Dev Test County • May 2, 2025
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.
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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.
🏢 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."
🎨 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.
🏡 Real Estate Reveals |
PRESENTED BY Amy Jackson, CENTURY 21 |
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.
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.
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.🍞 Daily Bread Crumb |
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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