This doesn't seem like such a brilliant idea.

Quoted: Leaders of this fast-eroding barrier island — the scene of the deadliest hurricane in American history — are about to approve nearly 4,000 new homes and two midrise hotels despite geologists' warnings that the massive development would sever a ridge that serves as the island's natural storm shield.

Outstanding article on the deconstruction and reuse of building materials.

Quoted: Reusing this lumber could save 4,250,000 trees on 150,000 acres (61,000 hectares) of timberland every year. The amount of recoverable materials is even greater if you add nonstructural building products, such as the millions of windows, doors, and fixtures and the thousands of miles of trim work, siding, and flooring available.

Dwell Magazine's site has a section where you can submit photos/descriptions of your apartment setup and view the submissions of others. There are some great ideas here. I especially like the skateboard bowl!

Quoted: Show us what you¹ve done to upgrade your apartment, from simple furniture moves to small-scale demolition. Because, sure, you¹ve signed the rental agreement, but what have you done to make your rental agree with you? (We won¹t tell the landlord.)

Good news for Seattle home owners/sellers. Interesting that much of the growth in the Seattle area is attributed to an "influx of former Californians."

Quoted: Portland, Ore., Boise, Idaho, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Houston, Austin, and Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., are among the cities bucking the national trend. Homes' appreciation there between the fourth quarters of 2005 and 2006 far exceeded the national average of 5.9%, according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. In some markets, like Boise and Seattle, the appreciation jumped well into the double digits.

Guy Nordenson, structural engineer for the Freedom Tower, clearly describes the political and economic problems that have beset the building's development, concluding with a recommended course of action. The article includes renderings, plans, and a detailed comparison between the current tower and an earlier design.

Quoted: The good news is that it is not too late to change things. The current construction of the foundation and subterranean levels does not lock us into a final design above ground. The work should continue up to the ground level and stop (this should take about a year) so that the architects and engineers are given another chance to design a Freedom Tower that, like other buildings rising downtown, is financially viable and a secure and welcoming work environment worthy of its place in the skyline.