In the past year, Savannah has witnessed a significant surge in construction activity, marking a milestone for its development sector. The city's construction permits reached an impressive valuation of $930 million, reflecting a robust 5.6 percent growth from the previous year. This achievement not only surpasses the record set in 2022 but also underscores the city's ongoing commitment to progress and expansion.
Residential construction has been a key driver of this momentum. In 2024, the Development Services Department issued a record number of 1,054 permits, with a total construction cost estimated at $250 million. This indicates a strong demand for new housing, contributing significantly to the city's economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The remarkable growth in construction signifies more than just numbers; it represents a positive outlook for Savannah's future. With increased investment in infrastructure and residential projects, the city is poised to attract more businesses and residents. This upward trend exemplifies the community's resilience and dedication to fostering sustainable development, setting a promising path for continued prosperity.
Over a decade ago, a simple YouTube video featuring a toddler's unimpressed expression transformed into an internet sensation. The "Side Eyeing Chloe" meme has since become a timeless symbol of skepticism and judgment. As Chloe Clem grew from a 2-year-old viral star to a 14-year-old teenager, her life and that of her family underwent significant changes. While the meme brought unexpected fame and financial stability, it also prompted reflections on privacy, consent, and the impact of early childhood exposure to media.
The Birth of an Iconic Meme
In 2013, Katie Clem shared a video on YouTube showing her daughters' reactions to a surprise trip to Disneyland. While older sister Lily's excited tears garnered initial attention, it was young Chloe's stoic side-eye that became the real star. Within weeks, Chloe's image flooded the internet, turning her into an overnight sensation. The family quickly adapted to their newfound fame, leveraging the meme for commercial opportunities and even selling the image as an NFT for a substantial sum.
The meme's virality changed the family's lifestyle dramatically. Initially, Katie and David Clem were struggling financially, but the meme's success provided them with much-needed financial support. They used the earnings to pay bills, upgrade their living conditions, and even fund educational pursuits. Chloe's fame extended beyond the United States, leading to memorable trips to Brazil, where she was celebrated like a celebrity. Despite the whirlwind of attention, Katie remained cautious about protecting her children's well-being and privacy.
Reflecting on Fame and Moving Forward
As time passed, the Clem family reassessed their involvement in social media. Initially, the excitement of fame and positive feedback led to consistent YouTube uploads. However, Katie noticed her children's enthusiasm waning and made the decision to prioritize their comfort over public demand. This shift marked a turning point, as the family reduced their online presence and focused on more intentional content creation.
Katie now reflects on the experience with mixed emotions. While she appreciates the opportunities the meme brought, she acknowledges the importance of considering long-term effects on her children. Chloe, now a teenager, embraces her past with pride and sees her parents' old videos as a unique archive of her childhood. She remains open to creating content on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, though she prefers a more private and controlled approach. Katie's evolved perspective emphasizes the importance of balancing public interest with her children's well-being, ensuring they have a say in their digital footprint.
A lifelong fan of the reality TV show Survivor, Jeni Schmidt, from Austin, Texas, recently tied the knot in November 2024. In a unique twist, she integrated a DIY puzzle game inspired by the show into her wedding festivities. This creative addition not only showcased her passion for Survivor but also served as an unconventional application video to catch the producers' attention. Despite submitting multiple videos over the years, Schmidt remains hopeful that this latest effort will finally earn her a spot on the show.
Schmidt's fascination with Survivor began during her childhood. She recounts how watching the show became a bonding activity with her parents, replacing traditional family pastimes like sports. Her interest waned temporarily as she grew older but reignited during the pandemic when she binge-watched all the seasons. The show's competitive spirit and survival challenges resonated deeply with her, leading her to apply multiple times.
Life changes played a significant role in Schmidt's renewed commitment to joining Survivor. After experiencing a significant breakup and personal growth through therapy and physical training, she felt ready to face the ultimate test. Schmidt shared, "Survivor represents stripping away everything and putting myself to the test. It would be an incredible spiritual journey."
Her previous audition videos varied in approach. From discussing her professional life at TikTok to sharing pivotal moments in her life, each attempt aimed to highlight different aspects of her personality. However, none captured the authenticity and excitement that Schmidt felt was necessary until her wedding day. Surrounded by loved ones, she completed the homemade puzzle while they cheered her on, creating an unforgettable moment.
The reaction to the puzzle game was overwhelmingly positive. Guests who were unfamiliar with Survivor became intrigued, and Schmidt's TikTok post garnered over 1.5 million views. The community's support reinforced her belief in the power of sharing passions. Schmidt emphasized, "It’s been amazing to see so many people excited about my dream."
Reflecting on her journey, Schmidt expressed gratitude for her family and friends' unwavering support. Their encouragement has bolstered her confidence in applying to Survivor. Beyond the competition, winning the grand prize would mean providing financial stability for her family, especially after facing financial hardships growing up. Schmidt dreams of changing her parents' lives and ensuring their comfort in retirement. This aspiration fuels her determination to one day join the cast of Survivor.
The unique integration of Survivor elements into her wedding ceremony not only highlighted Schmidt's dedication but also demonstrated her creativity and resourcefulness. With the backing of her community and renewed vigor, she eagerly awaits the opportunity to prove herself on the global stage of Survivor.