From The Publisher September 2000 Bits and Pieces ????? Well, it is show season again and we at LASN are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at a wide variety of shows in the weeks ahead. I just returned from Houston and had a great time meeting Landscape Architects and Contractors in the hot and very humid southern part of that state. It is great to meet you folks face to face and discuss the issues close to your part of the country. In a nutshell, Texas is organizing for a sunset battle, pushing the use of composts and facing a terrible drought (more on that below), but all in all, the Landscape Industry in Texas is as strong as I've seen in my years in the business. Next it's on to Phoenix . . . Actually, we'll be in Phoenix for the SW Horticulture show (September 7-8), the NRPA Show (National Recreation and Parks, October 12-14) and the IA Show (Irrigation Association, November 12-14). Three shows in the same city is very unusual for one year . . . . In addition, you can find LASN at the Southern California Turfgrass Expo (a local favorite, October 4-5), the Las Vegas Western Nursery and Garden Expo (October 18-19), the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, November 15-18) in Atlanta and, of course, the ASLA show in St. Louis (October 27-30). LASN will have a booth at all of these events, so please stop by and say "hi" . . . . (Remember . . even if you disagree with my commentaries I/we still would like to meet you and say "hey".) ????? The ASLA budget: LASN is trying to get the ASLA to release the annual budget while it is still in the review process and to let us publish all or part for your review. Since the Federal Government allows us citizens to review its budget for debate, we feel it would benefit the Society to stimulate discussion of the budget and ultimately the direction of the organization. If you wish to get a copy for review you can contact your Trustee and should direct your comments/concerns, etc. to that individual. What do you think . . . Should ASLA allow LASN to publish the pre-approved budget for all to see . . . What if we promise not to politicize it and just open it up for discussion? Let us (and/or your Trustee) know what you think . . . ????? Global Warming: From California's August rain storms to the dust bowl drought in Texas this has been a summer to remember. I can't tell if the climate is warming or cooling. Texas is always hot in the summer, but rain rarely happens in So Cal before November. Global warming is a big issue in the upcoming election. Do you think it is a man-made event or is it just a naturally adjusting occurrence of nature . . . . ????? The Economy: Housing starts are actually down for the first seven months of Y2K. There were 979,200 starts in the first seven months of '99 and only 955,100 this year. I wonder if the interest rate increases have slowed development and if the latest non-movement of interest rates will help stimulate the flat although very much alive industry . . . ????? As always, we like to hear from you, so keep the cards, letters and email coming. ????? Anyway, I hope your summer was as great as ours was . . . See you at the Shows . . . and, of course . . . God Bless . . . .