PREMIERE ISSUE
A M E R I C A N TM
“AMERIPEAN” SPRING FASHIONS by James Scott •
The OTHER
BOND DRINKS
•
The Future is NOW
LEXUS LF-LC •
Why DO
WOMEN CHEAT?
Making Moves
SCOTT ELROD Pilot to Actor Stars with Ben Affleck in ARGO
L I F ESTYL E S PEED L I BATI ONS DESTI NATI ONS ES S ENTI AL S TASTE FAS HI ON
T h e G e n t l e m a n R e d e PAGE f i n1 i n g t h e M o d e r n M a n
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Custom Tailored Experience Affordable Luxury
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REDEFINING THE GENTLEMAN A GUIDING PRINCIPLE by Kyl e Sl avi n The gentleman has become extinct. For many, a gentleman is a mythical figure from a storybook, like a knight in shining armor, or a “Prince Charming”. A relic from a long-forgotton time, the word “gentleman” remains, but the legendary men it represents have passed long ago. It is time to trumpet the triumphant return of the gentleman, in all his glory. American Gentleman Magazine is paving the way for a much-needed return to traditional values of style, sophistication, culture and class. In this time of societal retrograde via Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, and NeYo’s latest album aptly entitled, “Year of the Gentleman,” American Gentleman sits atop the precipice of an entire movement. No matter what the latest fad, style, or trend may be, a gentleman always stands out from the crowd. He understands the importance of traditional values and carries himself with confidence and pride. Being a gentleman isn’t just about impeccable style, excellent diction, and effortless masculinity. It is also about integrity, generosity and class. It’s giving up your seat on the train. It’s standing up when a lady enters the room. It’s about doing what you know is right, even if it means standing alone. A gentleman elevates the experience of everyone around him and adds value to the lives of those he encounters. As for being an American Gentleman? Well, it’s a lifestyle. PAGE 4
“A true gentleman is a man who adds value to the lives of everyone around him... Bring Back the Gentleman!� PAGE 5
L E T T E R FROM T HE EDITOR
President/Founder Rrivre Davies
Passion
W hen t his all star te d , I h ad n o id e a so m an y pe o ple wo u ld be in te r e ste d a nd ins p ire d b y the “G entle m an ” platfo r m . Ju st a few sh o r t ye ar s ago, star tin g a m agazi ne b ra nd de dic a t ed t o the ge n tle m an life style was n ow h e r e in th e r e alm o f w h at I be lieved p os s ib l e. I wa s
Editor in Chief/Founder
LeMar L. Joichin III
l i ke a l ot o f u s, go in g th r o u gh life tr yin g to figu r e o u t w h at m ake s so m e p e op l e s uc c e s s f ul and other s n o t. M an y pe o ple h ave tale n t, bu t n o t all su c c e e d . I r e alize d t ha t t he de f ining
Director of Operations Sara Garrett
Managing Editor Kyle Slavin
Creative Director Jennifer East
Style Director
Tasha Boué
Director of Photography Donald Graham
Video Productions
Adam Ramiez Miles Dahl Sir Fellow Productions
Research Editor
Fridelyne Dely
Writers
LeMar Joichin III, Anthony Ewart Micah Christiansen, J.D. St. Michaels Alexander Chambers, Jacob Mulliken
Public Relations
Casandra Walker RCW Public Relations
Marketing & Social Media Byron Blevins
chara ct eristic th at se par ate s th e tr u ly su c c e ssfu l fr o m th e d r e am e r s is sim p ly drive. T ha t i s, t he de d ic atio n an d h ar d wo r k it take s to ac tu alize yo u r visio n ; kn ow ing wha t you wa nt your l i f e to be an d n o t le ttin g an yth in g stan d in yo u r way. A s sim plistic a s t ha t s ounds,
Drive
i t’s not a n e asy th in g to d o …bu t th e r ewar d s ar e wo r th it.
Ta ki ng a r isk an d be lievin g in yo u r se lf w ill e n able yo u to tr ave l plac e s you neve r im a g i ned. W he n I m ad e th e d e c isio n to c h an ge my life, th e r e we r e fo r c e s ar ound m e t ha t ca us ed mu c h h e ar tac h e an d h ad m e se c o n d -gu e ssin g myse lf. Eve n fr ie n ds a nd f a m ily wil l q ues t i on yo u r ac tio n s an d te ll yo u it c an’t be d o n e, bu t fo r eve r y th o u sand indiv idua l s w ho gave u p o n th e ir d r e am s u po n th e wo r d o f th e ir fir st n o n -be lieve r, o ne p e rs on p us he d through an d m ad e th at d r e am a r e ality.
T hos e w h o ar e su c c e ssfu l w ill te ll yo u th is is n o t an e asy path , an d n o t eve r yone ha s t he chop s f or it – if th at we r e th e c ase, eve r yo n e wo u ld h ave a m an sio n in th e hil l s a nd b e
Determination
drivi ng a Ro lls Royc e.
M Y D RE AM was to c r e ate a pu blic atio n I c o u ld sh ar e w ith th e wo r ld th a t c ove re d a l l of
the t hi ngs I love m o st abo u t life. S tar tin g Am eric an Gentl em an w ith ve r y l it t l e m one y a nd l i m i t ed re so u r c e s pr e se n te d o bvio u s d iffic u ltie s, h oweve r, I be lieve d in my s e l f . I b e l ieve d i n my vi sio n , an d m o st im po r tan tly I be lieve d in my au d ie n c e. I kn ew th e re ha d t o b e ot hers w ho, like m e, wan te d to se e a pu blic atio n th at was po sitive an d prom ot e d t ra diti onal valu e s w h ile ad d r e ssin g th e m o d e r n tr e n d s an d c o n sid e r atio n s o f t oday ’s m a n.
CONTACT US
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ti ons f or th o se w h o aspir e fo r g r e atn e ss, j u st as I d o —n o su bstitu te w ill b e a c c e p t e d.
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To q uot e F iel d o f Dream s , “B u ild it an d th e y w ill c o m e.” …an d yo u h ave!
L e M a r L . J oich in III Ed itor in C h ief
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C R EATI N G A BLUEPR I NT TO YOU R LI FE Are you living the life you desire? Have you asked yourself why some people have fame, wealth & power and others do not? Though several variables contribute to the dividing line between failure and success, one truth remains constant: those who are successful have created a specific blueprint for the life they envision. They have a clear, detailed vision, and they stick to it despite the inevitable obstacles they encounter along the way. Just as an architect creates a blueprint to successfully build a safe and sturdy home, the same system of structure and organization must be applied to your life plan. Most people are spectators—apathetically watching life pass them by as they wait for success to somehow “seek them out” and literally fall into their lap. Clearly that is not the way life works, or has ever worked. The law of cause and effect determines our progression; nothing happens in a vacuum. You must first take action before any results can be expected. Positive thinking and wishful dreaming are important, but irrelevant unless you do what it takes to effect those dreams. Success is a result of your will, effort and determination. The only question is: How much do you want it?
The American Gentleman…It’s a Lifestyle PAGE 7
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A M E R I C A N TM
ON THE COVER This is the premier issue of what is sure to be the ultimate men’s magazine. American Gentleman Magazine is dedicated to refining and redefining the modern man. No matter what the latest fad, style, or trend may be, a gentleman always stands out from the crowd. He understands the importance of traditional values and carries himself with confidence and pride. Being a gentleman isn’t just about impeccable style, excellent diction, and effortless masculinity. It is also about integrity, generosity and class. It’s giving up your seat on the train. It’s standing up when a lady enters the room. It’s doing what you know is right, even if it means you stand alone.
The American Gentleman - Redefining the Modern Man.
COVER
ESSENTIALS (page 18-23) • The Perfect Shave Maybe you don’t have the time or money for a trip to the barbershop, but still enjoy a good, close shave. There are a few simple tricks to give yourself that perfect shave at home - that is, if you have the right tools at your disposal.
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VISUALS (page 28-29) • Actress/Model Vanessa Gomez The spotlight turns to Vanessa Gomez, entrepreneur and sex icon. In the past, the Southern California native has tantalized the comedy crowd and thespians alike, but now she gets up-close-and-personal to tell about her favorite causes, crushes, and curse words. LIFESTYLE (page 30-31) • The Art of Conversation The way a man carries himself and communicates with others is vital in defining his overall image. While style is half the battle, the gentleman must be interesting and capturing in his words as well. The internet and modern technology has diluted the true magic of the personal exchange, so here is a guide to making your next interchange a memorable one. SPEED (page 36-38) • The Lexus LF-LC Presenting the hottest hybrid to hit the concept scene. The Lexus LF-LC is a 2 + 2 sport coupe, showcasing the future design direction for Lexus with an emphasis on a driverfocused vehicle. This car advances the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, but it remains within reach for premium buyers.
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STYLE (page 42) • Scott James Blending traditional European lines with tastefully unexpected American hues and fabrics, the Scott James line enables the gentleman to carefully project a framework of character, taste, and class. The onus is on the man to accentuate his character through his attire, and Scott James enables him to bring out his best.
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FITNESS (page 48-49) • No Gym Required It is inevitable. Your travel plans have taken you to a strange city, and hours of sitting still have left you feeling more Jabba the Hut than Han Solo. You need a sweat, but there’s not a gym to be found. Here are some tips and secrets from bodybuilder and fitness guru Jerry “Deuce” Witherspoon to keep you trim from the confines of a hotel room. LIBATIONS (page 50-51) • Bond Drinks Of course, there is the classic “shaken, not stirred.” But if a Vodka Martini is not in the cards for the night, we have you covered. With drinks featured from Casino Royale to a special Gin mix named after a certain 007 heartthrob, here’s the inside info on how to make even the most droll night out into a Bond-worthy occasion.
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TASTE (page 58-59) • Entertaining Four There is an art and a process to the perfect dinner party. One key: planning a menu that doesn’t demand a lot of preparation while your guests are there. The courses should be simple and elegant, something that you can “just pop in the oven” while entertaining your company.
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W H AT YO U S E E I S W H AT YO U G E T W I T H O U R C OV E R S H O T
Th e crew call was at 8 a. m . Th e talent at 1 1 a . m.
L ight in g alo n e take s ab o u t t wo to t h re e h o u rs to s et u p p e r s h o t so o u r p h o to an d v id eo crews were ha rd at wo r k p re p ar in g t h e d iffe re nt s et s fo r Sco tt E l ro d’s ar r ival. Be in g t h e m o st im p o r tant take away f ro m the d ay ’s sh o o t , t h e cover sh o t was f irst o n t h e a ge nda .
O n ce Sco tt ar r i ve d , h e sto o d in fo r a ca mera
ch e ck an d n o t ice d t h at t h e rest o f t h e crew were we a rin g n am etags . To sh ow cam arad er ie , h e p lay ful l y i ns i sted o n m akin g o n e fo r h im self. Fu n ny to watch hi m po s e fo r te st s h o t s wh ile wear in g a b ig “ Sco tt ” na meta g o n h is jacket … as if anyo n e wo u ld fo rget . Th e n i t wa s o ff to t h e st ylist fo r ward ro b e.
O n ce o u t f itted , Sco tt ret u r n e d to set fo r a f i na l
lo o k at wh ich p o int it was d ecid e d t h at h e wo ul d lo o k b etter cle an -s h ave n . A r m e d wit h a ra zo r a nd s h av in g cream , Sco tt h ap p ily o b liged . Befo re t h e sh o o t b egan , cove r p h o to gra pher D o n ald G rah am exp lain ed t h at h e wo u ld ta ke S co tt t h ro u gh a var iet y o f e m o t io n s in o rd er to get the p er fe ct sh o t . Th o u gh m o st o f t h e p ict ures we re se r io u s p o s e s , t h ere we re p l enty o f lau gh s in b et we en —m o stl y S co tt crackin g u p t h e e nt ire crew. H a l f o f t h e sh o t s we re take n agai nst a w hi te wall, t h e o t h er h alf were o utdo o rs lean in g again st a car to exh ibi t the ge nt lem an life st yle. 5 h o u rs an d 7 1 3 s ho ts late r, we h ad o u r cove r. PAGE 10
SCOTT ELROD
A fter the shoot, we sat down with Scott to get to k n ow him a little bette r, and figure out what took him from the Air Force to acting. 1.
What would you say are the most valuable
lesson s that you took from your six years in the Air Force? Discipline and respect for both myself and others. A nd lastly, when you think you have reached your breaking point, you’ve only scratched the surface. 2. After the Air Force you worked in the corporate world for a while before deciding to move out to Los Angeles and pursue acting. What was the catalyst behind s uch a dramatic change of course? I had j ust gone through a divorce and I was at a point in my life where I was essentially starting over. I figur ed if not now, it will never be the right time to pur sue the dream. 3. What do you like most about acting? The sense of freedom I have to just be me, something that I was never really able to do until I started ac ting. 4. What do you like least about acting? Not knowing why I didn’t book the job. I am a fixer! Love to fix stuf f, including myself. (Chuckling. ) In my past car eer s, more often than not, I knew why I did or did not get the promotion, contract, or job, in that it is ver y objective. Acting on the other hand is just the opposite. You go to these auditions, do your thing, and leave. There really is no follow up after that; just a call saying you booked the job or nothing at all. I was doing a film where one of the two leads had to have either an EU or Canadian passport for financial reasons. Having Continued o n p g 1 2
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Check out Gestures of a Gentleman with Scott Elrod
SCOT T ELROD, RESUME H IGHLIGHTS… • PROFESSIONAL MOTORCYCLE RACER • AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER • U.S. AIR FORCE PILOT • MODEL • VP OF SA LES FOR A TECH COMPANY • AUTO CONCIERGE—OWNER • AC TOR
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b een bo rn i n G ermany, t hey t hought I fille d
t ha t req u i rement s o th ey ca st a n A merican fe ma l e to p l a y op p os ite m e. Well, turns o ut I mi ssed th e d u a l- citizen s h ip sta tu s (German an d U S) by two y ea r s . M y p oint is , yo u nev er kn ow WHY you d id n ’t g et th e j ob . I t co uld be someth i n g com p letely ou t of y ou r co ntro l like wh ere y ou w er e b or n , h a ir color, height, etc …wh o kn ows ! 5.
I n your u p comin g mov ie “Ho me Run,”
yo u take on th e role of a p ro b a s e b all player w ho i s al so an a lcoh o lic. T h ey s ay p lay ing d runk i s one of th e more ch a llen gin g feats fo r an actor. D id you fin d it d ifficu lt? And if s o, how di d you ta p into th at min d set to ma ke your per forma n ce s ee m a u th entic? It w a s a c h a l l en g e, y es . B u t in th os e sce ne s I j ust i ma g i n ed w h a t it w ou ld b e like had I ha d a cou p l e d r in ks . I d on ’t kn ow abo ut yo u, b u t I fi n d th a t a lot of p eop le tr y to act s o b er wh en they a r e w a sted . “No! Misterr ) O f fp h i ser, I h a ve n ot b een d r in kin g !” 6.
You have s o ma ny ta le nts a n d inter-
ests, and have worke d in s evera l d ifferent f ields. I s ac ti n g go in g to b e a lo n g- term o cc upati on or i s th ere a n oth er p rofe s sio n that yo u’d l i ke to tr y s ometime in th e fu ture? Wel l f i rst of f, th a n k y ou , (s m ilin g ). Actin g i s h ome for m e, a n d it ’s w h er e I plan to sta y u nti l I reach th e top . B ein g in f ro nt o f t he ca mera i s s u ch a n a m a zin g ex p erience , I cou l d n ’ t i ma g in e it n ot b ein g a long-term o ccu p a ti on . A s for s om eth in g els e… I really enjoy d i rec ti n g , a n d th en th er e is th e business si d e of me a ls o, s o w ith in th a t falls pr od u c i n g .
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get so m e rim s? Can I get yo u so me rims? H aha. Cl assi c! Yes I can. I fo unded a co mpany cal l ed AutoCo ncierge , w he re w e prov ide o ur members with high-end se cured sto rage and vehi cl e manage ment. w w w.au to co n cierge.com. 8. So, yo u are a pilo t. What i s you r favo rite plane to f ly and w hy ? Yes, favo rite plane F-16 and I have yet to f ly it… but so o n. I hear they are comi ng o ut w ith a re make o f To p Gun. T hat bei ng a Nav y f lick, I ’ll settle fo r an F-15 or F-18 or who know s, the J o int Strike Fighter…al l are amazing aircraf t. 9. Yo u’re also a pro fessio nal d r i ver — what ’s the fastest yo u’ve ever gon e an d i n what car? Fo r the reco rd, I use d to race motorcycl es and the fastest I ’v e go ne o n a bi ke was aro und 175 mph. As fo r a car, 180 mph or so . No t re ally all that fast to be honest wi t h what ’s o ut there now (Bugatti ’s and Koeni gse gg’s) to pping the scale s at 260 mph pl us. 10. What ’s o ne thing m o st peop l e d on ’t know abo ut yo u that they can’t fi n d i n you r bio ? No t te lling… 11.
I f yo u co uld play po ker wi t h any fi ve
peo ple, dead o r alive, w ho wo u l d t h ey b e
7. You al so h ave a ca r co n cierge ser vice? What does that me a n exa ctly? A n d co uld we
and why ? Go d, [fo r o ne]. My grandfather, as i t woul d giv e me so me insight as to why on a l ot of things. O ne o f the Wright bro thers, to just hear their sto r y abo ut w hat ins pi red t hem, trials and tribulatio ns, w hat it was l i ke to experie nce the unknown and be t he creator o f so mething that has fo rev er c hanged hi sto r y. No t to mentio n see their react i on to what they created. Cont i n u ed
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MAKING MOVES Leona rd o D a Vin c i , t h e g u y w a s a tr ue Re na issan ce Ma n … to just ha ng out wi t h h i m w o u ld be am a z ing . Ga n d h i , a s h e i s such a n insp irin g p e r s o n . S o much to le a rn f r o m h i m. 12. W h at d oe s bei ng a “gentle m a n ” m ea n to yo u? Being a n exa m p l e fo r o t h e r men, a nd p rov id i n g a n environm e nt for w o me n to j u st be, wha tev e r th a t ma y b e , a l l while d oing it f l a w l e s s l y a n d with out thoug ht o r j u d g me nt .
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Behind the scenes at
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ROMANCE AT HOME by R ri vre D avi e s
Making one’s h o m e déco r a pe rs ona l statement is n ’t alwa y s easy ; m ak ing it romantic can be ev en m o re c h a lle ng ing . Sur e, s e tti n g a r o m a n t ic d in n er s c e n e l o o k s e asy i n th e mov ies. B u t w h a t yo u d o n’t s e e i s th e h u n dr e d s o f p eo p l e w h o wo r k e d b e h i n d t he s c e n e s to ma k e t h e s p a c e l o o k ef f o r t l e s s ly e leg a n t. H av i n g d es ig n ed r o m a n t ic s et t i n gs f o r TV a n d fi lm , b el ieve m e, I k n ow. S o h ow c an you d o i t a ll yo u r s el f ? W h et h er yo u h ave a l o t of m o n e y o r a r e a wo r k in g w it h a t ig h t b u d ge t , pr e p a r a ti on i s k ey.
C LEAN AN D CO M FO RTA BLE. Pay s p e c i a l a t t en ti on to you r k it c h en a n d b a t h r o o m . O r gan i zati o n a n d c le an l in es s a r e es p ec ia l ly im po r t a n t i n t h e s e a r e a s. To o t h p a s t e in t h e s in k a n d mo l d i n t h e s h owe r i s n o t s ex y … a n d n eit h er i s a s i n k f ull of u n wa s h ed d is h es. A n o t ic ea b ly c l e an t owe l to d r y h er h a n d s is a mu s t . M ak e s u r e t he to i le t s e a t is d ow n , t h e t r a s h is em p t y, an d t he m i r r o r h a s n o s p o t s o n it . Plu g g i n g in a n a ir f r es h en er o r l i gh t i n g a sc e n te d c a n d l e is a lway s a n ic e t o u c h . Yo u r lady w i ll a p p r ec ia t e t h e ef f o r t even if yo u d o n’t s e e h e r r e a c ti o n . T h es e t in y d et a il s t h at yo u r budd i e s wo u ld n ever n o t ic e w il l a b s o l u t e ly b e
n o t e d a n d ap p r e c i a t e d b y yo u r l a dy f rie nd . I t is al l a b o u t c r e at i n g an e nv i r o n me n t o f co m f o r t , c a r e an d c o n f i d e n c e. A n d t r u s t me, he r girl f r i e n d s w i l l h e ar ab o u t i t . A s f o r t he kit che n, s h e ’ l l b e mo r e a t e as e i f s h e c an se e t hat he r me a l h a d b e e n pr e p ar e d an d h an d le d in a cl e an e nv i r o n me n t . S o me h o me s c an ma ke eve n bo t t l e d wat e r s e e m q u e s t i o n ab l e.
S etting the Mood … THE TABLE SET TING. A r o man t ic t abl e is a l o t e as i e r t o c r e a t e t h an yo u mi gh t t hink. Many s t o r e s o f f e r o p t i o n s o f d i s h s e t s and f l at ware at al l p r i c e l eve l s. B u t r e me mb e r, i t d o e sn’t ne e d t o b e ex pe n s ive t o l o o k g r e at . Whe t he r yo u s h o p a t Ta r ge t o r a t T i f f a n y ’s, i t ’s t he t ho ught t h a t c o u n t s ( exc e pt w h e n i t c o mes t o t he ring, t h e n man y wo u l d a r g u e t h at s i z e d o e s m at t e r ) . I r e c e n t ly pu r c h a s e d pl a t e se t t ings f ro m C r a t e & B ar r e l an d t h e p r i c e wa s $15.95 p e r s e t t i n g w h i c h i n c l u d e d : a s a l ad p l at e, d inne r p l a t e, b ow l an d c o f f e e c u p. F l at ware se t s can b e f o u n d f o r ab o u t t h e s ame pr i c e. A lways ke e p yo u r e ye s o pe n f o r s al e i t e ms an d yo u’l l have t h e m o n h a n d t o c r e a t e a t a b l e t h at is co he sive an d r o ma n t i c w h e n o p p o r t u n i t y k no cks. P l e as e, pl e a s e, p l e a s e, d o no t give yo ur gu e s t a pap e r n ap k i n . T h e y mi g h t be OK f o r yo u r b u d d i e s c o mi n g t o wat c h t h e gam e, but p ap e r f o r a d at e i s n eve r a c c e pt a bl e. A cl o t h n ap k i n o n yo u r t ab l e w i l l e a r n yo u big p o int s in t h e “ c l a s s ” c o l u mn . S pe n d a f ew bucks and buy t h e c l o t h n a pk i n , w h i c h c a n u s u al ly be f o und at a c o s t o f ar o u n d $ 3 . 0 0 t o $ 1 0 . 00 ap ie ce at P i e r 1 , I K E A , o r a n y o f t h e o t h e r p l ace s I have al r e a dy me n t i o n e d . G e t a c o u pl e ext ra in case s h e d r o ps h e r s, o r i f s o me t h i n g sp il l s, m ake s u r e yo u h ave b ac k u p s.
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