News, Information and Ideas from Around the Web

Sustainable Vinyl Featured at Green Building Expo 
Vinyl's numerous energy-saving, environmental and health benefits are on display this week at the nation's principal green building expo... read more

New Study Shows Professional Remodeling Reduces Lead Levels
Professional remodeling reduces lead levels in homes and actually improves existing conditions, according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders. The peer-reviewed research is the most comprehensive study ever to look at the effects of common remodeling projects in homes with lead paint... read more

'Green' Architect Says Solar Just Needs A Better Public Image
In a place called the "Valley of the Sun," life and plans revolve around the star's daily barrage of rays. It is curious to some that this free source of energy is not used effectively by more people. The issue, says Arizona Solar Center Chair Dan Aiello, is that people are only just beginning to embrace the idea of taking power from the sun. "An example of the issue is a house, costing millions to construct out of primarily steel and glass with 13.5 tons of air conditioning," he says. "Then it has solar panels, but they are all placed incorrectly in regards to where they would be most effective... read more

Customers Sometimes Overwhelmed by Too Many Choices
AOL has had its share of ups and downs over the years. But when the service first launched in the mid-1990s, it entered one long "up" period that made a lot of people very, very rich. Back in the early days one of those people, AOL Vice-Chairman Ted Leonsis, explained the service's appeal by comparing its limited, prepackaged online experience with the travel industry... read more

Home Depot's Q3 Profit Drops On Slowing Housing Market
Home Depot, the nation's largest home improvement store chain, reported 3.1% profit drop in Q3, blaming slowing housing market with considerably lower same-store sales. The company said it earned $1.49 billion, or 73 cents a share, compared with a profit of $1.54 billion, or 72 cents a share a year ago, missing expectations of 75 cents a share. Revenue in the quarter rose 11.3% to $23.09 billion, up from $20.74 billion for the same period a year ago, but same-store sales dropped 5.1%. The company also lowered its full-year earnings per share and sales growth guidance... read more

Lowe's Profit Up Nearly 11%
Lowe's Cos. reported a profit increase Monday of nearly 11% for its fiscal third quarter and warned that its fourth-quarter results would be weaker than expected. But investors sent shares of the nation's second-largest home improvement chain higher. One analyst said investors appeared to be looking beyond the slowing housing market and deflation in certain commodity categories... read more