A Google employee sets up food samples from Milwaukee-area restaurants at Monday’s “Wisconsin Get Your Business Online” program launch at the Pritzlaff Building, 143 E. St Paul Ave., Milwaukee. (Photos by Caley Clinton)

The Google Places icon sits outside the Pritzlaff Building on Monday in Milwaukee. The tech company is in town Monday and Tuesday to encourage business owners to develop an online presence.

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It amazes me that there are still businesses out there with no online presence.

As someone who came of age during the Internet boom, I clearly remember my own shift away from using the physical Yellow Pages to searching online directories, and now, just Googling anything and everything.

So, when I type a company into Google and no hits come back, it’s irritating and surprising. It’s 2011, after all — aren’t we all online regularly by now?

In the relatively old-school world of contracting, however, it seems the answer in some sectors is still “no.” Especially with smaller contractors, I’ve found plenty where, when I go online to find contact information, there’s nothing there.

Andy Berndt, vice president of Google’s Creative Lab, thinks he knows why. Berndt, a Whitefish Bay native, was back in town Monday (proudly rocking a Milwaukee Brewers shirt) for a Google event at the Pritzlaff Building in downtown Milwaukee.

“I think some of the businesses that are not online maybe tried it once and had a bad experience or believe it will be expensive to develop a Web presence,” Berndt said. “That’s why we’re making an emphasis to get out in communities and connect directly with people.”

The tech company’s “Wisconsin Get Your Business Online” program launch (which runs through Tuesday at the Pritzlaff) offers companies a chance to set up a free (for one year, after that it will cost $4.99 a month to keep the basic site up) website for their business, with the help of Google’s tech crews.

If a website seems overwhelming, one of the company’s most basic services, Google Places, will at least get your company’s name, contact info and some other basic details online for potential customers to find. The company has a whole team of Google techies around Monday and Tuesday to help set that up, as well.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, who attended Monday’s launch, said he hoped the Google program would encourage businesses to step into the online marketplace.

“It can seem intimidating, and people may be afraid to ask for help,” he said, “but there are a lot of options out there. Venues like this help.”

Photographer Jim Brozek captures the addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. The museum is hosting a special exhibition, starting this month, to celebrate the structure’s 10-year anniversary. (Photos by Jim Brozek)

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It’s become hard to imagine a time when America wasn’t as on edge as it has been the past 10 years.

Remember when you could actually wear shoes through airport security and even drink a bottle of water? When red, orange and yellow were just colors, and not threat levels?

Our world is certainly a different place since 9/11.

But this month also marks another 10-year anniversary; a special one for Milwaukee.

It has been a decade since Santiago Calatrava’s first completed building in the United States, the addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum, opened on the city’s lakefront.

And just one month after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the addition’s Burke Brise Soleil sun screen spread its wings for the first time. It was a soothing site to the men and women chosen to witness that early feat.

Before the Calatrava addition spread its wings, however, Milwaukee native and photographer Jim Brozek was there to document the building’s progress in a series of pictures.

Brozek, who works for Marquette University, said he was approached about photographing the project’s construction a couple months before work started in 1998.

“The neatest thing about it, that I’ve never experienced again, is I was given a key to the place,” Brozek recalled. “I could go anytime I wanted. Sometimes I’d go on Sunday mornings or evenings, when no one was around.”

Exploring “virgin territory without a minder” was freeing, he said, and he used vacation time over the course of four years to capture the structure from its initial placement to completion.

“I remember the magnificence of seeing the ring beam poured. And I remember standing there, without any glass; this large structure hanging above you,” Brozek said. “Knowing all the pieces that hold up that large, weighty structure.”

Some of Brozek’s photography will be featured in the museum’s exhibition celebrating the 10-year anniversary, which starts Sept. 8.

In a month where many of us will no doubt be reflecting upon the tragedies that occurred 10 years ago, it’s refreshing to look back at a thing of beauty that also resulted from that time.

The Harmon tower (center left) is shown under construction in 2009. MGM Resorts International wants to demolish the defective hotel tower on the Las Vegas Strip because structural defects prevent it from being usable. (AP File Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Last fall, Jim Murren, chief executive officer of MGM Resorts International, joined other business executives in chiding Congress for failing to pass a substantive energy policy that would allow clean energy manufacturers to compete with traditional energy giants.

At the time, Murren bragged about his company’s sustainable innovations and called MGM’s CityCenter resort on the Las Vegas Strip one of the world’s largest green projects.

But now the promise of CityCenter is about to, literally, implode in MGM’s face.

Construction of the center’s multi-million dollar Harmon Hotel has been plagued seemingly from the start.

Apparently the building is so unstable it could collapse in an earthquake.

So now MGM is looking to demolish the nearly $300 million project before it ever opened.

While I certainly applaud the decision to sacrifice cost for safety, it’s a shame to think about all the resources that went into the project, which will now burn up even more energy as it is destroyed.

Not exactly a green landmark anymore, is it Murren?

People hang out at the Showplace Triangle parklet in San Francisco, one of many such public spaces cropping up in the city. San Francisco’s Pavement to Parks projects seek to reclaim public property and turn it into new public plazas and parks. Similar projects are gaining popularity in New York, as well. (Photo courtesy of Rebar Art Collective)

I can’t help it.

While reading about “parklets” – a cutesy name for little public spaces in unused parking spots – I could not stop thinking, “What a waste of space.”

Something about the silliness of these trendy public spaces rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d much rather be able to park my gas-guzzling vehicle in front of a local business than have to drive around looking for a spot while non-paying customers hang out in a parklet that used to be a parking space.

Parklets are all the rage in San Francisco, and growing in popularity in other areas such as New York (where they’re also called “pop-up cafes”) and Oakland.

The Oakland parklets are so popular, in fact, a wooden patio-like one was stolen from outside a café in May.

In San Francisco, the city has developed an entire Pavement to Parks program devoted to the creation of parklets. Local businesses partner with the city and, sometimes, volunteers, to create the public spaces.

But controversy has already arisen over how much parklets outside businesses are benefiting the business vs. the public. The parklet out front of San Francisco’s Squat and Gobble café looks suspiciously like part of the restaurant, though the business owners swear it’s for the public.

I could see parklets catching on in popular, pedestrian-filled areas of Milwaukee (such as the Third Ward) and Madison (anywhere near campus), but I would much rather keep the parking spaces and go to a nearby park if I feel the need to be outside in a public space.

Particularly in the colder months, when many a city parking spot is filled with snow for months on end, I can’t see anyone looking at a parklet and thinking “what a great use of space.”

Initial construction continued on the site of the Chicago Spire in this April 2008 file photo. The project is now the subject of several foreclosure suits. (Photo courtesy of the Shelbourne Development Group)

There’s a 76-foot-deep hole in the ground where Chicago’s latest showpiece building should be, and it makes me sad.

I’m disappointed that what promised to be a stunning new work of architecture by Calatrava is now one of the most visible signs of the struggles to get projects financed.

But more than anything, I’m bummed that the project’s stalling meant Donald Trump, cocksure braggart that he is, then had the opportunity to say: “I predicted (the Spire) wouldn’t be built, and I was right. Only I had the vision and resources to get it done and now my building is the biggest to be built since Sears Tower.”

A rendering of the stalled Chicago Spire project. (Rendering courtesy of the Shelbourne Development Group)

Pardon me while I gag.

Though many an obituary has already been written for the ill-fated Spire, there may be new hope for the project now that the American Institute of Architects announced it is putting together a database of stalled projects for potential financing.

Could the Spire be part of that database? That remains to be seen. The AIA’s John Schneidawind said the organization is waiting to conduct an initial survey of its members in a few weeks to determine what projects may be added to the list.

Despite the many issues that have plagued the Spire over the years, I’m hoping it makes the cut. I thought Calatrava’s design for the building was beautiful, and I’d love to see Chicago add another gem to its crown.

But more than anything, I’d love to see Trump eat his words. No one with that hair should be allowed to be that smug.

If the potholes are a rockin’, don’t come a knockin’.

It’s a tactic likely as old as time, or at least, as long as men and women have existed: withholding sex until a desired outcome is achieved.

Women have withheld sex to achieve a number of things over the years: whether it’s getting their husband to do a chore (sometimes you just really want the toilet scrubbed) or holding out for a cease-fire in a bloody civil war.

But never before have I heard of women withholding sex in order to get roads repaired … until now.

Which is to say that I completely understand it – potholes are oftentimes the bane of my car and mine’s existence, so I can see how desire to get those fixed could outweigh other desires.

I just wonder if this tactic will actually work for the more than 250 women in a remote town in southwest Colombia taking part in the great “Crossed Legs Strike” of 2011.

I will certainly be waiting to see how this plays out. Wisconsin has a lot of bumpy roads, after all.

Ladies, it might be time to take some (in)action.

Ward Memorial Hall on the Milwaukee Soldiers Home campus is one of a mix of Colonial Revival, Queen Anne and Victorian Gothic architecture targeted for preservation on the 90-acre site. The property was recently named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historical Places” list. (Photo courtesy of PreservationNation.com)

You can do just about anything over text message these days.

Shopping, voting, donating, shirtless photos; it’s all possible (standard messaging rates apply).

I can’t remember which global disaster was the first to do so, but I know there have been several now where I’ve ponied up my $10 donation by sending a text of “HOPE” or “GIVE” to the American Red Cross or some other aid organization.

Now we can add “saving endangered buildings” to the list of causes one can support via text message.

What is an endangered building, you may ask. Well, there’s one right here in our backyard: Milwaukee’s Soldiers Home campus.

Selected as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historical Places,” Soldiers Home is “one of the most intact examples” of early soldier’s homes. Such homes were established through one of the last pieces of legislation signed by President Lincoln prior to his assassination, according to the NTHP.

Multi-million dollar plans to restore the property are now even further in jeopardy since $2 million in state money for the project was removed from the budget by Assembly Republicans this week.

So if you want to help preserve the historic site, text “PLACES” to 25383 to donate $10 to help save America’s Most Endangered Historic Places.

Otherwise this Milwaukee landmark will continue to crumble, and may someday be added to the list of other extinct beauties such as the golden toad, the quagga and the dodo.

Were you disappointed by the accessories and look of the recently unveiled Architect Barbie?

Now’s your chance to weigh in on the next stage of Mattel’s foray into the world of design: The Dream House Design Competition.

Co-hosted by Mattel and the American Institute of Architects, the design competition challenges AIA members to dream up a new home for Architect Barbie, complete with massive closet.

Designing a new Dream House won’t be all pink and sparkles, however; Barbie has some unique challenges for her architect, including: room for up to five pets (including a giraffe) and a home office that can accommodate Barbie’s 125 careers.

If you think you’re up to the challenge, you have until June 27 to submit your design online.

If you do submit, let me know – I’d love to hear all about your plans for Barbie’s new bachelorette pad. I can be reached at caley.clinton@dailyreporter.com.

(Cheryl Gerber/AP Images for Mattel)

There probably aren’t a ton of little girls out there dreaming of drafting tables and rebar, but maybe there will be now that Architect Barbie is introducing the world of design to a young audience.

With her girly dress and high heels, however, Architect Barbie might not be the most accurate representation of the industry, Wisconsin professionals say.

“I don’t know what planet this Barbie is an architect for, but here on Earth, ‘Architect’ Barbie should be wearing black slacks that are covered with white construction dust, flat covered-toe shoes, and protective eye gear that’s way too big for her head,” said Jennifer Herr, an interior designer with Eppstein Uhen Architects Inc., Milwaukee. “She should be carrying a tape measure, camera, clipboard and a set of drawings – juggling them all at the same time.”

Denise Dauplaise, an architect with Berners-Schober Associates Inc., Green Bay, criticized the doll for her bare legs and inappropriate outfit.

“Although I applaud Mattel for its efforts to include non-traditional careers in Barbie’s resume, it still seems that she is more representing Barbie than an architect,” Dauplaise said. “Kudos for the hard hat – does it actually fit? – but the high-heeled boots are not job site safe. The skirt is far too short to be appropriate for a job site; not to mention the fact that her legs will get scratched by the first piece of rebar she encounters.”

Erica Plouff of Bray Architects lauded Mattel for giving Architect Barbie fashionable shoes, however. The interior designer often has to visit job sites for work, she said, and is frequently wearing high heels and dresses because that’s what she feels comfortable in.

“That’s not to say I don’t take ridicule occasionally from contractors or coworkers on site for trying to teeter around in high heels in dirt,” Plouff said, “but I wear them proudly and I think that sends the message to young girls that they don’t have to conform and if they are smart and good at what they do they will be taken seriously and respected regardless of what they are wearing.”

While many architects and designers noted that most professionals wouldn’t wear so much color, Plouff said she liked the color choices for Architect Barbie’s outfit.

“I would keep the color in her clothes,” she said. “Little girls aren’t going to be drawn to it if she is wearing monochromatic colors or black, white and gray. Doing a pink hard hat would also be an option.”

Some bemoaned the use of pink for some of Barbie’s accessories and ensemble, however.

“Really, does pink have to be a part of every girl toy?” Dauplaise said. “I don’t even know what to say about the pink model home.”

Nathan Stark, a project team leader at Bray, said it was Barbie’s cheerful expression that was the most unrealistic aspect of the doll.

“By the time she had enough experience to produce the drawings she is holding, the daily abuse and disrespect should have killed her spirit and extinguished the sparkle in her eyes,” he said.

Some female architects were excited to see their profession included in the popular toy line, however, despite some questionable fashion choices.

Amber Bahr, an architect with AG Architecture Inc., Wauwatosa, said as a girl that played with Barbies and aspired to be an architect, Mattel’s latest toy is “very special” to her.

“Hopefully it inspires young girls to get into architecture at an earlier age,” she said. “I can remember as a child when my parents would take me to the Parade of Homes every year and I’d come home and draw my ‘dream home’ over and over again.”

Gigi Szeklinski, an interior designer and project assistant at Eppstein Uhen, said Mattel’s decision to create Architect Barbie is a sign of the times.

“What was once a very male-dominated field has transitioned into more of a gender-neutral field,” she said. “Anytime a toy can promote exploration and interest in skill development and future studies, the initial function has been met and exceeded.”

But in keeping with the times, said Teresa Wadzinski, project architect at Eppstein Uhen, Architect Barbie should have more modern tools.

“I like the drawings under her arm, but most likely in her other hand there would be a laptop or phone,” Wadzinski said. “So much of what we do is on computers that we aren’t carrying around drawings very much, as compared to bringing them up on a computer.”

Doug Forton, a project team leader with Bray Associates-Architects Inc., Sheboygan, bemoaned the lack of a male doll for his profession.

“Is there a Ken the Architect? Generally, this is a heavily male-dominated profession,” he said.

Twelve million dollars – the amount of money two Maryland school districts recently turned down in federal money for construction projects.

Two thousand, four hundred – the number of construction jobs Maryland lost from March 2010 to March 2011, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Doesn’t seem like the numbers are going in a very positive direction, do they?

I was disappointed to read this week that Maryland officials are opting to scale back planned (and even some in-progress) school construction projects around the state due to concerns over operating costs.

While I understand that money is tight across the country as we continue to fight our way out of the recession, I’m not sure killing construction jobs – and better learning opportunities for students – is the way to succeed, especially when the federal government is willing to shell out millions of dollars to help pay for the construction.