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Good Afternoon to all of our readers, I am so excited to say it has not been 6 months since I have written. Well the last month has been very busy. Braiden started Kindergarten, and McKailen is now in 3rd grade… I feel like the time is going by faster and faster. People always tell you that once you have kids the time will fly by, but you never really think it's going to be that way. The boys are both enjoying their new teachers and adventures. McKailen has finally started a team sport. We have been hoping for this for a few years, and we are proud to say he is a Blackhawk and loving playing soccer. Braiden is going a thousand miles a minute and is into everything he can be.
Let's jump into the racing information…. At the track in Rogersville, Mo., we ran both cars and had a great time. The fans and staff there are always so friendly, and we love going there. We were really hoping the Scott Palmer was going to come out since it's close to his home and he happened to be home that weekend, but he assured me he is not a good spectator. I don't blame him one bit. The Funny Car made 2 good runs there, and I made 1. Since it's an 1/8th-mile track we both shut off early. We had a few hiccups while we were there. We hadn't serviced our blowers, so the cars weren't making as much power as usual and started scuffing. We haven't had a scuff problem in a long while, so we were a little stumped to why it was happening. We tried new oil and weren't sure if that was part of our problem… I don't believe it was. We packed up and pulled out Saturday night after we were done and then headed home. It was a long drive Sunday, but we got it all done. We parked our truck at the Texas Motorplex knowing that we were going to be there for the race the next week.
We were literally home 10 hours, and then I put Terry on a plane to go see McKailen to make sure that we got our time in with him. They had a great time! They are finally getting into a routine for when Terry is there. Kailen called me every hour… it was awesome! He has never wanted to talk to me so much! Terry kept telling me that we (Kailen and I) don't need him… I think he was a little jealous. After their time together, Terry flew all night Wednesday night and arrived at DFW at 5 a.m. Thursday morning… That makes for a long day.
We thought this was finally going to be our year to qualify at home. On Friday, we ran 4.24, which we were happy with. We thought for sure on Saturday we would be able to go a little faster and would get in the show. However, we weren't prepared enough to make that happen. The first run it ripped the tires off just like everyone else did. Then on the second run it pushed a head gasket. The head gasket was our fault, but it really stinks that we didn't make the show. The top 12 rule bit us for that race. Many people have opinions about that rule and sometimes it's helpful and sometimes it's not. In this case it wasn't. However, in Seattle it was helpful that we made the top 12 because then we were able to focus on my car and get it qualified Saturday. Sunday we got my car ready for testing. While we only made two laps they were very productive. We put a new fuel system on my car, and we wanted to make sure it was where it was supposed to be. Terry was very happy with the fuel curve after the first run. I too was happy as my reaction time went from .150 to .110. As a new driver I have been told not to worry about my reaction times, so it is not something we focus on. However, now that the car is faster I don't want to be the weak link. The second run it smoked the tires right at the hit. This is something I don't have any experience with, so while you might think it's a bad thing it's not. Terry showed me on the computer that I got off it quick, and it was good for my first time. The even better part of that run was that my reaction time was .082! Woohoo!!! Better and better! I was very happy with that.
One thing many people don't see is that with all the time we spend going to Seattle it leaves less time to be prepared. We wouldn't trade our time with that little guy for the world, but it does show you the cars need more attention. After we came home we made sure that we set aside time every week to work on the cars. We want to go to Vegas and Pomona and do well. We would really like to qualify and run well. However, we have decided that if we can make the car run consistent teens, and we don't get in we will still be happy. We have serviced the motors, the heads and the blowers. Now with a few weeks left, we will double check all the little things that keep us from being successful. We know we can do this. For Vegas we only ran the Funny Car, but we then tested with the dragster on Monday. We were happy the Funny Car qualified, but we weren't as happy with its performance. It went 4.29, but it just wasn't where we wanted it to be. We lost first round to Hagan and that's ok, but he was so great because he made sure to mention that it was Kailen's birthday. Back to the dragster… Again we needed to get it closer to going fast. When we put my car together in Vegas we found another problem with one of the lines that helps with the clutch, so we only got to make one run. It shook so hard I had an instant headache. I had never had it shake, and I was glad it was during testing because I was pretty much useless after it happened. When you watch the numbers these cars are putting up its amazing.
Pomona was rather interesting. Since we ran both cars we were trying to make a plan that made the most sense to us. We decided we would run both cars the first run and then the Funny Car would sit out until Saturday. The first run with the Funny Car it smoke the tires almost immediately. We have been working on making our blowers better and sure enough it was so much better that it revved to 8,500 rpm, which is above our target number by a lot. When it revs higher, it needs less weight on the clutch, so we had too much primary because of the change in the rpm. First run with my car, it was going great and then it just stopped, and I wasn't sure what happened. I got out on the top end and sure enough the blower belt broke. So we turned it around and got it ready for Q2. The bad part for smaller teams is when it gets so cold at the final race we don't make enough power so the car shook. It was ok I didn't expect to be in the top 12. Onto Saturday…our amazing sponsor brought out more than 100 people to experience the race. We really wanted to do well. The first run I was so disappointed. When I was staging the car and stepped off the clutch the car broke a brake line, and it rolled right through the beams. I knew that was our best chance of getting in since the sun was still out. I was glad however that it happened at the starting line instead of the finish line. It could have been really bad. SO we move onto the Funny Car. It, unfortunately, didn't have the best of luck either when we warmed the car up everything was fine and we always rerun the valves to double check. Well unfortunately two of the spark plug wires got crossed up, and as soon as they tried starting it Terry knew something was wrong and he pulled the plug.
Onto Q4… I watched as it was going to be the quickest field in history and knew it was going to be hard to get in. Also because it had been cold we don't have the experience to be fast enough yet. So the car launched hard and then shook. I thought about it and decided to pedal it… boy she was moving… then all the sudden the top panel right in front moved, and I didn't know what happened. So I lifted. I didn't qualify and that was ok, but when I got out of the car I realized that two of the body panels had blown off. These cars arch so hard that when I pedaled it we believe it got just enough air under it pull those panels off. I haven't had a motor break, so I wasn't sure what I was feeling; I just knew something wasn't right. When they dropped me off and I headed over to the Funny Car, I knew I was in trouble. I am not supposed to pedal it, but he wasn't mad at me at all. When I told him I thought about it and decided to do it, he just said well you have to learn sometime. So we went up for the last run with the Funny Car, and it was just so cold… it shook and he lifted. No sense in tearing it up and not make the show. When we got back I was able to spend some time with the kids our sponsor had brought around, and I put them all in my car. That is the best part about being a driver. We looked at the computer, and my car was really moving after I pedaled it. I was also No. 1 to the 60-foot clock with .824… I decided I was the winner for the 60 foot race, and I was happy with that.
Sunday morning Terry and I got up and ran a half marathon at Disneyland. My mom was originally supposed to do it with me, but she got hurt, so Terry offered to go with me. I am so proud of him. We may not have been fast, but we stayed together and made it through the whole thing. Needless to say it was an early night for us. I believe he was asleep at 630 p.m. Monday we went to the banquet and had a great time as usual. It's always fun dressing up with the people you spend most of your time with.
The words NEXT YEAR are very important words to all teams. When you look at the super teams and that some of them may be going away it's unbelievable. We have been having meeting after meeting and are so close on a deal we can taste it! We have never been this close to a real deal. Many people have been asking what the plans are for both cars next year, if I will run for ROTY. What it is looking like… well here are a few scenarios. First, it could stay the same with us running 10-12 races with the Funny Car and none with the dragster. Second, we could be running Terry's normal and doing just as we did this year and run 3 or 4 events to keep me under the rookie cap. Third, we could be running full seasons with one or both cars. I will tell you that if my car is not completely funded it will not run. Terry has been very strategic with my career and will only let my car run if it's funded. I know that doesn't really help you to figure out what our plans are, but I assure you we will have a plan shortly, and as soon as we do I will let all you amazing fans know!
For Thanksgiving, we were able to bring McKailen home with us. We had such a great time, and I am thoroughly enjoying how our relationship is going. He is now 8! I can't believe it. He is such a great kid! I hope everyone is enjoying their off-season, and I will be letting you know shortly what our final plan is for next year. Have a great week, and I'll write soon!
This blog is a mixture… I started writing this right after Englishtown. Then the month of July hit, and I never had time to send it in or keep up with it. I am leaving the first part of it, which is through Father's Day. I will then move on to the most amazing month we have had in a long time. Please enjoy!
We went to E-town, and it is always a great time to get to go to Terry's hometown. We get to see so many people, and while the list of regular attendees that are people from Terry's past is getting smaller, it is still so much fun to see everyone. In E-town we did pretty well. We ran 4.24, and while it was not the fastest time because the Funny Cars were laying down killer numbers, we are still very happy with our performance. I thought we had a pretty good chance going into Sunday. We knew Cruz was going to want the backup record number, and we just needed to do our thing. When I saw him go up in smoke for a split second I thought we had him. Unfortunately, we then smoked them… it seems like when our car smokes and Terry has to pedal it, it's all over because it jacks the front end up and makes it hard to steer. So it was close, but Cruz got us.
After the race we went to NYC and saw the 9/11 Memorial. If you haven't been able to go I would highly suggest it. Many people forget what is important, and when you go to the memorial there is nothing you can do but remember what happened to our country and our people. You start to remember where you were and what you saw. I was still in high school, and because I grew up next to one of the largest army bases they thought we could potentially be a target and put everyone on lockdown. When you're in high school you don't understand everything that is happening, but after being at the memorial I will never forget what happened and everyone that was lost. Terry said that he was working in Jersey and he saw all the cars coming from the city covered in ash and soot… he watched the second plane hit on television. He said it was surreal and can't believe how long it has been since it happened. After we were done in NYC we went and picked up one of our guys and we all went to the Jersey Shore and had dinner. It was a great time.
We went to Seattle to see McKailen since it was Father's Day, and we went and saw a Mariner's game. Then we went to the Shore in Seattle… this was a little chilly, but we all had a great time. We went to the pool in the evening, and it was warm. Kailen made us these great poems and books. He is such an amazing kid. Braiden is with his dad for a couple of weeks and getting to meet his new sister Skylar. He will then be traveling with us in July. All in all, it has been a very great month.
As I sit here and watch Terry working on his newest project I am able to reflect on the amazing summer we have had. There are ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade one second of it with anyone or anything in life. I picked McKailen up for our 6 week summer vacation and the business started. We had a great first week at home, spending some much needed time, just the three of us. Braiden was at his dad's meeting his new sister, who he loves very much! I think it is a little confusing to him why he wasn't the center of attention every day, but he is getting used to it and building a bond with her. When we left for Norwalk, we knew that there were going to be some really long days and some great amazing times. Our first stop was Indianapolis to pick up my new canopy dragster from DSR. I can't believe that we actually made it happen. I can't thank everyone at DSR and on the Matco team in particular for helping us. I also want to thank Bass and Ashley from Patriot Grading for making this miracle happen. Who would have ever thought that I would have the 5th canopy car… not me! The new car came with its share of problems. When building a car, it would be ideal to take it home and make everything perfect. This, however, wasn't an option for us. We headed over to Norwalk and had a decent weekend until the end. In Q3 the Funny Car made a good pass (not great but good), and we would have qualified had we not hit the last cones, which DQ'd our run. Then we went up for Q4 and were confident that it would roll right down there and most likely run a little better than the previous run. However, it broke an exhaust, which could have cost us much more than just qualifying, so we were glad it didn't take out the body. Most of the following week, we stayed in Norwalk and built my car. It was a lot of long hours and days, but we got quite a bit finished on it. On Friday morning we headed over to Canada for the Nitro Nationals. We had a great time, and the car ran pretty good. Let me tell you, I think McKailen could sell ice to an Eskimo… he was selling parts and paper airplanes like crazy! Super proud of him! Terry and I packed up and headed back so that we could be back across the border by morning…. you wouldn't think it would be that long of a drive, but we had a few stops to make. First we stopped at Dote Racing to work out some deals… then we headed back to Indy because there was an issue with the wingstand that we weren't sure how to fix. The amazing people in the DSR fabrication shop and more help from the Matco team, and we were all fixed up.
We arrived in Denver Tuesday night, practically Wednesday morning, and that was the start of the most amazing week! We got everything set up and started having all the tech stuff done, which for a new car includes a chassis certification and checking the angles of the wing and the layback on the wing. We also checked all the safety devices to make sure they were working. Thursday morning I went to my first-ever television set. Debbie and Bri Bandimere invited me to be part of the group to raise awareness to fight heart disease in women. We did a segment on channel 9 news on the Colorado and Company show. It was amazing! They made me feel so welcome. I made sure to join the track walk on Saturday morning! The Bandimeres are fantastic people, and I am so lucky that they chose to have me go with them. I will never forget it… Thank you!
Now let's talk about some racing. We missed the first session because the car wasn't 100%. We decided together that if it's not perfect it's not going. We made sure everything was ready, and for the second session I made my Pro debut (which sounds so funny to me considering I have been a fan since I was a little girl). We made a planned shut-off run to make sure that all of the systems were functional and to make sure that I was ready. The best feeling that evening was sitting in the car watching Courtney get in and realizing I was in great company and because of my husband and my sponsors I was getting ready to do something so many people would love to do! As I rolled down the hill I started going through my steps and just kept saying it's just another test day… Lo and behold it was not just another day! When the car started everything fell into place. I got the most amazing thumbs up from starter Mark Lyle… it's funny how different it is when normally it's Terry in the seat. I stood on the gas and away we went.
Now when I turned the corner, it became apparent to me that I had never been down to the other end before my team and my car. This is where it gets a little blurry. We were in such a hurry to get me out of the car that I forgot to turn off the air system and my hand just hit the fire bottle knob as they tried to pull me out… so the bottom of my suit got soaked. It was funny! I couldn't stop laughing… as they sat me in the chair and gave me a mic the real job started. Many people say it looks so easy… they are wrong! It is harder to do the interviews than it is to drive the car. I think it was rather funny. Terry tried to hijack my interview but it was a lot of fun. I am still learning what and how to say things. I think I got told several times to bring the mic up and to lift my hat because they couldn't see my face. It was such a great day. I don't think I could have asked for anything better unless I could have made two runs.
Saturday was another great day. We made an almost full pull when I lined up with Brittany. I had never run with someone else in the other lane. It created its own set of challenges. Even though I knew the procedure, I was so afraid to hold her up or make a mistake. It was great except for the fact that the radio came flying out of my car… I didn't know it until we got to the top end. We turned the car around and were ready for the last session when we heard that Rob Passey wasn't going to make the run. This made it to where we had a choice. The team as a group decided that we would skip the last session. For me it was a little disappointing because the only way to get better is to get more seat time, and I knew I was at a disadvantage to start with, seeing that we don't have the budget many other teams do. Instead, ESPN decided they wanted me to come down to do another interview. It was so much fun sitting there as I have watched so many before me sit at the top of the staging lanes.
I ended up being number 16 and would face Tony "the Sarge" Schumacher… this has many challenges. First, he is number 1 and for a reason. He is a champion and an amazing driver. Oh and let's throw in that "winningest driver in Top Fuel history!" This, of course, should make you nervous. I tried to stay calm. I knew I wouldn't win if he went 3.8s or .9s, but I was there in case something happened. Sure enough that something was the hazing of the tires. Many people have asked and/or stated that I should have seen him out front. However, what you don't realize is that with the capsule your field of vision is less. I never saw him. I kept thinking he should be there… where is he… where is he….then I went to hit the chutes and saw the win light come on. I must have had the highest pitched scream coming out of my mouth. I couldn't believe it. When I got out of the car and he shook my hand, I knew it was true, so I hurried back to the starting line as my team took the car back to service it. The problem, however, was earlier in the morning our generator blew up, and we had no air tools power. So thank you to Rob Wendland, Steve Chrisman, and all of his guys for helping our team turn it around with no power. I went down to help make sure that we got Terry's car running and it went. I didn't figure we would both win, but had we both won I don't know what we would do. I say I would want his car to go because he has earned it and made it possible for me to do this, but the competitiveness in me would have wanted to try for both cars.
Next round I had Brittany, and the funniest thing happened. We started going to the lanes, and we were kind of following each other back and forth… I had no idea that I had lane choice! I, of course, picked the same lane because I figured it would bring me luck. I think the second round was hardest on Braiden. I am his mom and he wanted me to win, BUT Brittany is Braiden's "wife," and she has to win. For those of you who don't know, Braiden gave Brittany diamonds last year, and they got married in Vegas… Just ask her she will tell you. She and I were talking about it before second round. She is one of the people who I really enjoy talking with. We rolled up, and the car made a good pass. She beat me and that ended my day. I am beyond blessed to have my team, husband and my sponsors… Let me reiterate how amazing they are! Thank you to Patriot Grading, Dipinto international, Clevite, Dj Safety, All Floors & More, Dunn & Rich Investments, Nitro A GoGo, Gilbert Trucking and One Diamond for everything they have done for us!
Even though our race day was done, our day was just getting started! We had to get everything packed up and get to the airport. We just barely made our flights! Disneyworld, here we come… My parents, the kids, Terry and I had a great week! We had so much fun! We then flew back to Colorado to pick up my car and headed to Washington. As our time was coming to an end as a complete family you could see all of us realize how much we would miss being together. So as our last hurrah we took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge… the waterpark is always so much fun. We then got to the track and business started. I took Kailen over to see his papa because I knew he missed him. We had a great talk, then it was time to start working.
The Seattle race is always a great time because we are used to being there. We spend so much time in Seattle it really is our second home. I made the first pass on Friday and was in the top 12. We knew it wouldn't stay, but we had already made the decision that Terry should run the second session for two reasons… One I don't have the experience going into the sun. I tried several times and days to see if I could see and we felt it was better to let him run. Two we didn't think I would be ready to run fast enough to get in the top 12. So it was Funny Car time! And Boom…. 4.19 career best…We were so excited! We have been waiting for the "teen" number for a long time! We both qualified, which made us so happy and excited. Sunday morning was a whirlwind… I made it to driver intros just in time to down my Mello Yello and walk out, then I raced back to make sure the car was ready. I lost first round … it made me sad my day was over early, but I had such a great month there was no way to have asked for a better July-Aug. Terry also lost first round. So then we just packed up and tried to spend time with Kailen. We knew we were having to return him at the end of the day, and it was so sad. We miss him so much and wish we could see him.
We flew home for a week or so and then we came back and picked up the truck and headed over to Spokane. We had such a great time. The fans were awesome, and they have made so many upgrades since the last time Terry had been there. I ran 4.98 to the quarter-mile, but I was off the gas right at the 1,000-foot marker. I was a little concerned since smaller tracks don't have the automatic shutoffs, I didn't want to be late on the chutes. I was told that it was the first 4-second run at that track. The track told us there had been one other run many years ago but that there was something messed up with the clocks. However, if someone ran in the 4s I don't want to take that away from them… I am just happy I did my job. Terry's car ran 5.65. He was off way early because the car was drifting, plus he said he couldn't outrun me and ruin my day.
Now we are home and getting ready for the last few events of the year. We are so excited! Dallas is our next national event. We haven't been able to qualify the Funny Car at that track, so that is our goal… We want to race on Sunday at our home track. We are also going to stay on Monday so I can get some more laps. We know that Pomona will be very fast, and we need to make me ready for it. Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend, and we will see you soon!
We were originally going to be announcing a major sponsor prior to the Houston race. However, because we couldn't get everything completed to be at the level with Schumacher and the other high profile teams we have chosen to hold off. You can't imagine how hard it is to get all of the items completed and hire people.
We have officially hired one of our guys as a full-time employee. This is a big step for us. We are ready to move forward and we felt what better way than taking one of the guys who has been with us for three seasons and give him the opportunity. Jeremy has been there for us when things were bad and now that they are good so we are happy to have him. Now it's just time management. We are not use to having people in our shop and we want to make sure we utilize him to the fullest. I believe that our team will be able to be more consistent and do a better job.
So in the last few weeks I have been busy personally. I turned 30 on the first of the month and while most people run from getting older I am embracing it. I am sure that will stop at some point. Terry and I went to see Kailen that week and had a great time. We went roller skating which he is learning so well. He still falls but so does everyone else. We also went to this place called Elevated Sports and jumped on all these trampolines. We miss him so much when we are not altogether. We will be going to see him for Easter. We are looking forward to that so we can all be together. Because of the distance and the expense it is not all that often that we all get to go.
Since I turned 30 I figured it was time to start getting in shape. There is a group of NHRA women including wives, mothers, sisters that are going to run a half marathon at Disneyland at the Pomona Finals weekend. I have never run long distances and it would not be something I would normally pick. However, Terry and I talked about it and we decided that it's time for us to make a change. We have been eating better for 6 months and while we feel better we know we need to do more. Now along with this half marathon there is a chance I will have a sponsor for that event. It will make for a long weekend but I am excited to do this with an amazing group of women including my mother. Side note we are dressing up as superheroes because it is the Disney Avengers race. Braiden wants me to have a cape and I believe I will have a tutu too! It will be fun!
Speaking of Braiden he turned 5!!!! That is just crazy to me. I can't believe I have been a mom for 5 years and how he has changed from when he was born to how he is now. He has such an amazing personality and is very athletic. I feel like he is a bull in a china shop most of the time and then he will come over and cuddle on the couch! He is playing t-ball again and is just getting started for the season. I can't believe how often they practice! He is doing really well. They have him on the pitcher's mound which is funny since they hit off a T.
In the shop we have been putting out blocks left and right. Needless to say the shop is moving forward. We have also been working very hard on our car. We have purchased a Toyota body. We are hoping it will help us be more competitive. Our Dodge is very heavy and when I say very heavy I mean it weighs 325 pounds. It is said that for every 100 pounds taken off the car it helps by a tenth of a second. So our 4.21 in Pomona could have been a mid to high teen depending on what the weight comes in at on the new body. It will be painted black for the Houston event and hopefully will be full of color by the next race! Well see everyone in less than two weeks! We are finally finishing my license the Monday after the Houston event… WOOHOO! Have a great week and see you soon!


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WeSC Oboe Headphones
"Hot Orange" are not "hot" and not "orange"
The headphones are great but the color "hot orange" does not look anything close to the color in the picture. The "hot orange" is not orange, nor is it hot. The color is a boring red color.
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subset: commoncrawl


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cool :P well i hope you find what your looking for =]
and hopefully you stay around
Welcome to AO
enjoy your stay =]
Well I have always loved watching anime even as a little kid I loved watching Voltron and Battle of The Planets (Gatchaman) on TV. I remember the day I was hooked was when I went to my buddys house and watched Landlock. After that I looked for a anime supplier buy my house and made my first trip.
The very first series I started watching was Evangelion. Boy how I remember going and getting VHS tape after VHS tape. Watching what I had over and over until the next volume came out. Then when the series ended how I wanted more. When I heard there were the Evangelion movies that should have shed some light on the mysteries of the series, thought I got to see them. I waited and waited for them to release them. Me being the addict I was could not wait any longer so I ordered the japanese version with no subtitle from overseas. Watched it probably a billion times just making up my own story as I watched.
Some of my favorites over the years are Iria, Sword of the Bezerk (dissapointing though), HyperSpeed Grandoll, Perfect Blue, Lupin III, Sword of the Stranger, and many more. My favorite of all time though is Grave of the Fireflies.
I actually came to this site because I was looking for some anime themes for windows vista. Google directed me here, so registered am introducing myself and now will be off to see what goodies I find here.
cool :P well i hope you find what your looking for =]
and hopefully you stay around
Welcome to AO
enjoy your stay =]
I'm the best you'll ever have because i am that f*ing AMA-zing chic who can stand on her own d*n feet and becasue of you I am the Greatest Thank you so much SasuraiHell and Gwen
ciao a tutti!!!! che fico questo spazio, tanti films tante robe e tante tante tante tante...mi sono dimenticato...sicuro erano un sacco però...
well no I did not find what I was looking for when I came here, But I plan on stickin around.
Please do! The people here are really awesome snd nice!
Yeah...at least I get that impression...see ya around...
You should mario. Everyone of my friends are nice including you.


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ST. MARYS — An Ohio senator says the Obama administration needs to do more to ease soaring fuel prices.
"Simply put in order to get energy prices down, we have to deal with the supply issue," U.S. Sen. Rob Portman said during a telelconference with regional media on Thursday. "It's got to be a reliable supply so it's a matter of producing more energy in our country, particularly on public land."
ST. MARYS — Each year, the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated much of their time and effort to making St. Marys better by awarding them with the Builder of Bridges award.
"The award is presented as a recognition of community service, contributions and the individual's work to make St. Marys a better place," Master of Ceremonies Jeff Squire said Thursday night at the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet.
Maurice Rentz, 94, of State Route 274, Chickasaw, died on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at his residence.
He was born on Feb. 14, 1918, in Chickasaw, to August and Anna (Rose) Rentz, and they preceded him in death.
He was preceded in death by seven brothers; three sisters.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw.
Burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery.
D. Wayne Kline, 89, of Rockford, died at 3:21 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born on March 3, 1923, in Liberty Township, to Henry J. Kline and Elise Sutton, and they preceded him in death.
On June 29, 1946, at the Walnut Grove Church in Ohio City, he married Lillian G. Kline, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 1.
NEW BREMEN — New Bremen senior Neven Frazee announced he will play football at Rose-Hulman during a signing ceremony at New Bremen High School on Thursday night.
Frazee, a 6-foot-1 200-pounder who played offenive line, linebacker and punted, was named honorable mention Midwest Athletic Conference All-League this fall.
Frazee learned about the interest in him from the Terre Haute, Indiana school last summer.
50 Years Ago This Week – 1962
(Note: It was a common trend in the 1950s and 1960s that first names were not included in the game summaries or box scores.)
ST. MARYS — Area business people have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, networking time and get an update on some of the latest technology at an annual breakfast.
The St. Marys Community Public Library will host its 13th annual Businessperson's Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. April 5. The free program is open to any local businessperson. St. Marys Community Public Library Adult Services Coordinator Beth Keuneke said the annual event is beneficial for the library and area business people.
MINSTER — One local student has qualified to advance to the Ohio State Geography Bee — a feat that Minster Local Schools hasn't seen since the mid-90s.
ST. MARYS — The newest — and largest — tool in the box to help heal Grand Lake St. Marys arrived on the scene Wednesday.
Brutus, a $670,000 12-inch suction dredge, arrived in the parking lot near the East Bank boat ramp to a crowd of onlookers. The dredge, which will replace a 1968 dredge, was built by Ellicott Dredges in Baltimore, Md., has been a year in the making.
Clifford W. Fisher Jr., 64, of Celina, died at 1:28 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima.
He was born on June 14, 1947, in Wapakoneta, to Clifford Fisher Sr. and Marcella Clum, and they preceded him in death.
On June 8, 1985, he married Carol Fleck, and she survives.
He is also survived by four sons, Brian (Shannon) Fisher of Lakeland, Fla., Kevin Fisher of Celina, James (Barb) Fisher of Celina and Derrick (Andrea) Harter of Celina; a daughter, Dawn Fisher of North Port, Fla.; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild.


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Submitted by Spongebob_007 on September 21, 2013 at 6:24 AM.
When I play and I am in a stage were I can choose to take back with knight or biship and your opponent will take again.For me it`s quite simple, when my opponent has castled and I have a queen I like to keep my knight because he can mate in more plac...Read more »
posted in ELKE1234's Blog
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Grilled Green Bean Salad with Lentil Vinaigrette
Anna Williams
Provided by: Food&Wine
Most cooks boil, steam or sauté green beans, but grilling themas Alex Seidel of Denver's Fruition does heregives them a delicious char that's superb with the lentils, pancetta and baked tomatoes in this salad. Best New Chef 2010: Alex Seidel
- 2 tomatoes, about 8 ounces each halved
- 1 basil sprig
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 clove(s) garlic, halved
- 2 shallots1 halved, 1 minced
- 2 cup(s) pure olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3 tablespoon(s) black beluga lentils
- 1 tablespoon(s) sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon(s) chopped oregano
- 1/2 pound(s) thin green beans
- 4 ounce(s) thickly sliced pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 8 baby pattypan squash, quartered
- pinch(s) of crushed red pepper
- 2 packed cups baby arugula
- 1. Preheat the oven to 300°. Put the tomatoes in a small baking dish, cut side up. Add the basil, bay leaf, garlic and halved shallot. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake the tomatoes for about 2 hours, until very tender. Let cool slightly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a plate and break them up slightly. Reserve the tomato oil. Discard the basil, bay leaf, garlic and shallot.
- 2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of the tomato oil with half of the minced shallot and cook over moderate heat until softened, 2 minutes. Add the lentils and 3 cups of water; season with salt and pepper. Simmer over high heat until the lentils are tender, 15 minutes; drain and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the vinegar, oregano, 1/4 cup of the tomato oil and the remaining minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan. In a medium bowl, toss the green beans with 1 tablespoon of the tomato oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning once, until lightly charred, 2 minutes.
- 4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the tomato oil. Add the diced pancetta and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the pattypans and the crushed red pepper, season with salt and cook for 1 minute. Add the roasted tomatoes and green beans and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Spoon the vegetable mixture onto 4 plates and drizzle half of the lentil vinaigrette on top.
- 5. Add the arugula to the remaining lentil vinaigrette and toss. Mound the arugula on the green bean salad and serve.


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Schüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth 1938-Overview
Publication Timeline
Most widely held works about
Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
Most widely held works by
Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
Bread not stone : the challenge of feminist biblical interpretation
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
24 editions published between 1984 and 2002 in English and held by 1,807 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
In memory of her : a feminist theological reconstruction of Christian origins
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
44 editions published between 1983 and 2002 in English and German and held by 1,770 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The Book of Revelation--justice and judgment
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
15 editions published between 1984 and 1998 in English and held by 899 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Searching the Scriptures
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
20 editions published between 1993 and 2001 in English and held by 883 WorldCat member libraries worldwide This utilizes biblical - historical and literary - critical scholarship for a feminist reading of the Scriptures. Rather than focusing only on the women's passages, it analyzed the writings in their entirety and brings to the fore the suppressed voices and subjugated knowledges of times past
But she said : feminist practices of biblical interpretation
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
13 editions published between 1992 and 2005 in English and held by 879 WorldCat member libraries worldwide "For centuries, the Bible's meaning has been defined and interpreted for us by the minds and the mouths of men. Women have been silenced and excluded, never allowed authority to say what the Bible means. If the hold of "malestream" biblical interpreters is to be relinquished and the power of the Word released for all, Schussler Fiorenza tells us, then women and other marginalized people must learn to read the biblical stories differently. Like the foreign woman in the Gospel story who challenges Jesus with "Yes, Lord, but," women must understand their reading and interpreting as profoundly political efforts to transform patriarchal structures, in biblical times and in our own." "Building upon the acclaimed 1984 volume Bread Not Stone, But She Said examines the social locations and political contexts of biblical interpretation in the United States. Schussler Fiorenza shows us how a feminist practice of biblical interpretation can empower women of all colors and classes to rethink the Bible's meanings." "Each of the book's carefully articulated chapters invokes the name of a woman who embodies the struggle to break through marginalization and silence - Miriam, Arachne, Mary of Magdala, Justa, Sophia, Prisca, and Sheba. The names of these "women of wisdom and valor" remind us of the resistance that women have always met when they have sought to read and interpret the Bible on equal terms with men." "But She Said will inspire all women to approach the Bible with a critical eye toward the patriarchal meanings and politics encoded in its stories, and to find there a hopeful vision of the liberating power of the Word."--Jacket
Jesus : Miriam's child, Sophia's prophet : critical issues in feminist Christology
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
19 editions published between 1994 and 2004 in English and held by 811 WorldCat member libraries worldwide Fiorenza charts the rise and fall into "historical amnesia" of the liberating movement gathered around Jesus as the prophet and messenger of Divine Sophia, or Woman Wisdom, the all-powerful female figure in early Jewish Scriptures and theology. While teachings about Women Wisdom permeate the texture of the Christian ("New") Testament, they were quickly clothed in what the author calls kyriocentric (ruling-male) language. Not simply a work of historical reconstruction, this is a work of constructive feminist theology, showing how the historically unrealized possibilities of Woman Wisdom can offer the vision of a different world and a different church. By assessing various Jesus traditions and interpretations as to whether they can engender liberating visions for today, the book seeks to challenge and transform masculine Christian identity formations and exclusivist theological frameworks toward the basileia vision of justice and well-being for all.--From publisher description
Aspects of religious propaganda in Judaism and early Christianity
9 editions published between 1975 and 1976 in English and held by 769 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Wisdom ways : introducing feminist biblical interpretation
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
8 editions published between 2001 and 2006 in English and held by 563 WorldCat member libraries worldwide "Biblical interpretation, according to Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, is best understood as searching for Divine Wisdom. In Wisdom Ways she invites readers to join her on a journey of discovery." "Addressing both feminist students and all those who wish to understand the exciting field of feminist biblical interpretation, she offers a review that is not merely informative but liberating. While challenging mainstream reading strategies, she empowers students to think critically and enter creatively into the life-transforming "way of wisdom"."--Jacket
Discipleship of equals : a critical feminist ekklēsia-logy of liberation
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
17 editions published between 1993 and 1998 in English and Undetermined and held by 550 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Sharing her word : feminist biblical interpretation in context
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
10 editions published between 1998 and 1999 in English and held by 546 WorldCat member libraries worldwide The author explores how biblical discourses shape our understanding of the world and "how reimagining the Bible can contribute to the spiritual struggle for a more just world, and why we fail to embrace such an undertaking at our own peril."--Jacket
Revelation : vision of a just world
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
14 editions published between 1991 and 1999 in English and held by 508 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Jesus and the politics of interpretation
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
8 editions published between 2000 and 2001 in English and held by 499 WorldCat member libraries worldwide "Jesus and the Politics of Interpretation seeks to interrupt the rhetorics and politics of meaning which in the past decade have compelled the proliferation of popular and scholarly books and articles about the historical Jesus, and which have turned Jesus into a commodity of neo-capitalist Western culture."
Women, invisible in theology and church
4 editions published in 1985 in English and held by 421 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Rhetoric and ethic : the politics of biblical studies
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
7 editions published between 1999 and 2000 in English and held by 390 WorldCat member libraries worldwide "In this study, feminist biblical critic Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza continues to explore the paradigm shift underway in biblical studies. Focusing on Paul and his interpreters, she questions the apolitical ethos of biblical scholarship and argues for an alternative rooted in a critical understanding of language as a form of power. Only then, she contends, will biblical studies be "a significant partner in the global struggles seeking justice and well-being for all.""--Jacket
The Holocaust as interruption
6 editions published between 1984 and 1986 in English and held by 380 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
The power of naming : a Concilium reader in feminist liberation theology
4 editions published in 1996 in English and held by 368 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
On the cutting edge : the study of women in biblical worlds : essays in honor of Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
7 editions published between 2003 and 2004 in English and held by 362 WorldCat member libraries worldwide These essays in honour of Professor Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza draw on international feminist scholarship indebted to her ground-breaking achievements in the areas of biblical studies, feminist thought and social justice
The power of the word : Scripture and the rhetoric of empire
by Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza
8 editions published in 2007 in English and held by 357 WorldCat member libraries worldwide What kind of power does scripture exercise? In The Power of the Word, Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, a scholar of feminist biblical interpretation and early Christian history, explores this difficult hermeneutical question. Because Christian scriptures were formulated in the context of Roman imperial power, they have functioned-and still do so-in the service of empire, legitimating colonialist expansion, racist exploitation, and heterosexist discrimination. Schussler Fiorenza calls for a critical feminist decolonizing reading, capable of identifying both the destructive powers of empire and the radical democratic visions of justice and well being that are inscribed in the scriptural text. The Power of the Word makes a contribution not only to traditional fields such as Pauline and Apocalypse studies, but also to the developing intersection of feminist and postcolonial biblical studies and the study of empire
Women, work, and poverty
3 editions published in 1987 in English and held by 347 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
Violence against women
4 editions published in 1994 in English and held by 340 WorldCat member libraries worldwide more
Audience Level
Related Identities
Associated Subjects
Abused women Apologetics--Early church Bible Bible.--New Testament Bible.--Revelation Boff, Leonardo Catholic Church Catholics Christianity and antisemitism Christianity--Origin Christology Feminism--Religious aspects--Christianity Feminist criticism Feminists Feminist theology Feminist theory Gutiérrez, Gustavo, Hermeneutics Hero worship Historicity of Jesus Christ Holocaust (Christian theology) Holocaust (Jewish theology) Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.) Jesus Christ Judaism--Post-exilic period (Judaism) Küng, Hans, Lonergan, Bernard J. F Magic Metz, Johannes Baptist, Miracles Moore, Sebastian, Rahner, Karl, Ruether, Rosemary Radford Schillebeeckx, Edward, Schüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth, Sex discrimination in employment Sexism in religion Theologians Theology Theology, Doctrinal Violence--Religious aspects--Christianity Wisdom (Biblical personification) Women--Crimes against Women--Economic conditions Women--Employment Women in Christianity Women in Christianity--Early church Women--Religious aspects--Christianity Women--Social conditions Women theologians
Alternative Names
Fiolenza, Elisabeth Schüssler
Fiorenza, Elisabeth 1938-
Fiorenza, Elisabeth S. 1938-
Fiorenza, Elisabeth Schüssler.
Fiorenza, Elisabeth Schüssler 1938-
Fiorenza Schüssler, Elisabeth 1938-
Schuessler Fiorenza, Elizabeth
Schuessler Fiorenza, Elizabeth 1938-
Schüssler, Elisabeth
Schüssler, Elisabeth 1938-
Schüssler, Elisabeth Fiorenza
Schüßler, Fiorenza 1938-
Schüssler Fiorenza, E. 1938-
Schüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth
Schüssler-Fiorenza, Elisabeth 1938-
Shüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth 1938-


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text:
Mrs. Louada R. Brooks Arrington, 86, of Statesville, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at Carillon Assisted Living in Salisbury, NC
Mrs. Arrington was born August 2, 1926 in Thomasville, NC and was the daughter of the late Herman Calvin and Glenna Mae Morton Brooks. She was a graduate of Davidson County schools and Phifer College.
In 1954, she married Sam M. Arrington, who preceded her in death on December 5, 2003.
Mrs. Arrington was a homemaker. She also served as a teacher's aide at N.B. Mills School and volunteered as a pink lady with Iredell Memorial Hospital.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Phil Arrington (Nina) of Statesville, and three daughters, Barbara Kociolek (John) of Orlando, FL, Glenda Dyson (Barry) of Salisbury and Laura Arrington of Statesville. She is also survived by six grandsons, 2nd Lt. Cameron Spencer, Travis Spencer, Davis Spencer, Kevin Arrington and Hayden Arrington and Nicholas Kociolek along with one granddaughter, Lauren Kociolek.
A memorial service for Mrs. Arrington will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, April 29, 2013 at Carillon Assisted Living in Salisbury. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 4, 2013 in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. J.B. Parker officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 until 11:00 am at the funeral home. A private family interment will follow the service.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Alzheimer's Association or to Hospice of Rowan County, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144.
Online condolences can be made at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.


text:
Archive for the 'General' Category
Secrets from the Back of the Box
It was late 2012. If Quest was a child it would have been at the peak of the awkward puberty stage; A middle schooler who just returned home from the dentist with a full set of braces. Quest was becoming something special, but it wasn't fully formed.
Case in point: the back of the box of Quest Bars.
It all started with a late night email. I don't remember what the email was about anymore, but someone said that Quest needed to be "less intense" and "a little more normal". In a 10-minute fury of passion, I wrote the 'You Are Intense' manifesto, originally as a reply to the email.
The Quest Manifesto was a hit internally. We had long bemoaned how hard it was to put the Quest spirit into words. It would always come out as trite. 'You Are Intense' seemed to actually do the trick.
We turned the Manifesto into posters that were included with orders. We hung it around the office. When we launched Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Bars, and needed copy for the back of the box, the obvious choice, of course, was 'You are Intense'. All subsequent flavors got it too.
There are now millions of boxes out in the world with those words printed on them. We receive emails from fans around the world describing how they've hung the back of our box on their wall. A kindergarten teacher sent a picture of it in her classroom. When I first interviewed Jessica-Rose, who would eventually become the head of our customer support, she told me the back of the box changed her life.
We put the soul of Quest into words. People responded, loudly. But was it the right external representation? It spoke to us as people, but was it Quest the brand?
It was time to define our brand position.
Brand position is communicated by the gestalt of what you release into the world. It's the totality of copy, colors and images. You can't declare your brand to be something. Your brand is something. All of the elements add up to a cohesive whole. Small day-to-day choices make up that whole. And as evident by 'You are Intense', those choices can spread across the entire brand quickly.
Later in 2013, Quest President Tom Bilyeu, our community manager Clark, and I locked ourselves in a conference room. We weren't going to leave until we had a campaign that accurately described who Quest was. We wanted to show people how amazing, fun and delicious a healthy lifestyle can be. We wanted to spark people's creativity and get them to find joy in healthy food.
Our brainstorm took less than an hour. We left the room with a clear position and a new mantra: #CheatClean. It was one of those lightbulb moments. The brand position had always been right under our nose. Now it was completely defined; Make healthy eating fun.
At the 2013 Mr Olympia, our new position was brought to life. Mr. Olympia is one of the biggest sports nutrition trade shows with over 50,000 fans in attendance. Tom and I were looking at other booths and exclaimed how the Quest booth stood out. We were full of clean and delicious food. Every other booth had images of sweating six pack abs, veiny biceps, and necks draped in chains. We would later dub this 'Chains and Veins'. It perfectly describes the standard brand position companies in sports nutrition employ.
It's easy to fall into the trap of doing what everyone else in an industry is doing. It's safe. It's obvious. It's expected. But it tricks you into being one of many. 'You are Intense' is the written version of Veins and Chains. As was clear at the Mr. Olympia, there are plenty of fitness companies reminding people to be intense. But Quest's job as a food company is to show fans that healthy eating can be fun. 'You are Intense' didn't do that.
Having copy that wasn't perfect didn't slow down our growth. Using it for the back of the box of Chocolate Chip Cookie Doug was better than delaying for something better. As Steve Jobs said, "Real artist ship". Often times, something is better than nothing. 'You are Intense' worked in the moment, for the moment. It will forever live on as an important part of the Quest spirit. An internal rally cry. A revealing glimpse at what it takes to be part of this family. The words ring just as true today as they did in that first email. It just isn't our brand position.
The new design for the back of our boxes rolls out in a few months. Anyone who follows the Quest brand won't be surprised by what they see; Recipes with beautiful photography. With the introduction of the new back of the box, our braces will be removed to reveal a bright Quest smile. Our spirit may not be normal, but our brand is clean and delicious. We now fully reflect that.
How an US Magazine Article Made me Rethink Everything
It was the beginning of a non-stop day at Quest HQ with questions and ideas coming from every corner of the office; YouTube series ideas and talent questions, chips retail launch specs and what about that new ad format? Keeping up with the outside world, I checked Google Analytics to see how e-com was doing.
I stopped in my tracks.
We had more than five times the active users that we should see on a normal day. How could that be possible? It was not as much traffic as we'd get during a new product launch but the numbers were huge. Too huge.
I raced over to our social team. Nothing was out of the ordinary. All systems normal over at E-com and customer support. Tech confirmed the traffic spike and said the site was holding up fine (This much traffic would have killed our site just two years ago).
We weren't getting a Denial of Service attack nor had Justin Beiber tweeted about us. Still, I needed to know what was going on. The mystery remained until, a few hours later, our community manager found it. A tweet from Orange is the New Black actress Alysia Reiner. It was an US Magazine article.
"Snacks in my bag, thx jimmy choo (big clutch)": The actress made sure to stock her clutch with snacks to get through the long night ahead.
The magazine article is about Alysia at the Emmys. Nothing health or fitness related. Quest isn't mentioned by name. There's no link to our website. It's just the above image. A high barrier to entry for a new visitor requiring the disruption of their current flow (browsing US Magazine) to open a new tab and do a Google search for 'Quest Bar'.
Yet tens of thousands US Magazine readers came to the Quest website.
Quest is built around the social experience, so blending social with a celebrity and a mainstream source like US Magazine is a big win. While I'd like to take credit for the magazine placement myself, or give credit to our PR team, I can't. Alysia Reiner is simply an authentic fan of our products. Ultimately, that is better than any orchestrated post could ever be. All good news then, right? Countless people were being introduced to Quest for the first time. Protein shakes for everyone! Not so fast.
This massive influx of new visitors brought with them the opportunity for me and our team to learn. And there was a big lesson waiting to be learned. Throughout the two-day traffic spike one key metric wasn't budging. Sales.
Most of the new visitors landed on our Protein Bars page (third organic Google result) instead of our home page (first and second organic Google result). That's far from the ideal flow. The Protein Bars page isn't helpful to a new customer – and is rarely the first thing they see. The user experience of that page was designed to easily select and order different flavors of Quest Bars. It wasn't made with an US Magazine reader in mind; a person who knows nothing about Quest. Over half of these new visitors didn't make it past the Protein Bars page. Conversions didn't increase in relation to the traffic either. Tons of impressions, high bounce and a low conversion rate – the stuff of e-com nightmares.
By 7pm the traffic spike was holding strong but the office had finally started to calm. I took a moment to consider the US Magazine audience and put myself into their mindset. I thought about their experience as they spent an average of 2.5 minutes on our site. What did they see? What did they think? How did they feel?
They didn't see our amazing community, our fun content or delicious recipes. Since most people didn't click past the Protein Bars Page, they didn't even know what makes a Quest Bar special – the features and benefits that any Quest fan could recite in their sleep. Without a broader context, these new users simply left the site, hungry for some more celebrity gossip.
Not all is lost, however. We got our first 'touch' with a lot of new potential fans. In the coming weeks, a retargeted banner ad, a 15 second recipe, or a Transformation of the Week will hopefully bring them back. Maybe one of their friends is already a Quest fan and will share one of our Wednesday memes. Quest is now the radar of a lot of people who had never heard of us. A classic PR win.
More importantly, however, the traffic surge prompted us to think about user flow from different entry points and demographics. Our UX designer is re-thinking how to layout the page and our E-Com team is working on our sales funnel. It's useful to challenge base assumptions (no one is landing on the Protein Bars page) that may lead to new opportunities (what if they do?). These basic techniques are easy to lose sight of when you're growing fast but can be more profound than a fancy new software suite or behavioral ad targeting solution.
It's helpful to take a moment and think about your site from the perspective of someone outside your niche market. What will happen when US Magazine posts a picture of your product?
Chips Gone Viral: 3 Stages of a New Product Launch
Picture tens of thousands of fans waiting by their computers, refreshing a website to pre-order the hot new product. Is it the iPhone 6? Oculus Rift? Nope, it's a bag of chips.
How do you pre-sell chips on the internet? Through the power of community.
Quest's product launch strategy is unique within the food and fitness industries. By building a massive community, we are able to market and build buzz for new products to over 1 million consumers. We fuel Quest's online ecosystem with high value content (videos, images, blogs) that fans love to talk about and share on our social channels and their own. And when it comes to launching a new product, our fans get just as excited as we do.
Read on for the three stage product strategy. Note: All social posts are embeds from the original source so the Likes, Shares and Comments are in real time.
Stage 1: HYPE
It had been almost 8 months since we launched our latest Quest Bar flavor, Cookies and Cream. Fans were hungry for something new. When we teased the above image the fans were ignited and immediately began speculation in the comment thread, on personal social channels, message boards and blogs. Most assumed we were releasing another Quest Bar flavor. The image contained a clue however; to a discerning fan, the wrapper was clearly not from a Quest Bar.
The next day we made it clear we weren't just releasing a new protein bar flavor, but a whole new product line. At this point, speculation shifted from bar flavor ideas to new product ideas. Some users went so far as looking up our trademark filings in hopes of discovering what the new product was.
It's fun to see fans getting excited and it would be easy to prolong the hype stage for weeks. But this is a short marketing cycle. 15-second attention spans mean that your marketing campaign will only stay top of mind for a few days. Build hype for too long and fans will either forget about your product or get tired of the message. React in real time. Think of yourself as the director of a film, adjusting performances to get a specific audience reaction.
Quest Memes consistently garner the highest engagement, so we used them as part of the chips hype cycle. These images get a lot of shares, tags and regrams, which help circulate the message to an extended audience who may not engage with the Quest brand.
People have been burned for decades with the notion of 'healthier' chips which have slightly fewer carbs and a little more protein, but are not actually good for you. We had to make it clear that our product really was different from a nutrition standpoint but still tasted as good as traditional potato chips.
The first few hundred bags of Quest Protein Chips that came off the production line were next-day aired to key influencers. The influencers received a cryptic email letting them know we had sent them a new product and asking them to record their reaction. The turnaround would be tight. We needed their reaction videos back within 24 hours so we could edit the clips into a teaser and a reveal video. The influencers would then post their reaction videos to their social channels the day after.
While the fans couldn't sample the chips themselves, if taste-testing influencers liked the new product, chances are the fans would too. While a bigger brand may have controlled product sampling and feedback tightly, we wanted honest reactions. The influencers didn't receive talking points or rules dictating what the could or couldn't say. All we wanted was the truth — and we were willing to share that truth with the rest of our fans in a very transparent way.
Videos often gets lower engagement for us, especially on Facebook. This image announced the Protein Chips along with the flavor assortment and release information. Ultimately, the video generated thousands of organic impressions with an amazing reach and outperformed the image. Our core fan base and their friends all knew about Quest Protein Chips before we even began accepting orders. Our 'talking about' on Facebook jumped 60% and new fan acquisition increased 66% over the week prior.
Our influencers began uploading their full unboxing videos to Instagram and YouTube which have over 180,000 views on YouTube.
Unique views to QuestNutrition.com spiked to over 220% above normal throughout the day. Our Amazon Web Services hosting scaled to match the task, unlike years prior when our site would go down minutes after we opened up a pre-sale.
There's social capital gained from being the first amongst your friends to post a picture of the new Quest product. It's a signal that you are not only part of the club, but a top-ranking early adopter within it.
Our #HappyFriday image became our most Liked image on Instagram, ever. It was the first image of the Protein Chips in the hands of a consumer. We had a different image ready to post for this day, but a fan submitted image was far more powerful than what we generated internally. It's a case of letting go of your marketing and giving the fans control.
The entire week saw a unique traffic lift of nearly 100% with sales to match.
Bonus stage – STAGE 4: RETAIL
One benefit of releasing direct-to-consumer first is that we get feedback on the new product, ranging from taste to how it arrives when we ship. Hearing directly from our fans allows us to make changes before going out to our 10,000+ retail partners. When done correctly, it's only a matter of days before fans post asking when they can purchase the new product at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, 24 Hour Fitness or other sports nutrition retailer. With Protein Chips, the requests started before the pre-sale even began.
It was clear that our fans wanted Quest Protein Chips in stores as soon as possible. Our retail partners felt the same way. Sending a new product through the retail channel takes time to coordinate and ship, but Protein Chips will be in stores soon. This will create a second round of fan excitement and opportunities that are unique to the in-store environment with in-person interaction.
Your relationship with your fans is like any relationship, online or off. It's a give and take. When it comes to the fan/brand relationship I'd reframe that to give and ask. I suggest to give exponentially more than you ask for. When you do, fans will come out in a big way to enjoy the excitement and support a brand that they love. Break down your release schedule, be aware how long you can stay top of mind, react in real time and give your fans control.
Old Posts
All posts below this one were written many moons ago.
My first time on New Mediacracy
What a blast!
Listen to me speak about the Future of Storytelling on New Mediacracy. Click the picture below
The Big Fight and Monetizing Your Life
I'm an Apple Fan Boy. I don't try to hide it with my MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad. They are great devices. But lately I've been… looking. It started with the HTC EVO. Based on the specs and the early reviews, this phone looks like a beast. Or as Engadget said
… its magnificent list of specs reads as though it was scribbled on a napkin after a merry band of gadget nerds got tipsy at the watering hole and started riffing about their idea of the ultimate mobile device: a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 4.3-inch WVGA display, 8 megapixel camera with 720p video recording, HDMI-out, and WiMAX compatibility.
A true powerhouse.
Google has positioned itself in a beautiful way with Android. The fact that I (and many other Apple loyalists) am considering jumping over to Android is a big deal. It's all part of what I'm calling the Big Fight.
The Power Players of the Big Fight are:
And to a lesser extent
MySpace for starting it all
Twitter for introducing real time
FourSquare for introducing location
The Big Fight is real time, location aware and across all screens. The Big Fight is about control of you – voicemail to email to your social feed and texts; what you are watching on TV or Hulu and who you are watching it with, where you are eating lunch and what you are about to purchase. Your identity (online and off) and that of all your friends. Everything is content and it is all monetizable. That means the top contenders – Google, Apple and Facebook, need access to it all.
Google has established dominance in consumer mobile with Android. It has leverage on more platforms than Apple since Anroid isn't device specific. Google also has a few social networks (That aren't doing well, yet). It has massive ad capabilities. In some capacity, it has all the elements that Apple and Facebook have combined. Which is why it is no surprise that iPhone 4.0 is rumored to have tight Facebook integration. They need each other, while Google is able to do it on its own (with massive acquisitions and help from people like Sony and Intel). Apple/Facebook is all about a closed, secure, easy environment for 'normal' people. They are mainstream. Google is open but also geeky.
Google has their cards lined up in a way that should make Apple worried because this war has just begun.
Apple tried to get on your TV with their failed Apple TV. While they now have a true content consumption device with the iPad, it's a personal consumption device. They are behind on taking over your living room. Google TV will (hopefully) bring the web video experience to the big (consumer) screen. No more hunkering around a 21in monitor to watch those funny YouTube videos. It will be seamless on Google TV.
I have been envisioning a dual device content experience for a while. Sit in the living room with the TV on and interact with a tablet or phone. That's built in to Google TV. Say you are watching one of the new Fall shows on NBC with your HTC EVO in hand. During a commercial you'll be able to push that funny YouTube video from phone to Google TV seamlessly, watch it with everyone, then get back to your show. That's fun. That's event / crowd driven in a new way.
And it's only the start.
The Android tablet is coming out soon. Now we get some real interactive possibilities in the Android / Google TV ecosystem. For example, a new soap is set to air on MTV which has a choose your own adventure style ending. I don't think choose your own adventure will have legs in any space, but picking the ending will at least feel natural when you have a device sitting on your lap (instead of having to remember your choice, then the next time you are at a computer remember to go to the Mtv site and pick it). The interaction here is probably more of a marketing hook than anything else and I doubt it will have any Android (or iPad) integration. What will be coming after that, however, is immersive interactive experiences that truly enhances the story.
Enhancing the story is vital. It's the only way this stuff will stick around and evolve. If it's not adding emotion, if it's not helping the story, what's the point?
Innovative interactive possibilities will surely come in the 2011 and 2012 fall lineup. At that point there will be a large enough group of people wanting to interact who will have the hardware to do it. Even if it's 200,000 people it allows for HUGE advertiser play. Those 200,000 will be Hyper Engaged. They'll interact with the show and its brands on their tablet or phone. They'll investigate product integrations, or perhaps their device will notify them with coupons (or something less lame).
Google now has a complete TV platform, including heavy monetization capabilities.
Where does that leave Apple and Facebook? Facebook has already demonstrated its ability for social viewing with CNNs election coverage integration. It was a good small screen experience. How will Apple and Facebook get into the big screen market? Apple must find a TV strategy if it is going to be a contender in the Big Fight. The iPad is obviously their first step. I'm designing content for it. I think its game changing. But Apple needs to find a way to leverage me on the couch watching TV, because that experience isn't going anywhere. It's just going to get better.
Screen Size Democracy
Nick talking about his iPad again. Awesome.
I've been watching old episodes of Arrested Development and The Office in 'passive mode' on my iPad for a while. They play like music in the background. I'll glance over while making dinner or brushing my teeth. Why not, right? The iPad makes me want to have content playing at all times. Examining this experience, and the other options available through this device, is important in understanding how it's going to work in 5-10 years.
The next Story Telling Revolution.
Having exhausted my tolerance of comedy I'd seen ten times before, I put on this lecture by Amy Jo Kim about social game design.
(It's long but worth it)
The lessons learned from the above video I will save. Instead, I want to examine my habit. I took my netbook out and started writing down thoughts and questions. This was an active experience. But the active element was not contained within the iPad environment. That option isn't available. Yet. The lecture wasn't scripted or story driven but the habit of 'doing' while watching seemed natural.
Since it was a lazy Sunday, I next fired up the DailyMotion app to watch Compulsions. I had a pre-release DVD of this and watched it months ago, but I watched it on my computer. At work. On my second monitor. While I emailed. And Tweeted. And caught up on RSS feeds. And cycled between 5 different browsers with 10 tabs in each. A multitasked nightmare. I have tons going on every computing second. It's not an optimal way to consume content; to get lost in a story. It's a passive experience. Computing habits are deeply engrained, however, and hard to break.
Luckily, a new habit is being formed now.
The iPad habit. First, you aren't multi-tasked to death (The iPad despertly needs the 4.0 update to support multitasking, but even with that, you'll be focused on one thing at a time. My iPad is jailbroken so I've already got multitasking). Second, all content is treated the same. Screen size democracy. The 9-inch screen feels bigger than it is. I've watched a ton of TV shows and features, so Compulsions was no different than LOST. You lose that stigma of 'It's on your computer so it's bad'. Third, it's a 'lean in' experience. The iPhone OS has been CREATED to lean in. No one has yet capitalized on viewing filmed entertainment in a 'lean in' environment. That will be here soon.
On a tablet you want to TOUCH. It feels right. That's where our new form of entertainment is going to shine. You won't have a million things going on, but since the habit of doing while watching has been established, some sort of interaction will be natural. I was ready to touch and play with Compulsions. The option just doesn't exist.
On your 52in web connected tv, you're gong to want to sit back and watch. That will be your tradiational content experience, indistinguishable from what's on TV today (Except there will be more options with lower budget and niched targeted shows replacing what we today call Web Series). The hybrid experience will be consuming content on the big screen while you interact via the tablet. This will be great for tentpole events.
With a million iPads sold and people downloading (and paying for) Apps at a breakneck speed, the new market is creating itself. The options are emerging. Now we just need the platform and story. Two parallel paths that need to be developed in tandem. You'll be seeing that from me very soon.
This is how you'll be Touching Video
I was about to finish up a different post when I found this http://craftymind.com/factory/html5video/CanvasVideo.html
Go there. Now. In your modern HTML5 compliant browser. This is a seemingly small step with HUGE implications. While this implementation may not seem exciting at first glance, this is a perfect example of 'touching' video.
More later.
Momentum: Recapping Dallas
Last Saturday I was part of a panel at the Dallas International Film Festival about creativity on the web.
Short, one-off viral videos have driven interest in original content for the web. But with the introduction of hi-def, web-based players, cheaper high quality cameras and increasingly savvy viewers we may be approaching a watershed moment: a time when the web is the final destination for high-end material. Is the web a viable outlet for creative, original content?
Matt Bolish (Dallas IFF): Moderator
Justin Muller: Dream Factory
Jessica Rose: Lonely Girl 15
Joy Gohring: DateAHuman.com
Tina Santomauro: Atom.com
Nicholas Robinson: Vuguru
Moderator Matt Bolish did a great job focusing our discussion. I had a few opportunities to chat with Matt prior to the panel and was happy to see he shares the same enthusiasm about the digital space as I do. On the panel, we covered all sides of the digital content creation equation – development, marketing, and distribution. I always welcome an opportunity to discuss the future of our industry. This panel was an excellent chance to do so with a bright and talented group. The audience was similarly engaged, and while they all wondered how to make money (We're working on that), they were excited about the possibilities. My fellow panelists and I all agreed, before the panel started, that the answer to the core question was, obviously, a loud YES – The web is a viable outlet for creative original content.
It's to be expected that a panel about content creation on the web, by people intimately involved, will go in the direction that it did. The most encouraging and surprisng conversations were the ones I had with everyone else at the festival. The volunteers and general festival-goers 'got' what I am doing and see how important the digital space is becoming. I don't think that would have been the case even last year. Sometimes it takes a one-on-one conversation to drive home the point that there are high quality, engaging stories being told online. If I can get one new person to tune in, that's a success.
While the Streamys may not have gone over very well, the overwhelmingly positive reactions of everyone at Dallas is encouraging. As long as we push forward and work through the obstacles, an incredibly promising future awaits. You can check out DIFFs recap here.
Success, Failure, Lightsabers & Awards: Moving on from the 2010 Streamys
The first film festival I ever entered was a statewide German competition called Sprachfest (The cool kids in central Maine took German for their required language class). I, unfortunately, was horrible at German. My recipe for a good grade, as it often was, was to make a movie. I wrote a script in English and had my more competent friends translate and act. It was a high concept schlocky comedy called Gilligan's Winter Island. Titanic meets Gilliigan's Island. With a lightsaber battle for good measure, mostly because I just learned how to rotoscope.
The night before the festival I was ready to export my masterpiece via the Iomega Buzz. All you old school filmmakers remember that piece of crap. And, as is often the case with deadlines and technology, the Buzz died. 6am quickly rolled around and the technical difficulties were only getting worse. I rolled with the punches, setup a tripod, and filmed the computer monitor as I played back the film fullscreen. Scan lines and all. It was the only option. I couldn't walk into Sprachfest empty handed and disappoint my classmates, teacher, school, and an easy A.
My eyes were closed the second Winter Island started to play. How embarrassing. The only source of redemption? The lightsabers. Thank God for them. As we all know from George Lucas, special effects can save any horrible movie. I won third place (Out of pity I'm sure).
This is a long and roundabout way to get to my thoughts about last night's Streamy Awards. But anyone who has ever created anything knows things go wrong. It's how this world works. Both the audience and the creators have to eventually roll with it. Because of that, I'll give the Streamys a pass on the technical front. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is.
Sadly, technical issues were far from the only problem. The primary purpose of the Streamys is to show the world top tier digital content and to explain, by exceptional examples, why this new form of entertainment is high quality, here to stay and to be taken seriously. Our time to shine.
I'm all for self deprecating humor. It's a great way to hide the tears show how down to earth you are. But it's vital to take a step back and look at the big picture. The positioning of digital content is how the rest of the world is going to perceive it. If the awards say web content is crap, then that's what everyone else will think. Subpar production of the show itself is just toxic icing on a undercooked cake.
Granted, there IS a lot of junk out there on the web. It's an inevitable result of a totally open ecosystem and to be expected. Roll with that. The Streamys must showcase whats great and shout from the rooftops YES, WE HAVE AMAZING CONTENT. Until WE take ourselves seriously, NO ONE ELSE WILL. A high profile host like Paul Scheer was great exposure, but the way he was used only heightened the problem. Control the things that are under your control. To have Paul's script mostly make fun of web content is beyond counter productive. And frankly it's overdone. Yes, we all get it that no one is making a lot of money. Yet.
Speaking of money, we need to be appealing to advertisers. What are they going to think now? Our awards show was filled with profanity, nudity, technical problems, and disgusting behavior. If we are to survive and ultimately thrive, we have to be smart from the beginning. Treat this like a joke and we'll be treated like jokers. I can't imagine how upset some of the brands involved with the awards must be. We ALL have a responsibility to show them this was isolated. Felecia Day, as always, was spot on in her acceptance speech. It's unfair that she had to go on stage to accept the award while fighting back what must be an avalanche of incredible frustration.
For those of us who live and breathe this world, the entire night was a slap in the face.
I was sitting behind Chris. This was not planned and he was rightfully pissed off.
The good news is we can only go up. I hate to bust out a quote from the Big Boss, but
Succeeding is not really a life experience that does that much good. Failing is more sobering and enlightening.
Recovering from failure is often easier than building from success.
- Michael Eisner
I can't begin to comprehend how complicated running a live production like the Streamys must be. The TubeFilter team are all top notch and should not be the sole recipients of the blame. We are in this together. It's everybody's fault. Luckily, that means everyone can work together to ensure this never happens again. 2010 can be a landmark year for digital content. Let's learn from this failure and move forward.
On a final note, thank you to the incredibly talented people who won and were nominated. People like Bernie Su, Mark Gantt, Jesse Warren, Felecia Day, Randy and Jason Sklar, Brett Register, and Jeremy Redleaf (Who should have been awarded on Sunday, not Wednesday) are top notch creators who are serious about this space. Thank you all. Oh, and don't put the Crafty winners and nominees in the balcony. They are a big part of this and should have been down in the main area.
In the meantime, I'll work on creating a real life lightsaber just in case we need another distraction. It'll beat naked geeks. Or at least scare them away.


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Super Rude Bear Resurrection is a hardcore platformer. Every time you die, you leave a permanent corpse that you can use as a meatshield, paperweight, raft, platform, carpet (etc.) to shield you from the dangers of the world. As you die and rack up corpses, the game becomes gradually easier until it matches your optimal difficulty level and you can beat it. Not only do you get better as you play, but each attempt helps you get closer to the end, and you can see all the corpses of your failed attempts.
It's been exhibited at Tokyo Game Show, EGX, GameCity 9, Insomnia51/52/53, Radius Festival, Feral Vector, CultureTECH and Update.
1st Place for Jam Innovation – Ludum Dare 28
Alpha Footage
Here's some footage from the early alpha of the game:
World 1 gameplay:
Prototype footage:
SRBR is developed by a small group of Brits working collaboratively online.
Alex Rose is the lead developer and project manager, handling the code, design, site, promotion and whatnot. He's a serial game jammer who founded the Rude Bear series for Ludum Dare, and has also been involved in competitive jams like the Eurogamer Rezzed game jam. His background is in physics so his aim is to make the feel of the game perfect, with responsive controls, bosses that are influenced by your behaviour and change strategies, and adding tonnes of fun mechanics without diluting the gameplay.
Daniel Burrows is the lead artist. He paints everything in the game, and handles concept and promotional art. His aim is essentially to turn Alex's terrible MS Paint sketches into beautiful works of art. He's trained as a fine artist, has been painting professionally for five years and has worked on numerous commercial games.
Deeco produces the game's soundtrack. He's a grime producer who produces tracks for the founder of the grime genre, Wiley. He also produces for the creator of the UK's most influential rap group (Boy Better Know), JME, and affiliated acts like Tempa T. Tracks that Deeco has produced have charted favourably in the UK Singles Charts, Dance Charts and Indie Charts, and his huge catalogue of consistently high quality tracks make him one of the most respected producers in the UK rap scene. His video game inspired twists on traditional grime music are second to none.
Open Development
SRBR is in open development. You can directly influence the game with your feedback, or just watch the project as it happens, task by task. Everything except the assets is open to the public. You can keep up with the progress here. We also do a fair bit of stuff live on stream. The code/design stream from Alex is here:
The art stream from Dan is here:
Press and Streamers
There are alpha builds available for any interested press or streamers. If you're one such person, feel free to drop an email for access. Right now an xbox 360 controller is required to play. For interested streamers/youtubers, we'd be happy to provide personalised touches for your stream too, like a personalised version of Rude Bear just for your stream.
If you're interested on playing the game before anyone else, you can playtest and get the game for free in exchange for your time and help. If you'd like to join in, please add your details here.


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Electric Playground
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PlayStation News
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Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare DLC Unveiled in New Exo Zombies Trailer
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Assassin's Creed Unity DLC Goes Free to Apologize for Technical Problems
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Tales from the Borderlands Out Now
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Dark Souls II Coming to PS4 and Xbox One
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New Arkham Knight Gameplay Trailer
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Game Awards 2014 Nominees Announced
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EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS - Britney Spears Almost Gets Her Outfit Right
Posted on Sat Jan 24th, 2015 12:29pm PDT By X17 Staff
Britney Spears isn't known for being one of the best-dressed babes in Hollywood, but on Friday the pop star stepped out looking absolutely amazing.
Well, from the ankles up anyway ... Why on earth would she cuff a pair of bootcut pants like this? Seeing as she just renewed her Las Vegas residency deal at Planet Hollywood for $30 million dollars for the next two years, you'd think she'd have the budget stop by a tailor...
But aside from the hemming issue, Brit looks totally gorgeous and we're happy to see her pretty much 100% back on track. Brit has posted a number of photos of herself with new(ish) boyfriend Charlie Ebersol on Instagram, and not only is he a hottie, but it seems like she's genuinely happy these days. It's about time!
SEE THE GALLERY Britney Spears Gets All Glammed Up


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Iona Abbey
Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites.
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Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites.
Beacon of Christianity | Columba's monastery | A place of pilgrimage
Beacon of Christianity
Iona is a holy isle, an enduring symbol of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and his followers came here from Ireland in AD 563 and founded a monastery that became the heart of the early Scottish Church. St. Columba's fame attracted pilgrims to Iona from the 7th century onwards. The island also served as a burial ground for important and holy people from near and far. These included kings of Scotland, among them Macbeth (died 1057).Columba's monastery
Columba chose an isolated, rugged site for his monastery, but one that enabled him to maintain close links with his fellow Scots of Dal Riata. All that remains of his monastery is the great vallum, or enclosure bank, that defined the holy site, and Tòrr an Aba, 'hill of the abbot', where Columba is believed to have died in 597. The little stone building called St Columba's Shrine, beside the door leading into the later abbey church, may date from the 9th century.A place of pilgrimage
By the mid-12th century Iona was under the patronage of Somerled, 'King of the Isles'. He built St Oran's Chapel as a family burial place. His son Reginald refounded the old monastery as a Benedictine abbey. The church was dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and built on a cruciform plan. The cloister lay to the north of the church. The chapter house was centrally placed along the east range, with living and dining areas above it and in the north range.