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💻 Silicon confessions

Dev Test County • May 2, 2025

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Good morning, Dev Test County. The tech industry's soul-searching has gone mainstream as Lakewood's own Darryl Campbell pulls back the curtain in his new book "Fatal Abstraction." The former Amazon and Uber insider chronicles how Silicon Valley transformed from scrappy underdog to "500-pound gorilla," raising important questions about who's steering the digital ship that increasingly controls our daily lives.

Meanwhile, opportunity knocks in the local real estate market where patient investors are finding value again after years of tight capital constraints. With nearly half a million new residents flocking to DFW since 2020, the fundamentals remain strong despite economic headwinds. And adding color to our urban landscape, Brooklyn-born muralist J.M. Rizzi has transformed the Lovers Lane underpass into a vibrant canvas, continuing his journey from teenage graffiti artist to internationally commissioned creator whose work spans continents.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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💻 Tech insider's warning: Big tech is losing its soul. Darryl Campbell, a Lakewood neighbor who worked at companies like Amazon and Uber, left the industry after witnessing how profit-focused strategies caused real harm. His new book "Fatal Abstraction" argues that tech has evolved from underdog to "500-pound gorilla," using its power to create monopolies and manipulate users. Campbell believes software engineers can serve as a counterweight to profit-maximizing executives, emphasizing that technology isn't inherently evil but often rushed without proper safety considerations. Despite some pushback, he's found a receptive audience among tech professionals concerned about their industry's direction.

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🏢 Dallas-Fort Worth's multifamily market is at a pivotal turning point. After years of tight capital markets and slowed construction, value opportunities are re-emerging for patient investors. Presidium co-founder John Griggs explains they've made their first acquisitions in years, purchasing properties below replacement cost. Despite economic challenges, DFW's fundamentals remain exceptional with nearly 500,000 new residents between 2020-2023 and 11% employment growth. As new construction deliveries decelerate in 2025, Griggs predicts the market will tighten again, creating opportunities for investors who can recognize that real estate downturns "don't last forever."

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🎨 Brooklyn-born muralist transforms urban landscapes with colorful public art. J.M. Rizzi, who now calls Dallas home, creates vibrant murals like his recent work under the Lovers Lane bridge in University Crossing. Though he started by illegally painting walls as a teenager, Rizzi has evolved into an internationally commissioned artist with works spanning from Brooklyn to Saudi Arabia. He views public art as a way to connect with diverse communities, break down cultural barriers, and inspire others. For Rizzi, who balances his artistic passion with everyday responsibilities, murals represent both personal expression and community transformation.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 Logo

PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21

Real estate listing image Rural brick ranch, acreage: Priced at $265,900, this brick ranch on 1.5 acres offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a screened porch, walk-out lower level with fireplace, and convenient access to Kent State and Akron in beautiful Randolph Township.
Real estate listing image Elevator Home With Water Views: For $329,000, this thoughtfully designed three-bedroom, three-bath home offers complete wheelchair accessibility across three levels connected by an elevator, with recent renovations including ADA features throughout and water views from multiple outdoor spaces.
Real estate listing image Upgraded townhouse with community perks: This $209,000 townhouse in Hickory Ridge offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and thoughtful upgrades throughout, with privacy from the back patio and access to community amenities like a pool and tennis courts.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🏁 May 3 - Spring Soap Box Derby: Rev your engines for the Portage County Spring Rally at Soap Box Derby on May 3! Young racers will zoom down Derby Downs Dr in Akron, OH in this thrilling community competition.
🎵 May 3 - Terri Clark Country Concert: Country star Terri Clark and Wade Hayes bring their toe-tapping tunes to The Dusty Armadillo on May 3! Grab your boots and head to Rootstown for an unforgettable night of live country music.
🪖 May 3 - Veterans Benefit Dinner: Honor our heroes at the Veteran's Grave Marker Project on May 3! Enjoy dinner, live music, and dancing at 776 N Freedom St, Ravenna. Call 440.263.4390 for reservations to this fun-filled evening.
🧘‍♀️ May 3 - Prenatal Yoga Certification: Nurture your teaching practice at SHINE Ohio's Prenatal Yoga Certification on May 3! This 7-hour course at 5190 Cline Rd in Kent equips you with essential skills while qualifying for YA CE credits.
🎸 May 3 - Marvel Years Live: Marvel Years brings electronic beats and soulful guitar shredding to The Outpost Concert Club on May 3! Catch producer Cory Wythe blending genres for an unforgettable night in Kent, OH.
🎬 May 4 - Black Squirrel Film Fest: Catch the buzz at the Black Squirrel Film Festival in Cartwright Hall Auditorium on May 4! Enjoy local cinema at this community showcase, located at 650 Hilltop Drive in Kent.
🐕 May 04 - C-WAGS Scent Trial: Sniff out adventure at the C-WAGS Scent Trial! Join judges Tricia Barstow and Mary Martin at Portage County Fairgrounds on May 4. Registration opens March 1 and closes April 25.

🍞 Daily Bread Crumb

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PRESENTED BY Northbend Church

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

-Romans 15:13

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