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!

Not looking fine in '09

There’s no doubt that the biggest story on the floor of Glassbuild was what will 2009 bring us. As of 5 or 6 weeks ago many people felt 09 would be fine but the worry would be 2010. Then the Wall Street shenanigans went into high gear and 2009 was back in play- in a bad way. And while most people feel like we just have to ride this storm out, the one worry I think everyone has is the length that this will last. Projects getting scrapped or postponed because of financing can’t last forever- business has to keep going and soon you would think the bargain hunters will step in and start leveling things out. But until that happens, what looked like a solid year ahead, surely does not look that way any longer.

Elsewhere…

-- By the way, Greg Carney not being at the show… it was nothing underhanded and he’s not being held captive anywhere… he’s actually swamped (as always) finishing up some very important GANA and industry business. No doubt he was missed. By the way a few of the items Greg and company are working on are the new Sealant and Glazing manuals… both a tremendous and must have resources for the industry.

-- One last show note, It’s amazing how the Decorative Glass segment of our industry has grown. A few years ago it would take up a small part of the show- this year, it was a solid #2 behind equipment on the floor.

-- Onto the NFRC… it is election time as most of you know… and last week I wrote about who shouldn’t get voted in… this week it’s who should. Darrell Smith of the Internation Window Film Association deserves a spot- while he is not a “commercial” guy, he is fair and he is more importantly not tainted by years of NFRC debacles. Meanwhile I also endorse Roland Temple… and that’s because I have the highest respect for the company he works for and his boss, Arlene Stewart. Arlene and I disagree a ton, but she has always been fair and open towards me and I believe Roland would further the need for inclusion and transparency.

-- I write this as I am jammed into my seat on Northwest Airlines. I really do know how a sardine feels. This is insane.

-- Last week I asked about Bronze and if anyone uses it… well guess what people do… Chris McMahon from Technoform made sure to tell me about a nice project they are working with none other than Bronze…. I guess its death is exaggerated eh? But seriously do you ever wonder why there’s all of these different shades of Green, blue and grey but only one of bronze?

-- Last, I have been hearing about a return to prominence by heat mirror… to me that is amazing… we have unbelievable products available right now… proven, performers, with track records above reproach and yet some people (the folks that have no clue on how the commercial industry works) think that heat mirror is the be all, end all. It’s incredible isn’t it?


To the LINKS

-- Starbucks is wasting tons of water… maybe that’s why that cup of coffee is 4 bucks- to cover the water bill?


-- My friend BGO sent me this one.. a family pet goes missing… except it’s a Siberian Wildcat… Umm you gotta love what people keep as pets!


Video of the week


Scott sent me this one… classic advertisement… and this is how I act when my fantasy players do well in football!

Glassbuild Day 2

Day 2 is in the books...

Traffic decent in the AM but really let up in the afternoon. Still most exhibitors felt the day and 1/2 of good made it worthwhile overall... most are expecting day 3 to be a deserted wasteland...

I think people even found the USGlass booth too.... though when they saw me standing in it they strangely ran away... hmmmm

Hot Booth's on day 2... two spacer guys- Technoform and Azon both were busy and presented their materials well. Warm edge technology baby, so crucial to the good of the environment and performance overall... sadly it gets lost in the whole LEED runaround. Arizona Shower Door also had some solid traffic rolling through as well... and they deserve it as they are a well run company for sure. And speaking of shower doors, no show would be the same without Alumax now known as SAPA... their booth was looking good as always.

Seen on the floor... got to see the legendary Raj Goyal.. working at the ATI booth... always nice to see Raj that is for sure. Visited with Matt Rumbaugh and Alyssa Kirkman of the NGA.. these two work their tails off (as I am sure many others at NGA do for the show) but I give them special props because they put up with me throughout the year!

Missing in action.. I heard Marg Webb from IGMA was there but never saw her... (She was probably avoiding me- who could blame her...) Also aside from Mitch Edwards and the fine Guardian tech guys, I did not see any Guardian folks on the floor.. though I am sure they are preparing for the Glasstec show in a few weeks- since thats where they really show off.

All in all people are grinding it out but the fear of what 2009 is going to bring was on everyone's mind. With Wall Street dropping numbers like wildfire, the worry is real. Heard about several projects that were basically scrapped recently because of finance issues. Very scary and something we have to deal with.

I won't be on the floor for Day 3... so you'll have to survive without that update...

Next year this show is back to Atlanta, and by then whatever doom and gloom we are expecting will either have come and gone or be in full bloom... let's seriously hope for the best.

And by the way using Greg Carney's identity has been amazing... man that guy gets some perks!

Day 1 at Glassbuild

Well day 1 at Glassbuild in Las Vegas is in the books and here's my rundown...

-- Solid crowd... busier than most expected- especially in the AM. The million dollar question everyone had was... will it be busy on Tuesday or was this an aftershock from people coming to Vegas for the weekend, doing the show on Monday and then leaving. I think Tuesday will be decent, but I get a feeling that Weds could be ugly. Still I think the exhibitors will be happy based on today.

-- I know people take tons of time to set up booths but this show should really be 2 days instead of 3.

-- On the odd side, the registration for the show was INSIDE the hall.. set up down the middle. Obviously a major exhibitor had to pull out to give a massive amount of floor space up like this. What was comical was that I walked right in- no badge- no security- and did not get stopped until I hit the center of the floor. I don't think I have even seen a show with its registration inside- but hey if you have the space- use it.

-- Not there... no Starship Enterprise from Oldcastle. Damn that is one that never fails to amaze. Also no Greg Carney (GANA) or Joe Staffileno (Zeledyne)- shocking absences really. But I have been using Greg's identity throughout Vegas and will be at the hottest clubs tonight thanks to his name...

-- Hot Spots... the Viracon booth was swamped- to get in to say Hi I had to go through one of those Disneyworld ques. Hopefully all of those customers are buying that gang the beer tonight.
The Diptech booth had a lot of buzz around it... if that process works it could be pretty interesting. Scott Surma holding court everywhere... though he brought no pictures of his newest baby- so he should lose points for that. And last Walker Glass had people coming through all day- though I really believe if those guys get out of the glass business they could be high end fashion advisors.

-- Tough spots- If you are at the show, please try and go visit USGlass... I believe their booth is out near the Grand Canyon. I think its a different time zone there too.

-- The communist Chinese were everywhere... my favorite was a company that had an americanized name (not going to give them pub) but then had the Chinese flag EVERYWHERE all over the booth... amazing. But don't worry when they screw up your order, they'll suddenly not be too American.

More tomorrow...

Are you goin' to the show?

Next week is the annual national glass show (GlassBuild) held this year in Las Vegas. It should be very interesting to gauge the turnout and how much business is going on. Attendance still may be decent given the Vegas factor and shockingly cheap hotel rates. Yes for the first time for a long time, you can really get some good room deals in Sin City. That and the fact that some people probably made plans for this long in advance. Still the mood will be interesting and getting insight from those on the floor will really show what we may be up against in 2009 and beyond. I’ll have blog posts Monday and Tuesday from Vegas, with details.

Elsewhere…

-- Speaking of Vegas… do not forget as you are budgeting 2009 to make sure you are set to come to BEC 2009. This year’s edition is at the Palms Hotel and the event will be staged inside the Pearl Theater. (Damn couldn’t it be spelled “Peril”?) I can tell you after viewing this area that this event will top all others. Plus it’s my last one as host and MC… so for all of those who hate me, you only have one more show to suffer through…. Regardless, this event is not to be missed.

-- By the way, thankfully the show is next week as the week after the cab drivers in Vegas may go on strike. And if that happens… that would be wild.

-- The NFRC came out with their slate of candidates for their Board of Directors. Amazingly Tony Rygg, aka “The Admiral” is running again but this time as a “consultant” after for years having a seat in the state sponsored category. Last year, Rygg almost lost to the all famous “uncontested” when he ran to finish a term. Yep almost lost to no one.. hopefully the membership, given a choice this year will vote the other way. Also running again is Jim Larsen of that well known commercial powerhouse Cardinal. He is another long time NFRC guy set in his ways and completely negative to the commercial industry and our needs. Again hopefully membership will choose to get fresh blood on the board like they did last year when the stunningly sent Alecia Ward packing. The bottom line- hopefully fresh blood will take its place but sadly there’s still plenty of the jaded, set in the way people still involved and thus you can expect a continuation of the ignorance and arrogance that is the NFRC.

-- Congrats to PPG for the “Cradle to Cradle” certification. USGNN had the story earlier this week. It’s a good move by them and will help in the LEED process… especially since, as I have noted here before, glass is not the recycled product we all think it is.

-- The next issue of USGlass will feature the 50 most influential people in the industry. I can tell you that there are some folks on there who are finally getting the props they deserve. It’s a great issue too.

-- Does anyone see Bronze glass specified for anything anymore? Just curious… That color really has become the proverbial ugly stepchild.

To the LINKS!

-- What towns are hit hardest by this financial “crisis” we are in? here’s the list… note that Michigan is not on there because we’ve been in a financial muck for a few years now.

-- Is it the weather? Yet another teacher in Florida fired after some questionable behavior with students. This time it was massages…. Unreal. Heck growing up I woulda been scared to death to touch any of my teachers…

-- Also in Florida, a man tried to kill his roommate over Fantasy Football! Yep just a matter of time.. see I have some buddies that would probably try and kill too… actually for Fantasy Baseball and especially when you are in a league with a guy who only plays his relief pitchers….and he wins it all. (long and inside story there... but those involved know who they are!)

Video Rental of the Week


Saw Vantage Point with Dennis Quaid. 90 minutes fly by… while the plot is somewhat easy to figure, the presentation was pretty cool. A worthwhile rental. Here’s the trailer.

A wild wild week

Wow, a wild week… Wall Street continues to drive everyone crazy, the residential meltdown continues, another primary glass manufacturer changes course, and my two “favorite” subjects in the world actually hook up. First up the bankruptcy of the parent company of Hurd Windows. The residential side is getting battered and for some folks, it’s not a sad thing. See the residential manufacturers held a major hold on the primary glass guys for years. The primaries gave in to the temptation and made sick deal, sometimes long term, even to the detriment of the rest of the industry. So now that the tide has turned, I think more than a few people are sitting back and enjoying the loss of power, even if it has a negative effect on their business.

Elsewhere….

-- The more you follow the whole Wall Street bailout stuff the more frustrated/upset/blown away you get. I am of the school that if the Govt bails these guys out, they better not be taking home 35 million dollar bonuses. And quite frankly some of those sick bonus checks should be looked at. What a mess. Still the whole thing is scary as heck… and they are talking “Depression” and that is wild… everytime that word comes up I think of the movie "Cinderella Man" and it just shakes me. Let’s just hope we get through this.

-- The offshoot of the credit crisis continues to be the postponement of projects. Backlogs are taking a hit all over thanks to this mess and until comfort returns it could be a very squeamish time.

-- You may have seen the PPG announcement and if taken the wrong way, you would assume they are taking significant capacity out of an already tight market. In reality they are closing auto glass tanks and will soon re-fire a couple of massive floats. So as long as we don’t have any more floods or hurricanes, we should not see a decrease in availability. That said, we are still in a shortage, especially on some products (Clear for sure), and that will continue to hang over us for a while.

-- What are my two “favorite” (sarcastic) things? Well most who know me would guess NFRC and China. Well how about this… the NFRC thanks to a grant from the US State Department will be doing work with China. Unreal. What work will they do? Well as their release cryptically explained the NFRC will work with three Chinese building energy organizations along with some American entities to develop a building certification program. TREMENDOUS! Let’s see you have failed miserably including and working with the industries in the States but you are ready to take on China. Plus I love that our tax dollars go to this… between the bailouts above and the wasted money that DOE and the State Department give out, it makes you nuts. Amazing… I wonder how many meetings a year the Chinese have? I wonder if anyone falls asleep during those meetings like they do here… I just think its comical and China and the NFRC are made for each other as neither listen to their constituents… As always I could go on and on but I won’t…

-- Oh except for one thing, the sign off of the NFRC release stated: “We make it easy to choose Green!” Um isn’t this greenwashing? Can I call the FTC? How exactly do they make it easier to choose “green?” Anyway you slice it, it’s obvious that this is their overpaid useless PR agency at work… “Hey guys, let’s promote that we are “green” that works for everybody!”

-- Just curious do you get bizarre chain e mails telling you if you do something that Microsoft or AOL or Applebees will give you money? I still do and it just makes me question my friends that actually may think this stuff is true. And when you see the chain of people, these e-mails are everywhere… oh by the way, copy and paste this blog and e-mail it to all your friends and you’ll get $20 from JC Penney.*

Off to the links…..

-- Vegas starting to feel the economic pain. A lot of people expected this to happen eventually, well it looks like it’s here.

-- What if the Presidential election ends in an Electoral College tie? This is a fantastic piece explaining how it could happen and what the nightmare scenarios are if it does… worth the read.


-- Do you hate the surcharge? Well guess what, even drug dealers are adding it on to their deals. Seriously.


Video of the week

Cool Movie alert… October 3rd, “Flash of Genius” comes out and looks to be very interesting… True Story too… the trailer is our video of the week…



* not true

The after effects of Ike

No doubt a tough weekend in Texas and our thoughts are with everyone still battling to get back to some semblance of “normal.” Anyway if this storm proved anything it’s that there is no doubt that the need for Hurricane Impact systems is a must. I cannot imagine the Insurance companies sitting this battle out especially when you see the success of the product vs. a Hurricane of Ike’s strength. So the time is here… but even if they can get these coded, the next step will be to get the codes enforced… and since this is a safety issue it should take precedence. But sadly that is an area that has been lacking, like in South Carolina where some people turn the other cheek and don’t put the right material in and no one is holding them accountable. And of course this is yet another reason why I am not for the NFRC way of doing things. The NFRC will end up monopolizing time from code officials that need to be used on safety issues like this… not the un-necessary police action that they are attempting to get by.

Elsewhere…

-- Yes it is amazing that I can incorporate NFRC into almost anything huh?

-- Also on Ike… the remnants did damage everywhere it went including far away (from Texas) places like Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh. That was an epic storm.

-- Would’ve liked to have seen the networks grab a guy like Greg Carney and have him explain why if the JP Morgan Chase Building had hurricane systems in it that the glass would not be 3 feet deep all over the street. Then again if Greg goes on TV, he’ll become a star and leave us to work with Letterman and Leno…

-- The other disaster of the week was the stock market. When someone posted about Lehman Brothers on my blog last week, I don’t think I or anyone else realized that other shoe was in the process of falling. The market is scary, and the bail outs from the Feds are not the greatest medicine either. I am bothered by so much of this- these guys conducted business terribly- their greed got the best of them and in the end we all will be paying for this. Not only that, but as the poster noted, this does give the bad guys an angle. If United Airlines stock could drop like a rock based on a rumor, it is truly scary how fragile our markets really are. Basically we have to all hold on as this will really be a bumpy ride.

-- Hey maybe now some of these CEO’s won’t take 75 million dollar bonus checks eh? Insane.
The other effect of the banks and credit crisis is the fact it will hurt the deal making and acquisitions in our industry. Some companies may go under and some deals may not get done. It will be very interesting to see who becomes collateral damage thanks to this.

-- And while I am ranting- how is Oil priced at $92 per barrel but gas prices are still atrocious? Yes I know a major portion of our supply shutdown for Ike, but the Oil prices have been dropping for a while before that and the price going down was surely not matching the pace of when it went up… Seriously as frustrated as people may get on pricing on our industry, it really is a walk in the park compared to gas prices.

-- Hey does anyone know when the 24 hour all Sarah Palin network starts? This way instead of every channel running a special on her, all can go on one station.

Off to the LINKS…

-- Lindsay Lohan hates Sarah Palin. How come I have a feeling when the Obama folks see this they say to themselves “yeesh- we really don’t need your help!”
((UPDATE-9/17 Obama actually comes out and says "No Thanks! This is comical!)

-- A new poll shows a good amount of men love their Blackberry more than their wives. As for me… um… well you know I love my wife, but man without my little buddy… wow.. tough call… (Thankfully my wife does not read this blog!)


-- For those folks who fly all over like me.. the dread of charging for baggage is taking effect with overhead bin issues now. I think seriously the next move for the airlines is to charge for your carry-ons too. I mean it really is the next frontier if you ask me.

Video of the Week


Not the normally funny or happy video this week….
Not sure if you are following the tragic case of Caylee Anthony. She is the 3 year old girl who disappeared and many folks are pointing the finger at her mother. Anyway this story is tragic enough but then you see the circus out front of the Anthony house- it’s like a scene from Spinger. Very sad. A toddler is probably dead and man oh man people just go nutty.

Seriously I am not nuts.

Well am I crazy? Wait don’t answer that because I know the answer already. I am sitting on the plane returning from the GANA meeting from Dallas pondering that question as it regards to the glass shortage. I am convinced we are in one, but a prominent player in our industry stated publicly he didn’t see it that way. So am I nuts or are the instincts and info I have and know correct? At the GANA Fall Conference (more below by the way) keynote speaker Russ Huffer of Apogee stated that he believed there was sufficient capacity available. During the Q&A of his speech (which was excellent by the way) I asked him to clarify and he did. Basically at this point he doesn’t see what I see. So what is right and what is wrong? All I can say is my intel and research shows a significant tightening of supply with the shortage on docket. I talk to a lot of people and I can do the math too, and I just feel pretty strong that my opinion is right. But after Mr. Huffer’s speech, I was perplexed. Am I being scammed or played? Are people of all walks of life lying to me? Is this all Sarah Palin’s fault? What in the world is going on? All I can say is at the end of the day, I truly believe that I am right- all signs, details and evidence point to the shortage. This is not propaganda. But so help me, if I find I have been played… well look out… nothing is worse than a bitter blogger… heck ask the NFRC.

Elsewhere….

-- I was at the GANA Fall Conference for 2 days… another first class and excellent event. Once again great insights and education going on. Dialogues that were built to inform and protect the industry and of course top notch networking. With tightening budgets, the one expense that should NOT come out is attendance at these events- way too much value there.

-- The rest of Russ Huffer’s speech as I noted above was excellent and is available via podcast from GANA. He hit some very interesting points on coated glass usage, markets, imports and solar. The speech is about 30 minutes long and not a waste of time if you're interested.

-- Another item that came out of these meetings was the importance of getting involved in the code process since it will truly affect all of us. The best and easiest way you can have a voice and stay in the loop is to join the GICC- Glazing Industry Code Committee. It is an inexpensive and intelligent way to get up to speed and PROTECT your company. Seriously if you are not a member- go to this website and check out. It is truly worthwhile.

-- From the bad news side- condolences go out to the friends and family of Ed Coleman. Ed was an architectural guru for LOF for many many years and major player in the Southeast. While I did not know Mr. Coleman those that did spoke glowingly of him and he will obviously be missed.
-- From the good news side… Congratulations to the Surma family as Scott and wife Anj welcomed their newest addition on Monday night- baby boy Cooper. As far as I know everyone is doing well and I am very happy for the ever expanded Surma clan. Meanwhile, there is probably no truth to the rumor that little Cooper Surma already has a line of binky’s and diapers and has been setting contacts with all of the other babies in the nursery. Man if the son has the dad’s energy- look out.

-- By the way, check the comment left on last week’s post about the Lehman Brothers debacle. I will cover in more detail next week- but it’s a great “food for thought” comment and more proof that we are vulnerable in so many areas and in so many ways.

-- I am truly humbled when I meet people who have been reading the blog and mention it to me in person. I ran into one of them at the show- Michael Burriss of Cytec- nice meeting you and thanks again for reading. Of course I was also fortunate enough to run into one of my favorite people Stanley Yee as well there- along with so many other good folks who follow along with my “therapy” on line here. August by the way I had my best traffic of 08- not sure why- possibly the fun and frivolity of the NFRC meeting, but in any case- thank you

Off to the LINKS….

I had terrible internet access in Dallas for some reason, so I am way behind, but thanks to my good friend BGO- I have links to share. So thanks again Brigid!

-- Green is everywhere and now we have the Top 5 “Green” Cities… check em out here.

-- Can you believe a hockey game ended with a score of 82-0? Well one did… I am amazed, I mean after a while wouldn’t it just get old scoring like crazy? Shouldn’t there be a mercy rule?


Video of the Week:


And yet another kudo to BGO- you may have heard about all of the parachuting screw ups in College football recently… well captured on video is this classic from Cincinnati… big time ooops…

Why its not propoganda and more

USGNN on Wednesday ran a piece on whether the contract glazier thought a glass shortage was happening and quite frankly the answers in there did not surprise me. I did not expect anyone to take it seriously, even though it should be taken as such. But the amazing thing is some of the comments that were made by one of the interviewed parties.

A breakdown of the quotes:

"Raw materials are becoming more expensive, not in less supply.

Really? How exactly do you know that? Are you tapped into the Soda Ash issue that is hampering the float guys right now? It’s an amazing comment. What do you know that we don’t?
“The construction market may be sluggish for a while, which will be good for keeping material costs down, but as the market picks up I see manufacturers charging more for product and using energy costs as a umbrella”

Using energy costs as an umbrella? You mean the fact diesel, natural and automobile gasoline are at insane levels right now- so that’s just an absorbable crutch? You mean in your everyday business you’re not paying more for energy?

"I believe that talk of a glass shortage is more propaganda by manufacturers than an actual problem we would face."

Most people think this way but it’s because they ignore the facts. Let’s review some of them shall we…

1. You have had major float plants down for repairs. Now when a float goes down for repairs it’s not down for 24 hours, its down for weeks and months. Floats are not exactly the simplest to operate. This is without the catastrophic shutdown at PPG’s plant in Texas damaged by the flood- that affects a tremendous amount of capacity.

2. AGC pulled a ton of capacity out of the market when they closed some facilities. The market is not as depressed as some people think (or are experiencing) so people are still buying glass at solid levels.

3. Solar. The need for the solar industry glass wise is huge. Solar projects literally eat glass. As that segment continues growth that too takes capacity away.

As I have noted here and in my upcoming column for USGlass, if I truly believed this was manufacturer BS, I would call it. Believe me; I have never been shy that way. (Ask any of the primaries that know me) At the end of the day, the reason that so many glaziers are not feeling the tightening effects are because the fabricators (and their stellar purchasing people- like the folks I am honored to work with) do amazing things to ensure their branches stay on top the products they need. Someday though, even their best efforts may not be able to get glass when everyone has been so accustomed to getting it.

Elsewhere….

-- One last comment on the above- so if you realize that raw materials are more expensive, then there should be no problem with price increases right? Somehow I bet there’s a litany of reasons ready for why those aren't necessary either.

-- Hey did you hear John McCain picked the Governor of Alaska as his running mate? Not sure if you heard that, media has been pretty quiet on that angle.

-- Exxon Mobil is running a commercial now touting its efforts in trying to create materials that will wean our need for gas/oil. How come I have hard time believing that is actually happening? It just comes off as a backroom deal of: “Guys let’s do a commercial that we’re working on clean energy advancements- that’ll make the public forget all the BS we hamper them with!”

-- Man I am in a bitter mood.

-- Thankfully Hurricane Gustav did not do the damage that it could of. But now we have 3 more hurricanes to watch and once again we have to keep our fingers crossed that these guys peter out or avoid doing the damage that they could.

-- On the Hurricane coverage side, is it me or does no one pay attention to Mississippi? I realize that New Orleans suffered incredibly with Katrina and it’s still vulnerable. But Mississippi was not spared then and is battling to get back themselves. So the next storm that heads to the Gulf, let’s keep the fine folks of Mississippi in mind.

To the Links…..

-- Is there such a thing as a “Monogamy” gene? Evidently there may be one… so people all over the world now can point to this as an excuse!

-- An elephant scored an 87 on a math exam. I wonder what he thinks of the glass shortage.

-- From my friend BGO… Sumo Wrestlers are in a drug scandal.. but not steroids…


Video of the week:

Don LaFontaine passed away this week. Who is Don LaFontaine? He was one of the most famous voice over guys ever. Known for being the voice of movie trailers and more, his recognizable voice will be missed. Here is a quick interview he gave and you can see the personality and hear the voice.

A tough situation gets tougher

C’mon admit it. You know when you saw the term “Force Majeure” last week; you had to look up what it meant. I mean how many times has a term like that been used in our lifetimes? It’s just not in that everyday usage pattern that’s for sure- so you know when you see it, it has to be serious and obviously the situation that PPG and our industry is in right now is a serious one. With glass already very tight a situation like this makes it even more perilous (another rarely used word). Hopefully for our industries health, the situation at the Texas plant gets rectified quicker than initial assessment and we can keep on track. But even if it does, the glass shortage I talked about a few weeks ago just got a lot worse.

Elsewhere….

-- Want some perspective on how our industry is viewed to some people? PPG makes that crucial announcement and their stock does not move. Basically still the same today as it was last week. Didn’t even make a blip.

-- Great reaction on the LEED article I posted last week… if you did not check it out, scroll down and click because it’s worth it. It really shows the weakness within LEED and some of the ignorance that is at play. Best line (comical) I got was the following:
“I can’t wait til this guy writes a report on NFRC. He’ll get carpal tunnel from all the typing on that one!”
Classic!

-- Found a lower life form than the ambulance chasing lawyer. It’s the job employment head hunter. I am really baffled why anyone uses these services. Plus the way they do business is pretty pathetic, so those that do use them deserve what they get at the end of the day. (A crappy overpaid employee but “the headhunter” found em!... as Nelson on the Simpsons would say HA HA)

-- Hurricane/Tropical Storm Gustav is churning towards the Gulf as we speak… man if there is any justice in the world this thing will peter out. No way can that territory handle another storm. Let’s all hope for the best.

Off to the Links…..

-- A cool story on how much the Obama Text message on his VP pick went down and what it could/would’ve cost.

-- Summer is over, school is back in session and now the Farmer’s Almanac is out with its forecast… gonna be a cold one… oh joy!

-- This story says all US adults could be overweight in 40 years. You mean all of us aren’t now? (Yeah I know thats just me) But seriously, that is one wild claim- I’ll have to have my kids buy stock in Casual XL Male.


Video of the Week…

And since it’s virtually Winter (ugh!) a great oldie but goodie video from blog reader Larry… quick and funny….


Shame that whale couldn’t eat a headhunter eh?

Sophistication and Shortages

“Sophistication” is a term that is rarely used with our industry but really should be. If you take a step back and really note the advancements we have made in both metal and glass in the last 10-15 years it’s really impressive. The product availability process though is a double edged sword. With more sophistication and variety comes less time to run and less space to keep them. Those factors are playing into the current glass tightening situation and the fact that fabricators just can’t stock everything that is being made. Thus brings the next question… when will the herd be thinned? When will the older, less popular products be discontinued and who will have the guts to step up and do it. Believe me this is one to follow as glass gets tighter and the economy forces people to keep less material on their floors.

Elsewhere….

-- A great note on the USGNN message board about Energy Star and Vinyl/Plastic Windows. Nice to see someone else thinks that way and took time to comment.

-- Nice piece on USGNN on job site security. What a major issue that is these days with the costs of materials and the ability for someone to take some metal framing to the scrap yard for quick buck. Unfortunately the days of “good areas” and trusting people are long gone. If you are not doing all you can to secure your material and equipment, you’re really taking a chance.

-- Just curious what would you consider “large”? Top 5 in the industry? Top 10? I say this because I get a kick out of when people promote themselves as one of the “largest” so and so’s when they are probably (and most likely)not among the top 10 buyers or sellers of products in that segment. I mean wouldn’t you have to be that big to really say that? That’s like me saying I have one of the largest readerships on the web. I mean I get great traffic, but no way can I make that claim… but some folks like to think bigger than they are… or ever will be.

Off to the LINKS…

-- Can you still not believe Michael Phelps won that one race by his fingertips? Well Sports Illustrated has the evidence in photo form HERE. Man still unreal.

-- Amazing piece on this guy who HATES the windmill turbines on his property. I just don’t get his logic. To me it makes no sense to hate them as there’s much worse out there.

**** Must Read****
-- This piece on a Better Way to Rate Green Buildings. If you have any interest in the whole LEED adventure at all, this is one to check out. Great insight and really makes you think. It’s a long piece but it is truly worthwhile and brings up some serious questions!


Video of the Week:

From my sister through our old friend and co worker Susie… a classic video with the theme of the Olympics fresh in our minds… major reasons why THESE people are not in China… great stuff!

Getting the short shrift

I know there are LEED experts out there in our industry and I would love them to explain to me how glass cullet is not a recyclable item but yet a bi-product. No clue of what I am talking about? Well then that means you haven’t run into this latest LEED adventure that diminishes glass. I have hit on this before, but the value of glass from the energy angle all the way to the recycling effort, is so understated it’s insane. But yet the way I see it, the USGBC has a different view. I’d love to hear some reasoning on why.

Elsewhere…

-- Are you as enthralled with the Olympics as I am? The men’s 4 x 100 relay was amazing, the men’s gymnastics was insane as the US team really battled every step of the way and of course the disappointing 2nd place run for the women’s gym team. All this before the track and field starts… all good stuff. But makes for some really late nights!

-- Look for Michael Phelps to be the BEC keynote speaker… in 2028… that’ll be about the time he’ll be available to speak after the epic Olympics he’s having.

-- And speaking of the Olympics- check this story out on how much money the New York Times will spend to cover these Olympics. Man how do you show an ROI on this one?

-- Did you see the story on the glass falling from the NY skyscraper? Scary stuff- and if you think about it, it’s amazing this does happen more. It’s also proof that we have some of the most skilled people in the world because the amount of work going up vs. accidents like this really shows the skill level being on our side.

-- Back to China for a second- there was a story linked on USGNN about “Green” projects in China. Amazing a country with deplorable air conditions has any facilities that are green- but the bigger question- in two weeks when the world leaves and the Olympics are over- will any other building ever be built “green” there? And more importantly, will any measures be put in place to control the horrid pollution?

To the links….

-- This is a fun one… the most mispronounced words and phrases out there today…

-- Sometimes the internet is wrong… a classic journalistic error regarding the Georgia/Russia conflict. To my friends in Villa Rica- watch out for those tanks!

A classic... the person who called the bank disasters we are suffering through now expects things to get much, much worse. And more comical, she’s married to a professional wrestler… good read through…

Video of the week:

The gymnast who is taking heat for the US going silver… after seeing this, no way would I pick on her.

The first crack in the wall....

Lost in all of the stories about the weakening economy was the one about the Echelon Casino in Las Vegas putting a halt to the work on their new building. Why is this news? Well this is this not just a little strip mall… this is a huge casino and it’s a signal that the economic pressures are real. It’s also the first noticeable crack in wall that is Vegas. Las Vegas has been build, build, build- and recently they have been doing it in record speeds… and to hit a bump like this is truly significant. The delay on this project will surely have a domino effect, hurting a lot of people along the way. Aside from the suppliers who now are stuck with finished or semi-finished product, this casino was slated to employ 10,000 people. So this is NOT your run of the mill building or delay. For more info on this CLICK HERE. Thanks to BGO for the initial heads up on this.

Elsewhere….

-- Our industry made national news last week, but for the wrong reasons thanks to the tragic plane crash that happened in Minnesota . Two executives from Atlantic Plate Glass along with folks also involved on a major casino project passed away. Its’ times like this that make you aware of your mortality and allows you to give thanks for each day you have on earth. The saying is “Life is short” and in reality it truly is. Our condolences go out to the families and everyone who was touched by this awful turn of events.

-- Also condolences to the family of Peter Hurd. Peter also passed away last week. He was known very well in the decorative and obscure glass industry and his insight and abilities will be sorely missed.

-- On the NFRC beat… I owe someone lunch… after putting out the below challenge, I got a great e-mail- the whole transcript:

I don’t know you have given away the free lunch yet or not but I have the “answer”…
(From Max’s blog) “Before I continue... Lunch on me to the first person who can tell me how NFRC can be a consensus when the groups and committees vote overwhelmingly in one direction but the board overturns it? How is that "consensus" based? Seriously?”
At the “open” board meeting Garrett Stone provided it for me “…at the NFRC the board is last consensus vote..” so there you see it is really quite simple. I just have to note that this comment came a day after the group voted 19-5 to lower the number of IA reviews for a manufacturers ACE to match that of a certified laboratory. He did not like the results so he recommended that the board review this decision in the closed session and Tom Culp basically said here we go again, Garrett did not like the results (of which he missed the discussion and vote because he, Gary Curtis, and other prominent board members fly in the afternoon of the last day and then go to the board meeting the next day, because even they know that what happens the previous three days does not matter) so he recommends that the board take a serious look at this and decide in private, as usual after an NFRC meeting I have no idea what the outcome was…

Yep I would love to send this blurb out to the folks that are buying that NFRC is a consensus.. because they are NOT! Send it to the IECC, send it to the DOE (though they are so cluelessly blinded by NFRC that we’d have to read it to them… real slow. ) and send it to anyone and everyone who may even think this group has any interests except their own. This stuff happens… EVERYTIME… and ALL THE TIME. It’s pathetic.
And seriously I am sure the NFRC would spin that this is their way of “consensus” (damn- drink) and that the board for the good of the 501c3 (drink) makes it necessary… but the bottom line is that these processes get bandied about, discussed, worked, and hustled for months if not years, and then at the last moment- without warning, crap like this happens. And usually its someone with something to gain. And you wonder why people get mad….

-- Oh and on that note, the Benney video Q&A where he states manufacturers should speak up has elicited a ton of reaction. The best comment was the following:

See Jim wants the manufacturers to embrace it and just offer “tweaks” What he doesn’t realize that the only tweaks that should happen should be nuclear. Keep up the fight!

OK enough NFRC for now, ½ of my audience just clicked to another site.

-- Don’t forget Fall Conference for GANA- registration is open now… well worth the time folks.

-- The Olympics start this weekend and as I have noted before I am very excited for the events.. not so much for the venue. I do expect there to be massive problems- whether it’s the smog (Don’t worry they are shooting smog “pellets” to break up the smog- seriously) or the military or just the overall lack of care by the communist hosts. Jim Fairley summed it up really good on the USG Message Boards… why did they ever get this honor?
On the Olympics itself- watching Michael Phelps go for 7 or 8 gold medals surely will be “must see TV”

-- Also starting full scale this weekend… football… ah… and while that is great it does pretty much mean summer is over. And that’s a bummer.

ON TO THE LINKS….

-- A blow to the communist Chinese is the cost of shipping. This article here puts it into some perspective. Will this stop the flow? No way, but it could slow it or even the playing field some- which is only fair.

-- In Denver they are using wasted beer to run the cars… Now that could really be an option!

-- Feel sorry for those of you on US Air… now even water costs money… and just a matter of time before everyone else follows suit…


VIDEO of the Week:

Thanks again to Larry (man you have been clutch!) for the video… a little graphic but its kinda like a real life karma lesson…

Return of the Saturday Post

Way too much NFRC stuff not to do a weekend post....

Anyway the meetings wrapped up this week and I want to thank everyone who posted messages publicly and the raft of e-mails that I got with insight and info too. Thanks folks- it was like being there- with the exception of having the overpaid folks from Potomac trying to sneak looks over my shoulder.

Anyway, a few items to hit...

-- Did Jim Benney fall asleep? I had a few that said he did and then a few others that said it was others. People falling asleep was even noted on line- so evidently the subject matter must've really been good. Maybe with all the sleeping going on, that's why the discussion was started on going to 2 meetings from the current 3.

-- NFRC's own blog was not a flag waving as expected- but close. I give them this credit- at least they made the effort to inform the world of whats going on- now if they could find that same transparency everywhere else...

-- An addition to the NFRC drinking game... whenever an NFRC elite says the word "consensus" you must take 2 drinks.

-- No doubt that at a board meeting a long the way the subject was "how to convince the world that we're a "consensus"- at that point they probably decided if you say something enough times maybe people will believe you.

-- Gosh I hope that the folks at IECC are not that obtuse to believe the NFRC is a "consensus" organization. Man 2 seconds of research would show they are as much as a "consensus" as this blog is "pro-NFRC"

-- Jim Benney did a 2nd Q&A this week, this time on video with Ellen Rogers at USGNN. You can see it HERE. Good stuff... Of course I have to make some comments on it and here goes:

Ellen asked if Jim was surprised by the opposition of the CMA- and he said he was... of course that was after mentioning the whole bogus "consensus" (drink twice) deal.

Before I continue... Lunch on me to the first person who can tell me how NFRC can be a consensus when the groups and committees vote overwhelmingly in one direction but the board overturns it? How is that "consensus" based? Seriously?

Jim then noted he was surprised that the NFRC wasn't able to get the opposition into the fold easier.... well geez Jim... let's see, your group is imposing an extremely unnecessary program on this industry, all the while ignoring our views and rejecting our offers of education and direction.... I guess they figure that in the end they'll wear everyone out...

Ellen then asked a great question on the issue of the labs and NFRC elite benefiting from this program (or profiting madly as I would say) and Jim danced on it and basically said "well those are the people that come to the meetings!"

Incredible- but true. See just because the industry is too busy you know doing things like installing material and developing new products etc, we have to suffer because this is all people like Marles McDionald and Rich Biscoe have to do all day.

By the way, Marles and Rich are from labs that will surely do very well if the SS Titanic floats. So why shouldn't they come eh?

Then Jim decided to throw this gem out:
"We need manufacturers to step up and say 'this program is great- except for this- we need to change that..."
He went on but my head exploded.

Jim- manufacturers HAVE BEEN noting stuff for YEARS! But it is IGNORED. Greg Carney and Marg Webb represent hundred of Manufacturers and future affected parties and they speak for them each meeting... but yet their views get whacked.

My gosh... this stuff sadly works on the folks from the DOE who for some reason drink the NFRC Kool Aid straight... either that or there's pictures... hell who knows... but no one with a mini bit of logic can take that last sentence seriously.

"We need manufacturers to step up...."

That is classic... should go on to the NFRC website... hell that statement should win an award.

What many of you may not realize is how many people had been stepping up and slowly walked away because their efforts were ignored. Its just sickening that Jim could actually believe that last comment.

-- Last, Jim looked 5 years in the future with hopes that this program will be a great success and we'll all laugh about the hubbub... actually they'll be plenty of laughing... I'll be howling when the IA's can't handle a crush or the simulators have no clue what aluminum is... and then when someone sends in a trapezoid with a customization all over, the software starts smoking. And CMA will be as bad and unused as the current sitebuilt is.

Then you should thank the folks who decided to go after this, when there was NO CALL FOR IT- whatsoever- except for the revenue flow and the "good of the NFRC"

(Note there was no mandate, no codes, no call from California.. NOTHING. You must not forget that this program was born from a chance to make MONEY)

Its the Titanic.. and I hope all the board members are excited to be on the ship!

-- Oh and one last Q&A from Joe Hayden, the current Captain of the SS Titanic.

It was very generic (like it was written by the overpaid PR agency flacks) but he did mention the word "Consensus" so everyone drink! Twice!

OK so for the billionth time...

As a design tool- this program could work great. But as an un-needed full fledged waste of time, money, and overall resources certification program this is as wrong as can be.

But as many have noted, this thing is too far down the tracks.. so we all can just wait to see the implementation, watch the anarchy and the ignorance by the stakeholders, and enjoy the show!

The Other Stuff Post

((For NFRC posts, go to the post below this one... more NFRC to come surely Thursday/Friday))

There really is a bigger story in our industry this week then the issue I have been yammering about on my blog daily. The story is the fact we are at the start of a glass shortage and it is a problem that will grow and have a significant effect on our industry as the year goes on. There are several factors at play here that brought this on, and while for some the poor economy makes it seem very unlikely that we’re running short on glass, it apparently is true. Basically a combination of a planned decrease of float capacity, coupled with untimely repairs has been enough to start the handcuff process. Add in the explosive growth of solar products (which eats up glass like crazy) and you have the mix that is causing the problems. Some products are already on allocation and expect the problems and delays to worsen. What can you do? Communication is one major step. Having a great relationship with your suppliers is another. It’s amazing actually we are headed to this juncture, but it was due to happen eventually. Also keep in mind, that this will probably spur another price increase from the primary guys- my guess is September. End of day, it is what it is… but I believe this to be very real and to be taken very seriously.

Elsewhere….

-- Another classic industry name is being phased out with Oldcastle starting to minimize the Vistawall name. In fact when you go to www.vistawall.com the name Vistawall only appears once on the front page, and that’s in the announcement that Oldcastle bought them. I think things like that are expected, but Vistawall’s name brought a lot of prestige with the architectural community and I just found it surprising that its going away. So add Vistawall to Amarlite, Aldora, Extrudite, and the countless other classic aluminum manufacturing names that have went the way of the Dino.

-- Folks the GANA Fall Conference is coming up and its one to come to. From a technical side it’s a great opportunity to get up to speed on the issues that affect you and your business. Some serious talent attend and work to make sure your interests are protected. In addition it’s a tremendous networking event. For more info go to GANA’s website HERE. The dates are September 8 to 10 and its in the great state of Texas- with the meeting held conveniently at the DFW airport Wyndham. Seriously, it is worth the time.

-- Saw an ad this week in the new USGlass Magazine from a company called “Glassopolis”… I can say I have never heard of them- but I can say it was one of the better ads I have seen in a long time. Creative, eye catching and memorable… Good work to whoever did it.

-- Congrats to the Seattle Mariners for having peanut free sections planned for their games. People who don’t have food allergies or have kids with them (like I do) have no idea how wonderful this is. Believe me, every little thing helps and hopefully folks can survive without their peanuts for a game or two. Thanks to BGO for the heads up on this!

And again, I promised no mention of NFRC on this- so if you want that pure comic gold, see the other posts below (and the messages too!)

To the links… Vegas Construction Edition

Lots of building in Vegas- but the speed and need could be compromising safety. A few pieces this week on the safety issue on building these new casino hotels-
-- LA Times weighs in HERE

-- Wall Street Journal HERE.

Video of the week:
Thanks to Stu who sent this one in… ah the cellphone that can do EVERYTHING! I wonder if it can do NFRC certifications?

Quick NFRC Post

My regular weekly post will be iup tomorrow night or Thursday AM... Its funny I have a group of readers who despise when I go into the NFRC stuff and then others who ONLY read the NFRC stuff... kinda tempts me to spin off a seperate blog!

So If you are not about NFRC blather skip it and wait til tomorrow. (and the normal post will be NFRC free!)

Anyway... a few items...

Remember the NFRC is about policing our industry. While the software they have has merit and could have serious value, all of the other stuff that is attached to it (certifications, inspections and costs) are what the problem is and will always be.

The NFRC had success in working with a residential industry that needed it, but time and again their lack of knowledge of the commerical industry and blatant lack of care of the commercial industries opinions makes me and many, many others crazy.

There's a Q& A up with Jim Benney at Glass Magazine's website and its pretty interesting to read. (Click Here for Q&A) The questions were solid- the answers- not so much. It was obvious again that money and the profiteering is controlling this adventure. And even people who are just getting into this for the first time are seeing it. Its amazing... just follow the money...

Anyway on the Q& A a few thoughts...

Jim was asked what NFRC is doing to engage interest... he noted he spoke to the AIA and they'll do some marketing and work with people to incentivise them to be early adopters. He then complimented the "Visionaries" of TRACO and Arcadia... yep sure... visionaries... they are the only sheep out there that are anywhere near supporting this Titanic of an effort... Industry 6000... NFRC 2. I'll never understand how TRACO with the intelligence they have there buys into this... unless of course there's a revenue stream that they see happening... and in that case, how can they be the only ones? It just does not make sense.

Jim was unable to address the question of "policing" the industry. Of course we have all said its a great design tool- but still no one can truly say "WE NEED POLICING" Every architect I have talked to agrees with the software and design tool but is dead against extra certifications and steps. Thats why they have CONTRACTS. You know legal documents.

When asked about costs he danced by that stating its out there in some form or another- which it is, but not complete or confirmed... because Jim knows that will cause a whole nother adventure when the costs come through.

ATTENTION GLAZIERS- This is how Jim states you'll be paying:

The software will charge the manufacturer
to store data, (pay me!)
to use the software, (ka Ching)
for label certificates, (oh yeah!)
for program dispense, (mo money)
for lab fees (never forget to tip your labtender!)
and for IA [independent agency] fees. (can't let the IA's go hungry too!)

The IA fees will be set by the IAs.

Bold face and parentheses mine... Yep look at them thar fees... (looks like at least 6 different things to pay for!)$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Sickening... and for what?

And to further that, when Jim was asked about the pretty much guaranteed bottlenecks that will happen when this happens (IF it happens)...

"Simulation industry is ready and waiting for the business. We’re accrediting new simulators every six months. It’s a growing industry."

HUH YOU DON'T SAY! An industry is growing because of this completely un-needed program? And its the Simulation Industry too! hmmmmm
FOLLOW
The
MONEY

Oh but I guess Jim missed the note I had up yesterday that the simulators don't have much experience with Aluminum... oh yes this is going to be great!

Last Jim had to get some digs in about being a "consensus".... its amazing that people buy into this stuff... On one hand they are a 501c3 (take a drink) but ohhhh wait on the other they are "consensus" group and that's how "consesus" groups work.

Folks the only reason they are trying to play the "consensus" card is they know groups like AIA, ICC etc promote the importance of "consensus" decisions. Saying NFRC is a consesus group- especially on this issue is insane... though actually there is a consesus.. basically our entire industry with the exception of two "visionaries" are against this thing..... but even when votes go that way they are ignored and overturned... way to listen to the consensus guys!

Its a joke. I guess the highlite for me is that with all that is out there, the chances of this being the SS Titanic are still pretty good. The shame is the time, effort and resource that is wasted.

The next two days should be interesting... obviously they'll keep pushing their angles and we'll keep hammering away here.

Quick Comical Update

The NFRC blog is up and running...

Its basic PR stuff... but the funniest unintentional post was the re cap of the speech by Michael Collins. He sees the residential market crisis coming to an end...

On the same day the markets got killed as the International Monetary Fund said there is no end to the housing slump.

The story on the housing debacle can be found HERE.

UPDATE:

USGNN is out and of course the story they have was never mentioned on the NFRC blog. Best line in the story and it truly sums this whole adventure up:

Thoman responded, "Our [NFRC] background in simulation doesn't really apply to aluminum products. Our experience is in simulating wood and vinyl products … and we have less date on the CMA products," he said.

And there ya have it... once again... yep lots of wood and vinyl on commercial jobs. Now granted this is just talk on the simulation side, which actually is a must, but still the admission is comical.

More to follow I am sure!

Simply Amazing

Ah, just when I thought I’d have nothing to lead my blog with, the NFRC sends out a bulletin FILLED with hilarious stuff to comment on. Even better, I had people contacting me with angles to take and things to look at within said piece. So, get ready, let’s take a look at what the NFRC is trying to spin on our industry now…

-- First off was the message from current NFRC head Joe Hayden of Pella. In one of the most arrogant statements ever uttered by NFRC (which is saying something) Joe paraphrased from one of the most legendary speeches that this country has seen when he wrote:
“Ask not what NFRC can do for you, ask what you can do for the NFRC”
I want to hurl. My goodness, now the NFRC is as crucial as JFK? Amazing. Isn’t that offensive? I mean what’s next “I have a dream… NFRC everywhere” paraphrasing MLK? But beyond that, the piece was on being a good volunteer- which was the theme throughout. Towards the bottom, Joe stated that the volunteers within NFRC need to step up or the work that needs to be done, won’t be. And thanks to a provision that passed the board a year ago, people from the “Affected” industry shall bear the work to be done on their specific programs. (Meaning commercial industry on CMA) Well as an industry vet noted to me in an e-mail:

If he says that is the case, then who’s doing the “work” on the CMA for our industry? Hmm good question… surely not our industry since everytime we bring something up, offer ideas or even get things to votes (that we win big) it gets shot down or overturned by the Board. I haven’t seen a lot of input from the affected (no glazier, no architects etc.) industry, so this work should not have been able to be done.

That also could be a shot at people who refused to speak last meeting because quite frankly their thoughts were being ignored, so why bother?

-- Next up, Jim Benney announced a code of ethics for its MEMBERS! Amazing coming from a group that takes pride in its secrecy, works deals for Board Members and for years has skirted simple things like “transparency” now they want the members to be “ethical”… and for what reason per se? Talking to a blogger? Plus he mentioned 501c3- take a drink.

-- Oh and speaking of Blogs.. they announced in this newsletter that the NFRC will blog from the meeting in Chicago. Classic! So now it will be great to see how this is spun. A year ago, Marcia Falke and others measured their words in the meetings stating “what you say here could be on the internet tonight” and now their own org is doing it! Hey it’s about time they did it and plus its more material for all of us to get humor out of. Especially when you know they’ll leave out big parts. How do I know this? Well a few years ago in Atlanta we had a meeting.. the esteemed Deb Levy was there for USGlass. She wrote a story on it and so did NFRC’s overpaid PR agency. Both were at the same meeting and yet the stories were as different as night and day. Believe me this should be fun. Something tells me when Greg Carney, or Marg Webb or even with the gang from NGA attending make a speech, motion or point- that won’t end up on the blog… but you’ll get tons of John Hogan and Jeff Baker.

Oh there’s more, but I don’t want to kill the entire post… so maybe I’ll go with another post later in the week. Plus I know I’ll have e-mails to react to as well.
I wish I knew why a program that is destined to fail miserably gets me so worked up. I really do wish I knew.

Elsewhere…

-- Thanks to everyone who e-mailed wishes of a fun and relaxed vacay- it surely was my best vacation ever. Despite the worries going in- it really turned out great.
Disney really has all the angles covered… my favorite is the fact they have sponsors for virtually EVERYTHING there. All of the major rides have “Sponsors” and even the paper towels in the bathrooms are sponsored. That to me is incredible.. and brilliant.

-- My brother asked me if Disney was slower because of the economy and it really was not… but the kicker was the majority of attendees… and I mean a significant majority… were foreigners. In fact I believe the entire country of Brazil was empty last week because they were all at Disney.. in line ahead of me. Seriously, I have been to Disney several times, but this time really was heavy on the foreign contingent and that means that while Disney is not suffering, it does show that from a US standpoint, things are off.

-- Got an e-mail on the mailbag and the comment on the being as fat and happy as a Buddha which raises a great question…

Aren't most buddhist monks practically skeletons? I mean, they live a very simple life and don't gorge on anything, much less food. (And I know the book Siddhartha was fictional, but wasn't it based on the life of Buddha? In which case, the man was rail thin once he got his life together. After the whole, live to excess thing.) We have this notion that Buddha was fat and happy, but I wonder where that image originated.

Anyone know? If the Glass Pundit still reads this blog, I have a feeling she would know how this all came up…

-- Has anyone seen the commercials from Oklahoma bajillionaire T Boone Pickens on his plans to wean us off our addiction to oil? According his testimony in front of congress his idea is the following along with Windfarms and solar…
He has been touring the country with a plan to cut oil imports by switching the use of domestic natural gas from firing power plants to powering cars. He hopes the federal government and private investors will build a massive wind farm system in the middle of the country from Mexico to Canada to replace the natural gas that would be used for transport.
There are some 8 million vehicles in the world that run on natural gas, but only about 140,000 of them in the United States, said Pickens, adding that he owns a Honda car that runs on natural gas he taps from his home line.
And this from a guy who made his money in oil! Whether you like him or not, the goal to go to alternative sources really needs to be a major priority.

Off to the links…

-- How about this as a sign that you can live your life as a blogger… this guy gave up his MEDICAL practice to do the blog thing full time…

-- But on the flip side, this Mayor had a blog, then he started to rip people left and right and had to close it up… entertaining read… no political correctness course taken in this guys city!

-- They had to adjust the design of the outside of the New York Times building because too many people were climbing it! Incredible- I am sure that is the last thing the designers ever thought would happen!

-- Hey the head of Bank of America see’s 2009 as a better economic year! Wait, how in the world could we take his word for it… isn’t it the banks that helped get us in these messes?

Video of the Week

A funny quick one that was sent in by Larry… this could’ve been me if anyone allowed me near a truck as I have no clue of space and heights like this… good stuff…

Vacay Q&A

I am actually on vacation this week, but before I headed out, I compiled a bunch of e-mails/comments (from the few months) to post and address here on the blog… So no links or videos. See you next week with normal approach.

Q I gotta ask, how do you have time to do all of this?

Some weeks are easier than others when it comes to cramming it in my days. Long plane trips are great though for getting this done. I also though did cut back to once a week, unless the news merits it- so that’s helped too. Last, I really can’t blow it off anymore, with the traffic I have been getting, I’d feel like I’m letting people down if I miss.

Q I’ve followed the NFRC stuff for the last few years and I am baffled. Does it really mean anything? No one has really ever clearly shown what it is, and why I should care. I get that you hate them, I just don’t get why I should.

Great comment and question and one that I went back and forth on with the writer. I’ll try to be brief here… does it mean anything? Sure it does- it’s a policing organization with no concept of commercial glass or aluminum barging its way into your lives. If they succeed, you’ll have more costs and more steps in doing an already difficult job. So you should care because it will affect your bottom line. Keep in mind though that the only thing going for you and us is their lack of knowledge, which should/could doom this whole adventure anyway.

Q You’re offbase on NFRC, your industry needs what they are offering and it doesn’t matter, its going to happen if you like it or not.

I get a few of these, and I have no issue with the other sides opinions. But the sentiment shown in the quote is part of the reason this will most likely fail… the whole “we’re gonna stuff this down your throat angle” tends to turn people radical.

Q I have yet to work with an architect (and I work with many) who grasp or understand what NFRC is attempting.

Oh c’mon seriously? I mean the NFRC paid a board member 60K to educate them! Once at a meeting the following line was uttered by an NFRC Board Member:
“If the architects don’t buy into this, we can shut the lights and go home”
Yep, lets conserve energy shall we and shut the lights. As I said then I say now… funny that the concern was the architects accepting, since no one cared if the industry would.
With that we’ll leave the NFRC alone for the rest of this post.

Q Will you watch the Olympics or will you boycott since its at your favorite place?

I’ll watch since I enjoy sports- I do hope that some of China’s disgusting ways do get exposed though. As for boycotts, our President should be boycotting the opening ceremonies… but then again he surely likes to do things his way… right or wrong.

Q What’s the next great glass product?

People ask me all the time on this and I really think that the triple stack revolution that PPG started will keep growing. High visible light with low solar heat gain. As for new styles, I think really the focus will be on PV, and Dynamic Glazing like what Sage offers.

Q Why do people ignore using the proper Low E’s in the proper regions?

A great question that deserves its own post and article actually and that is coming. This is a dirty little item that should be exposed too.

Q Do you get along with the other bloggers and columnists?

I feel like I do, though I think my style is different and so sometimes people believe there’s something there when there is not. I have a lot of respect for them for putting themselves out there. As for columnists, I can tell you that is very hard- coming up with fresh approaches every other month (for me) is tough. I can not imagine how guys like Lyle Hill do it month after month.

Q Still think the Dodgers will win the NL?

No I think not… and no way will I jinx the Cubs- done that in the past. Bizarre as it may seem, I like the Mets now. And that sound you hear is a huge Mets fan in New Berlin, Wisconsin cussing me out for jinxing his team.

Q Seriously who will buy the AFGD’s?

This was a part of a longer e mail… and at press time… I have no idea… I had heard many rumblings about a major player buying the whole kitten caboodle, but that keeps getting shot down… It’s probably going to head to the private side- though anything is possible at this point

Q You seriously liked the interview with Hathaway?

Yes I enjoyed the insight. Not everyday you can get that type of detail. Deb’s interviews never fail to come through. Its funny people thought I would be totally against it or hate based on the competitive landscape and that’s insane really. Good stuff is good, no matter the set up.

Q Do you still get e-mails from EFCO folks?

Not really. I used to get but as the deal settled in, they went a way. I’ll get a stray one here or there- but it’s not like it used to be. Still I’ll always be thankful to them for giving me a major heads up. That deal and the coverage here made this blog legit. It also forced, sadly, other deals to be done even more secretively, meaning my flow of info on deals really dried up. But we keep after it. In the end, I was happy that I was able to keep the EFCO folks in the loop and that was the biggest thing people commented to me about.

Q You’ve been quiet on AAMA lately- I thought you hated them?

Nah, just always wanted more. And really lately they’ve been doing all they can for their membership and the industry they serve. Shame it may have taken a bit longer than I woulda liked, but bottom line is they are doing the right things.

Q Are you going to do the industry superstar thing you did last year and if so will you take a nomination?

I am going to do it and I am always open to nominations… though I do have to know the person. Gonna be a tough one as the folks last year were and are so GOOD, it’s a challenge to prop people of the same abilities.

Q Lawyers! I can’t stand them either. It’s so nice that you just let them have it when you do. Though I think they are in the rights for going after the glass guys, I just am not a fan of the profession.

As I have said before outside of the legend that is Kim Mann and BEC speaker Rick Kalson, I am not a lawyer guy. As for the suits, believe what you want but the lawsuits filed against the glass manufacturers could not be more frivolous. Just blatantly sad. The shame is as I have written before is the resources that will be lost because of this whole charade- just tragic.

Q "China grows fat while embracing Western Lifestyle"?? I embrace ancient China--the "BUDDHA" was fat and happy!!

Classic- that's how I am living my life from here on out!

That’s it for this special “vacation” edition of From the Fabricator!

The power of the Rumor?

Can rumor and speculation ruin a company? Can a company with 18 billion in reserve die within a week thanks to said rumors and speculation? Can a company with years in business and with every resource at its fingertips be destroyed in one simple interview? The answers are sadly yes and that’s why the stock market and being a public company is a taste I want no part of. For details on what I am talking about above you can click on this incredible article in Vanity Fair. It breaks it down based on the destruction at Bear Stearns. The article is 9 pages but well worth the time. Sometimes people wish to hit the big time and big money of being public- but after reading that article, there is no way I’d want to be anywhere near that action.

Elsewhere….

-- Speaking of the stock market, another angle of watching the “Street” in action was seeing the reaction to Apogee’s 1^st Q results. The analysts expected one thing, the company missed it and BAM, the stock took a major hit. (Down 18% out of the gate) Everyone from Jim Cramer (of Mad Money fame) to the Motley Fools weighed in on what happened. It did not matter that the company did well performance wise, all that mattered was it missed its expectations.

By the way an interesting interview with Jim Cramer and the CEO of Apogee HERE.

I am still stunned that Apogee did not blame the fuel and energy more. Sure seems to me that would be an acceptable excuse. Then again what do I know, I have no stomach for this stuff.

-- Oh and note, fuel and energy are an issue- no matter how you slice it. It amazes me that people figure that they are covering their costs in the most volatile time we have every experienced. And that’s not a shot at Apogee but at everyone who sluffs this current scenario off.

-- One thing that bears watching in the coming times is the issue of “Greenwashing”- the FTC is getting involved and I think it will become an issue of people propping their materials for being “green” without he proper backing or understanding of the process involved. Its gotten way too easy to say “we’re green” and now the shoe is on its way to dropping. And no this is not to endorse a 3^rd party style, NFRC like system- once again there’s checks and balances in play that will do the trick- without additional layers and un-necessary costs to burden everyone.

-- By the way, this blog is Green… ha ha ha. See using that term alone, just added another 10% in traffic! (This off of what I learned from the Times last week)

Off to the LINKS!!

-- As you may have heard Barack Obama is giving his acceptance speech at the Denver Bronco football stadium. What you may not know is the disaster behind the scenes of that convention. Great read here- and the best part of it is that the caterers can only supply food of certain colors! Seriously. Isn’t that food racism?

-- This billionaire says the US economy is the worst it’s been since WW II… so tell me Mr Billionaire, if the economy sucks so bad, why can’t I get a table at Chef Mickey’s in Disney world? Huh?

-- My revenge on communist China… they are getting fatter- yep mess with the US and you become obese!

-- The volatility of pricing for materials… is everywhere!