What and Who is really influential?

The wildly popular USGlass Influential issue is out and it has led to a tremendous amount of feedback. The folks that made the list are hearing from friends all over about their achievements. The folks that somehow missed this year’s list are scratching their heads and hoping the next time is the charm. And then there are the folks, or in this case, the person who made the list that has led to the most feedback and controversy. When I read through the list the first time, I did not really catch this, but soon my inbox filled up with people bringing the same person up to me. That person? None other than NFRC Poobah Jim Benney. The most consistent comment about Jim was that how could he be considered “influential” in our industry given his organizations lack of care about our interests. Actually this was a tough one for me. In one light, Jim should be on the list as his organization could have a tremendous effect on how we do business in the future. Obviously that position brings influence. But on the other hand I do see where people are coming from and to have Jim share a list with folks like Russ Ebeid, well that’s like having me on a list with Denzel Washington. Either way you see it, the issue was tremendous and it surely paid proper props to some seriously deserving folks and got people talking. And isn’t that what publications should do?

Elsewhere….

-- I flew to Oklahoma this week on a small plane.. and the pilot looked like he was 12. My gosh what an adventure!

-- More feedback from the glass show… got this e-mail:

On your blog you mentioned Technoform and Azon but somehow missed Edgetech. Do you hate them or do you only pimp for other folks?

Was Edgetech at the show? Really? Ha ha… They were there… and had their normal gigantic booth and presence but I did not get over to their place at all. I just wish I had their marketing budget. My gosh a small country could be supported by it. Anyway, the intent wasn’t to “pimp” people but to give my insights. And I am just not a big booth guy afterall.

-- Next week I get the honor of speaking at the 2008 Midwest Glass Conference sponsored by the Minnesota Glass Association. Obviously the fine folks at the MGA rent through 3 rolodexes before settling on me to speak, but we’ll try and have fun anyway… especially since I have a face and body for blogging that’s for sure. Seriously the MGA, (Along with the Colorado Glazing Association and Rebecca Kaspari) is one of the best operations at that level anywhere. Mike Schmaltz works tirelessly for the membership and they really benefit from that organization. So all in all should be a fun week. Plus I plan on working the nightshift at Viracon so that will be fun too.

-- Is there anything more maddening the stock market these days? Worse though is check out the prediction graph using the past as a guide. Turn away if you just ate.

Because its kinda small.. basically this says we are heading down to the depression era type numbers... Lets hope that instead of starting a downward slope that it maybe meanders flat for a while?

Off to the LINKS…

-- If you think it’s bad here… Iceland is melting.. financially that is…. Thanks to BGO for the link!

-- An almost hijacking overseas. The passengers came through though. They are lucky they did not have Doogie Howser as their pilot like I did- he coulda thrown his retainer at em.

Video of the Week:

In honor of Halloween… an amazing window and sound display… I swear people think I have too much time on my hands… no way.. not compared to people like this!