Happy weekend! Reader,

Welcome to the 4x Friday, four of the coolest things I've found, learned, or experienced, this past week.

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What I watched.

Thank you, Fernando, for passing along the link to a 60 Minutes exposé (00:13:400) on blind architect Chris Downey. A brain tumor caused the seasoned architect to go blind overnight. But he refused to listen to the occupational therapists conditioned to help him "transition to a new profession." Instead, he learned how to function as a blind person and more. His work now focuses on enriching the environment for the visually impaired. His projects, from rehabilitation to cultural centers, reflect his 20 years of traditional-sighted architectural experience. If you have the time, it's a very inspiring piece. And there are many more videos about Chris on YouTube.

What I experienced

I hosted a live design competition for high school and college students for SkillsUSA. Hosting a contest is an enlighting experience. But observing the over 100 other trades as they compete is life-changing. I could not have pulled it off without the help of Technical Committee Members Nina Bullock and David Eckenrode. As well as several sponsors and personal contributors. Their challenge was to design a 400 s.f. Community room with two 120 s.f. Transitional units for a pocket community of tiny homes. They had one day to produce the work and then our jury. AIBD members volunteering to judge included Jannis Vann, FAIBD, Thomas Rogers, and Davar Ashton. The developer of the pocket community, Jim Hooker, and his assistant Chris Goodride were also on hand to assist with choosing the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists in both the secondary and post-secondary groups.

Daniel Sperry (AR), Lindsey Barker (UT), Kelly Marek (MO), Felix Torres (FL), and Tyler Earnest (NE). Don Mossman, did not make it to the awards ceremony.

What I used

I used "my Atlanta office" for the first time. Since the COVID shutdown, we abandoned our permanent office space, and our team has worked remotely. Without an office, I became a Regus remote office subscriber. It's very much like a WeWork office. As such, I now have 3000 offices worldwide. For $31, I worked from a private office for a couple of hours on Friday afternoon (I wish I'd spent the additional $10 and got the room with a view. It was on the 22nd floor). Last month, I was passing through Columbus, OH, and needed a private space to join in on a "Zoom" meeting. I ducked into the Regus office there for $25 and was quickly back on the road to Centerville.

What I pondered

"It's not what you will get out of the books that are so enriching, it is what the books will get out of you that will ultimately change your life." Robin Sharma, from his book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.

Have a triumphant week!

Steve

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P.P.S. - THIS YEAR is going to be epic! I am honoring you, the many people who have helped me shape, mold, and influence my life over the past 60 years with a Second Line Parade through the French Quarter of New Orleans. The celebration is on December 3, 2022, afternoon and evening. I need an estimated headcount to finalize the planning. If you think you might be interested in participating, please take a minute to RSVP online (no firm commitments required).

P.P.P.S. - Forward the 4X Friday to a friend or colleague, and let's build a community of like-minded go-getters.