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Review Brooks & Crowley
September 2024
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
LIGHTS, CAMERA, DISAPPOINTMENT Why Modern Movies Are Losing Their Magic
Many people disagree about which period of our history had the best films. Was it the ’70s, with classics like “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “Alien”? Maybe it was the ’90s that brought us beloved movies
projects that otherwise would never make it to theaters or mainstream television. It is hard to say whether that’s because most conventional movie executives aren’t interested in producing these films or simply didn’t see their promise. But it seems like modern movies are formulaic, and once they find a formula that works, they set out to beat it to death.
like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Jurassic Park.” Whatever your opinion on this debate, we can all agree on one thing: It isn’t now . The reality is that the quality of movies these days has, sadly, dropped off a cliff. My wife jokes
THE MODERN MOVIE-GOING EXPERIENCE
that I have become a movie snob, but I don’t think of myself that way. It’s just that I have found myself less and less entertained by many modern movies and have instead found myself reluctantly wearing the hat of a film critic. I think we, as consumers, have been cheated.
I know it sounds like I hate everything they release these days, but that’s not true. I love taking my kids to Marvel movies, but not every movie has to have superheroes and a bloated special effects budget. When you sit through the credits after these movies are over, you realize that they require the work of hundreds of CGI artists, actors, extras, and crew to be made. This makes you wonder if they wouldn’t be better off making many smaller films to entertain those looking for quality entertainment.
ENDLESS TRASH When I look at the garbage being
released lately, I can’t help but wonder what movies didn’t get the green light. Are these really the best scripts and ideas that Hollywood can come up with now? It seems like production companies are intent on pounding on the same drum again and again. This has resulted in a deluge of forgettable scripts, full of forgettable dialog, as well as spinoffs and remakes galore. The fault seems to be with high-powered executives, who are more intent on cost-cutting and only producing the “safest” movies possible. MOVIE MISERY It’s not that every movie that goes to theaters is a flop; it’s just that we are inundated with movies that are . Successful movies like “Top Gun: Maverick,” some Marvel movies, and the sequels to films like “Inside Out” and “Avatar,” are few and far between. It seems like the best series, and many of the better movies, come out directly on Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming services. This may be because streaming services are intent on releasing more content and thus take more chances on
You used to see more suspenseful, dramatic movies with dialog that resonated with the audience. A good story can be set in a limited location,
like a courtroom, office building, or ship — the stakes do not have to be galactic for things to be interesting. I love going to the theater. The Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, which was recently renovated, is an awesome place, and I wish I had more occasions to visit. But, as a consumer, if I’m expected to buy tickets, food, drinks, and sit through half an hour of ads, then I should, at the very least, be able to watch an entertaining movie. Hollywood seems to have lost its fastball, and cinemas are struggling because of it. –Steve Brooks
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Unmasking Some of History’s Worst Jobs
Careers You’ll Be Glad Are Extinct
CHILDBED LINEN WAREHOUSE KEEPERS
Many past careers weren’t glamorous, and some are the worst professions in history. Let’s look at four foul jobs that no longer exist (and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it).
According to an 1842 book of trades, a job involved supplying, collecting, and cleaning bed linens specifically used for birth.
PURPLE DYE MAKERS Back in ancient times, the hue of the royals was made by crushing thousands of snails, extracting their glands, and then heating the material being dyed in a pot full of brine for 10 days in an incredibly odorous process!
HONEY DIPPERS, TOSHERS, AND PUREFINDERS Honey dippers collected waste from homes, toshers scavenged sewers for valuable items to sell, and purefinders collected dog poop (to be used in the process of tanning leathers). An interesting question to ponder: Which jobs of our era will be considered weird history in the future?
DRIPPING MEN A dripping man back in Victorian England would go to homes and businesses to collect their fat drippings to sell to the public.
Love in Motion
How Staying Active Can Strengthen Your Relationship
COOK TOGETHER, GROW TOGETHER The kitchen is the heart of the home, and cooking together can be a recipe for delicious meals and excellent communication. Swap out the takeout menus for a stack of healthy recipes you can cook as a duo. Cooking at home lets you control your ingredients and portions, making it easier to stay on track. WORKOUT PARTNERS FOR LIFE Couples who train together stay together! Whether jogging through the park, attending a spin class, or doing yoga in the living room, find activities you both enjoy. This not only helps you stay physically fit but also keeps you accountable. Plus, a little healthy competition never hurt — challenge each other to push-ups or racing laps in the pool! HEALTHY DATE NIGHTS Rethink your date night by planning fun and beneficial activities for your health. Skip the
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring, especially if you don’t do it alone. Whether blending smoothies or workout routines, tackling health and fitness with your partner strengthens your body and your bond. Here are some playful yet practical tips on how couples can keep each other motivated and moving toward a healthier lifestyle.
movie and popcorn and go for a hike, rent bikes, explore a new part of town, or take a dance class together. These active dates help you stay fit while spending quality time together. It’s about making memories while moving your muscles! SHARE THE MENTAL LOAD Mental health is just as important as physical health. Open communication about each other’s needs and feelings is crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship. Engage in activities that reduce stress and increase happiness, like meditating together or starting a gratitude journal. Remember, the journey to health doesn’t have to be a solo trek. When you incorporate these activities into your relationship, you can build a foundation of health and happiness that supports both your goals.
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1031 EXCHANGES HOW SAVVY INVESTORS DEFER CAPITAL GAINS TAXES
GRADE AND QUALITY The IRS defines like-kind properties, which are exchanged in 1031 exchanges, as being of “the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality.” This means that a relinquished property does not have to have the same, or even similar, quality or value to the replacement property. You can also exchange non-like-kind property, such as cash and liabilities, during a 1031 exchange, but unlike like-kind property, it will still be subject to capital gains tax. TYPES OF EXCHANGES There are four forms of 1031 exchanges, and each differs slightly in their execution and timing.
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Deferred exchanges give the party relinquishing property some additional time to identify a replacement property to later be used in the exchange. According to IRC § 1031, a replacement property must be identified within 45 days, and the exchange must be completed within 180 days. Reverse exchanges involve receiving replacement properties through an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT), which can be held for 180 days before being transferred to a third party. Finally, improvement exchanges involve an investor having adequate time to finish improvements to a replacement property before the exchange can be completed. As with deferred and reverse exchanges, the parties have 180 days to complete any improvements and subsequently exchange properties.
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For over a century, savvy real estate investors have been utilizing 1031 exchanges, which get their name from Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 1031 and are sometimes known as “like- kind” exchanges, to help defer capital gains taxes during property sales. In 1031 exchanges, like-kind properties are exchanged for business, investment, or a future exchange. You won’t owe capital gains taxes — which can be costly — until the property is ultimately sold. There are four forms of 1031 exchange, and there are important details about them that you should know to get the most out of this valuable tool.
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Simultaneous exchanges, the simplest exchange form, involve swapping one like- kind property for another. As the name suggests, simultaneous exchanges happen immediately upon sale.
Have a Laugh!
Delicious Chickpea Curry
Packed with protein and fiber, this chickpea curry is a flavorful, plant-based option perfect for any diet.
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced Ingredients
• 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp curry powder • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground turmeric
1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. 2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric and stir to combine. 4. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. 5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. directions
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Inside THIS ISSUE
1 The Steep Decline of Modern Movies 2 Bizarre Jobs That Time Forgot Discover Fun Ways Couples Can Stay Fit Together 3 How 1031 Exchanges Defer Taxes
Delicious Chickpea Curry
4 Can’t-Miss Events in Boston This September
What’s Going On, Boston? Top Local Events in September
If you have felt like a member of Green Day, wishing someone could just wake you up when September ends, then these events may be just the thing to pull you out of your Autumn funk. From lounging at the Lawn on D to searching for clues across the streets of Boston, this fall is full of fun and festive activities to raise your spirits and fill your calendars! THE LAWN ON D A unique outdoor experience, the Lawn on D allows visitors to its nearly 3 acres of outdoor space to picnic, play pickleball, and enjoy the great outdoors. Many days throughout the month feature events that are open to the public, where you can enjoy concessions, live music, and various lawn games! THE GREENWAY CAROUSEL You may think you have experienced the full wonderment of a carousel if you have ever
animals, like lobsters, cod, skunks, turtles, and peregrine falcons. Take your seat and set off for a grand rotational adventure! CLUE: A WALKING MYSTERY Do you have it out for Colonel Mustard? Do you suspect Miss Scarlet of committing the crime with a candlestick? If you have ever played the classic board game or seen the 1985 classic film “Clue,” then you need to take your investigative skills on the road. A new way to experience this iconic murder mystery has made its way to Boston in the form of Clue: A Walking Mystery, an interactive game played in the real world! You and a group of friends and like-minded mystery aficionados must make your way to local businesses, find iconic furniture pieces, and solve puzzles to discover who committed the crime and with what . Tickets are available on their website, cluewalkingexperience.com/boston .
seen one at a dilapidated mall or overgrown park, but you would be wrong. The Greenway Carousel puts a unique spin on the idea, with the ability to mount proper New England
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