HJC: Post XV

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: Springfield or Bust

Well, I have made it back to school in Springfield, MA - home of the AHL's Falcons and AHL headquarters. Speaking of AHL headquarters, I am enrolled in a  PR/Marketing class with it's commissioner, David Andrews, on my campus every Wednesday night for two and a half hours! A lot of people who have taken his class have gone on to to their internships with him and eventually landed full time jobs with him. Pretty neat. Back on the ranch here on HJC, I most importantly have reminders for you below!

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COTW Aug 19-25 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Boise State University (Dylan W.)

It seems like a typical design for a Nike SWIFT NCAA uniform set. It also reminds me of team Poland's fashion jerseys in world soccer (still not proven to be game worn). The whole design from the logo to the gradients make a lot of sense. But that doesn't mean I like it. But I can just picture these being on the ice and being well receptive. Riding an 8.5 out of 10.

Los Angeles Kings (Tom)

Tom gives us a Kings alternate that focuses on the purple. There are two possibilities with the piping that I'd be okay with: either only use the body striping not whats along the shoulders or my preference of getting rid off it completely. I do believe that LA is a team that can pull it off, but not this way. I don't mind the white on it, but I might add black to either the cuffs or the shoulders. Royalty is born, 9 out of 10.

Edmonton Oilers (Brent)

The background doesn't distract me too much, but I lose the orange shoulders and hem a little bit. I do like the increased amount of orange in the colored uniform. I also do not see any TV numbers, which would help break up the shoulders tremendously. The pants give me trouble but aren't the focus. Despite the additional blue, the white jersey seems a bit bland - a historical and typical Edmonton feature. An 8 out of 10 for the fortune.

Montreal Canadiens (Stephen T.)

Well this one certainly is simple. I guess I'll start off by saying that I can't do the white helmet with the white uniform. I want to say use a red one instead, but the blue one may work too. I am not a fan of the nameplates for this because it only looks good on one of the jerseys but not both. Also, the numbers need at least one but probably a double outline as they get lost a little in the chest stripe. A 7 out of 10 overall.

Big Rapids HS, MI (Alex J.)

These are pretty good for a high school team. I don't happen to like the way the color looks, but it isn't the school or Alex's fault. The Arsenal FC/Canucks font is a good choice as far as not using ordinary block numbers. That alternate logo doesn't woo me, but I can live with it. Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure most if not all high schools don't need alternate uniforms. Though since you included one, I'd like to see it in blue. This snatches a 7.5 out of 10.

Univ. of South Florida Bulls (Dylan W.)

I'll tell you what, I like these much better than what they currently have The idea of the hem consisting of the logo is a very clever idea. The gold is the tricky part of designing uniforms for USF, and Dylan has done it in succession.I'm not sure how I feel about the number selection, but there could be much, much worse. Ole, an 8.5 out of 10.

New York Rangers (Steven G.)

Continuing his De-Edge series Steven gives us A simpler version of everything. He even takes away part of the classic jersey on the whites, which I'm okay with it not because that was a little advanced for pre-1978, but since it isn't toned down completely. Also the decision to keep this particular logo was an excellent choice. Even though the blue is present on the yoke, I would use the blue helmet and perhaps use a red one for the blue jersey. An 8 out of 10 for this one.

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Well moving in was a success and now it's time for a Maine getaway with my folks before Wednesday kicks in. Enjoy your weekend and "hockey, ahoy!"

-Ricky

HJC: Post XIV

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: Later Than Expected

Hi guys, Blogger decided not to like me and got rid of the original post. But this one will probably be better so enjoy!

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COTW Aug 12-18 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

Hawthorne entries (due tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Quebec Nordiques (HockeyConceptIdeas)

This one is a little too plain for me and it doesn't appear that the logo on the chest is the same size in both jerseys. Anyone notice the unused Nordiques logo shoulder patches? An 8 out of 10.

Seattle Metropolitans (MichaelG.)

I think this shade of green may be too bright, but I like the red even though it is popular among teams. I;m split on whether the two stripes should be separated slightly from each other or not. A 7.5 out of 10

Ottawa Senators (Nikesh)

I don't know if I would like to see the alternate promoted to an home and road set. While they do look presentable, I'm not ready for it yet. An 8.5 out of 10.

Dallas Stars (Ryan)

El capitan gives us what I think would make a great alternate. The grey could go elsewhere on the jersey, but I would have to figure that out yet. An 8 out of 10.

Team USA (Stephen T)

Stephen has found my soft spot for a red USA jersey. The white one looks plain but matches perfectly. Not much else to say. 9 out of 10.

Edmonton Oilers (Tom)

Anyone remember this logo? I do and I liked it, though it was little used to my knowledge. No complaints here. I have always liked Edmonton's alternate logos better anyway. A 9 out of 10.

Pre-season hockey isn't too far away, so I'm more excited by the day!

-Ricky

Songless in St. Louis

Want a really wacky concept? Well I've got one for you. I wish I could replicate it in full but I have yet to see the back of the jersey, but you might recognize it by the front without the assistant captain's "A" on it.

Based in part on the unworn original design.

I thought this would be a cool project to work on because, I have never seen anyone else give it a go - or anything similar for that matter. Just something that came up by looking through stored sports photos on my computer.

-Ricky

New Jersey Day: Philadelphia Soul

It even came a few days early, unfortunately, I couldn't wear it yesterday to support my team as they lost the rematch of the previous year's ArenaBowl in this year's ArenaBowl . Arizona has been a historically significant team, having an ArenaBowl record of 4-4 and 2-1 in the last three years. So has this year's host Orlando, who at one point in time made a trip 6 out of nine years with a 2-4 record - their only ArenaBowl appearances.

I'm disappointed that it's missing a Tony Graziani nameplate even though I knew it wasn't on there, but beggars can't be choosers. The same is the case with the screen print, but it is hard to find stitched apliquees on jerseys for non big four teams in this country. The one shining moment for this one is that the AFL collar is a stitched on patch.

-Ricky

HJC: Post XIII

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: All Across the Board

For those of you waiting for big hockey news, I give you credit. But I am in ArenaBowl mode as well as Premier League. My favorite Philadelphia could win it's second Arena Football League title tomorrow in a rematch of last year's loss to Arizona - some of you may recall my ArenaBowl HJC submission from a couple years ago. Meanwhile, Arsenal FC are beginning their season tomorrow. Arsenal wears off quickly for the first quarter of the season - it coincides with the start of the NHL pre-season. Oh yeah, hockey . . . I've got a healthy amount of concepts to share with you today but not before reminders.

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COTW Aug 5-11 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

Warrior Competition Top 3 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Cleveland Barons (Michael G.)

I would generally not have an issue with the way this concept is presented, but  I could use a slightly thicker outline on the logo. However despite the good looks of the set, red isn't my color. Also, I would use a black helmet for the road uniform. An 8 out of 10.

Ontario Reign (Scott)

I like this concept for everything except the logo again. While I do appreciate the inclusion of the American Red Cross logo, the tail loses it. Maybe featuring feet below it instead. Breathing fire, saving lives - an 8.5 out of 10.

Los Angeles Kings (Ian)

Well, no Burger King logo, but instead the crown is added to a new alternate. In addition it appears as though piping has been added to the home and road - which look better than other kinds of applied piping. My only thing is that there should be black numbers on the alternate. I would like to see stronger number outlines though. LA royalty, an 8.25 out of 10

Vityaz Podolsk (Jake88)

Jake88 has begun to work on the KHL. This could be comparable to a Red Wings jersey. But I like these better. Nothing too dramatic, but yet not too subtle. An 8 out of 10 from me.

Reading Royals (Mike S.)

I'm still raving about Mike's Everblades uniform he created a while back. Most of his ECHL jerseys have been simple but effective. This one is no exception to that. The logo seems small but is actually up to stuff. Maybe the outline needs to be slightly thicker. I like the width of the entire striping patter, I just don't like the pattern itself. An 8.5 out of 10.

Florida Panthers (Kyle)

While it's true I believe everyone has been waiting to see a yellow Panthers alternate, I don't think this one would be it I like the shoulders, but all the red below it doesn't work, primarily as a result of the navy stripes. The home and road are decent nothing too outrageous. Roaring over an 8.25 out of 10.

Barys Astana (Jake88)

This one looks like something that would scare people on Halloween - or on a normal day being seen for the first time, me. It's the logo, particularly the ghostly looking font. Scares aside, this one just can't grab me - this template does not do this style of double blue any justice whatsoever. A 6.5 out of 10.

2014 Stadium Series (Bastian)

Well, this one is really wacky. I just cannot picture lighter shade of blue with the Rangers even if it is front of my. The vintage white pants need something to break it it, that's especially where a darker blue comes in. The Islanders meanwhile are more good than bad. This would make a great Fishsticks logo jersey, but since no Atlantic green is in the logo, its a no go. Orange collar, royal blue sleeves and lower hem and socks, add the striping to the pants - all those things will get the okay. A straight up 7 out of 10.

Florida International University (Dylan W.)

To be blunt, I hate the gradient in the underbelly of the sleeves and pit stains. Unless that is to show mesh stitching which it doesn't appear to be, I'm out. I would take the logo off and replace it with the word-mark. The striping isn't the best, but I have no suggestions. A 7 out of 10.

Go Soul and c'mon you Gunners, I really can't wait for pre-season hockey!

-Ricky

When There's a William, There's a Way

William Butala has another concept for us to be seen.

This first one really grabs my attention. Anyone remember how Phoenix was robbed of an All-Star Game last time for the 2005-06 season?  I still find the idea of an ASG in Phoenix a joke because nobody takes the franchise seriously since their move to the desert. This one is even true to form based on past All-Star jersey, while keeping to it's Phoenix roots.

-Ricky

Barnstroming Dragons

The original Iowa Barnstormers relocated for the 2001 season to become the New York Dragons. Before the original AFL folded, the Dragons were to completely re-brand for the 2009 season, which never happened. I created a hockey jersey to be submitted to other blogs. I used my own template from HJC's mix-and-match one of seven soon to be featured here. This was going to be my second round HJC submission.

In addition to the template above, I used one of the other six to create my HJC Open entry for the first round, which didn't advance in a competitive pairing for me. You can see the similarity to the fantasy football/zubaz uniforms that were BNG Ricky concept of the year. I based it off our former Buffalonian team the Destroyers. Ahh I can just hear Jim Brinson's voice calling a Buffalo touchdown.

Tony Kimbrough was the team's first quarterback under coach Dave Winham and then became Ray Bentley's offensive coordinator. Browning Nagle, who retired after one season in Buffalo, would be his replacement as quarterback in 2000. After Benltey's departure later in franchise history, the former Buffalo Bills player wen't on to broad cast games for the league.

-Ricky

No Pro Teams Could Pull This Off in Hockey, Could They?

Another day, another BNG post. As Chuck Woolery now says, it's "three for free" time. Three artists, three concepts - it's just that simple.

Caden gives us this concept which features a sponsor logo as a crest in one jersey, reminiscent of European style soccer jerseys. This one doesn't grab me, but there sure as heck are a lot of pluses. Since this isn't the NHL or AHL, I don't mind having a sponsor featured on a jersey.I can't like the alternate with just the face as a logo, but that's why it is just an alternate. I'd be able to give a better critique, but the picture comes out grainy on my computer.

Jake88 as you may recall has had some magnificent series done on the European hockey leagues. This one actually reminds of a red version of a Pittsburgh alternate but with a little too much white. If anything black numbers and black dividing stripes might do the trick for me. A black yoke with white outline might be a nice touch but isn't absolutely necessary.

William provides an interesting look for the Bronx Bombers. He keeps the road resemblant uniform as an alternate. But as many hockey uniforms feature a logo, this set is no exception to that. I don't know how I feel about the placement of the stars as I feel that they could go elsewhere on the jersey. While it takes some elements, it has its own flair than that of the New York hockey Rangers as opposed to the baseball team in Arlington with the same nickname.

You can put a cork on this one, capping off another post at BNG. As I continue to try improving different parts of the site, I am wondering if I can convert anyone into a broader realm of sport graphic design, not that there is anything wrong with hockey. I love hockey, but I figure that there are people out there that want to see other sport uniform templates. That was the basis of which I created BNG last May. Give it a thought -  if you try, you might even like it.

-Ricky

Ode to William Butala

William was kind enough to bring along some concepts so I won't bombard you with everything in one sitting so you can better appreciate it. But I will put a couple up for his official welcoming party, just as we did for Jake88 the other day. Both are regular contributors to HJC and have recently started their blogs, please check out the blog in the "New" section of the "Friends of" tab.

I'm starting with two that I haven't seen on HJC as of this past Friday when I posted, they also happen to be the two most recent that are on the blog as of the same aforementioned date and time.

Love or hate the alternate, they would probably dubbed as prison jerseys, but quite frankly I like them better than the home and road. The home and road are at least looking like they would be historically acurate to the team's origin. But considering I suggested a contrast to the alternate, the white and black would be switched to provide a new home and road kit.

Now this one is really . . . well, I don't know. Even though the script is historically accurate, I don't like it for this  particular jersey design. The jersey itself is absolutely beautiful. I tried to do a Nashville jersey using vintage white for a Winter Classic concept against the Jets as you may or may not recall.I'm stuck on the 18 stars in the logo, and it's been fun trying to guess and not ask, but I came to the conclusion it's the bookend numbers of the inaugural year 1998 (18)  - but I know that's wrong.

-Ricky

HJC: Post XII

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: Back in the Saddle(dome) Again

Hello, hello form Sabreville where Rick Jeanneret has announced his retirement form broadcasting - sort of. That's the big news here, RJ announced on Wednesday that he will retire from broadcasting following the end of his brand new three year contract through 2016, which would be the 45th ad final season as the Sabres play-by-play voice. Former Maple Leafs voice Dan Dunleavy, who filled in some games for Jeanneret during the 2010/11 season will split games with RJ and take over full time starting 2016/17.

But I waited for this post instead  of a measly comment to officially congratulate Ryan and HJC for 1,000 posts and giving us all the opportunity to display our talents and critique our peers in a productive fashion. Here's to the next 1,000 (officially 995) posts! I decided to celebrate the post by buying EA's NHL 97 for the original PlayStation - wish you all could've joined me for it.

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Here are your all important reminders all of them are for the same day.

Warrior Cup Entry phase ends: Friday, August 9, 2013 (tonight) @ 11:59pm Eastern time

COTY-July vote (ends tonight @ 11:59p m Eastern)

COTW July29-Aug 4 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm EST)

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Ottawa Senators (NB94)

I already miss the former number one enforcer for the Ducks. At least he would look good if he wore these. The only change I would make is to change the bottom of the sleeves to black for matching sake. Spearing a 9 out of 10.

2015 Winter Classic (Andy C.)

Love 'em both, but I also wonder if the Avs would consider Nordiques uniforms . . . probably not. For me, I feel word-mark is always good for a winter classic - that's what I keep saying the Penguins should do. These also seem more like realistic cuts , and with luck we might see them. A 9.5 out of 10.

Prince Albert Raiders (Bastian)

Here I see two things Senators font and (for some strange reason) the London Knights. But I'm cool with it. the inward curved shoulder striping works even though I generally prefer all striping to match, it also ties in very nicely with the logo. I'm not to keen on the yoke blending in with the body of the jerseys. A black yoke on the white and white yoke on the green might suffice nicely. Pillaging an 8.5 out of 10.

Phoenix Coyotes (Frank)

This one just plain out takes the cake. Quite frankly, it's all in the striping. The only thing that I might change is to switch the colors of the double outline for digital purposes. But I'm sure it would look much better on the ice than on the computer, so I'm not going to make that much of a concern. Anyone notice the ol' Avalanche captain's "C"? An 8.5 out of 10.

Minnesota Wild (Steven G.)

Steven continues his De-Edging of the NHL. This one is "De -Edged" so much that this one looks like they actually wore these uniforms. It's really dumbfounding for me to think that they weren't what the wild originally wore. I really want to see a retro alternate for them even though they aren't yet 15 seasons old. A 9 out of 10.

Calgary Blazers (Dylan W.)

 This is a pair set for a concept league abbreviated WIHL  (World International, perhaps). Before I continue, I wonder if there is eligibility for someone such as myself to be a part of and submit something for this league. But many of us, myself included, appreciate any attempt at original logos (at least what appears to be one. It's alright, I don't dislike or hate it. As far as the jerseys, I might make curved indents to the striping to add some distinction to it and maybe a little more curvature to the numbers. The numbers might need different outlining, but I personally don't have suggestions for right now. I would like to see a red jersey, but a black home sweater isn't a bad idea. Lighting an 8 out of 10.

Welsh National Team (Adam)

The crest makes a lot of sense as does the striping, which I'm split on how good the mismatch looks. The number size doesn't wow me either. Mixed signals from crossed lines indicate a 7.5 out of 10.

Lethbridge Hurricanes (Bastian)

This style of striping seems to be getting popular with all the concept that I want to start using it. But it's probably just me thinking it's gotten fad-like. I like how the name interrupts the striping on the back. Problem is the white one looks better than the blue for some reason. An 8 out of 10.

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And cut! Another HJC Friday is in the books. I'll be going to see the Ducks neighbors play in Cleveland tomorrow since there are no hockey games to go to. Let's go Halos and have a fabulous weekend!

-Ricky

Landrov Air Livery

Today I share one of the new designs for my fictional airline as run on a Facebook application. Pretty soon, I will have sports team on them, similar to JetBlue and Alaska Airlines.

The Zubaz on a plane I believe could be a first in the industry if it were actually produced. Maybe not so much the plaid as displayed on the winglets. Toodles!

-Ricky

P.S. - Jake 88 has told me he helps contribute posts to a blog named Hockey Concept Ideas by a gentleman named Caden. I may at some point require additional writers for the blog, so keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary!

A Long Awaited Concept!

Just what the blog needed to get back into the swing of things . . . a guest concept! We are welcoming Jake88, regular HJC contributor, to BNG. He has done some pretty astounding  European league hockey concepts for HJC - some of which you've seen on my posts for HJC as seen on Saturdays here.

This is what Jake 88 tells me he wants the Sabres alternate to look like. I certainly like it a lot. It's all in the color distribution. But he is absolutely right that the elements of the logo and jersey layout go well together. By the way go to our "Friends of" tab and click on the new link to his blog! Check out the other new ones too while your at it.

Hate to be short circuited today, but I've got company . . . looking forward to getting the blog back on track!

-Ricky

HJC: Post XI

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: Riding the Waves

"Little high, Little low" HJC readers! I'm back after the chaos of last week and on the up and up. I have a concept I would like you all to take a look at and give your two cents on. That concept will round out today's post.

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Included is one unusual deadline (you can figure out which one). Please consider them.

COTW July 22-28 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm EDT)

HJC Open Finals voting (ends Sunday @ 6pm Eastern)

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Carolina Lightning (Coby)

This is probably his best concept yet, as Coby depicts a pee-wee team from the Carolinas. This even goes against my dislike of this template, but he has done almost everything right. The striping is the main concern. Stripes generally shouldn't cover the template outline and also every arm stripe should cover the entire width of the sleeve up to the outlines but not past. That is still a hug improvement from old striping applications of Coby's. The only other thing is that the extended yoke means the name should be in the lower portion of it and the top of the numbers a little bit higher up from their current position. The logo is kind of dull to me, but it's pee-wee hockey. Overall, 8 out of 10.

Univ. of New Orleans (Dylan W.)

This one to me is just plain ol' unaapealing. It's both the distribution of the white and the alternate version of the logo. Everything is well executed, but I just can't see a place for this jersey. My rubric gives me a 7.5 out of 10.

Montréal Maroons (Michael G.)

The simplicity of this is uncanny, very appropriate for such a defunct team. So far, this is one of my two front-runners in this concept series that Michael has provided us. Everything just matches so perfectly that it seems like a lost art in hockey jersey design. I kind of wish my college had sweaters like this. A 9 out of 10.

Seattle Warriors (Felix)

Not colors, nickname, or logo we generally associate with hockey in Seattle. But Felix tackles the logo and color scheme of the now defunct NFL Europe's Cologne Centurions. My big concern I guess is the piping, which I don't personally mind when done correctly. However, the jerseys don't match. Either it's both or neither - and if there will be both, then the piping shouldn't extend below the hem striping. I would also suggest removing only half the yoke outline in either style (keeping either the ends or the center, both joined at the piping). The black stripes may want to be thicker, but that's relatively minor. Fighting for a thumbs up from Caesar, an 8 out of 10.

Toronto Maple Leafs (Frank)

As I have been mentioned before, I do not like this Leafs logo compared to the one on the alternate. Even though I don't like it, it can be the alternate providing a white version of the real alternate as a road uniform. With the striping I'd prefer either all wide or all thin stripes and add more on the pants to match. An 8.5 out of 10.

Oakland Seals (Michael G.)

If Chuck O. Finley was the owner of this team, why did he lighten the colors to differentiate them from the baseball club yet have them wear white skates? Here the colors get even lighter and that further makes a mockery of the Seals franchise. The striping, the numbers and name, the yoke, the logos - they're all well placed, but these colors have a psychedelic feel to them. A 7.5 out of 10.

Toronto Blue Jays (Kyle)

As much as I love these, one thing troubles me - the alternate. The white it appears is intended to keep the jersey predominantly light in color. I have an issue with the mismatching sleeve and hem stripes I also like to see a much more different and/or simple pattern. As far as color, I think (as Toronto teams have) worked the double blue quite well historically speaking - even now with the CFL's Argonauts; therefore I would switch the uses of white and blue around. I would even add a "Canada Day jersey" just as they've been doing. An 8.5 out of 10.

Univ.of Hawai'i (Dylan W.)

I've been waiting for the unofficially nicknamed "Rainbow Wahine" to have a unique design to their image and likeness. To the first time of my awareness, Dylan has provided that. The black stripe could be a tad thicker, but that really has no bearing on the overall concept. By the way, they are again the Rainbow Warriors as of the first of July 2013. A 9.5 out of 10 and my nomination for Concept of the Week.

Anaheim Ducks (Stephen T.)

Whether they are Ducks or Mighty Ducks my team can look good in such a template I despise. I would like to see the diagonal stripe on the hem return as it was truly unique to the franchise, but this striping works just as well if not better. As for the Finnish Flash, he may have another year or more left in him. Properly using a duck call results in a 9 out of 10.

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New York Islanders (Ricky . . . yes me)

I know there isn't any equipment, but that information is part of my template. I created seven of such by using the mix and match feature provided by Ryan. I did the same with the Buffalo Destroyers jersey for the HJC Open this year. I figured that for the Isles' "fish-sticks" logo, wavy everything was appropriate. You'll take notice the sleeve striping matches the sequence of waves in the logo, as does the yoke.

I took the Buffa-slug body and mixed it with the Bruins hem, regular Reebok sleeves, the collar from the Leafs' Winter Classic sweater, and the Blackhawks' cuffs. The reason I laid back on the equipment is primarily because it is distracting enough as is with everything that is going on. The font is called "4th and Inches" which was chosen more for the numbers than the lettering. Tell me what you think in the comments, I eagerly await for your highly valued opinions!

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That wraps up another Friday installment of HJC. Don't forget about your reminders and remember: you're work is always in the eye of the beholder.

-Ricky