I invented "The Pod" folded shelter system in 2001 as a sort of intellectual and artistic challenge to a program I saw on PBS about homeless people. I thought that there must be a better solution to the problem of sheltering the homeless than refrigerator boxes and discarded pallets. Particularly in the case of large displaced populations in wartime or disaster.

I created a prototype which generated an almost instant flurry of international press interest. In response to that interest, I formed the company "Icosa Village, Inc.", refined the design, and was granted a US patent for the basic unit of construction in 2004. I invested several years of my life and tens of thousands of dollars in the attempt to make a business which would help displaced populations in need of inexpensive, easy to erect, spiritually uplifting temporary or emergency shelter.

Unfortunately my creative vision was not matched by business acumen and the company has faltered. I am still hopeful that I will be able to sell the company and invention to capable and caring hands, and see my efforts bear fruit in the form of making someone's life better.

I do not know when the first announcement came from Apple about the ipod, but I am certain that I had not heard about the ipod when I chose the pod name for my invention. It's funny how pervasive the word has become.