Those that know me know that I am an avid Starbucks customer. I am in excellent company of others in our industry: Bill Yeadon, Howard Partridge and Lisa Wagner, to name a few, but I digress.

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.

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.

When I took my first trip to California in 1982, the state’s sunny skies, palm trees and ocean views entranced me. With the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming” playing in my head, I understood why people were moving there in droves.

Who wouldn’t love to discover hidden treasure? Wouldn’t it be great to stumble across a priceless painting at a garage sale or find a rare historical document in your attic?

It’s been fascinating watching the world turn green, i.e. “environmentally sensitive.” Because BNP Media has published Environmental Design + Construction magazine since 1997, we’ve been able to watch the recent “green rush” from a position of insight.

ICS columnist Doug Heiferman shares his thoughts and feelings on the passing of Phil McLaughlin and the impact he had on the cleaning and restoration industries.

Fuel prices are adding to the pressure on construction pros.

Take a look at the brand new April 2013 issue with features on Marketing, Rug/Carpet Cleaning, and Hard Floor Maintenance.