Alaska
Alaska reminds us how location is key to success in real estate
Another state got notched into our travel belt this week as we concluded a cruise to Alaska.
In a word – amazing!
Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau were on our agenda. Photos do not do justice to the rugged wilderness of the 49th addition to our union. Hopefully, my words can.
As we traversed the Endicott Arm and threaded through the Tracey Arms-Fjord, several chunks of blue ice were encountered. Akin to a punch bowl at the end of a party, these bobbing blue behemoths bathe in the icy waters – having parted from the mothership Dawes glacier and now headed for the freedom of open waters.
I couldn’t help but recall a comparison I once made to an iceberg and its similarity to a commercial real estate transaction.
As occupants of commercial real estate, you focus on a couple of things – the space and possibly the lease payment or monthly debt service.
The space: Does it lay out well for your operation?
Are there enough private offices for a collaborative work environment? Does the power into the building adequately support all machinery and equipment? Can you afford the monthly payments? If these boxes are checked, boom! You’re golden, right?
Maybe not so rapido, my friends. If you focus on the space and the payments, you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg.
Similar to Dawes Glacier, more than 80% of the transaction’s issues are lurking beneath the surface and can destroy your occupancy if not properly anticipated.
As the commercial real estate comparisons continued, I learned on this trip the undeniable significance of location.
In Alaska, remote and inaccessible areas are abundant, offering breathtaking beauty but also posing challenges for development. Similarly, in commercial real estate, the value of a property is often tied to its location, accessibility and proximity to key amenities and transportation hubs.
Just as Alaska’s hidden gems require strategic planning to unlock their potential, commercial properties in prime locations can hold the key to successful investments.
The rugged terrain of Alaska prompted me to contemplate the importance of due diligence in commercial real estate transactions.
Just as I carefully planned my hiking routes to ensure safety and efficiency, investors must thoroughly research properties, assess risks, and conduct comprehensive financial analyses before making decisions. Understanding the lay of the land, figuratively and literally, is crucial to avoid pitfalls and maximize returns.
Finally, the sense of adventure and discovery that accompanied me throughout my Alaskan expedition mirrors the excitement and reward in the world of commercial real estate. Exploring new markets, uncovering hidden potential in properties, and forging successful deals can be as thrilling as discovering an uncharted trail or an untouched wilderness.
My journey through Southeast Alaska left an indelible impression on my soul, and it also opened my eyes to the valuable lessons that can be applied to the dynamic world of commercial real estate. Whether it’s embracing the significance of the location, conducting thorough due diligence, or simply enjoying the thrill of exploration, this trip has enriched my understanding of both Alaska’s wonders and the intricacies of commercial real estate.
So, fellow adventurers, as you set out on your own ventures in the realm of commercial real estate, remember to embrace the spirit of Alaska – wild, resilient, and full of untapped potential.
Happy exploring and investing!
Allen C. Buchanan, SIOR, is a principal with Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services in Orange. He can be reached at abuchanan@lee-associates.com or 714.564.7104.
Alaska
Flight attendant sacked for twerking on the job: ‘What’s wrong with a little twerk before work’
They deemed the stunt not-safe-for-twerk.
An Alaska Airlines flight attendant who was sacked for twerking on camera has created a GoFundMe to support her while she seeks a new berth.
The crewmember, named Nelle Diala, had filmed the viral booty-shaking TikTok video on the plane while waiting two hours for the captain to arrive, A View From the Wing reported.
She captioned the clip, which also blew up on Instagram, “ghetto bih till i D-I-E, don’t let the uniform fool you.”
Diala was reportedly doing a victory dance to celebrate the end of her new hire probationary period.
Unfortunately, her jubilation was short-lived as Alaska Airlines nipped her employment in the bum just six months into her contract.
The fanny-wagging flight attendant feels that she didn’t do anything wrong.
Diala has since reposted the twerking clip with the new caption: “Can’t even be yourself anymore, without the world being so sensitive. What’s wrong with a little twerk before work, people act like they never did that before.”
The new footage was hashtagged #discriminationisreal.
The disgraced stewardess even set up a GoFundMe page to help support the so-called “wrongfully fired” flight attendant until she can land a new flight attendant gig.
“I never thought a single moment would cost me everything,” wrote the ex-crewmember. “Losing my job was devastating.”
She claimed that the gig had allowed her to meet new people and see the world, among other perks.
While air hostessing was ostensibly a “dream job,” Diala admitted that she used the income to help fund her “blossoming lingerie and dessert businesses,” which she runs under the Instagram handles @cakezncake (which doesn’t appear to have any content?) and @figure8.lingerie.
As of Wednesday morning, the crowdfunding campaign has raised just $182 of its $12,000 goal.
Diala was ripped online for twerking on the job as well as her subsequent GoFundMe efforts.
“You don’t respect the uniform, you don’t respect your job then,” declared one critic on the popular aviation-focused Instagram page The Crew Lounge. “Terms and Conditions apply.”
“‘Support for wrongly fired flight attendant??’” mocked another. “Her GoFund title says it all. She still thinks she was wrongly fired. Girl you weren’t wrongly fired. Go apply for a new job and probably stop twerking in your uniform.”
“The fact that you don’t respect your job is one thing but doing it while in uniform and at work speaks volumes,” scoffed a third. “You’re the brand ambassador and it’s not a good look.”
Alaska
As Alaska sees a spike in Flu cases — another virus is on the rise in the U.S.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU) – Alaska has recently seen a rise in both influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV. Amidst the spike in both illnesses, norovirus has also been on the rise in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s highly contagious and hand sanitizers don’t work well against it.
Current data for Alaska shows 449 influenza cases and 262 RSV cases for the week of Jan. 4. Influenza predominantly impacts the Kenai area, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the Northwest regions of the state. RSV is also seeing significant activity in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and Anchorage.
Both are respiratory viruses that are treatable, but norovirus — which behaves like the stomach flu according to the CDC — is seeing a surge at the national level. It “causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines,” as stated on the CDC webpage.
This virus is spread through close contact with infected people and surfaces, particularly food.
“Basically any place that people aggregate in close quarters, they’re going to be especially at risk,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent.
Preventing infection is possible but does require diligence. Just using hand sanitizer “does not work well against norovirus,” according to the CDC. Instead, the CDC advises washing your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds. When preparing food or cleaning fabrics — the virus “can survive temperatures as high as 145°F,” as stated by the CDC.
According to Dr. Gupta, its proteins make it difficult to kill, leaving many cleaning methods ineffective. To ensure a given product can kill the virus, he advises checking the label to see if it claims it can kill norovirus. Gupta said you can also make your own “by mixing bleach with water, 3/4 of a cup of bleach per gallon of water.”
For fabrics, it’s best to clean with water temperatures set to hot or steam cleaning at 175°F for five minutes.
As for foods, it’s best to throw out any items that might have norovirus. As a protective measure, it’s best to cook oysters and shellfish to a temperature greater than 145°F.
Based on Alaska Department of Health data, reported COVID-19 cases are significantly lower than this time last year.
See a spelling or grammatical error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2025 KTVF. All rights reserved.
Alaska
Sky Watch Alaska: planets align plus the aurora forecast
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – This is a great time of year to do some star gazing. If you have clear skies in your part of Alaska, take the time to check out the night — and morning — sky.
After sunset, look toward the southwest. Saturn and Venus are snuggled up together (of course, they are more than 800 million miles apart) in the evening sky. They set at about 9:40 p.m. in Southcentral.
Before 9:40 p.m., you can see four planets with the naked eye — Saturn, Venus, Jupiter and Mars. Jupiter and Mars stick around through the morning. Mars is very close to the moon right now.
The Aurora forecast is fairly weak for the next few weeks. That’s not to say there won’t be the occasional burst but overall, solar activity is expected to be fairly low until the beginning of February.
If you get great pictures of the planets, the sky, or the aurora, don’t forget to send them to Alaska’s News Source.
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.
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