Becker thought I should become a member of this nebulous, secret society of extreme preservation geeks. I suppose there's some sort of --- ---- (no swearing allowed I'm told) initiation. I understand that membership starts with being a legend in your own mind and I'm good with that. Could it be that this group has actually laid hands on the quivering rubble of our central cities? Well, that would be novel considering all of the lame graduates our illustrious college and university HP programs are barfing out today (if I offended you as a graduate of one of the programs, get over yourself).

Actually, I'm looking forward to a dialogue with HP folks who don't feel they have to email me off list to say what they actually think in order to keep their jobs. I've been censured so many times for speaking my mind on the Trust's Forum-L it feels like Brinkman has climbed inside my---------cpu.

I understand one of my favorite preservationeers, John Leek, contributes to this list (Becker's ok too). John and I recently spoke at a conference in Omaha, the city that starts with a zero and ends with a ha. A fabulous time was had by all. My only regret was not getting to spend much time with John. Maybe in Chicago.

As far as introducing myself, I've been in this thing we call HP all my life. I've restored/rehabbed a few houses, gentrified some historic neighborhoods, told some stories, designed & built a lot of furniture, told some stories, ticked off just about every replacement product company in the country, told some more stories, wrote a book (out of print because publisher went bankrupt), writing a new book (who isn't), and finally, I have two restoration widows behind me (I guess lead paint cereal in the morning just made them feel that going out for a pack of cigs and never coming back was a better plan). I've spent my entire career caring about one thing, getting objective information to my only clients--- historic properties/neighborhoods and the folks that live in them. I'm also from Iowa and live in Indiana (yes, there are people living outside the eastern seaboard).

I've come out to play, so lets play. Glad to be here.

Bob Yapp (yapperman)

President

Preservation Resources, Inc.