You know how it is when you studied something, got ready for it, knew what to expect and believed you could handle the challenge? You know how it is when you move from being intellectually prepared to actually going through it? You think you can handle it, and you’ve trained for it. And then you have got to do it. Or try to anyway. Well that’s me this month. Let me explain. Our Keycomm offices are scheduled to move over Christmas week. We’ve been here a long time and I would not say we’ve outgrown our space but we’ve outgrown its configuration. And we’re at the limit of what re-configuring… Read More »
The caller on the phone sounded exasperated. I just wasn’t giving him what he wanted and we both knew it. He had tried several times and in different ways to get me to go in the direction he wanted to pursue. But I was trying to have none of it. “Okay,” he said with a long sigh, “let’s try it this way. Let’s say, hypothetically, there was a glass shortage, what would the possible cause of such a shortage be?” Ah, I thought, there it is—the hypothetical question. Reporters love ‘em, politicians run from them and I well, okay, sure, I’ll bite. “Well when there is a glass shortage, and… Read More »
“Debbie, Debbie, did they tell you?” were the first words he said to me. “Are you the one who did it? Did they call you? I told them to call you and tell you. Did they?” The questioner was none other than business rock star Jack Welch, and no, whoever “they” were hadn’t called me or told me anything. He and his wife, Suzy (who is a force of nature in her own right) had just stepped off their airplane and into a van with yours truly. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “here we go.” I’d been in their presence about 30 seconds and had already messed something up for sure. I will… Read More »
The GlassBuild (GBA) show has existed, in some form or another, since the mid-’70s. Its name, focus and venues have changed and continue to evolve, but one thing is for sure: it’s a great place to see your industry colleagues and take a look at some of the newest products. In addition to catching up with friends and compatriots, it’s also a good “looking glass” into the future. Here are my top five trends from GBA: Automation Nation: The robotics seen in Europe for the past 10 years are finally making their way to the United States, particularly in the area of glass handling. Automated efficiencies will reduce the number of workers needed… Read More »
I saw something last month that really bothered me—so much so that my mind keeps coming back to it over and over again. I try to put it out of my head, but it’s haunting me and I just can’t shake it, because I need your help to fix it. Let me explain. I was fortunate to take two great trips this summer—the first one through some great cities in Europe, which included fulfilling a lifelong desire to visit Vatican City. The second was the annual trip my sister and I (the two crazy aunts) take with their nephew Kevin (who, of course is perfect in every way) every year—but more… Read More »
I was fortunate to spend two weeks in Europe last month and got to visit a number of countries and cities. And in the course of my travels, I found the glassiest building I’ve ever seen. I even got to stay in it—and man, was it memorable. Barcelona, Spain is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s an amazing combination of history and art combined with a modernista vibe and viewpoint. It embraces history and is cutting edge. The city of Antonio Gaudi embraces architecture as its birthright and showcases landmark buildings with distinction and reverence. So I’d like to say that I researched the city extensively and found this… Read More »
As you can imagine, I spend a fair amount of time discussing glass, and not just in my role as USGlass magazine’s publisher. Family, friends, and almost everyone I meet, asks me something about glass when they find out what I do. Over the years, these very questions and comments have led to my own “wish list” of things I wish the average consumer knew about glass. Here’s my top five: 1. Glass is not just glass. There are thousands upon thousands of different types of glass with distinct properties and performance characteristics. Some, like mirror, are easily recognizable, but most are not. Glass comes in different thicknesses, sizes, strengths… Read More »
In just a few weeks, we will begin celebrating the 50th anniversary of USGlass (full name USGlass, Metal & Glazing) magazine. In magazine years, 50 is, well, a very, very long time and an anniversary that very few publications get to experience. So I feel lucky we begin ours very soon. We’ve been getting ready for this anniversary for more than a year and plan a series of publications and events around it. Maybe you’ve already seen “Throwback Thursdays” on every week in our USGNN.com™ daily e-newsletter (free subscriptions at www.usglassmag.com). Or perhaps you’ve perused the “USGlass at 50” section that is running in the magazine this year. Our August… Read More »
The future is a totally oxymoronic concept. It’s anticipated happily, yet at the same time, it’s dreaded. Parts of it are so certain they seem pre-ordained; other parts are completely unknown. The future is for sure, though exactly what it contains never is. It is feared and beloved at the same time. Well, the July issue of USGlass gives us quite a glimpse into the future. Whether you find what it says exciting or unsettling is up to you. I think it’s a bit of both. You’ll want to read the story by Ellen Rogers called “The X Factor.” The “X” in the headline comes from BECx, the designation letting… Read More »
It’s one of my favorite things to do at work, and it only comes once a month. And sometimes, a month even has to be skipped. But when it comes, I sure do enjoy it. Am I talking about our monthly “ice cream days” in the summer? Or the picnics on the patio? Oh no, I am talking about something that’s even more fun for me. I totally and thoroughly enjoy our monthly editor’s meeting. Led every 30 days or so by our vice president of editorial Tara Taffera, these meetings bring together the entire editorial staff to discuss the proverbial good, bad and ugly—but ultimately, to learn. We train… Read More »
