Speaking of running pipe underground, TracPipe PS from Omegaflex provides an excellent way of running flexible stainless-steel gas pipe underground without having to install conduit. The familiar pipe can now be purchased pre-sleeved in 100-ft. lengths with shrink cuffs. In past articles I have written about the benefits of using flexible gas pipe, and this easy new underground protection system makes it look just that much more attractive.Many new thermostats were on display at the show, but not many new features. However, I did find one with a relatively interesting new twist -- it can be connected to a nondedicated telephone line for remote access. The TeleTemp 2000 from Telenetic Controls is much like most other digital residential setback models. It has a liquid-crystal readout of time and temperature with standard up and down pushbuttons, and hidden doors on either end cover the programming buttons. But plug in a telephone line and you can switch the system in and out of setback from a distant telephone.

EarthForce America, Summerville, S.C., is the marketing headquarters for Superstav in North America. All machines are sold in North America under the EarthForce brand nameKubota Tractor Corp. USA, an American affiliate of Kubota Corp. in Japan, offers two models of mini-backhoe loaders, the B21 and L35. The company is second in the marketplace and imports its machines from Japan. KTC, which started selling machines in the U.S. market in 1972, is headquartered in Torrance, Calif. The company''s B21 machine is rated 21 hp and features hydrostatic drive, while the L35 is rated 35 hp and has a mechanical Glide Shift transmission for clutchless shifting. The bigger machine has a 9 ft. digging depth. Ingersoll Equipment (not to be confused with Ingersoll-Rand Co.) is located in Winneconne, Wis. The company started producing small backhoe loaders in 1983. Current models include 18 hp and 20 hp machines and a larger addition is being discussed for 2001. Both the 6018 BH and 6020 BH loaders have a digging depth of 7.5 ft. and both machines are very light at less than 3000 lb.

My friend Geoff is a classic Abel. He is one of the sweetest, most compassionate guys you''d ever want to meet, but ask him about Phil and his eyes go all flinty and he takes you back to a day in Florida about five years ago on one of the trips that the three of us had been making with five other guys for 19 years.Geoff is playing with Phil when, halfway through the round, Geoff notices something:"As everyone putts out, it registers that though Phil was closest, he didn''t pick up the flagstick and replace it. So I pick it up. At the next hole I notice he leaves it again, right at his feet. In fact, he''s gotta step over the flag to leave the green. As we walk to the next tee, it occurs to me that I''ve never seen Phil actually pick up a flagstick. As the day goes on, I keep a running count. Zero. Then I think back to previous trips ..."

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