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BLAINESWORLD
#602 4.14.2008 In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Beautiful 4. Reviews . . . SMART PEOPLE, etc. 5. TV alert 6. Treatment 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. What gives? 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I had a blast this past Saturday with friends . . . we went to Duck Sauce (215.860.8879) in Newtown, PA, and, as always, had a splendid dinner . . . the restaurant features fusion-style items . . . whatever you do, don't miss the pecan ribs . . . they're as good as we've ever had anywhere else. From there, we went to the Newtown Arts Company's tuneful production of OKLAHOMA! at the Newtown Theatre . . . Bill Weir and Elizabeth Rzasa were both excellent in the leading roles, and we also liked the scene-stealing work of John Rasiej . . . the latter actor had us laughing every time he was on stage . . . and Mary Liz Ivins did a fine job of directing the show. The next Newtown Arts production is LOVE, SEX AND THE IRS, slated to run June 12-18 . . . for more information, please click: http://www.newtownartscompany.com Our evening concluded with ice cream, naturally, at the Zebra-Striped Whale (215-860-4122)--also in Newtown . . . we always enjoy the ice cream there, as well as the experience of just sitting in the very attractive store . . . and we appreciated that we weren't kicked out at the normal closing time of 11 p.m. B. On Sunday, we journeyed to South Jersey to the home of our friends Steve and Karen . . . they were hosting a brunch for several of us who were involved with the Marketing Education program at Rider University back in the early 1970s. There was sooooo much food . . . though everything was delicious, we most enjoyed the Yamberry Muffins . . . for that recipe, please click: http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/yamberry-muffins-recipe.html These were as tasty an item as we've had for quite time; they're also a good source of fiber. It was nice getting together with old friends . . . we were disappointed that our professor and mentor, Dr. Al Sternberg, wasn't able to make it because he suffered a minor stroke just a few days earlier . . . we were all glad to hear that he's already out of the hospital en route to a speedy recovery. Molly Kervick was another person who was missed . . . she, too, had some health problems (in fact, a lot of health problems) and just recently got out of the hospital after spending far too much time there . . . we were happy to hear that she's now undergoing rehab at her home. C. During the week, I attended an informative presentation at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, NJ, on the making of documentary films . . . film makers Tom and Linda Spain, joined by Monica Lange, discussed their 15-month adventure making a two-hour special for PBS that traced the history of the Hudson River . . . I was amazed to learn that they shot some 50 feet of film for every one foot of film that made the final print. I also heard some good news . . . friends Barry and Jody Sysler became grandparents for the first time, welcoming Holden Andrew Sysler into the world . . . CONGRATULATIONS! D. $1,000 REWARD (increased from $500!): Yes, your eyes don't deceive you . . . help my brother and me find a buyer for our mother's apartment in Floral Park, NY, and this amount is yours . . . see below for more information: A SPECTACULAR RENOVATED 1 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 BATH. LARGE LIVING ROOM, SLIDING GLASS DOORS AND BALCONY. SUNNY GOLF VIEWS. SEPARATE DINING ROOM / DEN. HUGE MASTER BEDROOM. INCREDIBLE OUTFITTED CLOSETS. HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE. BUILDING # 1. INCLUDES INDOOR PARKING. $569,000. You also get access to all stores downstairs, including a bank, restaurant, movie theater, supermarket, cleaner's, drugstore, health club, etc. . . . golf and/or tennis memberships are also available at a very reasonable extra cost . . . and there are both indoor and outdoor pools . . . for more information about the overall community, please click: http://www.northshoretowers.com To find our more about the apartment, call Annette Kroll at 718.631.8867 . . . make sure you let me know if you or somebody you know contacts Annette, so that if there's a sale as a result, I can get you your $1,000. . . this is no joke! ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Natalie Kaye and Ivan Winegar--the real stars of OKLAHOMA! (see also Section 1A) at least in my opinion. They both danced with great enthusiasm, sang on key and delivered their lines with perfection . . . it was a real thrill to see them on stage, though that said, I must admit to being prejudiced in that they're our good friends. This was the first time that Natalie, programming coordinator of the Women's Center at Bucks County Community College, and Ivan, a nurse, have performed together on stage . . . I'm hoping it won't be the last! Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI John Gray in WHY MARS & VENUS COLLIDE (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) provides this useful advice on how men can get points from the women they love: Men get more points from giving hugs than for being a good provider. When I discovered scoring system, I began giving my wife four hugs a day; once when I first her in the morning, one when I say good-bye, one when I return, and one before bed. By finding her to give the hugs, I get an extra point each time for finding her. I score eight points just by giving four points. By showing some interest and asking a few questions about her day, I can easily earn another ten points. Every time I ask about something with an awareness of what she was doing, I score a point. A man gets more points when his questions are specific. Rather than saying, "How was your day?" asking, "Did you get what you wanted at the marketing meeting?" shows real involvement. He will always get points for showing interest and asking about her day, but when he asks specific questions like how the appointment with the doctor went or how the pitch went at lunch, he gets more points for knowing what goes on in her life and being interested in the outcome. If he calls her during the day occasionally to ask how something went, he gets even more points. . . . Another simple way to earn points is for him to find her first when he arrives home or to stop what he is doing if she arrives later, and to greet her with a hug. He gets a point for the hug, a point for initiating the hug, and then another point for stopping what he was doing to make her a priority. FYI, part 2 * Warren in Pennsylvania: Congratulations on reaching another milestone! 600 and still going strong! * Alicia in Pennsylvania: I went to see MENOPAULSE this past weekend, and laughed until my sides hurt. There were several men who also went and said they also enjoyed it. It only runs until April 27th, so if you don't want to miss it, you don't have much time left. For more information, please click: http://www.menopausethemusical.com/main.php?page=show.details_g4&getshow=36
* Pat in Pennsylvania: One very powerful and easy way to remember someone's name is to say it out loud three times when you meet them. No joke. When you meet someone and they tell you their name, be honest with them and tell them that if you say someone's name 3Xs out loud, you will remember it. And then slowly say their name 3Xs and maybe even pronounce it different ways to get their feedback to make sure you are saying it correctly. Seems to work all the time. But remember, you need to actually say it THREE times OUT LOUD. * Dana in Pennsylvania: You may have read these before, but in case you haven't, these are some great tips for . . . Handling Telemarketers Three Little Words That Work!! 1. The three little words are: "Hold On, Please . . . " Saying this, while putting down your phone and walking off (instead of hanging-up immediately) would make each telemarketing call so much more time-consuming that boiler room sales would grind to a halt. Then when you eventually hear the phone company's "beep-beep-beep" tone, you know it's time to go back and hang up your handset, which has efficiently completed its task. These three little words will help eliminate telephone soliciting. 2. Do you ever get those annoying phone calls with no one on the other end? This is a telemarketing technique where a machine makes phone calls and records the time of day when a person answers the phone. This technique is used to determine the best time of day for a "real" sales person to call back and get someone at home. What you can do after answering, if you notice there is no one there, is to immediately start hitting your # button on the phone, 6 or 7 times, as quickly as possible. This confuses the machine that dialed the call and it kicks your number out of their system. Gosh, what a shame not to have your name in their system any longer!!! 3. Junk Mail Help: I LOVE THIS ONE! When you get so-called ads enclosed with your phone or utility bill, return these "ads" with your payment. Let the sending companies throw their own junk mail away. When you get those pre-approved letters in the mail for everything from credit cards to 2nd mortgages and similar type junk, do not throw away the return envelope. Most of these come with postage-paid return envelopes, right? It costs them more than the regular cents postage IF and when they receive them back. It costs them nothing if you throw them away! The postage was around 50 cents before the last increase and it is according to the weight. In that case, why not get rid of some of your other junk mail and put it in these cool little, postage-paid return envelopes. And then there's this from Andy Rooney's 60 MINUTES: Send an ad for your local chimney cleaner to American Express. S end a pizza coupon to Citibank. If you didn't get anything else that day, then just send them their blank application back! If you want to remain anonymous, just make sure your name isn't on anything you send them. You can even send the envelope back empty if you want to just to keep them guessing! It still costs them 50 cents. The banks and credit card companies are currently getting a lot of their own junk back in the mail, but folks, we need to OVERWHELM them. Let's let them know what it's like to get lots of junk mail, and best of all, they're paying for it . . . twice!! Let's help keep our postal service busy since they are saying that e-mail is cutting into their business profits, and that's why they need to increase postage costs again. You get the idea! If enough people follow these tips, they will work. I have been doing this for years, and I get very little junk mail anymore. YES, I KNOW: Rooney did not actually write the above passage . . . yet I thought it was nevertheless fun and thought you would do so, too . . . for more information, please click: http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/telemarket.asp * Allen in Pennsylvania: My website has been redesigned and is now much more user friendly. Please follow the link and check it out. While you're there, sign the guestbook! http://www.allenhoey.com MY TWO CENTS: Make sure you check out some of Allen's poems, available by clicking "Sample Poems" on the left. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Beautiful Our favorite restaurant has a waitress whose nametag reads “Beautiful.” “Is that really your name?” I asked her. “No,” she admitted. “But If people are going to holler at me all day, I can at least be called something I like.” Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. SMART PEOPLE is a dark comedy about the life of a widowed and self-absorbed literature professor who has alienated the rest of his family . . . only after he meets one of his former students is he able to begin taking the steps necessary to move forward in his life . . . I thought the scenes of academic life were very realistic; however, overall, I didn't enjoy the film and as consequently would not recommend it . . . there were very few laughs . . . Dennis Quaid was fine as the professor, as was Sarah Jessica Parker as his girlfriend . . . I was less impressed with the work of Ellen Page (see also Section 4B) she gave almost a repeat performance of her previous film . . .and Thomas Haden Church, so funny in SIDEWAYS, didn't have enough to do here . . . rated R. B. JUNO is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #588 follows:
JUNO is a quirky comedy about a teenager who decides to have sex and then becomes pregnant as a result . . . it grew on me and now, thinking about it afterwards, I liked it and would recommend that you see it too . . . the accompanying soundtrack is great, as is the cast--ranging from Ellen Page in the title role to J.K. Simmons (so good in the SPIDER-MAN) movies . . . there's also an ending that moved me, but nice guy that I am, I won't give away. In addition, the dialogue was great; e.g., to cite just a few snippets: * Juno MacGuff: [commenting that the repercussions of pregnancy have forced her into] "dealing with things way beyond my maturing level." * Vanessa Loring: Your parents are probably wondering where you are. Juno MacGuff: Nah... I mean, I'm already pregnant, so what other kind of shenanigans could I get into? * Mac MacGuff: Did you see that coming? Bren: Yeah . . . but I was hoping she was expelled or into hard drugs. Mac MacGuff: Or DWI . . . anything but this. * Juno MacGuff: As far as boyfriends go, Paulie Bleeker is totally boss. He is the cheese to my macaroni. * Juno MacGuff: You should try talking to it. 'Cause, like, supposedly they can hear you even though it's all, like, ten-thousand leagues under the sea. * Juno MacGuff: You're like . . . the coolest person I've ever met--and you don't even have to try? Paulie Bleeker: Actually I try really hard. Rated PG-13. C. John Gray has long been one of my favorite authors when it comes to writing about relationships . . .from his MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS to his latest, WHY MARS & VENUS COLLIDE (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11), he continues to give sound advice that can be applied in countless situations. This latter book's subtitle tells you right away what you will gain by reading it; i.e., you'll learn about IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS BY UNDERSTANDING HOW MEN AND WOMEN COPE DIFFERENTLY WITH STRESS. Although some of the material has appeared in other material written by Gray, I still found it worthwhile to be reminded that: * Women admire a man who can stay cool and calm. Women are also pleased when men fix things. Yet when a man offers his quick fixes to her emotional accounts of the day, she interprets his efforts as a dismissal of her feelings. She needs him simply to listen and ask more questions. The more she feels heard and understood, the better she is going to feel. Moreover, women will find it equally beneficial to be reminded about what men often need in a relationship: * Likewise, when a woman minimizes her interruptions of a man's focused activities, she helps him to keep his stress levels down. Leaving a man alone and ignoring him is sometimes the best way to support him. Understanding that these tendencies are based on our brain differences frees us from taking things personally and reveals practical ways to support our partners in coping better with their stresses. I am continually amazed that the author has an uncanny ability to see things from the perspective of both sexes . . . and others, including women, have told me that he really knows his stuff . . . as for instance when he observes: * Needing a partner is not a weakness. It is why we partner up. Men and women just have different primary needs. Men need to feel needed, and women need to feel they are not alone. Just as a woman is happiest when she feels she is getting what she needs from her partner, a man is happiest when he feels successful in meeting his partner's needs. This is an important distinction. We certainly need each other, but for different reasons. Now if I can only remember to look back at this book from time to time, if just to be reminded about all that I have forgotten . . . Chapter 8, "How to Stop Fighting and Make Up," by itself makes WHY MARS & VENUS COLLIDE a worthwhile purnchase and/or gift for anybody involved in a relationship . . . that you get so much other great advice is like having your very own counselor! D. When I was a kid, I couldn't get enough of the game of baseball . . . I watched games on TV and went to them, and I also read everything about the subject that I could. For some reason, I lost interest in it sometime around my teenage years . . . maybe it was when my mother threw out my collection of baseball cards (including one signed by Sandy Koufax!) or perhaps it's when I discovered that girls were frankly more interesting, but I also forgot many of my childhood memories . . . that is, until I came across BASEBALL: A HISTORY OF AMERICA'S FAVORITE GAME by NEW YORK TIMES sports columnist George Vecsey. What a joy it was to hear this book over the past several days as I drove to and from work . . . it reminded me of the days when I followed both the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers, but it also gave me a mini-history lesson about the Black Sox 1919 scandal (and why it happened), along with an appreciation of what it was like to have to play in the Negro Leagues. I also liked hearing about how baseball became popular in the United States . . . and learning that Abner Doubleday really had little to do with the game's development. It was fun hearing about Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson, but equally interesting to learn about the role of such executives as Branch Rickey and my personal favorite, Bill Veeck. And I got a kick learning why Ricky Henderson had so many doubles in his career . . . it seems he could have stretched many of them into triples, but held off on doing so in order to then be able to steal third (and add to his all-time steals record). I don't know if BASEBALL will get me to return to the ballpark anytime in the near future . . . yet I'd still recommend the book to any fan--past, present or future. My only criticism is that the book is a bit choppy . . . it goes back and forth in history, whereas my preference would have been for a straight chronological approach. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. SAMANTHA WHO? has returned on Mondays at 9:32 p.m. on ABC . . . this funny comedy, starring Christina Applegate, is about a woman who has no memory of her past life after she was in an accident. B. Another very funny show, 30 ROCK, returns on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on NBC . . . in this week's episode, Tim Conway guests as a TV legend. C. If you've never seen MONK on its regular cable station (USA), you can see repeats on Sundays at 8 p.m. on NBC . . . this funny show is about a freelance detective/consultant who must also deal with his own obsessive compulsive behavior . . . Tony Shaloub is outstanding as the main character. Repeats of another USA show, PSYCH, follows at 9 p.m. on NBC . . . this one is about a novice sleuth who gets hired by the police after he cons them into thinking he has psychic powers that help solve crimes. D. SWEET NOTHING IN MY EAR is about a married couple whose relationship begins to suffer after their 4-year-old loses his hearing . . . Jeff Daniels and Marlee Matlin star . . . Sunday at 9 p.m. on CBS. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. Treatment A psychiatrist congratulates his patient for responding well to treatment and showing improvement. The patient says: "Improvement?" "Six months ago, I was the Pope. Now I'm an absolute nobody." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. From time to time, youtube.com actually has useful information . . . for example, on how to fold a bag without using a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhSgTq4wRT8 I wonder if it's as easy as it looks . . . if anybody tries this, let me know. B. Youtube.com is also a great source for finding "classic" music performances, such as "My Sweet Lord" performed at a tribute to George Harrison two years after his death: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvH6fxP5hMo On one guitar, Eric Clapton; on the other guitar, Harrison's son. On the piano, Paul McCartney; on the first set of drums, Ringo Star; and on the second set of drums, Phil Collins. On the guitar, Tom Petty. And playing the organ and doing an incredible job on vocals, Billy Preston. And if you liked this, catch the clip of McCartney (on the right) singing "Something" while playing the ukulele: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwKTXyF_6B8&feature=related C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net If you've never seen pictures of yours truly or my friends and relatives, click "Blaine's Best" on the left and then "Pictures" . . . make sure you have your sound on, too, if you wish to hear what's arguably the greatest song of all time. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip To squash preapproved credit offers, register at: http://www.optoutprescreen.com or call the toll-free number: 888.567.8688. Both methods cover you for five years. You can also opt out permanently by phone or by mail using a form found on the above website. “Not only will you nix the offers, but you'll be reducing your chances of identity theft,” says Beth Givens of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. What gives? We have friends whose teenagers weren't happy when their house was put up for sale. It meant the kids had to keep their rooms clean for prospective buyers. After realtors stopped coming by, the kids got suspicious. “I've been cleaning my room for six months,” complained our son. “When is this house going to sell?” My wife laughed. “Oh, we meant to tell you—we took it off the market three months ago." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like Many couples will treat a stranger or guest with greater consideration than each other.--John Gray, author of WHY MARS & VENUS COLLIDE (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11) Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day I REALLY liked John Gray's WHY MARS & VENUS COLLIDE (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10), as evidenced by the fact that what follows is the fourth time I have referred to it in this newsletter: One approach [for women] that works most of the time is to ask for his help in specific terms. Men love projects. Projects are specific. They have a beginning and an end. He can determine what he is going to do, how he is going to do it, and most important, when he is going to do it. Men will often do what they consider is most important first. When given a project to accomplish, he also senses that his efforts will not be taken for granted. All these ingredients help to give him energy and motivation. Here are some examples of how a woman can ask for a man's support in specific instead of general terms: If she is tired that night, she can say, "Would you please make dinner tonight, or pick up some takeout?" If there are piles of laundry, she can say, "Would you help me fold this laundry tonight?" If she doesn't feel like cleaning up the kitchen, she can say, "Would you do the dishes tonight, please? I need a break." Or if she wants help with the dishes, instead of just expecting him to pitch in, she can simply say, "Would you bring over the plates?" or "Would you wash the pots and pans tonight? I would really appreciate the help." . . . When my wife and I go food shopping at the farmer's market, I have my defined job-paying each vendor, pushing the cart, and carrying the heavy bags. Likewise, when I help with the dishes, I like to plant myself in front of the sink and wash dishes while others bring plates over, put things away, and clean tabletops. When I have one clear thing to do without a lot of decisions to make that involve my partner, I am more energized. Having to ask your partner each time whether this food should be kept, and remembering where she wants things to be put away, can be a bit exhausting for a man, who thrives on doing things alone, particularly if he is already tired. When he has one clear thing to do, without a lot of decisions to make that involve his partner, a man is energized. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Here's your last chance to see some of my favorite local performers: * Tom Orr closes his run in Cyrano de Bergerac at Actors’ NET in Morrisville . . . the production stars the amazing George Hartpence (aided and abetted by the lovely and talented Carol Thompson as Roxane). A lot of work has gone into this production, including George’s set and the costuming of the large cast. It will be well worth the 2 ½+ hours to see this seldom-produced classic. You will get to see him in a role that is a departure from the usual. (He plays Cyrano’s antagonist complete with hair and beard that are reminiscent of an 80s hair-band). It runs through April 20. For more information, please click: http://www.actorsnetbucks.org * Our friends the Dowburds, Chic and Joni, close their run in WONDERFUL TOWN next weekend: At Bucks County Playhouse: April 25th and 26th at 8 p.m. April 27th at 2 p.m. Tickets prices are: Adults: $18; Children (under 18): $12.50 Senior Citizen: $12.50 at Sat, Apr.12th matinee only Tickets can be ordered by phone at 267.733.8876 or by email at: NVMTtkts@aol.com. B. Bucks County Community College will be having its annual "Media Event" event on Wednesday, April 23, at 10 a.m. in the library auditorium of the Newtown, PA campus . . . the event is free and open to the public . . . this year, the topic is "Crime and Punishment: Covering the Police Beat" and features journalists Bill Moushey of THE PITTSBURGH POST GAZETTE, Erin O'Hearn of Channel 6 Action News and J.D. Mullane (my favorite local columnist) of THE BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES. C. Everyone is invited the celebration of Mart Sutton's 43-year career at Bucks on Saturday, May 3 in Tyler Hall and Gardens . . . guests are being asked to contribute $50; $25 for the celebration and $25 towards a scholarship in his name . . . for more information, please contact Phyllis at 215.968.8061 or Mary Allen at 215.968.8627. D. Susie in New Jersey: VIVA VAGINA IN MAY AT MATTISON PARK IN ASBURY PARK, NJ Mattison Park and The Provincetown Fringe Festival in Asbury Park present VIVA VAGINA directed by Marjorie Conn and inspired by Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues. Performances are at Mattison Park at 649 Mattison Avenue in Asbury Park on Tuesdays, May 13, 20 and 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. Food and drinks will also be available. Call Mattison Park for reservations at 732.807.3435. VIVA VAGINA is a performance piece created for 9 women with special surprise guest stars every week. These are our personal stories in the form of monologues, dialogues, poems, and skits. This theatrical collage is a celebration of our sensuality, sexuality and who we are as women with outrageous humor, complexity, poignancy and complete realism. Enter into this forbidden zone with us. We will peel off the layers and you will see what is at the heart of every woman. On any given night you may see any or all of the following: Andrea Phox, Anna Oleinik, Anne Berkowitz, Charlita Williams, Cheryl Fitzmaurice, Christine Emmert, Dr. Geena, Ku'uipo Latonio-Radice, Lesley Castellini, Lorraine Stone, Marie Cathleen, Marjorie Conn, Sharon Lucas, Susan Marco, Susan Pellegrini, and Vivian Taormina. All the material is original, written not only by the performers themselves but also by invited playwrights. We will also be switching parts every week. Come celebrate with us. _________________________________________________________ PS. Opps, I jumped the gun last week . . . Passover doesn't start until this Saturday, so please again accept my wishes for a happy holiday--if you celebrate it--with your family, friends and other loved ones . . . which reminds me of the following: NEWS FLASH A group of leading medical researchers have published data indicating that Seder participants should NOT partake of both chopped liver and charoses. It seems that this combination can lead to Charoses of the Liver. Hopefully, by the time you're reading this, you have filed your 2007 tax return . . . even if you're retired, disabled or in the low-wage category (and usually exempt from filing), you must do so this year to receive an economic stimulus payment of up to $600 from the Treasury . . . for more information, please click: http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html Also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers back from Iraq and that peace resumes in Israel . . . and make it a great week! Back to Top ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line.
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