This afternoon, we were on hand at the DC Ritz for a visit to the Washington Economic Club by financier-philanthropist Mike Milken (center, whom we snapped with GW president Steve Knapp and Carlyle co-founder David Rubenstein). His remarks were, well, remarkable: moving reminiscences about living the American Dream (which he defined as one person can make a difference; you should make the difference for your community; and everyone should have an equal opportunity, including via access to capital). Milken has certainly made a difference at GW: he's given $50 million to its public health programs.

The real estate community was out in force: Arent Fox chairman Mark Katz, Savills Studley's Tom Fulcher, Newmark's Larry Bank, Brookfield national COO Paul Schulman and local chief Greg Meyer, and Buccini Pollin Group's Dave Pollin.

And a whole table full of Sigal Construction folks (including Gerry, third from left).