I can’t even program a TiVo, so it should come as no surprise that I don’t understand the concept of a programmable thermostat.

Everyone in the industry is greatly aware of the technician shortage. However, few realize there is also a shortage of persons to teach HVACR classes at our nation’s schools.

I love going to Chicago for the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). Lots of new product, but the weather is always gorgeous this time of year, even though it can be a bit balmy by Lake Michigan.

The other day I was planning to book an airline ticket using my Northwest Airlines Award miles. I hadn’t used them in a few years so I wasn’t aware of any new changes to award travel.

Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of leaders generating optimism among consumers.

To escape all the environmental and government regulation issues I’ve been writing about, my wife and I went to a classical music concert. The main piece of music was a Beethoven symphony; however, the opening work was called “Global Warming.”

We are always happy to hear from you. While the best way to reach any editor is by e-mail, we realize that not all have access to the Internet or are e-mail savvy. It’s why we introduce our new hotline number: 618-239-0288.

For the last few years, anything green has received incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of green.

The NEWS plans to produce a series concerning how the economic conditions today are affecting the contracting world.

I just looked at the November 2008 shipment report for the industry - not too exciting. But, I noticed that year-to-date heat pumps shipments were only down 0.8 percent compared with a year ago.