From The Publisher August 1998 Bits and pieces from the peanut gallery . . . . * Ahhhhh . . . . it felt good last month to get out another politically hot column and the response, as usual, was very supportive. We've yet to hear from ASLA about adding new staff, but if you put a little pressure on 'em they will do the right thing. And speaking about putting on the pressure, one thing I've learned is that while they may not react to every individual, they certainly won't respond if you're not a member. Why do you think we joined several years ago . . . . That's right, if you can't beat 'em from the outside, shake'em up from the inside. At least then if nothing happens, you can say you gave it your best effort. Not that I'm the ASLA's number one fan, but as it stands today they are the Association that represents the profession and just think what would happen to the profession if all the dissenters were to all of a sudden join/rejoin the society and get vocal . . . . . Holy moly Batman . .. that might add a little excitement to the ol'e bat cave . . . . * Well . . . the L.A.T.E. Show was another success. I say another because this was actually the third running of the show. If you don't remember . . . the first two were in '87 and '89. Anyways, attendance was consistent, the speakers were great, the exhibitors were genuinely supportive (see list below) and the CLASS Fund added a few more dollars into the largest perpetual scholarship fund supporting the profession. Keep your eyes open for the L.A.T.E Show #4 . . . . . * Speaking of Shows, it's not too early to make your reservations for the ASLA Show in Portland OR. LASN will again be there is spades. LASN will be exhibiting for the 8th consecutive year and we're currently scouring the Pacific Northwest for the best Oregonian projects to feature in LASN's Annual Show Issue. If you know of a great ORP (Oregonian project), contact LASN right away. While most of the articles are well into the editing room, it's never too late to add a superior project to the template. * Did I mention that LASN is sponsoring the Fellows Investiture Dinner at the ASLA Show this year. That's right, LASN is sponsoring an ASLA event ?!? While it may seem somewhat schitzo . . . LASN has adopted the philosophy outlined in its "Vision 2,000 (see above) and since the Fellows have always held a special place in our hearts, we feel both blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to express our support for the College of Fellows and the Class of '98. * And speaking of shows . . . . Show season is approaching fast. LASN will be at the NRPA Show in Miami, FL, the ASLA Show in Portland, OR, the Turfgrass show in Southern California, the Irrigation Association (IA) Show in San Diego, CA and at least one or two others in the next few months. If you are at any of these events look us up at our booths . . . or . . . if you know of an event that we should be at, let us know. If we can't attend, at least we'll try to report on the event for you' all. * I would have been going to the Florida ASLA's annual meeting this year if it weren't for the fact that my wife is due with our third humanoid (finally a girl) at precisely the time of the meeting (which will be held in Palm Beach, July 22-26. Call 407-481-0660 for information). I know they are putting on a session about licensure that should be attended by as many RLA's as possible. * Does that sound like more support for the ASLA?!?!? Goodness . . . . it does . . . . Well, before I get the water out of my eyes from this "Water Features" issue and my vision (2000) begins to clear and I turn into an ASLA groupie, I'd better sign off for this issue and get to the tasks at hand . . . . Have a great summer . . . . George (EarthmanX@aol.com) Schmok