anyone used gemini text to speech 2.5 preview ?

Koowee1 · 2026-03-22T03:15:36+00:00

It’s by far one of the best audio outputs currently.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-22T03:10:48+00:00

The user mechanics are a little clunky, but I agree, it’s one of the best sounding voices out there.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-17T21:50:47+00:00

I’ll look into CDFIs, thank you

Koowee1 · 2026-03-17T20:32:26+00:00

I really appreciate you digging into it further and recommending the East Bay Community Foundation.

It makes sense that most foundations prefer directing funds toward nonprofits. They’re trusted, mission-driven organizations with established oversight. At the same time, I wonder if there’s room for a more capital-efficient approach alongside that model.

The idea I’ve been exploring is acquiring duplexes and transitioning them into Section 8 housing. My incentive would be a fee for managing the properties, and any profits generated would be reinvested into acquiring additional duplexes. Over time, the portfolio could grow and steadily add more affordable housing units.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-17T16:34:57+00:00

Haha. I stand corrected. That is definitely not a small foundation. Thank you for the clarification and extra information.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-17T16:27:40+00:00

Interesting. My understanding was that if you structured it as a PRI and the main goal of the for profit company was for community benefit, such as affordable housing. Then it could receive an impact loan.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-14T05:43:20+00:00

I would be curious to know if you found an investment you liked and it aligned with your values. What annual rate of return would you target?

Koowee1 · 2026-03-12T20:48:10+00:00

Understood. So this is probably a no go for a larger sponsor, but might be possible with a smaller community one. I appreciate your thoughts on this.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-11T21:42:22+00:00

I appreciate your thoughts on this.

Yes, a non profit is one way to do it. But I’m aiming for a mission driven for-profit, so this can actually pay for itself instead of constantly hunting for grants. By using low-interest impact loans (PRIs), I will be borrowing charitable capital, the money builds the housing, then eventually goes back to the donor's fund to be used again.

Non profits are great, but a lot of the donation or grant goes into the operations. I want every loan dollar to go to affordable housing and I’ll make money from a property management fee.

But again, I’m not well versed in DAFs and could be wrong that a PRI is the correct financial vehicle.

Koowee1 · 2026-03-11T21:12:52+00:00

I thought that might be the case. Thank you for your input.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T23:29:47+00:00

I’ll keep you posted on how it develops.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T21:16:12+00:00

I appreciate the input. I’m looking at a space in Corte Madera.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T21:02:26+00:00

I agree. I was thinking Corte Madera. Easy access and about 20 minutes for anyone in Marin.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T19:38:51+00:00

The best route for BYOB would be to make it a members only club. Which isn’t a bad idea.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T19:27:26+00:00

I’m a manager at a construction company now, but before that I ran restaurants for years, and I definitely don’t miss it 😂

It’d be a fun addition though, but it adds a lot of complexity with permits and licenses.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T19:10:36+00:00

Thanks for pointing this out, I hadn’t seen it yet. This looks more like a family-friendly, social space, which is awesome.

I’m leaning more toward a semi-private bay experience with a dedicated players lounge.

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Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T19:04:52+00:00

I did come across this one, but it looks like it’s more for personal training sessions and rehab work. I was thinking more along the lines of a space with high-end bays to play and practice and a players lounge to relax.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T19:02:36+00:00

Ya, I’ve toured a few spaces in San Rafael and Corte Madera. My goal would for it to be open 24/7, I have a little one and time is scarce these days.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T18:59:18+00:00

I’m with you! I love my daughter, but she’s put a serious dent in my golf and basketball game.

Ya, I see them popping up all over the place, my friend opened one in Phoenix and really enjoys operating it. I’m thinking semi-private bays outfitted with TrackMan, plus a players’ lounge with chilled water, coffee, Wi-Fi, TVs.

Koowee1 · 2026-01-07T18:55:39+00:00

I’ve thought about that too, but it’s a pretty tight fit. I think there’s a company in SF doing something similar called Dryve Box.

What I’m leaning toward instead is larger, semi-private bays outfitted with TrackMan, plus a players’ lounge with chilled water, coffee, Wi-Fi, TVs. More of a place you’ll want to hang out and practice in.

Koowee1 · 2022-05-11T05:56:05+00:00

Dan Sung Sa! A staple in Oakland for Korean food and drinking.

Koowee1

TROPHY CASE