They've got designs on you So urbane!
The model, who walked the ramp for Nikhil-Akhil made it clear what the designer-duo from Delhi intended to convey through their collection, themed Urban Living. Wearing a back shimmery dress, the firang model took out hairpins from her hair to untie them, which just as the dress depicted. "The liberal, unfettered, unbothered, bold women have attitude and are capable of changing the world," as Akhil says it. The collection was a breather from the usual trousseau and ethnic wear that most of the designers preferred to showcase. Hailing from Ludhiana, Chandigarh Fashion Week was the first-ever week, the duo participated in. The collection was in red, white, navy and black, the colours that are in tandem with the free spirit of women as the designer-duo puts it. "White is pious, black is devilish and red and blue are the vivid shades of women," they say. As for the CFW, they say, "Regional fashion weeks like this provide a platform to the budding artistes to get exposure at the national fashion weeks later." Another reason to be a part of the week was the tentative buyers from the region who don't mind spending a heavy sum on clothes. We will be cashing upon the NRI buyers who are looking for contemporary designs." On the cards is a solo show in Delhi, which is scheduled right before Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week. All the designs were draped and followed a single pattern. Light fabrics like satin, chiffon and net was used for the collection. Ashima Sehajpal Launch pad
BRINGING a royal exuberance to Chandigarh Fashion Week was Monika Kapoor Chaudhray, a Ludhiana-based designer who opened the grand finale with Satya Paul and Ritu Kumar. A collection inspired from Mughal elegance and grandeur, her designs were heavy on zardozi work on velvet and rich colours like burgundy, reds, maroons, blue, green. For her the CFW finale was a double whammy. "Satya Paul is my favourite designer and while I was a student at NIFT, New Delhi, Ritu Kumar once awarded me for my work. So, doing show with them feels great. Secondly, though I kept doing trunk shows and shows outside India, I am launching myself for the first time at the CFW." She shares. Running her own label, Monazafer and Studio Monika in Ludhiana for 12 years now, she specializes in wedding trousauue. "with two kids in the house, I chose to stay private with my designs, but now with both clearing for Welhams and Doon boys, I am launching my label internationally as well, in the UK, US and the Middle-east." She hopes to score big brownie points with Chandigarhwallahs with bridal collection. Neha Walia |
Shivani's free spirit
Shivani Kashyap, who walked the ramp for her friend Charu, talks about her latest album My Free Spirit and more Chandigarh is a city full of good looking people, with great bodies and glowing skins. They don't need fashion, it needs them'. Thank you Shibani for the complements but haven't we already chewed on the fact and threw it away long ago? Well, let's keep our humility intact. As for Shibani Kashyap, walking the ramp for good friend Charu Parashar at Chandigarh Fashion Week was an opportunity she couldn't miss. "The last time I was on the ramp was a year ago for an event in Delhi for Charu. It's the first time I am a part of a fashion week," she says. Interestingly, it's first for city too to have a fashion week. "Chandigarh is open to fashion like anywhere else in the world. It's a way of life here. On a national level too, fashion is catching up with events happening at various regional fashion capitals. It's a positive move," she feels. And, when in showstopping business, you are not the brand but just an endorsement. "It's nonsense to hear some people say that showstoppers are a diversion. In fact, it helps sell the designs better because you know that known names are flaunting them." A lot has been happening with her on the professional front as well. "I just finished working on my latest album, My Free Spirit, with Vikram Bhatt. It is a colourful, eclectic album presenting different genres of music and dance, like Turkish music with belly dancing and salsa." And, you can watch her move the moves along with her vocal chords. Apart from this she will be seen on-screen in Faisal Saif's Main Osama. Right now, her bhoot is the talk of the town. "Working with two of the most wackiest people, Ishq Bector and Rakhi Sawant was out of this world. The song Bhoot is just not what I sound like but since Ishq believed my rustic voice would work, I trusted him with it." But even after creating her own kind of music, Bollywood is not her destination. "I want to go back to my independent music." nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
Calorie count
Will putting a nutrition label on the menu help choosing the right dish? Would you still gorge in butter chicken, if its calorie count 400 is mentioned alongside or malai kofta with 500 calories, a shahi paneer: 300, dal makhni:300 and those several butter-laden naans with several hundreds of calories are all written about in the menu? It's not just the Punjabi cuisine that's a storehouse of calories, all fast foods, burgers, pizzas, even sandwiches filled with mayonnaise do equal damage. A recent research by Dr Pooja S Tandon at Seattle Children's Research Institute, US, suggested, "Putting nutrition labels on fast food may lead to a significant reduction in high-calorie food consumption. Parents become choosy and order less fatty food for their children if the restaurant's menu contains calorie information of each item." We sought reaction to the suggestion made by the study from restaurant owners, chefs and even dieticians to know if a mention of calories can develop healthy eating habits in people. Priya Jagat, owner Backpackers Café, 9 feels otherwise. She says people come to dine out to indulge and don't want to be made conscious of the calories, they would intake with food. "If people wish to have healthy food they would rather go to eating joints that serve only healthy food. But when they go out to enjoy meals, writing about the nutrition content won't make a difference." She justifies her stand by citing example of someone who wants to have a dessert would go in for one he likes irrespective of the high in calories it is. To know the calorie count is imperative when one regularly dines out. On certain brands of potato chips, biscuits and ready-made packaged food packs, nutrition specifics are mentioned, which serve as guidelines for health conscious people. Priya Garg, director, Ovenfresh raises another important point, "The nutrition specifics that people follow are generally misguiding for they are true for per serving of that food and not for the entire packet. The per-serve quantity may vary from as small quantity as 20 grams if the total packet quantity is 100 grams." Also, if at all the nutritional content of all the dishes on menu are specified, there isn't any measure to prove if the data given is authentic. Manju Mathur, chief dietician, GMCH 32 stresses on the calorie count of every food dish to be mentioned in the menu of all eating joints, "People have the right to know what are they eating and how good or bad the food is for their health. The information might encourage people to opt for healthier options." She says if given a choice and right information, people can retrain their taste for nutritious food. Also, people are increasingly becoming health conscious, the reason most of the restaurants menu have incorporated low cal food dishes. Vijay Sharma, corporate executive chef, Mountview confirms a separate low cal menu at the hotel. However, he feels that people go to eat in restaurants with a different prerogative, "Boiled or low cal food can also be made at home, people eat out for the taste of the food. Their only priorities then are that the food should be cooked in hygienically, it should look and taste well." ashima@tribunemail.com |
Ten steps to slim down
Sachin Kalra For many people weight loss is a chronic endeavor. Often the shedding of pounds is a temporary event followed by a steady regain of weight. Most people lose out because they fail make efforts that ensure successful successful and permanent weight loss. Luckily, research has revealed many invaluable strategies which can help increase your odds of permanent weight loss. Exercise
It's nothing new, but exercise is probably the most important predictor of whether you will succeed at long term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. In order for exercise to be helpful in weight loss, you should strive for a minimum of five - 30 minute sessions per week. The good news is that recent research has shown that three - 10 minute sessions in a day are as good as one - 30 minute session. This helps many in combating the old 'no time for exercise' excuse. Be certain to find something you enjoy. You'll be more apt to stick with it. Try walking with a friend or some classes at your local gym. Pump iron
This is listed separately from the exercise category because of the significant weight loss benefits attached to weight lifting. The basic equation is this: the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you will burn. Muscle is an active tissue, fat is not. Thus, muscle burns a significant number of calories each day for its own maintenance. While aerobic activity can help burn calories, muscles give your metabolism a significant daily boost even at rest. Keep a diary
Keeping a food diary can be a huge asset in successful weight loss. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much and/ your hunger level prior to eating. A food diary can provide a large amount of self- awareness. It can identify emotions and behaviors that trigger overeating, foster greater awareness of portion sizes and help you discover your personal food habits. Study patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthy changes. A food diary provides an added benefit of keeping you focused on and committed to your goals. Healthy, not thin
Many people become more successful at long term weight loss when their motive changes from wanting to be thinner to wanting to be healthier. Change your mindset to think about selecting foods that will help your body's health rather than worrying about foods that will affect your body's weight. The Food Pyramid offers a basic outline of the types and amounts of food you should eat each day to give your body the nutrients it needs for optimal health. Beat stress
All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long term weight control. Support system
A big key in long term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others. Enlist your family members and friends to help you out. Watch your portions
With the advent of super size meals and increasingly huge portions at restaurants, our concept of normal serving sizes is a distant memory. Be mindful of the amounts of food you consume at a sitting. When necessary, divide your food in half and ask for a take home bag. It is all too easy to be a plate cleaner even when served enormous portions. Learn to pay attention to your hunger level and stop eating when you feel comfortably full and not stuffed. Step-by-step
Try to remember that losing 15 pounds in two week is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realize that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Since muscle tissue is critical in keeping our metabolism elevated, losing it actually leads to a decrease in the amount of calories we can consume each day without gaining weight. Fat loss is best achieved when weight is lost slowly. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories. By making small changes like eliminating 250 calories a day from food and expending 250 calories a day from exercise, you can lose one pound (of mostly fat) per week. Slow down
Did you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to signal a feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness before the 20 minute signal has had a chance to set in. The amount of calories consumed before you begin to feel full can vary significantly depending on how quickly you eat. So slow down, take smaller bites and enjoy and savor every tasty morsel. Watch those calories
We've known for some time that limiting high fat foods in the diet can be helpful with weight loss. That's because fats pack in 9 calories per gram compared to only 4 calories per gram from proteins or carbohydrates. Many people, in their quest to limit fats eat unlimited amounts of fat-free products. But, fat-free foods have calories too. In some cases fat-free foods have as many calories as their fat laden counterparts. If you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. Eating less fat will help you to lose weight. Eating less fat and replacing it with excessive amounts of fat-free products will not.
kalrasachin@hotmail.com |
For a better tomorrow
On the Anti-Leprosy Day, health experts renew their pledge to eradicate this dreaded disease Even though there has been reduction in the prevalence of leprosy cases to one case per 10,000 population in the last two years in the city, a number of health experts still believe that the region has to go miles before it witnesses elimination of the infectious disease. According to Dr Vikas Sharma, Chief Consultant Dermato-Laser Surgeon, National Skin Hospital, Mansa Devi Complex, the region has made some progress in reduction of leprosy cases, but the wrong beliefs, social stigma and superstition associated with the disease still persist in the society. There is a growing realisation that technological advances alone cannot solve the leprosy problem, unless public participation is ensured in the control programme, he added. He said that it has complete cure, and treatment should be taken effectively. A leper should not be isolated, but should be dealt with compassion and treated with a scientific method. Dr Sharma said that people need to be educated this disease, and only those who do not take treatment effectively get crippled. Dr Sharma said that treatment for leprosy is available at government hospitals free of cost. People have to be informed about it. Even though the incidence of leprosy is not very high in this region, the disease is found everywhere because of migration of people. Leprosy awareness
Leprosy deformities have been considered as the main reason for rehabilitation and social ostracism. Prevention of deformities is considered as one of the most important objectives of leprosy control programme. Efforts have been made to evolve new parameters and their possible application in assessment of leprosy control programme. The health department has planned a focused eradication programme to completely eradicate leprosy from the endemic districts of state. As the disease is curable with multi-drug therapy, and since 1995 the drugs are being provided free of charge to every patient in the world. Ignorance and stigma
The biggest remaining barrier to eliminating the disease is ignorance and stigma. People do not know the drugs are available, and people are afraid to seek treatment. In India, where 60 per cent of the world's leprosy patients live, leprosy has been seen as either hereditary or a curse. . People who are suffering from the disease have not been able to marry, nor have family. They are forced to ostracize and for this reason people hide the early symptoms and do not consult which results in inevitable deformity and misery. |
Most parents of kids aged four or five are not aware if their children are overweight or obese, a new study has found. Researchers from the University Medical Centre Groningen in The Netherlands reached the conclusion after observing 800 parents and 439 children who took part in study. Among those participating five per cent of the children were overweight, four were obese and the rest were normal weight. It was found that half of the mothers who took part in a study thought that their obese four or five year-old was normal weight, as did 39 per cent of the fathers. Professor Pieter Sauer from the Department of Paediatrics, said: "As well as asking them to provide information on their child's height and weight, they were also asked to provide information on their own vital statistics. "We used this to compare the parents' assessment of their children with their own weight to see if there was any correlation. Data on the child and both parents was provided in 397 cases." The parents were made to choose their child's body shape from seven different sketches. It was noted that 97 per cent of parents with normal weight children chose a lighter sketch than the data they provided indicated. The same was true of 95 per cent of the parents of overweight children and 62 per cent of the parents of obese children. Parents of normal weight children tended to think their child was one sketch slimmer than their Body Mass Index (BMI) indicated and parents of obese children often chose sketches that were three slimmer. Sauer said: "It's estimated that 10 per cent of children in The Netherlands are overweight, compared with 20 per cent in the USA. However, public perception of what is a normal weight has shifted upwards because more people are overweight or obese. "Overweight children are very likely to become overweight teenagers and adults, so intervening when they are aged between three and five could prevent weight problems later in life. "It is vital that parents are aware of their children's weight if we are to prevent them becoming obese in later life. "The fact that the parents in our study perceived their children to be lighter than their BMI indicated is cause for concern." Sauer concluded: "Our findings point to the need for health education programmes that encourage parents to recognise what is a normal healthy weight for their children and work with health professionals to tackle any weight problems." — ANI |
Drink to health
Shahnaz Husain While meeting the demands of a hectic day, we consume endless cups of tea or coffee, without realising that they are taking us further and further away from good health. I wonder how many of us stop to think of ideal alternatives to these two popular beverages. Too much tea and coffee has many undesirable effects. One of these is a depletion of vitamins and minerals. Coffee contains caffeine, an artificial stimulant. It can increase the heart rate and make the blood alkaline. It can also lead to anxiety and irritability. In other words, avoid too much tea and coffee if you wish increase your level of fitness and good health. Instead, take green tea and herbal teas. Green tea is an anti-oxidant and has several health benefits. It prevents and reverse oxidation damage. It is also said to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Apart from many other health benefits, it is also said to have a healing effect on skin problems like acne and delays ageing signs. Juices and herbal drinks are also a healthy alternative. If you select fresh fruit or vegetable juices, without adding sugar, you will have a healthy low calorie drink. Fresh juices and herbal drinks can help the system by getting rid of toxins and wastes. They can cleanse the body and purify the blood. They can also provide excellent nourishment. The fact is that freshly extracted juices of fruits and vegetables are easily assimilated by the body. We have formulated herbal drinks containing rose and khus, which have several benefits. They also contain other extracts and are based on tried and tested ayurvedic remedies. Khus and rose have been used since the ancient times, because they are refreshing and help to purify the body, by eliminating toxins and wastes. Rose and khus drinks can be made more delicious by adding a dark of lemon, along with a pinch of salt and roasted, powdered jeera – specially during the summer. Fruits make wonderful drinks. For example, pineapple and orange juice may be used together. Always dilute the fresh juices with water. Fresh strawberries can be added to this combination. Pineapple contains enzymes and helps digestion. Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C. Similarly, use tomato juice and add freshly extracted carrot juice. Add a stalk of celery and run this in the blender. Add a squeeze of lemon and a few drops of tabasco. It helps to neutralise acids in the body and make the blood more alkaline. Or, take tomato juice and add a few crushed mint leaves, pinch of salt and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. You may also add a dash of lemon juice. Many kinds of herbal teas are available in the market, like chamomile tea and jasmine tea. They contain spices like cinnamon, cumin, pepper, cardamom, fennel, nutmeg, etc. Spices are actually medicinal herbs and are used in foods to alter the qualities of food items, reducing their negative effects and aiding digestion. Black pepper, for instance, is useful in coughs and colds and respiratory congestion. However, it must be used in recommended quantities and combinations. Cardamom has always been known for aiding digestion and is popularly chewed after meals. Nutmeg is said to calm the nerves of the lower abdomen and also helps digestion. Some of the other ingredients in herbal teas are ginger, amla, barley, rose, liquorice, yew leaves and so on. Many of these ingredients and their combinations influence the metabolic rate and help in weight loss. They also help in eliminating toxins and strengthening the immune system. Brewing instructions are usually specified on the labels. Ginger tea is known as “a universal remedy” because it has so many benefits. Teas and pills are made from ginger alone. Ginger tea is advised after meals for digestion and is useful in coughs and colds. Boil a half-inch piece of ginger in two cups of water till the water reduces to about one cup. Let it cool and sip this slowly after meals. |
Tell Me Your Dreams
…We ask Reetinder Singh Sodhi about his and he gives us a complete list A dream rekindled, which means to him more than the world, coupled with a positive uncertainty of tomorrow, cricketer Reetinder Singh Sodhi takes a seat in the dugout. Relaxed, focused, his eyes sparkle with dreams and ideas. Not bothered about the sequence, he lists out the important ones. “To get married,” he laughs, continuing “My parents are searching for the perfect bride.” Before we try to dig in the requisites of ‘the perfect bride’, he quickly puts a lid on the matter. “It is too personal.” We give it to him. But didn’t someone share with the ‘passionate cricketer’ about the conspicuous lifestyle cricketers sport? We drop in the word, glamour. “For a cricketer, the game is more important. But yes, if he is a success, glamour follows. In a way, cricketers do have a fascinating life. More so, you are a star if you play for India,” says Reetinder, at British School-44, hunting for junior talent for the MAX Extraaa Innings T20 Junior. No wonder, they make better ramp scorchers than the models. “They are real fighters. They exude class, style and conviction when they walk the ramp. Because it comes from the sincerity, dedication and hard work that they put in. And lastly, it comes with the pride of performing for India,” he explains. We take the catch, concentration it is that makes or breaks? “I have been doing yoga since childhood, and it has helped me to stay calm and focused off and on the field,” provides Reetinder, a player of Kings XI Punjab. In addition to yoga, the young boy also likes to dive into the world of inspirational books. “I think reading helps one grow. I like to read stuff that inspires me to do well in life, books that help me understand myself better.” With the understanding comes the realisation. “I too dream a lot, like any other youngster. I want to fulfill my father’s dream to play for my country,” he says, immediately moving on to another dream. “To find a nice life partner for myself,” he adds with a puckish grin. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
Bollywood actor Vidya Balan promoted her film Ishqiya at a mall in Mumbai on Saturday. Ishqiya deals with the emotional journey of three individuals. Two thieves Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi), who are on the run from their boss Mushtaq (Salman Shahid), seek refuge with an old friend, but end up meeting his widow Krishna (Vidya Balan). As they plan their escape, they are drawn to Krishna and the threat of imminent death puts them on a path of violence and betrayal. The film is produced by Raman Maroo and Vishal Bharadwaj and directed by Abhishek Chaubey. Arshda Warsi, Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Salman Shah and Rajesh Sharma are the lead actors of the film. Vidya Balan who reached the mall in Mumbai to promote Ishqiya described it as a very special one for her as she has never performed a role like this one and was thrilled to receive the appreciation of the audience. "Every film is special one for me, but this is a very special one, as I am doing a very different role in this film. While doing this film only, we realised that a good amount of hard work is being done and the results will definitely be fruitful. It feels good that the audience is appreciating our hard work," said Balan. On being asked about the foul language used in the film, Balan said there were hardly four or five foul words used in the movie, as the actors really had to get into the rough and rogue nature of the characters portrayed in the film. Bollywood lyricist Gulzar and Ajinkya Iyer have penned the lyrics of the film, while the music has been composed by Vishal Bharadwaj. — Agency |
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Short & sweet Rann for Gul Gul Panag is happy to be a part of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Rann but the actress says Ram Gopal Varma's film is not the most important film of her career. The former beauty queen plays a young ad filmmaker in the movie, which has garnered a good response from the critics. Gul is happy to be a part of the project, which is otherwise an all-men saga with Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Rajat Kapoor and Paresh Rawal in the key roles. Gul said despite the small role she decided to do the film for the sheer quality and huge canvas that it offered. Rann was a great film and I am happy to be a part of it. When you are working with someone of the calibre of Ram Goal Varma, rest assured that you are in safe hands. It is definitely nice to be a part of a large project which has a huge canvas to boast of," Gul said. So, does Rann qualify to be one of the most important films of Gul's career? "Absolutely not. Yes, I am happy and feel extremely lucky to be a part of it. Still, it would be wrong to say that it is the most important film ever of my career," said the actress, who is known for being very selective when it comes to movies. In her six years of Bollywood career, Gul has done only eight films. "My long-term perspective when it comes to movies is simple. I want to do cinema, which turns out to be a milestone in history. I want to make a substantial enough contribution," she said. The actress denies taking an over calculative approach. "I sign films based on my instinct". What's the point? After all sometimes even the best laid plans totally fall flat on their face and fail miserably." Gul will next be seen in A Rectangular Love Story, Hello Darling and Fatso. — PTI |
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Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol have been invited by NASDAQ, the world's biggest stock exchange, to ring their opening bell at New York Monday. The stars of director Karan Johar's upcoming feature film My Name Is Khan will become the first Indian actors to open the market, an honour usually reserved for CEOs of major corporations, when they ring in the first trading day of February at 9.30 am. This prestigious event is broadcast live on many television networks across the globe. With over 3,700 companies listed, the NASDAQ has more trading volume than any other stock market in the world. Khan and Kajol have starred together in many successful films over the years including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which are both modern classics in Hindi cinema. Their much awaited on-screen reunion will take place on Feb 12 in My Name Is Khan when it releases in theatres worldwide. — IANS |
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Haywards 5000 Super Strong Club Soda, India’s largest selling strong soda brand, will now be available in cool cans. ZeeStar Beverages Corp., part of the leading conglomerate ZeeStar Group of Companies, announced the launch of the canned version of Haywards 5000 Super Strong Club Soda. Haywards 5000 Super Strong Club Soda is India’s first ever strong soda to be launched in Can packaging. Haywards 5000 is the hallmark original and authentic strong club soda. It perfectly combines strength with quality credentials that meet the high expectations of today’s discerning youth. Speaking at the launch, Ajay Atal, chairman, ZeeStar Group of Companies said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of Haywards 5000 Super Strong Club Soda Cans. Haywards 5000 is the first choice strong soda amongst India’s macho men. Our patrons, who appreciate original and authentic, premium-quality strong soda, make us country’s top strong soda. Now they can enjoy their favorite strong soda in cans too.” “After the launch of Haywards 5000 Super Strong Club Soda Cans, ZeeStar Beverages is looking into new projects involving Fosters Soda & Mineral Water, Haywards Mineral Water, Royal Challenge Soda & Mineral Water and Nano Fresh Mineral Water,” adds Atal. — TNS |
There is no dearth of talent in Chandigarh. How many times have we heard this? Almost at every talent hunt or reality hunt auditions that take place in the city. This time to the city sees a search of some real talent. The only difference this time, the contestants are not the wannabes who have access to all facilities. This time, it is a talent hunt for the underprivileged children from the slums. An initiative by Legendary Mukesh Musical Art and Cultural Society, the endavour is to look for singing and dancing talent amongst the slum children. And, Ram Darbar is the second stopover. According to ML Singla, president of the association, “We started the talent hunt at Mauli Jagran, and we plan to hold the talent hunt at all the slums. The contestants selected after the final screening will get a chance to showcase their skills at some level or the other.” — TNS |
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