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Operator: Good morning, and welcome to the DICK'S Sporting Goods First Quarter Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Please note this event is being recorded.
Now I would now like to turn the conference over to Anne-Marie Megela, Vice President of Treasury Services and Investor Relations. Anne-Marie, please go ahead.
Anne-Marie Megela - VP of Treasury Services and Investor Relations: Thank you. Good morning and thank you for joining us to discuss our fourth quarter 2013 financial results.
Please note that a rebroadcast of today's call will be archived on the Investor Relations portion of our website located at dickssportinggoods.com for approximately 30 days. In addition, as outlined in our press release, the dial-in replay will be available for approximately 30 days.
In order for us to take advantage of the Safe Harbor rules, I would like to remind you that today's discussions includes some forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which includes, but are not limited to our views and expectations concerning our future results. Such statements relate to future events and expectations and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Our actual results or actions may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
For a summary of risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, please refer to our periodic reports filed within the SEC, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013. We disclaim any obligation and do not intend to update these statements, except as required by the securities law.
We've also included some non-GAAP financial measures in our discussion today. Our presentation of the most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the related reconciliation can be found on the Investor Relations' portion of our website at dickssportinggoods.com.
Leading our call today will be Ed Stack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Ed will review our first quarter financial and operating results and discuss our guidance. Joe Schmidt, our President and Chief Operating Officer will then review our store development programs. After Joe's comments, Tim Kullman, our Executive Vice President of Finance, Administration and Chief Financial Officer, will provide greater detail regarding our financial results and expectations.
I'll now turn it over to Ed Stack.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Thank you, Anne-Marie, and I'd like to thank all of you for joining us today. This morning we announced our first quarter financial results, while we're pleased to announce, we generated earning in line with our original guidance, we weren't pleased with our top-line performance. We had meaningful sales in almost in several key areas of our business.
Our Golf Galaxy chain experienced negative comps of 11.8% while sales in the DICK'S Sporting Goods golf business were moderated worse. We also saw sales decline in our fitness and baseball business and to lesser extent select outdoor businesses such as bike, watersports and camping.
Our primary objective in the next quarter is to drive sales while preserving margins. For example, we're working with our vendors to develop promotion and event in key areas of our business in particularly golf. We are also continuing the process of divesting or significantly reducing the LIVESTRONG brand and built fitness business and our apparel business. The LIVESTRONG fitness equipment business represented 50% of our treadmill and electrical business. These are the two largest categories in the fitness area by a wide margin.
We expect to complete this transition by the end of the third quarter. Additionally, we remain focused on our clearance inventory, which was down 7.4% on square foot basis versus last year, there is one of the drivers of our marginally expansion in the first quarter.
We have begun the remodeling program in our stores, which is expected to be completed in 75 stores this year, of which 56 will be completed by the end of the second quarter. These three models allow us to add the Nike Fieldhouse concept, the Under Armour All American concept and to revitalize our youth business under the young athlete banner.
Finally, we continue to aggressively invest in our eCommerce business. We have experience terrific results in this period, which represented 5.8% of our businesses in Q1 this year versus 3.7% in Q1 of last year.
Turning to the financial results, in the first quarter, we generated earnings per diluted share of $0.48, excluding an estimated recovery of $4.3 million or $0.04 per share of our original investment in JJB Sports. These earnings compared to first quarter of 2012 earnings per diluted share, up $0.45 and to our guidance of $0.47 to $0.49. Sales increased 4.1% in the first quarter driven by the growth of our store network offset by decrease in consolidated same-store sales.
Adjusted for the calendar shift due to the 53rd week in 2012, consolidated same-store sales decreased 3.8% in the first quarter of 2013. This compares to our expectation of approximately negative 2% to negative 1%. Shifted same-store sales for DICK'S Sporting Goods were down 3.2% and Golf Galaxy was down 11.8% in the first quarter of 2013. Our two year (stacked) consolidated same-store sales on shifted basis increased 4.5%.
On an unshifted basis consolidated same-store sales decreased 1.7% compared to our expectation of approximately flat to 1% up. Unshifted same-store sales for DICK'S Sporting Goods were down 1.3% and Golf Galaxy was down 7.4%.
Our two year (stacked) consolidated same-store sales on an unshifted basis increased 6.7%. The same store sales results compared to the first quarter of 2012 were consolidated same store sales increase 8.4%.
For the second quarter of 2013, we expect consolidated earnings per diluted shares to increase 15% to 18% to between $0.75 and $0.77 compared with consolidated non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.65 for the same period in 2012.
On a shifted basis consolidated same store sales are expected to increase approximately 2% to 3% compared to 3.8% increase in the second quarter last year.
On an unshifted basis consolidated same store sales are expected to increase approximately 3.5% to 4.5%.
For the full year 2013 we continue to anticipate consolidated 2013 same store sales will increase approximately 2% to 3% on a 52-to-52 week basis on top of a 4.3% increase from 2012. We are anticipating non-GAAP consolidated earnings per diluted share between approximately $2.84 and $2.86, excluding an estimated recovery of $4.3 million or $0.04 per share of our original investment in JJB Sports. This compares to non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $2.53 in 2012, including the $0.03 from the 53rd week and excluding $0.22 from the JJB impairment charge.
Our guidance also includes a $0.12 impact from our growth investments. So even with the substantial investments we're making in the business in 2013, we expect to generate double-digit earnings growth and deliver operating margin expansion. Despite the challenging sales we experienced in Q1, primarily in the Midwest, Northeast and Atlantic markets, we were able to grow earnings in line with guidance, maintain our strong balance sheet and continued to make improved investments in our future.
I'd like to also thank our CFO, Tim Kullman who announced his intent to retire last December and will be leaving us in June. Over the past six years, Tim played a vital role here providing an exceptional blend of financial discipline and insight that has been important to our growth. Our Board, our associates and I are sincerely grateful for Tim for his many contributions and wish him well in the future.
I'd now like to turn the call over to Joe.
Joseph H. Schmidt - President & COO: Thanks, Ed. In the first quarter of 2013, we opened two new DICK'S Sporting Goods stores bringing our total store count at the end of the quarter to 520 DICK'S Sporting Goods stores with 28.3 million square feet and 81 Golf Galaxy stores with 1.4 million square feet. We also started our partial remodel program in the first quarter, but the partial remodel focus on strategic growth categories and feature Nike and Under Armour shops. Within our stores, we have 176 shared service footwear decks on 178 Nike Fieldhouse shops, and 111 Under Armour shops at the end of the first quarter. By the end of the year, we expect to have 220 share service footwear decks, 291 Nike Fieldhouse shops and 240 Under Armour.
New store productivity of our new DICK'S Sporting Goods stores was $89.1% in the first quarter compared to 105.8% in the first quarter last year. In total for 2013, we plan to open approximately 40 DICK'S Sporting Goods stores, completely remodel 4 stores and partially remodel 75 stores. We are also planning to open one new Golf Galaxy store and relocate one store both in the new format which includes a greater focus on golf services and experience for shopping.
We currently operate two True Runner concept running stores. These stores allow us to further connect with the busiest runners, and provide us valuable insight that we can apply across our business. We plan to open two additional True Runner locations in 2013.
Finally, we remain on track to introduce our outdoor concept store in 2013. Our Field & Stream stores will be destinations for hunting, fishing and camping enthusiast and will offer a premium assortment with superior service levels. Our plans are to open two stores this year, the first of which is scheduled to open in Pittsburg in the third quarter. Collectively, the strategic investment that we are making in new and existing stores, new concepts and our omni-channel capabilities position on us to drive continued growth in the years ahead.
I will now turn the call over to Tim to review our financial performance, investments and outlook in greater detail.
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: Thanks, Joe. Before I get into the detail results, I would like to remind everyone of the change in our disclosure policy for same-store sales. Beginning this quarter, we will report same-store sales for our stores and eCommerce business together. We will continue to provide the size of the eCommerce business that as a percentage of our total sales.
We are making this reporting change because as we build out our omni-channel platform, it has become apparent that the traditional sales channels are overlapping with the digital space and that providing comp sales on the combined basis will be more meaningful. As a result of this change reporting, we will no longer provide the detail calculation of new store productivity in the table section of our press release.
The calculation include DICK'S Sporting Goods store comps which we we're no longer disclosing on a standalone basis. Sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 4.1% to $1.3 billion, adjusted for the shifted calendar due to the 53rd week in 2012, same-store sales were negative 3.8%, compared to our guidance of approximately negative 2% to negative 1%. First quarter 2012 same-store sales increased 8.4%. Shifted same-store sales in the first quarter of 2013 for DICK'S Sporting Goods were down 3.2%, and for Golf Galaxy were down 11.8%.
The decrease in same-store sales in DICK'S Sporting Goods were driven by a 2% increase in sales per transaction and a 5.2% decrease in traffic. On shifted same-store sales for DICK'S Sporting Goods decreased 1.3% and Golf Galaxy decreased 7.4%. eCommerce penetration was 5.8% of total sales. Moving on to gross profit in the first quarter of 2013 consolidated gross profit was $411.7 million or 30.87% of sales and was 80 basis points higher than the first quarter of 2012.
Merchandise margin expanded by 84 basis points, this was offset by occupancy deleverage of 47 basis points as well as freight and distribution deleverage of 26 basis points. Occupancy deleveraged primarily due to lower sales.
Freight and distribution deleveraged due to the increase in eCommerce supply chain cost as a result of higher sales.
SG&A expense in the first quarter of 2013 was $312.7 million or 23.45% of sales. Compared to SG&A expenses up $296.1 million or 23.1% of sales in last year's first quarter.
This deleverage of 35 basis points was due to increased administrative expenses primarily related to for IT eCommerce and our new concepts.
During the first quarter we determined that we would recover $4.3 million or $0.04 per share of our original investment in JJB Sports, before we impaired our investments in the second quarter of 2012.
There was no related tax expense as we reversed the portion of the deferred tax evaluation allowance, previously recorded for the net capital loss carryforwards we did not expect to realize at the time the investments in JJB Sports was fully impaired. This represents our current estimate of expected recoveries from JJB and we do not expect any material change in such expected recoveries.
For the first quarter we generated non-GAAP earnings of $0.48 per share which includes a $0.05 benefit from the shift. Now looking to the balance sheet we ended the first quarter of 2013 with $114 million of cash and cash equivalents and with no outstanding borrowing under our $500 million revolving credit facility. Last year, we ended the first quarter with $521 million in cash and cash equivalents and with no outstanding borrowings under the facility.
Inventory per square foot increased by 2.5% at the end of the first quarter this year compared to the end of the first quarter of last year. At quarter end, current inventory was down 7.4% per square foot.
Net capital expenditures were $27 million in the first quarter of 2013 or $34 million on a gross basis, compared with net capital expenditures of $33 million or $41 million on a gross basis in the first quarter of last year.
In March, we announced $1 billion five-year share repurchase authorization. During the first quarter, we repurchased 1.7 million shares of our common stock at an average cost of $47.41 per share for a total cost of approximately $80.6 million. We also paid our regular quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share.
Looking to our guidance, please keep in mind that because fiscal 2012 included 53 weeks, any comparison to the 2012 retail calendar will reflect a shift. This shift will not have a net effect on our total results for the fiscal year, but will impact our quarterly results. Our quarter comparable sales and earnings will be positively impacted in quarters one and two, but this will be offset in quarters three and four. Also keep in mind that our earnings guidance takes into consideration the impact of the substantial investments planned in 2013 in our omni-channel platform, our stores, our information systems and our new concepts, which are expected to have a $0.12 impact on earnings per diluted share for the full year. The impact of these growth investments is expected to be approximately $0.03 each quarter.
For the second quarter of 2013, we anticipate consolidate earnings per diluted share of $0.75 to $0.77 compared with consolidated non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.65 for the same period last year. Our earnings expectation includes a $0.04 benefit from the shift in calendar. Gross profit margin is expected to increase year-over-year driven by higher merchandize margins partially offset by an increase in eCommerce supply chain cost as a percentage of sales.
Occupancy is expected to remain relatively flat. SG&A as a percentage of sales is expected to decline as a result of a contribution made to the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation last year and low incentive pay as a percentage of sales this year. On a shifted basis, consolidated same-store sales in the second quarter of 2013 are expected to be approximately 2% to 3% compared to 3.8% in the second quarter last year.
On an unshifted basis, consolidated same store sales are expected to be approximately 3.5% to 4.5% in the second quarter. For the full year, we continue to anticipate double digit earnings per diluted shares to be between approximately $2.84 and $2.86 per share, excluding the partial recovery of the investment in JJB Sports. As a reminder, this guidance also includes a $0.12 impact for the meaningful growth investments being made in 2013.
For the full year, gross margin is expected to slightly deleverage in 2013 driven by merchandise margins expansion, offset by an increase in occupancy costs relative to total sales. Occupancy is expected to deleverage in 2013 due to the 53rd week in 2012, and increase in new store starts and store remodels. SG&A as a percent of sales is expected to leverage compared to 2012 even with the significant investments in eCommerce, IT and new concepts, due to lower administrative expenses as a percent to sales. We anticipate consolidated 2013 same-store sales will increase approximately 2% to 3% on top of the 4.3% increase in 2012. Diluted shares outstanding I expected to be approximately $126 million for the full year compared to $126 million outstanding shares in 2012.
For the full year capital expenditures on net basis are expected to be approximately $258 million or $299 million on a gross basis. Net capital expenditures for 2012 were $187 million or $219 million on a gross basis. The anticipated increase in capital expenditures for 2012 to 2013 is primarily the result of the planned growth investments in the business in 2013.
We continue to see significant opportunity ahead and plan to make meaningful investments over the next five year to capture that opportunity. As we announced in our last earnings call, we will discuss our longer-term strategic growth opportunities and adjustment plans in our first-ever Analyst Day on September 18th.
This concludes our prepared remarks. We'd to be happy to answer any questions you may have at this time.
Operator: Gary Balter, Credit Suisse.
Gary Balter - Credit Suisse: Ed, do you emphasize that do you want to get more back to a value equation and you specifically mentioned golf, what you are seeing that's says that that's necessary in your stores specifically in that space?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Well, golf business, Gary, it's kind of little bit – as we said was one of the areas that had been more impacted from a sales standpoint and number of vendors are starting to work on promotions in order to drive some business. So we are in the process of working with them to (indiscernible) our opinion and to work with them on how to best support the golf business to try to drive these sales. We thought it would somewhat difficult to anniversary what happened in the golf business last year, but because there is some factors it was a little bit worse than we had anticipated which has been pretty well chronicled. But this is one of the areas that we think we got an up until some pent-up demand and we want to go after that pent-up demand with some better promotion. So that we don't have some of these people deferring these purchases towards next year.
Gary Balter - Credit Suisse: Then just extending out passionately when you look at other categories by extending our past calls?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Clearly there are some other areas that we are looking at some of these promotions as we've talked about the fitness business, especially cardio business has continued to be difficult and we are working through some promotions to exit out of this LIVESTRONG, the LIVESTRONG product as we start to transition into another brand.
Operator: Brian Nagel, Oppenheimer.
Brian Nagel - Oppenheimer: First question just on weather. I know that was the big issue in the quarter, but I apologize if you addressed this in your prepared comments. But weather was obviously an issue for sales through Q1. But as weather improved in various markets did you see sales pick up maybe some color around that?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Well, we didn't weather has certainly had an impact we didn't call out the weather as a specific issue because we didn't want to hide behind the weather. We've got a responsibility to drive sales and earnings irrespective of the weather. We did under the circumstances I think the team did a very good job of driving those earnings numbers. As we have seen weather gets better, there has been a change in the sales trend, yes.
Brian Nagel - Oppenheimer: Do you want to quantify that all or…?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We never really for competitive – we've never gotten to that level of detail to actually say that it got better in the – as the weather got better is different for the disclosures that we've provided in the past, and under these circumstances I think we should do that. As it got better in different parts of the countries, it certainly had a meaningful impact to sales.
Brian Nagel - Oppenheimer: Then the second question, on the LIVESTRONG product. I guess this was called out in Q4. So the comments that you are making today about further phasing down that product, I think you said by Q3, should we take that as kind of an incremental negative versus what we heard in the fourth quarter call or is this base gets continuation of the effort you put forth two months ago?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: With the continuation – I thought we indicated in the call that fitness business was important in the fourth quarter, but it's very important in the first quarter also now with New Year's resolutions and that. And the LIVESTRONG brand being 50% of that total cardio business, which is the biggest part of the fitness business, it does continue to have an impact. And we expect to continue to have an impact through the second quarter and I think we'll be in good shape going to the third quarter. But we've indicated we'd be out of all of these issues by the – in the fitness side, by the end of the third quarter. I actually think it will be earlier than that.
Brian Nagel - Oppenheimer: And is that bringing in a competing brand or is it actually the process deemphasizing category within your stores?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: It's bringing in a different brand.
Operator: Michael Lasser, UBS.
Michael Lasser - UBS: I wanted to ask about the experience you've seen with the stores that you have already remodeled. Can you give us some indication of the type of comp growth that you are experiencing and how scalable that experience will be to the rest of the remodels that you will be doing over the course of the year?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We haven't talked about what the comps are in the stores that we've remodeled, but this remodel program that we're doing here is not a full remodel to stores. It's substantial, because we're remodeling the entire middle of the store to be able to accommodate the – as I said the Nike Fieldhouse, the Under Armour shops and our news initiatives. So, we won't have – we've only got one of those stores done, and it's been done for a couple of weeks, but really too early to say. But if we take a look at stores that have the concepts in and the stores that don't, the sales are higher, the margin rate is higher, there is hold, as a retailer, all the good things you want to have happened in the stores that having these – in the UA All American shop and the Nike Fieldhouse concepts. So, we're pretty enthusiastic about this not only from a snow standpoint, but also this was part of our initiatives that we've talked about over the last 18 months or so to try to improve and focus on higher margin merchandise, and this was certainly the apparel side of our business, it was certainly higher margin than many other areas.
Michael Lasser - UBS: Does it benefit pretty immediate such that you will see an accelerating impact from all of these remodels in the second half of the year?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We expect it to be relatively quickly that we get the benefit of it, yes.
Michael Lasser - UBS: Just a quick clarification question on ticketing traffic breakdown for the DICK'S business. They had 5% decrease in traffic within DICK'S, that's inclusive of the website traffic or is that just in store-based traffic?
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: It is not a store-based traffic only.
Michael Lasser - UBS: Then just remind us, in our model we that eCommerce sales as a percent of the total was about 3.7% in 1Q '12, is that correct?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: In 1Q, that's correct and flat 28% in 1Q '13.
Michael Lasser - UBS: The business continues to grow about 50%?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Correct.
Operator: Sean Naughton, Piper Jaffray.
Sean Naughton - Piper Jaffray: Just for the follow-up to the eCommerce. You continue to see very strong growth there. Is there any change in terms of the thinking about the total number of stores, you are willing to open? And I guess as a follow-up to that, from a margin perspective, how are those sales relative to the Company average today and what is the outlook for that particular segment moving forward?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: So, as we look at the stores, the numbers of stores, it hasn't changed the number of stores that we plan to open, but it has influenced as we kind of – as we went through that plan of how many stores to open. It's influenced a bit, how we look at cannibalization. So, we are bit more sensitive to the store cannibalization, but we still have so many markets that we don't have stores in. And so, it really looks at more how we cannibalize stores as we include for the number of stores. The profitability of the eCommerce business, it's not as profitable as the store yet, which we've talked about, but we expect over the next two years or so, we expect that we would be (indiscernible) as to where the sales come from, as we make changes to merchandise mix and the distribution channel that it comes out of, it's getting more and more profitable every day. As we move to ship from store, we continue to get better at, we're really looking at that we have over look at that we had over 500 distribution centers around the country that can get product to customers quickly and inexpensively. And as we use the stores and the distribution channel it still highlights sales that's a very profitable venture for us as opposed to using warehouse.
Sean Naughton - Piper Jaffray: That makes sense, and then I guess a clarification on the shop-n-shops is this an increase in the number of UA shops that you plan to open versus your prior guidance and if so what was the catalyst for that change?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: It's certainly more than we've done in years past. So it's a big increase in what we've done in years past, just the sales and benefit that we see, that Under Armor sees, that we see, that Nike sees in this and we've all decided that we think it's best to continue to invest in these shops, because it's up for us and for our vendors.
Operator: Christopher Horvers, JPMorgan.
Christopher Horvers - JPMorgan: First on the clearance and inventory levels down 7% year-over-year is great. Is there any markdown as you think about second quarter or any meaningful markdown are there any categories that are in better or worse, safe than others, perhaps specifically golf and apparel?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We don't see there any big risk, we've got that all baked into our guidance, our inventory is really in very good shape as we take a look at golf, we work with the vendors in order to help liquidate this inventory, we've got great partnerships there. So now there is not a markdown if you are asking because it was down 7.4% and did we take the markdowns answer is yes, we don't have any unrealized markdowns that are kind of sitting out there.
Christopher Horvers - JPMorgan: Then can you talk about just geographically can you talk about some relative performance and the east and the north versus the south and the west, did you see positive comps in the more normal weather markets?
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: Well, I can't get to that level of granularity from a competitive standpoint, but as you could imagine, the Midwest and the Northeast had a more difficult business trend than the south and the west.
Christopher Horvers - JPMorgan: Then finally, as you think about the – following up upon the online transaction profitability question, how meaningful is the closing of the profitability got once you do buy online pick-up in store and how much of the delta is really the basket? The fact that the online transaction tends to be a rifle shop and it's tougher to attach.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We think we have a lot of opportunity to build the basket. We don't do – right now we don't do a great job of merchandising, if you will, kind of the add-on sales. So we think we've got a big opportunity there. We don't think that the way people shop that it will limit the add-on sales that we can get into this basket. So we think it's a big opportunity for us there and that will help increase the profitability, but we don't think that there's anything structural from the way people shop that would inhibit us from doing that, at least not in our business.
Christopher Horvers - JPMorgan: So it's building the right systems and algorithms to do that. And then what about the buy online pick-up in-store, is that a meaningful driver of closing the profitability levels?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We think it will be, yes. We'll have that up and operational this year, but yes, kind of the models that we've shown and how we believe this will play out will certainly help increase the profitability just as the shift from store attribute help a lot too from a profitability standpoint.
Operator: Matthew Fassler, Goldman Sachs.
Matthew Fassler - Goldman Sachs: Couple of question, and it first it relates to eCommerce. From what we can tell, you knew that your gross margin guidance off a little bit to down slightly from flattish and distribution cost seem to be making the difference. Can you talk about whether that reflection of mix of online within the business and the fact that that business is growing stronger? Or does it relate to the kind of offers that you are providing or the competitive channel is asking you to provide related to free shipping or other deals for consumers?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Matt, there is a lot of things happenings in the eCommerce business, so we're – you know – we're getting – we are looking at what happens from a shipping standpoint and how would that cost associate with shipping versus trying to look to revenue. We really think progressively, if we press forward the film, sometime I don't – it's 12-months from now, 18 months from now, but we think the vast majority of everything is going to free shipping. That's what's we're doing with the customer, well, customer-wise. As we take a look at how we're mixing out our online business, we're doing a better job from an apparel standpoint in those high margins areas. We think as we go forward, and we're not there yet as I said, we think that the attachment rate of those building the basket of higher margin looks nice. We can do a better job of – we're not doing a great good job of that right now. So, that does impact that margin rate a little bit right now to drive stock sales to drive accessory sales, when somebody makes a purchase, we're not doing as good of job there as we need to. Some of those constraints are inside the GSI system which we're working we've done right now to modify, so that we can be better merchants online, if you will.
Matthew Fassler - Goldman Sachs: My second question, your SG&A was obviously very well-controlled during the quarter, and I would think that that's particularly tough to do, when you have the investments that you laid out at the beginning of the year. So, did you have that investment spending in Q1 along with the original plan, and if so, what we're able to cut back to enable the SG&A to come down levels that we saw?
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: Matt, this is Tim. We indeed have the investment, the spending that we anticipated for the quarter approximately an attractive $0.03. And as we look through the other expense categories, the business dictates us to take action. If you take a look at what we typically are able to grow in terms the leverage of the business, while we didn't take a great amount out of the advertising, advertising leverage for the quarter. And then if you also take a look at the performance as that indicated we are not happy, the sales performance, and at this point in the year, our overall expense on our incentive paid is also under the approval we had in last year's first quarter.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: And also as we saw sales trending the way that we we've all met the store operations group did very good job of controlling store payroll.
Operator: Robby Ohmes, Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Unidentified Analyst - Bank of America Merrill Lynch: This is (indiscernible) on behalf of Robby. Thanks for taking my question. Can you guys give a little color on your youth initiatives and what the times out for the remodels there?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Well, we are going to do with the youth initiative is – and we've tested this with great results. We have taken a youth area, and although it won't be necessarily vendor specific, but taking youth area and build it similar to what we have done with the Under Armour All American or the Nike Fieldhouse concept pulling the youth product together in a better way, merchandising it better getting it on the power aisle. The same as we've done with other brand shops and when we tested that we had great results, so we are quite pleased with that and going after this in a pretty aggressive way.
Unidentified Analyst - Bank of America Merrill Lynch: Can you guys discuss trends in footwear particularly on the running side I mean there's a little bit of a slowdown in the industry have you seen any uptick with new product launches or as the weather has improved?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Well has the weather improved, yes we have, but we haven't seen an issue in the running category, similar to maybe some other people in the mall based retailers, because we are really not in the action side of that as much, we are really that core true runner if you will and those true runners need to replace their shoes and it's not fashion item for these guys. These men and women they are actually taking the shoes and going out running races or working out in them. So we haven't seen a big change.
Operator: Michael Baker, Deutsche Bank.
Michael Baker - Deutsche Bank: So I also wanted to follow-up on the footwear category and ask how are you dealing with basketball which I think you guys are little bit behind merchandising. But have added. So if you could talk about that. And then two other quick ones, one guns and ammo any color there. And then third can you quantify the contribution to the DICK'S Foundation in the second quarter last year? Thanks.
Joseph H. Schmidt - President & COO: On the basketball piece we are certainly seeing an uptick in basketball with the basketball business has certainly been on the rise. We have made great improvements in our basketball assortments from the different brands certainly Nike leads that category changes we've made from – with Nike's assortment Adidas and some of the other brands. The basketball business has done much better. We'll see a much bigger presentation of basketball in our stores, really now and then going forward into back-to-school. The guns and ammo piece, that certainly had a positive impact on our business, but our guns and ammo businesses is a small portion of our business versus some other people in this industry. We got to narrow our assortment of that product through – we don't promote it like others, it's just a smaller part of our business. So we didn't see the big profit that some others have.
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: And to your question on the foundation, it was approximately...
Operator: Mark Miller, William Blair.
Mark Miller - William Blair & Company: Regarding the value offerings and the opportunities you are pursuing with vendors, I was hoping to get some perspective also on your market research and what are you seeing from a customer perception in terms of your value? Have you seen some online competitors come in with aggressive list prices? Do you have the score card and other discounts which provide value, but I'm wondering if you feel like you are getting credit from the consumer for that?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: I think that we're getting credit from the consumer. We think that there was a couple of categories that hit us particularly hard and that the transition in Golf – the Golf business was up significantly last year versus the year before. Our Golf Galaxy business last year was up roughly 12% in the first quarter and the DICK'S business was relatively the same. It was really a strong cycle last year, a lot of promotion out there. And when promotion I mean, advertising around some new technology that would help you play better this year versus nearly as robust and it kind of showed in the sales. We have an issue around the fitness business and LIVESTRONG which we've talked about, so we're trying to probably work with the vendors to bring some promotion and excitement to that golf category in order to drive some of this inventory and get people out there buying. We think that there is a concern that there is some pent-up demand and as we get later in the season, we got a – we want to revise that pent-up demand and encourage people to buy as opposed to have them postponing the purchasing for next year.
Mark Miller - William Blair & Company: I have a question on eCommerce. I know it's early, but I'm interested in what you've learned about mobile to this point and can you share any metrics on what you are seeing as a portion of dotcom traffic and conversion for our purchases?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We're not going to get to specific granularity on that, but you would imagine in the mobile past track of our eCommerce business is growing although from a smaller base is growing at a much faster rate than any other aspect in mobile continues to be extremely important and continue to focus on it and as everybody believes mobile is really going to be the future of eCommerce business.
Operator: Sean McGowan, Needham & Company.
Sean McGowan - Needham & Company: Some questions on the Field & Stream initiative to the extent that you share it. Are you planning to go into markets where there are existing kind of, big box competitors in specialty or go where there ain't? And second, can you talk a little bit about how the product offering might be differentiated from what you'd expect to find at some of those other stories.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: From our outdoor caps of Field & Stream, we don't anticipate right now to kind of go jump in and compete with the other outdoor retailers. We'll get our kind of two legs under and see how this concepts does. We anticipate, it's going to do very well, but we're going to be just to open this up, we'll be opening up (indiscernible). From a product offering point of view, I think you are going to see some greater focus and some differentiation in the Field & Stream store that you would in a DICK'S Sporting Goods store, some categories to highlight would be fly fishing, archery, casual apparel, food processing. Those are some categories where we think we can really blowout the square footage in sales. Some brand and some better quality merchandise that you might find in Field & Stream that you might not find at DICK'S would be Hoyt from a bow perspective; hunting apparel, we are going to carry Sitka; on the on the right folk side of the business, we're going to rifle side of the business, we're going to carry Sako and Dakota. So, those are just some of the main brand and key brands if we're going to carry that you won't find at the DICK'S Sporting Goods store.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: One of the other differentiating factors between Field & Stream and some of the other brands that are out there would be very focused from an apparel standpoint and branded hunting apparel as opposed to some other retailers have done a really wonderful job with their private brand. They are much more private brand focused.
Operator: Sam Poser, Sterne, Agee.
Ben Shamsian - Sterne, Agee: This is Ben Shamsian calling in for Sam. Given the current spending levels what same-store sales do you need to lever the occupancy line?
Timothy E. Kullman - EVP Finance, Administration and CFO: The occupancy line is going to take a little more than our SG&A line and as we said in the past SG&A is about 1% to 2% and occupancy is closer to between 3% and 4%.
Ben Shamsian - Sterne, Agee: And secondly can you please provide us an update on the merchandising assortment planning system that was rolled out last year. What have you learned so far and is it what you'd hope for when you started it?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: On the merchandise assortment plan we are still working through the conversion of the merchandise assortment plan, if this were baseball game we are somewhere in the sixth inning. So we still have some opportunity to learn more about that and really gain the benefits of that program. So we are still kind of in the middle of this.
Operator: Camilo Lyon, Canaccord Genuity.
Camilo Lyon - Canaccord Genuity: Ed, now that you have had few different branded shop n shops in place for a couple of years at least. Can you talk about the performance of those shop n shops in year two and after, we know that the shop n shop performance in year one is pretty dramatic. But I'm curious to see how those shop n shops perform after that initial year one lift?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: They have continued to perform better than the stores that don't have even as we go forward into the subsequent years. So it's been a very good investment for us and very good investment for the brands that we've partnered.
Camilo Lyon - Canaccord Genuity: My next question is on the smaller market stores. Just wondering if you could share some of your, some of your thoughts on how those stores have performed and the learnings that you might have if there was a difference in the competitive landscape that you are noticing or different way that the consumer behaves in this smaller town markets?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We continue to be very enthusiastic about these smaller market opportunities, just in the past year couple of examples of small markets only on in New York. Hurst would be another one in North Carolina and these small markets all behave a little bit differently. If there were all, we think there's an opportunity to do a little bit more with the outdoor consumer. If they are a little bit more suburban, they behave more closely to what a DICK'S Sporting Goods store would behave. So, really it depends on the market, but we continue to be very enthusiastic and are happy about the results of these smaller market opportunities.
Camilo Lyon - Canaccord Genuity: Then just lastly I wanted to clarify something. You made a statement in your prepared remarks about vendors helping you to manage the promotions in some of those key categories that you want to work down. I just wanted to be clear though that you are getting some support from the vendors in managing – in marking down inventory and helping – and they are taking some of the margin reductions that are needed to move it, is that correct?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Yeah, we are getting help from the vendors, yes.
Operator: Matt Nemer, Wells Fargo Securities.
Kate Wendt - Wells Fargo Securities: It's actually Kate Wendt in for Matt Nemer. First just wanted to follow-up on shift from store, I'm wondering what percent of your eCommerce orders are being fulfilled in stores today versus this time last year and if you made any sort of improvements in shipping speed?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We're not going to get to that level of granularity, but we'll really – the increase in shift from store has been pretty dramatic. We expect it to continue to move to be a significant move to shift from store. As we said, it's the most profitable distribution channel and we are doing the best we can to get as much shift from store as possible that's cheaper and is quick. Just for the comments, we now got it in all stores, so all stores are available to ship product.
Kate Wendt - Wells Fargo Securities: Then second, quickly on Field & Stream, I'm wondering how you feel about being able to offer robust assortment in guns and ammo given some of the supply constraints that are out there?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: At the present time, we've worked with the vendors. We don't think that it's going to be a big issue, but remember, we're only opening two stores this year. So, it's not like we need to – we think these stores are going to do terrific as these two stores open up. But in the grand scheme of things, it's not a lot of inventories that's required in the grand scheme overall. So, we don't think we have issue getting (in it before).
Operator: Kate McShane, Citigroup Research.
Kate McShane - Citigroup Research: Ed, you mentioned, you didn't want to hide behind the weather, and I wondered if you thought there was anything else going on the competitive environment, actually it impacted your business during the quarter and I was wondering if you could walk us through some of you bigger categories like footwear and athletic apparel and how it comps versus the average?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: I will tell you that we did want to hide behind the weather. As I said I think we've got the responsibility to deliver to our shareholders, the sales and their earnings results that we guided to, we're able to do that on the earning side with I think is the more important of the two sides. So, we were pleased with. We kind of called out the areas of the business that were difficult and kind of the areas of the countries that were more difficult. Take a look at footwear business and the apparel business over the lack of the specific; they were significantly different than the Company average.
Kate McShane - Citigroup Research: Then just a longer term question, with regards to competitive environment, just could you give us your view on growth trajectory of some of the other sporting goods retailers, as well as some of the vendor retail initiatives and how you mange that along with your own expanded growth plans?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We keep an eye on what our competitors are doing. Whenever a competitors opens it's we don't like to see that happen, but it's part of this business cycle. It's been part of the business cycle, since we started the business, so since we went public or after the economy crater, it's always been there. So, we will continue to work through that and to guide the customer what we hope is the best alternative out there in this industry today. To-date, it's been quite successful. From a vendor standpoint, we continue to drive our online business and I build the vendor help us some good product at online. We don't think they've done – they hasn't become a price war with the vendors. And so they're selling the product at the same price or in some cases higher than what we are selling it for on our site. So, we were seeing we are doing it, but that's part of the competitive environment out there just as their outlet stores have been in the past, and it something we just have to deal with and we have been pretty good at dealing with competitive issues by providing the customer the best alternative.
Operator: John Zolidis, Buckingham Research.
John Zolidis - Buckingham Research: Two questions. First, could you talk about the trend in transaction size, which has been increasing probably for about two years on a fairly consistent basis? What's driving the transaction size gains? Then my second question is around the merchandise margin improvement we saw in the current quarter both this quarter and last quarter I had difficult sales trend but yeah, merchandise margins were up even with presumably some need to discount a little bit more. Could you give us a little bit more color around how you are achieving the merchandise margin improvement?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: The way we were achieving the merchandise – the margin improvement, there's been a couple of things and it's nothing different than what we had talked about that was in our plan. But we've been able to continue to focus and drive business in higher margin categories, whether that be in the apparel business or the footwear business, so the investments we've made in the Athletic Apparels, the Fieldhouse, the Under Armour All American shop, the North Face shops, we'd really worked hard to drive that apparel business. The changes we've made in the shared service footwear deck has helped drive that business and has helped drive the margin rates. The third component of that is we've really done a very good job managing our inventory and being able to manage that inventory and manage those mark downs. Our buying group has done a very, very good job of having the right products. We haven't made – knocked down any real big mistakes other than LIVESTRONG, which was kind of a little bit out of our control, but we've done a very good job of buying product and managing those mark downs and clearing out that inventory as evidenced by the fact our clearance inventory was down little more than 7% on per square foot basis this year versus last year.
John Zolidis - Buckingham Research: And my first question was back on the transaction size.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Yeah, I think the transaction size is driven by that we've done a good job of trying to provide the consumer, some of those better quality products. So, our technical running business has done very well. The technical Apparel business has done very well and a lot of these are at higher price points than had been sold in the past and the consumers reacted really quite well to them.
Operator: Paul Swinand, Morningstar.
Paul Swinand - Morningstar: Good morning and thanks for taking the long list of questions. I wanted to just ask about the online. You mentioned the mobile is growing very rapidly. Is the current mobile sale and customer different in terms of sale and search, is it more occasional or more consumable compared to like desktops. You might be doing some more research or something?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Well, I think in desktop you're probably doing some more research. Mobile is used for a lot of different things. We find mobile is used for cameras, which is growing quickly, but there's also, you know, to try to find the nearest store to look up a store number to call-ask a question. There's a lot of things that people are using their mobile phone for a lot of different things as it relates to the store and the mobile traffic has been extraordinary.
Paul Swinand - Morningstar: Do you eventually see that converging now it sounds like with the desktop?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: When you say converging, what do you mean?
Paul Swinand - Morningstar: Well, just gearing to more research and more engagement in general. I guess what I would think is that people are spending more and more time doing research as you improved the site, as you improve vendor's links, there's more engagement, more stuff going on which hopefully involve the customer more?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Absolutely yes.
Operator: David Magee, SunTrust.
David Magee - SunTrust: I had a question regarding the store traffic. Obviously in the first quarter there was some weather impact with that number being down 5%. What do you have sort of baked in for the second half and how should we think about that number over the immediate term given, and may be some small impact coming from the eCommerce growth. How do you think about that?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: We think traffic could be relatively flat, could be down a little bit, could be up a little if we look at this right now into the second quarter, we would think this would be relatively flat and we think that there is still some continued upsize in the basket size.
David Magee - SunTrust: If you look to 2014, assuming that we continue to see a macro recovery; would you expect it to become more positive?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: I would expect it to be more positive as we go forward, yes.
David Magee - SunTrust: Then secondly, based on what you know about the real estate over the next 12, 18 months, should the average store size come down modestly is that a fair assumption to make?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: Actually, no. We expected to be at relatively the same size. There will be change in state configuration or some categories that we think we can continuing to add space to that can drive sales and margin. We still think there is a big opportunity in the athletic portion of this business. We think there is a big opportunity in the youth portion of the business and in the women side of the business. So, we think that those areas are actually undersize to the size of the opportunity.
Operator: Peter Benedict, Robert Baird.
Peter Benedict - Robert W. Baird: Quickly, Tim, any comment on the DC startup cost, what impact that had on gross margin in the first quarter, I apologize, if you already mentioned that?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: No. We didn't. For the first two quarters of the year, we still don't expect a whole lot of impact, because with new DC in place, we're getting great mitigation of those expenses by the reduction in overall freight costs.
Peter Benedict - Robert W. Baird: Then secondly, just update us if you guys would maybe on your latest thoughts on how many stores you ultimately think you can put the Nike Fieldhouse into Under Armour All American shops and remind us what the limiting factors are, are there a certain number of stores that you will never be able to get them in?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: There will be some stores that we won't able to get them in or we don't want to put that mix. I mean there is an investment to doing this and we will put them in and if it was we think we'll get an appropriate investment.
Operator: Chris Svezia, Susquehanna Financial.
Chris Svezia - Susquehanna Financial Group: I guess just first going back to the LIVESTRONG product in the ellipticals and fitness category. When you replace that potentially coming to the third quarter, you are replacing that with the branded product or a private-label product, and what's the thought process about, you got one-for-one replacement or you are going to shift maybe some of that square footage to places like women's, athletic, apparel things you just called out?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: So, it will be shifted to a branded brand if you will. And we are going to be having less products on the floor so some of that space will be shifted to other categories.
Chris Svezia - Susquehanna Financial Group: Then on the hardware business, I guess two parts. One, your decision to pull out of some of the product early in the fourth quarter, hope you a little bit what it guess it possibly structure a little in Q1, given what's happened with the weather, I wonder if you can maybe comment about that at all? Then secondarily, if you think about fall of this year I am sure your planning process is it just planning business is usual normalize winter and weather patterns you just trying to – I know it's difficult to predict, but just some of your thoughts in and around that?
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: It really didn't have an impact on our first quarter business. I mean it didn't have any meaningful impact on our first quarter business. So as we look forward, we were planning this as kind of a normal winter, we've continued to work with our brands, they have partnerships for us, if it's (cold) we'll be able to change some merchandise. If it doesn't we will have a big impact from an inventory standpoint our hope is but I have no idea what the weather is going to be like in this fall. We are hoping that it's going to be cold, but you never know.
Operator: This concludes our question-and-answer session. Now, I would like to turn the conference back over to Ed Stack for any closing remarks.
Edward W. Stack - Chairman & CEO: I'd like to thank everyone for joining us on our earnings call today and we look forward to talking to you all in a couple of months. Thank you.
Operator: The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect.


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Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Revealed (DVD 22)
Title: Dragon Ball Z - Frieza - Revealed
Volume: DVD 22
Running time: 60
Distributor: FUNimation Entertainment
Release date: 2001-07-10
Suggested retail price: $14.95
Age rating: MA13
Frieza's® Second Transformation:
The united powers of Nail and Piccolo continue to struggle against the almighty Frieza. For a brief moment, it seems the Namekian duo could be victorious, but Frieza retaliates with a second transformation! With new speed and strength, Frieza gives Piccolo a ruthless beating. Can Gohan and Krillin come to Piccolo's aid? (Episode 67)
Another Transformation?:
Desperate to help Piccolo, the enraged Gohan unleashes an attack that nearly topples Freiza. Inspired by Gohan's powerful display, Vegeta reveals his daring plan to become a Super Saiyan. Will Vegeta's plan work? Meanwhile, it seems Frieza has a plan of his own: his final transformation! (Episode 68)
Dende's? Demise:
Having reached his ultimate form, the evil Frieza begins a merciless assault. To start, he takes out the only one who cannot be healed by Dende - Dende himself! As Frieza's onslaught continues, it becomes clear that Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan don't stand a chance. Suprisingly, Vegeta comes to the rescue, wanting to fight Frieza single-handed! Are Vegeta's claims true? Is he really a Super Saiyan? (Episode 69)
(added on 2010-02-03)
- Encyclopedia information about Dragon Ball Z (TV)


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Would you like to save as your currency permanently or for this visit only?
The location was great we have asked for non-smoking rooms. They gave us their best rooms which are smoking room...so we asked to change..I wonder why the best rooms are for smokers..
Very friendly and helpful staff
great service, great bed no
Lovely hotel, good facilities and friendly, helpful staff
Very nice hotel, perfect A/C in the absolut centre of Marsala. Perfect services of highest standard, good and various breakfest. We did really like the stay in hotel and would recomend it to everybody! sometimes less powerfull wi-fi, limited English language capacity of some staff, lack of a closet in the rooms.
All of the staff were very friendly and helpful especially considering our very limited Italian. They also let us use the bicycles at the hotel and arranged a taxi to pick us up from Trapani airport and back again as we had no hire car. The bar never seemed to be open and it would have been nice to relax in the hotel bar at the end of the evening. We had a very spacious room for 3 but for a large group in such a room more storage furniture would have been good. Also it was quite far from the beach and defintely not within walking distance.
The hotel is in the centre of the city. The staff was nice and helpful. The breakfast could be better. Also, the wireless connection was very poor, merely could open webpages on my laptop with it. There is however a desktop computer on the ground floor with a very good internet speed.
Its excellent location, it was easy to find and had its own parking facilities. You dould walk straight out of the hotel in to the historical centre. Having a room with a frosted window, felt very inclosed.
Excellent,friendly staff and a clean very comfortable room
Great bed, large room with wonderful bath, quiet, a/c worked great complicated to get to due to narrow streets and pedestrian streets
Excellent hotel, very helpful, friendly and professional staff, perfect location in the centre of the historic area. Absolutely nothing, looking forward to going back there!
comfortable stay in an atmospheric hotel. Expensive bar. No snacks. No breakfast or alternative if leaving for an early flight. No airport shuttle - taxis very expensive.
the hotel was marvellous and the staff extremely helpful such a relaxing atmosphere that we did not stay longer
Privacy and security. Beautiful garden and fabulous breakfast on the terrace. Romantic location and excellent rooms.
Everything but the price. Our room was claustrophobic, only a high window. Ask for one with a terrace.
The ambience and facilities provided were top notch. I can't believe that it is only rated as a three star hotel. It would have been helpful if the hotel had provided some information/maps of the local area.
The staff - Gianni the barman/porter was amazing!!! Couldn't do enough to help.Terrace was great. The double bed was actually 2 singles - uncomfortable!
it was a beautiful hotel with friendly staff when i phoned to let them know we were on our way, they failed to let us know that there was a fiesta in town. therefore access to the town centre & hotel carmine was severely restricted
This was a beautiful hotel in the center of Marsala,Sicily. The location was perfect with lots of great restaurants in the area and onsite parking. The hotel staff were very helpful;rooms and atmosphere of the hotel were beautiful and the breakfast in the morning was quite good.I would recommend a stay here to everyone as it really is a gem!
Excellent small hotel in the middle of the town. Stylish bar and beautiful garden. Helpful staff. Nicely decorated rooms and big bathrooms.
staff were very helpful and friendly some of the advertised facilities weren't open / available only available July / August. Breakfast selection needs improving. difficult to get a drink by the pool. unable to get lunch
The atmosphere in the building and the very nice and professional people that worked there. No fitness room.Taxi too expensive to and from Trapani airport.Too expensive by 30%.
Great staff and service No toileteries in bathroom, typical italian provincial hotel, plumbing dodgy, towel rail not secure. All things that should not be an issue in a 5 star hotel
Excellent location.Super breakfast with abundance of Sicilian delicacies.Clean rooms.Ample free parking.Efficient staff.
While we were at the New Palace Hotel, the heater wasn't working. The staff went into quick action and took care of us immediately. They tried to service and when it wasn't able to be prepared, the staff took care of moving us to another room. Sevice of staff-OUTSTANDING!
The friendliness of the staff and excellent facilities June is obviously the low season as the hotel did not have many occupants
Very friendly staff. The hotel is very quiet!! It has a very nice pool and grounds. The hotel is off the beaten path, so you either need a car or have to take a taxi into town if you don't want to walk the 2 kilometers through not great parts of town. We were told we'd have a garden view room, but instead we had a view of ugly roofs.
hotel itself is really nice and classic the city it was in - no nice surroundings
The staff were extremely helpful and friendly. There was no footpath directly outside the hotel for a few hundred meters on way into the town of Marsala.
Location is disappointing. Hotel was empty so service was very basic.
Staff, food and facilities
The views of Erice is great and food as well GPS gives misleading directions to Baglio Donna Franca (across the vineyard)
The entire experience. This hotel is very hard to find.
New installations, good size of rooms and bathrooms. Internet in rooms, kindness of personel and very helpful. No Air Conditioner, breakfast was not very good, not a lot of options to chose.
Luxurious room in wine-cellar style. Very quiet location, close to the airport. An own car is recommended. We luckily looked up the location on a map before arrival. Other guests told us that navigation systems would not contain the exact location, but well a neighbor street. From the hotel you can see the coast and the vineyards. Well english spoken reception. Good medium-price restaurant with home-grown wine. The room lights are dim and the window is small (but hey, its a wine cellar ambiente!). Warm water failed one night. That might be due to strong winds that day (storm at night).
Relaxing atmosphere, hospitality is outstanding. We enjoyed dinner and breakfast.
Excellent restaurant, very friendly and helpful staff, tranquil hilltop location, great coastal views. Unaware it was 10km from Marsala and hire car essential
Very nice and fresh location. friendly staff, and extremely convenient when we had an early take off the next morning the rooms were a bit small, and even though the route descriptions for the hotell are very easy, are there very few sings for the airport.
The atmosphere was wonderful. Peaceful and quiet place in the middle of vineyards. Friendly and helpful staff. Nice room. Delicious dinner.
Fantastic rural location in a vineyard with spectacular views . Very helpful staff with some english spoken. Nice large comfortable bedrooms, impresive stone buildings and courtyards. Although I would say a beautiful quiet spot for adults to relax they were child friendly and the remote location made it safe for them to run around. This hotel only has 16 bedrooms so it is not overflowing with staff but what they do have are very kind, warm and helpful. Continental breakfast was good with fresh coffees made to order. No lunch was available when we were there but most guests go out for the day. Dinner was good and their own wine was 10 and 12 euros so very reasonable. Soft drinks/water in bedroom fridge were complimentary. No lunch served but I understood as there was little demand. Pool was very cold but I was delighted to find it was still open for my grandaughter.
They called a taxi for us to leave Everything was closed down and delapidated. It reminded us of the shining.
Dinne and breakfast buffets were OK. Good with pool and a playground. There was a parking spot with each apartment, just outside the door. The showers in the pool area looked like they hadn't ever been cleaned, the floor was covered with a thick layer of algae. Our room was not very clean when we arrived, and we even found cockroaches in the room. The entire hotel felt old and tired, like nobody cared about details.
Myself and my partner had a very enjoyable and relaxing stay at the hotel, the rooms where very nice and comforatable and cleaned every day, the pool was excellent (although a swimming cap is required) and the beach was beautiful. We enjoyed the buffet and breakfast and the restraunt on the beach was lovely and non-expensive. As we only had a few words in Italian communicating was a little tricky at times , this is a hotel popular with Italian families and all the excursions and entertainment catered only for them. I would recommened renting a car for anyone wishing to explore the region. Also on arrival they offer you a club card which entitles you to free water and wine at dinner and loungers and parasol on the beach and pool area this costs 30 euro per person.
Room was very clean, aircon was acceptable noise and temp level, pool was good size and clean, and nice sandy beach with clear water and hotel had its own loungers and parasols Had to wear swimming caps in the pool, and they did not provide beach towels which would have been nice. Also opening hours of pool could be extended.
The breakfast was good. Free parking. Quiet location. Large swimming pool. Free WiFi in the lobby. Kitchenette in the annex was roomy. Not much to like about this hotel. Booked a kitchenette but was given a standard double room on arrival. Discovered the room was filled with huge mosquitoes. Complained to the desk, and did get a kitchenette but discovered it contained no kitchen utensils or cookery. Took 2 hours to be delivered after 2 more trips to the front desk to complain. Hotel is an older palazzo which has definitely seen better days. The 2 rooms we saw were tired and run-down. Pool was dirty and the grounds not well-kept. WiFi is available but only in the lobby. The front desk staff seemed disorganized and incompetent. Despite the name, it's a good 300+ meter walk to get to the beach. We stayed only one night and would never go back.
location to the airport no breakfast for early departures
very helpful staff.room comfortable.nice terrace.good restaurant next door.hotel very convenient to airport
I would classify hotel as good airport stop over.Liked the swimming pool having travelled far. also liked good powerful shower.Early morning breakfast accommodated.Extremely clean and comfortable Limited parking. Location on road and local neighbourhood. Very suitable for stop over.
It was convenient for the airport although not very well signposted. Restaurant next door very handy if arriving late. Would have booked last night before returning home but not available when pre booking. Was told different by staff that rooms were available, but had already booked another hotel
A really conveniently located hotel for arrivals at Trapani airport (5Km). Great to visit Marsala and local area. Very helpful staff and clean rooms. Restaurant next door. Book taxi through hotel rather than get one from the airport. Also not really worth booking sea view, small window and not many floors to get good view.
Very convenient location for us - close to the airport of Trapani. Nice view from our room ( top floor - with 2 large terrace). Great location - close to Marsala, to salinas. I can recommend this hotel. -
thr view and the salt fields but the isle of mozia is not worthwhile the trip to isola de mosia is a rip off.
relaxed and quiet atmosphere a little bit of paradise
Ideale locatie bij vroeg vertrek (of late aankomst) luchthaven Trapani (6 min. rijden). Leuke kamers beneden aan het zwembad en boven met sea view. Vrij parkeren langs de weg. Ook het gerestaureerde centrum van Marsala (10 km) is zeer de moeite waard. Signing could be better. Just 2 signs along the SP21 (one at the beginning and one when you're almost there).
Clean, functional, very helpful staff. Very small bathrooms. The night manager must be trained to make a good capuccino for early morning departures.
Attractive small hotel near airport. Spotlessly clean. Good service. Lighting in room could be improved. Very dark during day and lighting could have been brighter at night. Breakfast could include some eggs for Irish/UK visitors. Directions to nearby restaurants could be prepared and written in other languages for visitors.
We visited the island of Mozia which we found very intesting and enjoyable. We also went wine tasting to try the local wines. It was difficult to find a good restaurant nearby.
As it was early in the season their restaurant was not yet open but staff very helpful with directions to restaurants. They also delivered breakfast to our room as we had an early start to the airport.
remote place. no restaurant. breakfast only as of 8.30
Easy access to Trapani Birgi Airport No Restaraunt
Friendly welcoming hosts, prepared to tell us history of building, advise on restaurants, trips etc. Great breakfast with fresh fruit from owner's produce. Spacious pleasant conversion from old farmhouse to superior b & B. Ideal for several days stopover and touring center; near airport. Very private with secure parking. No
Really gigantic breakfast (not only sweet; some bread, croissants and cookies are baked on site). Very friendly service. Nice view to Isole Egadi. Getting to this place for a non-motorized tourist can be a bit difficult, because hotel is to the north-east of Marsala, out of the city (but there are some bus stops).
very clean, spacious It was in an uninteresting part of Marsala . You need a car and driving is a scary experience. They dont believe in manning the bar , you always had to look for someone. It was continental breakfast but it was very boring.
Kind reception staff, lovely pool and good pizzeria Saw from price in room that I had paid 22 euro more than the maximum chargeable-annoying
We have stayed in this hotel before and would stay again-----it is very comfortable and it is located exactly where we need to be. Thank you----Joyce Tjarks No----There was not--------Joyce Tjarks
Clean. Spacious, Good location, Swimming Pool
large room Shabby appearance, poor breakfast, depressing atmosphere
Hotel has everything you need for a quiet break in the sun. The pool area is fantastic and you virtually have it to yourself which is unusual. The hotel itself is excellent but the location is probably not the best. Marsala is not what you would expect from a tourist resort and there is little to see or do out with the hotel. Restaurants are few and far between but thankfully the restaurant at the hotel was very good and excellent value.
Staff at the hotel were extremely nice and very helpful. Special thanks go to Sebastiano at the reception who goes out of his way to make guests happy ! Pool bars were closed during the daytime and the bathroom had a bad smell
Restaurant accomadated us even though we arrived late Like all holtels in Sicily difficult to locatei
Airyness and facilities Early finishing time for breakfast.
Ease of getting to the hotel late at night from the airport with a rental car.Night porter was very good and helpful.


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SailNet Community (http://www.sailnet.com/forums/)
- Pacific Northwest & Alaska (http://www.sailnet.com/forums/pacific-northwest-alaska/)
- - Canadian CHS tide and current tables (http://www.sailnet.com/forums/pacific-northwest-alaska/75513-canadian-chs-tide-current-tables.html)
Canadian CHS tide and current tables
Here's a reminder that you can print off the relevant pages of the various tide and current booklets as/when you need them.
Go here:
CHS - PDF Files
Thanks for that reminder.
I wish they would print tables 1 - 4 for secondary ports and stations, as well as table 5 and 5a for intermediate tides.
I buy Vols 5 and 6 and carry them with me. I have to teach the students how to use them.
This is a great resource. Thanks for posting. Any one using these tables needs to keep in mind that the times are Zulu + 8. That is, they are not corrected to reflect daylight savings time. Interestingly, the Washburne's tables are corrected for dst. It took a very nice person from the CHS to set me straight.
Re: Canadian CHS tide and current tables
This year's link to the tide and current tables in PDF.. do remember that the times posted are standard time, so add an hour if DST is in place.
CHS - PDF Files
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:58 PM.
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E85 Z4 Roadster, E86 Z4 Coupe, E85 Z4 M Roadster, and E86 Z4 M Coupe talk with our BMW gurus here.
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Z4MC Noise from front suspension...need help in troubleshooting
Hello bimmerfest-
I have been roaming around this site for a few months now, and would like to thank all of you for contribution that has allowed me to learn so much about my 07 Z4MC. I have a problem and need your guys' help.
I took over a lease with 12 months left and then purchased the car when the lease was about to terminate. I loved the car too much to let it go. I was quite hesitant to purchase the vehicle because there was already some known under car damage when I stepped into it. I didn't know what happened to it exactly.
There were a few issues that I ran into, but I took care of all of them that I know of. The under carriage reinforcement plate was bent and touching the front right lower control arm. I removed the plate and bent it back so its clear of the control arm. I loctite'd the front and rear sway bar mounting bolts. One day, i felt severe vibration and it turned out that 2 of the passenger side motor mount bolts were broken and 2 were loose, so i changed all four plus loctite and also did the same to the driver's side as well.
This was not covered under warranty because my SA was being an ***. I tried calling BMW NA and had someone working on my case but I never got any of my $800 back for bolt extraction and replacement of passenger side motor mount/bracket and bolts.
I also loctited the front strut bar bolts. After all of those things were tightened, there were no clunks. But recently, whenever going over uneven pavement, i hear a small clunk and a what sounds like something grinding for a fraction of a second when i hit the bottom of the dip. Keep in mind that this car had some under car damage probably running over a median or something.
When I brought it into the dealership, they suggested changing the control arm and reinforcement plate (before i bent it back) for an additional $700. My question is, is a damaged control arm possibly responsible for the "grinding" sound i am hearing when turning into a drive way? I have been under there many times and everything seems tight. My other guesses are wheel hub replacement? Control arm bushing with one from UUC?
I will probably perform all the work myself.
Grinding while turning could be the front wheel bearings. Usually when they are totally shot you hear the grinding all the time ... of course, I cannot say for sure without experiencing it first hand.
I would also visually inspect the control arms for bends/cracks and closely inspect the bushings on the control arms for visible cracks. Also check the suspension end links that attach the sway bar to the strut for a bend; and check for any additional play or leaking grease from the end link joints.
Euro headers w/relocated sensors|RPI scoop|K&N panel filter|KW Clubsports w/400lb Linear Rear Springs|RE RSMs|Zeckhausen CDV|SpeedBleeders|Stoptech Brake Lines|StopTech 4-pot BBK all around|BBS RGR 18x8.5/18x10|Potenza RE-11s
Texas Mile (March, 2010): 155.4 mph
The small clunk could be your strut-tower-to-firewall braces needing to be re-torqued (they need this every few thousand miles, it seems). The grinding is a new one.
There's a BMW TSB out for the motor mount bracket bolts failing...so it should have been covered.
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a place for zinesters - writers and readers
I tabled next to R. Seth Friedman of Factsheet Five at the "Zine Fiend" convention in the mid-'90s in Seattle at the Project 216 Gallery. Seth was a total nice guy and funny to talk to. Aaron Cometbus was also at this zine convetion.
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2006 325i died 30 miles after purchase!
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Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Carmel Indiana
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,870
Mein Auto: 2006 325i
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Originally Posted by
I agree. You really have to be easy with this car now. It should be looked at as a project car right off the bat. You can't expect to have that smile on your face that you get when you purchase a brand new bmw off the lot with the dealer in the passenger seat going over all the systems with you.
Take the knowledge here and walk with it, use your mechanical expertise and get the car working. It may take a while, but if you know your way around a box of tools like you say, that car will eventually be running right.
I bought the car as a "project" like the 2002 F-150 I used to tow it back to Indiana. It took me about six months to rebuild the engine, replace the interior, repair some body damage and get it all up and running.
I bought that truck at auction for less than $1000 and after about $1500 (and admittedly many hours of my own labor) I now have a like new 2002 F-150 that hauled the 3200lb Bimmer and the 1,000lb trailer across the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia back to Indiana in comfort and style.
I bought this 325i for less than half of the Kelly Blue Book dealer price and expect to put plenty of sweat equity (and some dough) into it to get her back to the graceful beauty she was two months ago.
I am hoping that you guys can guide me through some of the process, at least as far as the BMW specific issues are concerned.
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It all started with this guy. Here's the thing. I can grow herbs with no problem...LOTS of them. Basil, tarragon, rosemary, parsley, thyme, sage, mint and mint and more mint. But that's it...when it comes to vegetables I am a dismal failure. My mom, on the other hand, can grow tomatoes and green beans and pumpkins and zucchini and a million other things, and when I was leaving her house the other day I embezzled this guy from a giant jalapeno pepper bush that she had going. (Bush? Vine? Plant? Tree? I don't know the technical term...I just know I saw him, and he was calling out to me, so I picked him.) And then I remembered that I had this recipe for a spicy BLT soup that I had been meaning to make, and guess what it called for...yep. One perfect little jalapeno. And this is as good a time as any to give you my standard jalapeno advice, which is to wear surgical gloves (which you can get by the box) in your friendly neighborhood drugstore. All it takes is Read More & Get the Recipe
Clemson Gazpacho
We've been seeing a lot of orange pop up around our house lately, ever since the teenager got her acceptance to Clemson University. (Note: apologies to all my readers who are affiliated in any way with the University of South Carolina. I still love you, and I hope you still love me after you get to the end of this Clemson-fest, but I gotta represent my baby.) Anyway, we have lately been drinking out of these... And wearing a lot of this... All members of the family are participating in the Clemson-apparel-wearing. So I figured I should jump on the bandwagon and start whipping up some orange food. When I ran across this recipe in Cooks Illustrated (which just for the record is actually called Creamy Gazpacho Andaluz), I was not expecting it to be orange...I was anticipating the typical red, tomato-y look of traditional gazpacho. But lo and behold, because this is a creamy gazpacho, made with some pureed fresh bread and emulsified with olive oil, it turned out to be, Read More & Get the Recipe


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I'm sure a lot of you have done this before, so I think you could help me hopefully .
Its a WordPress theme right so you have the WordPress admin panel?
Also check the theme requirements and consider assigning option tree etc. http://support.envato.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/472/85/wordpress-theme-submission-requirements
Don't is the answer you're looking for. Now WordPress ships with Customizer you should be hooking into that for any options your theme requires.http://codex.wordpress.org/Theme_Customization_API
Thank you guys what I want is a panel for the theme it self a seperated panel where the admin can change what ever he want in the theme I mean like redux , vafpress and so on … I couldn't understand how to intergrate one within my theme even with the ducomantations
if anyone has gone through this experience before I hope you could back me up with some resources


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waveguider Photographer
LelannAzaleePhotographyPhotographer Female Los Angeles, California, US
My Website: facebook.com/LelannAzaleePhotographyMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/LelannPhotography
Mayhem # 1920822
About MeF A S H I O N / G L A M O U R / L I F E S T Y L E : P H O T O G R A P H Y
Photographer & Wardrobe Stylist (I have styled most of my shoots).
I shoot fashion, glamour, acting, dance, model, and lifesyle photography the most.
I'm always looking for designers, stylists, mua/hs, & models to collaborate with!
So always feel free to message me.
I can work for a reasonable fee in certain situations (if it's a concept that can contribute to my portfolio), willing to do test shoots, & I do limited TF* work.
Prices vary due to location, studio, time, editing, and prints... Contact me for rates!
© Lelann Azalee Photography 2013
Have you worked with LelannAzaleePhotography? Add Credits for LelannAzaleePhotography! >>
Credit NotesFellow mm's I've worked with on this site...
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MiMi Fashions - Los Angeles
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text: Join for FREE Community Get help and advice from the best In-house Recruiters in the industry Join for FREE Events Awarding winning speakers with intimate round table learning and development Join for FREE Awards Get the recognition you deserve Join us today and share the same experience with the best in-house recruiters in the industryTHRIVING COMMUNITY With almost 10,000 members, the In-house Recruitment Community is the largest, most active professional network of In-house Recruiters in the industry. Advice, help, inspiration or whatever you need, you'll find it all here. EVENTS & MEETUPS Hosting over 25 high calibre events and meetups a year, the In-house Recruitment Community is the perfect place for intimate peer-to-peer networking and knowledge sharing. AWARDS & RECOGNITION The home of the official In-house Recruitment Awards. In an industry where so many great achievements go unnoticed, we believe it's time to give credit where credit is due. Partnered with the most innovative, forward thinking In-house vendors in the industry Partner with us


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Thunder Race Book
Thunder Race Book at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
Horse & Dog Racing Year Round
Find it fast
The Place to
The numbers don't lie:
5 betting windows, 24 screens of racing action, 23 interactive player terminals, 3 self-serve terminals, and 10 viewing monitor stations.
Thunder Race Book makes the betting process simple and fun. A smoking area and full service bar awaits the wagering enthusiast.
Open Daily at 10am
The Thunder Race Book is located on the casino floor, north of the main entrance. For more information, call our friendly, knowledgeable staff at (505) 819- 2128.


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9"L Ratcheting Pipe Cutter, Cuts Plastic, CPVC, PVC
- Item # 3ZJG1
- Mfr. Model # 12123R1
- Catalog Page # 901
Using 360° Viewing:
- Rotate: Use top-to-bottom, side-to-side by use of mouse arrow.
- Zoom In: Double click on image.
- Zoom Out/Reset: Put photo at full zoom & then double click.
- Shipping Weight 1.02 lbs.
Technical Specs
- Item Pipe Cutter
- Cuts Plastic, CPVC, PVC
- Cutting Capacity 1-5/8"
- Overall Length 9"
- Cutting Action Ratcheting
- Body Material Aluminum
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Handle Material Aluminum
- Features Stainless Steel Blade, One-Handed Blade Release
- Replacement Wheel Mfr. No. 12127R1B
Compliance and Restrictions
This product contains a chemical that is regulated under California Proposition 65.
Warning: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
Warning: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Replacement Parts
Need help finding replacement parts? Please use the list below or call 1-800-GRAINGER (1-800-472-4643)
Alternate Products
Alternate Products may not be identical in style or function to original selection. Please compare below for more information.
Item # 3ZJG2LENOX
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THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS – Black Pete, the jolly sidekick of the Dutch Saint Nicholas, is finally getting a face-lift after years of bitter debate, including death threats against those calling for change.
An Amsterdam court's ruling in July that Pete — traditionally dressed in a gaudy medieval costume with a blackened face, red lips and an Afro wig — is a "negative stereotype" encouraged many to try to change the deeply rooted custom.
"It's the beginning of change, it will continue for years to come because more and more people agree it should change but it's going to take a long time," said historian Gabor Kozijn, author of a study on Black Pete for The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
With less than two months before Dutch kids' favorite day, Dec. 5, when Saint Nicholas and Pete hand out presents, the debate has reached fever pitch, with Black Pete's defenders refusing to admit there is anything racist about the playful character.
In Gouda, where Saint Nicholas and dozens of Petes will "arrive" on Nov. 15 with a gift-filled boat from Spain in a national event broadcast live on television, the mayor on Tuesday decided to introduce some new colors.
Besides a number of Black Petes, there will also be "Cheese Petes" with yellow faces and "Stroopwafel Petes" with striped, light brown faces resembling the traditional Dutch syrup biscuit of the same name.
"There is no simple way to find a solution that everyone can identify with," said Gouda Mayor Milo Schoenmaker.
Gouda's Black Petes "changed several years ago to dark brown without stereotypical big red lips and earrings," the city hall added.
Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan has said that a "substantial" number of this year's Petes will not be black but will have some "soot marks" on their faces, ostensibly from climbing down the chimney.
And a White Pete will for the first time be present during a daily televised "news bulletin" on Saint Nicholas' activities.
Dutch shops will have fewer Black Petes this year, although discount retail chain Hema in August denied rumors that it planned to remove him entirely by next year.
Customers at supermarket Albert Heijn will have different colored Petes to choose from, including black: "Saint Nicholas is for everyone," the chain said in a statement.
Despite compromising on Black Pete, the two chains are being threatened with boycotts.
Many people in Netherlands do not want to see the national tradition changed simply because what they consider a minority of people see it as racist.