Miami is not only an amazing international hub city, the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, but it is also my hometown. Funny thing is, it’s a city a barely recognize anymore. When I lived their, its national fame was cocaine and a good place for old people to die. Well, the cocaine is still good but now its an “in” place to be for young and old. Yes, it’s pretty cool to see Miami on the center stage of the world; not sure I will ever return for more than visit now.
As I write this blog post, I am watching the 2nd Republican Presidential Primary Debate on CNN. It made ask, I wonder what the Brits thing of this?? Why am I wondering this? Well because I was looking at some cool photos I took on my 2015 European Tour #SummerofEurope. This one is atop a tower at the Warwick Castle.
Does this look like a Winter Wonderland to you? If you grew up it Ft. Lauderdale it does! This is from the 2014 Ft. Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade. Today was the first day of cool weather in Central Florida for the upcoming Fall (yes, it was like 70 degrees this morning!!!) and that reminded me that winter is near. This photo reminded me that winter means many things to different people, why we must all travel the world.
What Dreams Are Made Of
For those who have spent anytime at the University of Central Florida, you know where this photo was taken. For those not familiar with campus, it is right behind the front of the Student Union in the heart of the academic core (this area is never featured in photos for some reason). I have a bunch of photos from this day, it was amazing for photography due to the perfect cloud balance (seriously, if there are no clouds in the sky I don’t even bother anymore!).
This was shot in the morning at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The beach is fairly vacant as most people have yet to take positions in the lounge chairs or erect tents and whatever else “beach contractors” set up to enjoy vacation. To me, a peaceful beach is a thing of pure beauty.
Today, I am making this blog public. If you have not figured out already, this star of the blog is my photography (along with my views on urban economics, life, and whatever else I chose to write about). My goal of photography is to capture the World the way I want to see it. How is that? Full of life, color, drama, and iconic imagery. The featured photo of this post captures that well. It was taken on a Sunday afternoon in San Diego, California, an amazing city for sure. It features people enjoying their day, boats, really cool architecture, and a few of the San Diego Bay and Coronado Island in the distance. Even an American Flag is visible (but small). Visualizing the World the way we want to see it is the first step to making it a reality.
Moving to Orlando was one of the best decisions I ever made. I moved here in 2001 to attend the University of Central Florida and have never been able to leave. Why? Good opportunities kept me from leaving. There is something magical about this city (no, it’s not Disney but that is cool too). I feel my life would not be as complete without the help of Orlando. People move here from around the world (my hometown is Miami) and I have to believe they feel the same way.
Today is September 12th, 2015! That means it’s just about a week until my one-year wedding anniversary (9/20/14), and thus, I am in a Winter Park State of Mind. We were married at the newly constructed Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Florida. The Alfond is worth discussing for several reasons. First, it is where I asked my now wife, Melissa, to marry me exactly one year from the day we got married. Second, this hotel represents the best in partnership, design, and implementation in urban development and place making.
Beyond 3 Sigma is live!
What is B3Sig? It is a motto, one that i have adopted many years ago. Will I explain what it means? Yes, but not now. What will this blog cover…..
Joshua Harris, PhD 