> I'm listening to NPR now (Tuesday evening) and it sounds like they're
>  doing a story on restoration work being done on the Empire State
>  Building.  They seem to be featuring the apprentice program.
>
>  Check it out...

Through the modern miricle of I'way magic you CAN check it out at:

http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/980721.atc.05.ram

where you will find National Public Radio's RealAudio recording which enables
you to listen to the complete 10 minute report. (If your computer is equiped
with a sound card, speakers and you are willing to install the RealAudio
software.)

It is a very good report with an interview of our friend Norman Weiss, A. Best
(contractor), and several workers, and complete descriptions of the building's
construction, repair methods and the preservation philosophy at work there.

"Restoration Boom -- Linda [Worthheimer, my favorite reporter] examines the
surge in building restorations in New York City. Many post-World War II
buildings are going through second and third rounds of repair, while some of
the skyscrapers from the 1920s and 1930s are having their first major
overhauls. The older buildings are constructed of thicker, more solid
materials and are sturdier than some of the modern glass buildings. The
International Masonry Institute in Queens is meeting the restoration demand by
training construction workers specifically for restoration careers. (10:30) "

Serving the listening convenience of "preservation-ears" around the world,

John Leeke, Preservation Consultant