Eye on Xella and AAC

Aerated autoclaved concrete is making waves in US construction. It is in line with environmental concerns, efficiency and modern construction aesthetics. The major supplier in the US is xella.



Keep an eye on AAC in upcoming construction projects. It's a viable option you may not have considered.

Don't Hold Your Breath for the Skunk Ape

I had heard of the chupacabra and the yeti. Mention of them has grown a bit tiresome in fact, owing to one too many gags perpetrated on their behalf.

But Mr. Skunk Ape, I suppose you were before my time:



Mainly reported in the 1960s and 1970s, the above photo comes from 2000, submitted by a startled photog as 'proof' of the skunk ape's existence.

True, it has kind of a skunk look to it, but the name implies more. There is an official term for that grey penumbra of unverified beast life:

The mysterious, the elusive, the inscrutable cryptid.

And with 350 new species recently discovered in the Himalayas, it's anyone's guess what is still roaming wild.

One Month Till London - Looking at Folders

Only one month till I head to London for a long weekend. I'm looking forward to it enough to want to bring along a British-made folding bike to enhance the experience.

The British are so fond of their 'folders', it's kind of a national past-time for them. Just a few of the British-based designs:

The Strida.


The Brompton.


The Moulton.


The A-Bike.


The Raleigh (it's actually a rebranded Dahon).


The Vintage Raleigh (aka The Twenty).


Folding bikes are officially allowed by London Transport, including the Underground, on train service. Quicker commutes are only part of the benefit. They also turn heads.



My favorite is still the Strida, though. It looks improbable and tidy, and it lies smack-dab in the urban commuting category.

Did you know some folding bike fanatics take to touring on a folder?

There's even a tandem folder.



That defeats the purpose of portable commuting in my opinion, but if it brings a smile then c'est la vie.