Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto…

Mr. Asimo is a Robot designed by Honda. Since 1986 Asimo has been updated, changed, and improved. He is able to walk. run , go up stairs, and carry things around for you. Asimo was made to help people and make our lives easier. Honda is also researching three new devices used to help people with weakened leg muscles, help our personal mobility and controlling robots with our thoughts alone. Walking assist by Honda is being made for people who can still walk but have difficulties crouching down and for people who need some extra support while walking or carrying heavy objects. Honda’s new concept U3-X is a mobility device made to fit comfortably between the riders legs. It is shaped like a wheel and looks like an ultramodern unicycle.  Thoughts are one thing Honda is experimenting with when it comes to controlling a robot. They are researching a “Brain-Machine Interface” (BMI) which “uses noninvasive techniques to enable control of a robot by human thought alone – no switches or buttons” (Honda Robotics). This technology along with U3-X and walking assist was all achieved and based on the research and development that has been done for Asimo.

Caffeine anyone?

For many of us coffee is an essential part of our day. For breakfast to wake us up and during the day to keep us awake. Some people are even turning to another “keep awake” alternative. Energy Drinks are also being used as a boost during the day, not only as a boost but also as a recreational drink. People who drink coffee and energy drinks to continue their day can become addicted to it. Their bodies become dependent on that caffeine/sugar push. A common withdrawal would be seen as, after a good night sleep it doesn’t make sense that as we wake up our body needs something to get us going, and keep us going during the day. Some say that if you switch your daily caffeine intake with a non-caffeinated soda it works as good as your old remedy. You basically trick your mind into thinking you’re drinking what it wants, when in turn, its probably a bit healthier.

Multitasking lately?

We all know its normal to be texting someone while answering a call for your boss and sending a email to a client. But have you stopped to think about the potential harm all these devices might have on you? The majority of people just don’t care, but maybe they should. Scientists say that we can have a “digital overload.” It can change the way we reason, think, act, and behave. Normally, now a days, people spend about 8 to 9 hours looking into a combination of computer screens, cell phone screens, and what ever other digital device screen they might have. People who multitask heavily, are proven to have more trouble focusing and have more stress on them because of the amount of things they are attempting to finish. Some scientists think that out brains can even get addicted to all the digital stimulation. Exercise, turn off the computer, go out for a walk in the park (without the phone) and breathe fresh air… It can be healthy.

Google VS. Facebook

Facebook is seen as your regular social network site used to connect with friends. Some people use it for marketing perposes and some as a way to tell people what is going on, but what most people don’t know is that Facebook can also be used as a search engine. Usually when you think of a search engine one of the first that come to mind is Google. Seems like Google is feeling a bit threatened by Facebook and their search engine rivalry. Google plans to strike back with a social networking site called Google Me, said to come out any time between tomorrow and the end of the year.

BYE BYE OIL SPILL!

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has come up with a way of solving future oil spill problems. Seaswarm is a $20,000 robot that will be able to clean oil from the water. The conveyor belt attached to the body of the device moves the robot forward as it attracts and lifts the  oil off the water while it repels the actual water. They work on solar energy and hug the water so they can not capsize. Thousands of these robots can be sent out to work on the same spill at the same time, making the clean up faster, cheaper and easier for everyone. It can hold up to 20 times its weight in oil and can either burn the oil itself or leave it on the ocean in a bag for future clean up. About $100 million to $200 million dollars would have been saved on the Deepwater Horizon clean up, had the Seaswarm been invented earlier.

Condo Conversions are Hot!

Condo conversions or condominium conversions is the process of entitling an apartment or income property owned under one title and converting it  from sole ownership of the entire property into individually sold units as condominiums.  In the past two years many condo conversion developers have moved to backward conversions, stopping sales of condominiums and starting to rent these new homes as apartments again.

2009 Real Estate Year of Opportunities

This is the year of opportunities.  Buy low… sell high.  There are great buys in Miami, Florida and through out the US.  Builders and investors are selling their inventory at 50% off prices.  First time home buyers get a $8,000 tax credit from uncle sam if they buy and close this year.  I think we have hit bottom and landed and 2010 we will see prices starting to go up again.

Trends Toward Environmental Awareness Continue in Real Estate Industry

According to the “The Real Deal,” Cushman & Wakefield, a privately owned commercial real estate firm, has become the first real estate services firm in the U.S. to sign an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The deal  outlines practices  that are designed to increase energy efficiency, promote water conservation, and lower waste and carbon footprints. The Cushman & Wakefield firm, which has been around since 1917, sets a precedent for other major firms to follow if they hope to truly claim “environmental friendliness” in their practices. It’s just another step towards the real estate industry’s movement towards “green building” and “environmental responsibility.”

The incoming presidential administration has made it clear that it will put forth green initiatives that will potentially help the environment and boost the economy. Within those initiatives there’s the issue of energy and renewable sources. Knowing that there is a possibility for real estate incentives to build homes that are “energy efficient,” developers are beginning to look at wind, solar, biofuel, and other energy sources to use as part of their home building process. This not only will be lucrative to the developers, but to the buyers as well, as there are more long-term savings in renewable energy than in fossil fuels.

In the mean time, the trend continues to be down a “green path” and the real estate industry is clearly beginning to adapt to this modern-day societal shift on environmental and energy-related issues. 2009 is a new year and only time will tell if the trend is effective and long-lasting. It would not be surprising to see more real estate firms and developers agreeing to deals like the Cushman & Wakefield agreement throughout this year. Many efforts will be taken to try and rejuvinate the ailing housing market and restore the real estate industry to solid standing.

South Florida Foreclosures are Hot!!!!!

Thousands of beach front, waterfront and garden style condominiums are currently in foreclosure in south Florida (Miami, Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, Naples, and West Palm Beach.  We represent builders that have left over inventory New Construction and Condo Conversions available for sale as bulk.  Prices start at $50,000 a unit.  If you are looking for Vulture Style real estate opportunities consider South Florida.

For more information on available inventory contact:

Alejandro Fernandez, MBA – CEO / Broker

1-888-815-1155

Florida Forclosures and the Holiday Season

With the holiday season quickly approaching, families are beginning to worry about more than just the gifts they will be buying for their loved ones. Many homeowners have now carried the burden of wondering if they will have a home for the holidays or if they will lose it to foreclosure. According to the Miami Herald, housing advocates are questioning whether lenders are living up to their promises of stopping foreclosures for the holidays or not. Despite the talks of a temporary moratorium to stop foreclosure, there are almost 950 set to foreclose in Miami for the month of December. Homeowners are becoming desperate for the moratoriums to become enacted while banks continue to talk with the state.

There is potential good news for homeowners and banks as the state of Florida recently recieved foreclosure assistance funds through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (The Real Deal). A total of $11.5 million in funds have been provided and Gov. Charlie Christ looks forward to use that money for foreclosure prevention counseling and legal assistance. Hopefully, this federal assistance will help hold up the banks/lenders from foreclosing on homes, at least in the month of December, and keep families at home enjoying the holidays. Only time will tell what the final verdict will be on the foreclosure issue in Florida.