Plumbing & Mechanical articles from October 2005

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from October 2005

Small space specialists: two tools that make working with copper easier.
October 1, 2005... CopperKey[R] adds new twist to copper prep. The patented ratchet handle on the CopperKey lets you work in really tight places. Just two or three inches of clearance are all you need to prep tubing and couplings inside and out. ...

More on the Man and Myth.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... I am afraid that I must take exception to the condescending tone that Carmen Yuen takes with the idea of creation stories in her essay "Man and Myth" (August 2005)--specifically that the naturalist would have a more complete view of...

Lean construction.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... Thanks for the article about lean construction ("Lean The Grunau Way," August 2005). Nice to see others take part in "5S" events where literally tens of thousands of dollars can be saved. American Residential Services/Rescue Rooter is...

Problems are our business.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2005... Ellen is right. We are problem-solvers ("Super-Thinking To The Rescue!" August 2005). Without our customers' problems we would be in deep dodo. I find that a problem is only a problem until it is solved. Then it is stored in our memory banks...

IAPMO becomes fifth ISH North America show partner.(international association of plumbing and mechanical officials)(international sanitation and h eating)
October 1, 2005... The opening ceremonies of this year's PHCC convention had barely started when President Mary Garvelink made an announcement regarding next year's ISH North America. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials will...

Sewer gas kills 3 ship crew members.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
October 1, 2005... Three crew members of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship were killed by toxic sewer gas Sept. 2 as they repaired a waste pipe while the ship was docked in Los Angeles. No passengers were injured. The gas first was identified as methane by...

PMI probes emerging technologies.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
October 1, 2005... Topics ranging from dealing with change to the coming era of RFID inventory tracking were addressed by 12 industry experts who recently spoke at a PMI conference. The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute devoted three days to a program zeroing in...

IAPMO, ICC discuss unified plumbing codes.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... IAPMO recently announced that it and ICC are holding discussions to bring about the much-desired unified plumbing and mechanical codes everyone has been clamoring for. IAPMO President Chris Salazar said the talks "are on a very informal basis,"...

'Good Samaritan' bill introduced.(immunity action to contractors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... To aid contractors volunteering in times of crisis, "Good Samaritan" legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed, it will provide measured protections and qualified liability immunity to contractors who respond to...

NCCER, Monster team up online.(National Center for Construction Education and Research)(carrier resource for construction industry)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The National Center for Construction Education and Research partnered with global online career site Monster to provide customers a one-stop online career resource center for the construction industry. This co-branded destination, accessible...

IRS to address home construction contracts.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department, responding to a request from Associated Builders and Contractors, will address the definition of home construction contracts through the Industry Issue Resolution program. As contractors...

ServiceMagic completes purchase of ImproveNet.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... ServiceMagic successfully completed its acquisition of the stock of ImproveNet for nearly $6.7 million in cash. Effective upon closing of the transaction, all residential contractors in the companies' respective networks will benefit from...

Perchlorate in drinking water part of EPA study.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... As part of a proposed $42 million study to assess the occurrence of 28 contaminants in drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will try to determine the extent of damage done to drinking water supplies by perchlorate, a...

Plumbing code review offered Nov. 3.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... A one-day class to help code enforcement officials, designers and plumbers understand the plumbing aspects of the 2003 International Residential Code will be offered Nov. 3, 2005, in Pittsburgh. Deadline for registration is Oct. 20. The...

NORA releases storage tank training video.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... The National Oilheat Research Alliance released a new comprehensive training video for the installation and maintenance of both indoor and outdoor above-ground heating oil storage tanks. The video is a companion to NORA's training manual...

DOL offers compliance resources in Spanish.(department of labor)(language compliance designed)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... The Department of Labor announced the availability of two Spanish-language compliance assistance resources designed to help members of the Hispanic community understand and comply with federal employment laws and regulations. The newly...

GAMA announces new president.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association named Jack Klimp, a senior executive of the Phoenix House Foundation, as its new president. He succeeds Evan Gaddis, who resigned to take a position at another trade association.

PAMCA installs new 2005-2006 officers.(Briefs)
October 1, 2005... The Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association of Hawaii recently installed Robert Hann of Trane Pacific Service Co. as its new president for the 2005-2006 term. He succeeds Glenn Tango of Honolulu Plumbing Co. Other officers include Skip...

Bernard J. Vondersmith, executive VP, MCA of Maryland.(vice president)(Mechanical Contractors Association)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
October 1, 2005... Bernard J. Vondersmith, 61, executive vice president of MCA of Maryland, Towson, Md., died Aug. 12. He was co-founder and a past executive director of Contractors and Unions Together (COUNT), and was trustee of several funds for Plumbers &...

Biodiesel gains momentum.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
October 1, 2005... With music legend Willie Nelson's help, biodiesel is gaining momentum with the trucking industry. Nelson's new company, Willie Nelson Biodiesel, has opened several pumps at truck stops nationwide. Recent natural disasters, Mid-East turmoil,...

Toto USA.(baqthroom suites to humanity houses)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Toto USA will donate high-performance bathroom suites (toilet and lavatory) to seven New York and Vermont chapters of Habitat for Humanity, outfitting all bathrooms in the houses these affiliates will build in 2005. The company's contribution...

Chicago Faucets leaves 'Chicago'.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... Chicago Faucets has ceased manufacturing operations at its Des Plaines, Ill., facility. Milwaukee and Michigan City will absorb some of the operations; others will be outsourced to third parties. "This decision was reached after negotiations...

Saniflo opens N.J. office.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... SFA Sanifo Inc. recently opened a new office and warehouse facility in Edison, N.J. The 8,700-sq.-ft. facility houses inventory, and replaces the company's former U.S. offices in Niagara Falls, N.Y. Primary administrative functions remain at...

Elkay implements VMI program.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... Elkay successfully implemented its first vendor-managed inventory (VMI) program for water cooler and fountain products. The pilot program was initiated with Central Supply of Indiana and will enable the Indianapolis-based plumbing wholesaler to...

Gerber opens new western distribution center.(Gerber Plumbing Fixtures)(new distribution center in Mirada)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Gerber Plumbing Fixtures announced the opening of its western distribution center in La Mirada, Calif. The center, located in a 200,000-sq.-ft. facility near Long Beach, Calif., will serve the west, southwest and northwest areas of the United...

Aquatherm piping awarded ICC, NSF listing.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... Aquatherm polypropylene pipe and fittings were recently awarded ESR 1613 listing by the International Code Commission, which certifies that such pipe and fittings meet all of the relevant plumbing codes. Aquatherm's pipe and fittings also are...

PricePoint celebrates 12 years.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... PricePoint is celebrating its 12th year providing software for small plumbing and HVACR contractors covering invoices, estimates, work orders, scheduling, proposals, customer history, accounts receivable, accounts payable and more.

About 50 ECR International.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
October 1, 2005... About 50 ECR International employees and their families volunteered their time July 10 for the 28th running of the Boilermaker Road Race. Ten ECR employees also ran the race. Originally started to thank the community for its support, today the...

Rheem Mfg. Co.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Rheem Mfg. Co. announced Scott D. Martin to succeed Gary L. Tapella as president and chief executive officer. Tapella will remain as chairman for an interim period. Martin recently served as Rheem's executive vice president and COO, and served...

Cash Acme.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Reliance Worldwide-North America named Johnny Lindahl president as well as general manager for Cash Acme, a thermostatic technology leader. Lindahl is a former senior executive with State Industries, where he developed commercial and...

Arrowhead Brass.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Arrowhead Brass hired George Long as director of sales. Long spent 20 years as owner and president of George Long Sales, and the last 15 years representing Red & White Valve Co. and Smith-Cooper International.

Bradford White.(retirements and appointments )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Bradford White announced the retirement of Michael J. Carfagno (regional sales manager) and Mary McCrossin (national sales administrator). Carfagno was with the company for 34 years, and McCrossin for 40 years. Thomas A. Settefrati succeeds...

Unilux Advanced Manufacturing LLC.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Boiler manufacturer Unilux Advanced Manufacturing LLC announced the addition of Justin Brown to the newly created position of regional sales manager. Brown previously worked as sales/product manager for Precision Boilers.

In-Sink-Erator.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... David Coffey will be joining In-Sink-Erator as general manager (Canada). Coffey comes to In-Sink-Erator from Stack A Shelf, also a division of Emerson, where he was successful in growing his category within the hardware/home center channel.

Hughes Supply.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Plumbing wholesaler Hughes Supply named Jonathan House as vice president of supply chain management. He most recently served as vice president of distribution and logistics at Standard Register, an information solutions firm.

Grundfos Pumps.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Grundfos Pumps announced that 14-year pump industry veteran Kerry Baskins has become U.S. OEM sales manager-industry segment. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Baskins most recently worked as vice president of industrial sales with JCI Industries.

Weil-McLain.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Weil-McLain promoted Bob Mercer to New England-area sales manager, and promoted Dave Donegan to Mid-East-area manager. Mercer most recently was the company's commercial specialist and training & technical manager. Donegan was also a training &...

Dormont Manufacturing.(On The Move)
October 1, 2005... Dormont Manufacturing hired David Schneider as marketing manager for its residential strategic business unit. Previously, he was regional sales manager for Tideflex Technologies, and marketing manager for Red Valve Co.

Count on Bradford White: for everything hot water.
October 1, 2005... So much has changed in recent years at Bradford White that we thought it was time to re-acquaint you with everything we offer. To put it simply, we have it all from 2-gallon compacts to industrial giants, from super-efficient eF Series[R]...

Better than gold: picking a name vs. earning a name.(Business TIPS)
October 1, 2005... Naming a business can be just as challenging as naming a youngster, but there's more to a name than what you print on the business card. For starters, you could put your own name on the business. After all, what are the chances that there's...

Contracting with a wholesaler.
October 1, 2005... Original inquiry: Has anyone worked with a wholesaler on a complete stocking program for their warehouse and on 100 percent consignment basis? If you have, could you please tell me the two best things about it and the two worst things....

Make the switch!
October 1, 2005... Argo's Advanced Technology Will Give You A Definite Edge. Our state-of-the art switching relays and Lo-Trim heating baseboards combine to offer your customers real value-added benefits so you'll have more opportunity to increase your sales....

The other efficiency: it's time to stop 'overpumping' our hydronic systems.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
October 1, 2005... It's been practiced for years. A boiler with an AFUE rating of 86 percent is presented to a prospective customer as clearly superior to a competing boiler having an AFUE of 84 percent. Better yet, a condensing boiler with an ultra high...

Radiant works around the clock for critical-time delivery service: when every second counts, who wants to worry about shoveling snow?(Cover Story)
October 1, 2005... So what do you do when positively, absolutely overnight delivery just won't cut it? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Move over, FedEx....

Plumbing industry hit by Katrina: total damage is not yet known, but Katrina stands to become the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history.
October 1, 2005... Jim Finley's home is on the outskirts of New Orleans, and his house fared better than most, he says. His plumbing company, on the other hand, he's not so sure about. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] C.N. Finley Inc. has 12 employees, who were...

Stahl plumbing, green lake, Wis.: subtle on the paint, frugal on the fuel.(TRUCK OF THE MONTH)
October 1, 2005... Steve Stahl's plumbing company doesn't cover a huge area, but the one he's got can get pretty hilly. "In some areas near the lake, I've never seen driveways so steep," says the owner of 15-year-old Stahl Plumbing & Heating Inc. About...

Utilities: down and dirty; Deployed plumbers keep water flowing.
October 1, 2005... Water. It's one of life's most basic necessities. Without it, battles have been lost and entire armies have fallen. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For the men and women fighting the war on terrorism, it can mean the difference between success...

The more things change: you can learn something new by studying history.(Plumbing PRIMER)
October 1, 2005... This year Ballanco Plumbing and Heating Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary. To my brother, Jeffrey, and my mother, a hearty Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! To all of the companies celebrating a special anniversary this year,...

Wires, cords and cables: learning the basics of electricity through everyday items.(Hydronic CONTROLS)
October 1, 2005... A couple times in the last year, a neighborhood kid has come to my door looking for work. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Er, uh, hi. My name's Sam," he said, looking at his over-sized shoes. "If you need someone to, er, do your yard work, I...

The hot list: surefire ways to be more profitable--now!(In The FIELD)
October 1, 2005... Service and repair business owners and managers have their favorite techniques to boost their profits. Some try everything they have ever heard about, and many try one technique or none--they are just trying to hang on and keep up with the...

Don't raise the stakes in the salary game: offer your employees a career, not just a job.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
October 1, 2005... When I ask how you pay your techs, the most frequent answer I get is, "We ask them what they made at their last job and try to negotiate from there." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That makes a lot of sense, doesn't...

More ideas that didn't work--here's why! Part 3 of our solutions to management ideas.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
October 1, 2005... Two questions that I hear from my clients share one common answer: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1. How could anything this simple be so difficult? We really gave it a 110-percent effort, but it just wouldn't work....

What to expect in healthcare construction/retrofit: as Americans get older, the demand for healthcare increases--followed by the demand for plumbing contractors who know how to conserve water.
October 1, 2005... Based on projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans beyond the age of 65 will more than double from the year 2000 until 2030. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What that means for the building industry is that as America gets...

Creating green healthcare environments: LEED may be better known, but the Green Guide for Healthcare offers another way to green building for the healthcare sector.
October 1, 2005... Hospitals designed with fresh air and sunlight. Cancer treatment centers built without materials linked to cancer. Pediatric clinics free of asthma-triggering chemicals. Today more healthcare facilities are turning these scenarios into reality...

Kidney dialysis facilities and plumbing systems: backflow preventers are essential for protecting public health. But in the case of dialysis water, where they are placed could potentially be harmful to the patient.
October 1, 2005... Healthcare facilities are designed to protect at-risk patients for a variety of illnesses. This is true of the plumbing system design, especially in systems supplying water to medical equipment. At times there are conflicts between requirements...

The patient safety advocate role of piped anesthesia/medical gas professionals: medical gas professionals must not only be capable designers, installers, inspectors, verifiers, maintenance personnel or instructors, but also committed patient safety advocates.
October 1, 2005... Throughout the United States, engineers are trained to design patient life-supporting piped medical gas distribution systems according to requirements of NFPA 99 consensus standard (2005). Installers, inspectors, verifiers, maintenance...

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing[R].
October 1, 2005... "We're not about to retire from our plumbing business, but we'll be ready when it's time." "You could have this same peace of mind for your business, too. Here's how..." Our names are Jamie and Lisa Carter. We've been in business...

Teaching tools.(water heaters teaching tool)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... I'm a plumber and also an instructor at Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 102. My tip is that when I take out a used water heater, I then use it as a teaching tool. We cut a 2-foot by 2-foot hole in one side so that students can see the fill tube...

Damn good advice.(use cork and clean)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Let's say you are trying to make a solder or solvent weld connection and there is water inside and limited space for damming tools or no mobility, such as a riser coming out of the ground. You could always cork it with bread and run around for...

Spare change?(tool tips)
October 1, 2005... When any foreign material enters the supply for a kitchen or lavatory faucet, therefore blocking the flow of water, the supply can be cleaned by simply shutting down the offending side and disconnecting the water supply. Remove the aerator and...

Send us your tool tips.(tool tips)
October 1, 2005... If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers. You can e-mail your idea directly to PM editor Steve Smith at smiths@bnpmedia.com, or mail it to him c/o PM, 1050 IL...

Ubi forica es?* *Which way to the bathroom? Going to the bathroom at a modern stadium only seems like a hassle compared to 2,000 years ago.
October 1, 2005... We have all seen movies like this: Gladiators fighting to the death in the Roman Colosseum before a crowd that could be as many as 50,000. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] But have you ever wondered, as I did, where all these spectators might...

Bathroom accessories: it's all about choice.(PLUMBING TRENDS)
October 1, 2005... MANY TIMES, bathroom accessories to plumbing contractors mean drain wastes, valves and flexible hoses. But the ability to think past your nose and offer the "softer side" of plumbing accessories can make a difference in your bottom line. ...

The best just got bigger!(AIR AND DIRT SEPARATORS)
October 1, 2005... Although often copied, the world's leading air eliminator has never been equaled. The Spirovent[R] is #1, and we are reminded of that at industry gatherings by the customers who have made their own comparisons. They've tried to save a buck or...

Filtered showers.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Filtered Showers: Sprite Industries offers an expansive line of patented filtered shower products, including universal shower filters, all-in-one filtered showerheads, filtered handles and filtered extension. Finishes include white, chrome and...

Under counter purifier.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Under Counter Purifier: Watts Premier uses state-of-the-art technology with its WP-2 BVC water treatment system that provides comprehensive two-stage filtration and 99.9 percent microbiological interception. California-certified against...

Water softener [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Water Softener [No Photo]: Tecumseh water softeners use electronic and computerized controls, and feature demand-based regeneration systems. Easy to use and install, they also have permanent program memory. Circle 37

RO controller.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... RO Controller: Electronic Systems Design Inc. has developed its ESDI Model 250 low-cost reverse osmosis controller board. It works with low- and high-pressure RO systems, and incorporates several automatic flush cycles to help improve the life...

Faucet technology [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Faucet Technology [No Photo]: Competitive Access Systems Inc.'s FaucetMaster[TM] turns existing faucets into automatic electronic temperature-controlled units without replacing. It is self-powered; no electricity required. Maintains desired...

Stainless-steel water treatment system.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Stainless-Steel Water Treatment System: Cuno Inc.'s Aqua-Pure line of water filtration features two water softeners and two backwashing filter systems. The SSupreme Series systems are built from 316L stainless steel, feature push-button control...

Innovative products.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Innovative Products: NEOPERL's 2005 Wholesale Price List features the Perlator[R] 1.0 gpm aerators, ideal for water conservation programs; the Careguard[R] laminar outlets with built-in AgION[TM] anti-microbial protection for the healthcare...

Radiators.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Radiators: Steam Radiators announces two designs available for steam heating systems: the contemporary Steamview and classic Charleston Pro. The sleek radiators have a depth of 2 1/2 inches and 4 inches, and operate on one- and two-pipe steam...

Smart controls.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Smart Controls: The Knight[TM] Smart System[TM] from Lochinvar[R] Corp. features user-friendly and advanced operating controls that incorporate a two-line, 16-character backlit LCD display allowing communication with installer in actual words...

Auto-Drain Valve.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Auto-Drain Valve: Danfoss Flomatic Corp. introduces its new Auto-Drain Valve[TM] Model 70. Used in sprinkler, agricultural watering, irrigation drainage and domestic water systems, the valves are reliable and maintenance-free. Provides...

Service valves.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Service Valves: Webstone's new Isolator EXP service valves contain an inlet and outlet valve to allow for one-man, full-port diagnostic testing, cleaning or draining of the system and heater with quarter-turn ball valve ease. Allows for heater...

Hotel luxury.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Hotel Luxury: Elements is the newest collection of exquisitely designed bathroom fittings from Symmons Industries. These same fittings were custom-designed by world-class luxury hotels. Hotel luxury now can be experienced at home. ...

PEX connections.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... PEX Connections: The PureFlow connection from Viega is simple, secure and reliable. It now features quarter-turn shut-off valves to allow fixture shut-off at the press connection between PEX tubing and standard fixture risers. Available as...

'Green' toilet [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... 'Green' Toilet [No Photo]: TOTO announces a new addition to its "Green" products line. The Aquia dual-flush toilet enables users to select the level of water used each time the toilet is flushed--1.6 gallons for heavy or bulk waste, or 0.9...

Wireless tech faucet.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Wireless Tech Faucet: Sloan Valve Co.'s Optima Plus[R] ERF Series sensor-operated faucet uses patented RF technology that provides a wireless link between the spout and the battery-powered control module. The wireless connectivity of the...

Added torque.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Added Torque: Flowserve Corp. announces the addition of two new sizes to its Limitorque PT series of worm gear operators. The PT series is built to provide the torque needed for operation of quarter-turn valves used in water and wastewater...

Antifreeze [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Antifreeze [No Photo]: Utility offers Aluminum-Safe[R] NO-FREEZ, a nontoxic antifreeze that contains a proprietary inhibitor package especially developed to provide extra protection for ultra-high-efficiency aluminum boilers. Circle 52

Rugged notebook.(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Rugged Notebook: The W130 series of notebook computers from Getac Inc., which can survive 4-ft. drops on concrete, will be the first rugged laptop manufacturer to offer Toshiba's 1.8-inch hard disk drive for a lighter system. These 20, 40 and...

Freeze Relief [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Freeze Relief [No Photo]: Watts Regulator Co. introduces the FR 500 Series Thermostatic Freeze Relief Kits designed to keep water from freezing in the backflow preventer, while avoiding discharges based on the air temperature dropping below...

Cast-iron wrenches [no photo].(Product Focus: Water Filtration & Treatment)
October 1, 2005... Cast-Iron Wrenches [No Photo]: LENOX has designed a new line of cast-iron and cast-aluminum pipe wrenches. Both feature heat-treated components that stand up to the roughest conditions, hardened teeth that provide maximum torque, and a lifetime...