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Gary is employed by PoliceOne as a Use-of-Force subject matter expert, researcher, program developer, and training specialist. He is also the director of ACMi® Systems, and a member of the Team One Network that, in cooperation with the Northwest Wisconsin Technical College, provides defensive tactics, firearms, and tactical training throughout the United States.
He is retired from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department after 25 years of service where he was promoted to the rank of captain. As former Street Survival® Seminar instructor and internationally known defensive tactics instructor, Gary has impacted hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers.
Even more importantly, as a righteous police officer use-of-force defense expert , Gary has defended scores of officers in legal proceedings.
Gary Klugiewicz is the director of research & development for the Verbal Judo Institute. He has collaborated with Dr. Thompson to develop a series of specialized training programs for corrections, mental health, and other public service employees, as well as, one for private citizens, including children and young adults. Currently, he is the lead instructor for Verbal Judo's (Tactical Communication for the Correctional Professional) training program.
As of July of 2009, several new online Verbal Judo resources are available:
For free audio newsletter for police, corrections and security professionals click here.
To obtain the free multi-media newsletter for civilians click here.
Online and telephone coaching program for individuals who have received prior training in Verbal Judo are available as well. Simply click here.
Contact Gary Klugiewicz
Tip: Video: Improving your verbal response to situations - 02/17/2017
Tip: Video: The five levels of Communication - 12/22/2016
Tip: Video: Ethical intervention - 10/28/2016
Tip: Video: Officer safety and the phrase 'I've got your back' - 05/13/2011
Tip: Handling suspects with Excited Delirium - 10/22/2010
Tip: Using a low pulley during your workout - 10/02/2009
Tip: Strengthen your core - 09/04/2009
Tip: Prone T weight lifts - 08/27/2009
Tip: Using a Swiss ball - 08/20/2009
Tip: Using the box squat to increase range of motion - 08/14/2009
Tip: Increasing mobility and range of motion - 08/07/2009
Tip: Assess your physical well-being - 07/31/2009
Remembering those we have lost - 05/15/2008
Tip: Don't let them grab your gun - 11/13/2007
Tips for transporting combative/non-compliant suspects - 10/29/20076
Tip: Practicing "when/then" thinking during prisoner escort - 06/28/2007
Tip: Finding mistakes before they bite you - 06/21/2007
Tip: 'Nobody Shook Him Down' - 06/14/2007
Tip: The Virtual Blade - 04/13/2007
Legal Insight: Report the whole story - 04/02/2007
Use of force and the violent student - 01/16/2007
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Hi guys. rpg_gunner here with a gaming article for all you curious readers! I made some tips and insight for the new game, Archeage. It was released 2 weeks ago and is fairly new in South Korea. I was fortunate enough to try the open beta of the thanks to a Korean friend for she was able to provided me with an access code that allowed me to experience this game that I believe will be a hit in the coming months. Mind you, so far the only way I could play was because of some help with the language. As a foreigner, I needed the help of a translator to give me an idea of what I had to do and what the interface meant.
Another interesting thing news about ArcheAge it would be soon available in the West thanks to Trion. Hopefully, it gets release soon so that we can all enjoy this wonderful game.
So without further ado, here are some tips for those interested with the game:
As a beginner in Archeage, starting out in this strange new world can be a difficult and taxing experience. So here, let me share advice on how to build a better character, increase your monetary gain, and maximize the fun you can get out of this unique experience.
1. Know what you want to do in Archeage
There are many ways to enjoy ArcheAge! You can do the usual routine of hunting monsters, the exciting path of hunting of other players, or even taking it easy by focusing on building your own house and garden. Not content with just fixing your own home? Then be a lord of a castle commanding over numerous homesteads and protect your local populace. Know what type of character you want to be and you will be able to fully enjoy the endless possibilities of this game. As of the writing of this article, I have not yet tested the PvP and house building options so I might get back to that soon!
2. Selecting your capability considering the 'linked effect'
In order to come up with your final job, you have to pick 3 out of the 10 possible capabilities. Upon character creation, you get to choose 1 with an additional at levels 5 and 10. I suggest picking a combat based capability first such as fight, wild nature, magic, or mission. Other abilities like love, witchcraft, and will are more of accessory traits and can be picked up later.
Don't worry if you made a mistake with the capability you picked. You can talk to an NPC in the village and pay a specific amount to have it changed. It's better to have it changed as soon as possible since your capabilities level up too! It would be an annoyance to start again from level 1 if you already have a level 10 ability. Also, remember that your capabilities are linked and can affect each other. For instance, Mission works well with Fight or Wild nature while Magic is harmonious with Death or Witchcraft. Find your own mix and see what works for you.
3. Select equipment regardless of your job
Unlike the convential role playing games that impose strict restrictions on armor classes, ArcheAge doesn't follow that format. Warriors need not wear strong metal plated armor and wizards need not keep using robes. Dress yourself according to the function you wish to fulfill. For example, I use a Wizard class while wearing somewhat heavy armor to minimize the damage from the monsters I hunt. This can also go the other way with me choosing leather to increase magic resistance. This makes the game a better simulation because I believe that mages do not ALWAYS use light armor. It's my own preference and that is something that you can apply too when you play this game!
Thanks for reading! This is only Part 1 though. Part 2 will come during the week. For the people who, like me, cannot wait for this game to be released here in the US. Let's hope they make it happen soon!!!
I am an aspiring game reviewer and writer so please tell me what you think about both for the game and this article. Thanks!
good review!
Please add more I
All Will Be Well.....
Thanks -- this gave me some insight into the gameplay!
Thanks,! Cant wait to get my hands on AA. Its goin to be crazy fun times.
Originally posted by Betaguy
Nice writeup/guide but I won't be personally playing this title. I am not a fan of the graphics and animations.
Seriously? You wouldnt play a game simply because of its graphics and animation style? Theres a thing called content and mechanics.
Originally posted by Betaguy
Nice writeup/guide but I won't be personally playing this title. I am not a fan of the graphics and animations.
Thank you for the praise! I'm trying to learn how to write articles properly.
Yeah I understand your point with the graphics too. I'm just pumped about having your own house, vassals, and some naval battles. Whatever floats your boat (get it?). Haha
Originally posted by rpg_gunner
Same here! I can't wait for it. Hopefully, they get to release this by the 2nd quarter of this year!
I doubt it'll come out in the States before 2014.
Originally posted by SaintWalker44
good review! Please add more I
Thanks SaintWalker44! I'm coming up with part 2 soon. I'll probably get to post after the weekend or something.
I can't play without my friend since I don't understand the language. I'll add more tips I discover while playing. Stay tuned!
Originally posted by Nydorna
Thanks -- this gave me some insight into the gameplay!
I haven't fully experienced the entire game myself. Just some bits and pieces. But it's looking good so far!
Originally posted by Dantae87
THIS is the game i been waiting for, for almost 2 years now...I WANT IT ALL AND I WANT IT NOW! I was waiting for Elders Scrolls Online but that has gone to shit with the stupidity of locked factions so its off my list. Plus im a hardcore sandbox guy...
Hey same here! Been looking for a good online game. I was playing LOTRO but I didn't like how I needed to constantly shell out so much cash for premium items.
Let's hope it comes out soon!
Originally posted by VitaminK
Originally posted by rpg_gunner
Same here! I can't wait for it. Hopefully, they get to release this by the 2nd quarter of this year!
I doubt it'll come out in the States before 2014.
Hey there VitaminK! One can only hope right?
But realistically, you may be right. Has there already been talks on who's really taking control of the rights for the game in North America?
Originally posted by necredon
I'm sorry but this is not a review nor an insightful post. You list 3 features and expand a little on it, no own experience included even.
Lighten up dude...
All Will Be Well.....
Originally posted by SaintWalker44
Originally posted by necredon
I'm sorry but this is not a review nor an insightful post. You list 3 features and expand a little on it, no own experience included even.
Lighten up dude...
You have to chill. The dude is an amateur writer. Give the person a break.
The guy is asking or criticism. He got it. Necri is right.
i was thinking how could someone right an advice column for AA when they have neither pvpd or done anything with a house. Those r two huge aspects of the game.
it also annoyed me that the title said "10 things" yet I only got 3.
what was there was well written tho incorrect in some areas(calling names).
As a first time writer I give 2 out of 5. Would have been 3.5 if there were actually 10 things
Originally posted by Sebali
The guy is asking or criticism. He got it. Necri is right. i was thinking how could someone right an advice column for AA when they have neither pvpd or done anything with a house. Those r two huge aspects of the game. it also annoyed me that the title said "10 things" yet I only got 3. what was there was well written tho incorrect in some areas(calling names). As a first time writer I give 2 out of 5. Would have been 3.5 if there were actually 10 things
Hey there. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your comments. Just got excited in writing about Arche Age. I'm continuing with part 2 so I can reach 10 tips eventually.
Arche Age – 10 tips part 2
Hey guys. I finally got to finishing part 2 of the 10 tips. I only tackle a few at a time since I have been busy with some requirements. Hope that these next 3 things in the list help you out.
Thanks to those who took time to read part 1. If you enjoyed it then I am thankful. To those who found it problematic, I'll do better in my writing. I'm far from being great but we all have to start somewhere. J
4. Save colored / special equipment
As with most MMO games, monsters and quests give you both valuable and junk equipment. You can distinguish such by the way their names are colored. These can be highlighted with green or other colors depending on their rarity. Be sure to save some of these items even if you don't plan on wearing them later on. You see, you can get an archium material through a disassembly process. This material is needed to make luxury equipment later on. So be sure to save them. Sell the other items you don't need to ensure that you get some cash inflow for your character. I snagged some green level robes from a monster hunt but I don't think I'll be wearing them anytime soon since I'll put it through disassembly later on. Gotta learn how to do so first.
5. Acquire resources quickly and use labor points aggressively
The game has a labor component that is used as the primary option for accumulating resources. By expending labor points, you acquire resources from trees, ores, and other places. Labor is then recovered at a rate of roughly 1 per minute, For instance, if you see an ore patch or tree while roaming the map, just collect from them. It's similar to that in Skyrim where you get to chop logs and get ore from mines. Also, logs and ore are important minerals that can be traded and used later on.
At level 1, you have 1000 labor points. Cutting a tree down gives xp too, so fighting monsters isn't the only way to level up. It regenerates even when you are logged out of the game, I believe. That's even more reason why not to skimp on using it.
6. Take your pet and always train it
In this game you get pets which can be used for movement purposes (mount) and combat. Depending on your pet and how you raise it, you get to learn and assign skills as it too levels up. Be sure you always have your pets with you so that they too gain experience and level up. I've heard that you can use them for battle but I'm not sure if this means they aid you in monster hunting or if you get to use them Pokemon style. Take note that while you can use your mount to attack, it is significantly weaker than your battle pet. You get pets at different quests. So far, I only use a basic mount and have no battle pet.
Here's a sample of a battle pet I saw on the internet. Hope I can get one too.
See you again next time when I get to the next part of this series. Have a great week guys!
Arche Age - 10 tips Part 3
I've finally come to finish the remaining part for the ten tips I was trying to accomplish since a while back. It has been an experience trying to write and express myself. I have learned from those who commented and give tips on what to improve. So here is the last part. Please comment and tell me how to improve myself. Thanks!
7. Aim to exceed quest requirements for bonuses
Quests require you to turn in some items obtained from monster drops or based on the number of monsters killed. Once you speak to an NPC, he will mark the quest as done and give you the appropriate rewards. You will then be compensated for your efforts. However, it might seem like a paltry sum compared to the amount of travelling and hunting you have done. There is a way around this though. Give around 150% of the requirements and you can enjoy higher returns on your questing. I suggest doing this since you travelled far to kill monsters anyway. Might as well get an extra feather, pelt, or two. Doing quests this way makes it faster to level up and will help in the long run.
8. Focus on quests for livelihood
In ArcheAge, the livelihood element is a big part in increasing your character's strength. There is limit in training a character by means of combat since you would need to take part in siege warfare or PvP. You must produce weapons for either defending or attacking a castle which means that emphasis should be put into production and manufacturing. As such, resources are needed and these can be obtained either by foraging in the world map or by tending your own farm. Foraging is limited since you will be competing against other players for scarce resources. Having your own farm means that you have a steady supply of materials at hand. The only downside is that players can invade your garden to either vandalize or steal your hard work. Make sure you take care of your home as it is one of the vital parts of leveling and gaining resources.
9. Visit a priest or sister after your character dies
After level 10, a penalty is applied every time you die. You lose some of your experience points when this happens. This is extremely annoying especially after spending time trying to level your character in the first place. To solve this, make sure you visit a temple and talk to the priest or sister there. You can recover up to 90% of the lost experience by using your labor points. This will be a definite lifesaver once you reach the higher levels and get killed aggressively by any PvP players.
10. Increase move speed when you can.
Once you reach level 5, you gain access to abilities that can increase your speed. This 'speed' ability is like sprinting which drains your stamina while in use. You can use this skill repeatedly in order to travel from village to village. This is especially important for early players who do not have access to pets or mounts yet. While traveling, you may find tonics that restore stamina and help you continue on running. Make use of this skill as early as you can in order to get a lot of things done.
So far that does it for the 10 tips I have discovered in the game. I will try to make more updates when possible. Hope you enjoyed what I was able to write down. Have a great week everyone!

subset: commoncrawl


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After months of speculation around eBay's divestiture of Skype, the announcement came this week that it will spin off the subsidiary in an IPO next year. This culminates more than three years of media conjecture around eBay's inability to find synergies with the $4.1 billion acquisition.
As an independent company, Skype could have a greater impetus (and ability) to redefine itself — a need driven further by the flattening growth that comes naturally with such high subscriber volumes.
Local search could be one way to do this, according to Nick Corr, Skype senior product manager of e-commerce. A former yellow pages guy, Corr has spent most of the last year working with a visionary at an undisclosed (NDA-protected) European yellow pages publisher to get his idea materialized.
Redefining Moment
The idea is based on the notion that Skype's 405 million global subscribers use it to make free or cheap calls. Why not bolt it to a local search engine that's core use is finding phone numbers for local businesses?
This is the same idea behind the SkypeFind feature built into its desktop client, but Corr proposes that this be broadened to the Web where the majority of local search is happening. This calls for any phone number that shows up in search results be linked to a Skype call.
This is already the case for Skype users, by virtue of the automatic browser plug-in in Skype 4.0, which hyperlinks phone numbers appearing anywhere on the screen. But its use is limited to the smaller subset of SkypeOut subscribers who pay to call landline phones. So the thought is to make calls to local businesses free for everyone.
This is where the yellow pages — and revenue model — come in. The $32 billion global industry is built on businesses paying to have their phone numbers placed in front of ready-to-buy consumers. The past few years have brought a greater need to provide measurable value (À la paid search) to their advertisers.
After purchasing discounted wholesale calls from Skype, yellow pages can essentially own these links and drive calls — and performance metrics — to their advertisers. In some cases, this will be used simply as a retention tool to prove value to advertisers. But calls will come at a premium in high-value categories (e.g., lawyers or auto dealers).
"We're currently identifying high-value categories and advertisers," said Chintaka Ranatunga, business development manager at Yellow Pages Group New Zealand, which is in trials with Skype. "Based on the trial data, we'll be able to decide whether to offer this free to advertisers to show ROI, or on a pay-per-call basis to drive incremental revenue."
Local Trojan Horse
This general concept is nothing new for yellow pages, having already integrated print and online call tracking. But what's different from past efforts is that Skype links will be shown wherever their advertisers' phone numbers show up in online search — not just on publishers' own sites.
In other words, this extends the reach of Internet yellow pages (IYP) to include Google results, where lots of local search is happening (about 11 percent of Google's 8.5 billion monthly searches according to The Kelsey Group). This figure will grow with Google's recent move to have the local "10 pack" appear in more searches.
The 10 pack is where the opportunity lies, because phone numbers are shown in these search results. So instead of jockeying for top rankings, yellow pages companies working with Skype can drive calls to their advertisers directly from the 10 pack.
The genius of this plan can be seen in light of the many IYPs and local search sites who have been pushed down (or off) the page by the 10 pack (see Citysearch and Yelp in the screen shot). This has impacted many companies.
It's also been fodder for hours of punditry throughout the blogosphere and search conference circuits. Who knew that it would be someone from the yellow pages industry to figure out a way to fashion Skype's browser plug-in as a Trojan horse to reclaim some of this prime SERP inventory?
Calls, Clicks, and Currency
To give credit where it's due, the idea was born with Corr and first got going in conversations with his yellow pages partner in Europe. This company and Yellow Pages New Zealand are the only two publishers in trials with Skype. But more could follow if early trial results are any indication.
Though he can't yet discuss specifics, Corr tells me there is a clear increase in calls to businesses they've marked as free for users. There's also an increase in domestic calls — supporting the potential for local search to join Skype's longstanding status as an international calling tool.
Beyond status, it can be a revenue diversification play for Skype — and just at the right time. Deals with yellow pages publishers will mostly involve a revenue share, meaning a large opportunity awaits if this can become a viable way for mass audiences to Skype local businesses just as easily as they currently Google them.
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Once the holiday rush is over and sites are no longer on lockdown, its time to focus on the little things adjustments, but together can produce measurable local SEO gains. Here's how to get started.
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Welcome to our weekly round-up of all the latest news and research from the world of search marketing and beyond.
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Why local matters, even for national advertisers
There's been a lot of talk recently about personalization as Google, Facebook, and others continue to roll out new targeting features.


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Cake Boss: Season 5 DVD
More than six sugar-coated hours straight out of Carlo's Bakery reveal the incredible feats that go into each imaginative treat as Buddy attempts to bake his clients' dreams. But that dream is different for everyone, which has Buddy's team baking, engineering, and assembling everything from a space shuttle that actually lifts off to a DJ setup complete with lights and moving turntables. Of course, no one said dreams would be easy, and there's no missing the mishaps and the miracles that converge as the bakery attempts to feed a client's 4000 employees 2500 miles away or create a go-cart cake that actually drives. Plus, three bonus episodes reveal Italian family secrets from the both the bakery and beyond. Serve up a series of sweet treats with this baker's dozen of Cake Boss episodes from everyone's favorite baker.
Read MoreLess
More Details
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 2
- Run Time: 440 Minutes
- Region: 1
- Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
- Studio: TLC
- DVD Release Date: September 3, 2013
- Cast: Buddy Valastro
- Genre: TV Series
- Release Date: 2011
Availability: In Stock
Ready to ship in 5-7 Business Days


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Local Crab Feeds Attract Hundreds
Hundreds of people in Yakima get their fill of crab tonight.
Over 600 people attended the 57th annual West Valley Kiwanis Club Crab Feed at West Valley Junior High.
The fundraiser is held to raise money for the Kiwanis club, which donates it to community service projects, aimed at the youth in the area.
In addition, the Humane Society of Central Washington also held its own crab feed at the Harmon Center.
About 300 people attended that dinner, which was raising money for the humane society's spay and neuter program.
"I think it shows that the community is supportive of each other if they're all going to events like this," said Amy Cook, "It seems like a tight community, so the fact that everybody gets together like this is pretty awesome."
"I'm here to celebrate my 13th birthday, I also love crab and helping the community," said Danielle Swanson.
The Kiwanis crab feed is expected to raise over $6,000, while the humane society's crab feed is expected to raise about $10,000.


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Apple Butter (No Sugar Added) – Half Pint Glass Jar
Our Apple Butter is made by the old fashioned open kettle method. It takes more work, but it's worth it. This is our special blend of Jonathan, Red and Golden Delicious apples, cider, and spices.
#225 (NS) — 1/2 pt. Glass Jar
Price = $4.50


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One of the highlights of Orangeville Days is the Humphrey Brothers Lamb Fry. Many hands help throughout the day in order to provide wonderful lamb chops, lamb hamburger and countless scones for Orangeville residents and their guests to enjoy.
The very first lamb fry was held in 1962 for the ground breaking of the Joes Valley dam. Wilford Humphrey was put in charge of the celebration and he called on his son Mark and his wife Mareen to provide the food for the celebration. Mark, along with his family and brother Lee would travel around the county serving lamb. When his brother Tom moved back to town he began helping them and still attends to this day. At one time they were serving lamb at 22 lamb fry's during the summer. Mark would raise the lambs beginning in the fall so that they could butcher them in June for the lamb fry.
Dwayne Story, Mark Humphrey's son in law and Lewis Stilson, Mark Humphrey's nephew, have now taken over the skill of cooking the lamb.


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Forty Weeks of Fitness | With Chelsea
Prenatal Yoga
Feel your core becoming stronger while holding plank pose. Feel your hips stretching during reverse warrior. Feel your mind relaxing during child's pose. Take in deep slow breaths to nurture the baby. Ahhhhhhhh!
Practicing yoga during pregnancy offers many benefits including core strengthening, mindful stretching, stress relief, and a chance to focus on slow, deep breathing. Keeping your core strong throughout your pregnancy will decrease your chance of experiencing back pain, reinforce good posture, and help you maintain your balance. Mindful stretching will help retain flexibility while keeping you aware of your looser ligaments. Yoga studios offer a variety of course levels and frequently offer prenatal classes.
Baseline Rules
If You Were Inactive Before Pregnancy...
Empower your body and mind by beginning the practice of yoga. There are two ways to get started: purchasing a prenatal DVD or joining a prenatal yoga class. A class offers several advantages to a new yoga student. As a member of a prenatal yoga class you will have hands-on instruction and verbal cues that encourage correct form, posture and breathing techniques. A class also provides a great way to meet other moms-to-be! Arrive a few minutes early and listen to the stories that expecting women share. It's nice to know you are not the only one who is experiencing the need to take a nap before dinner or use the bathroom in the middle of the night.
However, if you prefer to enjoy yoga in solitude, simply purchase a DVD and practice at home. Choose a carpeted room or purchase a yoga mat, and before starting the video be sure to clear the area of any objects that could get in your way. Find a time when you will not be interrupted and turn off your cell phone. Give your body the time it needs to stretch, strengthen and relax. You might find it helpful to just watch the DVD prior to following the sequence of poses. At times a picture is worth a thousand words.


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Batman™ Lunch Bags
- Overview
Little Super Heroes need a healthy homemade lunch to keep them energized for adventure. This reusable pack keeps food fresh on the go, and easily clips to our Mackenzie backpacks for ultimate mobility.
- Shell is woven of tough 600-denier polyester with a moisture-resistant coating inside.
- Insulated with a PEVA lining – an environmentally friendly, food-safe vinyl that's made without chlorine or plasticizers.
- Appliquéd patch features the bat symbol.
- Detailed with a heavy-duty nylon zipper and durable plastic buckle.
- Features an easy-to-clean, molded interior.
- Please note, personalization placement varies and may not appear as shown. Personalization may cover all or part of the print.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 8" wide x 4" deep x 9" high
- Interior: 7.5" wide x 3" deep x 8.5" high
- Interior Mesh Pocket: 7.5" wide x 5.5" high
- Exterior Front Panel Pocket: 7.5" wide x 8.5" high
- Carrying Handle: 1.5" wide x 6.5" long
- Spot clean with a damp, white cloth.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item. In-stock items will usually ship within 7-10 business days for the cities listed below.
- San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Columbus, New York City, Baltimore, Boston, Cromwell, Atlanta, Raleigh, Charlotte, Tampa, Fort Meyers, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale
For other areas, your items will be delivered within 2-3 weeks.
View Our Shipping Information
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
Delivery fees are non-refundable and prior purchases are not eligible for a price adjustment. The following items are non-eligible for returns or exchanges:
- Personalized/Monogrammed items
- Mattresses
- Gift cards
- Special-order items (including made-to-order upholstery and custom order rugs)
- Final Sale items (identified by a price ending in $.97 or $.99)
- Items damaged through normal wear and tear.
Questions? See our full Returns Policy.
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.


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My wife & I went on the Tauranga - Best of Town & Country Tour. I would like to say how much we enjoyed the tour and Ian was a great guide. It would rate as one of the best tours we did in New Zealand...Again many thanks keep up the good work!
- Joan & Ted from Australia


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Teaching Children to Play With Fire
February 23, 2017,
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin. This article discusses the test to measure the amount of folic acid in the blood.
Folate - test
Most of the time blood is taken from a vein, on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
You should not eat or drink for 6 hours before the test. Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking any drugs that may interfere with test results, including folic acid supplements.
Drugs that can decrease folic acid measurements include alcohol, aminosalicylic acid, birth control pills, estrogens, tetracyclines, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, methotrexate, penicillin, aminopterin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and drugs to treat malaria.
You may feel slight pain or a little sting when the needle is inserted. There maybe some throbbing at the site.
This test is done to check for folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid helps form red blood cells and produce DNA that stores genetic codes. Taking the right amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent certain birth defects, such as spina bifida.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Pregnant women need even higher levels of folic acid. Ask your health care provider how much you need.
The normal range is 2.7 - 17.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens.
Lower-than-normal folic acid levels may indicate:
The test may also be done in cases of:
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size. It may be harderto take a blood sample in one person than another.
Other slight risks from having blood drawn may include:
Elghetany MT, Banki K. Erthrocytic Disorders. In: Mcpherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 32.
Antony AC. Megaloblastic Anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2012:chap 32.
Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 225


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Skip to comments.McCain Orchestrates Another GOP Surrender
Posted on 07/17/2013 8:56:17 AM PDT by servo1969
Sen. John McCain spent the weekend negotiating with Majority Leader Harry Reid on a deal to avert Reid's threatened use of the "nuclear option" to change Senate rules to eliminate filibusters on Presidential nominations. Through his efforts, McCain was able to secure a complete GOP capitulation on 7 pending nominations. Reid secured all the benefits of exercising the "nuclear option" without the political cost of actually using it.
Under the McCain deal, the GOP will provide enough votes to secure the 60 votes needed for cloture and proceed to final consideration of the 7 nominees. In exchange, Reid agreed to replace two current union attorney nominees with two alternative union attorney nominees. McCain's swift surrender ensures that the "nuclear option" is a permanent fixture of the nomination process.
McCain, however, helped the Democrats avoid a risky political vote. He also ensured that he is on Harry Reid's speed-dial the next time the GOP raises objections to an Obama nomination.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Two Manchurian candidates.
McCain campaigns for his own loss of a Senate Seat.
I have always felt the two capitulated on the election in 2008. It is becoming clearer every day.
Reid's RINOs strike again!
John McCain and Jeff Flake, a big thank you to Arizona - NOT!
Every time I see McCain's name in a headline I know that I'm about to get boned again.
how's that recall coming AZ? please get it done.
McCain is another reason why the GOP is dying. It is time for Sarah Palin to lead the formation of a new party regardless of the short term cost. The GOP is never going to save the Republic.
Why was McCain negotiating? Why not McConnell?
How's his recall going?
roger (benedict arnold) wicker was right with these turn-coats... I will not vote for wicker ever again... we need another candidate because trent lott's butt boy has seen his last vote from me.
So you think we should follow a failed model (third party) rather than a politically successful model (liberals taking over the DNC from within)? No thanks.
Liberals have taken over the RNC from within, too.
Just what did the democrats on capitol hill do to mccain that his north Vietnamese captors couldn't?
If the conservatives desired to take over from within, they can start by refusing to vote for moderates. Absolute refusal no matter what.
Priority #1 is to discipline the GOP if they put up moderates and put down conservatives. This means refusing to vote for them EVEN if it helps democrats in the short term.
But as history shows, 95% of all Freepers rolled over and voted for Mitt Romney in the last election. You have a lot of work ahead of you.
I think we need a second party. The ruling Democrat-Republicans have got to go.
I would have more respect for the people of AZ if they replace McCain.
I would like to have more respect for the government of the U.S. one day...
like I used to in a different time...
when I proudly served her.
It's liberals taking over the "Two-Party Cartel" that is owned by the liberal-elites. 98% of our Congress is bought & paid for or compromised. Only a true revolution can changed this & that ain't gonna happen because the people are too lazy or naive & the Gestapo have too much power over the little guy. We are screwed.
Why doesn't Mitch McConnell just turn over his job to McCain?
McConnell doesn't do anything but fellate Harry Reid.
This is the Republican party that wants my vote???
So you think we should follow a failed model (third party) rather than a politically successful model (liberals taking over the DNC from within)? No thanks.The difference, and it's a BIG one, is that the Democrat Party has always had liberals in positions of power. Enough to allow them to effect change in party rules that made the liberal takeover possible.
Republicans, OTOH, do everything in their power to shut conservatives out of leadership positions. The Party Platform debate at the last Convention, for example, turned into a conservative purge.
They've made it crystal clear that conservatives are no longer welcome in the Republican Party, and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep them out.
Except to vote.
The Gang Of Prostitutes (GOP): Their only principle is to hve no principles. their only strategy is preemptive surrender. Their plan for victory is to tick off their base as much as possible.
With Democrats in charge, the country is going off the cliff at 100 miles per hour. At lest Republicans drive the speed limit — but you're still going off the cliff. We need to turn the car around.
The Republican Party was founded to replace the Whigs because the Whigs would not take a stand on the main issues of the day. Well, they did such a good job of replacing the Whigs that they have become the Whigs.
Maybe they should change their name.
And BTW, McCain has been senile for years.
my guess: mccain heads his minority gang of 14 or so leftist senate republicans, which gives the dems the votes they need for cloture and gives mcconnell the cover he needs to hide.
you know: murkowski, collins, alexander, corker, grahmnesty, etc, etc.
Probably something like that. All this deadwood needs to be cleaned out.
It takes more than just McCain to pull this off. There are a lot of GOP co-conspirators that also deserve our ire.
After his meeting with mac daddy he stabbed his running mate in the back.
Can you recall a US Senator?
State Senator, yes, but a Fed?
Campaign cash. Payola
That's not entirely accurate. It wasn't that long ago when the Democrat party were openly racist, homosexual baiting and had a huge KKK contingent. The Marxists spent time and effort taking over the party, and they have succeeded. There hasn't been an effective third party in the history of our country. The Whigs died before the Republican party was born. I am saying we need to take over the Republican party, not shoot ourselves in the foot by going third party.
the site is senatorflake.com. the az justification is cited there. it looks like the person running the site is still trying to get approval from AZ for his petitions or find someone who already has one.
without petitions to distribute to sign, it looks like the effort is on hold.
no visible contribution button, i guess by design. i would contribute though, being out of state.
Ah, John McCain. Our very own Franz von Papen.
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Community Information Database
You are browsing the Subject Heading Music Groups which contains 9 record(s)
- Be Natural Music
Be Natural Music is a music school based in Santa Cruz. Our school offers private music lessons, band classes, and music camps, as well as the Real Rock Band experience. Students learn: Basic Mus... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- Gold Standard Chorus
The Gold Standard Chorus as it performs in the community is a non-competing chorus, and is one of the few barbershop choruses nationwide to have women participating in the chorus as auxiliary singers... [Full Record]
- Musicians Union Local 6
The Musicians Union Local 153 is a labor union for professional musicians. We strive to improve the economic status, social position and general welfare of our members. ELIGIBILITY: Membership is... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- New Music Works
A contemporary music group that presents an annual new music concert series. Features composers living in the Santa Cruz area as well as those living throughout the world. The concert season runs Octo... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- Santa Cruz Baroque Festival
The SCBF has been presenting annual seasons of early classical music since 1974, featuring internationally-known as well as local artists performing on historical instruments. Concert themes center ar... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society
The SCBS brings people together for the preservation, enjoyment, and advancement of Bluegrass and related acoustic music through jam sessions, instructional workshops, concerts, community, festivals, ... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- Santa Cruz City Band
Since 1994, the Santa Cruz City Band has been a true community group, comprised of talented musicians of all ages and musical backgrounds. It's an enjoyable and welcoming place to play for local ... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
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Santa Cruz Performing Arts is a small local nonprofit organization that offers user, theater, and dance programs, as well as sound design, light and sound equipment rentals, and production support. ... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]
- Santa Cruz Symphony
Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm The Santa Cruz Symphony performs ten classical concerts in its regular season from October to May at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium and the Henry J. Mello Center for the Perfo... [Full Record] [Add to Personal List]


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Artist description:
around 50%-60% ink used dont remember
Flash Draw Created Jun 21, 2012 640 x 460px Unless noted Copyright 2012 freemoneyplz.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
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Great draw, love how real it looks and the fact you used flash! :)!
Inspireful* scene, love your art. The simplistic aproach is always a sign of great mastery...(what am i even saying here?) Great job dood!!!
its thumbnail looks like a photograph! wow
OMG This is sooo sooo gorgeous!!! I LOVE it! 5/5 Collection!!
I always feel compelled to use all the ink u_u I don't know why, I almost feel guilty if i don't. But I also feel the same about not finishing a drink.. or dinner. I feel obliged to clean the plate clean Dx maybe thats why im fat u.u pftt anyways--
a little off tract, but great draw xD 'Loving them blue tones in the sky
Great landscaping! I love the depth in this. Too often landscapes appear flat, but you really made this "pop". 5h
haaaaaaaah..!!!!!!! such a nice drawing..!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL.....
Gorgeous, Free. Nice work! 5h
you make it look to easy. such talent. great draw!!
Awesome effects!~ Love the use of the tools!~ Cool coloring!~ :3


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text: There are several key components which�help to�pave a smooth pathway for learning and�homework success. Homework�can be�viewed with�reluctance by both�students and parents. Generally,�when�we dread doing something, it takes�longer, requires a bigger effort, and results in mediocrity. When we are excited and proceed with enthusiasm, the results are far superior. So, why not do an attitude adjustment and give you child the�simple supports he needs to be successful. Review your parenting style�to change your family dynamics. Communicate with enthusiasm when you talk about school and homework projects. Help to organize materials as well as schedules with due dates for tests and projects, as children�aren't naturally�born with an organizational skill-set. Determine the best time for your child to do work, preferably when you are�available to assist and encourage. School is your child's life work. Set him up for success, and show him how far he can go. Read more in my column�Building life-long helpful school habits.


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(January 24) Today we're celebrating . . . Belly Laugh Day
Belly Laugh Day
Beam, chortle, chuckle, convulse, crack up, giggle, grin, guffaw, hee-haw, howl, roar, scream, shout, shriek, simper, smile, smirk, snicker, snort, split, tehee, titter, whoop and laugh out loud today!
On January 24, at 1:24 p.m. (local time) smile, throw your arms in the air and laugh out loud! Be a Part of The Belly Laugh Bounce 'Round the World*
*link: Belly Laugh Day


text:
Trane and Chart plan renovation and expansion
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- - In an economy where losing jobs and down-sizing is the norm, hearing that a company is looking to renovate and add jobs might come as a surprise.
But that's exactly what two companies in La Crosse are preparing to do.
Trane Company recently sent a letter to the city asking for partnering opportunities in its plan to renovate Plant Seven on the corner of Losey Boulevard and Ward Avenue.
The letter was also written on behalf of Chart Energy and Chemicals, which has an expansion of its own planned.
While both projects are in the very preliminary stages, it could lead to hundreds of new jobs in the La Crosse area.
Trane's renovation plans are focused on keeping the company competitive.
"The market we work in today is a global economy. There are more and more players in the commercial air conditioning marketplace," said Trane La Crosse Plant manager Brad Tacheny.16812616
The company is planning to upgrade Plant Seven, which produces and tests the company's centrifugal chillers, or CenTraVac systems.
"It would also set the stage for new product platforms that will be brought into production in the next several years. We asked the city to sit down and have a discussion on partnership opportunities in this development," said Tacheny.
"We have received a letter to enter into negotiations for a potential expansion of the Trane company campus," said La Crosse Mayor Matt Harter.
But Harter said the help the city can provide is limited.
"I do not believe it's in the best interest of the city to participate in any type of cash grants or tax breaks. I think this expansion should be funded on their own. However, we can provide assistance in any type of public improvements to the area," said Harter.
The letter to the city was also written on behalf of Chart Energy and Chemicals, which is looking to buy land from Trane on Ward Avenue for an expansion.
While there's a lot of planning and work to do, the two projects could mean more jobs for La Crosse.
"It could be up to a couple hundred jobs between the two businesses. The potential's there if Chart gets to expand and if we get to do some of the things we're planning to do as well and the economy continues to improve," said Tacheny.
Trane said the renovation could cost about $50 million.
But management said it's too early in the planning process to have any official numbers.
Trane and Chart have also made a request to the state for partnership opportunities.
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text:
Canucks Story Lines to Watch for in 2013
Thomas Drance
January 01 2013 06:06PM
From the trade of beloved rookie Cody Hodgson, to the team's unceremonious first round exit at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings, to the mystifying, frustrating NHL lockout - 2012 was a tough year for the Canucks and their fans. If you want to relive a bleak twelve months, Harrison Mooney broke it down exhaustively over at Pass it to Bulis on Tuesday morning.
Rather than looking back at the wasteland that was the Canucks' 2012, we figured we'd look ahead to what promises to be a very intriguing 2013. I've singled out five primary story lines that I anticipate we'll be following closely in the new year, and you can read all about it on the other side of the jump.
Will NHL Hockey be Played? (Yes)
Without NHL hockey to write about this past fall, this blog has gone relatively quiet over the past few months. I apologize to our regular, loyal readers for that, but realistically I'm not a guy with any experience in labour negotiations, or legaleese, and I didn't feel like I could add much context to the annoying tit-for-tat of lockout negotiations on a daily basis.
My opinion is the same now, as it was in September and October (although the lockout has persisted slightly longer than I'd anticipated): the NHL has never been prepared to scrap the entire season, but they were clearly willing to shutdown the league for a few months in order to squeeze the players and obtain a larger slice of the revenue pie.
It's the NBA model - you trust that the product is rivetting enough to draw fans back in by the playoffs, and hope that the show is fun enough to make everyone forget about the acrimony of a shortened campaign.
Overall I find Ryan Lambert's recent analysis compelling in that, it seems to me that the league has done poorly to maximize their advantages (namely, the fact that they own a monopoly on professional hockey in North America) in negotiations. Meanwhile NHLPA boss Donald Fehr has done very well in my view to limit the pound of flesh extracted by league owners.
With the positive movement over the past few days, I really think we've reached the point where a deal is close at hand. Who knows wether or not the two sides agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement or play the season with a Memorandum of Understanding; but who really cares. Hockey season is nigh, and for all of the bitterness the latest lockout has engendered: I'm excited about it.
The Luongo Trade
For month we've known that Roberto Luongo, unquestionably the best goaltender in Vancouver Canucks history, would be traded.
I'd assumed that he'd be moved at the draft, but Mike Gillis didn't get an offer he liked this past June in Pittsburgh and he stuck to his guns all summer. Gillis is like a Vancouver homeowner who is convinced that he doesn't need to lower the price of his house (which has been on the market for lo, these past four months), because forget the market - all it really takes is one buyer who likes the asset enough to meet his price.
Whether or not Gillis' strategy on this front is vindicated by the return the Canucks reap for Luongo's services, a resolution to Luongo's status is clearly nigh. Even if the Canucks do the unthinkable and hold onto Luongo for another (shortened) season, with the salary cap poised to decrease by about 14% by the 2013-14 season, the team's current situation in goal (Schneider and Luongo will combine to eat up 9.33 million in cap-space through 2015) will become completely untenable at some point during this calender year.
When the Luongo trade saga finally reaches its belated conclusion at some point this year, expect a lot of hand-wringing in the Vancouver sports media market. The return will be criticized at length (and at this blog too, if it includes Tyler Bozak), and I'd expect a good deal of finger pointing among the faithful as well. Some will bemoan the fairweather fans who "ran the best goaltender in franchise history out of town", while ignoring the evidence that Cory Schneider might just be the younger, better, cheaper option who legitimately usurped the starters mantle. Still others will presumably turn on Cory Schneider in short order...
Either way, this transaction is going to be an omnipresent story this year, and I assure you we'll watch and discuss and break it all down obsessively.
The Window to Win
Despite Mike Gillis' repeated assurances to the contrary, it's probable that the Canucks as they're currently constituted are nearing the expiration date on their "championship window."
I tend to think that the "window" concern is somewhat over-rated; after all, the Canucks managed to get way younger this offseason by choosing Jason Garrison over Sami Salo, and Cory Schneider over Roberto Luongo. In terms of average age, the Canucks are now in the bottom half of the league according to NHLNumbers. Still, it's fair to say that the club's "elite" pieces are aging.
The Sedins turned 32 this past September, and while I don't see any signs of declining effectiveness in their performance, Cam Charron has convincingly disagreed with that analysis and could very well be right. Also, beyond the Sedins there's still Alex Burrows (31) who is on the wrong side of thirty, as is Kevin Bieksa (also 31). While Ryan Kesler is only 28, he's coming off of multiple surgeries this past summer, and his injury history is quickly reaching a length that would rival one of Tolstoy's classic novels.
Compounding the team's "window" issue, is the complete lack of bluechip talent in the prospect pipeline and the improvement of divisional rivals like Minnesota (lol), Colorado and Edmonton. Getting past 29 other NHL clubs is difficult enough, but going forward the Canucks will also be competing against a much more unforgiving opponent in father time.
Is this the year the Canucks begin to show their age? Can Vancouver's club score enough to keep up with the upstart youngins in Edmonton - who have completly lit up the AHL these past few months - this season and next? Will they be able to hang with the nasty collection of two-way bangers Greg Sherman has assembled in Denver? These are the big questions going forward, and while I tend to think that the news of the Canucks' demise as Northwest Division heavyweights has been over-stated, expect the words "decline" and "window" to be on the tip of every critic's tongue every time the Canucks stumble in 2013.
Gilman's Biggest Test
Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis and capologist Laurence Gilman were masters of manipulating the NHL's previous collective bargaining agreement. During their tenure, they've consistently maximized the club's ability to derive value from their roster within the confines of the salary cap. They've managed this neat trick despite average to subpar drafting, largely because their contract work has been consistently stellar.
With the cap likely to drop from 70 million this season, to a shade over 60 million in 2013-14 however, Gilman and Gillis will face their biggest test yet this upcoming summer. The diminishing salary cap could cost the team Alex Edler, unless the club manages to clear an awful lot of cap-space in a Luongo trade or do something drastic like utilizing an amnesty provision and buying out Keith Ballard's contract.
In all, the club will have six roster players hitting unrestricted free-agency next summer (Malhotra, Raymond, Higgins, Lapierre, Edler, Alberts) and a seventh who will be a restricted free-agent (Chris Tanev) due for a raise. They'll also have 55.4 million in salary tied up in 12 players. Even if the Canucks manage to shed a liberal amount (say three million) in committed salary in an eventual Luongo trade, the club is looking at about 8 million dollars to sign third and fourth liners, a top-4 right-side defenseman, two depth defenseman and a back up goaltender during th summer of 2013. That's a tall order, even if a diminishing cap does stem the inflationary pressure on free-agent salaries.
I expect we'll spill truck loads of digital ink evaluating the way the Canucks navigate a new CBA in 2013, and it will undoubtedly shape the team's fortunes going forward. If you're a nerd, it should be pretty exciting.
Wither Abbotsford
In the summer of 2011, the Canucks signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. That agreement will expire at the end of this season, and the Canucks - and a whole host of other NHL organizations - will be in the market for a new affiliate.
The whispers out of Chicago and Vancouver suggest that neither the Wolves nor the Canucks would be eager to renew their affiliation, and anyway Chicago Wolves owner Don Levin has designs on owning an NHL franchise in the near future. Frankly, if I had to wager on it, I'd say that the Canucks will probably end up finding a new affiliate for the 2013-14 NHL season.
So could the Aquilini Group that owns the Canucks look to expand their brand and try to acquire the
sweetheart loser arena management deal that the city of Abbotsford signed with the Flames three years ago?
Every so often, this issue flares up and I've generally thought it was all smoke and no fire. On the one hand, it makes a lot of sense. No one attends AHL games in Abbotsford. Even when the team is winning and the NHL is locked out the Abbotsford Heat can't draw more than 4000 fans per game.
Meanwhile the city of Abbotsford, who guaranteed the Calgary Flames organization that they'd offset any losses, paid the Flames nearly three million in tax-payer funds last year (and will probably face a similar payment again this year). Over the course of the deal, the shortfalls have increased which has made the arena deal and by extension the Heat even less popular locally.
Over the past few years a pattern has emerged: the only time the Heat draw fans is when the Wolves (or formerly the Moose) are in town. So presumably an Abbotsford based AHL affiliate would make a lot more economic sense if the team was affiliated with the Canucks as opposed to the Flames.
The Canucks would win in such a scenario too because they'd be able to market their young stars to a local audience, they'd be able to earn a nice chunk of money selling the team's regional broadcast rights, and they'd have an AHL affiliate in their own backyard. Injury call ups wouldn't have to book a flight, they'd just have to brave the commute over the Port Mann.
Of course, the Flames remain a major stumbling block. They're locked into an agreement with Abbotsford for another six seasons after this one, and while Abbotsford bleeds money in the deal, the agreement has been a fantastic one for the Flames. The city covers any losses the Heat sustain and it's a short flight from Vancouver to Calgary, which has been exceptionally convenient for the Flames as they've been hit hard by the injury bug over the past couple of seasons. If the Aquilini group wants to induce the Flames to part ways with the Heat, the price will be steep.
With the Canucks agreement with the Wolves expiring, I suspect we'll hear a lot of scuttlebutt in 2013 about the Aquilini's and Abbotsford. It just makes too much sense, even though hammering out an agreement with the Flames won't be easy (to put it mildly). Without doubt, this will be fascinating story to watch unfold in 2013.
January 01 2013, 06:49PM
"Injury call ups wouldn't have to book a flight, they'd just have to brave the commute over the Arthur Laing."
I believe you mean the Port Mann. Ironically, the commute across the Arthur Laing is what they would have to brave if they had booked a flight.
I think given the cap drop in 2013, the Canucks will have to dig deep into their prospect pool to fill the void. Nicklas Jensen, given his play in the SEL, will likely make the team in a top 9 capacity, a big bonus of which is that he'll still have 3 full years of ELC to burn. Jordan Schroeder shouldn't be in the AHL after this season, he'll be up for contract renewal, but given his lack of NHL experience, it'll likely be a cheap 2 year contract to prove his worth, and he may or may not be able to solidify a third line center job. Zack Kassian should also be able to make it into the top 9, as I don't think slugging it out on the 4th is at all helpful for his development, and his playmaking skills good be a big boom to a shoot-first duo of Kesler and Booth.
Defense is the harder part of the puzzle, the Canucks technically do have the assets to fill in the gaps on paper. But whether or not their top 3 D prospects are up for the task is another story. I think Chris Tanev should be able to do fine in the top 4 IF Alex Edler isn't re-signed. Kevin Connauton can probably also find himself a job on the bottom pairing and powerplay if Ballard is gone, and if we lose both Ballard and Edler, Corrado might be fast-tracked to the main roster sooner rather than later.
"or do something drastic like utilizing an amnesty provision and buying out Keith Ballard's contract."
Drastic? Seems more like "obvious".
the wolves don't even sell out abbottsford when they do show up to town. the only heat games that have been sell outs this season have only been for the Barons.
@ Mantastic,
You need to see the forest through the trees on that point.
By this I mean, it's pretty much irrelevant if the Barons were the only sell out so far this season. This is because the draw of the Barons is simply due to the fact that the Edmonton prospect pool is so young that a lot of their NHL roster is on that team, and they project to be elite NHLers at that. Once the lockout ends and all the Baron's top players return to the Edmonton lineup, the Baron's draw playing the heat will be really limited again. Instead of looking at lockout scenarios, look at active NHL scenarios. In these scenarios, the Canucks' affiliate has consistently been the top draw, and even if they're not sell outs, they're significantly better attendance records then the heat's average.
say it for what it is and that abbottsford isn't a good hockey market, either is the surrounding area. when it's a lockout and people still don't go see the heat play, really shows how bad of a problem it really is.
January 02 2013, 10:54AM
say it for what it is and that abbottsford isn't a good hockey market, either is the surrounding area. when it's a lockout and people still don't go see the heat play, really shows how bad of a problem it really is.
Say it for what it is. You have a bitter Oilers agenda here and it's loud and clear.
@Unknown Comic
what Oiler agenda am i advocating here? and how am i bitter? somehow poor attendance to the Heat games is an Oiler agenda... right
@ Mantastic
I never intended to do any research on this, but as it seems like you're still wearing some blinders of some sort I decided to move away from my "gut" feeling and look at the numbers. First of all, the average attendance to Heat games has been dropping annually and as noted by Drance, a major reason to this is that the people of Abbotsford are particularily fed up with the "deal" in place being a money drain and are put off because of it.
Despite that trend, the heat's average attendance this year is up nearly 40%, which is the 5th best increase league wide during the lockout. Presumably these are mostly Canucks fans driving the attendance up, although some Calgary and Edmonton fans may have made the trip for some specific games, most notably, the Barons' games could have seen a handful of Edmontonians make the trip to see their young stars play just as Canucks fans do spike in attendance when their affiliates come to town.
Here is a quote from a fan at that Heat/Barons game:
"You're going through withdrawal, right?" explained Earl Petkau, who flew in from Edmonton to watch the Oilers' AHL affiliate. "All the young guns are here (in Abbotsford), so it was a perfect opportunity."
So, DURING A LOCKOUT, all three nearby hockey bases (Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton) swell the arena for this set of games you are going on about, fine, but when those kids are back with the Oilers do you really think that the Barons will have any kind of draw at all? No, they haven't in the past when Edmontonians have Oiler Hockey to Watch, and they won't in the future. So you picked the most irrelevant example that does not make any sustainable point at all, nor connect with what Drance's article is trying to elucidate to his readers.
Most simply put, what the article is enlightening, is that attendance records for the Canucks' affiliate teams are there Lockout or NOT.
For instance I cut from a 2010 article:
The attendance average was at 3115, just before the first Manitoba Moose Game, on November 26, despite the 5341 attendance figure on opening night, October 15.
Attendance at the four Manitoba Moose games ranged between 5500-6154.
This is an on average 85% attendance boost during these four games above and beyond their annual average. This is even far better then the draw they're achieving during the lockout this year!
By my cursory look at non lockout stats, and if this trend were to hold, it looks as though by becoming the Canucks' affiliate that the heat's attendance would go from their pre lockout 29th of 30 teams, to 9th. For comparison sake, during the lockout they have had the 5th greatest attendance spike of all teams in the AHL and have moved from their pre lockout 29th to 16th.
And that is the whole point that Drance is making... Not that Hockey starved Albertans came to see their affiliates duke it out in Abbotsford, but that the Canucks' affiliates have had a long history of drawing fans to Abbotsford, lockout or not, and that to save Abbotsford from the ridiculous deal that they took to house the Flames' affiliate and to return attendance and profitability to the team, that a deal would need to be made with the Canucks.
I don't care if you're an Edmonton fan or not. I don't know why you chose the Barons' game as your example, only that it is a faulty one. I suspect that you're probably just arguing for the sake of argument and that you have no real point to make here, but, if you want to say something, then at least back it up with some thought and logic.
Thanks for responding though, and respond again if you have something productive to say on the subject and are not just trying to stir the pot.
Cheers mate, and happy New Year!
the wolves don't even sell out abbottsford when they do show up to town. the only heat games that have been sell outs this season have only been for the Barons.
How am I wrong with this statement? i made the statement because it shows there really isn't much interest in abby pro-minor hockey, if only 1 team can sell out the arena, even if it would never happen on a non-lockout year
spikes in attendance for certain teams doesn't mean there will be more consistent attendance record for said team if they played every home game. abbottsford is hardly a great area to drive to, just watch hockey, even when they have a good team playing there.
even if the canucks affiliate were the heat, they would still be turning in a lose. 3 million is a big hole to dig out of.
@ Mantastic
First of all, where you are most wrong in that statement is that there are not a lot of sellouts in the AHL, so it's not about sellouts, it's about average attendance. Furthermore, when the Canucks affiliate comes to town they average in the top third of the league, which is a good starting point.
2nd, Drance covers why there is a "lack of interest" for the heat as the flames affiliate. But, you can not say that this is any kind of blanket statement that would even come close to holding true if the Heat were the Canucks affiliate as you seem to believe.
Besides the facts I wrote last time, which speaks for itself, it seems you only want to deal in the realm of speculative conjecture. If that is your thing then, for starters, you could point out what Drance wrote, that:
they'd be able to market their young stars to a local audience, they'd be able to earn a nice chunk of money selling the team's regional broadcast rights,
To build onto that we could say that they'd be able to build a brand which would be very appealing to Canucks fans with the ability to follow their young up-and-comers. Also, it would no longer be just the canucks affiliate versus the flames affiliate every time the Canucks affiliate came to town. If the Canucks affiliate were permanently in Abbotsford then the Canucks fans could see their Canucks affiliate play 29 different flavours of competition! So, your idea that their attendance would not be consistently better with the Canuck's affiliate as the home team, to me, is quite moot. The argument could easily be made that being able to see a great variety of opponents would increase attendance even more, create a solid following and push them well above the ninth spot in attendance that only playing the flames affiliate averages out at! I mean, face the facts here, the flames are not the opponents they used to be and maybe many Canucks fans might want to go and watch their Canucks affiliate play the Chicago affiliate, the Detroit affiliate, the Boston affiliate, or perhaps even the Edmonton affiliate in the Barons since you love them so much!
Many others teams might be appealing as well for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the trade winds are blowing and a Canucks fan might want to get a look at their prospects playing against a team's prospects who are being brought up in trade talks. Get a first hand comparison of the prospects of trade talk playing head to head.
The Aquilinis would be able to market this from so many angles. When you look at how the Canucks business has flourished under the Aquilini ownership, you could easily make the argument that they understand the business of Hockey quite well (better then you or I) and I for one would put my money on their success in building a brand and marketing it if they were to take over the Heat and utilize the movement of young stars and prospects between the Canucks and their affiliate to strengthen the brand going both ways.
In some ways an affiliate club has a symbiosis with the big club. For instance, the argument could be made that many people in Winnipeg have a soft spot for the Canucks simply because they watched players like Bieksa, Kesler and Burrows come of age into NHLers while they were playing with the Moose, and who have since become key pieces of the Canucks lineup. As the next generation of players continue to develop and grow this brand can be developed and Vancouverites could very easily get hooked on the idea of watching their stars of tomorrow, perhaps Jensen or Gaunce, as they come through the system.
Simply put, right now the market to push the Canucks prospects as something to come out and watch as the visiting team is weak, yet they do alright anyways. But, as the home team the symbiosis and the marketing of it shoots to entirely new levels.
I get the impression that more then anything you just like to be a Debbie downer, to focus on negatives and not fully think things through. But, whether you deal in the cold hard facts of what has been when the Canucks affiliate comes to town, or even if you want to dabble into the realm of the speculative of how the Canucks affiliate as the heat could be marketed, both point to a positive picture, whereby a solid brand could be exploited and grown to create a really good future for the heat in such a relationship and nothing that you have written has any leg to stand on to make me think otherwise.
how am i wrong that the barons are the only ones to sell out any heat games this season when it's true?
i stopped reading after that, since obviously you're just fabricating stuff at this point.
@ Mantastic
You did not just say that the Barons were the only sellout. You went on to use sellouts as a measure of success. That is where you are wrong. You can't take three steps back now my friend a stand on your only true fact that you put forth while ignoring the conjecture that you created based on that fact. If we were to follow your concept to be the be all and end all conclusion of success in the AHL then they might as well shut the AHL down because their are only a handfull of teams that sellout their games regularly and this alone is not the only measure of any teams success as a team or organization.
I might also add that the relationship between NHL clubs and their AHL affiliates varies greatly. Some NHL teams hire a lot of the staff and augment the expenses of the AHL team so that they can have a more hands on approach to the development of their prospects. Other teams take a laissez faire approach.
Then all the concepts of brand and marketing that I went into in the last reply play a big part as well.
None of these factors are "fabrications" and all are instrumental to the success of an AHL franchise.
It's complicated to determine what makes a successful AHL franchise, but what you did my friend was a blatant over simplification.
I get why you said that you stopped reading. It's because you wanted to completely over simplify the relationship that exists as to the revenue streams and how a AHL club sustains itself. You wanted to make some irrelevant sensational point about a Barons' sell out and pretend like it was the lynch pin to the entire success of an organization. You don't want to hear about all the other variables and pretending to "stop reading" is the easiest way to circumvent the reality that you were wrong. That sellouts are but one piece of the pie.
But, before you even wrote your initial point, I'm pretty sure you already knew all this. I was even surprised that you responded to my initial response with all your self righteousness given the superficial nature of your argument.
Anyway, it's a good thing that you are just trolling hockey articles. I couldn't even imagine if you were actually trying to run an AHL team with your "fixation on one factor" business model for success.
Have a great 2013!