National BIM (NBIMS) standard Version 1 is out for review

The National Building Information Modeling Standard™ (NBIMS) Version 1.0—Part 1: Overview, Principles, and Methodologies is now available for review for the next two months. The review period will span from March 12, 2007, until May 21, 2007. Read more in the press release.

Those interested in reviewing the document can obtain it from the NIBS National BIM Standard™ web site or by following the direct links below.

Direct Downloads:

Overview, Principles, and Methodologies (PDF 13.3 MB)
Appendices and References (PDF 2.6 MB)

Whats up with the Vertical Bar or ASCII code 124?

The vertical bar, pipe, v-bar, etc. is used for many things. In AutoCAD it designates an element, object, or entity that originates in an externally referenced file. Most savvy AutoCAD users know that if they encounter a layer name with this symbol then the layer is actually found on the filename listed in front of the pipe symbol. The usage also occurs in the "Image manager" where it designates a raster image file that is brought into the current drawing through the external reference it was originally inserted in. Can't detach that image? Open the xref and detach it there!

Other uses for the vertical bar? Check out wikipedia

Congratulations to Haskell's CANstruction team!

Haskell CANstruction Team is Double Winner!

At the recent CANstruction Gala in Jacksonville, Florida, The Haskell Company's entry of Thomas the Tank Engine took both top prizes. It was the People's Choice as well as The Juror's Favorite.



This could not have been achieved without the support and the hard work of the entire CANstruction team. They included: Captain Dominique Caldreon, and, in alphabetical order, Sylvia Barber, Matt Dahlberg, Jonathan Essa, Joyce Jack, Melanie Mason, Jordan Moffett, Kathleen Peaks, Bob Renaud, Loraine Rice, Michael Rossman, David Schoening, Alan Wilson and Donald Wolford.



About CANstruction:
Canstruction combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed hungry people. Visit the Main Library in Jacksonville, Fl to see the 2007 CANstruction designs in person.

Event Info:
CanStruction will be held March 3 - 15 at the Jacksonville Library Main Branch, 303 North Laura Street. Teams of architects, engineers, and contractors will compete to design and build enormous 800 cubic foot structures made entirely out of canned foods. The structures are dismantled at the close of the the exhibition, and the thousands of pounds of food generated from the event are donated to the Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank.

For more information, call 904.798-8333 or visit www.canstruction.com.

Interesting MSN site: Open for Design

I caught wind of the Open for Design site at msn today at lunch. There is a blurb about a book (Tools of the Imgination: Drawing Tools and Technologies from the Eighteenth Century to the Present (Princeton Architectural Press)) for all the design old timers. Do you still look back with fond memories of scum-x fights and the sound of people stippling their sheets? This book is for you.



For the websters...the site uses flash.

Daylight Savings Time comes early this year!

If you do nothing else to prepare for the 3 week early Daylight Savings Time adjustment, at least put the date and time in the subject line on any notices, appointments, and/or meeting requests you schedule. During the advance period of March 11th to March 25th, not everyone's calendar will be behaving as expected. Do yourself and those you meet with a favor. Check your calendars frequently and place the date and time of the meeting in the subject line. You'll be glad you did.

DST commonly begins in the northern hemisphere on the last Sunday in March or the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. However, due to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, beginning in 2007, the United States will begin observing DST from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November. (Studies will determine if this remains permanent.)” – Wikipedia

Here are some links to information that will help with your DST adjustments:

Microsoft Discussion
Windows XP (SP2) - KB 928388
Windows XP (SP1) - Not Supported
Windows Server 2003 - KB 928388
Windows 2000 - Apply TZEDIT.EXE manually
Windows NT4 - Not Supported
Microsoft Outlook - Check the Microsoft Download Center
Windows Mobile Devices - Microsoft KB Article 923953
Windows CE - KB 923027

Hope that helps