Last week I drove to Nashville for the birth of my first grandchild. While there I visited an area next to the Cumberland River, which flooded on May 2, killing 30 people and causing at $1 billion in damage

If I don’t change my life-endangering behavior quickly, I will be pulled over, ticketed, fined, and possibly jailed if I repeatedly drive under the influence. 

You got to love a charitable program that requires a “hands-on” involvement among the participants.

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, often referred to as the "Cash for Caulkers" rebate program, was approved by the House in May. If passed by the Senate, construction pros will benefit from a new round of tax-reducing incentives for their customers. 

In the last few weeks, I’ve been invited to or heard about a dozen or more of my friends’ and relatives’ kids graduating from high school. And eventually the subject of what “college” they are attending ends up driving the conversation. 

Not long ago, most professionals belonged to their national, state or local association. Or they belonged to a peer group, civic club, or some organization that exposed them to new ideas, skills, and tools, all while networking with other pros.

Apparently, there’s a little soccer tournament starting today called the “2010 FIFA World Cup”. I understand it will attract hundreds of millions of viewers from around the globe.

I’ve always been baffled by the low turnout for many construction-related trade shows. Even when the number of attendees reaches record levels, the total represents a fraction of the universe of contractors, engineers, architects, wholesalers, and maintenance pros who should be attending. 

I’m an ardent fan of the great outdoors. I run and bike on nature trails. I’m the family recycling nut. My favorite vacation destinations are Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Bryce Canyon. I love lakes, rivers and the ocean. 

The battle cry of the GOP during the last presidential election has now come back to haunt us all as we watch the “mousse” roll ashore along the southern coastline (that’s what they official call the muck that washes ashore when oil and seawater mix).