After years of suffering with arthritis and loss of cartilage in my right hip, I’ve recently undergone a procedure known as “hip resurfacing”.

So how did I get this way at just 52 years old? The stupidity of youth!

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

The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know we could pick better partners.

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.

The construction market stinks. The stock market brings constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day. Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are filing for bankruptcy.

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.

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.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.

Earlier this week the U.S. Commerce Department released October stats indicating that new home and apartment construction have dropped to an annual rate of 791,000 units, a 4.5% decrease from September.

I love nature shows, especially those that demonstrate ferocity in the animal kingdom. Last night I caught a segment where an imposing monitor lizard went looking for lunch in a badger’s den, only to end up becoming lunch for the badger.