Shoutout: Cape Cod

I was just listening to this Nas song, Hustlers. I like Nas, but I've never heard this song before. I couldn't believe my ears, but he starts off the third verse with a nod to Olde Cape Cod. Listen for yourself @ 36 seconds ---

Senator Brown

I love this guy already: "Arianna's definitely not available but Ayla is," he bellowed during his victory speech. He's already giving his daughter away to the people. I would take her out.

FOrget the tea party, this guy looks like a bull in a china shop. I can't wait to see what he really does and how he votes. I don't think either candidate really promised anything beyond healthcare voting.... He was running on an independent platform and kept abortion out of it.

Help Haiti

The people of the Caribbean are strong and resilient, having to rebuild their (mostly poor) small island nations, after being ravaged by hurricanes, which seems like every other year. Seeing those crumbled concrete buildings was so sad, because much of the destruction and death could have been avoided if buildings were built properly. It's pretty sad, when the presidential palace can't withstand an act of nature.

Nobody in the Caribbean saw this coming?

Most people think of concrete (poured and block) as being strong, tough, durable; which it is, if it's built properly and reinforced/designed sufficiently to withstand the loads that may be applied. What struck me the most from the pictures was that all the structures were made of concrete; no wood framed buildings.

When the pictures and video started to come out from Haiti, I was reminded of my work in the lumber industry. In addition to being based in New Orleans and focusing much of our efforts on construction in the Gulf states, which suffer from many of the same threats as islands in the Gulf of Mexico.

With the plethora of forest products) building materials available (at low prices)due to the global recession, American and multinational countries can and should donate materials, shipping, tools and equipment, to both showcase their materials, get rid of their old stock and great PR.


Utilizing the International Building Code (IBC) and the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM).

Maybe we should put the Pallet house to use (see below).