Crain's Detroit Business articles from September 2008

Crain's Detroit Business archives from September 2008

Orientation Institute offers fall sessions.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bernadine Stallings The Detroit Orientation Institute, sponsored by Wayne State University, is accepting registrations from newcomers to the city interested in learning more about the history and culture of Detroit. DOI is...

Buildings take the LEED in conservation, recycling.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Jay Greene When it came time in 2006 to install a roof on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's nine-story parking deck in Detroit, Blues' executives chose an environmentally friendly option. The 52,000-square-foot green roof a...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: NATHAN SKID Rick Plewa, in charge of sustainability efforts for Comerica Bank, says green practices are good for the bank and for its customers.

Zack's Hotdogs reaches area franchising deal.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Nathan Skid Renaissance Brands L.L.C., a subsidiary of Detroit-based Renaissance Construction Group L.L.C., has struck a deal with Baltimore, Md.-based Zack's Hotdogs with an Attitude to bring 15 of the fast-casual restaurants to...

HIGH-TECH DRIVING.(new technologies for automobile safety)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Automotive companies are testing new technologies at local intersections that could lead to safer driving. The intersections are rigged with wireless communication hardware that transmits information between vehicles, and between vehicles and...

3 tactics to fight corruption, repair city's reputation.
September 1, 2008... How many public corruption investigations are under way in Detroit? We've lost count. Detroit has become synonymous in the national lexicon for corruption as stories mount about the mayor's legal problems and new revelations of probes of...

State picks heavyweight for business Web portal.(briefs)
September 1, 2008... A Web portal that will be a "one-stop shop'' for business is getting an assist from global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney Inc. and is expected to launch by year-end. The State Administrative Board recently approved a nearly $1.3...

Help wanted for green jobs.('Green Jobs Initiative' program)
September 1, 2008... Over the last year, Michigan has helped displaced workers get the training they need for new careers, in high-demand areas such as nursing and accounting. Now, the No Worker Left Behind program is also going green. The state is putting...

Keep up with the mayor and the convention.
September 1, 2008... It's the case that all of Detroit is talking about. As of press time for this issue, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's removal hearing before Gov. Jennifer Granholm was scheduled to start on Wednesday. Crainsdetroit.com has a...

CRAIN'S SEEKS BEST MANAGED NONPROFITS.
September 1, 2008... This year has seen continued challenges in the nonprofit arena that have included changes in United Way funding in addition to a weak economy. Therefore, this year's Best Managed Nonprofit Contest will continue to look at nonprofits that have...

Bopping in Baroda; Music, boutique beverages help brothers grow family winery.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Maureen McDonald In the sweltering heat of late August, the Moersch brothers from Baroda converted their giant round Amish barn into a one-weekend blues club as part of their annual harvest party. The 2,000 adult attendees...

"Green teams'; Groups formed to reduce energy use.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Jay Greene You've heard of the A-Team? Now meet the Green Team. Local companies are increasingly following the advice of specialized staff members about how to adopt sustainable business practices. Besides easing so-called...

Connecting all cars; Technology can alert drivers to red-light runners and other driving hassles. It's a good argument for ...
September 1, 2008... Byline: Ryan Beene On Nine Mile Road between the Southfield Freeway and Northwestern Highway service drives, automotive companies can now test new technologies that could lead to safer driving. The intersections in the area are rigged with...

A FINE WINE TIME.
September 1, 2008... Crush Michigan 2008 Wine and Food Classic To benefit: Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan. Chairs: Honorary chairs Steve and Lisa Yzerman; event co-chairs Cindy Obron Kahn and Dr. Marc Kahn; and Susan and William Seklar. ...

Crush Michigan event to benefit leukemia foundation.(Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan)
September 1, 2008... The folks at the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan have lots to wine about. Should they pair an Austrian gruner veltliner with a zesty shellfish dish or go classic and serve a Sancerre? Will their guests be more impressed with a...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: kresge foundation and blue cross blue shield The Kresge Foundation headquarters in Troy, left, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield parking deck have green roofs and other features to reduce energy spent on heating and cooling.

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September 1, 2008... Byline: NATHAN SKID Meskerem Gebreyohannes of Taste of Ethiopia and Dave Mancini of Supino PIzzeria have joined Eastern Market.

Football Classic MIA again, probably DOA.(Detroit Football Classic)(Detroit Lions' Robert Porcher)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea Noticeably absent from the Labor Day weekend's marquee slate of events the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats and the Detroit International Jazz Festival was the Detroit Football Classic. ...

New medical centers may struggle for staff.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Jay Greene Hospital industry folks like to say, "If you build it they will come.'' "They'' usually are patients. But what if "they'' are employees? Given the dire shortage of health care professionals in Michigan, health care...

If convicted, mayor may regain law license in future.(Kwame Kilpatrick)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Robert Ankeny A prominent Michigan political figure, a lawyer who'd held several public offices, was convicted of perjury in a court proceeding, spent 60 days in a halfway house and was disbarred. But his license to practice...

Ilitches seek a retraction - of seats at Cobo.(expansion of Cobo Center)
September 1, 2008... Part of the current plan for expanding Cobo Center will include creation of 6,000 retractable seats in the Cobo Arena, said Geoffrey Harrison, president of Detroit-based SDG Associates L.L.C., the architect consulting with the city. ...

THIS JUST IN.(National Defense Industries Association meetings)(CitiMortgage Inc. moves its office)(Doshi Associates expands its office)(Conference notes)
September 1, 2008... Defense industry meeting in Troy Sept. 15-17 The National Defense Industries Association, Michigan chapter, is holding a conference Sept. 15-17 for defense contractors, subcontractor firms, local government officials and other businesses...

A simple guide to wine snobbery.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Maureen McDonald You sniffed the grapes and tasted the products, now you want to impress your friends with your newfound expertise. But you wonder how someone can find excessive oak character and black olive tone in Chateau Saint...

Talks continue for Kilpatrick plea deal.(briefs)(Kwame Kilpatrick)(Cadence Innovation L.L.C.)
September 1, 2008... At press time Friday, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was still in office, but various news outlets reported that negotiations for a plea agreement were taking place. Dan Webb, chief lawyer for Kilpatrick, refused to discuss specifics of the...

UM, DTE sponsor clean-energy contest, will ante up $450,000.(DTE Energy Co. and University of Michigan teams up to research renewable energy)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Tom Henderson A new annual contest through the University of Michigan and DTE Energy Co. aims to help move clean-energy technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. The DTE Clean Energy Prize will actually be a series...

2Q earnings down, but better than national performance.(General Motors Corp.)(Ford Motor Co.)(Financial report)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Tom Henderson Earnings of public companies in Southeast Michigan were battered in the second quarter, while housing and housing-related stocks continued to struggle. Auto suppliers managed to do better than a year ago despite...

Names behind rail plan emerge; Ilitch, Karmanos among those pledging funds.(Peter Karmanos Jr.)(Mike Ilitch)(Rip Rapson)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea The slow unraveling of Detroit's worst-kept secret continued last week with the unveiling of three more key players in the closely guarded private-sector effort to construct a $103 million light-rail loop on Woodward...

I-94 roadwork slows drive to Blue Water Bridge.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea The $230 million Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project that's shut down I-75 in Detroit until 2009 gets all the headlines and grumbling, but significant roadwork continues on I-94 in Macomb and St. Clair counties. That...

Merit raises beat bosses' predictions; Survey finds optimism for '09.(Survey)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Sherri Begin Michigan employers were more generous with merit pay increases in 2008 than they predicted they would be last January, according to a new study from the American Society of Employers. "Employers are doing...

American Axle lays its bets on growth outside U.S.(American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc.)(Financial report)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Robert Sherefkin and David Barkholz Detroit-based American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. plans to slash its U.S. investment and pursue growth overseas as part of a recasting of the company, according to internal documents...

Michigan is the November battleground.
September 1, 2008... In case you thought there might be a little relief from all the political activity of the last year or so, well, you can forget it. It seems that everyone has decided that the election is going to be decided by a few states. Michigan is...

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September 1, 2008... Byline: william pugliano Ron Lilek of William Beaumont Hospitals expects new graduates to make up a small portion of new hires.

WHAT ARE CARBON CREDITS?(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... WHAT ARE CARBON CREDITS? A way to help individuals and companies offset the impact of carbon emissions. A monetary value is assigned that can be bought and used toward funding green efforts like renewable energy development. Offsetting...

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September 1, 2008... Above, Matt Moersch draws a sample of wine to check its progress. Below, a tasting room at Round Barn Winery offers visitors a chance to sample the company's wine, beer, brandy and vodka.

Photo caption.(Joshua Barsaleau and Jennifer Bainbridge appointed at St. John Providence Park Hospital)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Byline: REBECCA COOK Joshua Barsaleau and Jennifer Bainbridge, both registered nurses, are new hires at St. John Providence Park Hospital. Barsaleau came from St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, and Bainbridge from St. Joseph Mercy...

Golf resort builders pony up own funds.(Glencorp Inc.)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Daniel Duggan Developers are most comfortable when they're working on a sure-shot development, using other people's money. A four-person investment group from Shelby Township, building a $52 million residential community around...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(appointment of Greg Braun)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Greg Braun has been named executive vice president and executive creative director of Dearborn-based marketing and communica-tions agency Y&R-Team Detroit, effective this fall. Braun, 40, has been senior vice president and group creative...

Push it, then smoosh it.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Maureen McDonald So you've tried step aerobics, zumba fitness and weight training. You want to flex your muscles? Try grape stomping. Burn calories and embarrass yourself before 25,000 spectators. Come to Paw Paw. At least 30...

NSF's new division will test, validate green claims.
September 1, 2008... Byline: Sherri Begin NSF International Inc. is positioning itself for more business in green testing and certification with the creation of a new sustainability division. Petie Davis, who had been overseeing NSF's sustainable forestry...

Company grows with table settings you could eat - sort of.(Michigan Green Safe )
September 1, 2008... Byline: Constance Crump If more restaurants and sports stadiums decide to serve starchy snacks on plates made of starch byproducts, Michigan Green Safe has just the right business niche. The Detroit distributor of recyclable restaurant...

TechTown company helps others become carbon neutral, reduce costs.(Carbon Credit Environmental Services)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Doug Brown Save the environment and save on your energy bill. That is the concept of Detroit-based Carbon Credit Environmental Services. Located in Detroit's TechTown, CCES provides services to companies looking to give more...

CALENDAR.(Calendar)
September 1, 2008... MONDAY SEPT. 8 A Conversation with Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Inforum, Woman's Day magazine. Ford Conference & Event Center, Dearborn. $45 members, $60 others. Add $10 to registrations...

BANKRUPTCIES.(Public notice)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Compiled By Christiana Schmitz The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Aug. 22-28. Under Chapter 11, a company files for reorganization. Chapter 7 involves total liquidation....

Supino, Taste of Ethiopia open in Eastern Market.(Supino Pizzeria)
September 1, 2008... Byline: Nathan Skid Detroit's Eastern Market welcomed two new restaurants to the neighborhood last month. The additions, Supino Pizzeria and Taste of Ethiopia, also happen to be next-door neighbors. Supino, 2457 Russell St., hopes to...

BUSINESS DIARY.(Public notice)
September 1, 2008... ACQUISITIONS Fata Automation Inc., Sterling Heights, has acquired Fata Aluminum Inc., Farmington Hills. CONTRACTS Advisicon Inc., Farmington Hills, has become a designated Safran authorized reseller for Safran North America...

Doctors hoping to buy hospital yet to pick leaders.(Oakland Physicians Medical Center L.L.C to acquire North Oakland Medical Centers )
September 1, 2008... Byline: Chad Halcom In a way, the proposed buyers of bankrupt North Oakland Medical Centers hope to salvage the contents of an old and sinking ship, in order to outfit a newly commissioned one. But who will be the new captain? ...

GREAT GRAPES.(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Six chefs and one Crush Michigan co-chair name their favorite wines (from left and moving clockwise): * Jim Balogna, Townsend Hotel: Regusci Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap. * Don Yamauchi, Forte: California chardonnay. * David...

CORRECTIONS.(Correction notice)
September 1, 2008... * A story on Page 18 of the Aug. 18 edition should have said that Walter Zimmerman, president of Climate Technologies Corp. in Northville, is among the entrepreneurs approved for the first year of the Product Realization and Technology...

PEOPLE.
September 1, 2008... ARCHITECTURE Brian Craig to education practice leader, college/university business line, URS Corp., Southfield, from senior vice president, Progressive AE, Grand Rapids. CONSTRUCTION Tim Honoway to chief estimator, Braun...

Material cost hikes bring lawsuits.(Coupled Products L.L.C. v. Mando America Corp.)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Ryan Beene Like nearly all automotive suppliers, Coupled Products L.L.C. has been dealing with rapidly increasing costs of steel, fuel, copper, petroleum-based resin and other raw materials. And like many suppliers, the...

New plan to revive McLouth; NY investor involved; up to 500 jobs expected.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Ryan Beene The long-shuttered former McLouth Steel Products Corp. mill in Trenton may see new life if efforts to revive the Downriver plant continue to make progress. Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown says a New York investor is...

Local philanthropists to be honored for efforts.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Sherri Begin The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Detroit Chapter plans to honor individuals and organizations for the 23rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards before about 800 philanthropists, volunteers and...

Negotiations, funding slow commuter rail projects.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea The watchword for a pair of commuter rail projects that eventually would link Livingston and Washtenaw counties to Detroit is waiting. As in waiting for negotiations with railroad companies skittish about sharing...

Media coverage mostly praised.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea Media coverage of Kwame Kilpatrick's tribulations last week drew mostly praise from industry observers and from the media itself. "It's been thoroughly covered, and over-covered, by media looking for extra angles,''...

BANKRUPTCIES.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Compiled by Bernadine Stallings The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit Aug. 29 - Sept. 4. Under Chapter 11, a company files for reorganization. Chapter 7 involves total...

Slicing the real estate pie.
September 8, 2008... Brokers can slice and dice metro Detroit's industrial real estate really fast using original-equipment manufacturers as a guide. The near-west side: Ford Motor Co. The I-75 corridor: Chrysler L.L.C. turf. And Detroit: General Motors Corp....

S3 Entertainment starts subsidiary.(S3 Entertainment Group L.L.C.)(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Bill Shea Troy-based S3 Entertainment Group L.L.C. has launched a subsidiary aimed at cataloging metro Detroit vehicles for potential use in television and movies. Cars For Movies L.L.C. was at the Woodward Dream Cruise with a...

When should you hire a staffing agency?(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... If you run your own business, you know how hard it can be to find good employees. So is it worth it to get some help in the hiring process? This week in Small Talk, we'll look at whether it makes financial sense for a small business to...

Our new mayor will need a good cause.
September 8, 2008... At this point, I'm not sure just how long our temporary mayor is temporary. If the Detroit City Council, at a cost of some millions of dollars, votes to hold a special election, then we could have an election early next year for a term of...

Hearings spark talk of judgeship for Granholm.
September 8, 2008... The spotlight has faded from Gov. Jennifer Granholm's hearing on removing Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, but her performance could serve her well in the future, say Capitol observers. They say a state or federal judgeship might not be a stretch...

Bazaar adds to creative mix at Russell Industrial Center.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Nancy Kaffer When the Russell Bazaar opens this weekend, the storied history of the Russell Industrial Center will add a new chapter and Detroit will get more than 100 new retailers. Designed in 1915 by legendary Detroit...

Price to cut mercury emissions: $734 million; Utilities, manufacturers group balk at draft rules.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Amy Lane Michigan's two largest utilities may need to spend some $734 million to install equipment to comply with proposed new state regulations to reduce mercury emissions in Michigan. The draft rules would require the Detroit...

CRAIN'S SEEKS BEST MANAGED NONPROFITS.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... This year has seen continued challenges in the nonprofit arena that have included changes in United Way funding in addition to a weak economy. Therefore, this year's Best Managed Nonprofit Contest will continue to look at nonprofits that...

Maize and Blue building boom; UM spending more than $1B on construction.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Chad Halcom The University of Michigan is rolling out the orange as in construction barricades after raising most of the green for a $500 million capital campaign to help fund several Ann Arbor campus construction projects. ...

BUSINESS DIARY.(Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers and Henderson Glass into service agreement)(Llamasoft Inc., Ann Arbor Computer Div. and Ciber Inc. to introduce new ssuite)(DesignHub Inc. designs website for Vinylife Hose Co.)
September 8, 2008... CONTRACTS Henderson Glass, Rochester Hills, announced an automotive service agreement with Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers, Plymouth. Auto-Lab will offer its customers glass repair and replacement services using Henderson Glass'...

Hayes Lemmerz slows 2Q losses.(Hayes Lemmerz International Inc.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Ryan Beene Shares of Northville-based wheel supplier Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. rallied 16.86 percent before the markets opened Thursday after the company said it cut its net loss for its second quarter by nearly half. ...

The plea agreement.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... A list of the pleas entered by Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in Wayne County Circuit Court on Thursday: * Guilty to obstruction of justice. He was accused of firing Detroit Deputy Police Chief Gary Brown as part of an effort to illegally...

Cockrel to lead, but for how long? Staff changes, special election are likely.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Robert Ankeny Detroit City Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr. has some major leadership decisions to make during the two-week transition leading up to his swearing in as mayor of Detroit on Sept. 19. But he doesn't have an...

New focus for the Cattle Baron's ball.(American Cancer Society changes its tagline)(Based Business Club to teach business management)(film industry growth celebration)
September 8, 2008... Since its launch in 2003, the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division Inc.'s Cattle Baron's Ball has used the tagline, "Where the Auto Barons Meet the Cattle Barons.'' But this year that tagline is gone, replaced by "Western Nights...

THIS JUST IN.(Tinelle Properties L.LC. to develop hotels)(Michigan. State Lottery Bureau and Simons Michelson Zieve Inc.'s contract extended)(Plante & Moran P.L.L.C. opens new office)
September 8, 2008... Troy development gets OK Developers have received the go-ahead for a hotel and retail project in Troy to be built at 5500 New King Court near the corner of Crooks Road and Corporate Drive. Called Troy Plaza, the development will...

Employers may get bill for loans to boost UI fund.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Amy Lane Over the past three years, Michigan has borrowed more than $1.6 billion from the federal government to help pay benefits from its dwindling unemployment insurance fund. Now, outstanding federal loans are likely to...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(Todd Sheppelman appointed at Air International Thermal Systems (U.S.) Inc.)(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Todd Sheppelman has been named president of Air International Thermal Systems (U.S.) Inc. in Auburn Hills, a supplier of HVAC and powertrain cooling systems to the automotive industry. Sheppelman, 45, replaces the retiring Norman Golm. ...

Local firms make shopping an illuminating experience.
September 8, 2008... Byline: Nancy Kaffer It was a rainy day in New York City, and Ken Nisch and Ron Harwood were running late. Nisch, chairman of Southfield-based retail design consultancy JGA Inc., and Harwood, president of Farmington Hills-based...

MEDC to host event for venture capitalists.(Conference notes)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Tom Henderson The 15th annual conference of the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds will be held Wednesday-Friday at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. About 300 members, who generally invest in startup...

Survey: Fix Detroit, make Bing the mayor.(surveys on mayor elections)(Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Michigan and United Auto Workers extends labor contracts)(Metaldyne Corp. plans to sell off its division)(Survey)
September 8, 2008... Detroit is on the wrong track and Detroit businessman Dave Bing should be its next mayor, according to an August survey of 600 randomly selected Detroit voters from the 2005 mayoral election. It was commissioned by Detroit Renaissance Inc. and...

CALENDAR.(Calendar)
September 8, 2008... TUESDAY Sept. 9 How to Get a Big Bang from a Small Marketing Budget. 5-7 p.m. Ann Arbor Spark. With: Sam Fine, Intermedia L.L.C.; Marcy Jennings, PWB Marketing Communications; and Derek Mehraban, Ingenex Digital Marketing. Free. Spark...

MBT bill drops sharply; game-maker to stay in state.(Financial report)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Chad Halcom Plymouth Township-based PC gaming and software publisher Stardock Corp. likely will remain in Michigan after some accounting changes and talks with government officials helped lower a tax estimate from earlier this...

So what's next for the city of Detroit?(Kilpatrick Drama)
September 8, 2008... As tragic and unnecessary as the seven-month Kilpatrick drama has been for Detroit's image and operations, the next act could be a show-stopper. As a resident of the city and a voter I'm hoping the Detroit's next chapter is a story of...

OPINION.(Kenneth Cockrel Jr.)
September 8, 2008... Cockrel's first task: Set proper priorities Restoring public confidence in city government. Sound fiscal management that requires a balanced budget and operations that don't exceed income. Working closely with the business community and...

CORRECTION.(Correction notice)
September 8, 2008... * A story on Page 10 of the Aug. 25 edition misidentified the CEO of Air America Logistics Co., who is Vicky Kyriaco-Wilson. Gail Major, who was misidentified as CEO, is director of sales and marketing for the Detroit Riverside Hotel.

Sales slump, globalization claim white-collar auto jobs.
September 8, 2008... Byline: David Barkholz and Robert Sherefkin White-collar automotive jobs at suppliers and carmakers are disappearing by the thousands. Salaried autoworkers, like their blue-collar counterparts, are being whacked by collapsing North...

MAIZE AND BLUEPRINTS.(Brief article)
September 8, 2008... Construction projects at the University of Michigan and their completion dates: * Stephen M. Ross School of Business building, $145 million. Fall 2008. * Renovation of Mosher-Jordan Residence Hall and a new university center, with...

Businesspeople: Cockrel must stress ethics, finances.(Ken Cockrel Jr.)
September 8, 2008... When City Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. becomes interim mayor on Sept. 19, what should his priorities be? According to businesspeople interviewed by Crain's Detroit Business, the priorities should be restoring public confidence in city...

ESD programs to train and retain young engineers.(Engineering Society of Detroit)(Durr Systems Inc.)
September 8, 2008... Byline: Sherri Begin The Engineering Society of Detroit is talking to a number of local companies about providing partial or full college scholarships and work-study programs in exchange for three years of work after graduation. Durr...