August, 2015 – Organic Gardening Class
July, 2015 – Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga at Eau Palm Beach
AW Stories of the Month
Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga at Eau Palm Beach
Story by Krista Martinelli, Photos by Monica Kallas
I have to admit that I have done yoga plenty of times, but I had never tried Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga until one wonderful Sunday at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan. Who knew how challenging yoga could be on a paddleboard on the ocean, instead of on a nice flat floor? If you like a challenge (and I do), if you want to really work your core muscles, and if you want to breathe in and out with the ocean, this is the place to be!
[nggallery id=485]We arrived at the pool deck at Eau Palm Beach for our group SUP Yoga lessons with a warm welcome from Barbara Alfonzo, our instructor. She told us that the ocean was calm enough to proceed on this perfect Sunday morning and asked if we had ever done yoga or paddleboarding before. These are small group lessons, up to 4 people. In our group, none of us had tried paddleboarding before. Phew- so I wasn’t the only one!
First things first. We were introduced to our paddleboards. They are “Gratitude” paddleboards with a “G” on them. And we had to adjust our oars to be just a bit taller than we could reach upward with one hand. My friend Norm Gitzen, (yes, the famous sculptor), had a particularly wide “wing span,” so he set his oar to be very tall.
We also checked out what was on the board – an anchor and rope, and a life jacket. The life jacket has to be on the board, but if you are a good swimmer you do not have to wear it. Next step – how to mount your board. It’s not pretty the first time (for anyone), but you get used to it. While in the water, you just hold the opposite side of the board, flip one leg over the board and then get onto your stomach. Then you have the choice to paddle on your knees or go up all the way into a standing paddle. I highly recommend starting out on your knees if it’s your first time. In other words, the higher you get, the more likely you are to fall. The great thing about falling off is that you get cooled off by the water. So what’s the worst thing that could happen? You fall off the board into the cool ocean water. Not so bad after all.
One word of caution. I do not recommend wearing sunglasses or earrings as you set out into the ocean for paddleboarding. On my first fall into the water, I realized that I lost both my sunglasses and my earrings. Yes, the ocean swallowed them up. Luckily, neither had any sentimental value, and it was not a big deal. But yes, I do not recommend wearing anything special to you because when you fall, you just might lose it.
All of the easier yoga poses on a paddleboard are the poses lower to the surface. As our instructor Barbara explains, it’s easier for her to do a headstand on the board than it is to do Warrior 1, which is just a standing pose.
I asked Barbara what she thinks the advantages are of doing yoga on a paddleboard on the ocean. She had three good responses. First of all, “You’re in the elements. You have water, the sand, and fire – the sun.” Second, you learn to breathe in and out with the ocean, which has a resonating, powerful effect. And third, the paddleboard which gently rocks with the waves is not stable, so you have a bigger challenge when it comes to balance. Thus, you are getting a better core workout.
About our instructor Barbara Alfonzo
Barbara has been teaching yoga for five years and paddleboard yoga (SUP yoga) for one year. She is originally from Venezuela and she is very good at yoga herself. Yes, this is a photo of her, standing on her head on the paddleboard (below). She is very good with beginners because of her warm and welcoming attitude. Whether you are a newbie (like me) or an old pro, you can really learn a lot from Barbara.
Getting to the Yoga
So after finding a good spot a little deeper into the ocean, we threw down our anchors and began the yoga practice. Some of the yoga moves came easily on a paddleboard like the cat/ cow positions. Downward dog was a little harder. Again, anything where you’re rising higher up is harder on the paddleboard. The stretching was lovely out on the ocean on a beautiful morning. My friend Norman found the hip exercises to be more of a challenge, as men are generally not as flexible in that area. For me, honestly the hardest thing was any of the standing poses. When we got to the final relaxation, also known as “corpse position,” it was heavenly. Our hands and feet gently dipped into the cool water while we truly relaxed after a tough workout.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, I love you
Our instructor Barbara ended the class in a beautiful way that I haven’t experienced before in other yoga classes. In addition to “Namaste,” she asked us to say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” and then think of someone in our lives and say, “I love you.” We repeated this three times. I found it to be a very powerful meditation.
Dr. Emoto and the Effects of Words on Water
Barbara explained the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, who has studied water under a microscope and worked with saying different things out loud and watching the effects on the molecular structure of water as it crystallizes. I was very interested to hear that when you say “I love you,” water forms into a beautiful crystal. When you say “I hate you,” it doesn’t form an organized pattern, but looks chaotic. Check out this video on the subject, https://youtu.be/tAvzsjcBtx8 Thus, the power of words in our thoughts and when said aloud. And, as Barbara reminded us, our bodies are made up of over 60%water. So saying “I love you” to yourself has a powerful effect on your own body.
Going Back
The first thing our small group decided after the class was that we can’t wait to do this again! Personally I’m going back for the Eau Spa Goddess Retreat, August 14 to 16, where there will be more Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, as well as other yoga classes taught throughout the weekend. For more information on this special weekend, see this press release or see the Goddess Getaway event on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/events/765049903615859/
Sign up for Paddleboard Yoga – Group or Private Lessons
Through August 30, you can float through safe and effective poses in these 75-minute group sessions led by certified and experienced SUP Yoga instructors every Saturday and Sunday morning, and private lessons for individuals, partners and groups will also be available by appointment throughout the week.
Here is the Group Class pricing. Group classes are Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:30am to 9:45am, depending on the calmness of the ocean. Please call Eau Spa to arrange your session at 561-540-4960. These sessions include 75 minutes of instruction, GRATITUDE Wellness stand-up paddleboard, paddles, safety jackets and grapnel anchors. Or call to arrange a private lesson.
- One Class $55
- Six Classes $300
- Twelve Classes $570
- Summer UnlimitedClassPass $1,100**
Call today for more information about Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga or about the upcoming Goddess Getaway weekend at Eau Palm Beach, August 14 – 16.
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Eau Spa
(561) 540-4960
100 S. Ocean Blvd.
Manalapan, FL33463
August, 2015 – Blessing of the Backpacks at St. Michael
August, 2015 – Blessing of the Backpacks
Blessing of the Backpacks at
St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church
St. Michael Lutheran Church invites all students, school system staff and travelers who are going back to school to have their backpacks blessed. Both services on Sunday, August 16th (8:30 am and 10:00 am) will offer prayers and blessings. Students and school education staff are encouraged to bring their backpacks, tool belts and briefcases to each service to be blessed at a time of special prayer.
The entire congregation is encouraged to bring along a school mate, or better yet, their entire family!
For more information, contact Kelly kelly@daleconstruction.org or Ryan at pastorinpajamas@gmail.com You can also contact St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church at 561-793-4999.
St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington. The church is situated at the corner of Birkdale Drive and Forest Hill Boulevard.
August, 2015 – Vacation Bible School at St. Michael
August, 2015 – Vacation Bible School at St. Michael in Wellington
Vacation Bible School Starting Soon
For Kids Entering PreK Through 5th Grade at
St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church
St. Michael Lutheran Church invites children to join them for their Vacation Bible School on Sunday, August 2nd through Thursday, August 6th from 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm nightly. Classes are age appropriate for kids who are entering PreK through the completion of 5th grade.
Each night a different animated movie will be shown to the group and a discussion will follow as to how the movie connects to the Bible. Kids will then be asked to act out these scenes which will be filmed by the church. The final night will be the “Movie Premiere” and showcase various movie scenes performed by the children. Scheduled movies to be show include Prince of Eqypt, Finding Nemo, Frozen and more.
To register, visit http://www.stmichaelelc.com/#!vbs/cbi1 or scan the QR code below with your smart phone to register.
For more information, contact Kelly kelly@daleconstruction.org or Ryan at pastorinpajamas@gmail.com You can also contact St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church at 561-793-4999.
St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington. The church is situated at the corner of Birkdale Drive and Forest Hill Boulevard.
October, 2015 – Conservation Cup
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Conservation Cup
Monday, October 26, 2015
WHO: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Co-chaired by Heath Randolph and Val Perez, committee members include: Ryan Bridger, Carolyn Broadhead, Scott Butler, Alex Coleman, Lew Crampton, Russ Evans, Matthew Ferguson, Page Lee Hufty, Jeremy Johnson, Mack Perry, Pauline Pitt, Grier Pressly, Cater Randolph, Brian Ray, Cari Rentas, Rebecca Seelig and Jeff Smith.
WHAT: Golfers are welcome to swing for science to support the construction of the South Florida Science Center’s Conservation Course. The action packed day will include an 18-hole tournament, unique contests, cocktail party and awards ceremony.
WHERE: Mayacoo Lakes Country Club | 9697 Mayacoo Club Dr. | West Palm Beach, FL 33411
HOW MUCH: $500 per two person team or $1000 per foursome
WHEN: Monday, October 26, 2015, with an 12:00 p.m. shotgun start
WHY: The Conservation Cup proceeds will support The Conservation Course, an 18-hole putting course to be located on the Science Center’s backyard property on their new Forever Florida Science Trail. Each hole on the course will be named for Florida-themed wildlife or habitat and brief descriptions for some of these features will be provided along the course route. The course is being designed by Gary Nicklaus and Jim Fazio, scions of two of the greatest golf course design firms in the industry. The Conservation Course is designed with the intent toward fostering understanding and appreciation for conservation initiatives.
SPONSORS-TO-DATE: First Republic Bank, The Honda Classic, Stephen Douglas Associates, Southwest Greens and Paddock Partnerships.
CONTACT INFO: For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or questions, please contact Marcy Hoffman, Director of Institutional Advancement, (561) 370-7738 or mhoffman@sfsciencecenter.org
August, 2015 – South Florida Science Center’s Stroller Daze
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM HOSTS EVENT FOR THE SMALLEST SCIENTISTS
Annual “Stroller Daze” event is open to children ages birth to 5 years
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) Calling all parents and caretakers of small children … crawl on over to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Wednesday, August 26 for the Center’s annual “Stroller Daze” event. Open to children age birth to 5 years, the morning-long exploration includes extra age-appropriate activities for a reduced admission.
“We believe that it is never too early to get children engaged and learning about science,” said Science Center CEO Lew Crampton. “Our mission to ‘open every mind to science’ includes the youngest of minds, too, which is why we are focusing even more efforts on early childhood education programing. Just recently we opened a newly created space, the ‘Discovery Center,’ powered by PNC Grow Up Great, exclusively for our youngest guest – complete with a 16-foot water table, light bright wall and dress up station – because we know that STEM careers, those with a base in science, technology, engineering and math, are in high demand. We look forward to welcoming our future scientists and their families on August 26.”
From 9 a.m. – noon, parents and caregivers can engage in a variety of age-appropriate crafts and activities, including storytelling, fire truck exploration, a planetarium show, “Discovery Center” exploration, live musical entertainment by Patty Shukla, kid yoga demos, giveaways and much more. Admission is $7 for adults and free for children and Science Center members. Complementary vision screenings will also be provided in honor of Amblyopia Awareness Month. In addition to the special activities, guests will also have full access to the Science Center, including the most recent traveling exhibit, Eww! What’s Eating You?.
Eww! What’s Eating You? is a parade of parasites, including preserved and live specimens – specifically those that enjoy feasting on humans. The highly-interactive summer exhibit digs into the history of human and parasite interaction from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, leading up to a more modern tale of sinister and saint critters that live to hitch a ride on human hosts – for the good or the bad. The exhibit is on display through Sunday, September 27.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, named the 2014 Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ nonprofit of the year, features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, pre-K focused “Discovery Center” and an interactive Everglades exhibit. The fall blockbuster exhibit, Dinosaurs Around the World, will be “moving” into the Science Center on November 1 and will feature more than a dozen life-size and life-like animatronic dinosaurs.
Stroller Daze is presented in partnership with Palm Beach Parenting, PNC and Lost Tree Village Foundation. For more information about Stroller Daze, or other events at the Science Center, please visit www.sfsciencecenter.org or call (561) 832-1988. Please ‘like’ the Science Center on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @SFScienceCenter
August, 2015 – Central Palm Beach Chamber Event
NEW PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT TO GIVE
KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE CENTRAL PALM BEACH CHAMBER’S EVENT
CENTRAL PALM BEACH (July 13, 2015)—The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce’s special economic forum titled, “Preventing Florida’s Brain Drain”, is aimed at uniting business and education for the purpose of retaining Palm Beach County’s brightest young minds to build a skilled workforce.
The forum features keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Avossa, newly appointed Superintendent of Palm Beach County School District. The event will also introduce the community to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a groundbreaking national program. The Chamber is launching a chapter in Central Palm Beach this fall. Thirteen-year-old Kayla Abramowitz, named this year’s national winner and America’s Top Young Entrepreneur, will give remarks about her experience in the program.
Economic development and educational experts will also be on hand for a panel discussion including:
- Kelly Smallridge, CEO, Business Development Board
- Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President, Florida Chamber Foundation
- David Lawrence, Jr., Chair, Children’s Movement of Florida
- Kimberly Lea, President, Keiser University
- Christina Lambert, CEO, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County
- Moderator: Warren Eldridge, CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County
The luncheon will be held on August 20, 2015, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
Tickets are $55 before August 7th; and $75 after August 7th. Register online at http://bit.do/CPB (case sensitive) or contact Martina Sanchez at 561-578-4813.
*(A portion of the proceeds from the Forum will fund the Central Palm Beach County Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a program that transforms middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs.)
July, 2015 – 21st Annual Kids Fitness Festival
South Florida’s Interactive Youth Sports Experience is back!
What: The Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches presented by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
When: Wednesday, July 22th and Thursday, July 23th from 10am-2:30pm each day.
Wednesday, July 22th –
11:00am-Check presentation with Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida represented by Executive Director Soraya Rivera-Moya.
11:45am autograph session featuring Palm Beach Cardinals players, a former Olympian and legends of the NBA, NFL, and coaching from Palm Beach County.
Athletes and coaches include the following:
Howard Schnellenberger-Offensive coordinator for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins and former head football coach at the University of Miami, where he won the 1983 National Championship. Schnellenberger spent more than a decade as the head football coach of Florida Atlantic University.
Kenny Anderson– 14 year NBA veteran and All-star who played at Georgia Tech before being selected 2nd overall in the 1991 NBA draft.
Richard Rellford– McDonalds All-American from Suncoast High School and the University of Michigan and 14-year NBA and European Basketball player.
Derrick Crudup– All-American football player from Boca High School and the University of Oklahoma, including a member of the National Championship team of 1985. Played professionally for the Los Angeles Raiders
Stan Ross– Major League Lacrosse Florida Launch Head Coach
Moushami Robinson-2004 Olympic Gold Medalist 4 x 400 meter relay
Thomas Johnson– Founder/CEO Behind the Athlete Sports Academy, 1986 World Record holder 500 meter Indoors (Florida State University)
Palm Beach Cardinals Baseball Player TBD
Why: The Kids Fitness Festival offers something for every child under the age of 13. Elementary and middle school children can participate in over 40 traditional and nontraditional sports clinics from the area’s leading instructors.
A list of the sport clinicians scheduled to participate in this year’s event include: Badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, boxing, cricket, dance, flag football, fencing, fishing, football, floor ball, golf, gymnastics, karate, lacrosse, netball, polo, pickle ball, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, Tae kwon do, tai chi, ultimate Frisbee, wrestling, and Zumba.
Price per child is $19, parents are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Children must be accompanied by a guardian/adult.
The Kid’s Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches is presented by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. Other supporting sponsors include: Richard and Lesley Stone Family Fund, Primetime Palm Beach County, Inc., Cardinals-Marlins Fund of the Community Foundation for the Palm Beach & Martin Counties, Florida Power & Light and ESPN West Palm.
July, 2015 – Place of Hope invites Wellington to a Few Fun Social Events
PLACE OF HOPE INVITES WELLINGTON TO FUN, SOCIAL WAYS TO SUPPORT FOSTER CHILDREN
WHAT: Place of Hope, the county’s largest child welfare organization, has planned a series of social events in Wellington to build support, friends and awareness of the needs of foster children in Palm Beach County. Read related story under “AW Spotlight” on AroundWellington.com this month.
Place of Hope has teamed up with Art Cellar Wellington, Around Wellington magazine and the Mall at Wellington Green to create events that appeal to different audiences, all for a common cause.
“We recognize that Wellington has a number of families and businesses that care about foster children and their welfare,” said Executive Director Charles Bender. “Place of Hope would like to introduce them to our mission, programs and ways they can help, but we like to have fun while doing that. We invite Wellington to come out and learn about us.”
WHEN/WHERE:
Schedule of Events
July 23, 2015; 6-9 p.m. – Paint for Hope at Art Cellar Wellington – A generous portion of this painting class will benefit Place of Hope. The painting class selected for this event does not require any artistic experience. Lively instructors will guide patrons stroke-by-stroke to create a work of art. Art Cellar Wellington will provide all necessary supplies. Door prizes, raffles and local vendors will add to the festivity. 10660 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414. Tickets: $37.50. To order tickets, visit http://www.artcellarwellington.com/event/place-of-hope-fundraiser.
July 29, 2015; 6:00 p.m. – Party with a Purpose – Krista Martinelli, editor of AroundWellington.com, Jeanne Bootz, owner of Bootz Culture Camp and Tracie Biery are holding a public birthday celebration at Oak Bistro and Wine Bar. They are asking guests to donate towards the reconstruction of a Place of Hope playground, in lieu of gifts. 11051 Southern Blvd., #210, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.
December 1, 2015; 5:30 p.m. – Hope for the Holidays – The Mall at Wellington Green will kick off the season of giving to benefit foster youth at Place of Hope. Families can select a “child” from the Hope Tree, which will be on display in the Mall’s Center Court, and shop for the child’s wish list. The kick off event will feature appetizers and goody bags with a special appearance by Santa Claus. 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL33414.
ABOUT: Place of Hope is a faith-based, state-licensed child welfare organization that provides family-style foster care (emergency and long-term); family outreach and intervention; maternity care; safety for domestic minor sexually trafficked victims; transitional housing and support services; foster care recruitment and support; hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect. To learn more about the programs and services, visit www.placeofhope.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Brown, Kaliah Communications, Inc.: 561-308-3382; kaliahpr@gmail.com.
July, 2015 – Pomegranate, the Wonder Fruit
Pomegranate, the Wonder Fruit
By Sabeen Faquir, MPH candidate
The pomegranate or punica granatum originates from Persia. It was cultivated over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times and became naturalized. It is extensively cultivated throughout India and the dry regions of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa.
You may or may not know this but the pomegranate’s benefits are profound. It can help almost every bodily system (cardiovascular, endocrine, nerve, skeletal and blood system) as well as benefit oral health. One of the first steps in building arterial plaque is damage of macrophages. Pomegranate’s flavonoids can prevent this damage (Aviram et al). “Pomegranate polyphenols were shown to reduce the capacity of macrophages to oxidatively modify LDL, due to their interaction with LDL to inhibit its oxidation by scavenging reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and also due to accumulation of polyphenols in arterial macrophages; hence, the inhibition of macrophage lipid peroxidation and the formation of lipid peroxide-rich macrophages,” (Aviram et al.)
Pomegranate is also known to help lower blood pressure. It does this by lowering angiotensin converting enzyme activity. In a study where subjects drank 50 ml or 1.5mmol of total polyphenols every day for 2 weeks, researchers found a 36% decrease in serum ACE activity and a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure (Aviram, Dornfeld). In another study, they found a statistically significant increase in urinary free cortisone and a decrease in free cortisol/cortisone ratio after one week of pomegranate juice consumption (Tsang et al). This also helps lower blood pressure.
And because of its chondroprotective effects in mice, pomegranate can theoretically help with osteoarthritis in humans (Mahsa, Reza). In another study where they aimed to measure whether pomegranate and carvacrol (a phenol found in oregano and other herbs) could alleviate oxidative stress on the sciatic nerve, they found the combination decreased the pro-inflammatory response (Celik et al).
In yet another study they found pomegranate’s ability to protect teeth from degeneration. Hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) from pomegranate decreased the CFU/ml by 84% (Silvna el al). It can also help gingival health by reducing the risk of gingivitis (DiSilvestro et al).
References:
Aviram M, Dornfeld L, Kaplan M, Coleman R, Gaitini D, Nitecki S, Hofman A, Rosenblat M, Volkova N, Presser D, Attias J, Hayek T, Fuhrman B. Pomegranate juice flavonoids inhibit low-density lipoprotein oxidation and cardiovascular diseases: studies in atherosclerotic mice and in humans. Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research [2002, 28(2-3):49-62]
Michael Aviram, Leslie Dornfeld. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. September 2001 Volume 158, Issue 1, Pages 195–198
Mahsa Hadipour-Jahromy, Reza Mozaffari-Kermani. Chondroprotective effects of pomegranate juice on monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis of the knee joint of mice. Phytotherapy Research. Volume 24, Issue 2, pages 182–185, February 2010
F. Celik, C. Gocmez, M. Bozkurt, I. Kaplan, K. Kamasak, E. Akil, E. Dogan, A. Guzel, E. Uzar. Neuroprotective effects of carvacrol and pomegranate against methotrexate-induced toxicity in rats. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2013; 17:2998-2993
Silvana M. S. Menezes, Luciana Nunes Cordeiro, and Glauce S. B. Viana. Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Extract Is Active Against Dental Plaque. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy. 2006, Vol. 6, No. 2 , Pages 79-92
Robert A. DiSilvestro, Daniel J. DiSilvestro, and David J. DiSilvestro. Pomegranate extract mouth rinsing effects on saliva measures relevant to gingivitis risk. Phytotherapy Research. Volume 23, Issue 8, pages 1123–1127, August 2009
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Sabeen is currently an MPH student at NOVA Southeastern University. She is an evidence-based health writer able to decipher and convey first hand research to an informed audience. Sabeen was inspired to write about natural alternatives to health after working for a science and health information dispensing company that also sold vitamins and supplements. It is her dream to be a paid health writer.