celebrities have started to embrace the Just Fab culture and are often spotted strutting their fab fashions at red carpet events or running errands in fun, functional, and fantastic Just Fab finds. It is no easy task to be coveted by both celebrities and stay-at-home moms and remain in a price point accessible to everyone, but somehow Just Fab has managed to do just that through the online shopping destination’s customizable shopping experience.

Look and Feel Fabulous

Just Fab offers everyday women the opportunity to indulge in today’s top styles without jeopardizing their kids’ college funds. In fact, one of the main reasons that Just Fab has garnered so much attention over the last few years is the price point – $39.95 or less – an amazing value compared to what department stores and boutique shops charge for the same looks. Just Fab has streamlined all aspects of the shopping experience so that women look great and feel good about what they are spending.

The Brands

Just Fab carries proprietary and exclusively designed styles based on each season’s trends. Occasionally, Just Fab features special collections from hot designers like Iron Fist and Avril Lavigne, but the Just Fab brand continues to evolve and bring the hottest trends to its members each month.

For more information on Just Fab or to see their styles at work, visit justfab.com.

Q: What’s the size of Bonaventure Senior Living these days?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure: Bonaventure now owns and operates 37 individual communities, consisting of more than 4,400 apartments and suites for seniors.  We have a new community under construction in Colorado Springs which we anticipate residents moving-in early 2014.

Q: If you had to briefly sum up the philosophy at Bonaventure…

Pam Gray, Bonaventure: Our mindset is, “you can never go wrong doing the right thing.” We stick by that, and the entire Bonaventure team is committed to our residents and giving them the opportunity to live life on their terms.

Q: It sounds like you are definitely dedicated to doing things right, then.

Pam Gray, Bonaventure: We really think so, and we’re happy to say our residents and their families agree with that sentiment – Our regular satisfaction surveys show a spectacular 96 percent approval rating from our current residents, so that definitely says something positive.

Q: What would you see as an ongoing direction for Bonaventure?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure: We’re innovators in senior living here at Bonaventure, and we intend to continue growing and establishing new communities, but at a pace which allows us to maintain the high level of quality and care our residents expect and deserve. When people think about all the premium senior living options available, we want them to think of Bonaventure.

Q: What is your management style through the company?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure: That’s a good question and an important part of what makes Bonaventure so special. We want to make certain everyone is accountable, at all levels; our communities are all owner-operated, with no absentee management. Our people are expected to be focused on greatness; everything we do and every decision we make is to support our goal of delivering “Retirement Perfected.” That means town hall meetings, evaluation forms for our residents, and other ways to ensure that our residents are heard from and taken into consideration. Our top priority is the satisfaction of our residents.  If the residents are happy, that means we’re doing the right thing.

For more information about Bonaventure Senior Living, visit RetirementPerfected.com.

As the head of the team at Bonaventure, Kelley D. Hamilton is dedicated to keeping the focus of the staff on the communities and residents, rather than concentrating on profitability. Kelley D. Hamilton believes his job is not just a career, it’s a calling.
According to Kelley D. Hamilton, adult seniors should have their personal preferences factored in when they are looking at different adult communities. Everyone should have a voice in how they spend their days. Kelley D. Hamilton and Bonaventure Senior Living built a community around the concept: Life on your terms.

Kelley D. Hamilton notes that as a group, baby boomers are the most physically fit and the most active generation to date. They tend to think of themselves as a special generation. Kelley D. Hamilton believes active retired adults are no longer content to sit in a rocking chair on the front porch and watch the world go by.

One of the things about which Kelley D. Hamilton is passionate is keeping retired adults healthy and active. In the past, “take it easy” was the mindset of many seniors and their families. Kelley D. Hamilton believes that is exactly what they shouldn’t do. The less a person moves, the worse they feel, so they move even less until it becomes a vicious cycle.

Kelley D. Hamilton points out long periods of sitting leads to weak muscles. Kelley D. Hamilton also tells us that a lack of stretching and movement results in joint deterioration and the loss of flexibility. The poor balance and resulting falls can lead to serious health problems for seniors.

But what does a senior adult do if they can’t jog or engage in vigorous workouts at the local gym? One alternative Kelley D. Hamilton suggests is yoga. Kelley D. Hamilton believes any type of exercise is imperative to keeping fit. He points to yoga as an excellent low-impact activity that can increase mobility and reduce many health concerns facing retired adults.

Kelley D. Hamilton says that yoga classes geared to senior adults are readily available so those new to yoga aren’t struggling to mimic the extreme contortions of much younger people in class. Kelley D. Hamilton asserts that qualified yoga instructors take into account any medical conditions of participants and modify the poses accordingly. In addition to increased flexibility and strengthening, Kelley D. Hamilton expounds on other benefits of yoga such as deep breathing to help improve concentration; positioning to relieve stress on joints, muscle and bones; and the calming effect of meditative aspects of the training.

Kelley D. Hamilton reports that other benefits seniors have noticed when taking up yoga include improved quality and quantity of sleep and reduction in use of pain medication. The relaxation and postures also seemed to help with breathing difficulties in some seniors.

In his informal exploration of yoga as a health benefit to seniors, Kelley D. Hamilton learned that most U.S. medical schools now include courses in alternative forms of therapy, which include yoga. Kelley D. Hamilton doesn’t claim to offer medical advice that only a doctor can provide, but his initial thoughts are that yoga is definitely something for senior adults to consider. Interested seniors should talk to their doctor about yoga when looking for a form of exercise compatible with their health condition and needs.