It is odd how a name sticks. Sometimes really sticks. For example, casing bead for stucco is still called “Milcore” in many areas of California.

I was walking along Venice Beach in California recently. I noticed a lot of Obama shirts for sale by vendors, among the rows of tattoo parlors, head shops and other alternative services.

There has been some controversy over the article I wrote titled "Magnificent Seven."

I was driving down the road and listening to the radio. Talk radio in particular; the topic was about education in America’s high schools and the sad state of affairs our educational system is in and how we have failed our young people in the last few decades.

I recently flew back to Orange County on Southwest Airlines. I boarded very late and to my surprise the plane was filled young children. I sat next to a young mother and her daughter Mika who were with group called “ Snowball Express” a group that provides a Christmas vacation to families who have lost a parent in the Iraq conflict.

A poor service or small hiccup can be an opportunity or catastrophe for a company. So while you focus on new customers, do not forget the ones you have had for years.

On a normal work day, the professional drywall hanger is not bothered by a film crew or the large audience of experts that were there to judge, critique and observe. However, on Oct. 22, 2008 the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters held the Drywall Challenge at the Carpenter’s Training Center in Ontario, Calif.

Steve Klamke, director of EIMA, has announced he is leaving the organization and no one is sure where or what will happen to EIMA. This group has been instrumental in securing a future for EIFS and leadership is needed for continued success.

What a year. Good riddance and let’s hope for a turn around in 2009. Most people feel surviving 2009 will be the key and things should improve in 2010. With banks failing, construction starts down, and stocks in the tank, it can only get better. This year was a bad year for us in the industry on another front.

We all have to be careful and CYA. Everyone knows what CYA is an acronym for. Sometimes, people can go too far and lose sight of what is really important. The following is a true story that shows how CYA can hurt innocent people.