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Do you have any helpful hints for cleaning my non-fabric blinds?
For Wood, Faux Wood, Mini and PVC Vertical blinds, we recommend you use dryer sheets to reduce static cling and help repel dust. For a deeper cleaning, wear an old pair of fabric gloves and run your fingers along the slats. You may also dip the gloved finger in warm, slightly soapy water and run your fingers along the slats.
(Do not place water on Wood blinds)
How do I keep Cellular or Pleated shades clean?
Vacuum regularly with a brush attachment. Spot clean with warm water and a mild soap detergent.
How do I dust my fabric top treatments, curtains or draperies?
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and cleaning. If machine washable, carefully remove the treatment and put it in the dryer on the air cycle for several minutes. For added freshness, add a dryer sheet!
How do I care for my wood blinds?
Regular dusting or light vacuuming with a brush attachment. Do not use water on a stain finish blind for it may damage the surface.
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Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to remove dirt and dust from the shade's interior. Lightly vacuum with a brush attachment.
What is the easiest way to clean a routless wood or faux wood blind?
When the routless feature is ordered with any 2" or 2 1/2" wood or faux blind, the slats easily slide out so they can be thoroughly wiped. Begin removing and cleaning from the top, one slat at a time. Replace each slat in its original position as you go along.
General Blind and Shade Care
Just about any blind or shade will benefit from dusting. The surface of the slats of mini blinds, wood blinds, and the vanes of vinyl and aluminum vertical blinds in particular are quite smooth, and dust will easily brush off if your blinds are dusted regularly. Tilt slats first up, then down (but not entirely closed) to reach the entire top and bottom surfaces. We recommend that you use an ordinary soft dusting cloth, although feather dusters also work quite well, especially on fabric shades.
Use the brush dust head attachment for your vacuum for a more thorough cleaning. If cleaning a mini or wood blind, tilt slats as described above. This is the preferred method for cleaning fabric shades.
Compressed air or hair dryer
Blow dust off of your blind or shade. This is particularly helpful with cellular shades, in order to clean out any particles that may collect within the cells. If using a hair dryer, be sure to set it on the lowest heat setting possible.
Deeper Cleaning
Mini blinds
Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water, and make sure to protect your floor or windowsill from excess water. Tilt the slats and wipe the slats of your blind clean. Many stores carry cleaner meant specifically for aluminum blinds.
You can also take your PVC or aluminum blind down, place it in a tub of mild soapy water, and soak for 5 minutes while gently moving the water with your fingers. Rinse it clean, then make sure the slats are closed before removing from water. You may wish to wipe it dry before reinstalling. Make sure you do this when you can allow your blind to dry completely in the open air.
Wood blinds
Faux wood blinds can be cleaned with a damp sponge as described above, but they will probably be too heavy to easily be taken down and immersed in water. Actual wood blinds and should never be cleaned with water. Instead, use a lemon oil or wood preservative.
Cellular and pleated shades
Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water. Blot gently and be sure the shade is left to dry in its fully lowered position. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as small balls of lint may form upon the surface of the shade. Some cellular shades can also be bathtub cleaned as above. Be sure to check the instructions that come with your specific blind.
Vertical blinds
For vinyl vanes, use a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with warm water. For fabric vanes, employ a dry fabric cleaner.
Other blinds and shades
Some blinds and shades can be spot-cleaned with mild detergent, but it varies by brand name and product because of the difference in materials used. Check your documentation.
Professional cleaning
While you'll only need to do this occasionally (we recommend every three to five years), ultrasonic cleaning will get your blinds beautifully clean. Do not use on wood blinds or metallized-backed shades.
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text:
Jason Gregor
June 13 2013 02:26PM
The fate of the Phoenix Coyotes could be decided within the next two weeks. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly mentioned yesterday that it is possible that Phoenix could relocate. "It certainly means that it's possible that the team won't play there next year. We're in the short strokes in Phoenix now," said Daly.
The Coyotes saga has gone on way too long, but yesterday Daly and Gary Bettman spoke openly about relocation, something they've been loathe to do. Many feel Seattle would be the obvious destination, but what if Seattle or Quebec aren't viable, could we see a dispersal draft?
It is unlikely, but if it happens some teams would get some pretty good players.
If they had a dispersal draft, they would most likely do a reverse draft based on last year's standings, so Florida would get the first pick. For fun here is what I think the first round would look like.
1. Florida: OIiver Ekman-Larsson. His new six-year, $27.5 million deal starts next season. He'd be a huge boost to the Panthers backend.
2. Colorado: Keith Yandle. The Avs need help on their blueline. Yandle has three years left at $5.25 million. He, along with Seth Jones, could quickly change the outlook for the Avalanche.
3. Tampa Bay: They need help on the blueline, and would want to trade down, but that makes a mock draft way too hard to predict, so I'll say they keep their pick and take Zbynek Michalek.
4. Nashville: The desperately need offence and take Shane Doan. He's got a farm/cowboy background so he'll love NashVegas.
5. Carolina: They like Hanzal, but need help on their blueline and take Brandon Gormley (13th pick in 2010 draft), and hope they can develop him.
6. Calgary: The Flames gladly snatch up Martin Hanzal, and Jay Feaster immediately claims the Flames will make the playoffs.
7. Edmonton: The Oilers debate over Mike Smith, but since he's a UFA they take Henrik Samuelsson instead. Some will quesiton the pick because he's not in the NHL, and he plays for the Oil Kings, but he's the exact type of forward they need in the organization.
8. Buffalo: The Sabres take Mike Smith and within hours of making the pick, they annonce they've traded Ryan Miller.
9. New Jersey: The Devils need more offence and they grab Radim Vrbata. He puts up some solid PP numbers in NJ.
10. Dallas: Jim Nill loves veterans and chooses centre Antoine Vermette.
11. Philadelphia: The Flyers try desperately to make a trade, just because they like to make a lot of trades, but they don't find a partner and since they can't afford any big salary they choose Connor Murphy (20th pick, 2011 draft).
12. Winnipeg: Initially the Jets asked for a special exemption to pick first since Phoenix stole their team two decades ago, but Bettman said no. The Jets need offence and take RFA forward Mikkel Boedker, and they sign him for six million over three years.
13. Columbus: The Jackets want young offence, and they go off the board and select Chris Brown (36th pick, 2009 draft). Brown had 29 goals and 47 points in his first AHL campaign in 2012/2013 and the Jackets believe he can help them.
14. Islanders: They lost Mark Streit so they grab David Schlemko. The Edmonton resident won't replace Streit's offence but they feel he can be a regular.
15. Minnesota: The Wild take Derek Morris. They want depth on their backend.
16. Ottawa: They want to upgrade their 4th line and take UFA Boyd Gordon, and sign him to a two-year deal.
17. Detroit: The Wings grab David Rundblad (17th pick, 2009). They are confident they can turn him into a solid NHL D-man.
18. Rangers: Slats loves wildcards so they take Rostislav Klesla.
19. San Jose: The Sharks take Michael Stone, and many wonder why the Rangers didn't take him instead.
20. Washington: They choose David Moss.
21. Toronto: The Leafs take goalie Mark Visentin. The Leafs haven't drafted a goalie in the first four rounds, since they took James Reimer (4th round, 99th overall) in 2006.
22. Vancouver: They choose veteran Kyle Chipchura. They need more centre depth.
23. Los Angeles: They take goalie Chad Johnson. They want depth in the organization and they plan to trade Jonathon Bernier.
24. St.Louis: They want to engage with their fans more so they choose Paul Bissonnette.
25. Boston: They select Lauri Korpikoski. Claude Julien likes to roll four lines and likes Korpikoski's speed.
26. Montreal: They grab journeyman Andre Bolduc.
27. Anaheim: Takes Rob Klinkhammer. They like his name and he's cost effective at $600,000 for the next two years.
28. Pittsburgh: The Penguins take Jordan Martinook (58th pick, 2012). He's already played one year in the AHL and they hope he can be a call up next season.
29. Chicago: They grab Lucas Lessio (56th pick, 2011 draft) and he becomes a solid performer within two seasons.
I know it is unlikely that the NHL would have a dispersal draft, but considering we will see compliance buyouts this summer and a reduced salary cap next season, a dispersal draft would just add to the intrigue.
- What an excellent game one for the Cup final. If Nathan Horton is out, I don't see the Bruins being able to bounce back. The Hawks won and none of their gunners, only Hossa had one point, really made an impression.
- Does any player get less respect than Corey Crawford? He's been very solid in the playoffs, yet few seem to think he's capable of winning the Cup.
- I sense that Hockey Canada influenced the CHL into banning European goalies. It looks like a knee jerk reaction. Banning Euro goalies won't make the US/CDN kids who replace them better. The Canadian goalie class coming out in this year's draft looks strong. You can expect that four of the first five goalies chosen will be Canadian.
- Is the CHL going to ban all European players next?
This "workout" craze gave us a fun contest idea. We asked people to submit their best mock/spoof videos. The winner will receive a total of $1,300 in gift certificates from The Pint, Rona, United Cycle, Palisades DQ, eBus on Red Arrow, Safeway and vivo ristorante.
We have decided on these four finalists. You can vote on our Nation Poll page we will announce the winner on Monday.
Enjoy, they are all very different in their approach to Prancercize.
June 13 2013, 02:35PM
Samuelsson over Vermette is a difficult choice - one might be an NHL'er for the next decade, the other is bound to be a top-nine NHL'er for the next four seasons.
I'd have to think more about it but I'd lean toward Vermette in the Oilers' shoes.
I think we take a chance on Mike Smith , nobody outta the top 5 really interest me to be honest so might as well take a chance on getting that other goalie to push Dubnyk for that number one spot.
Good read JG and an strong new league issue to definitely now piock up steam...
If this then does happen by June 30th, I think there will be a lottery for all teams from 1 to 30. That being said I can also see that the bottom league teams would be choosing first second and so forth..
Wow...two drafts in the dame week eh..
Anyways, I think that Seattle and Quebec will now place huge offers for the Coyotes immediately and behind the scenes for now. I can see Seattle getting in first then Quebce second on the basis of a secret expansion promise.
Now, I would definitely pick up one of three for the Oilers if available....in order...Yandle, Henrik Samuelsson, or Boyd Gordon. The Oilers go to get Mike Smith as a UFA deal or Khudobin from the Bruins.
It would be neat if the NHL did decide to do a disperal draft and allow teams to trade picks like a normal entry draft. I wonder though with the Coyotes in the situation they are in now might rid of a few contracts for lower priced players, so maybe a Vermette is traded for say Oilers 2nd rounder from Anaheim + prospect to free up salary. With Pittsburgh signing Malkin now and the team having 33 million in cap invested in 5 players next year, If i was MacT I would be making a bold move to acquire Letang.
June 13 2013, 02:48PM
Are you kidding? Is Shane some kind of a hilarious rocket scientist with all that attention to detail?
The New Farm Animals by an oil country mile! Awesome job! Down to the very... *cut scene*
Nice article Jason. I'd choose Mike Smith if he was still available. I'd also be shocked if Rundblad fell to 17th.
June 13 2013, 02:50PM
Randi: The camel toe
Wow. Very...um.. confident. My vote is for the tickle trunk twins.
June 13 2013, 02:54PM
Taking Ekman-Larsson first overall over the ice girls, JG? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!
At least to the Oilers. Just imagine: "Edmonton Oilers are proud to select... *pause*... the Ice Girls!" *everyone who's awesome stands up and cheers, spilling their beer, as the entire team of ice girls makes their way to the podium to put on see through Oilers jerseys*
I wonder if you could literally hear Knoxville's (Oil City) go out business immediately as the announcement is made? Hallsy would no longer have to even leave RX2 to put his mark on this city on and off the ice.
Yeah farm animals easily wins.
Dispersal draft. I would love any of the top six picks.
Probably pick vermette just for immediate help. Or klesla.
June 13 2013, 03:11PM
Do you think Vermette is better than Gagner? I looked at it that way, and I don't think he is, so went with type of guy they need. I agree it is riskier, but based on what Oilers have done recently I thought that strategy was more realistic to what they might do...ha
I would hope gormley falls to us but if he didn't, absolutely agree with Samuelson over vermette. It's not like we are giving anything up, so I go with the higher risk and high reward. I think Samuelson is likely an nhler anyway. Hate to guarantee anything in regards to prospects, but I suspect he is at worst a third liner.
June 13 2013, 03:20PM
June 13 2013, 03:23PM
Also, I would love the NHL to have a dispersal draft and fold the franchise and then let any new team come in after as an "Expansion" then have an expansion draft.
The rest of the NHL has been paying for these players out of their pockets because Phoenix cant support NHL hockey. The rest of the league should get a crack at their best picks and players when they die off.
June 13 2013, 03:26PM
If there were an odd number of teams and less in the west, does that mean Detroit comes back?
The Farm Animals is totally awesome. It made me laugh out loud. I loved how it "caught" on and everyone wanted to do it!
Sally O'Malley would have been more awesome had there been more of it!
Maybe not a simple solution to contraction as opposed to relocation, but how about a bid system for picks.
Teams all bid a $ amount per pick. Top bid gets top pick. Multiple bids count (eg. When Holmgren pays 3 bids of $1m, and each bid comes in the top 20, he gets 3 picks in the monetary order in which they fall)
With todays free-spending GM's, the league could make back millions. Or for that matter, have teams pay transfer fees plus absorb the contracts. Atleast then you could prevent the idiots from hamstringing themselves with contracts they can't afford.
I think Hanzal and Gormley go before Michalek and Doan, but that's just my opinion.
June 13 2013, 03:40PM
Do you think Vermette is better than Gagner? I looked at it that way, and I don't think he is, so went with type of guy they need. I agree it is riskier, but based on what Oilers have done recently I thought that strategy was more realistic to what they might do...ha
I see Vermette more in the Horcoff role - 6'1", plays both special teams, 57.4% in the faceoff circle.
I certainly see the case for Samuelsson, though.
In terms of teams picking for NHL now players, I can see JW's opinion to go for Vermette over JG's opinion on Samuelsson...
But the clincher to this is that the Oilers are still growing with the youngsters as the primary core and Samuelsson would be an excellent 3rd line winger now for the team and the long term future than Vermette.
H.S is exactly what Harikainene ain't been lately...a crash and bang tough gritty in your face winger who can put up decent pts.
He would surely compliment MPS and who may be the next 3rd line centre on the Oilers big time...or even...maybe move up to be with Yakupov and gagner/or the next 2nd line centre.
Vermette is good but I rather would take JG's side and go for Samulesson here and now.
June 13 2013, 03:54PM
There is some gold in those videos hahahaha
June 13 2013, 03:57PM
Can we draft the Coyote Ice Girl at the top of your article over Samuelsson and Vermette? The Oilers would still stink, but the fans would not care as much ... well at least the male fans wouldn't.
But seriously folks .....I think you are typically better off taking youth with upside than a useful veteran. A number of reasons, not the least of which is years of RFA and ELC that remain.
It isn't just best player in a cap world, it is who will help you the longest at the most efficient price. Agree virtually every team would make OEL their first choice.
MR DRESS UP TICKLE TRUNK all the way. You people are crazy to have voted for those other entries...
I really hope they move to Seattle. Great city, great fans.
June 13 2013, 04:45PM
Farm animals truly captured the essence of "prancersizing" ... That was the only one that made me laugh out loud. The end is great.
.... was there an article to read?
There will be no dispersal draft, and everyone knows it. The relocation has already been settled ( Quebec City or Seattle) in the background of the whole Glendale fiasco......Bettman is a good poker player and will never show his hand.
Much to do about nothing.
June 13 2013, 04:56PM
if i'm the Oilers, i'm picking Mike Smith...he can push Dubnyk and i think that's what DD really needs right now and Smith can always outplay DD, become #1 goalie and give us improved goaltending.
Totally agree with picking Samuelsson in the slot that Edmonton would be picking. Big, dirty and somewhat decent hands. The Oilers love them Oil Kings.
I'd take Samuelson . Inquiry - are Oilers in serious discussions with a Buffalo deal ?
so excited to see the finalist, didn't even read the article. Can't stop smiling, but "farm animals" was excellent!
I'd take Samuelson . Inquiry - are Oilers in serious discussions with a Buffalo deal ?
Coppernblue wrote something about Sekera+16th for 7th. Don't think it's serious, but interesting nonetheless.
EDM gets a top 4 LH guy in Sekera and can potentially take a D man that could slip like Pulock, Zadorov, Ristolainen, if they drop, and Morrisey or Bowey if not. Also a player like Erne or Lazar'd be good fits
I see Vermette more in the Horcoff role - 6'1", plays both special teams, 57.4% in the faceoff circle.
I certainly see the case for Samuelsson, though.
Totally agree. We might have difficulty signing a player like him into our 3rd line role, but I think this way would work out. Having a guy like him on the 3rd line gives flexibility to move up the line up if needed.
Also, I wouldn't take Mike Smith, for those that said it (and I actually would like him here)... only because he's turning UFA, so he would potentially be lost (unless he signed first of course, for a good deal, then I'd be game). Vermette would be my first choice though, assuming the guys in the top six are gone.
I also really like Samuelsson, but I'd take Vermette over him just because he can address a need in a big way.
That all said, as fun as this is, it won't happen.
June 13 2013, 06:32PM
Those were all great but Farm Animals was easily the best. Great job everyone!
June 13 2013, 06:51PM
OEL or Hanzal would be manna from heaven for this team.
Coppernblue wrote something about Sekera+16th for 7th. Don't think it's serious, but interesting nonetheless.
EDM gets a top 4 LH guy in Sekera and can potentially take a D man that could slip like Pulock, Zadorov, Ristolainen, if they drop, and Morrisey or Bowey if not. Also a player like Erne or Lazar'd be good fits
Not fond of trade or Sekara simply because we could be "kicking ourselves in the butt for passing up " on Ristolainen in the near future. Wouldn't surprise me if Flames go after Risto if Lindhom gone . Our 7th draft position , and whom is available to us, should garner more than Sekara and 16th . Philly might be a better target at 11th I believe -they'd like Risto .
June 13 2013, 07:07PM
Are you kidding? Is Shane some kind of a hilarious rocket scientist with all that attention to detail?
The New Farm Animals by an oil country mile! Awesome job! Down to the very... *cut scene*
Thanks mom!
Can we draft the ice girl?
I don't think it's a good idea to give up our 7thpick for veteran help . We could be giving up on a long term elite player . Doubtfull we would ever get an elite player or two in return . This is to good a draft not to keep your pick . Next year probably different story . Move down , perhaps . Only one i'd consider moving up is Buffalo , if they did not want our first choice .
June 13 2013, 09:04PM
If we're talking about the oilers dreams, how perfect would OEL fit into our young core? Like seriously, I can't think of anybody who fits our young core better. I'd trade the moon and the stars to get him on our team.
June 13 2013, 10:51PM
How about we not do a dispersal draft because then well have to do an expansion draft.
If there is a dispersal draft, I would trade the #7 overall pick in the entry draft along with the #7 pick in the dispersal draft to Florida for the right to pick first in the dispersal draft, and taking a contract Florida wants to get rid of for a compliance buyout.
June 13 2013, 11:27PM
Is the Seattle rink even completed yet?
Is the Le' Colisée able to house an NHL team anymore?
If I'm an owner and a player would it not be in the best intrest to fold the Coyotes? Financialy speaking? HRR
Would a expansion team not bring in significantly more money, therefore more for the owners and players?
I can see the NHLPA and NHL contracting the Coyotes on the understanding that Seattle , Quebec and Hamilton ( Southern Ontario) get franchises.
At a conservative 200 million franchise cost that's a lot of cash for everyone involved with HRR.
Of course, a dispersal draft would have to be conducted, therefore the draft order would have to be different then then Amature draft standings to make it fair.
Move the Coyotes to Red Deer to cut down on our travel costs and jet lag .
If the plan is to trade Gagner for a defenceman, the Oilers would need to take Vermette. If they want to hang on to Gagner, I can't see them taking on Vermette's cap hit on the 3rd line. Not good cap management. They take Samuelson.
June 14 2013, 08:57AM
@Walter Sobchak
One of the places I would think the league would be interested in expanding to, if Seattle gets a team, would be Portland. They have a facility and would be an instant rivalry with Seattle. It also adds another western conference team without having to have an eastern team play in the west. And for Bettman it is good because it is not in Canada. Finding an owner may be difficult, does Jim Balsillie still have enough money?
Of course the Winterhawks would be booted. But in terms of fans the Winterhawks had more in the stands during the playoff then the Yotes usually do.
I think we take a chance on Mike Smith , nobody outta the top 5 really interest me to be honest so might as well take a chance on getting that other goalie to push Dubnyk for that number one spot.
Smith wouldn't push Duby, he would be the #1 no question. Smith is in the mix for Canada @ Olympics right now, Duby is nowhere near that unfortunately. The "UFA" part is the only reason Smith would drop down that far in a dispersal draft.
If they were going to fold the team and have a dispersal draft, they really should've done it last year when we would've had 2nd pick and guaranteed one of OEL and Hanzal.
At this juncture, it makes no sense to move the Coyotes to Quebec City. What kind of travel schedule from hell would the Oilers have with Quebec City in the same division? You'd have to re-align the divisions again in order to make Quebec City work.
From a travel standpoint, Seattle would make perfect sense for teams doing a west coast trip. Does this make too much sense for the NHL to do it?
June 14 2013, 10:25AM
I vote for Randi The Camel Toe!
June 14 2013, 10:47AM
I vote for the one and only Randito - The Camel Toe!
June 14 2013, 10:52AM
da fug I juswatch?
Exactly. Smith is not coming here to be a backup. People need to give there heads a shake. If the oilers were to get Smith, he will be starting and Duby will be gone.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Did you know that Utah is one of only six states that generate electricity from geothermal sources? Did you know that Utah recently produced its one billionth ton of coal? Did you know that Utah has the second lowest price for home-heating natural gas in the nation? Did you know that Utah has been a net-exporter of energy since 1980? These little known facts, along with many more interesting details, can be found in the Utah Geological Survey's new publication Utah's Energy Landscape - a visual-based comprehensive description of Utah's entire energy portfolio.
The state of Utah is fortunate to have abundant and diverse energy resources including large reserves of fossil fuels, several areas suitable for renewable resource development, and vast quantities of untapped unconventional energy sources. This publication provides an overview of each resource, including maps, graphs, helpful explanations, and photographs.
For those interested in obtaining the numbers behind the graphs, each page includes a reference to available historical data, "Utah Energy and Mineral Statistics," located on the UGS's Web site: http://geology.utah.gov/online/pi/pi-95.pdf .
Energy is vital to Utah's economy, whether from production of resources, turning these resources into usable formats, or consumption of resources to power everyday activities.
The information in this publication will hopefully inform Utahns of the importance of energy to our everyday lives. The full color, 41-page booklet (Public Information Series 95) is available for $18.95 at the Natural Resources Map & Bookstore located at 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City (801-537-3320, or 1-888-UTAHMAP; firstname.lastname@example.com).
The Utah Geological Survey provides timely scientific information about Utah's geologic environment, resources and hazards.


text:
Community Rallies Around Goleta Mom Battling Leukemia
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The community is rallying around a local woman living with Leukemia.
On Sunday, dozens turned out for a marrow-donor registry drive sponsored by "Be The Match" at Cavalry Chapel in Santa Barbara.
Krista English of Goleta is battling AML Leukemia for the second time. The mother of two got a life-saving bone marrow transplant four years ago. But, this summer she had a relapse.
English tells NewsChannel 3, she's now a candidate for a second transplant and is undergoing chemotherapy until she finds a new match. Until then, English says she wants to raise awareness about the need for more marrow donors.
This weekend at the "Be The Match" event, potential donors did a simple swab of their cheek and filled out some paperwork. Then, they became part of a growing registry of more than 10 million people.
Organizer Paige Morrison says, "Only one out of 540 people on the registry actually get called to donate. But, if you get the call, it's like winning the lottery because you can help save someone's life."
To find out how you can become a potential donor, log on to: bethematch.org/Home.aspx
Friends and family will also host a fundraiser car wash for English's family. It will take place on October 5th at First United Methodist Church at 305 East Anapamu Church in Santa Barbara from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


text:
A Victorian Bed and Breakfast located in
the Little Town on the Prairie
De Smet, South Dakota
Hometown of author Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hometown of author Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder Tour Schedule
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
The church "Pa" helped build
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Pool Table
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HD Flatscreen TV in the Living Room
Wake each morning to incredible aromas wafting to your room. Getting out of your comfortable bed would be difficult, except you won't be able to resist the urge to see what's for breakfast.
Start each day with culinary delights such as Homemade Belgian Waffles with Raspberry Sauce & Whipped Cream or Jenny's Made-To-Order Omelettes. Other offerings include Fresh Fruit, Blueberry Cheesecake Flapjacks, various French Toast Bakes, and the kids' favorite, "The Pancake Man". You will receive a menu the night before to choose from 4-5 homemade choices each day.
You won't go away hungry...
If you don't see a package that addresses your specific needs,
call us ... we can custom design a package just for you.
I wonder what it was like to walk the streets of De Smet in 1880 when Colonel Thomas H. Ruth served as mayor.
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De Smet also offers many unique shops on Main Street,
midwestern hospitality and a wide selection of restaurants.
Click Here For More Area Information


text:
Keys to Building Character
By Drs. Rick and Jan Hanson
I'm worried about how to help my son and daughter turn into ethical, caring people, especially with all the questionable influences out there these days. Any ideas?
It's a real issue. With the loss of community in the past two generations (now "the village it takes to raise a child" looks more like a ghost town), an increasingly "look out for yourself" economy, and a vulgar and self-absorbed culture penetrating every corner of our lives - including children's television and advertisements - yes, we really have to wonder these days about how best to encourage good character in our precious children.
From our professional perspectives - and our lessons and mistakes in raising our own children - we offer these keys.
Support Your Own Health and Well-Being
You don't want to get into the position - especially with teenagers - of preaching various virtues to them, and then have them say (or think) essentially that: "You're unhappy in your work and grumpy and blue at home, you drink too much, and you seem irritated most of the time with your spouse . . . so why in the world should I walk down the same road you have??!"
Be a Good Role Model
Be Nurturing and Intimate
Help the Child Succeed
For example, be realistic about preschoolers in restaurants; sure, maybe you can punish that child intensely enough to get him to sit still for an hour, but is the collateral damage worth it? Or consider whether a tightly-controlled and buttoned-down type of school is really the best place for a child with a spirited temperament. Think about the nagging, sub-clinical health problems that seem so common these days, especially among boys, such as food sensitivities. Consider whether you've got a child who gets flooded and discombobulated by incoming sensory stimuli, and would be served by quieter environments and perhaps a formal assessment by an occupational therapist.
In sum, step back and consider, perhaps with your mate, what sort of measures you could take to set your child up with the best chances of SUCCEEDING at sticking with virtues and good values.
Encourage Empathy
Caring about what others feel in general, and about our impacts on them in particular, depends a lot on sensing what their experience actually is. Consequently, we serve our children by drawing their attention to the inner world of others. For example, attuned to the age of your child, ask what he or she thinks a character in a story or TV show might be feeling, or wanting, or thinking about doing. Or a person in real life, from the nice old lady the child just helped to another child in school the child just insulted.
As appropriate, try to convey the notion that people usually have several feelings or desires at once, often pulling in different directions. And that softer feelings or more vulnerable desires are under the surface, like the way hurt and fear often underlie anger, or the way that a longing to feel of worth lies beneath a hyper-competitive desire to win a game. You can do this by sharing your own inner experience when that would be useful, by naming what might be going on inside your child, and by pointing it out in others.
Speak the Language of Virtue and Values
Both are good, and a combination is probably best. But notice that the first message, if it stands alone, bases moral conduct on how the child FEELS about the other person; it's individual and emotional, rather than a general, principled adherence to an abstract principle like non-violence or kindness.
Without shaming the child unduly, there's a place for clearly naming misbehaviors and virtuous conduct, adjusting your words to the age and nature of your child. Like: "It's plain wrong to hit your little sister." "Taking what's not yours is stealing, and that's a bad thing." "It's good to tell the truth." "People who try hard and don't give up are admired and respected." "It's right to be generous."
Help the Child Tolerate "the Healthy Wince"
But if that feeling is intolerable - perhaps because it triggers too much guilt, or shame, or sense of inadequacy - then we defend against it . . . by avoiding the knowledge that we have something important to learn. And that totally flattens our learning curve since it makes us less open to the world and the lessons it holds.
What helps a child (or adult) tolerate that healthy wince?
Arrange for Lessons from Others
Use Rewards and Penalties Skillfully
The same is true for children. Reasonable, potent rewards and penalties - and like most professionals, we discourage corporal punishment - focus the child's attention and become a basis for values to be internalized about what's right and what's wrong. Give consequences calmly, explain the reason why, be compassionate but firm, and typically remind the child of the underlying moral principle or value that's at stake.
Take the Long View
* * *
Rick Hanson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, Jan Hanson, M.S., L.Ac., is an acupuncturist/nutritionist, and they are raising a daughter and son, ages 16 and 19. With Ricki Pollycove, M.D., they are the first and second authors of Mother Nurture: A Mother�s Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships, published by Penguin. You can see their website at www.nurturemom.com or email them with questions or comments at email@example.com; unfortunately, a personal reply may not always be possible.


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The following is a list of the health care partners that have been active participants on this project.
Headquartered in Sauk City, RWHC is an innovative cooperative of diversified rural hospital serving as a catalyst for regional collaboration and advocate for rural communities and rural health. Owned and operated by 34 rural acute, general medical-surgical hospitals, RWHC has been an active participant in the WNRP. Their member hospitals are found on the member map.


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Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Committee Meeting
The AUA Quality Improvement & Patient Safety (QIPS) Committee meeting was held on November 16, at AUA headquarters. Chaired by Dr. J. Quentin Clemens, MD, MSCI, this meeting addressed a number of key issues in the quality and patient safety arena.
Coding Corner:
Understanding E&M Modifiers
The 2012 American Medical Association's (AMA) House of Delegates Interim Meeting was held November 10-13 in Honolulu, Hawaii. AUA delegates Bill Gee, MD, and Willie Underwood, MD, along with AUA Alternate Delegates Roger Satterthwaite, MD, and Aaron Spitz, MD, as well as American Association of Clinical Urologists (AACU) Delegate Jeffrey Kaufman, MD, attended the meeting. AUA's Government Relations Director Sandie Preiss and Coordinator Kristine Tuinstra, staffed the meeting for the Urology Caucus.
Both the AMA Business Sessions and the Urology Caucus events provided opportunity for general discussion regarding the future of health care in the United States, including implementation and regulation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, the caucus discussed urology-specific topics such as the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, the ability to opt out of Medicare in a non-punitive fashion, continued exemption of ancillary services, continued scope of practice erosion by non-physicians and the impact of the ACA on physicians and their practices.
The AUA Practice Management Committee, chaired by Arthur E. Tarantino, MD, met on Friday, November 16, at the AUA headquarters building in Linthicum, Maryland. The meeting began with each AUA Section representative of the Committee giving a summary of the situation in their Section to be considered by the AUA in developing education and services to support the business of urology. This report included specific information gathered by the Committee member and supported by their Section President and the Section administrative staff on the following topics:
The AUA Practice Guidelines Committee (PGC) held its fall meeting on Friday, November 16, at AUA headquarters in Linthicum, Maryland. PGC Chair Dr. Stuart Wolf and Vice Chair Dr. Deborah Lightner presided over the highly productive meeting, during which many important issues were discussed.
Four guidelines currently in production will be ready for release ahead of the 2013 Annual Meeting. These guidelines include Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer, Detection of Prostate Cancer, Radiation after Prostatectomy and Follow-up Care for Renal Cancer. An additional guideline currently in production includes Medical Management of Stones and Urotrauma. Beginning in 2013, the Guidelines Department will begin development of five guidelines, including Male Sexual Dysfunction, Urethral Strictures and Surgical Management of Stones, in addition to Cryptorchidism and Urinary Retention, both of which will be developed from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) Evidence Reports.


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Skip to comments.Sen. Bob Casey: Gun control measures would not infringe on certain gun rights
Posted on 01/16/2013 6:05:57 AM PST by Tailgunner Joe
Just hours before President Obama unveils proposals for executive measures that would impose stricter policies on gun control, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said proposals to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazine clips would not infringe on gun owners' rights.
He also said that an assault weapons ban would not have an adverse impact on important considerations for Pennsylvanians:
One, the basic right to protect yourself and purchase a gun if you need to protect your family," Casey said. "And two the hunting tradition we have in Pennsylvania, which is strong and a part of the community and state, really a part of the family. Neither will be impacted when it comes to these two measures and may not be adversely affected when it comes to other measures we might vote in future.
Casey, a longtime gun advocate, recently spoke out in favor of stricter gun control in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
In an emotional turnabout to voters, Casey, who has earned favorable rating from the National Rifle Association, said he was in favor of a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, explaining that the Newtown, Conn., shooting had deeply affected him.
On Tuesday, Casey said he had received feedback from a wide range of constituents.
Weve heard from a lot of people across the state. We heard for and against, Casey said. Its that kind of an issue, one thats maybe more personal with people but I think the two measures we are likely to vote on -- the magazines, number of bullets and military style weapons -- both are common sense measures I hope we can pass.
Casey said Washington would have to consider other elements to a solution, including mental health politics, which he thought would turn out to be a major state issue.
Casey also said video games and the entertainment culture would have to be a part of the gun control debate, as well as initiatives to support local police, bullet proof vests for police and local law enforcement programs.
All three have been short changed in the last couple of years or worst over the last decade, Casey said.
Obama on Wednesday is scheduled to unveil a 19-step plan to place stricter laws on gun regulation. Although the measures would have limited scope, they could include stricter rules on background checks and tougher penalties on gun trafficking, among other measures.
Despite stiff opposition from gun lobbyists and gun advocates, Obama has said he will continue to seek support for sweeping gun legislation, including a ban on assault weapons.
Casey said there is more support for these two measure now than in the recent past.
I hope we can have a good debate about them and not have a political debate, he said.
Casey said the Newtown, Conn., shooting had moved him in a very emotional and significant way.
Some might say these mass shootings have happened a number of times and why havent you been moved or had a different perspective on one vote or another vote and I dont have a good answer for that, he said. Im sure there are families out there and some communities that wished that federal and state officials took a different view months ago or years ago. All I can do is look forward and try to be as constructive as I can be.
Casey is scheduled to hold a press conference in York on Wednesday to call for increased federal funding to law enforcement agencies.
Which part of "INFRINGEMENT" don't these a$$holes get?
I hope my fellow Pennsylvanians keep this quote around for the 2018 election. I'm guessing he would have never said anything like this last year.
Casey is a public servant. This isn't up to him to decide. We have a Bill of Rights to protect the people from the government.
The NRA really needs to be more careful about who it gives its seal of approval to.
Ditto !!
Well if that great Constitutional scholar Bob Casey says it, it has to be true! /sarcasm
Ditto !!
Geez, I didn't even know he could speak. You never hear from him unless its some left-wing hairbrained idea...or in this case a very dangerous left-wing hairbrained idea. Pound sand, Senator.
The part where it says SHALL NOT.
I've been saying that for years. The NRA lost credibility with me every single time they endorsed a democrat.
"Shall not be infringed".
Easy enough to understand. Impossible, for someone whose sole goal is more power, to leave alone.
Banning certain types of ammo of magazines is ridiculous. What good is a gun for self defense if you don't have ammo? A gun with no ammo is no a weapon unless you plan to beat someone with it.
casey running his mouth.....
Keep spinning it any way you want, Bobby.
Vote for this and you're electoral road kill anyplace outside of Philly.
And neither was the reason for the 2nd amendment.
The ability to form a militia to stand against a Tyrannical Government was the reason.
Which makes Casey's statement a complete non sequitur. QED.
If Casey's wife cheated on him only every other Friday with his best friend, would Casey say that his wife is only cheating a little? No. She is cheating. Period.
Another asshat heard from.
They are still getting away with pretending the 2nd amendment is about hunting.
We need a Constitutional Amendment forbidding any employee of the US Government...elected,appointed or civil service...to own any sort of firearm or to have any kind of personal protection in which firearms are utilized.
After a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazine clips, they'll simply wait for the next psycho to use a pistol and that'll be that.
We'll all be using plastic sporks to cut our broccoli with by the end of the decade.
This statement proves that Gov. Casey doesn't understand the purpose of the Second Amendment. Defense of one's family and hunting for food were universally accepted rights at the time of our founding. The Second Amendment was written to preserve the right of citizens to oppose tyrannical government with the same military arms that soldiers might use to oppress them. The Second Amendment is not a check on crime or hunger; it is a check on government tyranny. Only tyrants fear the private ownership of weapons.
Although the measures would have limited scope, they could include stricter rules on background checks and tougher penalties on gun trafficking, among other measures.****
Tougher penalties on Gun Trafficking????? The DOJ through BATFE is the biggest functional gun trafficker in the US.
Doublespeak by a bunch of psychopathic control freaks.
CONTROL means INFRINGEMENT to achieve CONTROL!
Communist wordplay ain't makin' it.
One, the basic right to protect yourself and purchase a gun if you need to protect your family,"
Ummm...how can I protect myself, if by chance, the criminals procure, I don't know, a weapons with more than 10 rounds?
...or, I know it would neeever happen, if said and aforementioned criminals decide to team up in groups to invade my home, instead of coming at me one at a time, like a bad Kung Fu movie?
Lets pretend that in 1992 there were riots in a major American city...and fore the sake of argument pretend that the Youtube videos of the event do not show rioters neatly bunched up in groups of 10...but rather are swarming the neighborhood like a kicked over anthill. How would I protect myself from this unlikiely scenario.
Now, just for the sake of argument, ponder a situation where our government was broke. And, all of the sudden, our broke government could no longer refill EBT cards. How many days after that occurence would the riots start? And would a flintlock be sufficient for my protection against such an unlikely event?
When a government flak tells me I have nothing fear from government infringement and then goes on to demonstrate that he understands nothing about the second amendment, I sort of lose interest.
It is plainly obviosly that they are going through with gun skatefiniscation. That part is over. It has gone from if to when. The question is, what are we going to do? will we go dicially into the "cattlecars"? Because after coonfinskation, that is the next step for us because Bill Ayers, obama's mentor has already said that 10% of the population must be killed[ or words to that effect]. And that 10% is us. Each day, each hour, each second brings us closer to Winston Churchills ".......if we do not fight when we could win, we eventually have to fight when we have no chance of winning". At that point in time we will only have the privilege of dying as free men or women.
Except for the morons who elected you, I don't believe the rest of us give a rat's ass about what you think Casey! I've had about enough of you and your liberal hypocrites trampling on MY GOD GIVEN RIGHTS!
Banning Catholicism wouldn't affect freedom of religion, because there are so many other denominations to choose from.
Allowing warrantless searches outside your home won't affect your right to be secure in your person, because a warrant is still required inside your home.
Requirements for habeus corpus and against posto facto laws aren't really violated if the affected offenses are limited to hate speech.
Democrats proving the accuracy of Nathaniel Grigsby's final words.
His gravestone says, among other things about the Demoicratic party "this party of treason".
Think I'm joking? Google "Nathaniel Grigsby's grave", then hit the images button.
Have an even more enjoyable morning by emailing it to every Democrat you know.
Oh yeah, I remember.
I have seen quite a few people saying that everyone is overreacting to all of this gun control stuff, that everyone is making it out to be much scarier than it is. Sorry, but it IS scary, very scary. We are watching the Constitution, the rule of law, and the checks and balances in our system of government being destroyed right in front of our eyes.
And the media, the politicians, and the majority of the people in this country are sitting there and letting it happen.
I think Senators and Congressmen should have to pass a mental health examination before they can be given the power to strip Americans of Liberty.
This is really scary. I have never before been this afraid for the future of this country. Obama is a tyrant and if he can take away our guns he can take away everything that makes us Americans.
One lone psycho goes nuts in a gun free zone and these politicians want to make the entire country a gun free zone.
Then one lone psycho tyrant like Obama can go nuts and take out everyone who has ever said anything negative about him.
Now is the time to draw the line in the sand. The Second Amendment is the most important of all. WE THE PEOPLE must not let it be destroyed.
Casey actually said something? Too bad it'a a bunch of bull@#$%
The sicko Lanza did NOT use a freaking "assault rifle" when he shot up the Sandy Hook kids! The thing in his trunk that they are calling a Bushmaster is NOT even a Bushmaster. Its not an AR-15. Its some kind of shotgun. SHOTGUN. Casey please shut your lying mouth!
Casey is a tyrant! What part of "shall not infringe" does he not understand? He is a tyrant.
Careful, your pediatrician will mark your file...
Do not trust anyone who claims to be "Catholic" and belongs to the "Democrat" party. They're not "catholic" they're Demo-Coms and all members of the democrat party are liars.
More people die from the results of automobile accidents, drowning, fires, etc than from guns. Cause of Death Deaths Percent
MV Traffic 43667 37.07
Poisoning 23618 20.05
Fall 19656 16.68
Unspecified 6551 5.56
Suffocation 5900 5.01
Drowning 3582 3.04
Fire/burn 3299 2.8
Natural/ Environment 2462 2.09
Other Land Transport 1533 1.3
Other Spec., classifiable 1479 1.26
Pedestrian, Other 1157 0.98
Other Transport 1133 0.96
Other Spec., NEC 1020 0.87
Struck by or Against 880 0.75
Firearm 789 0.67
Machinery 755 0.64
Pedal cyclist, Other 227 0.19
Cut/pierce 90 0.08
Overexertion 11 0.01
Fence post
among other items that kill...or should I say welded by sociopathic killers to kill.
We had a great candidate last year to oppose the little jerk, but too many brain dead voters in our Commonwealth still think they are voting for his overrated father.
Weren't support of the 2nd Amendment and an anti-abortion stance the main reasons Casey was elected in the first place back in 2006?
FAIL on both counts.
By that time, it'll be long forgotten.
Somebody needs to ask him what future plans he has.
I'm thinking I can stop waiting for his reply to this inquirey I made last week. He's fully an out of the closet tyrant now...
Ive just finished reading a letter you or one of your staff wrote to a fellow Pennsylvanian regarding the planned action against the Second Amendment you are joining in.
The first question I have for you and your co-conspirators positioning yourselves against the Constitution is, who?
Who is supposed to have educated you people as Americans? Who told you you have the authority to trash the guiding principles that birthed our Nation and replace them with malevolent and spiteful rules more commonly found in totalitarian waste lands?
What makes you think politicians are morally capable to make the decision to disarm a free and peace loving America? We have managed, even in these modern troubled times, to find some measure of peace and contentment even with the constant inflictions that originate from politicians.
Yes, even in these times that have been complicated by you politicians changing some rules and ignoring others. Rules changes that have caused our borders to be violated and thousands and thousands of our fellow Americans to be killed by the invaders and even more to lose their livelihood.
Why havent you politicians gotten affected by that? Why havent you politicians felt moved to correct that pain you politicians have inflicted on us?
When you politicians changed the rules that permitted financial shenanigans to turn into real estate bubbles and bubbles into foreclosures I dont remember reading how those responsible are now going to have to deal with the full force and focus of a federal police state looking over their shoulder. Wheres the justice?
Where have you been in the last forty years? Have you not seen the films that showed the results of the Jews disarmament? Did you not see the wall of skulls Pol Pots disarmed victims contributed to? Indonesia, Africa? You tell me about a happy ending for those places after their guns are collected. Great Britain surrendered their guns and now they are prey to the criminal class.
Why are you targeting millions of law-abiding American gun owners and making us criminals when its criminals who are, after you politicians, the most responsible for causing parents grief?
Think twice before attempting to disarm America. You politicians have a record that has soured Americas stomach. Dont go making it worse.
CASEY is a jerk and should NEVER had been re-elected. The same moron's who put that jackass in the White House, put this guy back in the U.S. Senate. Un f'n believable!!
Don't let this lying POS control the debate by suggesting that the 2nd Amendment has anything to do with home defense or hunting.
Looks as though big mouth Bob has come down with a severe case of oral diarrhea again.
(Source: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/robert_casey/412246
Some of Caseys most recently sponsored bills include...
No he is NOT, he's a stinking Democrat.
The NRA had better pull its' collective head out of its' collective a-- about Rats.
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This Beavertail grip safety is designed to remove the maximum amount of metal from the frame without weakening it. The high sweep design gets your hand deep into the gun reducing felt recoil because of better alignment of the centerline of the bore with the axis of your forearm. It also improves your natural pointing ability leading to better accuracy. Uses a .250 radius cut on the frame centered on the thumb safety pin hole. Includes instructions. Gunsmithing required.
Technical Information
Gunsmithing Required: Yes
Installation requires modification to frame
Ed Brown grip safety instalation jig, product # 226177 is recommended for installation of this grip safety
Technical Information
Gunsmithing Required: Yes


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ISSUE 93 | November 2007 | nga.gov.au/Calendar
assisted | children | families | highlight | lecture | members | performance | screening | talk | workshop
Collection events
Moving sculpture
Tuesday 20 November 12.45 pm
Christine Dixon, Senior Curator, International Painting and Sculpture, discusses mobile sculpture by Duchamp, Tinguely and Calder
Free | International Art Galleries
Rendezvous with art
Monday 26 November 10 am
Come and visit the Gallery and learn about works of art on display. Guests are invited to enjoy tea, coffee and cake in the Members' Lounge before joining voluntary guides for a discussion on three works of art
$8; $7 members/concession Bookings essential
Members' Lounge and Galleries (meet in Gallery Foyer)
image left and detail above: Jean Tinguely 'Meta-mecanique (Meta-Herbin)' 1954 Sculpture, painted steel and electric motor Collection of the National Gallery of Australia © Jean Tinguely. Licensed by ADAGP & VISCOPY, Australia
National Indigenous Art Triennial 07
until 10 February 2008
nga.gov.au/NIAT07 | events
Screening series: Women of the sun
Free | James O Fairfax Theatre
Sunday 25 November 2 pm
2 pm Episode 3: Nerida Anderson
3 pm Episode 4: Lo-Arna
Sunday 2 December 2 pm
Women of the sun... 25 years later
Directed by Bob Weis, this powerful documentary looks at the impact of the award-winning 1981 series, Women of the sun, on those who played leading roles.
Special access tour
Fluid forms
Members: Tour of Culture Warriors
Black robe, white mist
until 27 January 2008
nga.gov.au/Rengetsu | events
Ikebana demonstration
Saturday 24 November 2 pm
Ping Block, Canberra Sogetsu School of Ikebana, demonstrates this Japanese floral art in conjunction with Black robe, white mist
Free | Gallery Foyer
Nature and spirituality in the poetry of Rengetsu
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Destiny Deacon 'Man and Doll (b) Colour Blinded 2005 Photograph lightjet print from orthochromatic film negative Courtesy of the artist and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery © Destiny Deacon Part of the Culture Warriors exhibition


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I told Scooby that I have something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving...the Cowboys beat the Packers once this year.
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Which teams are you going for this season?
over 8 years ago
8 comments
that's what you said right? "Stop by and say hello"... hahah
Thanks for the message!
over 8 years ago
354 comments
Hello! How's it going today? You've got some great photo albums.
over 8 years ago
60 comments
Stop By and say hello


text:
CANTON, MICHIGAN -- I am writing in regards to a recent experience with Belle Tire. Let me say I have been a faithful and loyal customer to Belle Tire for years now. On Thursday November 8th, I went to the Belle Tire in Garden City at 33535 Ford Road, Garden City, MI 48135 to have my tires balanced and rotated. The Garden City Belle Tire did the rotation and balanced the tires and informed me I needed an outer tire rod as well as a lower control arm and recommended shocks and struts. I declined the work and left. When I left I noticed the car was very wobbly so I decided to get a second opinion, and was told the only thing needed was a control arm.
I let the other dealer replace the control arm. I took it back to the Garden City after the repairs to find out why it was wobbly. They checked it and said they balanced the tires and if it doesn't stop, I probably have a bent rim. Sure enough it was still wobbling. On Saturday November 10th I took my vehicle to the Belle Tire in Canton at 45875 Ford Rd Canton, MI 48187 to have them reevaluate the wobbling. I was helped by salesperson **, he told me it was probably just a balance issue but the mechanic couldn't find the wheel lock. I told him it was in the car, probably in the passenger seat.
After a few minutes he came back and said the mechanic ** still couldn't find it. I asked if I could go look, I walked in the garage and looked in my passenger seat but it wasn't there. As I started to open my back door I saw the wheel lock clearly sitting on the back seat. If the mechanic wasn't so busy eating he may have saw it the first time. After a while, ** came back to the waiting room and said that all my tires were off balance and they didn't notice a bent rim and that the other Belle Tire in Garden City stripped one of my studs and they were going to replace it and charge the other Belle Tire, I said OK.
A little while longer passes and ** comes back out and sits down and asks who did my brakes, by this time it's 4:35 and they close at 5:00. I said, "Why, what's wrong with my brakes?", he says,"Whoever did your brakes stripped the bolt and the caliper bracket by using an impact gun." He also said that whoever did the brakes just stuck an aftermarket bolt back in and that it was very loose. I told him that I never had a problem with my brakes and that they were done in the earlier part of this year so there would have been an issue with that loose bolt by now.
He just shrugged and said I can't give you a price right now and their parts person said the whole caliper would need to be replaced. At this time the mechanic ** comes out and sits and stresses to me that its really really unsafe and he suggest I not drive it but he knows I got to get home so be very very very careful. I told them that the mechanic who did my brakes would never do anything that could jeopardize my safety as well as others out on the road. I left very upset, my brakes were done June 12th, 2012, I have driven all over from that time until now with no issues what so ever.
I took my vehicle to a GM Dealership for an oil change and a multi point inspection on November 1st, 2012 and they did not mention anything about a bolt being loose. The Belle Tire in Garden City said nothing about a loose bolt nor did the mechanic who repaired the control arm. I took it to the mechanic who did the brakes back in June and when he looked at it he said, "Look at this bolt (that I watched him pull out by hand), if I had placed this bolt in here back in June it would have been rusted." He showed me a shiny new bolt that clearly Belle Tire had placed in my caliper bracket.
So after spending my entire Sunday searching for a bracket and bolt I was out of a hundred dollars, to repair what Belle Tire did. I went back to the Canton Belle Tire Monday November 12th, 2012 and asked to speak with the manager. I spoke with ** and told him the situation and he states that the person who did my brakes stripped the caliper bracket and used an aftermarket bolt. I pulled the bolt out of my pocket and said my brakes were done earlier this year and if this was the bolt placed in the caliper bracket it would show some signs or rust (which it had none). He snatches the bolt and the repair paper and says who worked on this car and storms off to the back.
He came back and said I believe my mechanic. I snatched the bolt repair order and stormed out. I, as well as my family, have been faithful customers of Belle Tire for YEARS. Sadly to say I will no longer patronize this establishment. It was very unprofessional to send me out with such a huge safety issue. What happen to honesty and integrity? I will be heard!
GARDEN CITY, MICHIGAN -- I went to Belle tire to get 4 new tires for an 01 Taurus I just recently acquired. AFTER the new tires were installed they tole me they couldn't do an alignment because I needed front\rear struts, front lower ball joints, front outer tie-rod ends, and rear sway bar link. OK, apparently this cars needs tons of work but that is OK since I got it for $500.00 and had recently been out of work and flat on my ass all year. It just would have been nice if the told me they couldn't align my brand new tired before they installed them.
Anyhow, I took the list Belle Tire gave me and told them I'd be back in a few weeks because I could not afford the 1600.00 plus dollars they wanted for the work that needed to be done. I took it upon myself to order the parts online and install everything myself. My total cost was 600 and that included new rotors\pads, and shoe\drums. Saved myself 1000 but it was a lot of work. Anyhow, I finally was finished with the work so I took the car back to Belle Tire to have the tires aligned and the manager told me he would be done in an hour and he would call my cell when he was finished.
After going home to get my wife and returning the manager told me there was a "problem". He said they couldn't do the alignment because the lower ball joint was a "4" and the alignment would work. He said the ball joint nut wasn't tightened and the drive up there must have damaged it.
BS. Because my father in law and I replaced the ball joint and he is a retired certified mechanic. Also I only drove the car 1/2 mile up the road to Belle Tire. I asked him how much to replace and he said 250 plus 65 for the alignment. I told him to just align the tires and I'd take my chances. I asked him how long until the car would be done and he said not long. I asked if it was going to take an hour because I'd rather go home 1/2 mile away for an hour rather than wait and he said it wouldn't take that long. So I asked a THIRD time how long it would take and he said 45 minutes. So I left and went home and they called my in 30 minutes to tell me it was complete.
After I picked up the car and drove home it smooth and quiet as can be. Belle Tire lied to me about my lower ball joint being bad. Then they got mad at me and wasted my time because I refused to have them fix it and told him to just do the alignment like I asked in the first place. I assume they figured I just spent all that time and money having the car fixed so they could upsale me $250.00 on an each ball joint change because it was all just replaced. And yes I was in dress pants and a sweater. Must have looked like I didn't know anything even though I'm an automotive test engineer and for the most part mechanically inclined.
Crooks. I was pretty upset with Belle Tire and can honestly say I won't go back. Simply because the managers attitude was so rude and they wasted my time. If they truly believed the ball joint was bad they should have called me while it was on the rack because I would have had the alignment done regardless. Whatever. That's my 3cents.
OSHTEMO, MICHIGAN -- Belle (Hell) Tire and Discount Tire to Rescue. January 9,2009: I sent my son to Belle Tire 6780 West Main Oshtemo, MI 49009 to purchase a new set of Goodyear TripleTred for my 2007 Grand Prix with about 40,000 miles on the car. Bought set of tires. January 16 or 19: Son went back to Belle Tire because of tire shake. They rebalanced all tires. ** at Belle Tire gives a quote for tie rod ends and says there is a bent wheel (out by ¼). I called and talked to Chad and I refused repairs. I had my son bring the car 60 miles to my house to my auto shop.
January 20, 2009: Appoint at my auto shop and my bucks to check it out: no bent wheel, no bad tie rods, and no bad front end parts at all, so no repairs needed. What a surprise. My mechanic rebalanced the tires and suggested that we had bad tires. January 23-30: I called Belle Tire and asked for a regional or district manager. I got a guy named ** and I discussed my problem. We made an appointment for February 9, 2009 at 5:30 pm.
February 9, 2009: I took off work early to make the 5:30 appointment (I work to 5:00 and it is an hour drive). ** put the car on the alignment rack, we waited, he came and got us, nothing wrong with front end. ** offered to balance tires, said that the quote for front-end repairs should never had happened (nothing wrong) and gave us his apology. At this time I asked him what he was going to do about the scratched wheels from the tire changer? (Car had OEM tires on when I purchased the car two weeks before the tires were installed) I had inspected the wheels just before the tire purchase; they were like new, no scratches or nothing. ** would do nothing for me.
February 16: talked to ** again, he agreed to have the tires rebalanced or replaced at the Portage store per my request. Son took car to Portage store that week and they replaced one tire and rebalanced all tires, took for test drive and tires shook, returned and replaced one more tire, test drive and seemed OK. Within two days tire shake is back.
Between Feb 10 and March 5: I found the phone number for Don Barnes, CEO of Belle Tire and I left no less than 5 messages for him. No returned calls from Don Barnes. March 5, 2009: I called Don Barnes again; I got to talk to him. He was very helpful and wanted to know if I had pictures of the wheels. Asked for me to send and he gave me his cell number. Same Day, I emailed pictures of the wheels. Mr. Barnes called me and said that they would replace the wheels and they were on order and should be in by Feb. 10 at the Portage, MI store. I was not happy with the Oshtemo store after ** had tried to replace front-end parts that were not needed. Sound good.
March 13: I called Don Barnes to ask about wheels, will check and call me back. March 13: ** called me (per talking to Don Barnes) ** said they cannot get new wheels and they want to put their 16' rims and tires on car and send wheels to Keystone for remanufacture. About a 4 day turnaround. I asked ** several hours to evaluate his offer. I went to local Cadillac-Pontiac dealer with the car. Local dealer can have wheels in two days, in stock at dealer warehouse. I called ** and gave him the dealer and part number and price. I said that his wheels on my car would be like holding my wheels hostage; I was not comfortable with that option.
Don Barnes called me back and said he needed more time to get wheels at his cost. I told Mr. Barnes that I wouldn't be held hostage with my wheels gone after the track record of Belle Tire this far. Don Barnes wants more time to get wheels. I said that is fine.
March 17: ** called and told me that wheels will be at the Portage store today and ** will call when in. 11:30, ** called and wheels are in. We made appoint for 2 pm for install. 2:00 pm, my son called from Portage store, 1 wheel is not same color as other 3 wheels, paint has over spray - obvious that the wheels are used and not any better than ones on the car now. We refused to take the wheels offered. Don Barnes and I had agreed that I would get either New (OEM) or remanufactured (Keystone) wheels. Offered wheels were neither. I called ** and he offered a new set of Belle Tire wheels.
I reminded him that new wheels will not resolve the tire shake and that I liked the stock wheels. I just want to be restored to my condition before I came to Belle Tire. No I do not want your wheels, thus far you do not stand behind your products.
I called Don Barnes and left a message. I got no return call. March 25: I sent email to Don Barnes asking again for resolution of this issue, I just want to be restored to my condition before I came to Belle Tire. Don Barnes returned the email and the gist of it was "What is it exactly that you want Belle Tire to do because it seems that everyone of our efforts are going by the wayside?" This is the last that I heard from Don Barnes.
April 3: I sent an email to Don Barnes asking for resolution to this issue. I still have damaged wheels and tire shake. Discount Tire Benton Harbor, Michigan to the Rescue. I call my local Discount Tire and made an appointment with **. Had my son bring the car 60 miles home and took the car in and they inspected the wheels and tires. Had some out of round tires and they ordered new set of tires for us. Several days later we returned and had the new set installed. Problem resolved with the tire shake. I still have the damaged wheels on the car, obvious damage from Belle Tire and their tire changing personal and equipment. Belle Tire Sucks.
WHITE LAKE, MICHIGAN -- It all started on March 9, 2009. I visited the Belle Tire in White Lake Michigan to purchase new wheels and tires. I was looking to get chrome wheels instead of the factory machined. I purchased a set of MKW 20" chrome wheels along with 275/55/R20 Pirelli tires. I was there for about 2.5 hours for install. I had to return about a week later due to a bad vibration at the speeds of about 70 MPH. I do not take the freeway very much to get to the speed of 70 MPH. When I went back they re-balanced the tires and said that they were off for some reason. I was there for about 1 hour for balancing.
After about another week or so later, I had to return for the same reason… A vibration! They once again re-balanced them and sent me on my way. I was there for about an hour for balancing. They still can't figure out why it is off balance. They said that they were going to duck tape my weights to the rim! He asked me if I wash my truck. Obviously I do. He said it could be throwing the weights. Another week or so went by and the vibration was there again. I then decided to go to the Belle Tire in Commerce Michigan to see if they could fix this issue. I got there and told them about my situation and they said they would check it out.
They said they checked the balancing and it was off by almost 2oz on each tire. I was there for about an hour for balancing. After about another week I had the vibration again and went back to the Commerce store. He said that the balancing was off again, so they re-balanced them. Once again another hour wait. After that I went right to the highway to test and the vibration was still there. I went back to the Commerce store to get my money back. He stated that I needed to go back to the White Lake store where I purchased them as it would affect his bottom line and he didn't make the sale.
I went back to the White Lake Store and asked about a refund and I was unable to get a refund even though it was within 30 days and had all these problems. I then called corporate to help me with this issue. Of course there is no one to talk to and you have to leave a message. I received a call back two days later from a guy from another Belle Tire store trying to help me out. I explained the issues. He told me we would get the vibration fixed and they just need some time. So they ordered the same rims MKW but in 17" and new tires. They put those on the next day and I was there for another 2 hours or so.
Once again there was a vibration! Went back and they did the re-balancing thing a couple more times. Nothing worked. They said it might need to be Road Force tested and they don't have any of those machines in their shops except there training office downriver. I would have to leave my car for a couple of hours and also make an appointment to take it down there. That would not work as I use my car for work every day. I took my car to discount tire as they have the Road Force balancer at all their locations. They said with it being new tire and wheels that it was probably a balancing issue. They balanced them and found that it was off about 1.5 oz per tire.
I went back the next day because that did not fix the problem. They then road forced balanced them and said they were off by a little bit, but there was still the vibration when driving. So I spent $80.00 for Road Forced balancing and $40.00 for the initial balancing at Discount Tire, on top of the $1357.00 I spent for the initial wheels and tires.
I went back to Belle Tire with the report from Discount tire and told them wait they had said about the wheels not being compatible with my vehicle due to the offset in weight. When you look on MKW's website and check out a 08 Expedition XLT it says that those wheels are not compatible with my truck.
So Belle Tire ordered another set of wheels and tires. These ones were shipping from California and would take 5 days to get here. It was a little over a week before they called me to say they were in. I went in to have them installed and they would not fit over the brake caliber. These were Force Blunt wheels, also not compatible in a 17" for my truck on their website. So he said he needed to re-order and it would take about a week to get them but he was ordering them in 18" so they would fit. After a week went by I called to find out when they would be in. He said that they were making them.
I was leaving for out of town that upcoming weekend and my truck was not drivable on the freeway due to the bad vibration. They ordered a different rim (an Ultra) to be delivered that day. They came in and they put them on. The next day I called back to tell them that it had more vibration that it had in the past. I then started looking for a set of factory wheels (OEM) since I sold mine thinking that I would not need them any longer. I found a set for $1150.00 for just the four wheels. I purchased them and took them to Belle Tire to install. They used the original Pirelli's that I had on the first time with these wheels. I got on the freeway to test and finally no vibration.
I was so excited I had no vibration, the first time since March. I made it about 15 miles stopped ate dinner. After leaving, on the freeway it started to vibrate really bad again. I called the tire place that I purchased the OEM wheels at and he said bring it to him and he would look at it for me. They closed at 5 pm but would be happy to stay after to help me out as I was going out of town the next day. He took a tire off just to check the balance and while it was spinning you could hear something in the tire. He took the tire off the wheel to find the tire pressure sensor floating around in the tire which was installed to rim with clear packing tape.
So he took off the other three tires to find that each sensor in each tire was floating around and all installed with packing tape. He re-balanced them and it ran perfect! I went back to Belle Tire the next day before I left for out of town and showed him the picture I took of the packing tape around my wheels which they used to install the sensors instead of the clamps. He then stated he knew about it and said they have been using zip ties, packing tape, etc to hold these on! I was so upset! All these issues I have had with vibration and they are using packing tape! What a joke!
I have now spent money at Discount Tire, Belle Tire, and the local tire shop, plus the cost of my OEM wheels. I have now spent $2747.00 between all three places just to eliminate the vibration. I asked for a refund for the wheels the day that they installed the OEM wheels. He stated that they would have to mail me a check even though I paid with my credit card. After finding out that they taped my sensors to my wheel I want a refund of everything that I paid for. I paid for new tires, wheels, lug nuts, sensor clamps and install.
After these 6 months of torture, all I ended up getting from Belle Tire was a set of tires. I visited them about a total of 18 times not including the other places I had to go. I fell that I am entitled to a full refund on my credit card like it was paid for.
SOUTHGATE, MICHIGAN -- We are loyal Belle Tire people for 20 years. At the Southgate location we were not even given the time of day. We had a very flat tire that would not hold air and ask if they change it for us. The time was around 5:55pm and they said they were closed and would not help us. I know it was getting late but it would only have taken 5 minutes. We are truly disappointed with Belle Tire.
ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN -- Do not go to Bell Tire if you care about your car or your safety!!! I brought my car in for them to check when it was hiccuping and jolting strangely. I knew nothing about cars and trusted them to diagnose and take care of it. They looked it over and gave a diagnosis. They charged me $450 to change plugs and wires that they quoted, then another $75 to turn off my check engine light, which they simply added on without asking me prior. They didn't check the oil before resting the light. Within 5 days my engine blew.
Apparently because of two errors on their part, as I have learned since: Gas got into my oil when the car was misfiring causing poor viscosity and the oil was low. The combination blew my lifter, thus my engine. When I came back to this location complaining that they turned off the light and didn't check the oil, they towed my car to their "friendly trans shop" with the Bell guys, manager included, all saying it "sounded like the transmission" to them. Their trans shop agreed with my other two diagnoses, blown lifter due to low oil and gas in oil. I'm a single mom, working 3 jobs and a grad student and they wouldn't take any responsibility.
I'm basically broke and this was a very big deal for me and my little boy. I had to sell my car on Craigslist "as is with blown engine", 5K less than it was worth prior to Bell touching it, and borrow down payment money to lease another car. This was after spending almost 2K at Bell Tire earlier in the month on Ball Joints, U-Joints, and then plugs +. I feel very used and thrown to the curb by their neglect and lack of accountability when I trusted them with the smallest detail of checking the oil.
Thanks for absolutely nothing Bell Tire, when I asked you to take responsibility for your mistake and you have insurance for errors like this. Shame on you guys, you took advantage of a single mom who trusted you, knowing very little about cars. All potential customers consider your self-forewarned, this could be you.
19601 LIVONIA, MI, MICHIGAN -- In Feb 2009, I hit one of Michigan's lovely pot holes and yes, immediately had a flat tire on the right front. I took the car to Belle Tire, Livonia (Middlebelt Road) and they advised me that actually both front right tires had been impacted. They didn't have my original tires, Michelin's in stock so they recommended Goodyear Assurance. Put two tires on walked out $500 poorer. September 2009, I decided it was time to replace the 2 other tires and went back to Belle Tire, Livonia, again another $500 poorer, but thinking hey, I have another 50K of tires on my car, felt OK. I was surprised in November, when my drivers side tire went flat, gee, had a bulge in it.
Took it back to Belle Tire, showed warranty papers, blah, blah, and yes, even under warranty they charged me $96.
Jan 2010, car is shaking, vibrating, all the crap associated with balancing and alignment. Took my car this time to the deal, surprise, needed balancing in the worst way and again, there was a leak in one of the tires. My dealership did the leak fix for free, umm... and charged me 1/2 of what they usually do for a balance. April 2010, Car is vibrating, gas mileage ridiculous. Take it to a friend, who looks and says, umm, both front tires (the new ones -from Sept) have serious bulges and I don't know how you even drove here! Very dangerous situation.
So, now, I won't deal with Belle Tire, because they are not standing by the tires they sell, they wanted another $65 to fix the one and about $90 to fix the other. NEVER AGAIN - I hate these tires, but for now, I went direct to Goodyear and purchased the tire I needed directly from them. It cost me $200, but believe me, I'd rather deal with that then the stupidity and lack of customer service at Belle Tire. I probably wouldn't recommend Goodyear Assurance either, if I had an extra $1000, I'd go back to my original tires, Michelin's' -that were GREAT!.
ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN -- My problem with Belle Tire began over two years ago. I purchased my Kelly-Springfield tires from Belle Tire store #63 (White Lake) in September 2007. I have gone to considerable expense, inconvenience and aggravation (over $700) to replace many parts on my vehicle that did NOT need repair or replacement at the recommendation of Belle Tire employees. Throughout my experience with the company, it became increasingly apparent their diagnosis was to avoid replacing their tires and/or to avoid honoring the warranty that was purchased with the tires.
Each subsequent repair provided no relief of the problem I have experienced since November of 2007; a considerable "radial pull". At this point, it is my opinion, as well as the professional opinion of multiple outside documented sources, INCLUDING the manufacturer (Kelly Goodyear), that these tires are indeed defective. That being the case Belle Tire's position of pro-rating the replacement cost is absolutely ridiculous; these tires have been bad since the beginning of their service life! Their position basically amounts to paying twice for the same product.
Even with almost 30 pages of documentation to support my position, the stores, the regional managers, and even the corporate offices say the only thing they can do is pro-rate my tires. This is absolutely terrible customer service!!! With the winter driving season forcefully upon us here in Metro Detroit, I am concerned and uncomfortable with tires that perform so poorly as well as create severe problems with the proper steering/driving capabilities of my vehicle.
At this time, I'm concerned not only for my own safety, but for that of any other driver on the road should these tires fail. Some of my best friends are in upper management and responsible for employee training programs. This story will be told over and over to hundreds of individuals to make an example of exactly how NOT to provide customer service in ANY industry.
TAYLOR, MICHIGAN -- Let me start off with I have been going to this business around 17 years for all my vehicles needs. I bought a set of Toyo open country tires for my truck from them and also had an alignment done at the same time. After they were installed and I left the parking lot I immediately noticed the truck was extremely difficult to drive and maintain lanes. I went home (around 3 miles away) and checked the tire pressures and the front tires were 28 and 30 pounds (way under pressure) and the rear tires were at 82 and 84 pounds (way over pressure). I then called the Belle Tire and explained what happened and they said bring it back.
In my driveway I personally inflated the tires to the correct pressure front and back. I went to drive the truck again and my truck felt like it was on ice or driving on a bed of marbles. I could not control the truck properly. I then took the truck back to Belle Tire Taylor and Rick (the manager) took my vehicle for a drive and came back and pulled it directly into the alignment bay. It stayed there for about 15 minutes and then RICK came out to the waiting room to tell me he thought the truck drove fine. Then Rick decided to tell me I need new shocks.
So I left the business and ordered BILLSTEIN SHOCKS (top of the line shocks)for all 4 shocks plus I ordered a new BILLSTEIN steering damper shock. I installed all 5 shocks and the truck still was all over the road. Mind you my truck handled perfect before the new tires were installed. I took the truck back up to Belle Tire Taylor and told RICK I wanted to get new tires installed under the TOYO 500-mile 45-day guarantee. I knew it was a bad set of tires but Rick kept telling me its not the Toyo tires - he has sold thousands of tires with no problems. We got into a small argument and I left the store.
I drove down to Belle Tire Southgate and explained the situation to the assistant manager RICK and they warranted all 4 tires with no problems. I got all new tires put on the truck at no cost to me. I thanked the assistant manager Rick and drove the truck home. The truck drove perfect as soon as the new tires were installed. No weaving or swaying. Now I will give all my business to the Belle tire in Southgate Michigan. I have 3 vehicles that Belle Tire Taylor will never see again. The Taylor stores sales people have all been nice and courteous to me except RICK (the manager). Thanks to Rick he lost all my business.
JACKSON -- About two years ago I purchased two front tires for my Chevy truck and had an alignment done at the same time. The drivers side front tire had worn very much on the inside and this concerned me as I also noticed a bumping noise from the drivers side front when driving. I took my truck to the Belle tire store where I purchased the tires and explained the problem to a man at the front desk. I should mention the passenger side front tire did not show the same wear problem. The man at the front desk said they would be happy to check the alignment and tire.
They did and the man from the front desk told me the alignment was off but not enough to be a problem and that the extreme wear was caused by not rotating the tires. I was also told that as my truck was a 4 wheel drive they could only sell me a set of four tires. I did not have the money for four new tires so I left the store. When I got home I decided to rotate the two front tires. When I removed the tire I had complained to Belle tire about it had two bulbs on it and the cords were showing through.
My complaint is that if Belle tire did inspect the tire and check the alignment why was I not informed of the unsafe condition of the driver side front tire. Myself and my family's safety was endangered due to their lying or their failure to do what they said they did. This is not over, I am going to return to Belle tire with the tire in question and see what their reaction to this problem will be. I will return here and describe what happens.
Belle tire acted quickly and resolved the issue I had with them Good company, will buy more tires there.
Good Morning,
Thank you for bringing your recent experience to our attention.
I would like to review your invoice with our team and follow up with you. Could you please send an email with the name and phone number associated with your account to email@example.com?
Thank you in advance for your assistance. I look forward to working with you to resolve this issue.
Kelsey Ruder
Belle Tire