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Resort Maps to sponsor “road trip” for two Plymouth grannies.

PLYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Beth Sobiloff and Virginia Just never saw themselves as “traditional” grandmothers spending their reclining years, well, reclining. To prove that point and to achieve a lifelong dream of traveling the U.S., the two small business owners have literally decided to take their show (lives and businesses) on the road in a cross country journey to begin in March 2010.

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, has signed on as one of the first sponsors of the “Two Grannies on the Road” trip.

“At Resort Maps we believe that every trip is about the journey, not just the destination. Two Grannies on the Road epitomizes that philosophy and takes it one step further as Beth and Ginny will also be running their businesses while they see the country—and that’s something we want to support,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise.

Just, a 62 year-old grandmother of two boys and freelance graphic designer and Sobiloff, a 59-year-old grandmother of two girls and Web designer/search engine optimization specialist, plan to start their journey in March 2010, traveling in an RV down the coast and across the country to California over a two-month period. During that time, the two grannies will continue to run their businesses. Part of that will be stopping off at local chambers of commerce and Business Networking International (BNI) for meetings along the way.

“Both Ginny and I have been huge networkers, particularly with BNI. So, we’re looking forward to attending networking meetings on our trip and meeting other small business owners, including Resort Maps franchise owners in the cities and towns we travel through,” said Sobiloff. It will also be a big help to have the maps provided by Resort Maps in navigating our trip.

Resort Maps franchises operate in cities and towns in 20 states, including: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont—as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“Many Resort Maps franchise owners bought into the business because they didn’t want to be confined to the 12 months a year, 9-to-5 grind. Much like the Two Grannies, our franchise owners want to run their businesses on their own terms. Again, that’s what makes Resort Maps’ sponsorship with the Two Grannies a perfect match,” added Hans.

To find out more about the Two Grannies on the Road, including the progress of preparation for this great journey, please visit their blog at www.twogranniesontheroad.com. Businesses looking to sponsor the Two Grannies can contact Beth Sobiloff or Virginia Just by calling 617-851-6337.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises grown to nearly 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps the company and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Resort Maps to sponsor “road trip” for two Plymouth grannies.Read More

TMI Executive Resources Advises Job Seekers on How to Prepare for a Job Search

TMI Executive Resources (http://www.TMIer.com), a firm providing outplacement and career consulting services to thousands of clients around the globe, offers advice to job seekers on how to prepare for the job search.

Many executives who have been laid off or who are trying to affect a career change after a number of years are ill-prepared for the job search. More often than not, these job seekers will simply update their resume and begin their search.

Nowadays, the job search involves so much more. Job seekers need to effectively market themselves. TMI Executive Resources advises job seekers of the steps they need to take prior to launching themselves upon the marketplace:

· Perform a thorough, and honest, evaluation of your marketability. Ultimately, this step will save you time and effort because you won’t seek positions that are not right for you.

· Evaluate and, if necessary, update your skills. Enroll in a course. Attend seminars that are specific to the industry. Read up on the latest strategies/techniques in the industry.

· Assess your income potential. Do your research, know your worth and be prepared to talk salary.

· Focus your job search and figure out the direction that you will take. If you are not getting results over the course of your job search; know that you may have to re-focus your search and head in a new direction.

· Hone your interview techniques. Ask a trusted advisor or friend to role-play an interview and then critique your technique.

· Develop effective negotiating strategies.

· Update your resume.

John Hackett, the company’s executive vice president explained, “Most people seriously over estimate their knowledge of job changing. It’s imperative that job seekers take the appropriate steps prior to investing their time and energy in seeking a new career.”

About TMI

TMI Executive Resources is a worldwide organization that provides professional career consulting and career management services as well as entrepreneurship consulting to executives. Founded in 1986, TMI has provided services to over 4,000 clients around the world and has grown to six locations on the East Coast. TMI headquarters is located at 20 William Street, Suite 100 in Wellesley, MA. The company has offices in Boston and Springfield, MA; Hartford, New Haven and Stamford, CT and WashingtonDC. For more information, contact 877-864-3932 or visit their website at TMIer.com.

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South Shore Ad Club sponsors season opening networking session Wednesday, September 30 at Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy.

QUINCY, MASS…

In recognition of the fact that no businessperson is an island, the South Shore Ad Club encourages colleagues to jump on board as the Club sponsors a season opening networking session on Wednesday, September 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Granite Links Golf Club, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy.  In addition to casual networking, Jim Ayraud, Founder of Next Level, Inc., a sales management consulting firm, will raise the bar and demonstrate how to be much more purposeful and therefore effective in our business networking.

Ayraud believes that networking is like anything else in life—the more serious you are about it—the more success you will have. Come prepared to practice and role play. Plan to leave with at least three ideas you can put into place right away.

“In particular, service business opportunities are largely based on relationships.  New business and recurring revenue come from colleagues and referral sources who know you and trust you,” notes Jim Ayraud. He added, “These crucial relationships often start or become galvanized at networking events. The challenge is to choose the right events and then use proven techniques to make the most of them.  Participants at this event will walk away with a new approach to meeting good business contacts.”   

The price of admission is $25 for  non-members, $20 for members. The business public is warmly invited. Light refreshments and gourmet pizza will be served.

About The South Shore Ad Club

The South Shore Ad Club is a non-profit organization committed to the personal and professional development of communications professionals located south of Boston. It’s the club’s  mission to improve, strengthen and advance career goals through learning and networking opportunities; and to serve as a resource for local and Boston-area businesses requiring marketing, advertising, public relations and/or communications services.

Space is limited. To RSVP, please contact Mary McElroy, McElroy Associates, (781) 383-0505 orinfo@mcelroyassoc.net.  Payment for this function can also be made on-line at www.southshoreadclub.com.  Cash or checks will also be accepted at the door.

South Shore Ad Club sponsors season opening networking session Wednesday, September 30 at Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy.Read More

South Shore Skin Center is First to Offer Thermage Treatments for the Body

South Shore Skin Center, caring for thousands of patients at their dermatology offices in Cohasset and Plymouth, now offers Thermage treatments to patients looking to firm and tighten their arms, abdomen and thighs.

Always ahead of the curve, South Shore Skin Center practitioners now offer Thermage treatments for the body, which utilizes radio-frequency technology to tighten and contour the skin.

Thermage is a non-invasive procedure that effectively smoothes wrinkled, sagging skin on the upper arms, abdomen and thighs. Best of all, patients see results after one treatment and there is no recovery time.

“As we age, the collagen in our skin breaks down which results in wrinkles and sagging. Thermage is the ideal option for many patients who would like to take years off their skin. It does not involve surgery, anesthesia or injections. There’s no downtime and a treatment takes approximately 90 minutes,” explained Dr. Richard Eisen, dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center.

To arrange a Thermage consultation with a South Shore Skin Center practitioner, contact at 508-747-0711.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.  The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711.  For more information, visit their website SouthShoreSkinCenter.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Collaborates with The Charity Guild of Brockton to Offer New Program

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) recently announced their collaboration with The Charity Guild of Brockton in the development of a new program known as “Special Foods for Special People”.

The goal of the “Special Foods for Special People” program is to distribute special dietary foods to homebound elders who suffer from diseases common to this age group. Many are unable to afford specialty items due limited income and increasing food costs.

OCES will assist with the program’s outreach and education initiatives and the Charity Guild will provide the food and the volunteers to deliver the special food to elders in their homes. The Charity Guild recently received a grant from the Howard Home Foundation which has enabled them to develop and run the “Special Foods for Special People” program.

“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Old Colony Elder Services on this project. It has been a very high priority for us. The ‘Special Foods for Special People’ program affords us the chance to reach out to individuals in the community. Now, we are able to go to those who cannot come to us,” said Nancy Gustafson, President of The Charity Guild’s Board of Directors.

How it Works

A Registered Nurse and Dietician from OCES conduct an assessment of an elder’s needs. Then, the nurse and dietician consult with the elder about disease and prevention and the vital role that proper nutrition plays in their overall health. OCES then educates and trains the elder (and their caregiver) in proper nutritional intake and dietary needs as it relates to his/her specific health problem. Once the assessment, education and training are completed, the Charity Guild provides and delivers the special diet foods to the homebound elder.

“Now, homebound elders are able to get the nutritional foods that are specific to their disease that they would not otherwise be able to obtain. This program is essential to the many elders who are suffering from illnesses which could benefit from a special diet,” explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

About the Charity Guild of Brockton

Established in 1971, The Charity Guild of Brockton is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization providing assistance to greater Brockton area residents through their food pantry and thrift shop.  The Charity Guild’s mission is “to provide basic and necessary services to those unable to meet their primary needs of food, clothing and household goods.” The Charity Guild is located at 501 Main Street in Brockton. To learn more about them, visit the website at www.TheCharityGuild.org.

For more information about the “Special Foods for Special People” program, contact Lucille Dallaire of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Members Enjoy New Backpacks and Bryant James Show

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s members are headed back to school sporting new backpacks and autographs from local pop star and Marshfield native Bryant James – thanks to a radio contest that the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield recently won.

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield won a BusRadio.com contest (sponsored by Adidas) and received the prize of $300, which was used to purchase backpacks for their members, along with a free in-house performance by Bryant James.

More than 60 teen and tween club members enjoyed the Bryant James show last week.

“We were surprised and thrilled to win the contest and Bryant’s performance was amazing. He is a real inspiration to many kids,” explained Greg Jackson, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Marshfield.

About Bryant James

Bryant James, who recorded the songs “Cruisin With My Lady” and “SuperLove”, can be heard on BusRadio (a radio program which reaches one million students on school buses nationwide). Bryant performs at school dances, summer camps, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and most recently at the Boys and Girls Club.

Bryant has written over 50 songs and is currently in the process of recording his first full length album, with a release date set for early November. For more information about Bryant James, visit the website, www.BryantJames.com.

About the Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,100 current members and is available to youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town and surrounding communities. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals.  Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the club in Library Plaza or the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com. The club’s mailing address is P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Members Enjoy New Backpacks and Bryant James ShowRead More

NEFA double-clicks on latest strategy and techniques at Tuesday, September 15 meeting to be held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Norwood, MA.

WESTBOROUGH, MA…

Attracting franchise candidates has never been more challenging. In recognition of this dire trend, the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is presenting the latest strategy and techniques at the upcoming meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 to be held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, 1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA (just off Route 128).

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 PM, dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation from Roland Lacey, CEO of MediaRight Technologies. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  All NEFA Members get $10.00 off.  For information regarding NEFA membership visit: www.nefranchise.org.

Roland Lacey, president of MediaRight Technologies and an expert in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will discuss strategies on how franchise organizations can dominate search engines. Lacey, who builds websites that specifically generate more traffic and more leads from Google and other search engines, will discuss SEO; Google Adwords; and the best way to bring motivated prospects to your website.

                                    

Lacey has developed countless websites that are search engine optimized for a variety of franchise companies including Black Dawg Sealcoat, The Right One, Together Dating, Personal Best Karate, Lapels Dry Cleaning and others.

Founded in 1996, MediaRight Technologies’ mission is to help companies implement a proven system using search optimization, pay per click and a website that works to generate leads online.  The MediaRight Technologies team of Microsoft-certified web developers is led by their founder Roland Lacey, who contributed to and did the technical editing for two of Rick Segel’s books: “The Essential Online Solution: The 5 Step Formula for Small Business Success” as well as the recently released second edition of “Retail Business Kit for Dummies” both published by Wiley and Sons.

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling NEFA Executive Director Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

NEFA double-clicks on latest strategy and techniques at Tuesday, September 15 meeting to be held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Norwood, MA.Read More

A family affair… DirectBuy of Edison owners celebrate 20-year milestone.

EDISON, NEW JERSEY…

Much has changed in the world since Phil and Susanne Wisniewski opened DirectBuy of Edison. The Berlin Wall was still intact. It would be years before anybody heard of the Internet and not everybody had cable. Yet 20 years later, both are still sold on the DirectBuy concept of providing members the opportunity to purchase name brand products at direct insider prices.

“DirectBuy has become a way of life for our family. We have three generations working in our club. We even have extended family members who have seen what we’ve done and purchased a club of their own [DirectBuy of Pinellas County in Largo, Florida],” said Phil. “The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 20 years ago is a little hard to fathom. Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy.”

And after 20 years, DirectBuy of Edison is still going strong. For 2009, DirectBuy of Edison ranked 5th in merchandise sales among DirectBuy clubs in the U.S.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Edison offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 20 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Wisniewski. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

DirectBuy of Edison has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 135 Raritan Center Parkway in Edison, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Edison are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycares.com. 

A family affair… DirectBuy of Edison owners celebrate 20-year milestone.Read More

Rodman & Rodman CPA to Hold “How Much is Your Business Worth” Seminars in Braintree and Newton

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists, will hold a seminar in September geared towards entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses and small ownership groups entitled “How Much is Your Business Worth”.

The seminar will be held on the following dates from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.:

· Tuesday, September 15th at Rodman & Rodman offices located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton

· Tuesday, September 22nd at Rodman & Rodman offices located at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree

Light refreshments will be served.

The seminar will cover:

· How businesses are valued.

· Why businesses are valued that way.

· Rules of thumb.

· The types of buyers that are out there.

· Why goodwill is important.

· The only way the actual value of your business can be determined.

These seminars will be led by John McGovern, CPA, ABV, CVA, Partner at Rodman & Rodman. McGovern performs business valuations for small and medium-sized businesses and will provide attendees a good understanding of the basics of business valuation. He will also answer questions that business owners may have about valuation principles specific to their industry or their unique situation.

“These seminars are ideal for anyone who is considering restructuring, selling or transferring ownership in their business. Understanding the principles will help business owners manage their business better and manage their financial future with greater certainty. This is the first in a series of seminars that we think business owners will find extremely beneficial,” explained McGovern.

To register for a seminar, contact Jen Minor at Rodman & Rodman at (617) 965-5959 or email jen@rodmancpa.com.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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