Posted by Leonard Steinberg on November 12th, 2013

Yesterday was Veteran’s Day, and while I have never fought in a war, I am considered somewhat of a ‘veteran’ in the real estate industry. Here are a few nutty and ironic observations during the day that I thought I’d share:

1)   While trying to navigate back to my office, I was caught up in the parade itself, surrounded by crisply uniformed marching bands, banner wielding fans, Mayor de Blasio and the politicians, car dealerships (huh?) and the like. Then along came a noise so vulgar  and excessive I thought it was some form of invasion: hundreds of bikers that resembled a scene from MAD MAX. These crazy-noisy bikes were being driven by veterans who all deserve our praise for being veterans of course. The irony was the mass of citizens waving and cheering on a group of people whose bikes were obviously significantly louder than the law permits…..these same bikers are the ones who roar through the city with absolutely no consideration for anyone else, making the lives of too many miserable. The noise was deafening. There were thousands of police officers observing this. Would these police officers have fined or arrested a large group of nudists? Thats illegal too and easier to block out simply by turning away or closing your eyes. Its not as easy to escape (illegal) excessive noise……. The law seems to be very selective.

2)  While in a meeting with a client he stopped everyone and yelled: “Everyone off your Blackberrys and I-phones right now!” This is the same client who gets very upset if you don’t respond to his e-mails, texts and calls immediately…..

3)  Leonardo di Caprio has reportedly bought or invested in a new building project on 11th Street that is focused on super-healthy living. The building offers many features that are supposed to enhance the well being of its super-healthy inhabitants  and Leonardo will be the poster-child for this……in this morning’s Post, reminders of Leonardo’s super-healthy ways: an article describes in great detail his booze-filled birthday bash from last night. It did not sound terribly healthy at all. Maybe this building is just catering to serious hangovers?

4)  In a meeting discussing building amenities, someone suggested that New Yorkers were suffering from tech-exhaustion by being connected all day and night.  What about a lobby where everyone could gather to work on their computers, I-pads and I-phones they suggested? Hmmmmmm…….