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Pro Arte Chorale Annual Messiah Sing along at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood

Messiah Sing 2017_Final (1)-page-001

December 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, tune up those singing voices , join the Pro Arte Chorale for our Annual Messiah Sing along on Monday December 11, beginning at 7:30pm. Admission is $10, we will have scores available for those who do not have one. Refreshments following. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, NJ No reservations required.

Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.

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New Jersey Transit Says It’s Prepped for Winter

Snow Blizzard of 2016 Ridgewood CBD

file photo by Boyd Loving

December 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers a new tool this season in the annual battle with Old Man Winter. When inclement weather limits train service, customers will be able to use new Severe Weather Schedules to clearly identify their travel options and keep moving through the snow and ice.

“In the midst of winter weather, visibility outside may be low, but we want our customers to have a clear picture of how much service we can safely operate and when their next train will be departing,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “Our operations divisions statewide have prepared the transit system, equipment and facilities, and these Severe Weather Schedules allow our customers to be prepared as well.”

During severe weather events, or other emergency situations, NJ TRANSIT may need to operate a limited weekday rail schedule, which will be designated as “Severe Weather Schedule – Level 1” or “Severe Weather Schedule – Level 2.” Customers will be informed through MyTransit alerts, social media, NJ TRANSIT’s website and mobile app as well as broadcast and print media when a Severe Weather Schedule is implemented

“Severe Weather Schedule-Level 1” and “Severe Weather Schedule-Level 2” are now available for viewing, downloading and printing at njtransit.com. Printed severe weather schedules will be available December 7th at select stations, terminals and Customer Service offices.

Customers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Severe Weather Schedules in the event that conditions warrant their implementation.

Snow fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. NJ TRANSIT is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential fury.

NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

Rail Operations

Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.

Bus Operations

Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.

Light Rail Operations

Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJ TRANSIT’s three light rail systems.
Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
Management staff for all three lines will be coordinating with local municipalities to discuss snow removal in the light rail’s downtown ‘street running’ territory.

Stations and Terminals

All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.

Travel Advice:

Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

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The Ridgewood School’s Next Tech Night is January 11 a hands-on technology and smart phone program for parents and guardians

kids-on-smartphones

December 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood school district will host a hands-on technology and smart phone program for parents and guardians. Given the events of the last couple of weeks parents need to pay attention.

Last year, Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D., author of The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, addressed parents and guardians as part of our Community Outreach Program – Wellbeing Speakers Series. Following her talk, Ridgewood Public Schools administrators began follow-up discussions that continue today. One outcome of these talks is the selection of Dr. Steiner-Adair’s book for a One Book, One District initiative that will encourage the entire community to read The Big Disconnect. Additionally, the following programs have been scheduled for this school year.

January 11, 2018, Ridgewood High School Campus Center, 7:00 PM Ridgewood Public Schools will host a hands-on technology and smart phone program for parents and guardians.

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The Ridgewood Police Warn of False Telephone Solicitations

phone_scam

December 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police department has received a report that a company going by the name of Pro-Line Sports has been calling local businesses asking for donations for Ridgewood Athletic tee-shirts. They are stating the proceeds from the sponsorship pledges and sale of the shirts would go back to the Ridgewood High School Athletic Department to help support teams and students. According to the director of athletics at Ridgewood High School this group has neither affiliation nor tie to the Ridgewood Athletic department.

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Ridgewood’s 5th Annual Menorah Lighting!

hanukah

December 5th,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Next Tuesday December 12th at 5:30pm is Ridgewood’s 5th Annual Menorah Lighting! Come celebrate the first night of Chanukah with us in Van Neste Square!

There will be music and refreshments !

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Helicopter Parents and the Loss of Childhood Autonomy

Helicopter-Parenting

December 5,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Lenore Skanazy in , “The Helicopter Parents Have Good Intentions But Have Stolen Their Children’s Freedom And Created A Snowflake Generation.” Skanazy goes on to describe the loss of autonomy of our children and the negative impact .

The “helicopter parents” is a new term but the concept dates back over 45 years , and there has been a massive shift and the numbers are startling .

In 1971: 80% of kids age 7 and 8 walked to school or arrived independent of parents. In 1990 only 9%.
In 1971, approximately half of children’s journeys were made on foot. 80% of 7- and 8-year-old children got to school unaccompanied by an adult. This included buses, bicycles and mass transit.
In 1990: 30% of children under ten years old are allowed to travel alone to places (other than school) within walking distance. 9% of 7- and 8-year-old children got to school unaccompanied by an adult, whilst levels of car ownership and use were fairly similar.
13 percent of American elementary schoolchildren walked to school in 2009.

Skanazy asks , “Why don’t we see this for what it is? A heist! We have stolen children’s freedom. They are transported from locked space to locked space like prisoners. And we are expected to be their jailers.
Why is it so important for kids to walk around and play outside, independently?”

The loss of these mean:

• Considerable loss of autonomy.

• Decline in physical condition potentially leading to obesity and other health problems.

• Gaining insufficient practical and social skills owing to inexperience in acting independently.

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Ridgewood Parks & Recreation present December children shows

stable

photo courtesy of Ridgewood Parks & Rec

December 4,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks & Recreation present December children shows :

DECEMBER RECESS CHILDREN’S SHOWS:
Ridgewood Parks and Recreation has two children’s shows planned during the holiday recess in December. We hope you will join us!
Animals in the Winter
Pat from Pat’s Pals will bring a live animal show and talk to children about how different animals survive the winter. They will learn about migration, hibernation and more.
Wednesday, December 27th, 11:30 am
The Anne Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall
131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$5 admission – all attending, ages 2 and older
(caregivers must be ticket holders also)
————————————————————————————————
Preschool Winterfest with Mr. Jon
With guitar, songs and playful props, Mr. Jon will excite, engage and entertain as we celebrate winter.
Thursday, December 28th, 11:30
The Anne Zusy Youth Center in Village Hall
131 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$5 admission – all attending, ages 2 and older
(caregivers must be ticket holders also)
————————————————————————————————
In addition, the following workshops are planned for elementary students:
Mythbusters with Education Explorers
Using scientific method and their innate curiosity, students will participate in a variety of hands-on experiments that put common “myths” to the test.
Grades 1-5
Thursday, December 28th
9:30 am to 12 noon
The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$50 includes all materials
(non-residents $60)
Please bring a NUT-free snack
——————————————————————————————-
Colorful Warriors Art/Yoga/Meditation Camp
This combination class is all about encouraging healthy bodies and creative minds! Beginning with animal focused yoga, children will have fun learning the positions and movements of downward dog, cat, turtle and monkey. Afterwards the children will create a canvas painting – a sea turtle with florescent colors. Sea turtles symbolize patience, wisdom, endurance and good luck. The session will end with a relaxed, guided meditation.
Grades K-5
Thursday, 1:30 to 3 pm
The Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
$30 – includes all materials (non-residents $40)
Please bring a yoga mat and a NUT-free snack
——————————————————————————————-
You may purchase advanced admission for the shows or register for the workshops online at CommunityPass, www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass, (Visa/MasterCard) or in person/by mail at the Stable, 259 N. Maple Avenue, Ridgewood (cash/check).
Please call the Recreation office at 201-670-5560 with questions or if special accommodations are needed.

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WWE’s Jim Ross at Bookends on December 6th

jim ross

December 4,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Jim Ross will be appearing at Bookends in Ridgewood on Wednesday, December 6th @ 6:00pm
Host of The Ross Report and inductee into the WWE, NWA and National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Jim Ross, will sign his new book: SLOBBERKNOCKER: My Life In Wrestling

Special Instruction for Our Events

Due to the popularity of our events, many of which sell out, we require that you preorder your books ahead of time by visiting our website at www.mkt.com/bookends or calling the store at (201)445-0726.
As always, Books must be purchased from Bookends Bookstore in order to attend events.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.

Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change.
First In Line Certificate use is the the discretion of Bookends. Blackout dates may apply.
Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to ensure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.  We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ   07450   201-445-0726

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Ridgewood Village Council Meeting Agenda December 6th , 2017

New Ridgewood Village Council

20171206 Village Council Work Session

THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL’S
PUBLIC WORKSHOP AGENDA
DECEMBER 6, 2017
7:30 P.M.

7:30 pm – Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with Open Public Meeting Act
Mayor: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall, by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute/Moment of Silence
Public Comments (Not to Exceed 3 Minutes per Person – 40 Minutes in Total)
Discussion
Ridgewood Water
Award Change Order #2 – Lafayette Reservoir Improvements
Motion to Suspend Work Session and Convene Special Public Meeting
Special Public Meeting – See Attached Agenda
Motion to Adjourn Special Public Meeting and Reconvene Work Session
Presentation
Burbio Calendar App
Presentation by Schedler Ad Hoc Committee
Discussion
Ridgewood Water
Award Contract – Water Billing and Data Collection/Processing Services
Award State Contract – Emergency Generators
Award Professional Services – Evaluation of Water Quality
Award Contract – Line Stop and Valve Insertion Services
Award Change Order #1 – Professional Services for Lafayette Reservoir Improvements
Award Change Order #1 – Scada System Software
Parking

Budget
Budget Transfer
Quarterly Financial Report
Authorize 2018 Cash Management Plan
Adopt 2018 Temporary Budgets – Current Operations, Water & Parking Utilities
Declare 1998 Ford Econoline Club Wagon Surplus – Emergency Services
Cancel Real Estate Taxes for Disabled Veteran
Award Contract – Professional Services – Update Fixed Asset Inventory
Award Contract – Landfill Disposal of Solid Waste 2018/2019
Award Contract – Recreation Program Instruction for 2018
Award State Contract – Police Radios
Rental of Two Parking Spaces – North Broad Street for Taxi Stand
12 Leasing of Police Vehicles
13 Award Contract – Poster Displays Advertising at Train Station Complex
Planning Board Master Plan
Award Contract – Minute Preparation for Village Council Meetings
Policy
Update on Glenwood Road
Establishment of Housing Authority
Operations
Approve Application for Bergen County Community Development Block Grant for SHARE
Approve Application for Bergen County Municipal Alliance Grant – Drug & Alcohol Educational Programs 2018/2019
Approve Application for Bergen County Community Development Block Grant – Ridge Road Ramp
Confirm Endorsement of Community Development Projects – Family Promise of Bergen County
Review of December 13, 2017 Public Meeting Agenda
Manager’s Report
Council Reports
Public Comments (Not to Exceed 5 Minutes per Person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
Legal – Anticipated Litigation

Adjournment

 

Village Council Special Public Meeting
VILLAGE COUNCIL
SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
DECEMBER 6, 2017
7:30 P.M.
Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meeting Act
MAYOR: “Adequate notice of this meeting has been provided
by a posting on the bulletin board in Village Hall,
by mail to the Ridgewood News, The Record, and by submission to all persons entitled to same as provided by law of a schedule including the date and time of this meeting.”
Roll Call
RESOLUTIONS

17-369 Authorize Change Order #2 – Lafayette Reservoir Improvements ($32,527.40)

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RIDGEWOOD PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA

building-plans-3

PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Village Hall Court Room– 7:30 P.M.

(all timeframes and the order of agenda items below are approximate and subject to change)
7:30 p.m. – Call to Order, Statement of Compliance, Flag Salute, Roll Call – In accordance with the provisions of Section 10:4-8d of the Open Public Meetings Act, the date, location, and time of the commencement of this meeting is reflected in a meeting notice, a copy of which schedule has been filed with the Village Manager and the Village Clerk, The Ridgewood News and The Record newspapers, and posted on the bulletin board in the entry lobby of the Village municipal offices at 131 North Maple Avenue, and on the Village website, all in accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act.Roll call: Knudsen, Voigt, Joel, Patire, Scheibner, Torielli, McWilliams, Barto, Van Goor
2. 7:30 p.m. – 7:35 p.m. – Public Comments on Topics not Pending Before the Board
3. 7:35 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Committee/Commission/Professional Updates for Non Agenda Topics, Correspondence Received by the Board
4. 7:40 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 257 Ridgewood Avenue, LLC, Block 3703, Lot 4, 6, & 8.01, Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan – Adoption of Memorializing Resolution of Approval
5. 8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Ordinance #3625, which amends Chapter 190, Land Use and Development to permit certain illuminated signs in the B-1, B-2, and C Districts
6. 8:30 p.m. – 8:35 p.m. – 200/210 South Broad Avenue, LLC, Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan and C Variance, Block 3905, Lot 6 and 7– Pubic Hearing continued from November 7, 2017 – to be carried to January 16, 2018 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board
7. 8:35 p.m. – 9:35 p.m. – Hopper Ridge Townhomes, Informal Review, Durar Avenue, Block 4104, Lot 3 –carried from October 3, 2017
8. 9:35 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – Robert Jennee, Minor Subdivision and C Variance, 246 Mountain Road, Block 2509, Lot 13.01- continued from October 17, 2017 without further notice and without prejudice to the Board
9. 10:30 p.m. – 10:35 p.m. – Adoption of Minutes: February 7, 2017
10. 10:35 p.m. – Executive Session (if necessary)
11. Adjournment – In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, all meetings of the Ridgewood Planning Board (i.e., official public meetings, work sessions, pre-meeting assemblies and special meetings) are public meetings, which are always open to members of the general public.

Professional Staff: Christopher Martin, Esq., Board Attorney; Christopher J. Rutishauser, Village Engineer; Brigette Bogart, Planner; Michael Cafarelli, Board Secretary
Members: Susan Knudsen, Jeff Voigt, Joel Torielli, Melanie McWilliams, David Scheibner, Richard Joel, Debbie Patire, Frances Barto, James Van Goor

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Patchy Dense Fog and Freezing Temperatures Could Cause Driving Hazards This Morning

weather_alert

Special Weather Statement
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
318 AM EST Mon Dec 4 2017

Patchy dense fog will continue across portions of interior
northeast New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and interior
southwest Connecticut. The fog may result in rapid reductions in
visibility at times and could be as low as a quarter mile or less
in spots.

Also, the fog combined with below freezing temperatures in many
locations could lead to patchy black ice on area roadways.

Motorists are urged to use caution and allow for extra commuting
time this morning.

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Victim Rushed to Valley Hospital after Early Morning Sunday Crash in Ridgewood

Victim Rushed to Valley Hospital

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

December 4,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police and EMS personnel responded to aid a driver who was involved in a two (2) vehicle, Sunday morning crash at the intersection of East Glen and Fairfield Avenues, Ridgewood. The victim, who sustained a non life threatening head injury, was taken by ambulance to The Valley Hospital. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. Ridgewood Police issued one (1) summons in connection with the incident.

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National Handwashing Awareness Week this year is on December 3-9 ,2017

hand

December 3,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, its National Handwashing Awareness Week this year is on December 3-9 ,2017. Handwashing is a simple but important way to keep the families you work with healthy.
Why do children need to wash their hands?
Children are at an increased risk for coming into contact with contaminants like Lead.
Lead-based paint, found in older homes and even some toys, can contaminate dust and soil in and around the house and pose a threat to children, who tend to stick their hands in their mouths. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your kids safe from the harmful effects of lead is to make sure they wash their hands after playtime, especially after playing outside. For more information regarding lead poisoning please visit, https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm
What is the proper handwashing technique?
• Wet hands with clean, running water.
• Apply soap.
• Rub hands together and scrub palms, the back of hands, between fingers and under nails.
• Rinse hands well.
• Air dry hands or dry with a clean towel.
When should children wash their hands?
Children should always wash their hands but should wash their hands before and after eating as well as before and after touching someone who is sick. They should also always was their hands after:
• Using the restroom.
• Coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.
• Touching animals.
• Touching a surface or object that is touched or used by a lot of people.
How can parents and teachers get children to wash their hands?
A very effective way to get children into the handwashing habit is to make it a family activity. Children look up to the adults in their lives, so it’s important that you lead by example by not only reminding your children to wash their hands but by getting in line to wash right behind them!
For more information regarding handwashing please visit the following web pages:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/hand-washing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/…/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.ht…
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is a program of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey which works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and maintain healthy and safe homes. The program’s educational services are geared toward children ages six and younger and their parents.
We provide the following services at schools and community agencies:
• Free and exciting presentations to children 6 years and
younger using the Elmo Lead Away video.
• Free lead prevention and healthy homes
presentations/workshops to programs that serve children and families

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Reader says Voters Share Responsibility of the Current Mess the Village Finds it Self In

aronsohn_070512_rn_tif_

reader says the consequence of the Aronsohn election will be felt in Ridgewood for a very long time , in parking, housing, congestion, CBD, Ridgewood Water and more….

SUCKERS YOU VOTED FOR THEM.

Paul Aronsohn — 2479
Russel R. Forenza — 817
Gwenn H. Hauck — 1727
Keith Killion — 1711
Albert J. Pucciarelli — 2078
Mary Jane Shinozuka — 1484

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Reader says The Ridgewood News to publish if the person in question was a political ADVERSARY

Ridgewood News

And the photograph of Aronsohn. Looks like he’s giving someone the side-eye. Or perhaps he’s experiencing digestive distress. In any event, it’s not flattering. Sort of what you’d expect The Ridgewood News to publish if the person in question was a political ADVERSARY, not a fellow swamp-dweller like Aronsohn. Remarkable!