Kinder, Gentler Store Security Once upon a time, a shoplifter (at least one who was detected) was met with a hail of “Stop! Thief!” With the advent of electronic tags, that changed to alarm bells, flashing lights, or other gaudy displays. Today? At least at Knollwood the other day, I heard this polite-but-loud announcement over the public...Read More
No More Penthouse Storage If ever there was an overlooked (if not long-neglected) commercial property in the Twin Cities, it was Calhoun Towers just northwest of Lake Calhoun in Southwest Minneapolis (note: the street address is 3430 List Place, but the locals commonly refer to it as “the high-rise behind Whole Foods”). Twenty-one stories tall with 360° views...Read More
The opposite of “approbation” — a fancy synonym for “approval” — is the word, “disapprobation,” which naturally means disapproval. It would stand to reason, therefore, that the opposite of “opprobrium” — harsh criticism or censure — would be “disopprobrium.” Unh-unh. No such word. All of which leaves me pleasantly mayed** . . . 🙂 **The...Read More
Share Price Heaven [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.] Before I got religion on Amazon, you could say I was an “Amazon atheist” (or at least, an “Amazon...Read More
Fat Squirrels and Furry Caterpillars Which of the following reliably predict an especially snowy winter: A. Fat squirrels. B. Chubby caterpillars. C. The Farmer’s Almanac. D. Switching your snow service from a flat monthly rate to a “per time” fee. Answer: all but “C.” Lagging Indicator There actually may be some (pseudo)science behind “D.” Namely, weather patterns regress...Read More
Is That “Minnesota Agent?” Or, “Agent Anywhere in the U.S.?” [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] You are listing a Twin Cities home being sold by an estate....Read More
