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Neandertals and More (Svante Pääbo, Department Director)
phone: +49 (0) 341 35 50 500
fax: +49 (0) 341 35 50 555
genetics_office@[>>> Please remove the text! <<<]eva.mpg.de
Three major groups of projects are pursued in the group:
Ancient DNA and Neandertal genomics
We develop methods for the retrieval of DNA sequences from archaeological and paleontological remains. In particular, we continuously try to improve the amount and quality of DNA sequences retrieved from ancient specimens.
We apply these techniques to elucidate the history of hominins. For example, we have sequenced the Neandertal genome to high quality. We have also described a hominin group related to Neandertals in Asia, Denisovans, and sequenced a Denisovan genome to high coverage. In addition, we are attempting to retrieve DNA also from older hominin remains.
Website of the Neandertal Genome project
TEDGlobal Talk by Svante Pääbo
New York Times Video: "The Neanderthal Inside Us"
NatGeo TV Sverige (on Youtube): Breakthrough Prize - Svante Pääbo
Functional genomics
We study the genomic and functional differences between humans and their closest living and extinct relatives at several levels. For example, we study the genomes and gene expression in ape and human genomes in order to improve our understanding of the forces that determine gene evolution in primates. By integrated analyses of genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes, we attempt to identify genes that have been of importance during human history. We perform detailed studies of some such genes, for example FOXP2.


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Meet the 2018 SCORE Award Winners!
Read about the vision and accomplishments of these award-winning small businesses and how SCORE helped support their dreams.
The SCORE Awards is an annual event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of America's small businesses.
Equal parts ceremony, celebration and entertainment, the SCORE Awards is the preeminent distinction in honoring and supporting small business in the U.S. At this event, we recognize the people and companies that have demonstrated unique vision, innovation and achievement in support of America's economy and small business community.
To select the 2018 SCORE Awards honorees, we asked our clients to nominate their businesses, share their accomplishments and explain how SCORE helped them achieve their dreams. Below are this year's winners.
Outstanding Community Impact Business - Corning Opera House Cultural Center |
Corning Opera House Cultural Center is a meetings and events space located in a renovated early 20th-century opera house. Owners: De Heaton and Cheryl Thompson from Corning, IA Award Presented by MassMutual |
Outstanding Diverse Business - Thompson Tee Inc. |
Thompson Tee creates undershirts that trap excess sweat, preventing sweat stains from ever appearing. Owners: Billy Thompson and Randy Choi from Las Vegas, NV Award Presented by AT&T |
Outstanding Encore Entrepreneur - NAVA Consulting Group |
NAVA Consulting provides support to African small businesses and institutions, and contracts with U.S. institutions, businesses and federal agencies. Owners: Rhoi Wangila and Kisembe Namusyule from Washington, DC Award Presented by Trend Micro |
Outstanding Military-Owned Small Business - Cowboy Cricket Farms |
Cowboy Cricket Farms, Montana's first cricket farm, is an emerging industry leader in the edible insects market. Owners: Kathleen and James Rolin from Bozeman, MT Award Presented by Nav |
Outstanding Self-Employed Entrepreneur – CraniaLogix |
CraniaLogix is an after-school enrichment program that encourages elementary-age kids to think critically and creatively. Owner: Brooke Bauer from Plano, TX Award Presented by FranNet |
Outstanding Woman-Owned Business - Creative Behavior Solutions |
Creative Behavior Solutions is an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic that serves children with developmental disabilities. Owners: Adrianne Smith and Brit Harger from Largo, FL Award Presented by Kimco Realty |
Outstanding Young Entrepreneur - Fyood Kitchen |
Fyood Kitchen is a professional kitchen that offers Chopped-style cooking competitions for the average, everyday chef. Owner: Maddie Purcell from Portland, ME Award Presented by Deluxe Corporation |
Outstanding Agriculture Small Business - Drew's Honeybees |
Drew's Honeybees creates organic, beeswax-based skincare products. Owner: Drew Burnett from Norwich, CT Award Presented by The Panther Group |
Outstanding American Manufacturing Small Business - Blue Ridge Bucha |
Blue Ridge Bucha is a sustainable kombucha producer whose product can be found in more than 80 locations across the East Coast. Owners: Kate Zuckerman, Ethan Zuckerman from Waynesboro, VA Award Presented by Sam's Club |
Outstanding Retail Small Business - Pip & Grow |
Pip & Grow produces a recyclable and portable bassinet box that helps to prevent SIDS in infants ages 0-6 months. Owners: Lauren Hughey, Kate Compton Barr, Amber Kroeker from Sarasota, FL Award Presented by Liberty Tax |
Outstanding Tech and Innovative Small Business – Detroit School for Digital Technology (DSDT) |
A Detroit School for Digital Technology is a hands-on trade school, teaching principles of technology, digital media and digital graphics to Detroit locals. Owner: Jamie Kothe from Detroit, MI Award Presented by FedEx |
Senate Small Business Champion: Senator John Boozman, Arkansas

subset: commoncrawl


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Americans are by nature isolationist. American leaders, since Woodrow Wilson dumped ashes from his pipe on the Oval Office carpets and dumped America into the international game of empires, are bent on getting involved in world politics. Unfortunately everything they know about world politics comes from the back of cereal boxes. And yes that includes our current precious genius who comes to us from eating dog and living the life of a privileged member of Indonesia's upper classes, but knows almost as little about the world outside Chicago, as he does about economics.
The big problem with American foreign policy is that there isn't one. Our current foreign policy can be boiled down to three words. "Don't Hate Us." The current administration has introduced an innovative fourth word. "Please."
It's a long way from a century ago when American leaders still had no foreign policy, besides warning European countries to stay out of their hemisphere, but had begun to think that being involved in the affairs of other countries was a prerequisite for global good citizenship.
Theodore Roosevelt won a Nobel Prize for trying to get the Russians and Japanese to end a disastrous war in which the Japanese had the suicide determination and the Russians had the machine guns, but barely broke even.
Roosevelt, like many of his successors, had no true foreign policy beyond articulating American greatness on the world stage. But the deeper those successors involved themselves in international politics, the more they came to see American greatness as the obstacle, not the point. The more the United States became involved in organizing global alliances to hold back one threat or another, the more that same national greatness began to be seen as an obstacle to maximizing those alliances.
A hundred years ago, American presidents thought that their country should be a world power because of the manifest destiny of its national greatness. A century later they were minimizing that national greatness to preserve world power status.
Roosevelt's "Pedicaris alive or Raisuli dead" became "Let's Pull Together" and "Don't Hate Us" during the Cold War. And today the motto, in a world where a whole lot of people want to do it, is, "Please Don't Kill Us."
The United States does not appease in pursuit of its objectives, appeasement has become the objective. Being hated is the ultimate national security threat. Being loved is the ultimate national security objective. These aren't even sarcastic observations. They are actual policy.
CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) through outreach to Muslims is our foreign policy and like global warming and gay rights, it encompasses every single area of our government, to the absurd extent that NASA's top priority under the dog-eater-in-chief was designated as improving Muslim self-esteem. NASA's former priority of boosting American self-esteem was no longer appropriate because that would just make people hate us even more and make us act in such a way that they would hate us.
Americans and American leaders now both want the same thing. To be left alone. But American leaders remain convinced that the best way to be left alone is to appease those who might want to attack their country by minimizing national power and contributing more lunch money to their international cause of free lunches.
America is often accused of bullying other nations, but our policies are not those of a bully, they are those of his victim cowering in the corner with broken glasses and smeared tears, one hand extended with his crumpled up lunch money inside. Our lunch money total comes into the many billions, but as our bullies and their advocates remind us, we're rich enough to be able to afford it.
The kid in the corner has been bullied enough that his only policy is avoiding another incident. That is our foreign policy, driven by CVE or Here's Some More Halal Lunch Money, finding ways of getting the bullies to leave us alone. Even the more militant elements of our military campaign are defensive, ripe with ways to convince the bullies to leave us alone, using drones to minimize civilian casualties and nation building exercises to turn our bullies into friendly peaceloving countries.
Reactive foreign policies are a recipe for defeat, but America has never had any foreign policy beyond progressive world citizenship and coalition building against global threats. And that has made American into the world's social worker and the world's policeman for so long that it has hardly any sense of what it might want for itself, as a country.
America is still involved in global citizenship projects even though the dictatorships who are the plurality of the global polity and the progressives who define global citizenship innately hate it. while working hard at maintaining global coalitions that do not exist against a threat that not even it is prepared to name. Whatever relevance these had, they no longer have any relevance when the conventional clash of nations of the Cold War gave way to the ride of the barbarians in the Islamic Wars of Terror.
The United States has been suckered into playing the same game as Israel. The impossible game of winning wars without alienating anyone. And that game is played by not winning wars and being more hated than if they had won all those wars. If we are forced to fight because we are hated, then the only way to avoid fighting is not be hated which means fighting just enough to survive, but not enough to earn us any more than the minimum amount of hate balanced against the minimum amount of survival. And if we win, maybe they'll leave us alone. If they don't, we'll fight back even less.
During the Cold War the United States sacrificed its economy, its trade balance and its manufacturing sector to score coalition points and contain Communism. With Communism defeated and capitalism thriving in Russia and China, the United States is now stripping away civil liberties to counter Islamic terrorism. But that doesn't just mean strip searches in airports, it means outlawing anything that offends Muslims. And if we survive that, and the Muslim world becomes a mecca of free speech, then we'll have won yet another Pyrrhic victory at our own expense.
Countering external threats is a legitimate foreign policy interest, but it cannot be the only interest. That way leads to a purely reactive foreign policy and down the garden path to Stockholm Syndrome politics that accept responsibility for the actions of an aggressor to maintain the illusion of control over his actions. Our leaders, the ones who eat dogs and the ones who just pose for photos with them, are already there. If we reach European critical velocity, then we'll be there as an entire nation, not just members of our chattering and spending classes.
America needs a foreign policy that is bigger than its defensive needs but smaller than progressive ambitions of global citizenship. It is a foreign policy that cannot be defensive or altruistic, but that actually resurrects the long buried question of American interests, rather than American obligations or needs. And to get there, the country's policymakers have to get in touch with their 19th Century selves and stop asking what America is obligated to do for the world or what it desperately needs from the world, but what it would like to do with the world.
A foreign policy is assertive. It seeks to gain things, rather than to minimize losing things. It is not as concerned with the feelings of the world, as it is with the feelings of its own citizens. To the question of what it wants, it does not answer with the time-honored response of Miss America contestants, to make the world a better place, but rather it answers to make America better, bigger, richer and stronger. That answer is not idealistic, it is realistic. It is how other countries expect us to think and it is how they react no matter how altruistic our policies may be.
American foreign policy needs goals and horizons to gain definition. It needs to want something more than a way to avert the next big explosion or to feed the hungry people of Warlordistan to have a foreign policy that is based on substance, rather than cobwebs of fears and dreams. It needs to stand not for a better world, but for a better, stronger and richer America.


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Since 1971, Blocksurf has set the standard as the leader in surfing accessories by bringing the finest products to the industry. With over 40 years of experience, Blocksurf is only getting better and perfecting their surf products. For surf board wax, surf leashes or wetsuit repair, Blocksurf is the company to help you better your surf gear.
Through years of designing and field testing both in and out of the water, Blocksurf has brought the best surfing products to the market and will continue to lead the surf industry into the future. The Blocksurf surfboard wax comes in different scents so your surf session can have the flavor you want. Also, Blocksurf has created several books all about the best places to surf and advice from the best surfers. Blocksurf has your back to up the gear and up your surf knowledge.
Blocksurf can help you repair your surfing gear and stow it. Whether you are riding a surfboard or a skimboard, Blocksurf has skimboard bags and surfboard bags for easy mobility. The Blocksurf leashes also help you to keep the boards. If you're looking for quality surfboard bags, wax and repair kits at excellent prices, Blocksurf has everything to fit your surfing needs.


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Browse links
US residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data.
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
We all need a laugh right now.


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October 04, 2012
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, September 12-13, 2012
For release at 2:00 p.m. EDT
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Open Market Committee on Thursday released the attached minutes of the Committee meeting held on September 12-13, 2012. A summary of economic projections made by Federal Reserve Board members and Reserve Bank presidents for the September 12-13, 2012 meeting is also included as an addendum to these minutes.
The minutes for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee ordinarily are made available three weeks after the day of the policy decision and subsequently are published in the Board's Annual Report. Summaries of economic projections are released on a quarterly schedule. The descriptions of economic and financial conditions contained in these minutes and in the Summary of Economic Projections are based solely on the information that was available to the Committee at the time of the meeting.
The FOMC minutes can be viewed on the Board's website at http://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm.
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee
September 12-13, 2012: HTML | PDF


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Blue Sapphires
The most famous of the sapphire colors, the beauty of a blue sapphire is unparalleled. Each sapphire's hue is individual and nuanced; no two are alike. With tones ranging from deep velvety blue to crisp cornflower blue, our blue sapphires are gorgeous specimens of nature's beauty.
Watch the video for more information on Blue Sapphires.


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Last month I decided to say no to refined sugar for the time being, just to give my belly a break. I LOVE sweet treats and tend to go a little overboard when surrounded by tempting sugary concoctions. In years past, I've taken white sugar out of my kitchen for long stretches of times (for years, in fact) and I'm amazed at how much better I feel when I do.
Deprivation is not an option for me, so I get a lot of joy from playing with alternative sugars and whipping up natural sweets. Honey, coconut and date sugars are always wonderful, and a jar of maple cream, recently to given to me by my awesome neighbors Rich and Caitlin, begged to be put to good use. I like to think of maple cream as nature's caramel! These baked apples, sweetened with the maple cream, satisfy my sweet-tooth while keeping my belly happy. I hope they warm your bellies too.
You can serve the apples as dessert of course, or you could eat them on top of a bowl of oatmeal for
{printable recipe}
- 6 apples: pink ladies and honey crisps are wonderful here
- 1/2 cup crushed toasted hazelnuts (toasted pecans or walnuts are also great)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- zest of 2 small lemons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into 6 pats
- maldon flaky sea salt
- for topping: maple cream, creme fraiche ( for making your own creme fraiche, try this easy recipe), heavy cream
Preheat oven to 375.
Peel the upper 5th of your apple. Use a pairing knife to cut out the core - you want to cut a wider opening at the top, tapering down to the bottom of the apple. Place cored apples onto a baking dish or cookie sheet. If one of your apples won't sit up straight, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to give it a steady base.
Stuff apples with crushed hazelnuts. In a little cup or bowl, combine maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest. Scoop a spoonful or two of this tasty liquid over each hazelnut-stuffed apple. Place a pat of butter onto the top of each apple. Sprinkle on some flaky salt.
While the apples are baking, scoop creme fraiche into a little pitcher. Use a fork to whisk in just enough heavy cream make the creme fraiche a pourable consistency.
Serve apples warm with a pitcher of runny creme fraiche and a ramekin of maple butter (amazing stuff!) or another pitcher of maple syrup to scoop over the baked apples.
Serves 6


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Diagnostics are an important aspect of modern vehicle maintenance and repair. Your car, truck, or SUV is equipped with an array of computers and sensors which monitor your engine activity and flag anything that isn't operating as it should. Check engine lights and other dash lights are activated whenever a problem arises, and special equipment and technicians who know how to use it are necessary to diagnose and correct a problem. Our expert mechanics at Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa have both the technology and the know how to read engine codes and perform repairs or maintenance. No matter what your issue is, whether it's a failed sensor, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, a misfire, a fuel delivery issue, or anything else your vehicle may need, Mercie J Auto Care has you covered.
Dash warning lights can be serious and indicate potential harm to your engine if ignored and should be taken care of as soon as possible. You don't need to take your car to the dealership and pay premium prices, however. Come by and see us today.
Tags: diagnostics, catalytic converters, vehicle maintenance, misfires, Mercie J, Mercie J Auto Care, fuel delivery


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By NIRMALA GEORGE
Indian children participate in a protest against child abuse and rising crimes against women, in Bhubaneswar, India, Saturday, March 16, 2013. India has seen outrage and widespread protests against rape and attacks on women and minors since a fatal gang-rape of a young woman in December on a moving bus in New Delhi, the capital. In the most recent case, a Swiss woman who was on a cycling trip in central India with her husband has been gang-raped by eight men, police said. (AP Photo/Biswaranjan Rout)
NEW DELHI (AP) — Police said they arrested five men Sunday in connection with the gang rape of a Swiss woman who was attacked in central India while on a cycling vacation with her husband.
All five men admitted to the attack, which occurred Friday night as the woman and her husband camped out in a forest in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh state, said D. K. Arya, a senior police officer.
Arya said the men, who are from nearby villages, were arrested in Datia. Police were searching for two other men believed to have been involved in the attack, he said.
The couple told police that the woman had been raped by seven or eight men, but that it was dark and they could not be sure of the exact number, Arya said. They said the husband also was attacked by the men.
The woman, 39, was treated Saturday at a hospital in the nearby city of Gwalior and was released later that day, police said.
The couple were planning to travel later Sunday from Datia to the Indian capital of New Delhi, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) to the north, Arya said.
The attack came three months after the fatal gang rape of a woman aboard a New Delhi bus outraged Indians and spurred the government to pass laws to protect women, and was front-page news in Indian newspapers on Saturday.
Prior to the attack, the couple, who were on a three-month vacation in India, had visited the temple town of Orchha and were planning to cycle to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, nearly 210 kilometers (130 miles) away.
They set out from Orchha on Friday and pitched their tent in a forest near Jatia village when they were attacked by a group of men armed with wooden sticks, police said.
The men beat up the husband, tied him to a tree and then raped the woman, police said. They also stole the couple's cellphone, laptop computer and 10,000 rupees ($185). Police said they recovered the laptop and phone from one of the men who was arrested.
The Swiss ambassador in India, Linus von Castelmur, said he spoke with the couple and assured them of the Swiss government's help and support.
"Their health and treatment is the priority of the moment," the Swiss Embassy said in a statement.
The embassy said it was in touch with authorities in Madhya Pradesh and has urged a "swift investigation and for justice to be done."
Figures from India's National Crime Records Bureau show that one woman is raped every 20 minutes in India. However, many incidents of rape and other sexual crimes go unreported due to the stigma attached to such crimes in the conservative country. India's conviction rate for rapes and other crimes against women is among the lowest in the world.
Last month, the Swiss government issued a travel notice for India that included a warning about "increasing numbers of rapes and other sexual offenses" in the South Asian nation, and the latest incident could prompt other countries to issue similar warnings.
Travel industry representatives in India said the incident, coming so soon after the December gang rape in New Delhi, would affect tourism.
"Such incidents will definitely have a negative impact on tourism. It is very unfortunate," said Subhash Goyal, head of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.
According to government statistics, around 6.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2011, generating about $120 billion for the nation's travel and hospitality sector.
The gang rape in December of a 23-year-old student aboard a moving bus in New Delhi set off nationwide protests, sparking a debate about the treatment of women in India and highlighting the inability of law enforcement agencies to protect them.
One of six suspects in the December attack was found dead in a New Delhi jail this past week. Authorities said he hanged himself, but his family and lawyer insisted foul play was involved, and a magistrate is investigating. Four other men and a juvenile remain on trial for the attack.
The incident prompted the government to pass a new law that increased prison terms for rape from the existing seven to 10 years to a maximum of 20 years. The law provides for the death penalty in extreme cases of rape that result in death or leave the victim in a coma. It has also made voyeurism, stalking, acid attacks and the trafficking of women punishable under criminal law.


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Online Accounting
Let us help you make the right choice of accounting software. A decent accounting system will help you keep track of your cash flow and let you complete GST returns easily.
Choosing the right system for your business can be difficult. After all, there are over sixty accounting packages available in New Zealand. Here at Nick Hoogeveen & Associates we invest considerable resources into ongoing staff training to ensure we can recommend the best accounting solution for your business.
We are also BankLink Advisors and Xero Partners.


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More information:
Official Website
Peter Tchaikovsky
Complete Works for Violin and Piano
Oleg Kagan, violin
Vasily Lobanov, piano
Released 01/2002
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5 Ways Banks Can Provide The Human Touch for Customers
Banks are looking to streamline services in the name of cutting costs to compensate for declining revenue. One added benefit of these simplified policies and procedures is that banks also are providing a simpler, easier customer experience.
Simplification, in particular, provides a more consistent customer experience, says Fergus Gordon, a partner in the financial services practice at A.T. Kearney, a Chicago management consulting firm. "There's a nice tension and balance in the thrust of efficiency and a more consistent customer experience."
But as new channels, such as mobile and sophisticated collaboration technologies, drive customer expectations higher, just making the experience simpler and more consistent won't be enough to provide competitive advantage. Here are five tactics that can help banks produce a more compelling customer experience.
1. Branch Managers Are Key
Until self-serve kiosks become more widely adopted at bank branches, most of the human interaction between banks and their customers will continue to be at the branch. That means the branch will continue to be a key battleground for customer experience. And banks have a lot of room to improve there, Gordon says.
He points out that many banks don't even take the basic step of thanking customers for their business. "In the hotel industry, if you're a member, they always thank you for your membership when you check in," Gordon remarks. "Banks don't thank their customer every time they come in."
Many of the basic things that banks could improve in the branch customer experience -- such as recognizing customers when they walk in and thanking them -- come down to interaction style and customer engagement, Gordon says. A.T. Kearney's research has shown that the key to unlocking great customer engagement with the staff is the branch manager. "The branch manager is so important; 70% of high-performing branches are driven by branch managers," he says.
The role of the branch manager in coaching the branch's staff on interaction with customers is the determining factor in those high-performing branches, he explains. Banks should be careful to hire branch managers based on the skills and competencies that they can bring to the table in dealing with customers, Gordon says, and dealing with customers should be the branch manager's No. 1 concern, rather than the performance of specific products or services at the branch. "They should worry about training the staff to focus on customer outcomes and lifting the performance of their team members. They shouldn't be worried about product successes," he says.
2. A Human Touch To The Digital Experience
It's not just the branch where the human touch makes a difference -- it's critical to providing a quality customer experience on digital channels, as well. One example of this is Bank of America's recent addition to its peer-to-peer payments system that lets customers send personal messages along with payments to the recipients. The bank's customers have provided a great deal of positive feedback on the added messaging service, as it lends a personal feeling to the transaction, says Dave Godsman, senior VP of online and mobile solutions at Bank of America, which has $2.18 trillion in assets.
That messaging service is just one example of the way the Charlotte, N.C., bank is personalizing its digital experience to differentiate itself from its competition, Godsman says. "There are inherently personal interactions --like [peer-to-peer] payments -- that are meaningful points when they're doing transactions," Godsman says. "We see those points as places where we can meet [customers'] expectations and exceed them."
"This is an aspect of customer experience that's often overlooked, but it's becoming more central with the rise of new competitors," he says.
Providing a personalized experience also means letting customers configure their preferences as much as possible, such as choosing if and when they want to receive mobile alerts, Godsman says. It also means letting them use the device and operating system of their choice, he says.
"Customers want choice. They want to do things on their preferred channel, on their time," he says. "Our relationship starting point is we help you get the help you need through the channel of your choice."
Banks have to realize that different customers are going to use different touch points to reach their banks, and banks have to be there to meet them at the touch points of their choice, Godsman says. That includes social media: "I can't remember the last time I dialed a call center," he says. "But I can remember the last time I complained on Twitter." Meeting customers where they want to interact provides a human touch on two levels: It gives them the reassurance that their bank is there when needed and provides the flexibility that consumers are coming to expect in their digital lives.
3. Banking Can (And Should) Be Fun
"Banking is seen as a stuffy industry," says Matthew Wilcox, an e-marketing specialist for Union Savings Bank, a community bank based in Danbury, Conn., with $2.5 billion in assets. That can change if banks strive to show a personality behind their brand, Wilcox says, and using interactive games to engage with customers in digital channels provides an opportunity to do just that.
Union Savings Bank ran a game-based marketing campaign from October through December of 2011 to attract new customers for its 1-2-3 Checking product line. The online game, called the 1-2-3 Checking Challenge, awarded prizes to customers based on their scores in the form of vouchers that they could deposit in their new checking accounts. More than 2,200 people played the game, with more than 1,200 of them opening new accounts, Wilcox says. The campaign was so successful that the bank may bring it back next year.
The game also had a side effect of generating greater interaction with the bank's digital channels, Wilcox says. It was hosted on the bank's website, and the time that the players spent on the site was more than 400% higher compared with regular site visits, he notes. Players explored new products and services through the bank's website without the bank having to advertise them. "Customers looking for checking accounts started looking at wealth management services and mortgages," Wilcox says.
Players liked to compete with each other and brag about their high scores, so the bank posted a leaderboard on its website and posted changes to the leaderboard on its Facebook page, Wilcox says. The game brought increased engagement from customers both with Union Savings Bank and with each other through social media, creating a true social community to which customers felt a connection, he says. The average age of the players was 36 to 37, according to Wilcox.
There are more than 135 million people gaming online for more than one hour a month, according to a February report by market research firm Parks Associates, so it's clear that customers are spending a good chunk of their digital lives gaming. Union Savings Bank realized that if it wants to continue to meet customer expectations, it was going to have to experiment with gaming in its digital channels, Wilcox says.
But he warns that for a gaming initiative to be successful, it has to have a goal beyond self-promotion. That goal could be socialization and getting customers to interact more to build an online community, he says, or it could be an educational effort with the goal of raising customers' financial IQs. And with more than 55% of digital gamers playing on their smartphones, according to a report released earlier this year by Geekaphone, a mobile industry researcher, Wilcox says the next step is to introduce gaming in the mobile channel.
Jonathan Camhi has been an associate editor with Bank Systems & Technology since 2012. He previously worked as a freelance journalist in New York City covering politics, health and immigration, and has a master's degree from the City University of New York's Graduate School ... View Full Bio


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Jillian Northrup and Jeffrey McGrew are Because We Can, a full service design studio in Oakland that specializes in architecture, interiors and "fantastical things". Even though they are a very small team, they are able to do digital design all the way through fabrication because they are leveraging a new class of affordable yet advanced tools like the ShopBot, a computer-controlled router for fabricating with wood, plastic, aluminum & more.
If you're someone who loves visual design, but has never ventured into physical making because power tools are a tad bit intimidating, come to Jillian and Jeffrey's workshop presentation at East Bay Mini Maker Faire, "Using Digital Fabrication to Change the World: Empowerment Through Automated Tools." Jillian herself comes from a graphic design background, but found her way to making physical structures through output of digital files to these computer-controlled tools. Jillian and Jeffrey (the other half of Because We Can, an architect) will explain how this new class of mills, routers, lasercutters, and even 3D printers can empower you to change the world for the better, turn a hobby into a business, and make the world a more interesting place.
Because We Can actually has a great post documenting in detail the process they went through for the Serpent Twins—check it out.
Keep watching ebmakerfaire.com for the full schedule of workshops and talks. Come to their presentation, and look for Because We Can's "Big Trike" at the East Bay Mini Maker Faire on October 16th.


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NVIDIA FlameWorks
Nvidia FlameWorks is a system for generating fire, smoke and explosion effects for games. It combines a state-of-the-art grid-based fluid simulator with an efficient volume rendering engine. The library can also be used for energy based spell effects using volume rendering. At the end anything requiring a real time fluid simulation coupled with volume rendering. The simulator uses a highly-optimized solver which enables the simulation of high resolution grids in real-time. It supports collisions with standard primitives and includes a combustion model for generating flame effects.
The library is currently in closed beta. Please contact us for Licensing inquiries.
- Real-time eulerian fluid simulation
- High performance multi-grid solver
- Supports grids up to 32M voxels
- Cinematic Volumetric Effects
- New combustion model for fire
- Support for Stochastic shadows and scattering
- User-defined force fields, emitters and collision objects
Platforms | PC |
Dependencies | DX11 |
Links | NVIDIA FlameWorks GTC 2014 (Slides) |
NVIDIA FlameWorks in Game/Demo Examples
Fire Demo - GTC 2014
The GTC 2014 fire demo demonstrates the cinematic quality of fire/smoke together with ray marched reflections on the ground as well as interaction with a sphere. The demo uses a 512x256x256 voxel grid, meaning that 32M voxels are updated every frame and runs at more than 30fps on a GeForce 780TI. For actual game use cases the voxel grid size is scalable and can be used with lower resolutions as well. No Particles were used in the making of the demo.
Dragon Demo
The dragon demo is intended to demonstrate how FlameWorks could be used in a high-end game. It uses 512 x 256 x 256 voxel grid, meaning that 32 million voxels are updated every frame, and runs at more than 30 frames per second on GeForce Titan. The voxel grid size is scalable and can be used with lower resolutions, too. Fire is emitted from the dragon's nose and mouth, and interacts with the sphere and statue models. No particles were used in the making of this demo.


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I love your word! My word is "Enjoy". In 2013, I plan on enjoying this life that I was given, more than I ever have before. I have a 2 year old, a 3 year old and another due in March. Life is busy and I plan on enjoying it more!
You are awesome. It's hard to imagine how much awesomer you can get!
Umm, hi, I'm Mari and we can totally be BFFs. For many reasons,but mostly because you put a bunch of stars next to "drama free." And maybe one day, you can come to CA or I can go to UT & we can go shopping in our sweats at Target with our girls. That would be way awesome.
I LOVE your list. I really don't think it's easy to make friends the older you get. Unlike my daughter who can make a new friend in 2 seconds by saying "hi." I am a bit of a resolutionist, but I still thought I would try for a word. I went over to Urban Dictionary and looked up my name. I'm working on ME this year and I think KRISTEN is my go to word for the year because, "Kristen: Slang for the most awesome girl ever!" I'm not going to argue – I'm freaking amazing. lol! You are pretty awesomer Shelley – Happy New Year to you!
Mine is "do". I am gonna DO all the things that I've wanting to do for so long and take chances and like you, lose the weight, find some good quality friendships, grow my origami owl business, do the work I've been wanting to on my home. I plan to just DO the work that I need to become a better me! : )
Wow, this is an eye-opener! I also have just 2 or 3 female-friends and normally I'm better with man-collegues etc. I'm going to think about this blog and do something with it! Thanks for making this great blog and best awesomer wishes for 2013. God bless you! Love form Holland,
PatriciaI LOVE this!!!! You and I are in exactly the same space. Enjoy your renewed spirit….Isn't it such an amazing feeling! Looking forward to another year of wonderful reading and "how to" projects. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the post. Have an Awesomer new year!!
I love this post! My word for 2013 is DETERMINED. I'm determined to lose weight, run a 5K, pay off some debt, be a better mother, etc.
Thank you so much for this!!! I can totally relate to everything you said. My goal this year is to find the awesome ME again. I'll keep this to look back on from time to time. It's funny how when we stay at home with the kids we sometimes lose who we are and need to re-find ourselves. I look forward to the challenge and hope I can be just as awesome as you are! Happy New Year!!
So I just want to say, you are the most awesomer-est ever! So inspired by your ideas, and wow, this particular post is really making me rethink my 2013 goals; I am that girl with trust/insecurity issues you described and heck yea, if we don't think we're terrific, who is?? We gotta believe in ourselves, nourish our hearts/soul and surround ourselves with like minds. So back to my 2013 list for one serious tweak and "borrowing" Cason's advice. Love this, love your blog, have a great 2013!
oh my, I completely agree, I couldn't have put into words what you just did but it's exactly how I feel. I am completely intimidated by other women. I am much more comfortable with men and I do not have any girlfriends to just be myself with.
I have a few that are relatively easy to be around but always feel like I have to hold back who I really am and I desperately do not want to feel this way because I do not want my insecurities to hold my kids back from having friends and being social. I feel very awkward around her friends Mom's always feel like I say the wrong thing and need to feel more confident in myself and who I am. That's my goal for the new year.
Thank you for putting yourself out there and putting into words how I felt but couldn't describe!Interesting post. I find it difficult to connect with women too, but I like that you said it's about finding the RIGHT ones. I think I also struggle with MAINTAINING those friendships too. I don't have a word this year, but I do like yours! 🙂
This post really spoke to me since its exactly how I am too. I'm very self conscious and have never really had a bunch of gf's because they were just too complicated. Guys were just easier so I just stuck around them for the most part. I've put up with some really mean bullies just so I can call a few girls some friends. Even in adulthood. Then I realized that what I'm doing is silly. I have a few good friends and throughout life I'll make some new ones. I have a wonderful husband and family too, so I just need to appreciate what I have and put my focus there. I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself. I need to surround myself with people that make me feel good about myself.
Thank you again for this post. Have an Awesomer New Year! 🙂
Ah! I am still trying to figure mine out! Better late than never, right? This post totally speaks to me girl! I never had girlfriends until beauty school, and that may have been cause I had no other option then! I have found a few really good girlfriends out there, but I know if I open myself up more, there would be so many more out there too! Thanks for the inspiration (like always!).
My word for 2013 is POSITIVITY. Some really negative crap happened last year and I need to put the people who caused it behind me and move ahead. Hard to do when they're friends – but I don't want friends who bring me down and hurt my feelings and upset me. Time to make some new friends and let go of the negativity!
Happy Awesomer New Year!
Shelley, you truly are amazing! I've been following your blog for awhile now, but I don't think I've ever left a comment. Weird…no idea why that is. But you really inspire me in so many ways! I even painted stripes in my living room because I was so in love with the stripes you painted for your girls' bedroom. Wouldn't you know, my landlord called a week later and said he would be selling the house in 6 months. Grrrr… but I'll enjoy them while I can! I love that you're willing to share the good, the bad and the ugly; it's very refreshing. I've been struggling with self esteem issues for…oh, forever, but it's been harder the last few years. I gained so much weight after – yes after my last little boy was born and I've tied that directly to my self worth. So when you mentioned in your post that you needed a friend secure enough to run errands without make up and wearing sweats, knowing that her wardrobe doesn't define her – something clicked in my brain. Suddenly things are more in perspective for me. Thank you so much for not just this post, but for being willing to share so much of yourself. Here's to being Awesomer in 2013!
LOVE this post!! You said it all for me, and I thank you. I have a hard time feeling adequate a lot of the time, and I think that chases other ladies away. I am going to try hard to be comfortable with myself and therefore more comfortable with others. I just started doing the word of the year this year…I actually have a linky going for word of the year posts! LOVE your word…SO much fun!
I have never posted on a blog before, so here goes…….THANK YOU!!!!! I feel like you just described me better than I could describe myself. I grew up the only girl on both sides of the family for a LONG time, love sports, and then had physical issues that led to 6 surgeries, including a complete hysterectomy at age 27. Never thought I would EVER be talking to my mom about menopause at the same time she was going through it. Not a lot of women my age that have that in common. While my sister in laws and girl friends are having babies, I'm dealing with hot flashes…..doesn't make for a great conversation starter. Just moved to a new place at age 34 and am still figuring out who I am. I'm constantly comparing myself and being negative and pulling away from possible friendships. Came from a place where everyone knew why I couldn't have any more children (thankful for my 8 yr, old miracle boy who I had when I was 25) now I have to explain it again when everyone asks when we are having more kids because they don't know me. I was just talking to my husband about this yesterday and then read your post this morning. It was a HUGE encouragement to me. I need to stand confident it how God made me. I'm here for a purpose. In order to have real friends, I need to be real. Thanks for being so honest, even though I know that it couldn't have been easy to write. Thank you for letting God use you to impact others. I will be praying for both of us as we take this journey through 2013!
Thanks for sharing this with us! It was great to read and inspiring! You look fabulous and your personality is contagious!
CarrieGreat post and I love your word! Your 'awesomer' bracelet…adorable. (Is it stamped leather or metal?) My word for 2013 is Release. My initial thoughts – releasing little habits and behaviors that are not serving me. I figure that will keep me busy this year!
Love your blog and you're a great gal. Happy New Year!
Beautiful and well said!! Here is to new adventures, challenges and changes, lets do this 2013!!!
Great post, and great point. I'm sharing this on FB & Twitter I'm so inspired by the "define your ideal friend" exercise 🙂 My word for 2013 is FREEDOM. For me, this includes: financial freedom from debt (to the extent I can with student loans), spiritual freedom, freedom to be happy with my body, and the freedom that comes from a sense of peace. Love this blog, btw!
Wow! Thank you so much for this post! I think it hit exactly on the head of the nail I have been wanting and trying to do. I LOVE your word Andi stead of resolutions that I never keep each year, I will make this and a few other things my GOALS! Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Shelley, I feel like we could be best friends. I loved this post.
I love to look at the beginning of a new year and figure out how I can be better. I did it this year, but I also took some time this year to acknowledge ways I had improved in 2012. It was really cool! I am better at the end of this year than I was when it started. I still have so much to do to get to the person I know I can be and should be, but I'm really thankful for who I am.
Anyway, thanks so much for your great writing. I'm going to tackle some decorating this year and I'm really looking forward to your inspiration.
Thank you for sharing this! You are very inspiring in so many ways! Happy New Year to you & your family!!! Here's to being "awesomer" ~ love it!
Thanks for sharing… I'm similar (but the opposite, if that makes sense) in that I'm male and the majority of my friends growing up were female. I've never really taken the time to assess why that is; I've just chalked it up to men are always competitive and the few male friends I've had along the way ended up being horrible examples so I've just gone without. However, reading this post may cause me to do some soul searching. Happy New Year!
Love it – but need to know the link to who made your word bracelet? Is it stamped leather?
I've never done the "chose a word for the year" thing but I like Awesomer too! =] I think if we lived close we'd be best friends!
My word for 2013 is "risk". I'm a calculated risk taker which I'm finding isn't really taking "true risks". These risks include career, family, and friendships… and a new area I'm adding is faith. Just asking myself to be a risk taker is risky business!! Here is to great year of risks! Sounds like yours went well and blessed you beyond your expectations!! Best of luck in 2013!!
I have also been working on creating more meaningful friendships. This year will be the first year that I have chosen a word for the year. My word is Forward. I've felt like a lot of things in my life have been either stuck or going backwards. I'm hoping this year will contain a bunch of steps forward.
So in the 10 (plus) years I have known you, All the girls we went to school with or were around LOVED you! You attract everyone with your happiness and fun personality. I'm so glad you aren't so insecure anymore because everyone always wants to be YOUR friend. Of course! Love you lots cute girl 🙂
Love this post! You're such an inspiration to me. I haven't figured out my word for 2013 yet, but seeing so many people talk about it has got my wheels turning. I love the idea of using it as a sort of alternative to traditional resolutions.
Oh my gosh. Reading this post felt like you were talking about me. This really hit close to home for me.
I'm so glad to know it's not just me! I have ony had ONE close girlfriend in my life that I felt I could totally be myself around. She passed away from Cancer 5 years ago. I haven't been really close to a female since. And,I never was before. I was always closer to guys, for EVERY reason you just listed.
My Husband put me up to the same challenge, Find a girlfriend. One that I can love being around and spend time with. One that makes me feel good about ME!
THANK YOU for sharing your heart with us. I feel like I know you!
Love reading your blog. You're such an inspiration!I LOVE your word…..mine is DOCUMENT. As in get all those pictures out of the piles in the containers – organize and preserve the memories. In addition to that I am tackling Project Life for the first time. And I have to ask….where did you find that precious bracelet showcasing your word?
Great word!! I have been feeling the same way about friends. Glad you posted this!! I feel like I am blooming and finding my true self too! It is always good to have great supportive women in your life. I have a few but always wish they were a bit more like me.I am going to make my list and get myself right then I will attract the friends I wish I had!
My Goals are two wrapped in one: health&wealth! It seems one always affects the other, and I am not going out to make gobs of money or run marathons. I want to be smarter with what goes in my mouth and out of my wallet, bringing peace of mind for both. Both of these have been tough areas for me to control, so instead of having 15 goals and not going through with any of them, I slimmed my list down and decided on the two most important. Here's to a healthy and wealthy 2013!
I've always been the same way, Shelley! For some reason, our culture has created a lot of girl-on-girl meanness, and that can make it difficult to find (or even want to find) female friends. But when you find the GOOD ones, the ones who make you feel like your best self, it's awesome[er]!
All of us don't just come here to read about your decorating sense because that's your only admirable quality–you're a great person and that radiates through your words!
Here's to a happy, fruitful 2013 for you and your family!I've always been the same way, Shelley! For some reason, our culture has created a lot of girl-on-girl meanness, and that can make it difficult to find (or even want to find) female friends. But when you find the GOOD ones, the ones who make you feel like your best self, it's awesome[er]!
All of us don't just come here to read about your decorating sense because that's your only admirable quality–you're a great person and that radiates through your words!
Here's to a happy, fruitful 2013 for you and your family!Goodness I needed this post today!! My biggest struggle of 2012 was definitely battling loneliness and finding friends. I love when a new year begins! This year I am totally going to work on ME and becoming that AWESOMER person! THANK YOU!!!!
Can I just tell you how big of an inspiration you are!! You are already awesome, why not be awesomer?! This past year has been really tough, but it has been a great gift getting to know you and your family and being able to be inspired by how you have overcome your own difficulties and trials. Thanks for all of the positivity!! Best of luck in the coming year!!!
Girl, it's like you typed out my thoughts! I'm working so hard to just be comfortable being me. So what if my house is a mess when someone drops by. I always feel the need to apologize…even when my house is picked up! I'll apologize for the chippy paint on the stools that need to be repainted. It's crazy! And when someone says something nice about about a project I did, I'll tell them everything that I didn't do. How it could have been better. I mean come on! What's up with that.
I'm so done with that….at least I'm trying to be. It sometime just comes out when I'm nervous.(which happens around newere people)
What I need is a fun group of ladies who like to create. I'm on the look out! Thanks for sharing! It's good to hear that I'm not the only one!
I love this post. Every time I stick my neck out there and say "Why is it so hard to make friends with women?" other women come forward and say "I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who thought that!!" It always seems like you get halfway there with a new friend, and it never quite reaches "bestie" territory. Not sure what that's about.
Part of my problem, I've found, is that I want women who are fun and spontaneous, so I'm drawn to single women. Then I get bitter when they spend money on themselves and have oodles of free time to do whatever, and they get bitter when I'm not available at a moment's notice. So life sort of gets in the way of the personalities meshing. Now that my son is starting kindergarten, I'm hoping to meet more mom friends who are fun and spontaneous, but also understand when you need time at home. Anyway, thanks for a great post.
I loved your post and felt a lot of truth for myself in it. I also have stayed away from friendships because I tend to attract unhealthy, needy or negative people…says something about me too, to an extent. I will make out a friend list like you did! Its a great idea. Thanks so much for the heart felt and honest post. This is the first time on your blog for me…i love it. Oh and my word for this year? Present. As in BE present. I tend to think ahead too much and miss things that are amazing because I'm planning, or worrying. Thanks again for the honesty and keep up the good stuff!
Great post! It's funny, I heard/read two people talk about your blog in the last week so I popped over to check it out. 🙂
I have a motto and a "year of" for each year. Last year was about Organization (and I did make headway although not perfect). This year, 2013, my motto is: First observe, then serve. Similarly, this year for me is the "year of service." I'm keeping a journal to track it.
Thanks again for a great and honest post!
I am totally working on being awesomer this year too! That involves taking big risks in order to find my happiness…starting with leaving my job in a few weeks! EEK!
You are so motivational! I'm so glad I found your blog last year near the beginning of your quest. 🙂
You are so motivational! I'm so glad I found your blog last year near the beginning of your quest. 🙂
I am so glad to see someone not afraid to say this!! 🙂 I have also stuck to guy friends because I always felt so intimidated by other women. And it DOES have to do with me, not them! Good for you to recognize it and act on it. Oh, and awesomer is a real word in my book. lol
I love your blog entry, it's so true!! I'm the same kind if person, I don't have a lot of close girlfriends and for some of the same reasons you have written. You really made me think, that I am my own destiny and what I put into it is what I'm going to get back out of it. My "word" for 2013 is MOTIVATION!!! I have had 5 back surgeries in 4 years and with all that recovery time I got REALLY lazy watching TV. I'm several years out from my last surgery and the laziness is still sticking to me like glue. It's a new year, a new day and a NEW ME!! Thanks Shelly and Cason for your inspiring words & thoughts
I like your word! Fun.
Some friends of mine are doing this as well and so I already know my word….TRUTH. Just recently my son's autism diagnosis was changed to ADHD and dyslexia and all the lights came on. The autism diagnosis was always an awkward fit for him and in my heart…I didn't believe it. I knew there was something else at work and I was unsettled and stressed until we found it. Yeah, he has MAJOR ADHD so that's not the most fun thing sometimes…but knowing the truth and knowing in all of me that it IS the truth…is giving me such peace. I want to pursue that kind of soul-deep truth in the rest of my life this year…being my true self, speaking only truth to everyone, as kindly as possible but with no mistake….I will not lie to you to save your feelings…unless you are my mother in law or super vulnerable in some way and need it. I guess I'm not ready to be ruthless about it. lol So…Truth. It feels good and is way better than some of my past years of resolutions that are based on my perception of myself as not good enough. Poo to that.Enjoy is awesome, and with that new sweet baby on the way, I'm sure it will be easy to stick to this word 🙂
Love new babies!Awh! Sweetest compliment ever!!! 🙂
YES! Sweat shopping is the BEST!
I may or may not just embarrass you by throwing on clothes in the middle of the store, instead of actually going INTO the dressing room. LOL.haha! this is perfect! And I love the confidence you exude. You sound so fun! 🙂
I love that one! "Do" is something that is pretty much always on the forefront of my mind and so I love that you've already set goals within that!
xoxoGlad to know I'm not alone! 🙂
Reshape is my word. I want to reshape my life in a more positive happier direction. I'm a strong Catholic Christian, but I want to reshape to become even more faithful by going that extra mile. I have a dream I want to reshape into reality, instead of just dreaming about it. I want to drop some LBS, so I'm reshaping my body and exercise. Thank you for being the motivation behind my word. You have been such an inspiration through your blog!
Reshape is my word. I want to reshape my life in a more positive happier direction. I'm a strong Catholic Christian, but I want to reshape to become even more faithful by going that extra mile. I have a dream I want to reshape into reality, instead of just dreaming about it. I want to drop some LBS, so I'm reshaping my body and exercise. Thank you for being the motivation behind my word. You have been such an inspiration through your blog!
Thanks Cori!!!
Happy New Year!Ooo! Great one! If I can do a 5K, then you can too! Promise 🙂
yes! I hear ya. There are moments in life when we think… Who am I, again? LOL. That's why I love the idea of having a hobby or something that keeps me connected to my greatest passion of creating!
Best of luck!Awh Thanks so much Kim!!! Here's to surrounding ourselves with awesome women this year!
Great goal! With a little practice and perseverance, you'll do amazing!
Yup! Maintaining the relationships is JUST as hard as finding them sometimes! But lots of good things in life, aren't always easy 🙂
Best of luck to you this year!Yes! I love what you said about Surrounding yourself with people that make you feel good! That's the key!
I love your word! What a great challenge to put yourself first and take the challenge to surround yourself with people that love you for who you are not what they want you to be. I had a friendship a couple of years ago that was so toxic. I became a person I realized I did not want to be. I was so disappointed in myself but couldn't figure out how to pull myself out of it. Finally my husband had enough, thank goodness! I made the decision to cut her out of my life, with reprecussions, of course, but wow do I feel awesome! I now have terrific friends that I to be with and love me for who I am and don't try to change me. I am so thankful I have the friends that I can just pick up with at any point, a week, a month or even a couple months down the road! You deserve to surround with people that love you! I wish you much health and happiness in 2013!I totally agree! It's hard to open yourself up, but once you do, that's when you start finding those other amazing people 🙂
You're so awesome McKenzie!!!LOVE this one! Seriously, I LOVE positive people. They just have a way of making every situation a-okay 🙂
Awh Amber, thanks! You're so sweet!
Sometimes it's hard to build up that self esteem, but I feel like once it's cultivated, it's there to stay 🙂
Best of luck in 2013! You'll be amazing!I TOTALLY did that too! I would put myself down, thinking that if I did it before anyone ELSE did, that I would save myself some heartache. ACK! Isn't that awful! Who thinks like that?
A few years back I figured out that it just made me AND other people feel uncomfortable, so I nipped that in the butt right away. LOLEven though discouraging, I LOVE your story! It is so heartfelt and I honestly believe that we have to go through trials, so that we can come out better on the other side.
Obviously you KNOW you're not alone, and I'm sure that there are plenty of women who are going through the same thing as you! Maybe you're meant to be a voice of comfort and reason for them, when they feel inadequate, frustrated or sad (?)
I feel like God uses us, our personalities and experiences in life in the neatest ways. We never know who we're going to effect or help, by simply being able to relate to someone who's gone through a similar experience.Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for making your FIRST EVER blog comment! Whoo hoo!
In light of liking yourself for WHO YOU ARE – don't apologize for your handwriting. 🙂 It's perfectly acceptable, just the way it is. Just like you are. Love your blog!!
What an awesome word! I love it 🙂
Oh gosh, you sound like my husband! He has ZERO guy friends. haha! He'd rather sit around chatting with me and other ladies about everything and nothing, than attempt to have a conversation about sports or hunting with another guy.
But that's what I love about him! Everyone is built so differently inside, and my guy happens to like home improvement, great style and buying my girls lots of clothes they don't need. LOL.
I have no complaints 🙂Trace, I made it! It's stamped leather, and I'm working on finding a tutorial for it 🙂
I would post about it, but I don't have the tools, a friend let me use hers. It's so easy and fun though!Good for you! RISK is a GREAT word, and when you're on the fence about what to do in a situation, you'll remember it and hopefully TAKE the risk 🙂
Mine always turned out really well, so yours probably will too!ACK! I know, but I always had such a hard time cultivating friendships BEYOND that! So dumb!
I'm slowly learning though, and am going to be MUCH more Awesomer at it this year. ha! 🙂
xoxoPERFECT! That should be mine too, because it's a HUGE goal of mine!
Those ARE connected, I swear! Great choice and GOOD LUCK!
Rachel that's SO NICE!!! Thank you for your sweet comment and you're totally right! For some reason our society makes it "okay" to be mean to each other and I wish we would all just shake that from our minds.
I say that "NICER" should be a universal word for this year too 🙂
Thanks so much Tara!
I was actually a little worried that people might read into it wrong, thinking… "Ugh, she thinks she's awesome!?" lol, but I took a risk because I just feel like we're NEVER fully to the point where we don't need to improve anymore!Thanks again and Happy New year!
Woah! that's a BIG risk! Best of luck, I'm sure it will be juuuust fine 🙂
I love your attitude! You CAN do this! Just peel that "glue" off and do your tha'ng girl 🙂
Wow thank you so much for this inspirational post. I love how honest you are about yourself and I think more women need to stop pretending to be someone else's perfect while deep down inside they are truly desiring to be accepted for the perfect woman that they are. You clearly have a sincere heart, passion for what you do and I appreciate your willingness to be open, honest and REAL with those you come in contact with. I hope you achieve all your goals this year, but I hope you also continue to be the awesome person you are and choose to be daily. I've only been reading your blog for a short time now, but your posts are truly inspiring. Keep it up! Happy New Year!
Truth is a tricky thing. Sometimes it's good, somethings it's not. LOL. And I think that's what you're saying. Knowing when to speak the truth because it will HELP someone or make them feel better, is ALWAYS okay in my book.
It's the truth that HURTS, that I have a problem with. Don't point out that I'm fat or scatterbrained when I already know it. LOL. I think that's the problem I have with other women, that they feel the need to sometimes point out the flaws, instead of the best parts. And I'm TOTALLY throwing myself into that category, because I've done it too.The truth CAN set you free and that's what I love about it. I love your story, because you have come to terms with some things that are really hard, yet you still seem so positive and aware. That's huge!
Forge ahead girl. You've got this! And yes… poo-poo on that perception that you're not good enough. That's just crazy talk! 🙂
You are the AWESOMEST!
What a fantastic post! So encouraging! I need some new friends and this will be such a great start….a list of qualities and then a confidence in myself 🙂 And your word is just great!
Love your word. If anyone has the power to be awesomer, it's you! My word this year is "focus."
That was an even awesomer post than ever!
Totally relate! Thanks for being so open, helps us all realize we are not
The only ones who feel this way and its ok and we can work on it together!
2013-here we come!
TracyWhat a great post. I feel pretty stinkin inspired! After reading I sat here for a moment really reflecting on me, my family, the past year and I think I've come up with a word…balance….(oh my word I have a word!). I think it really sums up everything that I can think of that I'd like to work on and be. I need to be more balanced in the positive and constructive things I choose to say to my boys (so hard when they're naughty), in what and how much I eat…I am REALLY hoping at this point you didn't see me practically licking my plate clean at Red Robin last night whaaaaa. Also with exercise, which for me mostly helps keep the blues away. I want to not bolt out of the gate but keep going so as not to burn out (hello Ecclesiastes 9:11 or Mosiah 4:27). I want to be more balanced with all areas of life be it church, personal or physical. The time I spend with friends, family, on the computer, decorating, sleeping. Oh I am just so excited! =D Now where does one make one of those fabulous bracelets already??? LOL
Boy, can I relate to this post. I have very few female friends because there's usually too much drama and B.S. But it's probably also because I've always been a little intimidated/insecure as well. Thanks for your honesty.
I wish you all the best for this new year!
I keep reading my own thoughts in the comments already posted. You are super motivational for me, I love coming here and reading all of your positive words. Wanted to thank you for being an inspiration. I'm going to "borrow" your awesomer idea because its just that great!
Side note: I'm in LOVE with your phone case/wrist chain thingy. Can I steal that idea from you as well? Do tell, where'd you find it 🙂
Now that would be awesome. 😉
perfect word! you ARE awesome at being YOU and that is why everyone loves you! love seeing your pics on IG! my OLW is cREaTe!
I love your word for 2013! It's so true… we have to love and believe in ourselves to have friends with the same values! Happy New Year!!
Thank you for this most awesome blog ever!! I completely agree with you on every point and I love your word:0) Mine is passionate, I want to be more passionate in any and everything I do!! I love your bracelets by the way, way cool!!
I feel like we are the same person!! I, too, have always had mostly dude friends. Mainly due to "mean girls" who I thought were my friends growing up. I did learn something from those experiences, and that is gossip is absolutely evil. I live by this Eleanor Roosevelt quote : "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." I Love it and live it 🙂 I was also sort of raised to apologize for things I'm good at… I know my parents didn't mean for it to affect me negatively, but my go to is usually self deprecating humor lol I just need to remember not to let that creep into my work life. I know I'm good at that 🙂 Thank you for this post, definitely an eye opener for me as a Military Wife who is forced to try and make friends every year and a half or so. Instead of avoiding it completely, I'll just start seeking out the right ones 🙂 ps: I've been following your weight loss blogs, incredibly inspiring! And I'm not sure it's fair to look as pretty as you do after working out 🙂
Awesomer is the most AWESOMELY AWESOME word for you, though I would like you to know that I already think you are way more Awesomer than you give yourself credit for. 😉
Holy crap monkeys…I seriously could have written this post. Girls have always been an overwhelming thing to me….they can be mean.
I love every woman in that picture but they scare the shite out of me because they are all so AWESOME that I think, how in the world could they ever like ME?? Amazing, every single one of them and you!! Women are SCARY, scary, scary if you find the wrong ones. If you find the right ones they will make you feel like a million bucks and those girls up there….well they will do it for you every.time. The only reason I have the guts to do what I do is because I have amazing friends who encourage me to DREAM BIG and just do it!! It's taken until I was 39 years old to finally find a group of ladies that I love unconditionally and that love me back the same so good for you…you're only 30 and you figured it out!
My word this year is ACHIEVE and I'm on my way…and you are going to be part of the first big thing I'm gonna do!:) woohoo!!So Cason may or may NOT want to punch me for putting this idea in your head, BUT I think you should pass that same challenge he gave you last year on to him. Since he has ZERO guy friends and all, have him write a list of the qualities he wants his friends to have and challenge him to make one or twenty. 🙂 Preferably MY husband since one day we will be sort of related when our little's get married. HA! Besides, Bill could use some help in the home improvement department. OR, They can make a trade… Cason can come fix our leaky faucet and Bill can change the brakes/oil on your cars.
Shelley, you can smack me for commenting all over your blog, but I just HAD to respond to this. Rachel, I can TOTALLY relate to what you are saying. I had a hysterectomy at 25. It's not really something that most women our age can relate to, but I just wanted to give you some encouragement and let you know that you're not alone. Hot flashes before 30 definitely SUCK, one minute you're so hot that you fear to the public eye you look like a rat drowning in your own sweat then at the drop of a dime you are bundling up in whatever warm clothing you can get your hands on. I too have two beautiful miracles of my own that I am so grateful to have. Thanks for sharing your story… it always helps to know that there is someone else out there that has been dealt the same cards and have traveled a similar journey. Kudos to you!
My word is 2013 is Perspective!!
shelookethwell.blogspot.com/2013/01/word-of-2013.htmlI'm totally channeling friends here and dating myself, but I can totally hear Chandler Bing saying "Could you BE any awesomer?!) Love it. Great post by a great gal – I thoroughly enjoy reading all of your posts and this was no exception…
What a wonderful post!! I'd be totally lost without the amazing friendships I've found in the beautiful women in my life. My word for this year is "deliberate" …I want to be more deliberate in my role as a wife, mother, friend, and more deliberate in my church callings, in household duties, our finances. Pretty much don't want to just fly by the seat of my pants anymore!!! 🙂 Happy New Year! Way to be awesomer
Everyone should make a list of the friends they would like to have.
My words for the year are CREATE, LEARN, BE WELL. All the things I need to continue to pursue and refine in 2013.I have a handful of BFF's who are all of the things you listed and more. 🙂 I've let go of a few girlfriends from my past who were too needy and demanding, or simply draining.
Awesomer? I think you're already awesome enough! Now you must tell us where you got those awesomely cool bracelets!
I think just saying those words aloud about your insecurities means you are halfway there to overcoming them. I'm so glad you are on your way to opening yourself up because having close girlfriends are such a gift to yourself. "Pizazz" is my word. A couple of years ago my mother told me I lost a little of my pizazz that I had when I was younger. The kids beat it out of me, lol. As they've gotten older I've concentrated a little more on myself, and just felt more confident and happier because of it. The other day someone told me I had a lot of pizazz. I couldn't believe he said that word! I'm determined to gain back all of my pizazz, plus more!
I absolutely love this!
Love your word and the bracelet!!!! When I saw "Awesomer" I thought of Kid President. If you haven't heard of him, you should look him up on YouTube. He tells people to "Be More Awesome."
And your handwriting is much better than mine!
That's just awesome. I love it;)
Shelley! I love this and totally believe that you hit it right on the head! I truly believe you attract people when we are confident in ourselves. I think ALL women struggle with this. I love your list and I will be working on making a more beautiful me (inside and out) but my word for the year is CELEBRATE! This year our family is going to be going through a lot of changes. Being a busy mom I sometimes get caught up in the every day survival mode and don't stop to REALLY enjoy it. I've decide that this year I am going to CELEBRATE the small moments!
Just found your blog…….LOVE it! You are the first blog I have have subscribed to follow…..this is so cool. So excited to read more past post and future!
I love that you made a list and I love even more that your hubby encouraged you to do so! and you are so right! women DO need to be around others who are positive and into building them up and not tearing each other down for whatever reason. thats something I need to work on myself.
And AWESOMER……enough said. I think that's a perfect word for the year! Still working on mine….Not sure I have ever commented here but you rock like fraggles! This might be my favorite post ever on this site.
Also, your AWESOMER bracelet is the AWESOMEST! I want one!!!
I tried to post yesterday, but it hasn't shown up, not sure what happened! Just wanted to say – I love this post, and you are such an inspiration. I've been pondering on my word for 2013 and I think I've settled on it: "rise." So I can rise to every occasion, rise above the negativity of both others and myself, help others to do the same and uplift others as much as I can. I also want to raise up my talents and my attitude and the way I see myself – I deserve better! And I can do better. Happy New Year to you!
Love this Love you!! Your a great inspiration to me personally and I am sure to many many others!!!Oh sister, your feelings are equally shared. Four years ago my little family and I moved from Utah. It was very difficult and I missed everyone but I quickly came to the realization that I was pretty pathetic. My eyes were opened and I learned that my friends didn't have to look like me or act like me. They didn't have to be in the same stage of life as me. They didn't even have to share the same beliefs as me. I learned that I could be friends with people different than me. And although I am often attracted to someone that is "like me" I've learned that I would rather be friends with someone different than me. I hope that doesn't sound shallow. In Oregon I gained some REAL friends, eternal friends. I love those ladies dearly. They were 10-18 years older than me but accepted me with all of my strengths and weaknesses. Oh how I miss them. We recently moved back to Utah, and the return has been far more difficult. I thought I would enjoy being close to old friends but I am different and I like the new me. The better me more comfortable with me, me.:) Sooo this year I want just be ME, an "awesomer" me. I will achieve that through knowledge. Knowledge of the scriptures and Christ, that is how I can become the best me and He is my truest friend. Good luck to you this year! If you ever want to hit up some chips and salsa I'm just around the corner!(Lehi)
P.S. When I first moved back to Utah I hated the feeling I got when I went to Target and wasn't dressed from head to toe. I'm good with it now…here's to hairy legs and greased back ponytails!!!
Love this idea! Now trying to decide on my word! SO hard!!
I also LOVE your chevron bracelet!!! Where did you find it?
Hope your 2013 is AWESOMER!!!I am so happy for you! You are on the right track! You go girl!
I love this!!!! I wish you lived in Salem, Oregon because we would be fast friends!!! I stumbled on your Instagram through a friend and have now linked up with your blog and completely relate to this post! Thanks for all your cute and creative ideas! Happy Awesomer New Year!!!!
I love this! I wish you lived in Salem, Oregon because I know we would be fast friends! I stumbled onto your Instagram through a friends and have now linked up with your blog. Thank you for all your energy and creativity! Have an Awesomer New Year!!!
I love this!!!! I wish you lived in Salem, Oregon because we would be fast friends!!! I stumbled on your Instagram through a friend and have now linked up with your blog and completely relate to this post! Thanks for all your cute and creative ideas! Happy Awesomer New Year!!!!
Very inspiring post. I'm working on starting my own blog, and yours has really been one that I can personally relate to. I love how personal you get and how honest you are. My 2013 word: PERSEVERANCE. When things get hard, I tend to pull back, but this year I'm facing them head on! Thanks for writing what you do in the way that you do..looking forward to the next post.
You are so right! I think I need to read this post about 5 more times to truly let it sink in! Thank-you. 🙂
There's a reason why I usually reply "Awesome" after hearing good things, and now I think I'm gonna start using "Awesomer" to describe all my gf's. Thank you 🙂
There's a reason why I usually reply "Awesome" after hearing good things, and now I think I'm gonna start using "Awesomer" to describe all my gf's. Thank you 🙂
Thank you for being transparent. In a previous response to a comment, you mentioned that if you are on the fence about something, take the risk. That's what I need to do. There have been many times where I think I want to do something or unsure about it and I'll initially "cast my net" to see the interest level. Then, when I get a bite, I get nervous and start back tracking and I ultimately let go of the net and leave it out there.
2013 is about me! I need some mental surgery, fix my ugly thinking habits, stop being intimidated by the women who I want to be like, and find the things I enjoy! I'm going to discover myself! I guess that's my word – DISCOVER!
Thank you for being transparent. In a previous response to a comment, you mentioned that if you are on the fence about something, take the risk. That's what I need to do. There have been many times where I think I want to do something or unsure about it and I'll initially "cast my net" to see the interest level. Then, when I get a bite, I get nervous and start back tracking and I ultimately let go of the net and leave it out there.
2013 is about me! I need some mental surgery, fix my ugly thinking habits, stop being intimidated by the women who I want to be like, and find the things I enjoy! I'm going to discover myself! I guess that's my word – DISCOVER!
Hi Shelly!!
I remember reading your post last on your word of the year and thought that was an awesome idea. I think this year's word is a great pick and look forward to reading all the more awesomer things you accomplish this year. After much thought about last year and not being happy with a lot of things, I decided that it is in my power to CHANGE things. So, I've decided that this year, my word wil be CHANGE! I'm excited about my goals that's gonna help me make it a year of CHANGE. Wohoo!!Hi there! I have had your blog on my sidebar and have loved checking in reading your posts and being inspired by your beautiful home! What an honest post, thank you for sharing it, I can relate on so many levels:). You have achieved so much in the last year, what an accomplishment! Happy New Year, Jen
Hi! I stumbled on your blog when I searched for word-of-the-year. Like a lot of others, I totally related to your post. I too have always had more guy friends and have done a lot of self-sabotaging when it comes to female friendships due to my own insecurities. I'm definitely working on that, along with finding the *right* friendships, because honestly having the wrong friend is worse than not having that friend at all, because it just saps the happy right out of you! Anyway, my word for 2013 is GRACE. It was one of those aha! things where it randomly came to mind and I just knew it was the word. I am not exactly sure why yet, but am very excited about exploring where that will take me both personally and spiritually in this coming year. Thanks for a great post and good luck with being awesomer!
Ummmm…this post and YOU pretty much just ROCKED MY WORLD! 😀 I'm thinking I need to call you right now…hope you answer! 😀
I'm so happy to hear that I'm not the only one having trouble making friends with gals. I'm going to try your list making idea (I mean Carson's idea) and see where it takes me. This is one area of my life that I constantly fret about especially since I'm in my 40s. I'm loving the word Awesomer and am going make use of it!
Embrace it. So I know that it's actually 2 words, but I really want this to be at the front of my mind this year. I am about to turn 30 (yikes!) and I don't want to be one of those people who get get bummed about getting older. I want to embrace turning 30 and get this new decade of mine off to an amazing start. I'm also a single mom and in the past year went from a part-time job that I didn't much care for to a full-time job that I really enjoy, but it's been hard to find the best routine for my son and I. I've always been such a planner/worrier and I've been struggling to find a good balance. I really want to be able to embrace this stage in my life and all the craziness that comes with it. Instead of being so hard on myself I want to embrace the change, situations, opportunities, and challenges that arise and make the best out of all of it. That's my goal. Thank you for being so inspirational. You're completely relatable and have such a positive influence!
I found your post on the lettered cottage. I love the word "awesomer" 🙂 My word is "Change". XO
HAHA! I totally try on clothes over my clothes in stores….drives my hubby nuts!
I totally feel you and the way you felt about yourself. I have never been one to have self esteem of any sort regardless of my size & I have been many sizes! I also have trouble with friends that are girls. Growing up most of my friends were guys because I have always been sort of a tom boy…..Well, it was classified as a tom boy growing up. Now, I am just a DIY'er that happens to be a woman.
I have two words for this year….My words for this year are "Faith & Love". I have never had very much faith in myself or love for myself which I think contributes to my not being able to have the "true" friends that I long for or to be the person I wish to be. I hope to have a better self image, healthier & happier life. I want my 3 boys to be happy and I do not feel like I am setting a very good example on how to have that or how to love yourself. I want to find myself and be the person that God intended me to be. I know she is in this body somewhere.
May you have an awesomer year! Thank you for all of your inspiration & honesty!You inspired me to create my own word: CREATE!
thisdomesticateddiva.blogspot.com/2013/01/resolutions-2013.htmlMy word is Happy. I've spent way too much time being unhappy and for no good reason at all. ha! I guess I really think my word should be CONTENT more so than happy. Content means in all things I can roll with life and have real JOY. I stumbled upon your blog after watching Clean Freaks. I actually went looking for your magnet board and found you here. I am glad I did! You are such an encouragement and so real. I love that. Thanks for sharing your life! God is using your journey to spark something deeper in me. Things I didn't even realize I needed to see in myself. For that, I am grateful! Keep on with your awesomer self!!
I think many of us can so relate to this post. I usually do resolutions which never seem to stick around for more than a week, so this year I'm trying a Word of the Year.
My word is transform! I have paired it with a Bible verse on which I can focus, meditate and memorize. Here's to an awesomer 2013!!
You are such an inspiration. I'm so grateful that I found your blog. I need to lose a 100 pds. and have been so overwhelmed with this enormous task that I've never known where to start. After reading about your journey, I now understand that it's just a matter of setting small goals and just get going. Thank you for posting about your journey. I am so very grateful. My OLW for this year is FOCUS… For so many years, I've put myself last. It's time to focus on me and making healthy choices, focusing on the positive and just being healthy. I hope that you have an awesomer 2013!
Loved your transparency …refreshing! Thank you! My word for 2013 is "well"…live well. Be well. Feel well. Do well. "It is well with my soul. " I enjoy your blog!
Have you read this? It reminded me of your post.
I thought it in young womens a few months ago and it was "awesome"You have a very smart hubby. Kudos to him for being encouraging and challenging you. I love that you are sharing your journey. I see myself in you and seriously need to take that leap for myself. So I really appreciate your sharing your successes and struggles. Inspiring!


text:
1987 ASC Suntour
ASC is no stranger to custom vehicles. Their specialty though usually falls under chopping the roofs off of cars and even trucks. This was not the case with their Suntour Firebird. In 1987 ASC was already working on convertible version of the Camaro and Firebird, which makes sense as the two share the same F-body underpinnings. The idea for the Camaro and Firebird was pretty straightforward: cut the top off but make it look good and functional. But what if you wanted something a little different? That is where the Suntour comes in.
The Suntour appears to be a fairly normal Firebird from a distance. But come closer and you begin to see the modifications that truly set this car apart. For starters there is the polycarbonate windshield that extends into the roof above the driver. This presented a problem for the ASC team as forming glass to make the necessary complex curves was both difficult and expensive. Polycarbonate was chosen as a substitute, which worked for a show car, but in the real world proved hard to keep scratch-free. Another trick piece of engineering was the sliding glass sunroof. ASC dug into their mechanical experience to create a unique cantilever mechanism that moved the sunroof up and back far beyond any normal sunroof's capability. The sunroof actually slides over the top of the car giving the driver an amazing open air experience. Amazingly these radical roof changes did not alter the crash-worthiness of the car itself!
Underneath the Suntour retains its stock driveline. The stock 305 cubic-inch V8 (even though the brochure states a 350) moves the car just fine along with GM's 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Outside ASC developed a subtle body kit to compliment the shape of the Firebird. This one-off kit was sculpted in clay then cast in epoxy. The wheels are also one-off 17" x 10" aluminum pieces which were specially made for the Suntour. Moving inside ASC trimmed the interior in red leather and custom Recaro seats. A full-length console was fitted along with custom door panels, a custom steering wheel, and a custom cargo cover that was attached to the rear hatch.
The Suntour impressed the folks at GM but more importantly it got tons of attention on the car show circuit. After a few years the car was sold to an ASC employee who swapped out the wheels but otherwise kept it the same. Today Rick and Jim Schmidt, who also own National Parts Depot, own the car and display it as it was originally built. It is comforting to know that such a unique vehicle is in good hands.
Number built – 1
Construction – Unibody
Engine – 305 cubic-inch V8 (LG4)
Power/Torque – 170 horsepower/250 lb-ft torque
Transmission – 700R4 four-speed automatic
Suspension front – MacPherson strut with coil springs
Suspension rear – Live axle with coil springs and torque arm
Steering – rack & pinion
Brakes – four-wheel disc
Length/width/height – 188.1/72.4/50 inches
Wheelbase – 101 inches
Weight – 3,355 lbs.
0-60mph/quarter-mile – 5.2 seconds, 13.8 seconds (estimated)
Top speed – 132 mph (estimated)
MPG – 17-24 mpg EPA est.
Price – Priceless
Published Dec 7th, 2015


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