Deftones 2020 Tour Dates: 03/15 – Auckland, NZ @ Trusts Arena 03/18 – Brisbane, AU @ Fortitude Music Hall 03/20 – Melbourne, AU @ Download Festival 03/21 – Parramatta, AU @ Download Festival 03/23 – Adelaide, AU @ Thebarton Theatre 05/03 – Charlotte, NC @ Epicenter Festival 05/08 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville 05/17 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Festival 05/22 – Porto, PT @ North Music Festival 06/02 – Budapest, HU @ Budapest Park 06/04 – Katowice, PL @ Metal Hammer Festival 06/05-07 – Nurburg, DE @ Rock am Ring Festival 06/05-07 – Nuremberg, DE @ Rock im Park Festival 06/10 – Zurich, CH @ X-Tra 06/12 – Donington, UK @ Download Festival 06/14 – Naas, IE @ Sunstroke Festival 06/19 – Clisson, FR @ Hellfest 06/20 – Landgraaf, NL @ Pinkpop 06/21 – Dessel, BE @ Graspop Metal Meeting 06/22-26 – Zagreb, CR @ InMusic Festival 06/23 – Grugliasco, IT @ Gruvillage Festival 06/27 – Seinajoki, FI @ Provinssi Festival 06/28 – Helsinki, FI @ Tuska Open Air Metal Festival 07/01 – Roskilde, DK @ Roskilde Festival 07/03 – Hamburg, DE @ Grosse Freiheit 36 07/04 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle 07/09 – Madrid, ES @ Mad Cool Festival 07/12 – Moscow, RU @ Park Live Festival 07/27 – Portland, OR @ Theatre of the Clouds at Moda Center ^ 07/28 – Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theater ^ 07/30 – San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium ^ 08/01 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort ^ 08/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre ^ 08/04 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre ^ 08/05 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater ^ 08/07 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Providence Medical Center Amphitheater ^ 08/08 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Eagles Ballroom ^ 08/09 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory ^ 08/11 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island ^ 08/12 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill ^ 08/14 – Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena ^ 08/15 – Montreal, QC @ Place Bell ^ 08/17 – Toronto, ON @ RBC Echo Beach ^ 08/19 – New York, NY @ The Rooftop at Pier 17 ^ 08/20 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage ^ 08/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia ^ 08/23 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem ^ 08/24 – Bridgeport, CT @ Harbor Yard Amphitheater ^ 08/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center ^ 08/27 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Amphitheatre at White River State Park ^ 08/29 – Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park ^ 08/30 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium ^ 09/01 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center ^ 09/02 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall ^ 09/03 – Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory ^ 09/05 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center ^

Thursday, February 20th, 2020:

• "Pride and Prejudice", February 19 - March 8 This isn’t your grandmother’s Austen! Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this Pride and Prejudice for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn? Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent adaptation. Thu. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $17.50-$40. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd. West Hartford, CT
• 39th Annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show, February 20 - 23 The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2020 theme, "Connecticut Springs into Earth Day, " with creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers alike. Highlights include: Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, herb and pollinator gardens. The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut's 2020 Advance Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000 square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 500 judged entries, all with the "Spring into Connecticut" theme. Over 300 booths of displays, activities, and shopping. More than 80 hours of seminars. Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $18, seniors (Thu. and Fri. only) $16, children (5-12) $5, under 5 free. Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT

Friday, February 21st, 2020:

• 39th Annual Southeastern Connecticut Home Show February 21 - 23 Offers a diverse array of home products and services by local, state, and national vendors, presenting innovative and imaginative displays. Local crafts on display as well in a Home Show that combines high tech with hometown flair. Fri. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Adults $10, seniors $8, children (12 and under) free. Earth Expo & Convention Center, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Looped" February 21 - March 21 Looped by Matthew Lombardo depicts an actual 1965 recording session in which an intoxicated Tallulah Bankhead, played by Kelly Boucher, required eight hours to dub a single line from her final movie Die! Die! My Darling! While antagonizing the film editor, Danny Miller, assigned to the job. Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. $37, Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, 31 Webster Square Rd. Berlin, CT
• "Daisies on Harlem's Doorstep", February 21 - 23 The lights and glitter of the Harlem Renaissance attract an innocent young woman searching for her sister. Daisy finds herself with the help of four very different women. An award-winning play by Sharece M. Sellem. Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Adults $20; seniors, military, students $18; member $17. Donald L. Oat Theater at Norwich Arts Center, 62 Broadway, Norwich, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "Us" Director: Jordan Peele Writer: Jordan Peele Stars: Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss Studio: Universal Nominations: Screen Actors Guild: Outstanding Performance by Female Actor; Four Critics Choice Award nominations Awards: Critics Choice Award: Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie; New York Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Actress A mother and father take their kids for an idyllic summer getaway. Haunted by an unexplainable and unresolved trauma from her past and compounded by a string of eerie coincidences, Adelaide feels her paranoia elevate to high-alert as she grows increasingly certain that something bad is going to befall her family. After spending a tense beach day with their friends, Adelaide and her family return to their vacation home. When darkness falls, the Wilsons discover the silhouette of four figures holding hands as they stand in the driveway. Us pits an endearing American family against a terrifying and uncanny opponent: doppelgängers of themselves. Rated R. Presented in association with the Black Engineering Council of Electric Boat. The 2020 Atlantic Broadband Garde Winter Cinema Series Pass brings you – for one package price – twenty or more critically acclaimed and Oscar and Golden Globe nominated films with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection and full surround sound. Passes can be used by other than the purchaser. Limited availability so buy today! 7:30 p.m $12; series pass $62. Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT
• Ice Cube, February 21 Widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Rap history, Ice Cube began his career two decades ago with N.W.A — aka the World’s Most Dangerous Group. After penning some of the most memorable lyrics on N.W.A’s groundbreaking tracks “Straight Outta Compton” and “Fuck Tha Police,” Ice Cube broke away at the height of the group’s success. As he moved on to launch his solo career, his debut studio album AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (Priority, 1990) sold more than a million copies. A concept album about the fall and rise of the black man, Ice Cube’s solo sophomore effort Death Certificate (Priority, 1991) debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling over two million copies. His impressive musical career also includes the multi-platinum success of his two-part album War & Peace, as well as the hit albums Lethal Injection, Bootlegs & B-Sides, The Predator, the gold-certified and independently released Laugh Now, Cry Later, Raw Footage, and I Am The West (a 2010 release that debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and proved to be one of the most successful independent releases in Hip Hop that year). 7:30 p.m. $29-$39, Mohegan Sun Arena, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT
• "Sex N' the City - A Musical Parody" This “Super” Unauthorized Musical Parody follows your favorite single gals looking for love in the big city. The show tackles serious questions like "will I ever find the one," "can you ever really be over your ex," and "for the third time, it’s a neck massager!" Come join Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha on a hilarious trip through New York in the 1990s. 8pm, $35-$40, Shubert Theatre, 247 College St. New Haven, CT
• Fitz & the Tantrums, February 21 There came a point, in the time following the release of HandClap, the biggest song of Fitz and the Tantrums’ career, when its ascent crossed the threshold of successful, zoomed past game-changer, to just plain, WTF?! The double-platinum, Top 5 smash, which racked up 1.5 billion streams in China alone, was synched on countless shows from American Idol to The Oscars. Fitz and the Tantrums were invited to perform for the masses on primetime television and such cultural institutions as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and FOX’s Super Bowl preshow after “HandClap” become something of an unofficial theme song for the NFL. 8 p.m. $35-$55, Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT
• "Constellations", February 21 - March 7 How might the smallest change in our life dramatically alter its course? Playwright Nick Payne's brilliant love story explores Marianne and Roland relationship and all of its infinite possibilities. This exploration of love, science, heartbreak and hope raises the question, what is the difference between destiny and choice? Due to subject matter and language, this is not recommended for children. Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. (March 1) 2 p.m, $20-$25, TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave. New Milford, CT
• Champions of Magic, February 21 The five world-class illusionists that make up this mind-bending theatrical production are back on tour in 2020, following sell out shows across the globe, rave reviews and a run in London’s West End. Don’t miss this incredible show to entertain the entire family. With more than 30 million online views between them, this cast of top magicians includes international award-winners presenting incredible mind reading, stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Their skills have been seen on screen around the world with appearances on The CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, NBC’s Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon, The Today Show and Access Hollywood Live. Champions Of Magic has been seen by tens of thousands around the world, now’s your chance to see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusion shows time and time again. 8 p.m., $41-$76, Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd. Mashantucket, CT

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020:

• Special Olympics Winter Games, February 22 - 23 Powder Ridge is proud to host Special Olympics Connecticut 2020 Winter Games. Over 900 athletes of all abilities from across the state are expected to participate. Events are free and open to the public. Spectators are encouraged to attend. Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Figure Skating and Speed Skating, Unified Floor Hockey and Skills, & Gymnastics. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort, 99 Powder Hill Rd. Middlefield, CT
• From the Heart Racing, February 22 Join us for a Prize-Drawing Giveaway, 50/50, and fundraiser. All proceeds will help support causes such as school sports programs and diabetes relief. 1 p.m.-6 p.m., FREE, Witchdoctor Brewing, 168 Center St. Southington, CT
• A Tribute to Cher and Lady Gaga, February 22 Lisa Carter and Nicole Fuller bring the voices of Cher and Lady Gaga for a fantastic cabaret style tribute performance. 6 p.m., $55 (plus tax and service charge). Waters Edge Resort and Spa, 1525 Boston Post Rd. Westbrook, CT
• Disney's "Frozen Jr.", February 22 - 23 The students of the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education will present the enchanting musical on the Warner's Main Stage! Based on the 2018 Broadway musical, Disney's Frozen Jr. brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all the memorable songs from the animated film. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and load with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw event the coldest heart. Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., $15, Warner Theatre, 68 Main Street, Torrington, CT

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020:

• The Bolshoi Ballet in HD: "Swan Lake" February 23 Prince Siegfried is summoned by his parents to choose a bride. However, he encounters a mysterious and magnetic swan-woman, Odette, by the lake and is captivated. His vow of eternal love to her will have irreversible consequences. Tchaikovsky’s essential masterpiece returns for a live broadcast of the most-beloved ballet in the classical canon. Technically challenging and filled with vibrant emotion, with a stunning and world-famous corps de ballet in perfect unison, the legendary love story between Prince Siegfried and the dual personalities Odette/Odile, born at the Bolshoi Theatre, is a must-see. 12:55 p.m., $15-$25., Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd. Ridgefield, CT
• "Pete the Cat", February 23 Everyone’s favorite rockin’ blue cat takes the stage in this musical performance. When the unsuspecting Biddle family takes in the fantastic feline, Pete the Cat rocks the family’s world with his strumming and strutting. Everybody loves Pete the Cat, well, everyone except Jimmy, the planet’s most organized second-grader. That all changes, of course, when Pete the Cat takes Jimmy on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. Based on the New York Times #1 best-selling children’s books by authors Kimberly and James Dean, Pete the Cat is also a popular animated series on Amazon Prime Video. A Theaterworks USA production. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 2 p.m. $18-$22, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Rd. Storrs, CT
• Atlantic Broadband Garde Cinema Series: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", February 23 Director: Marielle Heller, Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster, Stars: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Studio: Sony, Nominations: Oscar for Best Performance (Tom Hanks); One Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards; Two Critics Choice Awards, Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger’s empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel’s jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past. Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor. Rated PG. 3pm, $12, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St. New London, CT

Find more things to do in CT here!
Check out a newly released movie such as:

• Brahms: The Boy II
• The Call of the Wild
• Emma (Limited)
• Goldie (Limited)
• The Night Clerk (Limited)
• Premature (Limited)

Hi guys - before we move forward with the weekly things to do post, we wanted to provide some clarity on why a new account is creating this post and provide the community with some information about who we are and how this came about. We’ll keep this intro brief for the sake of getting to what you actually came here for, finding cool things to do this week! We are 4 childhood friends (and are all Redditors as well), who grew up living and hanging out in Toronto. We realized every time we hung out we ended up at the same places because it was far too cumbersome to find anything else, and even though we wanted to explore new things, it just felt easier to go somewhere familiar. We decided we’d try our hand at creating something that makes discovering new things to do easy, and over the last few years and countless of hours later, we created the ExploreTO app. We really admired the daily things to do posts, and also aspired to contribute to the Reddit community in a way that is aligned with our passion project. Our focus on event research has been increasing over the last several months and when we saw that the mods have started doing the posts, we reached out to see if there was a way we can contribute. We are very delighted that the mods gave us the opportunity to create these weekly posts on a trial basis, and we hope you enjoy them! We also wanted to get ahead of some questions that you may be wondering about:
How will this affect me as a user who frequently uses these posts?
It won’t. We wanted to be transparent in this post because we know the passing of the torch may be confusing. We hope to maintain a great and consistent experience with these posts and improve it further over time based on feedback from the community.
We don’t want these posts to turn into anything but what they have always been: a community generated post that captures the best things happening in Toronto.
So what’s in it for you?
To be frank, these posts take quite a bit of time a week to compile, especially if you aren’t already doing it for another purpose (we are, for our app). We thought it might be mutually beneficial to the community for us to generate these posts as we’re already doing a lot of event research. The community will get a weekly things to do thread that is continuously updated & improved, and we will get exposure for our app. We will never be impartial to events that “benefit us”, this will not only be true in the Reddit threads we post, but also in the app itself. We see our job as finding the best things to do based on the merit of the events themselves. We will never post affiliate or sponsored links on Reddit, however, if the community believes we’re doing a good job, we would be happily welcome anyone to check out our app.
Closing thoughts
Just like the app was created as a passion project, these posts will only be a continuation of said project. We have no clue how far the app will go and we’ve already spent thousands of hours working on it with nothing earned but the joy of a few positive reviews on the app store. We will however, ask you – the community, for one thing: if you enjoy these posts or derive some benefit from them, occasionally, please let us know. Between our day jobs and our evening passion project that is this app, we’re running on fumes and positive reinforcement. This is the first and last time we will add this intro on the post. We will link to it in the next few so that anyone who may have missed it can still access it. If you have any questions, please go ahead and ask. Hope you enjoy this week's post!
​
Monday Jan 21
Burdock Piano Fest 2019 @ Burdock | 7PM | Free
Do or Die Open Mic @ The Corner Comedy Club | 8PM | $5
DesignTO Talks: Tiffany Pratt @ Relative Space | 6PM | Free
Tuesday Jan 22
Raptors vs. Sacramento Kings @ Scotiabank Arena | 7PM | $63+
DesignTO Talks: Uncovering Canadian Design @ EQ3 | 6:30PM | Free
The Office Toronto Trivia! @ Dublin Calling | 8PM
Free Coding Workshop @ HackerYou | 6:15PM | Free
Art Battle Toronto @ Great Hall Toronto | 7:30PM | $10+
Tinder Tales: Drunk Dating @ Gladstone Hotel | 8PM | $12
Free Bollywood Dance Classes @ Sony Centre | 6-7PM | Free
Wednesday Jan 23
Leafs vs. Washington Capitals | @ Scotiabank Arena | 7:30PM | Tickets Available
Work/Life Exhibition @ Umbra Store | 6PM | Free
Star Wars: A New Hope Concert @ Roy Thompson | 7:30 PM, Wed-Sat | $56+
Miso Making Workshop @ Skippa | 6PM | $50
Off The Rails @ Comedy Bar | 9:30PM | $7
Thursday Jan 24
Free Skate Rental Thursdays @ The Bentway Skate Trail | 5-9PM | Free
Above & Beyond @ Rebel | 10PM | $76+
DesignTO Tours: Deloitte @ 22 Adelaide St W | 1:30PM | Free
DesignTO: The Future of Work @ 180 John St | 4PM | $30
Arts & Minds: Sculpting Our Stories @ Aga Khan Museum | 6:30PM | Free
Friday Jan 25
Winterlicious @ Various locations | Starts today - on until Feb 7
Friday Night Live: DinoNite @ ROM | 7PM | $19
Winter 2019 Opening Party @ Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery | 8PM | Free
Kung Fu Fridays @ TIFF | Starts today! On until April 12th
Airship Distillery District Bachata Party @ KizzMe | 8PM | $18
Saturday Jan 26
DJ Skate Nights @ Harbourfront | 8PM | Free
Winter Craft Beer Festival @ Roundhouse Park | 11AM | $25
Après Skate Saturdays /w free Kahlua, Coffee, Hot Chocolate @ The Bentway Skate Trail | 5PM | Free
Daft Punk Party @ Sneaky Dee's | 10PM | $5
Panic: 80's & 90's Video Dance Party @ Remix Lounge | 10PM | $10
Clams Casino @ Velvet Underground | 10PM | $26
Angela Zhang Live @ Sony Centre | 7PM | $156+
Pathways to Sustainability Conference @ MaRS | 8:30AM | $34
Sunday Jan 27
Mick Jenkins @ Mod Theatre | 8PM | $29
Winner Everywhere Tour [k-pop] @ Sony Centre | 8PM | $88+
Church Street Comedy @ Pegasus | 8PM | Free
Vision Boarding + Intention Setting Workshop @ Lululemon Queen W | 1PM | $30
​
Ongoing Events
Winterlicious @ Various locations | Starts Friday - on until Feb 7th
Festival of Lights @ Distillery District | on until March 3rd
DesignTO Festival @ Various locations | on until Jan 27th
Winter Light Exhibition @ Ontario Place | on until Mar 17th
Happy Place Toronto @ Harbourfront | on until Jan 27th
Light Therapy @ MOCA | on until Feb 10th
Black History Month @ Various locations | Starts Friday - on until Feb 28th
Contemporary Art Exhibit, Pay what you can @ Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) | On Until Feb 13
ROM, free admission for post-secondary students @ The ROM | Every Tues
Gardiner Museum, free admission for post-secondary students @ Gardiner Museum | Every Tues
Aga Khan Museum, free admission @ Agha Khan Museum | Every Wed
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), free admission @ Art Gallery of Ontario | Every Wed
Bata Shoe Museum, pay what you can @ Bata Shoe Museum | Every Thurs
Gardiner Museum, half price @ Gardiner Museum | Every Fri
​
Winter Fun Ideas
Skating | Map listing of all of Toronto's rinks
Indoor Activities | A list of fun indoor things to do
Winter Hiking | Top trails suited for winter hiking
Spa Escape | 10 ideas for spa escapes
​
We also post on Instgram, so if you'd like additional things to do ideas, you can check us out @exploreTOapp

Wide Moat, what is that ? Before starting this blog post please read this wide moat businesses explanation here
Okay, now that we are up to speed, before you invest in any wide moat company you need to ensure financials of the business are solid as well, I’ll cover the topic of How to understand the financials of the business in the upcoming blogs so subscribe (here) to know when the blog is out.
Let’s see if we can spot any wide moat business listed on NZX.

Auckland International Airport Limited (NZE: AIA)

Auckland International airport holds a virtual monopoly as the largest airport in NZ and processes the most number of passengers. This is located in the largest city in NZ as well, making it an ideal destination for travelers, With travelers expected to increase in the coming decades, you can clearly see the wide moat around this business.

WILL THE MOAT SHRINK IN THE NEAR FUTURE ?

The likely hood of the moat shrinking is very low since construction of another international airport in Auckland is highly unlikely. Thing to look out for is debt, since airport need vast amounts of money for up keep and improvements( ex: loss of unnecessary capital due to project over runs and delays).
Read a more in depth analysis on Auckland International Airport here

Chorus Limited (NS) - (NZE: CNU)

Chorus manages and builds telecommunications infrastructure in NZ, for ex: when ever you sign up for fiber broadband plan with your ISP, Chorus is contracted to install the connections to your house. As copper cables are replaced by fiber optic cables around NZ, the cost of maintaining these new infrastructure grids are less than before.( Fiber vs Copper wiring: cost of copper and fiber optic cables are stronger requiring less maintenance).

WILL THE MOAT SHRINK IN THE NEAR FUTURE ?

I don’t think the moat will shrink in the near future as setting up a telecom infrastructure company with years of know how is quite difficult, the only way I can see this moat shrinking is if international companies what a piece of NZ infrastructure, but I don’t think the government would allow key infrastructure projects to be outsourced.

NZME Limited (NZE: NZM)

NZME is a New Zealand media company which owns brands such as:

1. NZ herald
2. Newstalk ZB
3. ZM
4. The Hits
5. Grab one etc…..

The moat exists but it is a very small one, this moat would have been huge during the hay day of print newspaper readership.
So what has happened here ? Internet….
Print newspaper is virtually dead, newspapers all around the world are struggling to make money as subscribers dwindle.
Due to the drop in readership, less and less ads are placed in the newspaper hence lower revenue.
All the eye balls have moved to “ Social Media”, that’s where the ads are now a days.
The only saving light I can see is Grab One, the popular coupon site in NZ. I do believe this will provide a strong source of revenue to the company but I am not sure if this can offset the losses in the other divisions.

The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZE: NZR)

Refining NZ is New Zealand’s only oil refinery and the leading supplier of refined petroleum products to the New Zealand market, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other products As a critical piece of national energy infrastructure, Refining NZ is responsible for supplying:

• around 85% country’s jet fuel
• around 67% of diesel
• around 58% of all petrol
• between 75 and 85% of bitumen for roading
• all fuel oil for ships
• sulphur for farm fertilizer
• CO2 for the carbonated drinks industry

Moat exists because this is the only oil refinery in New Zealand, It also suppliers around 85% of NZ’s aviation fuel.
I believe the number of travelers to New Zealand will only increase, Provide refining NZ a solid moat, however as electric cars are bound to make in roads in New Zealand, the demand for petrol and diesel will gradually decrease.
So we need to keep an eye out on the financial performance on an annual basis to make sure the business can still maintain the moat.

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS) (NZE: POT)

The Port of Tauranga Located Tauranga (about 200 km away from Auckland) is the largest port in New Zealand in terms of total cargo volume, and the second largest in terms of container throughput.
Total exports:
📷
Total Exports from POT
As you can see the number of tonnes being exported from port of Tauranga is increasing.
Total imports:
📷
Total Imports from POT
As you can see the number of tonnes being imported from port of Tauranga is increasing as well.
I see this trend continuing as the demand for NZ products especially in emerging markets increases and demand for imports increases as NZ population continues to grow.
So the Moat around POT should be in tact for many years to come.

Restaurant Brands New Zealand Limited (NZE: RBD)

Restaurant Brands operates the New Zealand franchises for KFC, Pizza Hut and Carl's Jr. It also operate a KFC franchise in New South Wales, Australia and Taco Bell and Pizza Hut franchise in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.
As of October 2018, Restaurant Brands has 261 stores: 94 KFC New Zealand, 61 KFC Australia 29 Pizza Hut New Zealand, 18 Carl's Jr., 36 Taco Bell Hawaii and 45 Pizza Hut Hawaii stores. It employs nearly 8,000 staff across New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii and serves 120,000 customers worldwide every day. Since RBD operates the NZ franchises for KFC, Pizza Hut and Carl’s Jr and if you wanted to be a franchisee in NZ then you would have to go through them , this gives RBD an economic moat.
Will the moat shrink in the near future ?
I think the moat will certainly shrink, this is due to the fact that many people are moving away from processed foods to more organic and more healthier options, this will cause sales in fast foods such as KFC, Pizza hut etc to shrink, which in turn means less new franchises opening up. There might even be closures around the corner. So I see the moat being broken pretty soon in the years to come.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (NS) (NZE: SKC)

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company. It is one of three major publicly listed casino operators in Australasia.
It has entertainment complexes in:

1. Auckland
2. Hamilton
3. Queenstown
4. Adelaide
5. Darwin

SkyCity also owns one of Auckland’s best know attractions “Sky Tower”. Although the revenue generated from sky tower to the overall business is small, it is still a jewel in the sky city crown.
Will the moat shrink in the near future ?
Considering SKC is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company, it has all the basis covered for tourists that enter into NZ. It also has large convention centers where numerous conferences are held, I don’t see the moat shrinking any time soon. As they in casino lingo “ House always wins”.

South Port New Zealand Limited (NS) ( NZE: SPN)

SPN is the southern most commercial port in NZ located at Bluff. It is situated in the highly productive province of Southland which is responsible for producing a sizeable proportion of New Zealand’s total exports by value. The region’s major exporters are all situated within 80km of the port.
All the moat characteristics explained for Port of Tauranga (POT) exist here as well.

Trade Me Group Limited (NZE: TME)

Trade me is the largest internet auction website in NZ. It has Trade me property, motors, jobs etc.
Trade me had held a monopoly on internet auctions for quite some time in NZ, but it’s moat has been slowly eroding away, how ?
Trade me jobs is competing against Seek, LinkedIn
Trade me property is competing against realestate.co.nz, oneroof etc.
Trade me market place is competing against Facebook marketplace.
Looking at all the competitions trade me is facing it seems quite difficult to hold down the moat in the future.

Vector Limited (NZE: VCT)

Vector is New Zealand's largest distributor of electricity and gas, owning and operating networks which span the Auckland region.This distribution system gives Vector an economic moat.
Vector has been involved in electrification projects - charging stations for electric cars, which I think is great for future growth. As number of electric cars increase, there will definitely be a need for more and more charging stations which vector can deliver. The moat seems to be very much intact.

What sort of things will ye find on the high seas!

1. "A pirate ship with all of it's crew are heavily asleep. Waking up any of the crew members causes them to suffer a heart attack!"

Further inspection of the ship reveals that someone brought aboard a cursed gem in the shape of a skull! Dispelling the magic from the gem will safely wake all of the crew.

1. "An island with a sail hung from palm tree's pulls up next to you! On it you see a man with tattered clothes and an age old beard. It's a traveling merchant! Right now it doesn't look like he has many goods, but he sure has a lot of money! All of his goods are laid out neatly on a very tattered, red and white checker blanket."

The trader will buy pretty much anything; don't try to steal from him though. His island and goods are protected by coconuts shrouded in blue flames, haunted by the souls who were lost at sea!

1. A group of sahuagin have found an underwater “temple” and awaken a shark god in it that has been imprisoned for millennia. They are now raiding coastal towns for live sacrifices to feed this newfound deity.

1. A castaway is floating on a poorly made life raft. If you try to offer him a ride he says he will only do it if you all are heading towards ...

1. A seagull lands on the bow with a message tied to it's leg.

1. A brass dragon can be seen flying along to the South.

1. As the crew tries to correct there course, they find the rudder is not responding.

1. a waterfall that falls from the clouds into the ocean. Your boat can travel up it. What could be up there?

1. a slow moving but non hostile leviathan that is just swimming along just below the surface. A giant turtle perhaps?

1. a whirlpool. If sucked in perhaps it's current propels you to the bottom of the ocean.

1. debris and destroyed ships from a concluded battle.

1. A literal parted ocean, in the ocean youre sailing on, that leads to an island that is submerged when the ocean is not parted, but above the surface when it is. What kind of strange physics leads to this?

1. a natural archway of seemingly natural stone that, if travelled through, leads to an ocean of blood within a demonic dimension.

1. a merchant ship filled with riches that looks to just be floating about on its own. It is completely abandoned. What kind of horrors/madness would cause the entirety of the crew to abandon such wealth? Why is there no trace of the crew at all, or any discernible struggle?

1. A massive Storm Giant that is just sitting atop a sand bar. He is fishing using a God Sized fishing rod. What is he fishing for you ask? Krakens hopefully. He wishes to make a nice Kraken dish for his girl for their anniversary. Unfortunately he seems to only be catching Colossal Squid thus far.

1. A dead whale that is just floating around and bloating from the trapped gasses within. Dont poke it. Oh dear, there are sharks poking it. Yup theyre taking chunks out of it. Its gonna explode if they keep biting it. Yeah- yup and there it goes. It exploded.

1. Trillions upon trillions of ants have, it seems, connected themselves together in a lattice and have formed a successful raft. By the grace of the gods, and the laws of physics they are floating to new lands. Take your hats off and salute these ants, friends, for their own unfathomable goals are loftier than our own and yet they are showing the world they can achieve anything. Respect.

18. Amidst the waves, there is a strange section of the ocean that all of a sudden features completely still and undisturbed water. Very suspicious.

1. a meteor from space, probably a solid 100 feet in radius, lights up the sky in a blaze and contacts the surface of the water sending a massive geyser back up into space and showering the surrounding mile and a rainy mist. It contacted the water nearly a mile away, will you investigate? Is it lost to the depths or did it land in a shallow enough spot to dive to?

1. 3 lights can be seen a few miles away dancing above the ocean. Once the party's craft gets closer the lights suddenly rush towards them. They're pixies, and they're a little worse for wear. They plead for the party to save their island home from "the rock man".

1. Traveling brothel

1. Traveling casino

1. Naval ship

1. Naval fleet

1. Life raft with a man lost at sea

1. Life raft with a doppelgängeoni/some other shapeshifter posing as a man lost at sea

1. Weresharks

1. Pirate ship

1. Floating Supplies

1. Pirate ship with (enter monster here) as the captain

1. Kraken

1. Doldrums

1. Whirlpool

1. x

1. Pirate ship with (enter monster here) as the crew

36. Sea hags

1. Water elementals

1. Air elementals

1. Merfolk

1. Merrows

1. Ghost Ship

1. A friendly ship

1. A hostile ship

1. "From far off you see storm clouds, approaching fast. As the storm comes nearer, a water spout forms, stretching from the ocean to the sky. What are those large shapes swirling within the spout? Surely those aren't triangular dorsal fins?!"

1. "You've been stuck in the doldrums for a few days now, wishing for something, anything, to happen. As that thought crosses your mind for the thousandth time, a smell catches your nose. It smells like low tide in the docks. A desiccated hand, seaweed clinging to it like funeral wrappings, claws its way onto the rail. The arm attached to it, and yes truly the entire clawing corpse, is similarly encased in seaweed. Two more seaweed mummies quickly join it, effortlessly clawing their way onto the deck. A scream from elsewhere on the boat makes you realize that maybe you should have been careful what you wished for..."

1. "Off the stern you see men approaching the boat. Each is standing astride two harnessed sharks and it's hard to mistake the malice in their eyes."

1. *"Another gout of flame lights up the night sky. Truly this must be the terrible one-winged dragon pirate, Captain Blauvint with his magical cannon Belcher."

1. A boxy black ship that runs with no lights at night. It's a floating ninja fortress!

1. The players find a beautiful tiara or shell and gold in some lost temple, but soon after they aquire it Sahaugin (and other terrible things from the deep) attack whenever they stop.

1. An elven lich with eyes that have some other world's night sky in them, serves as the emissary of the mad goddess of the sea, burning those who do not pay her proper tithe.

1. The seven daggers of the Cortadormar, a crew of largely benevolent pirates famous for starting a feud with a local lord. Perhaps they seek help? Perhaps the local lord will pay well for information about them?

1. A small jungle island inhabited solely by dinosaurs, though crumbling structures hint at a previous civilization.

1. Vampirates. Nuff said.

1. A woman frozen in a solid block of ice, just bobbing there in the ocean. She looks mildly annoyed.

1. *a mile wide iceburg floats nearby, inhabited by a young white dragon and his cohort of kobold fishermen. There are several penguins​ that will raise the alarm should any Interlopers appear. The white dragon waits in a cave at the center of the burg and uses ice shape to ensure victory if anyone is foolish enough to face him within. He is visible through the ice. Sloped Icy staircase: DC-23.

1. At night, preferably, the sound of oars. Light reveals a black shape: a hooded man in an old boat; he asks for food and if given, he returns to a little isle somewhere close. If searched, the isle, the man and her wife, are infested with fungi. It's dreadful

1. The party comes across an unexplained abandoned ship floating on the high seas (a la the [Mary Celeste]((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celeste)). Exploring the craft is a disturbing experience - the PC's continually see things moving out of the corner of their eye.

If they look in the captain's cabin they will find what appears to be a large chest. Alas, it is a mimic. The party will then realize the things they saw moving in the corner of their eyes are more of the creatures: the ship is infested with mimics!
What has happened here? Here are some possibilities:

• 1: The ship was transporting captured mimics, and they escaped and ate the crew.
  
• 2: Mimics are squid like creatures native to the depths of the sea. Every so often they come to the surface - perhaps to play, breed, or hunt.
  
• 3: The mimics are the spawn of a much larger mimic ... the ship itself.
  

1. A ship infested with rum gremlins -- they're contagious!

1. An uncharted island with a line mountain and lots of vegetation. It appears to move . . . And it opened an eye? The island is a giant turtle. And there's a druid grove/toweruins on its back.

1. A bottle in some flotsam. Cleaning the bottle reveals a model ship! But, a closer look reveals its no model. Another ship was cursed and trapped in the bottle. Can you free them? Will you be next?

1. Some small boats are gathered in a circle. Dressed in black robes, they chant in the deep speech.

1. A storm sorcerer in a manta cloak climbs aboard. The mage offers swift winds in exchange for safe passage, good company, and a black pearl.

1. "From out of the mist a ship appears. It's ghostly crew doesn't appear to notice anyone else. They appear to be fleeing in panic. Suddenly they stop and as one turn and stare to the South with mouths agape in horror. They throw up their arms as though to ward something off,then instantly pop out of existence. Off to the South a dim light can be briefly seen..."

1. Your Mage/scientist inspects a rainbow shimmer on the surface of the water surrounding your ship, it's liquid memory holding a message/warning.

1. A ship is sighted, called "Esoteric Order" from the city of Newburyport. The first seaman seen, Obed Marsh, seems normal, and responds to overtures. He tells them that...

"Right naow Cap'n is abaout changed. Can't shet his eyes no more, an' is all aout o' shape. He still wears clothes, but he'll take to the water soon."

Once closer, the PCs will see that the ship is crewed by silent, squat men with bulging eyes that never blink. When hailed, they simply stare at the PCs with unblinking eyes and gaping mouths. A rank stench of dead fish and rotting seaweed hangs over all. Swimming in the water beneath the "Esoteric Order" are humanoid shapes...

1. Underwater rock or reef

1. Floating carcass of giant sea creature

1. Giant Piranhas surround the ship.

1. There's a small, rocky island far away from any other land. On it is a very attractive woman in a makeshift shelter. You can hear her singing long before you can see her. She is NOT a siren; she is a bard whose performance is singing. She is here due to a miscalibration of a teleportation circle. She's also chaotic evil, greedy and very charming.

1. A gnomish submersible captained by a Rogue smuggler currently transporting drugs but also a member of the Gnomish Royal family in disguise on the run from their evil betrothed.

1. A stormcloud nursery: rain falls up from the ocean into slowly growing and darkening clouds.

1. A long makeshift canoe manned with goblins is anchored. The goblins are slapping the water with broad oars in unison, creating waves. When asked what they are doing, they say they are creating a tsunami to punish another beach-dwelling tribe who insulted their leader.

1. An awe-inspiring school of glittering flying fish burst from the ocean around you, chittering with delight like a beautiful birdsong.

1. A rowboat occupied by three famished and guilt-ridden seamen together with the well-gnawed bones of the deceased Cabin Boy, young Master Richard Parker, 17 y/o, destined not to grow any older.

1. A floating hulk whose crew are all dead. A throng of aquatic ghouls (Lacedons) are aboard and indulging in a feast.

1. A hot air balloon is floating along the breeze. The sole occupant of the balloons basket, a middle-aged male halfling, seems to frantically trying to land the balloon on the deck of your ship. Do you allow it ? or do you shoot him down ?

1. Murder mystery on the ship.

1. Attacked by an undersea vessel. Enchanted by elemental mage.

1. Bump into (literally) undersea vessel. Invented by dwarven/gnomish plumbers for use in underwater mining.

1. Slave ship coming back from war.

1. Druidic ship made entirely of animated plants.

1. Encounter trade ship set up for non-land based trade. Avoids taxes, trades exclusively with other vessels.

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

1. x

Updated as of 08/16/2018 10:30pm EST. Will fix formatting once list is finished.

It’s the inaugural season of the new Little Caesers Arena (LCA). Many pilgrims are making the trek to the new arena to watch the Detroit Red Wings play. This is my first version of this guide for first time visitors modeled after the one I put together for The Joe. I hope you find it helpful. Suggestions welcome!

• Safety around the LCA as well as nearby Detroit city streets is very good. Detroit has a reputation of having high crime however in the 25 years I've been going to games in downtown Detroit I've never felt threatened for my safety. Immediately around and inside the LCA there are Detroit City and Michigan State Police as well as Olympia Security before, during, and after the game. The city streets around the LCA and out to the restaurants and hotels are walkable. But like in any modern city, keep your eyes and ears open and don't be stupid. Walk in groups. Stay (reasonably) sober. Don't go down the sketchy alley. Stay on the well-lit streets. Park in a guarded structure or lot not on a dark side street far away. Lock your car doors. Don't leave visible items inside the car. In other words don't be a victim. You'll be fine and you'll have a good time.
  
• A guided tour of the LCA is available by scheduling in advance on specific dates. Check the LCA tours webpage for more information on prices and scheduling.
  
• Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, or at the LCA box office (if not already sold out), or through a reseller like Stubhub or even Ticketmaster's Ticket Exchange. Join the mailing list and check out the Red Wings social media for short notice deals like student and military rush ticket pricing and Fan Packs. Be advised the special offers are typically for low demand games like weekdays. Friday and Saturday games especially near holidays or against Canadian teams are high demand and typically not going to have special offers. These games will most likely not have cheap seats even on the reseller market. Ticket prices for the first season of the LCA have been higher than historically at the Joe.
  
• Joe Louis Arena is still standing but no longer being used. The Joe is designated to be torn down but that date is currently not public. You can visit the Joe at 19 Steve Yzerman Dr, Detroit, MI 48226.
  
• I personally do not have much experience with hotels in Detroit but I know people who have stayed at the Westin Book Cadillac and the nearby Ilitch-owned Motor City Casino which also has free shuttle to the LCA or an 8 block walk. MGM Casino is also nearby with a shuttle. On the cheaper side is the Holiday Inn Express next to the Westin Book Cadillac. Check out TripAdvisor Detroit for other hotel options.
  
• With all of the new good food options I recommend checking out a restaurant inside the LCA. Sure the food is stadium prices but there are now three full restaurants located inside the arena as well multiple food stall vendors serving a variety of tastes. The free game day program at the LCA contains a map. I am partial to The Coop. If you want a complete Ilitch experience then get a slice or whole pie of Little Caesars pizza to go or sit down at Mike’s Pizza Bar. Outside the arena I also recommend somewhere iconic such as a coney from American or Lafayette (PROTIP: Lafayette). There are many good restaurants near the LCA and beyond. Check out the /detroit sidebar for more Detroit restaurant suggestions in and around the city. Popular spots include Hockeytown Cafe and flaming cheese in Greektown.
  
• Harry’s Bar and Temple Bar are neighborhood bars that are within a 2 block walking distance to the LCA if you want to drink and hangout with fans before or after. The Chevy Plaza outside the southwest corner of the LCA has beer stands. The /detroit sidebar has more bar suggestions in and around the city. PROTIP: take the QLINE streetcar (US$1.50/3 hours) to the Canfield stop and quaff a few brews over crack fries at HopCat then take the QLINE south 2 stops (10 blocks) to the LCA stop at Sproat St. Be advised the northbound QLINE LCA stop is Adelaide St.
  
• For convenience, park at the LCA VIP parking structure. It may be pricier (US$40 as of 2017-11-09) but it is a comfortable sheltered stroll to the LCA. If you are up for a short walk and would like to save a buck park at the MGM Casino or Motor City Casino for free. From there you can walk 8 blocks or take their free shuttle. The further away you park from the LCA the cheaper it is. There are several surface lots and structures nearby, some let you pay in advance. Some bars also have shuttles for free or a couple bucks. PROTIP: Nemo's has the best shuttle drivers. Regardless, remember where you parked, how you got to the LCA.
  
• Coming from Canada? There is a Windsor tunnel bus US/CAN$5.00 each way from the bus terminal downtown Windsor (Chatham and Church) to Cass Ave. and the I-75 service drive next to the LCA. Getting through immigration takes a few minutes. Have your passport and don't be drunk. Check the link above for service times and details.
  
• The LCA doors open 1.5 hours before game start. There are four sets of doors one at each corner. The Chevy Plaza at the southwest corner has a large screen that shows pre-game hype videos and on occasion the live game. There are also beebeverage stands in the plaza as well as picnic games (e.g. corn hole). You will have to pass through security to enter the Chevy Plaza but no ticket scan until you enter the arena doors.
  
• You can sort of watch the players arrive by car (and visitors by bus) into the parking structure off Clifford north of the I-75 service drive.
  
• The best photos of the LCA exterior are from the east side of Woodward just north of the westbound I-75 service drive looking at the building from the southeast corner. Photo
  
• Will Call tickets at the box office located at the northeast corner of the arena off Woodward Ave.
  
• There is a strict bag size policy enforced at the door. I’ve seen some upset people turned away at the doors. Know before you go.
  
• You will have to go through a metal detector and may be subject to extra screening to enter the LCA.
  
• Free WIFI is available inside as well as outside of the arena.
  
• There are free programs inside the LCA at the entrances. Grab one because it has an arena map with section numbers and vendor locations. Sometimes there are interesting articles too.
  
• There is souvenir shop called the Team Store in the southwest corner of the LCA. The authentic signed gear and memorabilia located in the east end of the store. There are also vendors scattered around the via and upper concourse selling souvenirs. PROTIP: the LCA prices are high for swag. Buy your gear ahead of time online or at Detroit Athletic in Detroit or Hockeytown Authentics up in Troy.
  
• Friendly ushers are everywhere to help out and answer your questions. Most will take your photo for you if you ask politely.
  
• There are local Detroit and Michigan craft beer vendors scattered around the arena priced at around US$10. Check the map in the free program for locations.
  
• During warmups, fans congregate around the glass. Players come out at 30 minutes before game time for warmups. PROTIP: I recommend watching the Red Wings shoot at the net during warmups from behind the net on the glass in section 102/103. Hearing the puck smack the glass inches from your face is neat. Same for aisle for 115/116 on the visiting team side behind the net. The ushers will let you down to the ice level for warmups even if you don’t have tickets in that section.
  
• The sea of banners is gone but the retired jerseys and Stanley Cup Championship banners remain. They are not the originals (those are hanging in the practice rink below the main rink) but are retractable. The banners share the ceiling with the Pistons banners on the other side. PROTIP: The best photo op for the Red Wing banners is in front of the Fox Sports Detroit broadcast desk at the top of section 219. Say hi to Keats for me.
  
• There is a nice mix of old and new artwork in the LCA. Take some time before the game to walk around the lower and upper level concourses to see the manholes, the Howe/Lindsey/Delvecchio statues from the Joe, the original Olympia sign, murals of Red Wing greats. Look for the Red Wing logo at the northeast corner lower concourse made of auto parts. There are multiple selfie and photo spots too like the Red Wings bench and Little Caesars spear. The LCA is shared with the Detroit Pistons basketball team so you will see artwork and displays featuring their greats as well.
  
• Every seat at the LCA has a great view of the ice. Some seats in the upper level (rows 6 and above between the red lines) have obstructed views of the center ice score board but there displays mounted behind the gondolas. The layout of the seats are steep and from the ice it looks like the stands are stacked on top of you. Sections, rows, and seats are on your ticket but navigation is based on portals. Check your ticket for your portal, go to that, then find your section/row/seat. Sit in your own seat. If you see seats that are still empty well into the first period then move to them. If someone asks you to move out of their seat just do it. Explore the arena to check out different seat views. PROTIP: go up to portals 78-82 to check out the vertigo inducing view down from the gondola.
  
• Get to your seat 10 minutes before puck drop to see the pre-game on the huge scoreboard and on-ice projection.
  
• The LCA now has a legit organ with in-house organists. They're pretty entertaining. Check it out the upper concourse behind section 301.
  
• Don't be disrespectful during the national anthem(s). Just stand politely and shut up. Some visitors don't understand how disrespectful they can be. It's like 2 minutes, put the phone down.
  
• Most Red Wings fans are friendly people and quite knowledgeable about their team and the sport. Strike up a conversation and you'll probably learn something new.
  
• Cheer for your visiting team but don't be a dick about it.
  
• DO NOT STAND UP OUT OF YOUR SEAT WHILE THE PUCK IS IN PLAY.
  
• The LCA has a strict no smoking policy. There is no smoking area outside of any door. If you leave the LCA to smoke you will not be readmitted.
  
• We know the goal horn recording sucks. We've already told the Red Wings organization about it. They know. They're working on it.
  
• There are a lot of restrooms in the LCA. I haven’t see any long lines like the Joe had. Sadly(?) there are no urinal troughs in the men’s rooms.
  
• Don't leave early! If the Red Wings win the DJ will play Don't Stop Believing in the final seconds or right after the game ends for you and thousands of your friends to sing along. The arena DJ plays music from multiple genres from Motown to country to pop and is known to take suggestions. He can be reached on Twitter @thehockeyjockey.
  
• There is no public accessible spot for athlete autographs. The best opportunity for autographs is an event created for that purpose such as the Season Ticket Holder Open House, Fan Day Open House, or charity events like Toast of Hockeytown, Charity Poker Tournaments, as well as autograph signing events posted at https://www.facebook.com/DRWautographs/.
  
• Post-game ride share pickups are along the I-75 service drive south of the LCA. Shuttles will pick you up where they dropped you off.
  
• Have fun and enjoy the game!
  

Edit 1: typos and ride share info
Edit 2: photo spot location and photo

Hello everyone! Figured we would keep a running list of the upcoming shows with times and the opening act since that seems to be a common question! The times should all be the local time. Please let me know any corrections. I will keep this updated with new dates and announcements!
Also figured I'd add a basic "schedule for the show" day since that seems to be a common question as well.
Day of show rundown

• Doors are at whatever time
• 8 PM - opening band should start
• 8:30/45 - opening act ends, set change begins
• 9 PM - The Killers come on
• 11 PM - The killers finish
• Please check your venue for actual times. Times are subject to change based on the band and venue, so these are approximations based on experiences of users from recent shows. I just edited it based on my experience as well as some more feedback from other shows.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Date	Location	Venue	Time	Opener
good	night	sweet	prince	:(

Past Tour Dates

Date	Location	Venue	Time	Opener
Fri, January 5, 2018	Toronto, Ontario, Canada	Air Canada Centre	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Sat, January 6, 2018	Laval, QC, Canada	Place Bell	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Sun, January 7, 2018	Boston, MA, USA	TD Garden	7:30 PM	Alex Cameron
Tue, January 9, 2018	Brooklyn, NY, USA	Barclays Center	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Wed, January 10, 2018	Washington, DC, USA	The Anthem	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Fri, January 12, 2018	New York, NY, USA	Madison Square Garden	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Sat, January 13, 2018	Philadelphia, PA, USA	Wells Fargo Center	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Mon, January 15, 2018	Detroit, MI, USA	Masonic Temple Detroit	7 PM	Alex Cameron
Tue, January 16, 2018	Chicago, IL, USA	United Center	7:30 PM	Alex Cameron
Wed, January 17, 2018	St Paul, MN, USA	XCEL Energy Center	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Fri, January 19, 2018	St Louis, MO, USA	Chaifetz Arena	7 PM	Alex Cameron
Sun, January 21, 2018	Duluth, GA, USA	Infinite Energy Center	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Tue, January 23, 2018	Miami, FL, USA	AmericanAirlines Arena	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Wed, January 24, 2018	Orlando, FL, USA	Hard Rock Live Orlando	8 PM	Alex Cameron
Fri, January 26, 2018	Sugar Land, TX, USA	Smart Financial Centre	7 PM	Summer Moon, Amanda Brown
Sat, January 27, 2018	Irving, TX, USA	The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory	7:30 PM	Summer Moon, Amanda Brown
Tue, January 30, 2018	San Diego, CA, USA	Valley View Casino Center	7 PM	Summer Moon, Amanda Brown
Thu, February 1, 2018	Los Angeles, CA, USA	STAPLES Center	8 PM	Summer Moon, Amanda Brown
Fri, February 2, 2018	Los Angeles, CA, USA	STAPLES Center	8 PM	Albert Hammond Jr., Amanda Brown
Sat, February 3, 2018	Las Vegas, NV, USA	MGM Grand Arena	8 PM	Albert Hammond Jr., Amanda Brown
Mon, February 5, 2018	Broomfield, CO, USA	1stBankCenter	7:30 PM	Albert Hammond Jr., Amanda Brown
Tue, February 6, 2018	Salt Lake City, UT, USA	Vivint Smart Home Arena	7 PM	Albert Hammond Jr., Amanda Brown
Fri, February 23, 2018	Oslo, Norway	Telenor Arena	7 PM	Juanita Stein
Sat, February 24, 2018	Stockholm, Sweden	Ericsson Globe	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Sun, February 25, 2018	Copenhagen, Denmark	Royal Arena	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Tue, February 27, 2018	Berlin, Germany	Mercedes-Benz Arena	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Wed, February 28, 2018	Amsterdam, Netherlands	Ziggo Dome	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Sat, March 3, 2018	Paris, France	Zénith de Paris	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Mon, March 5, 2018	Koln, Germany	LANXESS Arena	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Tue, March 6, 2018	Antwerpen, Belgium	Sportpaleis	7 PM	Juanita Stein
Thu, March 15, 2018	Heredia, Costa Rica	Parque Viva	7 PM
Sat, March 17, 2018	San Isidro, Argentina	Lollapalooza Argentina
Sun, March 18, 2018	Santiago, Chile	Lollapalooza Chile
Wed, March 21, 2018	Asuncion, Paraguay	Asunciónico
Fri, March 23, 2018	Bogotá, Colombia	Festival Estereo Picnic
Sun, March 25, 2018	Sao Paulo, Brazil	Lollapalooza Brasil
Tue, March 27, 2018	Santiago De Surco, Peru	Jockey Club	7 PM	Royal Blood
Mon, April 2, 2018	Monterrey, Mexico	Arena Monterrey	7 PM	The Warning
Tue, April 3, 2018	Monterrey, Mexico	Arena Monterrey	7 PM	The Warning
Thu, April 5, 2018	Iztacalco, Mexico	Foro Sol	9 PM	St. Vincent
Sat, April 7, 2018	Guadalajara, Mexico	Corona Capital Guadalajara
Fri, April 20, 2018	Auckland, New Zealand	Spark Arena	7 PM	Alex Cameron
Sat, April 21, 2018	Wellington, New Zealand	TSB Bank Arena	7 PM	Alex Cameron
Tue, April 24, 2018	Christchurch, New Zealand	Horncastle Arena	7 PM	Alex Cameron
Fri, April 27, 2018	Boondall, Australia	Brisbane Entertainment Centre	8 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Sat, April 28, 2018	Sydney, Australia	Qudos Bank Arena	8 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Tue, May 1, 2018	Perth, Australia	Perth Arena	8 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Fri, May 4, 2018	Melbourne, Australia	Hisense Arena	7 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Sat, May 5, 2018	Melbourne, Australia	Hisense Arena	7 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Sun, May 6, 2018	Melbourne, Australia	Hisense Arena	7 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Tue, May 8, 2018	Hindmarsh, Australia	Adelaide Entertainment Centre	7 PM	Jack Ladder & the Dreamlanders, Alex Cameron
Fri, May 18, 2018	Gulf Shores, AL, USA	Hangout Music Festival
Fri, May 25, 2018	Boston, MA, USA	Boston Calling Music Festival
Sat, May 26, 2018	Napa Valley, CA, USA	Bottlerock Music Festival
Fri, Jun 8, 2018	Noblesville, IN, USA	Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center	7 PM
Sun, June 10, 2018	Manchester, TN, USA	Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Sat, June 16	Dover, DE, USA	Firefly Music Festival
Wed, June 20, 2018	Rome Rm, Italy	Rock in Roma Festival
Thu, June 21, 2018	Milano, Italy	I Days Festival
Sat, June 23, 2018	Swansea, United Kingdom	Liberty Stadium	7 PM
Sun, June 24, 2018	Ryde, United Kingdom	Isle of Wight Festival
Tue, June 26, 2018	Dublin, Ireland	RDS Arena	7 PM	Franz Ferdinand
Thu, Jun 28, 2018	Santiago de Compostela, Spain	O Son do Camiño Festival
Fri, June 29, 2018	Lisboa, Portugal	Rock in Rio Festival
Sun, July 1, 2018	St. Gallen, Switzerland	OpenAir St Gallen Festival
Fri, July 6, 2018	Werchter, Belgium	Rock Werchter
Sun, July 8, 2018	Glasgow, United Kingdom	TRNSMT Festival
Fri, July 13, 2018	Bolton, United Kingdom	Macron Arena	7 PM
Sat, July 14, 2018	Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk, UK	Latitude Festival
Wed, July 18, 2018	Switzerland	Paléo Festival
Thu, July 19, 2018	Benicàssim, Spain	Benicassim International Festival
Sat, July 21, 2018	Paris, France	Lollapalooza (Paris)
Tue, July 24, 2018	Helsinki, Finland	Hartwall Arena	7 PM	Juanita Stein
Thu, July 26, 2018	Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg	Rockhal Luxembourg	8 PM	Juanita Stein
Sun, July 29, 2018	New York, NY, USA	Panorama NYC Festival
July 19-22, 2018	Wurster Nordseeküste, Germany	DEICHBRAND Festival
Sun, Sept 9, 2018	Vancouver, BC, Canada	Skookum Festival
Wed, Sept 12, 2018	Tokyo, Japan	Budokon
Thu, Sept 13, 2018	Osaka, Japan	Zepp Bayside
Sat, Sept 15, 2018	Singapore, Singapore	Singapore Grand Prix
Mon, Sept, 17, 2018	Bangkok, Thailand	Thunder Dome
Wed, Sept 19, 2018	Hong Kong	Asia World-Expo

Wide Moat, what is that ? Before starting this blog post please read this wide moat businesses explanation here
Okay, now that we are up to speed, before you invest in any wide moat company you need to ensure financials of the business are solid as well, I’ll cover the topic of How to understand the financials of the business in the upcoming blogs so subscribe (here) to know when the blog is out.
Let’s see if we can spot any wide moat business listed on NZX.

Auckland International Airport Limited (NZE: AIA)

Auckland International airport holds a virtual monopoly as the largest airport in NZ and processes the most number of passengers. This is located in the largest city in NZ as well, making it an ideal destination for travelers, With travelers expected to increase in the coming decades, you can clearly see the wide moat around this business.

WILL THE MOAT SHRINK IN THE NEAR FUTURE ?

The likely hood of the moat shrinking is very low since construction of another international airport in Auckland is highly unlikely. Thing to look out for is debt, since airport need vast amounts of money for up keep and improvements( ex: loss of unnecessary capital due to project over runs and delays).
Read a more in depth analysis on Auckland International Airport here

Chorus Limited (NS) - (NZE: CNU)

Chorus manages and builds telecommunications infrastructure in NZ, for ex: when ever you sign up for fiber broadband plan with your ISP, Chorus is contracted to install the connections to your house. As copper cables are replaced by fiber optic cables around NZ, the cost of maintaining these new infrastructure grids are less than before.( Fiber vs Copper wiring: cost of copper and fiber optic cables are stronger requiring less maintenance).

WILL THE MOAT SHRINK IN THE NEAR FUTURE ?

I don’t think the moat will shrink in the near future as setting up a telecom infrastructure company with years of know how is quite difficult, the only way I can see this moat shrinking is if international companies what a piece of NZ infrastructure, but I don’t think the government would allow key infrastructure projects to be outsourced.

NZME Limited (NZE: NZM)

NZME is a New Zealand media company which owns brands such as:

1. NZ herald
2. Newstalk ZB
3. ZM
4. The Hits
5. Grab one etc…..

The moat exists but it is a very small one, this moat would have been huge during the hay day of print newspaper readership.
So what has happened here ? Internet….
Print newspaper is virtually dead, newspapers all around the world are struggling to make money as subscribers dwindle.
Due to the drop in readership, less and less ads are placed in the newspaper hence lower revenue.
All the eye balls have moved to “ Social Media”, that’s where the ads are now a days.
The only saving light I can see is Grab One, the popular coupon site in NZ. I do believe this will provide a strong source of revenue to the company but I am not sure if this can offset the losses in the other divisions.

The New Zealand Refining Company Limited (NZE: NZR)

Refining NZ is New Zealand’s only oil refinery and the leading supplier of refined petroleum products to the New Zealand market, including petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other products As a critical piece of national energy infrastructure, Refining NZ is responsible for supplying:

• around 85% country’s jet fuel
• around 67% of diesel
• around 58% of all petrol
• between 75 and 85% of bitumen for roading
• all fuel oil for ships
• sulphur for farm fertilizer
• CO2 for the carbonated drinks industry

Moat exists because this is the only oil refinery in New Zealand, It also suppliers around 85% of NZ’s aviation fuel.
I believe the number of travelers to New Zealand will only increase, Provide refining NZ a solid moat, however as electric cars are bound to make in roads in New Zealand, the demand for petrol and diesel will gradually decrease.
So we need to keep an eye out on the financial performance on an annual basis to make sure the business can still maintain the moat.

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS) (NZE: POT)

The Port of Tauranga Located Tauranga (about 200 km away from Auckland) is the largest port in New Zealand in terms of total cargo volume, and the second largest in terms of container throughput.
Total exports:
📷
Total Exports from POT
As you can see the number of tonnes being exported from port of Tauranga is increasing.
Total imports:
📷
Total Imports from POT
As you can see the number of tonnes being imported from port of Tauranga is increasing as well.
I see this trend continuing as the demand for NZ products especially in emerging markets increases and demand for imports increases as NZ population continues to grow.
So the Moat around POT should be in tact for many years to come.

Restaurant Brands New Zealand Limited (NZE: RBD)

Restaurant Brands operates the New Zealand franchises for KFC, Pizza Hut and Carl's Jr. It also operate a KFC franchise in New South Wales, Australia and Taco Bell and Pizza Hut franchise in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.
As of October 2018, Restaurant Brands has 261 stores: 94 KFC New Zealand, 61 KFC Australia 29 Pizza Hut New Zealand, 18 Carl's Jr., 36 Taco Bell Hawaii and 45 Pizza Hut Hawaii stores. It employs nearly 8,000 staff across New Zealand, Australia and Hawaii and serves 120,000 customers worldwide every day. Since RBD operates the NZ franchises for KFC, Pizza Hut and Carl’s Jr and if you wanted to be a franchisee in NZ then you would have to go through them , this gives RBD an economic moat.
Will the moat shrink in the near future ?
I think the moat will certainly shrink, this is due to the fact that many people are moving away from processed foods to more organic and more healthier options, this will cause sales in fast foods such as KFC, Pizza hut etc to shrink, which in turn means less new franchises opening up. There might even be closures around the corner. So I see the moat being broken pretty soon in the years to come.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (NS) (NZE: SKC)

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company. It is one of three major publicly listed casino operators in Australasia.
It has entertainment complexes in:

1. Auckland
2. Hamilton
3. Queenstown
4. Adelaide
5. Darwin

SkyCity also owns one of Auckland’s best know attractions “Sky Tower”. Although the revenue generated from sky tower to the overall business is small, it is still a jewel in the sky city crown.
Will the moat shrink in the near future ?
Considering SKC is New Zealand’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company, it has all the basis covered for tourists that enter into NZ. It also has large convention centers where numerous conferences are held, I don’t see the moat shrinking any time soon. As they in casino lingo “ House always wins”.

South Port New Zealand Limited (NS) ( NZE: SPN)

SPN is the southern most commercial port in NZ located at Bluff. It is situated in the highly productive province of Southland which is responsible for producing a sizeable proportion of New Zealand’s total exports by value. The region’s major exporters are all situated within 80km of the port.
All the moat characteristics explained for Port of Tauranga (POT) exist here as well.

Trade Me Group Limited (NZE: TME)

Trade me is the largest internet auction website in NZ. It has Trade me property, motors, jobs etc.
Trade me had held a monopoly on internet auctions for quite some time in NZ, but it’s moat has been slowly eroding away, how ?
Trade me jobs is competing against Seek, LinkedIn
Trade me property is competing against realestate.co.nz, oneroof etc.
Trade me market place is competing against Facebook marketplace.
Looking at all the competitions trade me is facing it seems quite difficult to hold down the moat in the future.

Vector Limited (NZE: VCT)

Vector is New Zealand's largest distributor of electricity and gas, owning and operating networks which span the Auckland region.This distribution system gives Vector an economic moat.
Vector has been involved in electrification projects - charging stations for electric cars, which I think is great for future growth. As number of electric cars increase, there will definitely be a need for more and more charging stations which vector can deliver. The moat seems to be very much intact.

Adelaide

• The Crows currently have no poker machines.
• They recently discussed buying an established poker machine venue (hotel) as a revenue stream but this has not eventuated. The idea was put forward by ex-CEO Steven Trigg, who is now with Carlton.
• Adelaide has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies.
• They do have a sponsorship deal with Adelaide Casino.

Brisbane

• The Lions’ social club, LIONS@springwood, has 200 poker machines in its gaming lounge. The club is the “official community headquarters” of the Brisbane team.
• Brisbane has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.
• Brisbane has a sponsorship deal with online sports betting company SportsBet.

Carlton

• The Blues have five poker machine venues: Club Laverton, the Royal Oak in Richmond, Vic Inn in Williamstown, the Manningham Club and the Yarra Valley Country Club. The first four of these are operated by Carlton FC Ltd, while the Yarra Valley Country Club is operated by Yarra Valley Country Club Inc. Both companies include Carlton General Manager Martin Shannon (and several others) on their lists of approved associates.
• Carlton now has more poker machine venues (five) than any other AFL club. This dubious honour was previously held by Collingwood (four).
• The Royal Oak had previously been run by Richmond and the Vic Inn by the Western Bulldogs; in 2010 ALH boss and former Carlton director Bruce Mathieson terminated their leases and handed them over to Carlton. The Manningham Club had previously been partnered with the Brisbane Lions.
• New Carlton CEO Steven Trigg (formerly of Adelaide) has previously favoured using poker machines for revenue.
• Carlton has a sponsorship deal with online sports betting company William Hill. (Edit: Agreement has expired)

Collingwood

• The Magpies currently have two poker machine venues: The Club, and The Coach & Horses.
• A third venue, the Diamond Creek Tavern, was a massive loss-making exercise and was eventually sold by Collingwood back to its original owners.
• A fourth venue, The International, was closed with the original intention of moving its poker machines to a new venue, the East Ridge Club. However, the East Ridge Club hasn’t opened and The International has re-opened under the ownership of local club Vermont.
• Collingwood has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos. They formerly had a deal with online sports betting company Sportbet but this has now ended.
• Collingwood is one of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

Essendon

• The Bombers have two poker machine venues: the Melton Country Club and the Essendon Football & Community Sporting Club.
• Essendon has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos. They formerly had a deal with online sports betting company Centrebet but this has now ended.
• Essendon is one of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

Fremantle

• The Dockers, being a West Australian club, have no poker machine venues.
• Fremantle has a sponsorship deal with online betting company TABTouch. The club also has a sponsorship deal with Burswood Casino (Crown Perth).

Geelong

• The Cats have two poker machine venues: the Geelong Football Club (located onsite at Kardinia Park) and The Brook On Sneydes.
• Geelong has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.

Gold Coast

• The Suns have no poker machine venues.
• Gold Coast do have a strong association with local club the Southport Sharks, listing them as a patron partner. The Sharks earn considerable revenue from poker machines.
• Gold Coast have recently investigated buying an established poker machine venue as a means of revenue; however, this has not happened yet.
• Gold Coast has a sponsorship deal with online sports betting company UBet.

Greater Western Sydney

• The Giants have no poker machine venues. They have recently investigated buying an established poker machine venue as a means of revenue; however, this has not happened yet.
• Greater Western Sydney has a sponsorship deal with an online sports betting company, but there seems to be some confusion as to which one! The Giants website lists ACT TAB as a partner, whereas sports betting company Ladbrokes states on their website that they are partners of the Giants.

Hawthorn

• The Hawks have two poker machine venues: Vegas at Waverley Gardens (operated by Hawthorn FC Ltd) and the West Waters Hotel (operated by CSJV Nominees Pty Ltd). CSJV Nominees is essentially Hawthorn FC, with a few extra people.
• Vegas at Waverley Gardens is the highest-earning poker machine club venue of any of the Victorian AFL clubs.
• Hawthorn has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.
• Hawthorn is one of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

Melbourne

• The Demons have two poker machine venues: Leighoak and The Bentleigh Club.
• Melbourne has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.

North Melbourne

• The Kangaroos have no poker machine venues, having handed back their licences several years ago. They also have no discernible association with any online betting companies or casinos.
• North Melbourne have taken an anti-gambling stance. At one stage they signed a deal with World Vision, which precluded them from earning any future revenue from gambling for the duration of their association. That deal has now finished.
• North Melbourne was the first of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

Port Adelaide

• The Power have two poker machine venues, The Port Club and the Prince of Wales.
• Port Adelaide has a sponsorship deal with online sports betting company UBet. They also have a partnership with Adelaide Casino.
• Port Adelaide is the only AFL club with poker machine, sports betting and casino partnerships.

Richmond

• The Tigers have one poker machine venue: the Wantirna Club. They formerly had a second venue, the Royal Oak, but in 2010 ALH boss and former Carlton director Bruce Mathieson terminated the lease and handed it over to Carlton.
• Richmond has a sponsorship deal with online sports betting company SportsBet.

St Kilda

• The Saints have one poker machine venue: the St Kilda Football Social Club.
• At one stage St Kilda were the public face of sports betting in the AFL, with Centrebet as their major sponsor. In recent years the Saints have moved away from this position, ending their partnership with Centrebet and taking on a lesser partnership with Ladbrokes. In October 2015 St Kilda signed the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter and committed to ending their partnership with Ladbrokes by the end of the month.
• Consequently, as of November 2015 St Kilda has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.
• St Kilda is one of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

Sydney

• The Swans have no poker machine venues.
• Sydney has no discernible association with any online sports betting companies. They do have a partnership with The Star Casino.

West Coast

• The Eagles, being a West Australian club, have no poker machine venues.
• West Coast has a sponsorship deal with online betting company TABTouch. The club also has a sponsorship deal with Burswood Casino (Crown Perth).

Western Bulldogs

• The Bulldogs have two poker machine venues: Club Leeds and the Peninsula Club (formerly the Dromana/Red Hill RSL).
• The Bulldogs were building a third venue, Club Edgewater, which experienced considerable opposition from local government. This deal recently fell through (in August 2015) and the Bulldogs have withdrawn their involvement.
• The Western Bulldogs have no discernible association with any online sports betting companies or casinos.
• The Western Bulldogs are one of six Victorian AFL clubs to sign the VRGF Responsible Gambling Charter. In doing so, they agree not to undertake deals or partnerships with sports betting companies. However, the charter does not preclude them from owning/operating poker machines.

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I.
Richard was working in a bar. He had found the job from a friend who said that he was leaving it for greener pastures, and like hand me down clothing he had assumed the role. The job was nothing special. Working as a barback for a cocktail bar. It involved preparation for the cocktail drinks and during service, he would restock the condiments and glassware to ensure that all of the bartenders could fulfil their duties. Essentially, it was a labouring role that paid minimum wage. The bartenders would all bark orders at him and he received little commendation for the work involved.
Currently the bar was not serving and they had the staff at the venue to do stocktake duties and a deep clean of the bar area. The back shelves of the bar were usually stocked with bottles of spirits. But seeing as they were giving everything a deep clean, the staff had taken down all of the bottles and Richard was given the task of wiping down the mirror glass surface that usually lay behind the bottles. It was difficult to understand why the mirrored glass needed such a deep clean. It wasn’t as if inspectors would look at the mirrored glass surface to determine the functionality of the bar. However, he was stuck with the job and because he was being paid, he did as he was ordered to. As he scrubbed and cleaned at the mirrored glass surface with a cloth and disinfectant, he could feel that the task was becoming more and more redundant. He felt that the bar manager was simply giving him orders so that he could establish some sort of superiority over him. After all, his bar manager had begun on the lowest rank in the hospitality industry just as he. So the bar manager presumed it was his right to give him obsolete tasks, just as another bar manager had once done to him when he was younger. It had its purpose, of course, everything has its purpose. The purpose of such orders was to instill an anal attitude to others in the cleanliness and upkeep of the bar. For the bar manager probably assumed that Richard, as he, would one day work through the ranks of the establishment.
But Richard did not feel the same way as he scrubbed at the glass mirrored surface with the cloth. Repeatedly and with force to ensure that there was not a smudge upon the surface. And upon completion of the task with much endurance and effort he proclaimed to his manager, “I’ve finished.”
The bar manager went up to inspect the surface of the mirrored glass, stating, “No, you haven’t.” The bar manager then went across inspecting the large mirror and pointing out points of fluff that had been left after Richard had applied the cloth to the surface.
And so Richard repeated the task of cleaning the glass mirrored surface once again. With the same piece of cloth and producing the same results.
Upon announcing the completion of his work, the bar manager once again inspected the surface and then in a fit of rage unleashed upon the unsuspecting Richard, “You stupid farkin’ idiot! You’ve done the same thing again. If you don’t do it properly, you won’t have a job tomorrow.”
Richard stood there and thought about it. He looked at the piece of cloth in his hand that he was using. The disinfectant substance that had been brought to its minimum capacity within the spray bottle. The irrationality of the task at hand worked itself into the understandings of his present situation. The futility of it all. The idea that every day he had to work underneath this arsehole. Doing as he commanded, just so he could ensure that he could afford the rent that kept a roof above his head. It was a job and that’s presumably what all jobs do. Taking advantage of people’s desperation, forcing them to act in a mode of servility.
As the anger seethed within Richard, little bubbles of sweat were released over his brow, as his face grew bright red. His blood had begun to boil. So he threw the near empty bottle of disinfectant at the bar manager’s head. The act didn’t exactly cause pain, but it gathered the bar manager’s attention who turned around surprised by the act. “Go fark yourself you arrogant cunt! You can shove the job up your arse!”
You could see the bar manager’s face. The slight twitches in his eyebrows and mouth as he acknowledged what was happening. And then like the eruption of a volcano, came the seething ball of pus and putrid words that flowed from his inner core, “You piece of shit! I’ve done everything that I could for you! You’re lucky that you have this job with all of the shit that I have to put up with! GET OUT!!!”
And so Richard cleaned out his locker and left the cocktail bar, not bothering to enquire about his final pay cheque. After that, Richard went home. His home was a room in a three bedroom apartment that he shared with two others in their twenties. Of them, only Fabian was home. He explained to Fabian what had happened and Fabian told him that he should call up the welfare services so he would be able to make next month’s rent. And so that’s what he did.
Richard jumped through the holes and over the hurdles of the great and grand bureaucracy that is the welfare system. In order to justify his existence to a system that was corrupt and lost all senses of human decency long ago. Standing in line with many others who had lost faith in the system and mankind many years ago. The lines of anger and vile bitterness that seethed when one was left with no other option but to grovel before bureaucrats in an effort to feed themselves.
For the rest of the time he looked up jobs on the internet, applying for them sparingly. He was in no rush to be spoon fed another pile of shit by people who had long ago formed themselves into groups of social cohesion. Oh, he was a necessary part of the group, no doubt. Without him, the group would not be able to function. Every group required that individual who they could shovel shit on and kick down at. Without that person who was being constantly replaced, well, without that person the group would cease to function and cease to be. And so Richard thought about it all. The predestination of being that person. The eternal newcomer. It would often result in a spiral of depression that eventuated into an act of suicide that held no ties to the group, so that the group would not be affected. That was the eventual path that that course of action led to. And there was always a new generation to step into the old shoes of the eternal newcomer. The great and grand design. The churning gears of the system that left a mountain of skulls in their wake. If people were happy with their jobs and that sort of behaviour didn’t exist, then never would there be a need to advertise for another job.
Richard lay in bed, smoking a cigarette and stared up at the ceiling, listening to music. He found himself daydreaming about the futility of his situation. Trying to think up a way out of the constant state of entrapment that was destined to play itself out during different work roles throughout the course of his life. Was there such a thing as a way out of this predestined destiny of doom? A door? A window? A mouse hole?
That was when Fabian knocked on the door of his bedroom, “Hey Richard. Richard? Are you in there?”
“Yeah,” Richard replied, bringing himself to his feet and then opening the door to his bedroom to greet Fabian.
“There’s a party tonight in Brunswick. I know you’ve been down lately, I’ll buy you a six pack if you come with me.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Richard replied that he would. He had a shower, the first time in days. What was the point otherwise? With no place to be. He used a new bar of soap to scrub at the crevice between his arse-crack. It resulted in a brown sewerage mixture and he watched the brown liquid diluted by water follow its pathway down the drain. Of course he had wiped his arse with toilet paper. But after a week’s build up of dirt, sweat and grime had gathered all over his body. It wasn’t that he was layered with dirt, it was simply the area where this sort of residue built up.
After a shower and a clean set of clothes, he was ready to venture off and into the night. And so the two of them ventured off into the night, drinks in hand, to navigate the Melbourne metropolitan public transport system. Among their fellow passengers were other individuals, already intoxicated from pre-drinks taken at home. Most of them were teenagers or other twenty somethings. Most of them would still be living at home, not having to spend money on rent or bills, they had money to spend. People with family connections that were assured job security that lay in judgment of shitkickers like Richard and Fabian.
Fabian was alright. He worked cleaning and janitorial jobs. His voiced opinion on the subject of work was, ‘It’s all shit when you have to wipe off shit stains from the toilets. But at least you get honest people when there’s no prestige involved in the work.’
The train carriage smelt like vomit and as people exited at the main stops, Richard and Fabian saw why. A group of the nightclubbers had left one of their friends passed out on the train, lying in his own vomit. A couple of ticket inspectors boarded the train and awoke him from a semi-comatose state. The man, the boy, mumbled something non-descript. The two ticket inspectors picked him off the ground and with one of them under each arm, took him outside at the next stop to do god only knows what.
The two of them got off the train shortly after that. They followed different tram routes that were equally packed with night rabble and arrived at their destination. Fabian had made some attempt to explain to Richard that he couldn’t just sit on welfare and despite his apprehension of picking up another job, he would have to submit eventually. Richard batted off the line of questioning and they both decided to enjoy themselves for the night, putting all other obligations aside momentarily.
They arrived at the house party and began to mingle. Richard took a seat in the backyard, rolling himself cigarettes and opening up the six pack of beers. Fabian preferred to venture indoors and danced with the young ladies who were all listening to music that was playing on a hi-fi system. The choice in music wasn’t that bad: a mix of electronic music; old school hip-hop; and pop tunes from the eighties.
Richard kept on smoking cigarettes and drinking beer as other strays took their seats beside him, outside in the backyard to smoke cigarettes and get down to idle conversation. Among those that took their seats beside him were various artists, a lawyer that worked for some unmentioned government department, and some computer programmer working for a corporation. It was difficult to know what to say when surrounded by such a varied group. So they all focused in upon their addictions. Drugs, sex, cigarettes, alcohol… All of them had confronted some sort of substance abuse problem along the journey of life. And when they had finished with those types of conversations they focused in upon the different artists. Their dreams and ambitions. Among the booze, their work took precedence as it was all inconsequential to the larger picture. Despite what political or other motivations prompted them to create their work. There were so many problems in the world that it was difficult to ascertain the implications of taking strong political stances. And so everyone agreed, taking up the different artists political stances without consideration of real world consequences and knowing that tomorrow they would return to their lives without any real effort given to the various causes.
After a while the conversation tired. Richard was four beers down and had started to rummage through the stockpile of different implements that lay in the backyard. Among such novelty items was a unicycle. Upon its discovery, Richard picked it out and made a great speech about the miscellaneous object, “A unicycle! For the love of God, who owns a unicycle?”
“A performer of sorts, I guess.” One of the others replied.
“Give it a try!” Another called out.
And so that’s what Richard did. And with minimal effort and incredible balance, he took naturally to the thing. Riding around in circles as they all cheered him on and gave him minor applause. After a while he grew tired of the act and took a seat as the others set their attempts to ride the unicycle. None of the others had much success, to which they all commented upon Richard’s natural talent.
The comments led Richard to form an idea. Or at least the beginnings of an idea. And when the night came to an end, he asked the owner of the house what they were planning to do with the unicycle. To which they replied, “I don’t know. I picked it up at a garage sale planning to learn to ride the thing, but never got around to it. I’m working full-time now, you can have it if you want it.”
To which Richard accepted and both Richard and Fabian returned home, with the addition of a unicycle.
II.
The next day Richard, having no other obligations, went to the local park to practice on the unicycle. He first mastered his balance on the vehicle in the proper motion. Then he reversed that motion and learnt how to ride the thing backwards, in loops and controlling his distance and speed. He spent days on end riding the thing around in parking lots, learning how to jump around on the thing and maintain balance while remaining semi-stationary.
He fulfilled his job seeker obligations. Making sure that he applied for his twenty jobs every month and attending his appointments with work placement agencies. Every time he went to one of those appointments a small piece of him died on the inside. The place seemed to be full of people with broken spirits and he supposed that he, himself, was one of them too. But all of the people there were disgusted with one another. The place maintained a semblance of order by the psychological trap of individuality. At one point or another all of these people held down a job. And so as each individual looked around, they did not bother to converse with one another, they all saw their own situation as unique. They all saw themselves as unique and they all maintained hope that they would find a job soon enough. But the truth was there was no counter counting down the time until they received their next opportunity. They could get a job any time between a day from now or they could be waiting twenty years. People preferred not to speak with one another in such venues, they were all disgusted with one another, everyone holding their own self-entitled pride. And Richard was no different. He looked around at the people waiting and presumed their sin of sloth.
He sat down with the consultant and answered their questions. With each question the consultant would navigate through the systems on their computer and click the appropriate buttons to determine if he had met his obligations as a job seeker.
And once that was completed Richard would return to the practice of riding his unicycle in various parking lots around the neighbourhood. One day Fabian joined him. Fabian came with a couple of longneck beers in hand to witness Richard’s improved skill. He sat on the parking lot curb, drinking his beers and commenting on Richard’s mastery of the unicycle, “Damn man! I can’t even ride one of those things, but you can do all sorts of shit on it, can’t ya’?”
“Yeah, I was thinking,” Richard conversed as he rode backwards and forwards, “I was thinking that I could start putting on shows for the public.”
“You mean busking?”
“Yeah, busking. Think about it. I wouldn’t have any boss that I would have to report to. I wouldn’t have to deal with those bureaucrats at Centrelink. I’d treat it like a job, buskers can make good money if they offer something unique.” Richard remained semi-stationary and did a couple of jumps on the unicycle.
“Yeah, but just riding a unicycle isn’t going to do it. You’d have to offer the crowd something special.”
Richard got off the unicycle to join Fabian on the parking lot curb, “What do you mean?”
“You’d have to do something with your hands. Like spinning a walking cane around or something, I dunno…”
Richard and Fabian drank beers until the sun went down. Fabian had a lot of venting to do about his work and Richard listened peacefully. In their own ways they had both been working full days. Putting in the time and effort so that they could relax and rest easy, knowing that they had achieved something for the day.
The next day Richard went shopping for clothes. Lacking any suitable funding to go out to the commercial shops, he browsed through opportunity shops and looked around for second hand clothing that was still suitable to wear. In amongst the different clothes and items of a miscellaneous nature, he found himself a bowler hat. Looking at the thing gave him an idea. It had a price tag attached to it that marked it on sale for ten dollars. It was of good quality and he did not complain, he bought the hat along with a few articles of clothing and then went back to his practice of the unicycle.
This time he added the bowler hat into his routine. He started off by throwing the hat up in the air and catching it with the other hand while maintaining balance on the unicycle. It was difficult at first, but over time and practice the action became more fluid. After he had mastered simple actions, he began practicing more complex tasks. Like throwing the bowler hat a great distance up in the air and manoeuvring himself and the unicycle so that the hat would land on his head. He tried and failed that trick many times before he had any success. But over time he managed to achieve the results he desired. And shortly after that he was doing all sorts of complex and intricate things.
After a couple of months of practice Fabian once again came to witness the skills that Richard had accumulated. He sat there with a longneck beer as he had done before. This time Richard was riding on the unicycle, throwing the hat up in the air, spinning the hat on his fingers, catching the hat in his teeth and jumping up and down on the unicycle in a reverse motion.
Fabian was bewildered, “Holy shit man! Yeah, I’d pay to see that. You’re god damned diabolical on that thing!”
“Diabolical, hey?” Richard said, while raising an eyebrow. “I like the sound of that. I think I’ll use that as my stage name.” Richard threw the hat up in the air and jumped on the unicycle in a three-hundred and sixty degree motion, “You may call me, ‘Diabolical’.”
Fabian offered Richard a beer and they both sat and witnessed the sun set in the park. Toasting to Richard’s success and newfound vocation.
The next Friday Richard travelled into the city to perform along Southbank, outside the casino in Melbourne. He carried with him a piece of chalk. He was dressed in a white shirt, black pants, with a black bow-tie, and stars drawn in black make-up around his eyes. With a series of onlookers, he drew out a circle on the pavement and announced to his audience, “Ladies and gentlemen, what you are about to witness can be described in no other way but ‘diabolical’.”
After the brief introduction Richard mounted the unicycle and started riding around inside the perimeter of the chalk circle that he had drawn up on the pavement. After that, he started travelling backwards in the same motion with his bowler hat affixed to his head. He was just laying out the territory, ensuring that the audience gave him space. After the audience acknowledged this, he started jumping up and down on the unicycle in a backwards motion. Then he moved forwards again and threw the bowler hat up in the air and caught it with the other hand. Then he laid his arms out like a seesaw and began rolling the hat up and down the length of his arms as he maintained balance on the unicycle. He began to gather quite a crowd at this point and his hat tricks and motions on the unicycle increased in complexity. He continued to perform until his grand finale where he rode the unicycle backwards, threw the hat up in the air, jumped up in the air on the unicycle, perform a three hundred and sixty degree twist and catching the bowler hat on his head. He then dismounted from the unicycle to the sound of great applause from the audience who had gathered around him. He then walked around the circle that had been lined up in chalk and held the bowler hat out as his audience deposited their donations to his act.
After this he took a half an hour break. He counted the money that he had earned. All up, he had received sixty dollars. Sixty dollars for a half hour routine wasn’t bad, Richard thought. He waited around for another half an hour. Buying himself a bottle of water, smoking some cigarettes and then returned to the circle laid out in chalk and repeated the half an hour act to a different audience of passers-by.
He repeated the act until the stroke of midnight and then caught the last train home. All up, he had earned two hundred and eighty dollars. It wasn’t bad for a single night’s work. Hell, it was bloody fantastic!
For the next week he went to the same area and repeated the routine. Some days were better than others, but each day was certainly worth the trip into town. Sometimes he would perform by daylight, other times he would perform at night. And he was slowly gathering a small fortune while doing so. Richard thought about the good fortune he had come across ever since leaving the bar job. The time and effort he had placed into creating and maintaining his act. It had all been worth it.
But he began to notice something. The more he performed. The less takings he would receive. The crowd was growing weary of the act, despite how fantastic it was.
Then came the day that would end his series of performances in Melbourne. It was during the day and he had gathered a crowd of small children who were looking at the man on the unicycle performing his routine. Then a child, a small girl with ribbons done in her hair in a pigtail fashion, went running into the circle drawn up in chalk. At that point Richard was balancing the hat in a see-saw motion up along the length of his arms. When he saw the child, he lost all control of the unicycle and veered off to the side, collapsing in a heap. Enraged by the incident, Richard lost his temper at the small child and began yelling at her, “You little shit! You fucked up my entire routine!”
The reaction came as an automatic reaction that Richard had felt in the pain of his fall. The girl paused for a second in silence and then Richard could see the tears well up in her eyes. He held up his hands, trying to stop her from the tears. But the tears came, as did the screams, “Mummy! Mummmmmmy!!!”
The audience that had gathered around Richard then began to call out in disgust at Richard’s behaviour. To which there was nothing Richard could do to take back the action. A large, muscular man approached Richard. Grabbing his arm and twisting it behind Richard’s back in what was a painful action, yelling at him, “Apologise to the young girl, ya’ bastard!”
To which Richard squeaked out, “I’m sorry…” in the most pathetic way imaginable, with tears of pain running down his cheeks, making his make-up run.
The little girl stopped crying and started laughing at Richard. The muscular man released Richard from his grip and then pushed him to the ground. The man took Richard’s takings for the day and gave it to the little girl and her mother.
The crowd dispersed, leaving Richard there broken and bruised, realizing that he could never perform in Melbourne again.
III.
Richard returned home that day in hysterics. He kept on yelling and ranting about how he had had enough of this shithole city and that he was moving away to greener pastures. Try as Fabian might to calm him down, he could do nothing to settle his temper. Richard packed up some of his belongings in a suitcase. A few changes of clothes, some of his essential belongings and then went out to Fabian to ask him a favour.
“Hey man,” they were both sitting down at the kitchen table, “if I pay you a month’s rent in advance, will you be able to clear up the rest of my shit. Sell my stuff. Do with it what you need to.”
“Yeah, man, sure.” Fabian looked at Richard, “What happened? Anything serious? Are you okay?”
“It was just farked man! Absolutely farked! I was basically humiliated in front of the whole city. I hate this farkin’ city! I farkin’ hate it!”
“Calm down, just tell me what happened and we can sort it all out.”
But Richard didn’t stick around to bother explaining everything to Fabian. He paid him the one month’s rent in advance. Grabbed his suitcase, the unicycle, everything else that he needed and took the next train into the city. On the train journey into the city, he plotted out his route via his phone. He planned to stop over in Geelong before heading west out towards Perth. He would stop along the road, stopping off at various points like Adelaide and all of the smaller rural towns inbetween. Performing his act and fueling his journey with any money he could. That was the plan.
Hitting the open road, with no responsibilities. He’d pick up a car somewhere along the way, but for now he was appeased with taking the train. He booked a bed to stay in a backpackers in Geelong. A pub called Irish Murphys’ that existed just outside of the central business district of the city. He booked it for a series of three nights, believing that he could perform in the city centre for the next two days before continuing on his journey out west.
The train from Melbourne to Geelong was only an hour’s journey and he soon found himself exiting the train. From there he caught a bus to the backpackers where he made camp for the night. He kept to himself and made sure that his belongings were locked up inside his room. There weren’t many other tourists in the place. There were a couple of middle aged Chinese women who were sharing a room. He ran into them in the kitchen while they were preparing themselves a meal. Some noodles mixed with fried chicken strips and some vegetables. They piled the soy sauce into the saucepan as they cooked the noodles, adding a teaspoon of fish sauce and other spices that were acquainted to their tastes. He attempted to make conversation with them, but they were largely lacking fluency in the English dialect. They looked at him in confusion as he attempted to make conversation. Feeling that his words would not be heard, he went downstairs and purchased a bottle of cheap red wine. He offered them each a glass, to which they refused. They retired to their rooms and he retired to his. He ended up drinking the full bottle of wine and falling asleep in a half-drunk state.
He woke up in the morning at about a quarter past ten. He felt like he had eaten the cork of the wine bottle and the cork was being digested slowly in his stomach, floating in his stomach acids, producing this queasy feeling that was akin to seasickness. He went downstairs. The bar staff were busy preparing the venue for service later that day, so he went next door to the tuck shop and bought himself a sandwich. One of those greasy bacon and egg ones, with the paper wrapping around it that had become transparent because of all the grease dripping off of the bacon. He ate it and bought himself a bottle of lemon soda to wash it all down. It calmed his stomach and the queasy feeling soon disappeared.
After a couple of hours sitting and watching cable television in the lounge room drinking glasses of water, he pulled himself together and prepared to make his grand debut on the city streets of Geelong. He dressed himself up in usual attire and applied the make-up to his eyes. White collared shirt, black bow-tie and black pants. Accompanied, of course, with the bowler hat. He caught the bus into the city. He couldn’t really find any performance space. There weren’t any other buskers and he spied that a group of homeless people had set up some form of encampment outside of the mall. He went into little Malop street where he decided there was enough space where he could perform his act. People walking past him looked at him oddly, not understanding what he intended to do.
He drew up a circle with a piece of white chalk that he kept in his pocket and once more mounted his unicycle. Some people stopped and called out to him, “Hey, what the hell are you trying to do?”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he called out, raising his voice so that anybody within a fifty meter radius could hear him, “I am the great and glorious ‘Diabolical’ and what I am about to do here today is absolutely diabolical! If you all wish to witness the events with your own eyes, you will not be displeased!” A few people stopped and began watching Richard as he rode the unicycle around in circles. Then backwards in circles.
There was not much of a crowd, but what he didn’t expect was for the encampment of homeless people to come and watch him. There was a small group of them, about five in all came to witness him as the others remained with their makeshift setup of sleeping bags and miscellaneous items. The leader of the group appeared to be a stout Mexican man. The Mexican man was roughly shaven and smoked a cigarette. He wore gloves with the fingers cut off and a dirty grey torn jacket, with cotton coming out of the tears in the material. He began speaking English with a rough accent, “This motherfucker says he’s ‘diabolical’, that’s my name! You ain’t taking my name now are ya’?” Richard ignored the homeless man as he continued on with his routine. Balancing his hat along his arms like a see-saw. “Now I know you wouldn’t be doing that? Taking my name ya’ faggot!” The berating comments began to get on Richard’s nerves. But he held his peace and continued on with the act. “Ya’ piece of shit! I’m ‘Diabolical’, that’s my name!” Other people began to leave the crowd that had gathered around Richard, scared off by the homeless man. And pretty soon the homeless man was yelling at him, “That’s my name! That’s my name! That’s my name!” Over and over again without pause. After all of the potential paying audience had dispersed, frightened by the constant heckling by the homeless man, Richard got off of the unicycle and ceased his act.
He looked at the homeless man and his fellow cohorts, he wasn’t that tall and he was sure that he would be able to at least outrun them on the unicycle if they went to attack him. So Richard began yelling at him, “You worthless piece of shit! You just scared them all off! Fark you and fark this town!”
The homeless Mexican man stood there and didn’t say anything. Instead he flicked the cigarette that he had been smoking towards Richard. The cigarette fell at Richard’s feet. The homeless man didn’t say anything after that, he just kept on staring at Richard. The other homeless people that had come with him lost interest and all walked back towards their encampment. But the Mexican homeless man, he just kept on standing there, staring at Richard without saying a word.
After a while it began to creep Richard out, so Richard decided to walk back to the backpackers. Not looking back to see if he was being followed. When he reached the pub that doubled as a backpackers, he looked back behind him to see if he was being followed. He felt relieved when he found that the homeless man was nowhere in sight. So he entered the pub and ordered himself a drink.
It started off with one pint. A pint of Carlton draught because it was the cheapest drink that he could afford. He would sit and listen to the music. They had live musicians who were performing classic and well-known rock songs. He would sit there alone and listen to songs, ordering pint after pint. Between intervals of the songs he would go outside and have a cigarette. Toking on cigarettes and talking to strangers. They’d offer him tidbits and information on a variety of different subjects. Nothing that mattered to him. He did take an interest in the story concerning how the homeless had all migrated from the larger capital city of Melbourne to Geelong. The police restrictions, they had explained, were less strict than they were in Melbourne. For some reason they seemed to get away with sleeping outside of the mall in the central business district. Richard listened attentively, nodding his head as he did so. Then went back into the bar and continued ordering pints of Carlton draught.
Eventually he ran out of cigarettes and half cut, he asked the bartender where he could buy cigarettes. The bartender replied that there was a supermarket up down the road, about a kilometre. So he finished what remained of his current pint, placed his bowler hat on his head and went off to find the supermarket.
He had been walking for about five minutes when it happened. An unknown assailant surprised him from behind and covered his face with a cloth covered in chloroform. He lost consciousness almost immediately.
When he awoke, he was tied by the wrists and ankles, placed upon a wooden table in some unknown park. He struggled against the bonds, but they were affixed to his limbs tightly. He called out into the night, “Hello! What’s happening!? What’s happening!?!”
From out of the shadows appeared the Mexican homeless man. The same one who had caused a disturbance in his performance earlier that day. “Y’know, I wasn’t lying.”
Richard struggled more intensely against his bonds, but it was of no use, “What the fark are you doing you psycho!? Release me at once. I demand that you release me!”
“That’s not going to help you homie. There ain’t no turning back from this shit now. It’s just me and you, alone here in the park. And nobody else around to hear ya’.”
“Didn’t you hear me!? Let me go!” Richard called out, “Help! Heellp!”
“I wasn’t lying when I said my name is ‘Diabolical’. Except the reason that I had that name was probably different from the reason why you had that name.”
“Help! Heeelp!!!” Richard screamed out into the night without any reply.
Diabolical produced a small knife. It was curved at the end of the blade. He then leaned forward and pressed it up against Richard’s neck. “I said shut the fuck up!” After that Diabolical wrapped a bandana around the mouth of Richard. Tying it around his mouth to act as a gag so that he couldn’t make any more noise. Any more noise that Richard attempted to make was inaudible. “As I was saying. I too am known by the name ‘Diabolical’. I received that name many years ago in my native country. I was a small child, perhaps eleven or twelve years old. I came from a very poor family and was being constantly bullied at school. So much so that for the large part I refused to attend. Instead, I would run around the neighbourhood, stealing food and different things in an effort to entertain myself. There was a group of us. I considered us all friends. Until one day, those friends turned against me and I was ousted from that group. In an act of revenge I kidnapped their dog. I tied that dog up much like I have you tied up here and now. And with that dog I skinned him alive. Back then, I wasn’t very good at it and made a mess of things. But I completed the job and displayed the pet before my old friends. No doubt, they were upset and probably would have killed me. If it weren’t for a man dressed in an all-white suit. He saw what I had done and then shot a pistol to scare off the other kids, my former friends. After that the man took me in and said that he could use someone like me. So he gave me other animals to skin. Feral cats from the neighbourhood, things like that. I got so good at it, that that man gave me the name ‘Diabolical’ in reference to my diabolical skill.” That was when Diabolical approached Richard, tied up to the table and unable to voice any sound of protest, with the knife. He began by cutting open his clothes. Leaving him naked in the cold night. Then after that made incisions up and down the length of his limbs. They were made lengthways, up the length of Richard’s arms and legs. He attempted to scream out in pain. But could not. “That man turned out to be a major drug lord in the city and used me. Allowing me to torture his captured enemies. Skinning them and presenting their carcasses to their family and loved ones. You could be sure that nobody crossed that man.” Diabolical made another incision, identical to the last, down the lengthways of the limbs. Running parallel to the other incision, perhaps three centimetres apart. “I was treated well. With luxury and everything else that I could ask for. This went on for years.” With the parallel incisions, he placed the knife underneath and began to peel the strip of skin off Richard’s body. Richard attempted to howl and struggle against the bonds, but there wasn’t anything he could do. “Until one day, that man asked me to skin someone who I didn’t want to skin. She was a lover. One of many, but a lover still the same.” After the strips of skin had been peeled, Diabolical had an opening to the rest of the skin that covered Richard’s body. From there he could go about the process like peeling an orange. Placing the knife under the skin and peeling off the rest of the layer. “I turned on the old man. The one who had taken me in and skinned him instead. But that man was powerful and once my betrayal was known, I had to leave the country. Somewhere where I couldn’t be found. So I thought, ‘Australia’, I mean, why not, right?”
For the rest of the operation Diabolical remained focused on the process. Skinning the man alive and ensuring that everything was done to the utmost level of skill. After everything had been done and Richard’s whole body was skinned, Diabolical would tie him and string him up to a nearby gum tree. Singing to himself as he did so, “Give me a home amongst the gum trees. With lots of plum trees. A sheep or two, a kangaroo. A clothesline out the back. Verandah out the front.” All in a heavy Mexican accent. “And an old rockin’ chair.”
Richard’s body would be discovered the next morning. By early morning joggers through the park, with his body strung up a gum tree, hung like a fisherman showing off his catch, by the legs. With his bowler hat strategically placed beneath him.
As the blood dripped from his skinned carcass, dripping into the bowler hat in a little pool.