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If you wanted to hear that Mike Gillis was going to blow up the Canucks' roster and mass-fire the coaching staff during his press conference last Thursday, you were likely gravely disappointed. Gillis has never been one to make a hasty, emotional decision and he was disconcertingly calm as he answered questions about the Canucks' disappointing season and the unceremonious four-game sweep that ended it.
Gillis stayed away from drastic words like "rebuild" and instead pushed the far less dramatic "reset" repeatedly. Which is silly, because everyone knows you only need to push reset once. Pushing it repeatedly is pointless. Besides, sometimes you have to take the cartridge out and blow on it before it will work properly.
"Five years ago, we came in here and reset this organization, and it's time to do it again," said Gillis, referring to 2008, when he was first hired to be the General Manager of the Vancouver Canucks.
Looking at what Gillis did then may help us know what to expect during the coming off-season. How much of a "reset" did Gillis institute when he joined the organization?
Most new GMs tend to make sweeping changes at the coaching and management level, bringing in their own people to occupy these vital positions. Gillis, however, bucked the trend. After extensive interviews with head coach Alain Vigneault and associate coach Rick Bowness, he kept both of them on, which certainly seemed like a good decision by the time the 2010-11 season came around.
It certainly seems far more likely now that Vigneault will be let go, but Gillis has had many opportunities to fire him and hasn't done so yet.
What Gillis did do, however, was fire both assistant coaches, Barry Smith and Mike Kelly, replacing them with Ryan Walter and Darryl Williams. Smith is currently the Director of Player Development for the Chicago Blackhawks, while Kelly moved on to become the head coach and general manager of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL.
While Walter was a bit of a bust as an assistant coach and was let go two years later, Williams is still the Canucks' assistant coach who works with video. He and Newell Brown, who replaced Walter in 2010, may want to keep a lookout if this off-season's "reset" bears any similarity to the one five years ago.
At the management level, Gillis made significant changes. Steve Tambellini resigned to take the Edmonton Oilers' GM job, but he was likely on his way out in any case. Gillis brought in Laurence Gilman to be his VP of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager, then promoted Stan Smyl and Lorne Henning from the scouting ranks, making Smyl his Senior Adviser and Henning the VP of Player Personnel and Assistant General Manager.
It seems unlikely that we'll see any similar changes this time around. This was the one area where Gillis brought in his own people and there hasn't been any indication of dissatisfaction with their work. Gilman, in particular, has been an essential part of the front office. As the resident cap wizard, Gilman has been responsible for some of the Canucks' most esoteric manipulations of the salary cap and also negotiates with teams, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Gillis isn't on the friendliest of terms with their GM.
Gillis also made some adjustments to the Canucks' scouting and development in 2008, bringing in Dave Gagner as director of player development and hiring and firing a few scouts. Though the Canucks may make some changes in this area, they're unlikely to be any more significant than in previous seasons, although Gillis's recent record at the trade deadline may lead him to question some of his pro scouts.
Now we get to the players themselves. The issue with comparing what happened in 2008 to what might happen this off-season is that 2008 was more of a transitional year. The Sedins had established themselves as first-line players, but Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows were both still third-line checkers. Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison were still Canucks.
So, in 2008, Gillis revamped the top-six of the Canucks, releasing Naslund and Morrison to free agency, letting go of the last remnants of the West Coast Express era. To replace them, Gillis went after veteran free agents Pavol Demitra and Mats Sundin in order to bridge the gap until other players were ready to step into the role.
Kesler and Burrows showed they were ready that following season, as Burrows lined up alongside the Sedins, while Kesler apprenticed on Sundin's wing, once the big Swede finally signed with the Canucks partway through the season.
While Burrows made it a moot point, Gillis also took steps to fill the Sedins' open spot on the right wing, acquiring Steve Bernier in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. Bernier was ultimately a disappointment in a top-line role, eventually getting packaged into the Keith Ballard trade, speaking of disappointments.
This off-season, the Canucks' top six is pretty much set. The top line of the Sedins and Burrows is still a solid combination, while Kesler should get another shot at centring Chris Higgins and David Booth while all three are healthy. With young players like Zack Kassian, Nicklas Jensen, and Jordan Schroeder available to slot into the top-six in case of injury or scoring slumps, there doesn't seem to be any need to acquire much in the way of veteran top-six talent like in 2008.
The bottom six certainly needs some attention, however. In 2008, Gillis let go of bottom six forwards that Dave Nonis had acquired, like Byron Ritchie and Brad Isbister (neither of whom played in the NHL again) and signed Darcy Hordichuk and Ryan Johnson to play on the fourth line. Neither player was particularly good in Vancouver, though the duo had one moment of glory in the playoffs, as Johnson blocked a shot at one end and Hordichuk scored at the other, thanks to a gorgeous spin-o-rama pass from Rick Rypien.
Johnson appeared to be Gillis's first attempt at bringing in a legitimate defensive centre, echoed later with acquiring Manny Malhotra, Maxim Lapierre, and Samme Pahlsson, with Malhotra being the most successful of those acquisitions.
Gillis also claimed Kyle Wellwood off waivers in 2008 and he ended up playing a decent chunk of the season as the Canucks' third-line centre. Like the veteran acquisitions of Demitra and Sundin, this seemed to mainly be a stop-gap measure until a better option could be found, though Wellwood was vastly underrated defensively.
The 2008 "reset" wasn't particularly inspiring among the forward ranks, then. Gillis's bottom-six acquisitions were unimpressive and his top-six moves don't really apply to the Canucks' current situation unless Gillis makes a major trade.
Gillis did even less with the defence, which is understandable, considering the Canucks still had Matthias Ohlund to go with Sami Salo, Alex Edler, Kevin Bieksa, and Willie Mitchell. Gillis let Mike Weaver go (in hindsight, perhaps a minor mistake) and traded Lukas Krajicek for Shane O'Brien.
The Canucks are in a similar position this off-season, with Jason Garrison, Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, and Chris Tanev all well-established and Frank Corrado knocking on the door. With Keith Ballard likely to receive a cap compliance buyout, that leaves only minor tinkering to be done with the defence unless Gillis makes a drastic move by trading, say, Edler, who has a no-trade clause that kicks in next season.
If Gillis meant what he said when he talked about a "reset" akin to 2008, don't look for blockbuster trades or sweeping changes. What Gillis did in 2008 was assess the current team, find the gaps, and fill them in. If that's Gillis's definition of a reset, then you can expect next season's Canucks to look remarkably similar by the end of the summer.
Major stick-tap to HFBoards poster 19nazzy, who has kept a detailed transaction history of Mike Gillis's tenure as General Manager. His thread was invaluable for preparing this post.Tags: Mike Gillis
"This off-season, the Canucks' top six is pretty much set. "
is that so? booth is coming back to save the day with gimme empty-netters? it will be a helluva long season if that is the top 6.
i expect edler to be moved and to bring back some top six scoring talent. it is so needed. the sedins can't be expected to carry the load. if they can be point-a-game guys that will be great but i'm expcecting a little less than that. kesler, with all of his moxie, really hasn't gelled with anyone. is there a player out there besides parise who can de-helipcopterize the kesler line? if there is the canucks better get him quick.
scoring is the issue. not just finishing but creating more chances is what is needed. gillis will have to get busy and lucky to save this team.
not sure frankly if i have the patience for another 82-game foreplay to some more disappointing coitus. gillis has to do something blockbusterish just to keep the fans' interest.
so ya, i expect a lot more out of this reset.
Gillis is basically saying "more of the same." Canuck fans, if you are satisfied with that you'll be happy with this management team. The sad fact is that Gillis, and everybody else in this organization, simply doesn;t know what it takes to win a cup. Henrik Sedin's comment after game 3 was pathetic, about how "we believe in ourselves." Well, Henrik and his brother were both no-shows in game 4 and the Canucks were swept. If Gillis wants to do better, he needs to get some guys in here who aren't afraid to grind and check and compete for 60 minutes, because we don't have those guys now — not even Bieksa.
This may have some backlash but we have a young Goalie named Schnider who along with Edler could fetch a fairly solid First line and then our second line could be the twins and Burrows or maybe Kesler, That would leave us with only 1 All star Goalie (though not the one most will want) But allow us some youth and possibly some scoreing. Defense is still solid and we could now have 3 lines that could play top 6 minutes. I think Schnider would fetch more than Lou due to his age. But who know what Lou will get us. Either way I hope they do more than reset.
Schneider a year ago would have fetched a lot more due to the lower price. Also the goalie market is not as good as most Vancouver fans seem to think. There are a lot of goalies out there and many teams that seem willing to give former up and comers a second chance in net.
It has become increasingly irritating to hear people talk about how the Canucks need to make 'big changes' this offseason. Such grand, sweeping statements are much easier said than done.
With the salary cap dropping next year, how do you suppose Gillis can make these big changes and noticeably improve the team at the same time? Quite frankly, given the cap circumstances, I will be impressed if the Canucks can remain equally as competitive next year as they are now.
Get realistic
The thing is, the Canucks cap situation isn't actually nearly as bad as it seems. The core of this team is still super tight cap-wise. The reason we're up there right now is that we have a fair bit of dead weight, all of which can easily be cut especially with compliance buyouts as an option. We'll clear 5.5M by moving Lu. We also free up a combined 4.7 from Raymond and Malhotra. Another 4.2 by buying out Ballard. That's definitely enough to get under the falling cap and cover the raises for Burr and Edler. Granted, we likely won't be in a position to add if that's all we do. But we could also buy out Booth for another 4.2. (Not saying we should but this would certainly be an option if we want to make additions and replace him with someone better/cheaper). And then there's Edler. Again, I'm not saying we should trade him but if we're of a mind to make "big changes" it really would not be that hard to make them by trading Edler which gives us both the cap space and the asset to acquire a major piece.
well…'realistically' ballard, booth and lou add up to 14 mil in cap space. raymond another 3ish mil. there's guys to sign but that gives a bit of space.
there are things that could really help. the right trade is out there. core players for core players. simmonds(plus a 3rd round draft pick) for edler for ex. might get fans' attention. and a different head coach would be a big change.
there are things that can be done.
After a season to forget
Better do more than just "reset".
While Edler has to go away,
It's Bobby Lu is one to stay:
Trade Schneider for Lecavalier!
Get rid of Raymond Roy and Weise,
To wasted salary thus decrease.
Sestito too has proved a bust,
So trading him's another must.
Let's get some guys that fans can trust!
And if AV can't motivate,
Then get someone to set things straight,
For it's quite clear that all's not right,
When they're not ready ev'ry night
To play as hard as well they might!
As there are problems to address,
"Reset" does nothing to impress
Most fans who since the season's through
Are now demanding something new.
There 're things that need attending to!
And Gillis too is one of those
Whose leaving fans would not oppose!
Glad it works in a poem, because it doesn't work in the real world.
Luongo is gone. He's been told he is gone, and he wants to be gone. Keeping him would be a huge mistake for that reason, and an even more important one:
Schneider is the better goaltender. He is now, and he'll be even better in the future. That's a big reason why he is thought to have more value on the market than Luongo.
I have yet to see any knowledgeable analyst that says that Schneider isn't the better of the two.
Gee Ms. Marpole…
In a way you are complimenting me. Thanks, I appreciate that you recognize my hockey knowledge.
In fact, I was one of the few who stated that Schneider was the better goalie since 2011 (reasons listed in detail in bygone posts).
I cannot disagree with what you have posted though you are an idiot in general.
But what perhaps relevant is a comment on the big picture.
Gillis owns this mess from start to finish both with Luongo and with the team in general in decline.
Time for a bold move?
Gillis should expose himself for the no-nothing moron he is and trade Schneider.
Why don't you tell us why? I think even you can figure it out. If you have trouble, I can help you.
Just ask.
What a flakey comment!
You comment on my comment! Shall I copy and paste some of the comments of others to me to refresh your memory?
Those seemed to quite fine with you.
JiM has been rude as have you as has Daniel as have others.
Which is why I respond in kind to a select few.
Talk about arrogant and insulting!?! Take a look in the mirror. Based on your picture, I think you need to stand a little closer to it though.
Re-write history much? You to have trouble with time order.
Give me a break.
If you'll notice, people, especially regulars, are pretty respectful to each other and are generally respond likewise to newcomers who post in kind. You did not do that. You started right off the bat with insulting, condescending, and inflammatory posts that were mocking in tone. My first impression was that you were a troll and I wouldn't be surprised if that was the general impression of everyone else as well; to be complaining about people's reception to you when acting in that manner is pretty rich.
You had a handful of posts that were better; but remember what they say about first impressions. What, did you really think that you could just throw mud in peoples faces one day and then the next day that they'd forget about it? You made your bed and you're going to have to lay in it. The community here is pretty good and stands out from other online communities that I've seen in regards to the level of civility and respect that people have towards each other; so if you wish to be a part of it, that means having to dig yourself out of the hole that you yourself created. When you're not being being a troll in your posts, you've been able to make some good points, so if you can lose that part of it, you'll find the feedback improving.
As expected, no example provided.
All I have done (until very recently) is give my honest opinion about the team and its principle players.
This season went mostly as expected – for me anyway.
Too bad some people are unable to handle an opinion that isn't donning rose-coloured glasses.
If you want to be a homer, fine. I don't care. Just don't be rude/insulting when responding to my comments, or I'll respond similarly.
I find objectivity a positive quality. For example, was 7/8 in the first round. How about you, Daniel?
So far, though far from over, am in trending to go 4 for 4 in the second round.
However, I want Ottawa to win their series as I want San Jose to beat LA.
But based on what I know about hockey and the NHL, I don't think they will win, so I say so.
Just like I say about the over-rated, poorly coached, and fraudulently managed Canucks.
It is exactly the above kind of language that rains on the homer parade.
Too bad.
I hold the sugar-coating. But I am not rude or insulting to others' comments.
Have a nice day.
My example of your holier-than-thou, rude, insulting approach is this comment right here. And while going 7-for-8 on your first-round predictions is impressive, I fail to see how it validates the way you act.
There's a difference between homers and fans. Homers are members of the media who are secretly fans. Fans are fans that don't have to be fans in secret. Your problem is you think you're speaking out against homers. But really you're just acting rude to fans.
Firstly, your definition of homer is completely wrong – to me.
Secondly, this blog, I thought, was for people to make comments and give their opinions whatever they may be,
I state positives as well as negatives. I compliment posts and poems and have tried to engage those who are a little more polite than others such as akidd, andre, Chris and even tried to do so with Angry (but to no avail with that homer).
Acting rude to fans by stating what is obvious seems to me that it is 'the fans' that have the 'problem' and not me.
Hope I have responded appropriately though I really don't totally understand what you mean.
Holier than thou?
I am sorry, you must be talking about Mike Gillis.
Hey Daniel, thanks for the link to Gillis player transaction history. Looks to me Gillis mostly made smart moves. However, the 2010 trade with Florida is interesting to break down – Steve Bernier, Michael Grabner and Canucks first draft pick (Quinton Howden) for Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich.
Howden has played a handful of games so he and Oreskovich cancel out, though Howden may yet develop. Bernier still struggles to be an NHL calibre power forward so Gillis was smart to move him. Grabner never played a game for Florida, he was moved on to NYIslanders where he's been a goal scorer, 70 goals in 3 seasons. He only played 20 games for the Canucks, after 2.5 seasons with the Moose. I figure its dumb to trade a top draft pick so early in his development, though other General Managers do it too (and get fired if they make enough bone-head trades). Think I read somewhere that Canuck thinking was that Grabner and Mason Raymond were sort of equivalent, as speedy lightweight goal-scorers and we didn't need both of them. Raymond had just scored 25 goals, so (grudgingly) perhaps it was only a little bit dumb to trade Grabner. Yeah, who would want a bunch of speedy goal-scorers? obviously redundant. (side point – thats why I don't want to see Schroeder traded, we don't know yet what we got in him)
Which brings me to Ballard and a question for you Daniel. Does MG discuss proposed trades with AV, or did they both totally misjudge Ballard? Clearly Gillis figured Ballard to be a top 4 by taking on 5 more years at $4.2M, and giving up Grabner. I don't believe its anything to do with how Vigneault used him. Blame it on the scouting staff? Or maybe their conversation went like this: AV said "I dunno Mike, I don't like the guy" and MG said "I'm the boss Alain, trust me, it'll work out great"
I think everyone expected Ballard to be a whole lot better in Vancouver. When the Canucks made this trade, I thought it was a high price to pay, but Ballard had been a top-four guy everywhere he played, so I felt it was worth it. I didn't anticipate him falling right out of the lineup, that's for sure. I thought it was a pretty decent trade at the time.
I'm not sure what Vigneault would have said to Gillis before the trade, if anything. I doubt Vigneault was all that familiar with him and wouldn't have known whether he liked him or not. It probably would have been a different story if the Canucks hadn't signed Hamhuis a week later. I mean, you can't have enough defencemen, but the Canucks would have needed to rely on Ballard a lot more without Hamhuis.
I don't think Ballard is that bad – certainly not to the point of being a fringe player which he has since been reduced to. My question is whether AV owns some responsibilities here? Sure, Ballard can be better (but so can a lot of our Ds), I can't help but to feel that AV has not gotten the best of him or other players. I feel that AV has a system and if a player does not quite fit into the system he sits…irrespective of what other attributes he brings.
One question that MG will need to reconcile with Aquilini is why does his coach not use a player that he signed for $4m/yr? Can't be all on the player…
Right on the money with that comment! I think Ballard is more of an offensive minded Defenseman with some skills in that area to force him to play in AV's system takes a lot away from him. I would like to see him given a shot with another coach but I suspect he will be bought out. I also think it might have been a decent idea to move him to the wing instead of waste his skills. I think AV was to set on changing players to his system than adapting to what a player could provide.
Totally agree about Ballard. A lot of the Gillis moves looked good on paper. Look at David Booth… so many people were dying to get Booth, especially on the canucks forums, there were entire threads dedicated to going after him. He hasn't worked out, and now those very same people are saying what a terrible move that was. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.
Please note: This post will be repeated.
Well, the 1st round of the playoffs is complete. I was going to report my 'score' – good or bad, anyway.
West pre-series picks:
Chicago in 5 Actual Chi in 5
Detroit in 6 Actual Det. in 7
SJ in 6 Actual SJ in 4
St.Louis in 6 Actual LA in 6 (Damn Quick)
East pre-series picks:
Pitt in 5 Actual Pitt in 6 (NYI woulda, coulda, shoulda won – didn't)
Ottawa in 7 Actual Ottawa in 5
NYR in 6 Actual NYR in 7
Boston in 6 Actual Boston in 7
I went 7 for 8.
Nah…I got lucky.
Picks for Round 2, anyone?
Nicely done.
I think we're in for a bit of the usual 2nd round letdown (in terms of exciting nail- biting series'). I think we'll be lucky to get one 7 gamer in, and we could actually see maybe three of 'em only going 5 games or less.
I think the best series by far looks to be Sharks-Kings. I see LA, but needing 7.
My other picks:
Boston over NYR in 6 (and I hate them Bruins, but…)
Pittsburgh over Ottawa in 5
Chicago over Detroit in 5
Do you guys all really believe the crap that comes out of Gillis' mouth?
My opinion – he's not a very good GM. He was handed the keys to a team that had a Art Ross winners, Selke winner and a Hart winner. He was handed the keys to a team that had a defensive core that is one of the tops in the league. A good goalie and an excellent goalie prospect. He has supplemented this roster with Booth (I can't wait for the feature next year showing all of Booth's goals from last year), Ballard (stupid trade when it happened – the only reason you guys thought it would work was because you love Gillis and he can't do anything wrong), Welwood (outside the box – more like Jack in the Box customer), Sundin (so overpaid I think Sundin must still be smiling), his former client, the late Pavel Demitra (overpaid). He signed Garrison to a long term deal with a NTC after a career year at the age of 28. He COMPLETELY mangled the Luongo situation.
What am I missing here? He hired a sleep doctor and he's a genius? Give me a break.
Oh – am I the only one that thinks Vignault was coaching to make a point that this roster that you have given me sucks. No scoring. Two goalies. All d-men shooting same way. Sestito (LOL), Pinozotto (LOL), Kassian (LOL).
Then he blames past successes for drafting late and not getting talent. Really? How have the Penguins stocked up on prospects all these years to acquire Iginla, Morrow, etc? Don't they draft late seeing they won a cup and were finalists? Excuses are for losers – Gillis makes excuses – you guys can connect the rest of the dots.
I got a pretty good chuckle thinking about video editors looping that empty net goal over and over again for Booth's "highlight" reel.
However, I disagree about Iginla and Morrow, the Penguins didn't really give up that much for them in terms of prospects, and picks near the end of the 1st round. That was some good GMing by Shero but their team's prospect pool is pretty average (better than ours, but whose isn't?)
He re-signed all of those great players that he inherited to very good contracts, particularly the Sedins and Burrows (with room for disagreement on Luongo). When you talk about the defensive corps that is "one of the best in the league," you conveniently left out the acquisition of Dan Hamhuis, who has arguably been the Canucks' best defenceman since he was signed. Our second best defenceman this season was probably Jason Garrison, whose signing you inexplicably ridicule. You left out trading for Christian Ehrhoff, who he got for essentially nothing.
I would argue that Mikael Samuelsson was a very good signing for the Canucks. Manny Malhotra was a fantastic signing that became the foundation of their zone start strategy. Finding Chris Tanev in the college ranks was a great move. Supplementing the Canucks' goaltending depth with Eddie Lack was also a nice find. Raffi Torres for $1 million was a very solid signing. Acquiring both Higgins and Lapierre at the 2011 trade deadline was an essential move for the run to the Cup Finals.
Even some of the things you seem to think are terrible deals were fine. Demitra wasn't overpaid: he was a $4 million second liner, which is pretty standard league-wide for a veteran in free agency. Sundin took a smaller contract than what was originally offered. Wellwood was a perfectly serviceable player in Vancouver who cost nothing to acquire and didn't take up a lot of cap space. We can disagree on Booth and Kassian, but they haven't been the out-and-out busts that you are suggesting.
Besides, if you thought we were 100% positive on the Ballard trade when it happened, then you haven't been reading PITB since the beginning.
In any case, Gillis's detractors tend to have a far more selective memory than his supporters. Has he made missteps? Certainly. Have I liked all of his moves? Definitely not. I wish he had picked up Jussi Jokinen off waivers instead of trading for Derek roy, for instance. Should he have handled the Luongo situation differently? Yeah, probably, though it's tough to say given we don't know what other teams were offering in a trade. I still think he has done a very good job. There's room for improvement, certainly, but he hasn't been terrible.
You bring up Pittsburgh, who happen to have two of the best forwards in the league thanks to sucking long enough to pick at the top of the draft twice. That depth at centre has made it a lot easier for them to trade prospects away. They have also drafted pretty well, true, but they also have a sketchy defence and one of the most overrated goaltenders in the league signed to a $5 million contract through 2015. Now that is overpaid. Has Ray Shero been a good GM for the Penguins? Of course. Has he made mistakes? Of course.
I didn't conveniently leave out Hamhuis – I inadvertently left him out. He was a very good signing – there is debate whether Gillis recruited him or Hamhuis essentially told Vancouver I'm playing for you. Garrison – the sample size is too small but I agree – he played well. I still think it's a risky signing and has a chance to blow up.
I'm not saying that what Gillis has done has been all bad – but it's a lot easier to re-sign players than to draft and develop. Too many people give him credit when he just made finishing touches while the heavy lifting was done by the previous regime – a regime that Gillis was quick to talk bad about upon being hired.
What about getting bigger? MG has emphasized this the past two years. There are a few ways to do this.
1. Promote the few guys with size in the organization. Are Lain, Archibald, and Jensen ready? I think we'd be lucky if one could stick with the team. It is, ironically, a little slim.
2. Free agents. There are definitely some big boys in the UFA list this year: Bickell, Horton, Clowe, Penner, Antropov, Latendresse, Klinkhammer, Steckel, and Torres. The first five probably will cost too much for the Canucks.
3. Trade. I have no idea, so I won't speculate. We'd have to give up a real asset like Edler to bring back a size/talent combination.
I think Lain is potentially ready to be a fourth line centre, but not much more. Archibald isn't ready, but could be a call-up mid-season if he performs well in the AHL. Jensen is borderline. It depends on how his summer training goes. I'm hoping he comes into training camp and makes it so the team has no choice but to put him in the lineup.
Alexandre Grenier has plenty of size and had a pretty solid rookie season in the ECHL, but it's the ECHL. He'll have to prove he can play at the AHL level before he gets considered for the Canucks, but he's a potential bottom-six forward in a couple years. Joseph Labate is huge, but will likely spend at least one more year in the NCAA before joining the Canucks. Stefan Schneider is another forward with size who is a defensive specialist. He could slot in on the third or fourth line in another year. Brendan Gaunce isn't small at 6'2″, but he's probably a longshot to make the team next season.
But yeah, that's about it from within the Canucks' prospect ranks when it comes to size. I'd say that Lain and Jensen are the most likely to play for the Canucks next season, with an outside shot for Gaunce. Those three aren't likely to make a major impact for another couple seasons, though.
I find it frustrating that the Canucks are so reactionary. OK not frustrating because I don't like this regime too much so rooting for them to fail.
But seriously… Wings, Pens and Hawks win the cup…let's get speed…let's get talent. Bruins and Kings win the cup…let's get big…. is GMMG's head going to explode if the Hawks win the cup this year with Patrick Kane leading the playoffs in scoring?


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Video:What is a Guillotine?with Zach Toombs
Curious to know what a guillotine is and when it was used? Watch this About.com video to see information about this type of death penalty.See Transcript
Transcript:What is a Guillotine?
Hi, my name is Zach Toombs and today on About.com we're talking about the guillotine.
What Is a Guillotine?
The word guillotine is synonymous with death by execution by decapitation. The contraption consists of a tall upright frame with a weighted, angled blade raised to the top and suspended. The condemned person is the placed with his or her head placed directly below the blade. When the blade is released, it drops with speed and force, severing the head from the body.
The French Revolution
The guillotine is perhaps best known for its use during the French Revolution, but its use extends through the centuries. In fact, the guillotine wasn't outlawed in France until it was abolished by French President Francois Mitterrand in 1981.
Marie Antoinette
Perhaps the most famous execution in France by use of the guillotine? Marie Antoinette. In April 1770, she married Louis XVI of France, assuming the title of Dauphine of France. Initially adored by the people of France, she quickly fell out of favor during the period leading up to and through the French Revolution.
When the French monarchy was abolished in September 1792, the King and his wife were imprisoned and tried. Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine in October 1793, eight months after her husband met the same fate.
The guillotine is perhaps the most famous of several similar execution devices used the world over. Known by the names such as the Italian Mannaia, the Scottish Maiden, the German Fallbeil and the Halifax Gibbet, some of which pre-date the more famous French model by several centuries.
An Honorable Death
Death by decapitation may seem barbaric by today's standards, but it was actually considered honorable in the past, as opposed to the more dishonorable death at the gallows, or by burning at the stake. And while it has historically been considered quick and painless, there has also been considerable debate about whether the brain remains "alive" after decapitation.
That's a look at the guillotine. Thanks for watching, for more information, be sure to check out About.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Benji and Paris: Adventures in Horrible Fashion
Paris Hilton and Benji Madden fugged it up on the streets of LA in two serious fashion don'ts. There's nothing cuter than a couple that embraces bad outfits together! [X17]
Wanna Date Scarlett? Fork Over $40,000
A Brit bid $40 Gs to go on a date with the pretty star, with all proceeds going to Oxfam. [Us]
Britney Beloved on ?How I Met Your Mother? Set
The entire cast of the ABC show is in awe of their troubled guest star, and only had wonderful things to say about Brit. Maybe she can make some real friends, for once! [Us]
Nicole Kidman Kicks Ass to Protect Baby
Check out this vid of Nic's bodyguard going ballistic on a paparazzi. Kinda scary, seriously awesome. [DListed]
Remy Ma?s Trial Hits a Bump
No one brought to the stand has been able to pin last summer's shooting on the rapper. Will she walk? [NYP]


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Plato PSP Video Converter Free is psp converter program for anyone. It enables you convert almost all kinds of video files such as rm, divx, xvid, avi, wmv, asf, mpg, mpeg, vob, mov, qt, flv, 3gp, swf, nsv to sony psp mp4 video .Now you can enjoy the versatile movies on your Sony PSP wherever and whenever ! Simple settings ,high speed, friendly interface , go to download it and have a wonderful try! Key Features: 1).Support wmv , asf to psp mp4. 2).Support mov , qt to psp mp4. 3).Support rm , rmvb to psp mp4. 4).Support mpg , mpeg , vob ,vcd , svcd to psp mp4. 5).Support avi , divx , xvid to psp mp4.5).Support flv , swf , nsv to psp mp4.6).conversion speed is more than 2 times of the playback speed. 7).Set the start position and end position of source file to convert. 8).Support batch files conversion 9).Support many predefined profile setting for PSP video. 10).Customize the quality of output MP4 video. 11).Automatically shutdown your computer after long time conversion, such as for big files conversion at midnight. We guarantee free update, free te-support and 30 days money back . Go to download it and experience a new lifestyle!
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Hang tight!
Recipe by JJOYB53
"I like this roasted nut recipe because it doesn't use any added oil or butter - my husband likes this because it's nice and spicy! These have become a Thanksgiving tradition at our house, and make a tasty (albeit unusual) addition to salads, especially with the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette from this site."
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1 teaspoon
finely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
ground white pepper
1 teaspoon
ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon
ground dried thyme
egg whites
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®)
1/8 teaspoon
liquid smoke flavoring
1 pound
pecan halves
These are spicy, as promised. The one thing missing is salt. If I make these again I will try adding a little salt with the spices. I used a heavy pan with a dark finish and my pecans smelled done after 12 minutes total baking time.
The recipe was very good. I added 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and salted the pecans. I think next time I make this I will add brown sugar to get that sweet/hot taste I love and omit the smoke flavor. great recipe, thanks
18 Ratings
Just OK Don't think I'd make again.
These are very, very good! I did add a pinch of salt as well.
Very yummy. I used pecans, almonds, and walnuts. I added some salt, brown sugar, and cumin and omitted the smoke (didn't have any on hand).
I made these last night and they were a huge hit. My husband likes things really spicy, so I added more heat then called for and even I liked them. They are very addictive. He took some to the office this morning and I can't wait to hear how they were received. I will definitely make these again.
Very good! Nice and spicy. Used fresh cracked walnuts off our tree, instead of pecans. I had peppercorn medly so used that instead of black and white pepper. I made this before I read other reviews so next time will add garlic salt. Will definitely make again.
Disappointed. Made according to directions...no changes. Rather bland. A little salt might have helped bring out some flavor, but won't be making again. A nice roasted pecan is all I can say for it. Guess I'll use the pecans in salads.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Peppered Pecans
Serving Size: 1/20 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 20
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 161
Calories from Fat: 148
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Ruins of Korja
102,850pages on
this wiki
this wiki
| This article or section is a Mists of Pandaria stub. You can help expand it by editing it.
The Ruins of Korja are found south of the Field of Korja in the western part of the Krasarang Wilds. The area is littered with broken mogu ruins.
Inhabitants Edit
- A H Groundbreaker Brojai <Lord Reclaimer>
- A H Korjan Reclaimer
- A H Korjan Collector
Patch changes Edit
- β Patch 5.0.1 (Beta): Added.
External links Edit


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FATHER'S DAY SALE AT McFARLANE WESTGATE RETAIL STORE
Spend $25 and Receive Free Phoenix Suns Figure
Friday, June 06, 2008
Celebrate Father's Day with your favorite Sun!
The McFarlane Westgate retail store in Glendale, Ariz. will be having a big Father's Day sale starting Monday, June 9.
Spend $25.00 or more, and get a select 6-inch Phoenix Suns figure FREE! This special promotion runs from June 9 -15, 2008, or while supplies last.
The McFarlane store is located at Westgate City Center, adjacent to the Jobing.com Arena. For more information, visit our Westgate Store page.


text:
Okay, so those of us who register to walk get Tshirts for our $15, correct? Any chance of being able to donate more $$ and get a tee for Ariana? Or should I buy one off the CafeExpress.com site for her to wear? I'd like the whole family to be in tees.
Denise (29) Co-coordinator for WI
Jason (32)
Ariana (21 months)5/3/03-just shy of 35 weeks: Class 1 HELLP


text:
July 29, 2015
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) The Texas unemployment rate for June held steady at 5.1 percent.
The Texas Workforce Commission on Friday said last month's seasonally adjusted figure matched the May unemployment rate. Texas had recorded declines in statewide unemployment during March, April and May.
The nationwide jobless rate for June was 6.1 percent.
TWC officials say the Texas economy added 19,100 seasonally-adjusted total nonfarm jobs in June for a total of 371,000 jobs added in the past year.
The Midland area had the lowest statewide jobless rate in June at 2.9 percent, with neighboring Odessa at 3.6 percent unemployment.
TWC figures show the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area had the state's highest jobless rate in June at 9.6 percent.
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Mild Bill's Spice Co., Inc.
113 W. Knox Street
Ennis, TX 75119
You may contact us by US Mail at:
Mild Bill's Spice Co. Inc.
PO Box 1303
Ennis, TX 75120
Or phone or email
Phone: 972-875-2975
Our Mild Bill's Store is located at 113 W. Knox Street in Dowtown Ennis.
Store Hours are "Open when we are here and closed when we're not"!! We are also open 24 hours a day at www.mildbills.com
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A deviant mitochondrial genetic code in prymnesiophytes (yellow-algae): UGA codon for tryptophan
- Y. Hayashi-Ishimaru,
- Megumi Ehara,
- Yuji Inagaki,
- T. Ohama
- … show all 4 hide
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The sequence of a representative mitochondrial gene COXI, encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, was determined in five species that cover all the orders of the Prymnesiophyta with the exception of the Pavlovales. Through this analysis, we noticed that the `stop' codon UGA appears frequently and, specifically, at conserved tryptophan (Trp) sites of the gene. We showed these sites were not edited in the corresponding mRNA in one of these species, Isochrysis galbana. Therefore, it is most likely that the UGA codon is used for Trp, and not as a stop codon, in prymnesiophytes. All the analyzed prymnesiophytes made a tight cluster on the COXI phylogenetic tree which includes representative species of green-algae, land plants, yellow-green algae, eustigmatophytes and a red-alga. This suggests a monophyletic origin for the prymnesiophytes. The same deviant genetic code, i.e. UGA for Trp, has also been found in the red-alga, Chondrus crispus. In spite of the fact that this red-alga and the prymnesiophytes, share the same deviant genetic code for Trp, close affinity between the two groups was not statistically supported by the phylogenetic analysis of COXI sequences.
- Title
- A deviant mitochondrial genetic code in prymnesiophytes (yellow-algae): UGA codon for tryptophan
- Journal
Current Genetics
Volume 32, Issue 4 , pp 296-299
- Cover Date
- 1997-10
- 10.1007/s002940050280
- Print ISSN
- 0172-8083
- Online ISSN
- 1432-0983
- Publisher
- Springer-Verlag
- Additional Links
- Keywords
- Key words Prymnesiophyta
- Deviant genetic code
- Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I
- The codon-capture theory
- Industry Sectors
- Authors
- Y. Hayashi-Ishimaru (A1)
- Megumi Ehara (A2)
- Yuji Inagaki (A1)
- T. Ohama (A1)
- Author Affiliations
- A1. Biohistory Research Hall, 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-11, Japan, JP
- A2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560, Japan, JP


text:
|Auditor's Report (City Union Bank)
|Year End : Mar '14
1. We have audited the accompanying financial statements of City Union Bank Limited, which comprise the Balance Sheet as at 31st March, 2014 and the statements of Profit and Loss and Cash Flow statement for the year then ended and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Incorporated in these financial statements are the returns of 3 branches and Central Office audited by us and 424 branches/offices audited by branch auditors. Management''s responsibility for the Financial Statements: 2. Management is responsible for the preparation of these financial statements in accordance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Accounting Standards notified under the Companies Act, 1956 (this Act) read with General Circular 15/2013 dated 13th September 2013 of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in respect of Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013. This responsibility includes the design, implementation and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor''s Responsibility: 3. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the Standards on Auditing issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Those Standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatements. 4. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor''s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Bank''s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity''s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of the accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. 5. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion: 6. In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, the said accounts together with the accounting policies and notes thereon give the information required by the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as well as Companies Act, 1956, in the manner so required for the banking companies and give a true and fair view in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in India: (i) in the case of the Balance Sheet, of the state of affairs of the Bank as at 31st March,2014; (ii) in the case of the Profit and Loss Account of the profit for the year ended on that date; and (iii) in the case of the Cash Flow Statement, of cash flows for the year ended on that date. Emphasis of Matter 7. Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to: Note 9 of the financial statements, which describes the accounting treatments of the expenditure on creation of Deferred Tax Liability of Rs. 30.25 crore on Special Reserve under Section 36(1) (viii) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 as at 31st March 2013, pursuant to RBI''s Circular No. DBOD No.BO.BC.77/21.04.018/2013-14 dated 20th December 2013. Report on Other Legal and Regulatory matters: 8. The Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Account have been drawn up in accordance with the provisions of Section 29 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 read with Section 211 of the Companies Act, 1956. 9. Subject to the limitations and the audit indicated in paragraph 1 to 5 above, we report that: a) We have obtained all the information and explanations which, to the best of our knowledge and belief, were necessary for the purpose of our audit and have found them to be satisfactory. b) The transactions of the Bank, which have come to our notice, have been within the powers of the Bank. c) The returns received from the offices and branches of the Bank have been found adequate for the purposes of our audit. 10. In our opinion, the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account and Cash Flow Statement comply with the Accounting Statement notified under the Companies Act, 1956 read with General Circular 15/2013 dated 13th September 2013 of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in respect of Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013. 11. We further report that: (i) the Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account dealt with by this report, are in agreement with the books of account and the returns; (ii) in our opinion, proper books of accounts as required by law have been kept by the Bank so far as appears from our examination of those books; (iii) the reports on the accounts of the branches audited by branch auditors have been dealt with in preparing our report in the manner considered necessary by us; (iv) as per information and explanation given to us, the Central Government has, till date, not prescribed any cess payable under section 441A of the Companies Act, 1956; (v) on the basis of the written representation received from the directors and taken on record by the Board of Directors, none of the directors is disqualified as on 31st March, 2014 from being appointed as a director in terms of clause (g) of sub-section (1) of section 274 of the Companies Act, 1956. For M/s. P. Chandrasekar Chartered Accountants (Firm No. 000580 S) Lakshmy.C Place: Chennai Partner Date : 26th May, 2014 M.No. : 28508
|Source : Dion Global Solutions Limited


text:
Monday, December 31, 2012
© Copyright 2015 Albany Herald
ALBANY -- Mr. Charlie Rewis, 75, of Sylvester died Friday December 28, 2012 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
The graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday January 3, 2013 at the Hillcrest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 PM until service hour at Banks Funeral Home.
Sign our online guest registry at www.banksfh.com.
Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of the arrangements.
Banks Funeral Home
Sylvester 229/776-2055


text:
June 12, 2012
Sample: AWA - Treatment Technician Manual
An all-encompassing manual that includes information for shelter staff and foster volunteers.
May 9, 2012
Samples: Philadelphia SPCA Cat/Dog Foster Applications and Manuals
Use these sample materials from the Philadelphia SPCA to help you develop your group's own foster materials.
May 1, 2012
People Power: On the Right Track
The president of a Florida group that finds homes for retired racing dogs discusses the challenges and rewards of helping move hundreds of greyhounds into loving homes each year.
November 1, 2011
The ASV Guidelines in Real Life: The Foster On-Deck System
This system developed by the Animal Rescue League of Boston allows for the immediate transfer of young kittens to their foster families—while still making sure they get the necessary screenings and care.
November 1, 2011
Show Me the Money: Cat Lady Takes on IRS—and Wins
A U.S. Tax Court decision emphasizes the right of animal welfare volunteers, especially fosterers, to deduct expenses.
July 1, 2011
Behavior Department: Kitty in Their Hands
Fledgling fosterers have a lot to learn before embarking on their first kitty-mentoring adventure. In this article, veteran fosterers offer their advice -- and their practical knowledge and experiences are worth their weight in kitten chow.
September 1, 2006
Introductions, Please: Helping Foster Dogs Adjust to Temporary Homes
Fostering dogs can be a rewarding experience or a disastrous one. It all depends on how well you prepare.
September 1, 2006
Becoming a Foster Parent: Are You Ready?
Shelters regularly receive inquiries from people who want to foster animals, but the job requires more than just good intentions. In this feature designed for volunteers and potential foster parents, a longtime fosterer provides tips to those interested in becoming temporary caregivers for homeless pets.
September 1, 2006
Fostering Fundamentals
Here is an excellent primer for volunteers and potential volunteers on how to provide a good foster home to an animal on his way to a lifelong home.
July 1, 1999
Michigan Purebred Dog Rescue Alliance, Inc. Code of Ethics for Fostering Groups
The code of ethics from the Michigan Purebred Dog Rescue Alliance, Inc. outlines standards for foster care, adoption procedures, and general operations.


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we've got signatures, help us get to 5,000 by July 4, 2014
Please keep the gray wolf on the endangered species list. Gray wolves are making a comeback, but they aren't there yet. They play a critical role in managing the prey population, which in turn makes certain that they don't overgraze and die of starvation.


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One of Wall Street's finest slipped and told the New York Times that the financial reform bill wouldn't affect their core business to any major degree.
Many executives spent the weekend trying to assess the impact of the legislation, which has yet to take final form. With some crucial differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill remaining, lawmakers will confer over the next few weeks and try to reach a final version before Congress's Fourth of July recess. But Wall Street's initial verdict seems to be that it could have been much more draconian.
"If you talk to anyone privately, there's a sigh of relief," said one veteran investment banker who insisted on anonymity because of the delicacy of the issue. "It'll crimp the profit pool initially by 15 or 20 percent and increase oversight and compliance costs, but there's no breakup of any institution or onerous new taxes."
The reaction of the market to the legislation echoed that view. Stocks of financial institutions performed well on Friday, with shares of JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley each up 5 percent.
They're not supposed to give that away until AFTER the conference committee! Oh well.
At the most, the bill would lower profits by about 20% initially, analysts said, and that number would drop over time, as financial firms adapted to the changes, and as they found ways to get around the regulations, an inevitable occurrence.
From the earliest days of capitalism, those skilled at making money have proven creative at evading the regulators.
In the Middle Ages, when usury laws banned lenders from charging interest, savvy merchants lent in one currency and took repayment in another, thereby profiting without incurring the wrath of the Catholic Church. So much has happened over the ensuing centuries — a blur of financial ingenuity spanning the creation of stocks to the mortgage-backed investments of the present day — yet history remains unbroken: Time and again, financial innovation finds a lucrative path around regulation.
As Congress and the Obama administration now enter the endgame in an effort to temper the dangers that delivered the worst financial crisis since the Depression, experts assume that this historical narrative will hold. If anything, swift advances in technology — computerized trading strategies unleashed on a global landscape — have made it harder for watchdogs to simply recognize the risks building within markets, let alone deliver effective action.
Yet bans on high-frequency trading never materialized. Neither did the specific policies which the banking giants feared the most – limits on their size and leverage, caps on interest rates for credit card holders, a restoration of the firewall between commercial and investment banks, and and punitive taxes on financial transactions or bonuses. What we're left with is a broader set of rules on the same financial system. And we have to trust that the regulators who got it wrong last time will, empowered with new rules, actually do their job this time. This is not by accident, but by the design of the Administration, who fully admits their role in shaping the response in a narrow way that protected bank privilege:
What that's meant in practice is that Geithner's team spent much of its time during the debate over the Senate bill helping Senate Banking Committee chair Chris Dodd kill off or modify amendments being offered by more-progressive Democrats. A good example was Bernie Sanders's measure to audit the Fed, which the administration played a key role in getting the senator from Vermont to tone down. Another was the Brown-Kaufman Amendment, which became a cause célèbre among lefty reformer such as former IMF economist Simon Johnson. "If enacted, Brown-Kaufman would have broken up the six biggest banks in America," says the senior Treasury official. "If we'd been for it, it probably would have happened. But we weren't, so it didn't."
Jeff Merkley claims that the conferees will try to include his Merkley-Levin amendment in the conference report. But I don't really see how that could be, given that the House has nothing like it and the Senate only has a study to impose the Volcker rule. Regulators could vote to enact or override the ban on proprietary trading, as written. The likelihood is high that will remain in place. This looks to me like the expected outcome:
If it's not done now, said Merkley, proponents will likely have to wait until the next crisis to raise the issue.
"If we have another crisis in the next 24 months, people will be taking a second look at what we're passing now. And if everything goes smoothly for five years, we probably won't have any momentum until the next crisis occurs," he said.
We have the blueprint for what the response should look like in the next crisis, which is a step forward, but we'd face the same obstacles.


text:
Saturday, September 21, 2013
The Tennis Channel new series "Tour Guide" premieres the Charleston Edition —filmed at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms — on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
Wild Dunes Resort will host the viewing party with beverages and food for purchase.
Where: The Lettered Olive Lounge on the Village Plaza (open to public; complimentary and valet parking available)
When: Party begins at 6:30 p.m.
What: Watch the premiere of the Charleston episode over beverages, bites and good company, including director of tennis, Charly Rasheed
Details: For questions regarding the Viewing Party, contact The Lettered Olive at 843-886-7300.
Try online at http://bit.ly/CHSTennisChannel.
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text:
Sorry, there are no current plans to re-stock this product. Instead, please consider some of our similar products listed below.
The junior Nike 2011/2012 Barcelona away shorts. These are the new junior Barcelona away shorts from Nike, seen worn during all away matches by the Spanish giants.
These junior Barcelona away shorts are styled in a black colourway, featuring a yellow coloured trim to match the new away shirt and sock.


text:
A guide wire advancer (102) for advancing a guide wire (107) into a patient and including a body having a longitudinal axis. The body includes a first portion (110) adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using a finger and a thumb, and a second portion (108) connected to the first portion. The second portion (108) is adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire (107) along the longitudinal axis using only one finger or the thumb to bias the guide wire against a platform (164) of the second portion when advancing the guide wire (107). Multiple methods of advancing a guide wire using the advancer are also disclosed.
1. A guide wire advancer assembly comprising:
a guide wire;
a guide wire storage tube in which said guide wire is at least partially disposed; and
an advancer body comprising a longitudinal axis which is co-linear with said guide wire, wherein the body comprises:
a first portion adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using a finger and a thumb to directly engage the guide wire, with the first portion at least supporting the guide wire at two axially spaced locations while permitting access between the two axially spaced locations to the guide wire for guide wire advancement; and
a second portion having a longitudinally extending guide wire platform spaced from the first portion and along which the guide wire is exposed and which is adapted to allow a user to advance the guide wire along the longitudinal axis using one of the finger or the thumb to engage the guide wire, said guide wire being urgeable by said finger or thumb along the longitudinal axis when being pressed by said finger or thumb against the platform.
2. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
3. The guide wire advancer according to
4. The guide wire advancer according to
5. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
6. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
a distal portion having a first passageway extending longitudinally therethrough;
a proximal portion having a second passageway extending longitudinally therethrough; and
a central portion having first and second connecting members extending between the distal portion and the proximal portion, wherein the first and second connecting members define an opening therebetween.
7. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
8. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
9. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
10. The guide wire advancer assembly according to
11. The guide wire advancer according to
12. The guide wire advancer according to
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/649,310 filed Feb. 2, 2005.
The invention relates to medical devices and more particularly to guide wire advancers.
Catheters may be used for introducing and removing fluids in and from various vessels and cavities throughout the body. Central venous catheters, for example, are generally placed in four common locations within the chest and/or in the femoral vessels. They may be placed, for example, in either the right or left subclavian vein or in the right or left internal jugular vein. Such catheters use a guide wire to properly place the catheter in the catheterized area.
Using landmarks, vessels are identified and may be cannulated by first aspirating the vessel with a long hollow needle, which may be attached to a syringe or other aspirating device to ensure that the vessel has been properly located. When the vessel has been properly located and aspirated, if a syringe is used, the syringe is disconnected and a thin guide wire is passed through the needle into the hollow passage, or lumen, of the vessel. Other introducers allow the guide wire to pass through the syringe or device without removing the device from the needle. The needle or other introducer device is then removed, leaving one end of the guide wire within the vessel. The other end of the guide wire projects beyond the surface of the skin.
At this point, the simplest method of catheter placement is to pass a catheter into the vessel directly over the guide wire. The guide wire is then removed, leaving the catheter in position within the vessel. The catheter as placed can then function in various applications such as infusion, perfusion, hemodialysis and the like.
The guide wires used for such procedures are generally spring wires, which typically have a curved J-shaped tip. The nature of the spring wire, which is typically constructed from a memory alloy, causes the tip to return to the J-shape after applied stress is removed. Therefore, in order to slide the tip through the device and to keep the wire from bending back on itself while entering the patient, such wires are typically introduced through a straightening device. The guide wire has a relatively long length. For convenience, the wire is typically packaged and used as a coil. The coils generally have plastic clips which help to hold the coil together for handling. In addition, the coils can be packaged in protective storage tubes which also may use clips to hold the tubes in a coiled configuration.
The mechanical difficulties encountered by a physician or other medical personnel using such guide wires typically are the result of the need to use two hands to handle the guide wire and to operate an advancing apparatus while inserting the guide wire through the needle into the patient. Various prior art devices are directed to simplifying the advancing and insertion procedure, including a plastic cone having a hole at the tip of the cone for passing the guide wire through the hole into the introducer hub, and a shuttling device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,059. These devices, while assisting in advancing the wire through the introducer and guiding the wire into the needle, require two hands to operate.
Guide wires typically range in diameter from a relatively large 0.045 in to a relatively very small 0.018 in. Difficulty is usually encountered in controllably inserting the distal tip of at least the very small diameter size guide wire into the proximal opening of the introducer or syringe or proximal catheter fitting for vascular insertion into the patient.
Other solutions to the problem of two-handed guide wire advancing and straightening include a device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,906, which teaches a trigger-like handle with a clip which can be attached to a guide wire feeding tube or coil. The device has a frustoconical, tapered, distal end portion. The device is held with the fingers coiled around the trigger handle and the guide wire is fed into the device through a proximal opening, slid across a flat surface by the thumb and through the distal end portion into a syringe or needle introducer. A modified version of the device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,419, which includes an additional, separate conical end fitting which can be placed over the end portion to help feed the guide wire into the needle and which has an arched underneath surface for facilitating handling of the device to enhance sliding of the guide wire over a flat top surface of the device. One problem with these guide wire advancers is the inability of the physician to accurately determine whether and how far the guide wire is advancing into the vessel using the thumb alone.
A virtually identical device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,300, which provides a rubber band along the wire guide to allow the physician to stop the insertion of the guide wire without letting the guide wire slip along the guide.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,444 discloses a guide wire advancer which provides a head with a guide opening, a discharge opening, and an open platform therebetween. A guide wire is advanced over the platform with a thumb, with a forefinger engaging a depression on an underside of the platform.
Other devices disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,860,757, 4,917,094, 5,273,042, 5,438,993, and 5,448,993 describe a guide wire housed in a tube with apertures or a conical straightener as described above with a thumb opening cut into the conical portion. A physician's thumb fits into the aperture to engage the guide wire to advance or retract the guide wire through the tube.
A device disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,281, invented by the present inventor, describes a guide wire advancer with an open central portion that flexibly connects a proximal portion and a distal portion through which a guide wire is contained. A physician grasps the guide wire between thumb and forefinger at the central portion and feeds the guide wire through the distal portion. Alternatively, while grasping the guide wire between the thumb and forefinger as described above, the physician advances the guide wire distally, compressing the open central portion by disposing the proximal portion toward the distal portion. Upon release of the guide wire and the advancer, the open central portion reverts to its original shape. Friction between the guide wire and the blood vessel into which the guide wire has been inserted keeps the guide wire from being pulled out of the vessel.
The above-described guide wire straighteners allow guide wires to be inserted in limited ways. However, different physicians have different preferences on techniques to be employed to advance a guide wire. Each of the guide wire advancers described above may require a physician to insert a guide wire using a technique or method with which he or she is uncomfortable or unfamiliar, risking potential injury to the patient during insertion.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a guide wire advancer and/or straightening device which is alternatively operable through at least one of several alternate methods so that the physician inserting the guide wire has the option of using the method with which he/she he or she is most comfortable using.
The present invention is a guide wire advancer including a body having a longitudinal axis and having a first advancer portion adapted to enable a first advancing technique, and at least a second advancer portion adapted to enable at least a second advancing technique. The first portion is adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using a finger and a thumb to directly frictionally engage the wire, by providing a large opening exposing the guide wire as it extends across the large opening. The second portion is adapted to allow a user to advance a guide wire along the longitudinal axis using only one finger or the thumb to bias the guide wire against a platform of the second portion when advancing the guide wire. The more distal of the first and second portions includes a distal tip portion that is preferably frustoconical. Optionally, the first and second portions may be independently rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
Preferably, the first portion comprises distal and proximal portions that define aligned first and second passageways therethrough through which the guide wire extends and is advanced. Also, preferably, the first portion comprises a central portion having first and second members extending between the distal and proximal portions, with the first and second members diverging and then converging, thus defining the large opening therebetween. The first and second members may be flexible and may be manually deformed to urge the proximal portion toward the distal portion to advance the guide wire, with the practitioner holding the proximal and distal portions, and providing a third optional advancing technique.
The guide wire advancer thus provides three optional advancing techniques by the practitioner. The practitioner also may use more than one of the techniques sequentially at his or her discretion. The method of the present invention includes providing a guide wire advancer having the first and second portions set forth hereinabove, and selecting one or more of the plurality of optional techniques to advance the guide wire.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "distal" and "proximal" respectively designate directions in the drawings toward and away from the insertion end of the device. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, there is shown in
The advancer 102 is comprised of a body having a proximal portion 108 and a distal portion 110. A longitudinal axis 112 extends through the advancer 102, co-linear with the portion of the guide wire 107 that extends through the advancer 102.
Referring now to
The introducer device used can vary and many are known in the art. The introducer device may be a conventional introducer or the advancer may be used to feed directly into a catheter and/or catheter fitting which can itself serve as an introducer. As such, "introducer device" as used herein includes any intervening device between the advancer 102 and the patient's vessel or cavity for receiving the guide wire 107. For example, the introducer device may be a needle having a proximal coupling or other fitting which remains distally inserted in a patient after disconnect of an aspirating syringe, or an apparatus such as a catheter introducer syringe which has a needle end inserted in the patient and a syringe body or other proximal attachment connected to the needle. Alternatively, the introducer device may be a RAULERSON ONE-STEP™ introducer bulb sold by Medical Components, Inc. of Harleysville, Pa. (not shown), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,100. When such syringes, or similar devices, are used as the introducer device, the proximal opening for inserting the advancer 102 would generally be located on the proximal end of the syringe body or other proximal needle attachment. If the introducer device is a needle, the opening for inserting the tip 120 of the advancer 102 would be the coupling or other proximal end fitting on the needle after the aspirating syringe has been removed.
Referring still to
The tip 120 further has an exterior surface 126 which may be smooth or rough. While not preferred, longitudinally extending gripping ribs (not shown) can be provided to extend along the surface 126 of the tip 120, particularly if the tip 120 is cylindrically shaped, or along a portion of the surface 126 of the tip 120. The exterior surface 126 of the tip 120 is preferably adapted to mate with an interior surface of the introducer device. For example, if the lumen in the proximal end of the introducer device were conically shaped, the exterior surface 126 of the tip 120 may be conically configured to more smoothly enter the lumen and to mate more securely with the introducer device.
With reference to
Referring back to
Now referring back to
The opening 154 preferably provides access for the user to manipulate and advance the guide wire 107, preferably by gripping the wire 107 between a thumb and forefinger and feeding the wire 107 in a controllable manner. It is important is that the opening 154 between the members 150, 152 be configured to be sufficiently large so as to provide access to the physician to grip the guide wire 107 with the thumb and forefinger through the opening 154 at the central portion 119 to advance the guide wire 107 through the advancer 102.
The proximal portion 108 is shown in an enlarged perspective view of
The distal end 162 also includes a distal passageway 170 extending along the longitudinal axis 112. The distal passageway 170 is sized to allow the guide wire 107 to slide easily through during guide wire insertion into the patient.
The proximal end 160 includes a male fitting 172 extending along the longitudinal axis 112. The male fitting 172 is configured to fit into an open end of the guide wire storage tube 104 (
The proximal end 160 also includes a proximal passageway 174 extending along the longitudinal axis 112. The proximal passageway 174 is sized to allow the guide wire 107 to slide easily through during guide wire insertion into the patient.
The generally planar portion 164 extends below the longitudinal axis 112, as shown in
In the preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises an assembly 100 for feeding and straightening the guide wire 107 as shown in
The advancer 102 of the present invention may be made of any suitable material preferably capable of being sterilized, such as metals, metal alloys, polymeric and/or elastomeric materials. The material need not be biocompatible as the advancer 102 itself is not designed to enter the patient. In the preferred embodiment, for manufacturing economy and simplicity, the advancer 102 is made of a heat moldable or thermoformable polymeric or elastomeric material. The preferred polymeric materials include thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers and copolymers, and more preferably, thermoplastic polymers which are capable of being injection molded or extruded. In the preferred embodiment, the proximal and distal portions 108, 110 of the advancer 102 are individually formed by injection molding using a mold having the desired configuration and using a rod or other means to maintain the longitudinally extending passageways 114, 136, 170, 174 through the distal and proximal portions 110, 108. In the preferred embodiment, the advancer 102 is formed of polyethylene, and even more preferably, polypropylene such as PP BSL PF 511 NT PROFAX® polypropylene sold by General Polymers. It is also within the scope of the invention to use reinforced polymeric or elastomeric or composite materials for forming the advancer with long or short fibrous reinforcements such as glass, carbon fiber, or polymeric fibers, fillers, or metal inserts or metallic wire mesh as well as any other suitable polymeric molding reinforcement. Pigments or other coloring agents may be added to the molding polymer to provide a bright or distinctive color to the advancer 102 for good visual identification during the guide wire insertion procedure.
The dimensions of the advancer 102 should be relatively small and sized to fit easily within the user's fingers while allowing a sufficiently long and wide central portion 119 for achieving adequate gripping and feeding movement using the thumb and preferably the forefinger. The size and shape of the opening 154, within the parameters as discussed above, should allow thumb and forefinger access to, and movement of the particular guide wire 107 through, the advancer 102. The tip 120 can similarly be sized for fitting easily into the proximal end of the guide wire introducer device for directing the guide wire 107 from the advancer 102 into the patient. Preferably, the overall length of the advancer 102 from the distal end of the tip 120 to the proximal end 160 of the proximal portion 108 is about 100 mm.
The wire 107 should advance through with an easy advancing motion, but should not interfere with the physician feeling any obstruction within the patient during the feeding operation as described further below. Preferably, some tactile control between the wire 107 and the physician's thumb and forefinger is preferred. Preferably, a distal tip 107 a of the guide wire 107 is curved, as shown in
While the preferred embodiment of the guide wire advancer 102 disclosed above includes the proximal portion 108 disposed proximally of the distal portion 110, those skilled in the art will recognize that the portions may be rearranged such that the proximal portion 108 is disposed distally of the distal portion 110, without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.
The present invention further includes a method for advancing and straightening the guide wire 107 for insertion into the patient, preferably using an apparatus such as the advancer assembly 100 as described above. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the advancer 102 can be used alone, without the storage tube 104. Typically, the vessel to be catheterized is located and cannulated by aspirating the vessel with the introducer device. After the vessel is aspirated, guide wire 107 is inserted into the vessel through the lumen of the introducer device according to one of the methods described below.
Referring to
In an alternately preferred method, shown in
In another alternatively preferred method, shown in
In all three preferred methods disclosed above, as the guide wire 107 is advanced, the guide wire end 107 a passes out the end of the introducer device 200. The introducer device 200 is typically already within a vessel or other area to be catheterized in a patient (not shown) which will further hold the end 107 a of the guide wire 107 straight when the end 107 a of the guide wire 107 passes distally out of the introducer device 200. Therefore, when the end 107 a of the guide wire 107 passes through the distal end of the introducer device 200, the end 107 a is still straight and may pass directly into the patient in the area to be catheterized such as a blood vessel, a body cavity, or other area to be catheterized. The introducer device keeps the tip 107 a of the guide wire 107 straight until the tip 107 a exits the distal end of the introducer device 200 in the patient's body where the tip 107 a can curl back to its natural, curved position.
According to any of the above-described methods, once the guide wire 107 is properly located within the patient, the storage tube 104, the advancer 102, and the introducer device 200 may each be removed from the proximal end of the guide wire 107. The introducer device 200 may in some cases be retained on the patient depending upon the procedure. The guide wire 107 is retained in the patient with the distal end 107 a in the area to be catheterized, and the proximal end outside the patient. The catheter or other cannula is introduced into the patient by passing a catheter over the guide wire 107 in accordance with standard medical procedures.
Preferably, the apparatus used in the present method is the advancer 102 or the assembly 100. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that other similar advancing devices having suitable tips and exterior gripping surfaces which are capable of carrying out the steps of the preferred method as described herein and allowing access to the thumb and a finger for controllably advancing the guide wire 107 by feeding may be used.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
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Old Barn Wood Site | home
Old Barns For Sale | Old Log Cabins | Reclaimed Wood Flooring | Hold Harmless Agreement | Barnwood Booklet | Contact Us
Old wood flooring for sale.
The aged boards have a task worn character, saw marks and a classic patina making a real rustic wood floor.
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Much of this recycled wood originally came from the old forests of our American past, creating beautiful plank flooring.
Our reclaimed barn wood floor is shown with natural oil over a light sanded finish.
Our wide pine barn board flooring is shown.
Prices start at $5.95 sq. ft.
About 8 -12 in widths and lengths of 4ft -14 ft.
Old wood floors have characteristics which may include work scares, nail holes, knots, weathered cracks,
and an appearance that can only be created by time.
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The new (reclaimed) wood floor really sets off the rustic look we wanted in the room.
Everyone comments on it...including our contractor who was initially skeptical." Buck M, New York (NY)
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
A rustic oak plank floor sample is shown.
Prices start at $5.95 sq ft. for old wood floors.
They are sold in random lengths from about 2 feet to 9 feet+ and your chosen width.
Call us for a free friendly consultation. (608-356-8849)
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We are available by appointment. Please call if you wish to visit.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
© Copyright 2013


text:
Mapping DC Bike Counts
February 21st, 2013 [programming]
Last June, DDOT and MWCOG counted bicycle traffic over an 8-hour period in 48 locations. I got a copy of the results, and converted the spreadsheet into a map. The Bicycle Counts Stat Mapper uses the same interface I created for the Bicycle Accidents Stat Mapper, but with a few new features added.
A total of 21,930 cyclists were counted. They also recorded the rider's sex, whether they were on a sidewalk, whether they were wearing a helmet, and whether they were riding a Capital Bikeshare bike: 75% were male, 27% were on a sidewalk, 69% wore helmets, 5% were on CaBi.
The place with the most bike traffic was the 15th St cycle track, measured north of P St. It got just under 200 cyclists per hour (198.8 to be exact). Its busiest hour saw 355 cyclists go through.
Close behind was Water St NW in Georgetown, connecting K St (under the Whitehurst Freeway) to the Capital Crescent Trail. Its average was 198.4 cyclists per hour, with a peak hour of 351 cyclists.
It's good to have traffic numbers for all 9 of Washington, DC's river-crossing bridges. Here they are listed in order of most bike traffic:
|Avg cyclists
per hour
|George Mason Bridge (14th St)
|Key Bridge
|Arlington Meml Bridge
|Teddy Roosevelt Bridge
|Douglass Meml Bridge (S Capitol St)
|Chain Bridge
|Benning Bridge
|Sousa Bridge (Pennsylvania Ave)
|11th St Bridge
|Whitney Young Meml Bridge (E Capitol St)
The high traffic numbers for the 14th Street Bridge support the proposal from GreaterGreaterWashington to Fix the 14th Street bridge bike connection with 3 easy steps.
The place with the highest percentage of female riders, 40%, was Garfield St NW, near the St Albans School.
The normal caveat for geocoded data applies: the coordinates were generated by Google's geocoder, which prefers giving inaccurate results to not responding at all. I manually edited locations for many of the spots. If you find misplaced markers, leave a comment below.
You can also view heat maps of the selected statistics, though bear in mind a heat map is not the most appropriate method for these numbers, since two little spots near each other will combine to look like a single big spot.
Check out the Bicycle Counts Stat Mapper and see what you can discover.
See also Mapping DC's Bicycle Accidents.
7 Responses to "Mapping DC Bike Counts"
Nice map! This is helpful – I'm going to share this with my coworkers.
So far I've noticed that the marker for Rock Creek Pkwy between M and P is hanging out in Kalorama and the tag for Porter St between Klingle and Williamsburg appears to be using the grill of my apartment building at 20th and Florida.
So DDOT considers bridge sidepaths to be sidewalks? That definitely skews the "on sidewalk" numbers when some of the busiest areas are the river crossings.
If you have the appropriate software to read it, you can download a GIS shapefile containing the count locations from the DC.gov Data Catalog. Might be more accurate than telling Google Maps to look them all up again. http://data.dc.gov/Metadata.aspx?id=705
Where can I get this data in spreadsheet form?


text:
On Wednesday the Syrian opposition said the Syrian government caused hundreds of casualties in a poison gas attack on a Damascus suburb. The world community must quickly establish the facts and act accordingly.
The Assad government strongly denied the charge, which if true would be a shocking crime against humanity and a major violation of international law.
A United Nations observer team is already in Syria charged with determining whether war crimes are being committed. The U.N. has made a formal request that it be allowed to investigate the new accusation, a request strongly backed by the Obama administration and other Western governments, as well as Russia.
The Syrian government must give inspectors immediate full access to the site. If it does not, as France's Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said, it will condemn itself: "If the Syrians refuse, that means they have been caught red-handed."
Mr. Fabius spoke following an inconclusive Security Council meeting on the crisis Wednesday at which Russia and China blocked the U.N. from issuing a formal resolution demanding the facts.
Making the stakes clear, Fabius said "a reaction of force" must be taken if the allegations are true, though he ruled out ground forces.
It has been a year since President Barack Obama first said the use of chemical weapons in Syria would cross a "red line" demanding international action. But he has been largely passive in responding to repeated charges that chemical weapons are being used by the regime. At one point he authorized the shipment of small arms to the rebels, but in amounts that appear unlikely to influence the outcome of the civil war.
Now, according to Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, "all red lines" have been crossed and the United Nations cannot "assume an indecisive attitude."
There remains the possibility that, with a battle ongoing in the area, the facts cannot be absolutely determined. But The New York Times reports that U.S. intelligence agencies have amassed circumstantial evidence that chemical weapons were used. A major indicator, said one official interviewed by the Times, is "the sheer number of bodies" of victims.
Given the likelihood of Russian and Chinese vetoes of any U.N.-sponsored action, France's Fabius said, "If the U.N. Security Council cannot do it, decisions will be made otherwise."
His statement suggests that if the allegations are proved to be true France will use force against the Syrian government with the support of other nations acting without U.N. authorization.
If so, President Obama, who has been very reluctant to get involved in the Syrian civil war, will face a moment of truth.
U.S. forces are by far the most capable in the West of performing punitive strikes and suppressing hostile air defenses. Will he commit them? Or will he stand aside?
As the president told CNN on Thursday, the allegations are "clearly a big event of grave concern."
That is as true for his future credibility as it is for the victims and the rule of law.
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Not Within Top #500
If You Want Me
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