March 20, 2000 - Volume vi, #11 Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher Ph: 416-489-3396 Fx: 416-489-6154  
Check out our incredible Classifieds section at the end of this issue!
* * * * * * * IN THIS ISSUE: * Ace and Beaver to part company ahead of schedule * Canadian buyers at Cologne Hardware Fair * B.C.'s dealer of the year * Castorama reveals buying strategy at Canadian Reception * New product ideas from German show * Housing starts expected to increase 3.8% in 2000 * A tip for ensuring your buyers visit you at your next trade show * * * * * *   ACE'S SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT WITH BEAVER TO END AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Ace Hardware Canada's deal to supply hardware to Beaver Lumber will terminate before its scheduled deadline of June 1, 2001. The supply agreement was sealed in 1994 when Beaver, then a subsidiary of Molson Cos., wished to spin off its hardlines distribution. Ace got the contract with Home Hardware Stores, which recently bought Beaver Lumber, is eager to start supplying Beaver's hardware needs. The supply function will begin shifting to Home Hardware's St. Jacob's warehouse December 15, 2000, in a gradual transition that will wrap up by March 2000, says Wolf Gruber, president of Ace Hardware Canada. However, he adds, the new timetable is well within Ace's expectations. Because of this, Home Hardware does not have to buy Ace out of the remainder of the contract. "By the time the phase-in process is completed," says Gruber, we will only be about two months earlier than in the original agreement." Besides, he adds, Ace had anticipated some kind of a slowdown as the contract came to an end. "We feel certainly it will be a very honourable conclusion to a very satisfactory agreement." * * * * * * * COLOGNE ATTRACTS CANADIAN BUYERS The 30th International Hardware Fair/DIY'Tec, held last week in Cologne, Germany, drew an estimated 90,000 delegates from 122 countries, including its share of Canadians. Canadian involvement comprised a group stand under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade that featured 14 companies, and another stand, hosted by the Québec government, showcasing six exporting companies. Several more companies exhibited on their own throughout the show. While companies from every corner of the world are present, the largest groups came from Italy, which brought 412 suppliers. Asia was well-represented and accounted for 34% of all exhibiters. Hong Kong brought 399 and 397 came from Taiwan. Within Europe, strongest represention came from France with 181, the U.K. with 163 and the U.S. with 154 suppliers. Although modest in size, both group stands from Canada reflected a resurgence of interest in competing overseas. Newcomers like Task Tools & Abrasives, MTR Inc. and Swing Paints all reported making contacts at the show, some realizing orders on the show floor. Exhibiting on their own were Cologne veterans including SPG, Balmer Studios, Bayex and Better Living Products. "People are very open to our products and very open about Canada," said Diana Shannon, vice-president marketing for MTR Inc. "I think we're seen as a serious player in the market, whereas before we weren't." Exporters often talk of the need to make a long-term commitment to this show &endash; and to the European market. "We plan hopefully to do it in a series of three consecutive years, to show consistency and give our companies a chance to make contacts," says Norbert Arsenault, director of international business for the Québec government's Ministry of Industry and Commerce. He oversaw that province's group stand and facilitated meetings between the companies and buyers from the likes of Brico and OBI who dropped by. Unfortunately, the major international suppliers, with the exception of companies like Bosch, Ryobi, Karcher, Bahco Tools and Vermont American, failed to bring their Canadian representatives. This was unfortunate, as Canadian buyers showed up from many of the majors, including Sears, Canadian Tire, Réno-Dépôt, Sodisco-Howden Group and Ace Hardware Canada. In addition, international representatives from Ace, TruServ, Orgill and Home Depot were all at the show. However, neither Home Hardware nor Beaver Lumber, busy focusing on the logistics of merging their organizations, sent anyone this time. The Cologne Fair, the world's largest hardware and home improvement trade show, featured 3,858 suppliers from 54 countries. The show sprawls through 14 inter-connected buildings alongside the Rhine. Next year's show is scheduled for February 18-21, 2001. * * * * * * * SNAPSHOT: EUROPEAN HOME IMPROVEMENT MARKET The European market represents a population of about 290 million people. The three largest markets for home improvement retailing are Germany ($56 billion*), the U.K. ($26 billion) and France ($23 billion). While the economy in Germany has been flat, with DIY moving ahead only 1.3% in 1999, slightly more buoyant growth is being enjoyed in the UK and France. (All values in CDN$) * * * * * * * PRODUCT WATCH AT COLOGNE FAIR In no particular order, here's a lineup of some of the things that caught our eye walking the show in Cologne last week … - Leica's handheld laser meter can take measurements from 30 cm to 100 m and can calculate room areas and volumes, subtract consecutive measurements and recall 20 previous measurements. - Emphasis on environmental friendliness was displayed by Eco-Spray, a refillable spray can that comes complete with its own air compressor for recharging. - Walkstool, a Swedish-made portable stool with telescopic aluminum legs for people who must crouch or kneel frequently through the day. - Black & Decker Dustbusters in different accent colours (finally!) - companies selling more stylish, less rustic looking wood stoves than we see here. For Example, TopFire by Testrut featured soapstone slab tops, gun-metal blue stainless steel bodies and warming shelves. - Style abounds, even with seemingly pedestrian products like power bars. Brennenstuhl makes its Brelani collection available in an array of accent finishes, everything from wood grain to silver matte. - An upright steam/vacuum cleaner from Karcher that vacs and squeegees the floor at the same time. - The 24-volt line from Bosch featured four new tools: impact drill, drill/driver, sabre saw and lamp, with a more compact battery design. - Witte's ComBit-Box is a mini screwdriver bit system in two models. It flips open to reveal either six or 15 bits that can be inserted into a magnetic holder right on the bit box for manual screwing. - Storage and organizer products reflect the smaller spaces of European homes and garages. Mattez has a two-ft. straight hook, ideal for storing a bicycle, that flips up out of the way when not in use. * * * * * * * CASTORAMA BUYER OFFERS GLOBAL INSIGHTS TO CANADIANS AT COLOGNE RECEPTION Getting closer to the source is the policy for Europe's biggest home improvement chain, says a key buyer for Kingfisher's Castorama Group &endash; and Canadians in Cologne heard it first-hand. Keith Scorgie is a merchant for The Castorama Group, which represents both B&Q in the U.K. and Castorama in France. (Castorama also owns Canada's Réno-Dépôt.) He is responsible for creating synergies between the two buying teams to wield the biggest clout with its vendors &emdash; and to create a more formidable front against competitors such as Home Depot. Scorgie spoke to a group of more than 60 Canadian exhibitors, buyers and press at the Canada Night Reception at the International Hardware Fair/DIY"Tec, held in Cologne, Germany last week. The event was hosted by Hardlines with the support of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "We are looking at DIY products from around the world and the best source for that product &emdash; at the best price," Scorgie told the audience. That means getting as close to the source of supply as possible. Kingfisher's buyers intend to conduct their vendor negotiations with only the most senior people. It also means developing their own sourcing. Scorgie now has a buying team of his own set up in Hong Kong. Besides the challenge of merging two distinct corporate cultures, Scorgie admits he must deal with long-standing nationalistic rivalries. "Yes, there's a love/hate relationship between England and France. We hate each other when it's convenient. And we love each other when it's convenient." The Castorama Group is the third-largest home improvement retailer in the world, after Home Depot and Lowe's. It has more than 500 stores in nine European countries and sales of nearly US$10 billion.  
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS   Kaslo Building Supplies Ltd., an IRLY dealer in Kaslo, B.C., was awarded best overall store of the year by the BSDA of B.C. at its annual gala on March 4. The award is presented to stores and individuals "that have shown themselves to be exemplary in all aspects of their relationship to the building supply industry.   For the first quarter ended January 31, 2000, Matco Ravary had sales of $11.59 million, up 10% over $10.53 million for the same period a year earlier. A net loss of $192,864, including a tax recovery of $118,481, was incurred during the quarter, compared with a loss of $10,865 for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This was due to the costs of integrating the supply, sales and billing management system at its sixth store, acquired last June.   The Bay will open seven new stores across the country on May 2, 2000, the date which marks the 330th anniversary of Hudson's Bay Co. The seven stores will be retrofitted in the Bay's new "suburban format." The locations are: Highfield Square Shopping Centre, Moncton, N.B.; Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket, Ont.; Pickering Town Centre Pickering, Ont.; Limeridge Mall, Hamilton, Ont.; Masonville Place, London, Ont.; Midtown Plaza, Saskatoon; Cornwall Centre, Regina.   White Rose Crafts and Nursery Sales announced that, effective March 10, 2000, its common shares will be available for trade reporting on a twenty-for-one consolidated basis. The consolidation of the common shares was approved at the company's AGM on January 27, 2000, and became effective March 6, 2000.   London, Ont.-based Glasgow Manufacturing has signed an agreement to be exclusive distributor for SlydeLock, a patio door lock manufactured in Hull, Qué.  
  CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
COMPANY 52-WEEK HIGH 52-WEEK LOW CLOSE (FRI.)
Canadian Tire 46.00 19.10 19.35
Canfor 19.25 4.25 14.25
Goodfellow 12.25 7.50 10.50
Home Depot 64 9/16 61* 62*
Hudsons Bay 23.85 12.70 14.00
Lowe's Cos. 51 13/16 49 1/8 51 7/16
Sears Canada 42.50 18.25 37.70
Taiga Forest 14.75 9.40 11.40
West Fraser 41.00 28.00 34.55
    "A human being: an ingenious assembly of portable plumbing." &endash; Christopher Morley (1890-1957)
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE   George Ireland has been promoted to the position of national sales manager at Vermont American Canada. He was formerly national accounts manager. (905-564-1155) Bhupesh Shah has been appointed director of marketing for Karcher Canada Inc. He comes over from Clorox of Canada. (905-672-8233) Dave Murray has joined The Balmer Studios as marketing director. He was previously with Premdor Inc. (416-491-6425) Paul Walters, chairman and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., received a total compensation package of more than $3.8 million in 1999, according to the Financial Post. His base salary was $700,000 (up from $550,000), while his package included bonuses and special compenstion … Arthur Martinez, chairman and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co. who will retire later this year, received US$4.12 million in compensation in 1999, or 73% more than the US$2.38 million he received in 1998. (416-362-1711)  
Overheard… "One advantage of being a public company is that we have a board of directors and the advantage is that they really push us."&emdash; Gilles Nolet, president and COO of Matco Ravary, a Montréal-based chain of six home centres. It had $58.2 million in sales last year.   NOTED …When Margareth Daerindinger, European market manager for Brampton, Ont.-based Bayex, exhibits at the Cologne International Hardware Fair, she wants to meet her best customers. So she pays for their trip to the show. It's cheaper than flying to see them," she says. Daerdinger has been exhibiting in Cologne for 16 years. Last week, she shared some of her tips for working the show in a presentation at the Canada Night Reception in Cologne, Germany. The event was hosted by Hardlines with the support of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.  
MARKET INDICATORS   The new housing price index remained unchanged from December to January. However, on an annualized basis it was 1.7% higher in January 2000 than it was in January 1999, according to Stats Canada. The highest increases were in Ottawa-Hull and St. Catharines-Niagara (+4.4%), while the biggest drop was in Victoria (-6.1%). Housing starts are expected to increase 3.8% in 2000 and 3.5% in the following year, says CMHC. Starts will rise this year to 155,700 units, up from 149,968 in 1999. By 2001, starts will have increased again by 3.5% to 161,200 units.  
Hardlines Classifieds   Need to build your sales team? Looking for agents or new lines? Use Hardlines classified ads. They're read by more than 3,000 people every week &emdash; and they get results fast. Only $16 per line for two weeks. Call Beverly Allen at 416-489-3396, ext. 2, for more details. * * * * * * * HARDLINES the electronic newsletter. Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher. Published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by McLARNEYCOM 283 Belsize Dr., Toronto, ON Canada M4S 1M5. 416-489-3396; fax: 416-489-6154. E-mail: hardline@terraport.net © 2000 by Michael McLarney. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden. Subscription: $185+$12.95 GST = $197.95 (or $27.75 HST=$212.75) per year (GST #13987 0398 RT). Please make cheque payable to McLarneyCom  
  March 20, 2000 - Volume vi, #11 Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher Ph: 416-489-3396 Fx: 416-489-6154  
Check out our incredible Classifieds section at the end of this issue!
* * * * * * * IN THIS ISSUE: * Ace and Beaver to part company ahead of schedule * Canadian buyers at Cologne Hardware Fair * B.C.'s dealer of the year * Castorama reveals buying strategy at Canadian Reception * New product ideas from German show * Housing starts expected to increase 3.8% in 2000 * A tip for ensuring your buyers visit you at your next trade show * * * * * *   ACE'S SUPPLY ARRANGEMENT WITH BEAVER TO END AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Ace Hardware Canada's deal to supply hardware to Beaver Lumber will terminate before its scheduled deadline of June 1, 2001. The supply agreement was sealed in 1994 when Beaver, then a subsidiary of Molson Cos., wished to spin off its hardlines distribution. Ace got the contract with Home Hardware Stores, which recently bought Beaver Lumber, is eager to start supplying Beaver's hardware needs. The supply function will begin shifting to Home Hardware's St. Jacob's warehouse December 15, 2000, in a gradual transition that will wrap up by March 2000, says Wolf Gruber, president of Ace Hardware Canada. However, he adds, the new timetable is well within Ace's expectations. Because of this, Home Hardware does not have to buy Ace out of the remainder of the contract. "By the time the phase-in process is completed," says Gruber, we will only be about two months earlier than in the original agreement." Besides, he adds, Ace had anticipated some kind of a slowdown as the contract came to an end. "We feel certainly it will be a very honourable conclusion to a very satisfactory agreement." * * * * * * * COLOGNE ATTRACTS CANADIAN BUYERS The 30th International Hardware Fair/DIY'Tec, held last week in Cologne, Germany, drew an estimated 90,000 delegates from 122 countries, including its share of Canadians. Canadian involvement comprised a group stand under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade that featured 14 companies, and another stand, hosted by the Québec government, showcasing six exporting companies. Several more companies exhibited on their own throughout the show. While companies from every corner of the world are present, the largest groups came from Italy, which brought 412 suppliers. Asia was well-represented and accounted for 34% of all exhibiters. Hong Kong brought 399 and 397 came from Taiwan. Within Europe, strongest represention came from France with 181, the U.K. with 163 and the U.S. with 154 suppliers. Although modest in size, both group stands from Canada reflected a resurgence of interest in competing overseas. Newcomers like Task Tools & Abrasives, MTR Inc. and Swing Paints all reported making contacts at the show, some realizing orders on the show floor. Exhibiting on their own were Cologne veterans including SPG, Balmer Studios, Bayex and Better Living Products. "People are very open to our products and very open about Canada," said Diana Shannon, vice-president marketing for MTR Inc. "I think we're seen as a serious player in the market, whereas before we weren't." Exporters often talk of the need to make a long-term commitment to this show &endash; and to the European market. "We plan hopefully to do it in a series of three consecutive years, to show consistency and give our companies a chance to make contacts," says Norbert Arsenault, director of international business for the Québec government's Ministry of Industry and Commerce. He oversaw that province's group stand and facilitated meetings between the companies and buyers from the likes of Brico and OBI who dropped by. Unfortunately, the major international suppliers, with the exception of companies like Bosch, Ryobi, Karcher, Bahco Tools and Vermont American, failed to bring their Canadian representatives. This was unfortunate, as Canadian buyers showed up from many of the majors, including Sears, Canadian Tire, Réno-Dépôt, Sodisco-Howden Group and Ace Hardware Canada. In addition, international representatives from Ace, TruServ, Orgill and Home Depot were all at the show. However, neither Home Hardware nor Beaver Lumber, busy focusing on the logistics of merging their organizations, sent anyone this time. The Cologne Fair, the world's largest hardware and home improvement trade show, featured 3,858 suppliers from 54 countries. The show sprawls through 14 inter-connected buildings alongside the Rhine. Next year's show is scheduled for February 18-21, 2001. * * * * * * * SNAPSHOT: EUROPEAN HOME IMPROVEMENT MARKET The European market represents a population of about 290 million people. The three largest markets for home improvement retailing are Germany ($56 billion*), the U.K. ($26 billion) and France ($23 billion). While the economy in Germany has been flat, with DIY moving ahead only 1.3% in 1999, slightly more buoyant growth is being enjoyed in the UK and France. (All values in CDN$) * * * * * * * PRODUCT WATCH AT COLOGNE FAIR In no particular order, here's a lineup of some of the things that caught our eye walking the show in Cologne last week … - Leica's handheld laser meter can take measurements from 30 cm to 100 m and can calculate room areas and volumes, subtract consecutive measurements and recall 20 previous measurements. - Emphasis on environmental friendliness was displayed by Eco-Spray, a refillable spray can that comes complete with its own air compressor for recharging. - Walkstool, a Swedish-made portable stool with telescopic aluminum legs for people who must crouch or kneel frequently through the day. - Black & Decker Dustbusters in different accent colours (finally!) - companies selling more stylish, less rustic looking wood stoves than we see here. For Example, TopFire by Testrut featured soapstone slab tops, gun-metal blue stainless steel bodies and warming shelves. - Style abounds, even with seemingly pedestrian products like power bars. Brennenstuhl makes its Brelani collection available in an array of accent finishes, everything from wood grain to silver matte. - An upright steam/vacuum cleaner from Karcher that vacs and squeegees the floor at the same time. - The 24-volt line from Bosch featured four new tools: impact drill, drill/driver, sabre saw and lamp, with a more compact battery design. - Witte's ComBit-Box is a mini screwdriver bit system in two models. It flips open to reveal either six or 15 bits that can be inserted into a magnetic holder right on the bit box for manual screwing. - Storage and organizer products reflect the smaller spaces of European homes and garages. Mattez has a two-ft. straight hook, ideal for storing a bicycle, that flips up out of the way when not in use. * * * * * * * CASTORAMA BUYER OFFERS GLOBAL INSIGHTS TO CANADIANS AT COLOGNE RECEPTION Getting closer to the source is the policy for Europe's biggest home improvement chain, says a key buyer for Kingfisher's Castorama Group &endash; and Canadians in Cologne heard it first-hand. Keith Scorgie is a merchant for The Castorama Group, which represents both B&Q in the U.K. and Castorama in France. (Castorama also owns Canada's Réno-Dépôt.) He is responsible for creating synergies between the two buying teams to wield the biggest clout with its vendors &emdash; and to create a more formidable front against competitors such as Home Depot. Scorgie spoke to a group of more than 60 Canadian exhibitors, buyers and press at the Canada Night Reception at the International Hardware Fair/DIY"Tec, held in Cologne, Germany last week. The event was hosted by Hardlines with the support of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. "We are looking at DIY products from around the world and the best source for that product &emdash; at the best price," Scorgie told the audience. That means getting as close to the source of supply as possible. Kingfisher's buyers intend to conduct their vendor negotiations with only the most senior people. It also means developing their own sourcing. Scorgie now has a buying team of his own set up in Hong Kong. Besides the challenge of merging two distinct corporate cultures, Scorgie admits he must deal with long-standing nationalistic rivalries. "Yes, there's a love/hate relationship between England and France. We hate each other when it's convenient. And we love each other when it's convenient." The Castorama Group is the third-largest home improvement retailer in the world, after Home Depot and Lowe's. It has more than 500 stores in nine European countries and sales of nearly US$10 billion.  
COMPANIES IN THE NEWS   Kaslo Building Supplies Ltd., an IRLY dealer in Kaslo, B.C., was awarded best overall store of the year by the BSDA of B.C. at its annual gala on March 4. The award is presented to stores and individuals "that have shown themselves to be exemplary in all aspects of their relationship to the building supply industry.   For the first quarter ended January 31, 2000, Matco Ravary had sales of $11.59 million, up 10% over $10.53 million for the same period a year earlier. A net loss of $192,864, including a tax recovery of $118,481, was incurred during the quarter, compared with a loss of $10,865 for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This was due to the costs of integrating the supply, sales and billing management system at its sixth store, acquired last June.   The Bay will open seven new stores across the country on May 2, 2000, the date which marks the 330th anniversary of Hudson's Bay Co. The seven stores will be retrofitted in the Bay's new "suburban format." The locations are: Highfield Square Shopping Centre, Moncton, N.B.; Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket, Ont.; Pickering Town Centre Pickering, Ont.; Limeridge Mall, Hamilton, Ont.; Masonville Place, London, Ont.; Midtown Plaza, Saskatoon; Cornwall Centre, Regina.   White Rose Crafts and Nursery Sales announced that, effective March 10, 2000, its common shares will be available for trade reporting on a twenty-for-one consolidated basis. The consolidation of the common shares was approved at the company's AGM on January 27, 2000, and became effective March 6, 2000.   London, Ont.-based Glasgow Manufacturing has signed an agreement to be exclusive distributor for SlydeLock, a patio door lock manufactured in Hull, Qué.  
  CANADIAN STOCK WATCH
COMPANY 52-WEEK HIGH 52-WEEK LOW CLOSE (FRI.)
Canadian Tire 46.00 19.10 19.35
Canfor 19.25 4.25 14.25
Goodfellow 12.25 7.50 10.50
Home Depot 64 9/16 61* 62*
Hudsons Bay 23.85 12.70 14.00
Lowe's Cos. 51 13/16 49 1/8 51 7/16
Sears Canada 42.50 18.25 37.70
Taiga Forest 14.75 9.40 11.40
West Fraser 41.00 28.00 34.55
    "A human being: an ingenious assembly of portable plumbing." &endash; Christopher Morley (1890-1957)
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE   George Ireland has been promoted to the position of national sales manager at Vermont American Canada. He was formerly national accounts manager. (905-564-1155) Bhupesh Shah has been appointed director of marketing for Karcher Canada Inc. He comes over from Clorox of Canada. (905-672-8233) Dave Murray has joined The Balmer Studios as marketing director. He was previously with Premdor Inc. (416-491-6425) Paul Walters, chairman and CEO of Sears Canada Inc., received a total compensation package of more than $3.8 million in 1999, according to the Financial Post. His base salary was $700,000 (up from $550,000), while his package included bonuses and special compenstion … Arthur Martinez, chairman and CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Co. who will retire later this year, received US$4.12 million in compensation in 1999, or 73% more than the US$2.38 million he received in 1998. (416-362-1711)  
Overheard… "One advantage of being a public company is that we have a board of directors and the advantage is that they really push us."&emdash; Gilles Nolet, president and COO of Matco Ravary, a Montréal-based chain of six home centres. It had $58.2 million in sales last year.   NOTED …When Margareth Daerindinger, European market manager for Brampton, Ont.-based Bayex, exhibits at the Cologne International Hardware Fair, she wants to meet her best customers. So she pays for their trip to the show. It's cheaper than flying to see them," she says. Daerdinger has been exhibiting in Cologne for 16 years. Last week, she shared some of her tips for working the show in a presentation at the Canada Night Reception in Cologne, Germany. The event was hosted by Hardlines with the support of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.  
MARKET INDICATORS   The new housing price index remained unchanged from December to January. However, on an annualized basis it was 1.7% higher in January 2000 than it was in January 1999, according to Stats Canada. The highest increases were in Ottawa-Hull and St. Catharines-Niagara (+4.4%), while the biggest drop was in Victoria (-6.1%). Housing starts are expected to increase 3.8% in 2000 and 3.5% in the following year, says CMHC. Starts will rise this year to 155,700 units, up from 149,968 in 1999. By 2001, starts will have increased again by 3.5% to 161,200 units.  
Hardlines Classifieds   Need to build your sales team? Looking for agents or new lines? Use Hardlines classified ads. They're read by more than 3,000 people every week &emdash; and they get results fast. Only $16 per line for two weeks. Call Beverly Allen at 416-489-3396, ext. 2, for more details. * * * * * * * HARDLINES the electronic newsletter. Michael McLarney, Editor & Publisher. Published weekly (except monthly in December and August) by McLARNEYCOM 283 Belsize Dr., Toronto, ON Canada M4S 1M5. 416-489-3396; fax: 416-489-6154. E-mail: hardline@terraport.net © 2000 by Michael McLarney. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly forbidden. Subscription: $185+$12.95 GST = $197.95 (or $27.75 HST=$212.75) per year (GST #13987 0398 RT). Please make cheque payable to McLarneyCom