Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Chubby's 12 Days Of Christmas......Foul Foul Language!!!!

Chubby Brown's Remake Of A Classic......Language!!!!

Bit Of A Hiatus!

For those of you that read my blog regularly, I have to apologize. Facebook has taken over most of my time and plus that fact that I can't blog at work due to a shitty computer, I really have not been blogging at all.

I will try and blog a couple of times a month, but I can only promise that. I have an interview in Liverpool, England in May to enter into Teacher's College in England.
I will be leaving Korea at the end of April and then living in Liverpool, England.

Until then, I will be blogging very little, but I promise once I get to England, the blogging will start up again. New challenges and new experiences. So long for now and hopefully I will have a few blogs on here after Christmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you and I hope that you all have a healthy holiday period.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

What A Funny Video.....You Must Check This Out!

One of the funniest videos that I have seen for a long time. The real 'education' for children.......lol.


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

AC/DC Have Never Been Anything Different For Me!


Anytime when I need a real good morale booster, I always listen to any album by AC/DC......It has always been that way for me. From running on the treadmill to the "Back in Black" album or sitting on the subway listening to the album, "Highway to Hell," to flying to another country listening to "Dirty Deeds." I have and always will love this group. They have a simple formula towards writing music. Rock and Roll, man! I love this shit.
Check out this article that has just been posted on CNN. I love the new album......Black Ice......suits the economic climate right now and has some 'kick-ass' tracks on it, dude!!!!!!

http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/28/economy-in-the-red-acdc-back-in-black/

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Joe Strummer.....Gone But Not Forgotten....Talking About Punk Rock....

Absolutely Love This Sign.....Fella Is Famous For Being Outrageous!

This fella owns a restaurant in North Versailles, PA.....He changes the sign whenever he gets another idea about something he doesn't like. This one is a classic and could be used anywhere in an English speaking country where immigrants start complaining about speaking English there.......Soooooooo funny!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Hurting But Persevering!

Getting back into shape is much harder than staying in shape. Most people are not aware of this fact, but believe me, it is true.

I am not exactly out- of shape, but at the same moment, not completely in- shape either. I am hurting each and every day trying to get into the best shape possible. The eating is going fairly well and the exercising, too. However, it is hard work and don't let anyone out there ever tell you otherwise. NO PAIN, NO GAIN........how true!


The weather here has turned into true autumn weather and it is very welcome as far as I am concerned. It is much more comfortable to sleep and I don't have to have that damn air-conditioning on anymore. I was feeling very machine orientated when that thing was on 24/7.


Still haven't drank this week and I won't. Watched the Everton vs Liverpool derby at Hollywoods and it was absolutely brilliant. We won 2-0 and it was great fun watching Liverpool absolutely dominate Everton in all areas of the match. Sang my brains out and shouted so much during the match. Always a good bunch of LFC supporters in the place to egg on the team.


Didn't do anything today. Karina and I were supposed to go to the zoo, but we ended up staying up late and watching a movie, "Flight of the Living Dead." It was quite funny, it is like blood and guts mixed with comedy and really lame lines.........had a good time watching it........I know, me watching movies, what's up with that, eh?


Went for a run about an hour ago. Killed me once again, but I am up to 30 mins outside now without stopping. Ran up to Seoul Station and then around by Yongsan High School, around the War Memorial and Samgakji and then back home.


Meeting Gareth tonight after he completes his training seminar. They have put a 12pm curfew on him......haha! It is the training for his new public school position. Everyone has to go through it, including all the extra-curricular activities......poor sod. Should get to see him for a couple of hours tonight, anyway. Should be fun. I will be drinking mineral water or juice again......lol.


Sam left today to start university in England. A good night for him to leave with LFC winning! He has given my old phone to his girlfriend and I have to get it back. I paid about 100 dollars for the thing, so I can re-sell it back to the shop for at least some money or give it to my girlfriend and she can use it as a pay-as-u-go phone. I changed it 'cos I got a contract phone here, which is much, much cheaper. I will meet up with Yaejin soon to get it off of her.


Another weekend is almost in the books and I must say, not drinking alcohol has not been hard at all. I am bound and determined to do the month and then after just drink moderately after that.


Looking forward to Tuesday, September 30th as it will be my first pay since I got back from my trip plus Mum and Dad's 47th wedding anniversary. 3 more to go until their Golden......should be awesome, and gonna have a party for that one, for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, September 26, 2008

22 Days Gone By Already!

I can't believe that 3 weeks have passed since I arrived back from England. As you can see from the number of blogs that I have posted.........well, haven't really, have I!


It has been quite easy to get into the grind again, just like I never left really. I was quite surprised with my kids at school that they didn't forget too much of what they were taught while I was gone. I thought for sure that I would come back and they would have forgotten almost everything.......shame on me for doubting my teaching ability.....lol.....when I teach them something, it sticks.......lol.



I have been going to the gym regularly and also eating much better, but still need to fine tune my eating regimen. I have some bad habits that I must get rid of.....I am not going to elaborate too much, just those of you that have the same, know exactly what I mean.



I also have decided to get off the booze for at least a month. I am going to look at it the same way that I looked at smoking........too much and a filthy habit....well, not that bad, but fairly close. That is my decision and those of you that don't have any faith in me.....watch this space!!!!!!!!


I have been seeing a girl for about a month now. Her name is Karina and she is from Uzbekistan. I met her about a year ago. We dated briefly and kind of fell out with each other due to somethings lost in translation. Anyway, we have taken it one step further now and are living together. We have been living together since I got back from England and she actually moved in the day before I went on holiday. I am not analyzing the situation too much, I am just enjoying being with a woman and having someone to talk to when I come home and blah blah blah......... Don't read too much into it.....just accept it, okay..........lol.



She is very pretty and very funny as well. She is a great cook as well. What is it that men say? The best way to a man's heart is through his stomach....or is that his wallet....... We do get along well, even if we don't always understand each other so well.....lol. Here is the biggest news; she is 25 and I am 44.....I know what you are all thinking.....well, some of you anyway........ Don't read too much into it, just accept it, okay......lol.





I am going to get myself in the best shape of my life in the next few months, both physically and mentally, being away from the booze. I want to be as healthy as I can and have decided to take on some morning work, also. That means being in class for about 7am each morning or a little after.....only a one hour class, though. I want to do it 5 days a week, so I can save as much money as possible to take to England when I get accepted into Teacher's College. I will be going there in May, if everything goes as planned.



I am going to do my degree in French and Spanish, hopefully. I am almost done the application and will send it off the beginning of October. I also am going to renew my passport. I made sure I had all the documents that I needed when I went to Liverpool. That will be done in the middle of next month, also.

I am going to Rob's tomorrow night to let him have some of my music off my hard-drive. He is going to cook some food up that he got at the Costco here in Korea, so I am looking forward to that. He is also not drinking for a while, as he had some problems with his stomach last month and the doctor gave him some antacid tablets and suggested that he didn't drink for the next little while. So, we will be partners in crime, not drinking.

I met Sam at the Seoul Pub tonight and Rob showed up a little later. I drank two cokes and Rob didn't drink anything. Called it an early night as Karina was cooking some great dish from Uzbekistan with green peppers, rice, potatoes, onions and some kind of broth. As I am typing this, it is cooking and I can't wait to eat it......it smells so good!!!!!!!! She really is a good cook and always looks after me in that department.....can't complain now, can I!!!!!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

A Nice 5 Day Holiday!

After my first full week of work, I found out that this weekend is the Korean version of Thanksgiving. It is called Chusok.......5 days holiday, thank you.

As I don't work on Fridays, I began my holiday tonight after work. We get an extra day off on the Tuesday due to the holiday falling on the weekend. Isn't that a nice break after coming back from my trip!


Not much else has been going on really other than the usual going to work and back at the gym religiously. Trying to get stronger and slimmer at the same time. The eating is the hardest part of all; old habits die hard.......haha.


Watched the England game last night online at 4am. They played great and did the whole nation proud. It was the first time that Croatia had been beaten at that stadium, to add to the achievement that England have done. 4-1 is a great score and puts us in a good spot at the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifying group that we are in.


I have posted some of the pics from my trip to England on Facebook for those that are in my friend's list. I will post a few here for those of you that are not. I wish everyone a good weekend and hope that Liverpool can beat Manchester in the league game on Saturday. Come on The Reds!!!!!!!!

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Almost Back To Korea


My trip is almost over, sadly. But, like life in general, you just have to make new plans and get on with the daily grind of living.


I have had a fantastic time here in England. Saw pretty much everything and everyone that I wanted to. Time has flown by..... from going to London, to seeing my family and spending time with them to going to the match, which Liverpool rescued with only 2 minutes of extra-time left.....a highlight of the trip.


Haven't been able to blog at all due to lack of internet access.....drove me mad to tell you the truth. Will definitley be buying a laptop when I come to live here and have 24 hour access. I feel lost without the internet.....withdrawal symptoms and the lot!!!!!!


Had an interview at John Moore's University and it went really well. The lady that interviewed me was very nice and very frank and honest. It looks good all around......have the qualifications that I need to get in the program and will be eligible for the bursaries once I renew my EU passport. Looks like May I will be back in England and start the ball rolling on my new future......get my teacher's degree and then teach in secondary school....French and Spanish......can't wait to tell you the truth.....new plans and new horizons.


Now it is back to Korea on Wednesday and start the next ten months to save some money and bring my time there to an end. I think I will have a new appreciation for Korea once I return, as I know I will be leaving there in 10 months. Get all my stuff online sorted out for the application to university and then get all my other things in order to get ready to leave in May. Will have to go to Canada for a week or two first, then to England.


Already have a link to jobs teaching English here when I return. There are a lot of people from the Congo, the French part, who are keen to learn English and will learn at anytime and pay good money for it.......part-time work just like in Korea......more good news......loads of jobs going here to tell you the truth.


That's all for now.......keep you posted once I get back.


Thursday, August 07, 2008

New Hope For Organ Recipients!

This is huge news in the medical world and I hope that it comes about sooner than later. There are a lot of people that could benefit substantially from this new discovery. I have a cousin Gill who received a kidney from her sister about 10 years ago. She is doing great, but I am sure she would prefer the method discovered by the doctors in this research.

Please read this article. Very informative and very good news for the future.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7544526.stm

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Check Out Marilyn Manson Without The Make-Up!

This goes to show you how make-up can really give a person a scary, kind of Alice Cooper-shock-rock look!!!!
This is so funny. The first one is when he had to appear in court.....more downplayed.....I am not sure, but does he have only one eye? It looks like both his eyes are okay in the first picture.....what a gimmick!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Koreans In Welding Masks.......Lol!!!!!

It has been the trend in this country for a long time and I thought my avid readers might want a wee glimpse of what is 'cool' amongst the middle-aged women here. Hold on to your shorts and skirts and don't rush out and buy one of these babies too quickly..............

Here it is at long last. The new, funky, state of the art, stylish and oh so cool fashion sense that is all the hype here in Korea.....believe me, you see this everyday and in abundance all over Korea in the hot weather, even on the bright winter days. Take a look at this WELDING MASK!!!!!



Sunday, August 03, 2008

This Is Just Unbelievable Talent......So Dangerous!

All I can say is, oh, my god!!!!!!
One of the best acts that you could ever see.....how much time have they put into this act.....unbelievable.


Russian Bar routine

Posted using ShareThis

Friday, August 01, 2008

Good Luck Caroline!

I met up with a friend of mine, Caroline who is Korean, but also speaks Spanish, which is her major in university. She is currently in the middle of interviews to become a flight attendant for Emirates Airlines. She has passed the first two interviews and she has another big one on Saturday morning.



She has gone from being one of a thousand to now one of 120. If she passes this interview on Saturday, she will have a great chance of getting a job there. She is a great girl and I wish her all the luck in the world. She really wants this opportunity to become a flight attendant more than anything she can ever remember...that's what she told me, anyway.




I practiced some of the interview questions with her for about 2 hours, yesterday. They were the usual, like; what do you deem as a success? What are your strengths and weaknesses....etc.......




I tried my best to give her some of the most common responses and told her to just keep the answers short and to the point. Not to go on and on like most Koreans do when you ask them simple questions. Of c ourse, she wants to sell her attributes, but not do it in a too wordy way! She seemed to pick things up and I think the one word that she will remember is, "I'm a team-player."

Last night, I met up with David at The Loft after I left Caroline. I met another friend of mine, Joseph from Nigeria while I was waiting for David to come. I also met his friend, Kennedy and we sat and chatted for a while. David showed up and we had a few more drinks and more of a chat.

David left and went off to a place called 'Brix.' I met him there after about half an hour and there were a group of people there from all different countries. There was a fella from Paraguay, a girl from Columbia, a girl from Mexico, a French fella and a few Koreans. A Japanese fella also showed up..... I called all of us the United Nations.

That is when it is cool to be with people from all different places on our planet.......really cool.

Went to UN Club and bumped into Richard who was out, which is a rarity for him on a Thursday night. He was on vacation for a couple of days, so he was out for a later than usual night.




Got home late again and woke up about 1pm. Had a class at 3, 4.30 and 7.30....full day without even going to my school. I am staying home tonight and going to try and really curb back on my staying out late as I don't want to spend too much more money now before I go to England on vacation on August 15th. We shall see, as they say, but I am going to at least try.




I am back to work on Monday and I will work 2 weeks, actually 7 working days, then I am off on vacation to meet up with my family. Can't wait to see them all now. Getting a little excited and starting to worry about what presents I should take and packing....blah blah blah. I am not that worried, really, just joking!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Korean Complete Extremes Of Service!

Yesterday, I was talking on my phone and the screen went blank! Shit, I thought.....this is the last thing I need to do on my week off, is to have to take it and have all the nonesense of having no phone and all that....blah blah blah.

Off I went to the LG store and they proceeded to tell me to go to the LG Service Centre. I had been there before and it is quite close to my house. I asked them, "Shinyongsan, right?" They said yes and off I went.


I got there in about 10 minutes, but the place had moved. I tried to get directions from the people that had stalls beside the old place, but to no avail. Their English was non-comprehensible....the only thing I remember is....out, out and look......whatever!


I ended up about a 10 minute walk at the big, massive, LG Telecom Building. I went to reception and asked if they knew where the service centre was. Of course, no-one knew and I waited there the best of 25 mintues until finally, the girl was clever enough to get a hold of the phone number and I talked to someone from the place.


Unbelievable really when you think that this is the main headquarters and no-one has a number to link to the service centre. I understand that this is another part of the company, but you would think that each part would at least have an idea where to get all the numbers of the different LG stores and centres. T.I. K. THIS IS KOREA!!!!!!!


His English was passable, but still a bit hard to understand. Anyway, I got him to tell the girl the directions in Korean and she could write them down and then I could give them to a taxi driver. I did this and low and behold 5 minutes in a taxi.....I could have walked.....we got to Yongsan, which I know very well. I bought my ipod there. I walked across the street and the LG Service Centre was in the basement of the Kookmin Bank Building. It is actually closer to where I live now!


Got inside and the woman gave me a ticket and I filled in my name and address. I had the original contract with me from when I bought the phone. It was only 4 months ago, actually.

My number was called and I got up to the window and the man asked me what was wrong. I speak enough Korean to be able to basically explain a little.....he understood. He tested it right there and then and said there was a chip problem and if I could wait 30 minutes, he would repair it there and then. Of course! I said. Couldn't believe that they would service it there and then. They were so nice and so professional. I watched him pull my phone apart and then watched him go over to another fella and get something soldered. I sat away from the technician on a bench, listening to my ipod.


25 mintues later and true to his word, the tech came over and handed me my phone along with his business card. What great service, I must say. From one extreme to another. From being totally peeved off at the lack of knowledge of the LG staff, to extreme happiness to have my phone back and no charge at all, either.


Went to the British Embassy today and found out that all I have to do is show my birth certificate and bring my old passport that I have with me in Korea, from 1990, 2 pics and the form and money, and I will get a new British Passport. The woman at the embassy said something about in the near future, the rules are going to stiffen up a bit and most people will be dealt with on an individual basis and will have to be approved by the office in London.


My sister, Jackie, is bringing my birth certificate to England when we visit there, so I will have it when I come back to Korea and then start the ball rolling and get my British Passport.


Went to the gym, had a good workout and feel like I have had a very productive day. Got a lot done and off to teach one of my favourite students, Alex, tonight at 7.30. Off for a nice afternoon kip now.....that is what you are supposed to do on your vacation.....things that you normally can't do when you are working......oh yeahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

Monday, July 28, 2008

This Is So Funny!

A Week Off!


I have no school until August 4th and then 10 days later on August 14th, I leave for Liverpool for 3 weeks.
Went out with Chris last night to see a rock band in Hongdae. It was almost finished by the time we got there, but we got to see a couple of songs played. Jenny had been singing earlier, but unfortunately we didn't get to see here.


Chris was quite funny at the end of the night. He has spent the last week watching Ali-G and Borat, so he has the accent and the words memorized. He was speaking to these two girls that we met with his Borat accent and they were just believing him all the way. They were Korean like, but it was still funny. He was going on about having a cow in a field and also a t.v. and remote control.....off his head, really.......haha.


No plans as such for the week. Just gonna chill and go to the gym. Have to go to the British Embassy to check out the rules for living in England as I plan to go to Teacher's College there next year. Don't know if I have to apply for a passport or there is some special visa that I have to get, as I was born there and left there when I was 15 years old.


Starting to get a little excited about seeing Mum, Dad, our Jackie, Katie, Jamie and my son, Tyler. I am excited for him, as it will be his first time overseas from Canada. I think he will love it and it will definitely give him some more perspective about his dad's side of the family and about how people live different lives on the same planet. England really is so different in so many ways from North America. He will see all of that and I think it will make him think more about his future and hopefully make him want to start travelling more.....let's see, though!


Having been blogging much, as I have been a lazy arse. Going to try and blog a little more in the next little while before I go to England. I was laughing with my sister as she was telling me that she cleaned some 'junk' out of her house. We got talking about photo albums and then we started laughing about the new cameras and gadgets that we have nowadays, but don't use them as much as we used to.....lol.

Fact of life, I think. Still nice to have them at special moments. I will be taking lots of pics when I am in England, so stay posted.


I think this time in our lives is one of the best ever, as we have so much more ways of communication with each other. Living overseas, I never feel isolated from anyone. The only thing that I have to say to anyone that is not internet savvy is that you are losing out big time. From getting pics of birthdays or other events in my family's and friends' lives, it is awesome. Facebook is one of the best things out there right now and I would recommend it to anyone to have a go on it, even if you are skeptical. You will see that it can reconnect you with some of your old friends or help you stay in touch with your family and existing friends, so much easier. You don't need to type an email address and it so easy to send messages, never mind all the fun things that are on there. The geography game is awesome and teaches you loads of cities and countries that you wouldn't have a clue about otherwise.


I am off to the gym now to have a good workout again, then out again tonight to meet Chris who is also on vacation this week.

Monday, July 07, 2008

Check This Out!

A very interesting video about some of the origins of famous football clubs' songs!!!!

http://publish.vx.roo.com/espnstar/flashmain/?vxSiteId=1458d2e1-b8e3-4d73-8b76-e8420617f8b8&vxChannel=whats%20on%20TV&vxClipId=2168_ESSENT_anthems&vxBitrate=300

Come On Korea! Think About It!!!!!!!!!

It is funny, but so very common to see. What is it, you ask? Signs and any other kinds of media in English that make absolutely no sense at all and have not been checked by simply asking a native speaker if it is okay. It really is as simple as that, but due to the stubborness of the Korean culture, it is an ongoing facet of their lives. They don't care! As quite a few Koreans said to me, " We understand what it means, so it's alright!"

So carry on then...... who cares if the world looks at you and thinks you are as thick as a plank......life is too short to get carried away about what is right and what is wrong, but with the amount of money that the Koreans sink into English education, you would think that having correct English signs and phrases in public places, would not only teach the children and the adults what is right and wrong, but would also be the sensible thing to do!


Stop making sense, Paul! Stop going on your tirades, English teacher!


T. I. K = This Is Korea!!!!!!! If Korea wants to seriously get better in all aspects of English, it might sound ridiculous, but this could be a start......eh, eh........what do you think? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!


Hope you like some of the pics of the stupid and sometimes funny English signs. It really is not that funny in essence, though. I for one, wish that there was someone that could just figure out what to do to improve it and just do it............

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

George Carlin.......A Genius As A Comedian.....You Will Be Sadly Missed Here On Earth

One of the most controversial, but brilliant comedians to ever grace the field of comedy, has sadly died before his time......read the article and with sadness in my heart, he will be missed, but never forgotten......goodbye George........thank you for all the memories......your spirit lives on through thousands of others here on earth.....lest we forget..............................




Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day, Dad! External Drive Sorted.....Internal Drive On The Mend

I can be the bearer of some optimal news; I am feeling much better and think that the sinus infection is gone, but one can never be sure can one.......

I took my external hard-drive back to Yongsan where I bought it and they found a part was crushed, fried or whatever they call it in computer lingo. It will be repaired for free and should only take about 2 days. I only live 10 minutes from Yongsan, so that suits me fine. I am happy that I won't lose all the 400G of music that I have on there.....hahaha.


Today is a special day of course. It's Father's Day. It is a day to remember your Dad for all of the special thing that a Dad is. My Dad has been such an insipiration for me. He is the straightest arrow that I know and that used to really piss me off because he was right most of the time. Doesn't bother me anymore, though...haha.


He has always had life sorted out and lives it on his own terms, which for most people including me, was very difficult to do. I have figured it out and I owe a lot of the reasons why to him and my Mum of course. He always taught me to be true to myself, to be honest about everything and to always do the right thing. I guess what I could say is that my Dad has taught me INTEGRITY in all areas of my life, both personal and professional.


It can be very difficult to live your life with complete integrity, but once you figure it out, it is the most rewarding way to live your life, ever! Another thing that sticks in my mind about what Dad used to say to me is this: Your time costs you nothing, give it freely whenever you can. That is probably the one area of my life that I am constant at. I always try to give time to all of my friends and family, even if it is difficult at times.
Anyway, Happy Father's Day, Dad, you are the best! You are also a very funny man and have given me that ability to have a good laugh at everything. Thanks, Dad!


Friday, June 06, 2008

Needed A Good "Seoul" Doctor!

Six month have passed and 3 doctors later, I finally found a decent doctor that I could have faith in and knew that she would help me with my ailment, which at that point I was beginning to worry about.



Anyway, I went to Seoul Medical Clinic, which is a huge hospital near Samsong Station. The people were very helpful and one woman accompanied me throughout my whole visit, interpreting for the x-ray technicians and the doctors and receptionists. The hospital is very big and I must say, run very professionally. Typical Korea at the best of times, though.



Example: Took my shirt off to get x-rayed and the door was left wide-open, so anyone could just look in and see me getting x-rayed with no shirt on.......embarassing for some people, but I couldn't have given a shite at that time. Still, typical of Korea, no etiquette when dealing with people, a behaviour that is rampant withing their culture. They treat each other the same way and everybody else, too.



After the x-ray, I was accompanied to see the doctor, who showed me my x-rays and finally diagnosed me with having a WHOPPER of a sinus infection. She asked me how long I had had symptoms and I told her about 7 months. She asked me why I waited so long and I told her that I had been to see 2 other doctors that had prescribed medecine for me. One had given me antibiotics for 3 days, the other 7 days. She told me that my infection was so bad that I would require at least 2 weeks and probably a third week!



She has put me on the strongest antibiotics that she could and I have to go back weekly to check the progress or lack of, in order to get rid of this infection once and for all. I was very happy and she explained everything very well for me with the help of the assistant, interpreting when needed.



I cannot have a drop of alcohol while I am taking the medecine, which will do me no harm at all! For the next few weeks, I am concentrating on getting well and getting rid of this awful feeling that has been around for about 7 months.



The doctor said my chest and everything else is clear and strong. She said the infection is not serious, but the symptoms are serious to how someone feels. She couldn't believe that I put up with being hot and dizzy and having a dry-mouth problem for so long. What a soldier I am.......or idiot depending on your perspective!!!!!!



Friday here is a holiday, so I had a nice sleep in today. Meeting Chris for lunch and then probably have dinner with the rest of the fellas and out for a COKE later on.....hahaha!!!!!!!!!