ENR’s online community continues to expand as we add to our roster of bloggers. More and more audience members are joining the conversation.

After appearing in the past as a guest blogger, Tom Ichniowski, Washington, D.C., bureau chief, debuts a Beltway insider’s view of legislative matters that affect construction. His seven-point scenario of the Highway Trust Fund fix quickly drew reader response.

Further south, Angelle Bergeron serves up more spicy gumbo from New Orleans. She’s a talented Cajun cook, but one thing she does not mince is words.

Equipment editor Tudor Van Hampton weighs in with “More Myths About Cranes.” There is much more  information in our blog space:

Tom Sawyer employs a phrase from “Huckleberry Finn” and discovers that a small group of engineers payns close attention to the English language and its usage.

Bill Angelo ponders Mike Davis’s “Planet of Slums” and offers his own plan to combat a global headlong plunge into urban poverty. As always, he strikes a chord.

Pat Galloway wonders when other female engineers will follow her footsteps into the executive suite.

Joe Florkowski takes note of last week’s Southern California earthquake, which registered 5.8 on the Richter scale.

Pam Radke Russell also writes about California doings, in the energy sector.

Richard Korman wonders whether government engineers are losing  stature and respect.