Happy Holiday Greetings From Clay Aiken

By musicfan123 · Comments (5)
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

What a beautiful Holiday Greeting From

Clay Aiken!

To View the E-Card, click  Below!

Holiday Greeting

From The National Inclusion Project

The following press release is a great way to help in the Pepsi Challenge!

Eight Children’s Charities Join Forces – Calling For Massive One-Day Holiday Vote Blast

Hopes for a Holiday miracle to ‘Put Kids First’ pinned on getting 100,000 votes in one day

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Critically ill and disadvantaged children are counting on the generosity of strangers Thursday, December 23, 2010, asking for 100,000 votes to help win their grant ideas in the December Pepsi Refresh Project. Securing the thousands of votes needed to finish in winning spots is an uphill challenge for many organizations, but eight enterprising charities have joined forces to help each other into the winners circle.

Driven to fund research projects to discover a cure, treatment and support, they formed an alliance known as Vote For Kids Health. “We want to Put Kid’s First this month,” says Dawn Williamson of CHERUBS – Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). “By creating a unified voting block, we’ve been able to tap into a larger network of caring people committed to helping us win much needed funds,” says Williamson.

The group is calling for a massive one-day Holiday Vote Blast to bring in 100,000 votes the Thursday before Christmas, 12/23/10 and again on Thursday, 12/30/10. Concerned that the busy holiday season may affect the voting process, Vote For Kid’s Health is reaching out to Americans everywhere for a little help. “All we are asking is that people take a minute and vote for us on the next two Thursdays and help us spread the word with their friends and family,” says Williamson.

Vote For Kid’s Health includes the Brendan B. McGinnis Congenital CMV Foundation, a common virus which causes birth defects, Ella’s Hope for Early Intervention therapy for autism, John Tracy Clinic, a school for deaf children, MedZou Community Health Clinic, a free clinic for the uninsured, Birmingham Royal Oak Medical Group to provide free flu shots to the needy, Shoes 4 The Shoeless providing properly fitting shoes, National Inclusion Project, Inc. for kids with disabilities, and CHERUBS, helping critically ill babies born with CDH.

Vote For Kid’s Health easy voting page provides links and text numbers at http://www.voteforkidshealth.org/. For instructions on How to vote 4 ways everyday: http://voteforkids.blogspot.com/p/how-to-vote.html

SOURCE Vote For Kid’s Health

Consider Changing Your Profile Picture on FaceBook to Spread The Word!

It would be so fun to see Facebook covered with this picture!!

We Do Need A Few Pictures!!


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Categories : Clay News
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Clay Aiken – Volunteer Round Table

By musicfan123 · Comments (7)
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

 

On Saturday, October 16th, The National Inclusion Project hosted an outstanding event.  The successful Champions Gala was filled with hope, encouragement, motivation, friendships, good food, generosity and, wonderful music by Clay Aiken and his back-up band.  It was a wonderful celebration of an extraordinary year.

One of the most interesting events of the weekend was held Saturday morning.  Billed as a volunteer round table, the meeting was hosted by Aron Hall and Jerry Aiken.  Priscilla Brame and Diane Bubel were also there to help.

After a short overview of the Pepsi Refresh Project, Aron and Jerry took a moment to share the successes of the foundation.

  • 80 cents of each dollar goes to the children
  • 20,000 children have benefited from the National Inclusion Project
  • There have been 110 programs in 38 states
  • $5 million has been invested to advance inclusion

The participants were told that the 18 Let’s All Play camp programs that were initially funded are all continuing with the program.  Although they no longer qualify for funding from the Project, inclusion has been integrated into their daily practices.

25 programs were funded by the project in 2008, 31 programs in 2009, and 45 programs in 2010.  The programs have taken place in 23 states, including Alaska.  The goal for 2011 is 50 programs!

Jerry stated that the work of the foundation is a social movement and they are working for social change. One of the Project’s beliefs is that every child can make a friend, can participate, and can be successful.  He emphasized that it is not about dropping standards, but finding a new and unique path for success for each child.

It was mentioned that there are three important components of a successful inclusion program:

  • Children with disabilities
  • Accessible activities provided for them
  • Positive relationships with other children

The Saturday workshop was filled with many ideas and suggestions for successful Let’s All Play programs and the morning went by quickly as the group was involved in a “hands-on” presentation.  There was so much positive interaction and each participant went away, filled with hope, excitement and the determination to share this information with the world.  Many of the attendants were interested in getting more training and wanted more information on the regional Let’s All Play training.

Aron talked about some of the projects that have been successful in raising support for the National Inclusion Project.  He stated that each program can be duplicated and that those who started the project are willing to pass along the information to make it run easily.

1.        Wrapping For Inclusion….there is a detailed analysis of the best dates and places and examples of stories that can be used by volunteers.

2.       Black-tie Yard Sale….an upscale yard sale.  Invite antique dealers and members of clubs in the area.  Hold it at a historic home.

3.       Roll N Stroll….It has been very successful in New Jersey and Ohio.

4.       “Toy Day”….various large trucks and equipment are placed in an area.  Children are allowed to climb on them and ask questions of the operators….think fire trucks, bulldozers, tractors.

The National Inclusion Project is just seven years old, yet it has partnered 110 projects in 38 states and invested $5 million to advance inclusion.  They have become the leader in recreational/social inclusion.  What an amazing accomplishment!  Let’s all stand up and work to see that this wonderful work continues until inclusion is the norm and the National Inclusion Project is no longer a necessity!

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Clay Aiken – Pepsi Refresh Help

By musicfan123 · Comments (8)
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Each day in September, fans of Clay Aiken and the National Inclusion Project are evaluating the results of their voting in September’s Pepsi Refresh Challenge.  In a bid to secure $50,000 for the foundation, the list of various groups that return votes is modified often.

The sharing strategy was organized by a group of fans, headed by SueReu and has been used at several Clay Aiken message boards.

All eligible voters (legal US citizens at least 13 years old) should include the “Everyone” list in their voting strategy and then choose one of the other groups to help distribute the 10 votes for the day. Remember, one Internet vote and one text vote are allowed each day.

First thing, each day through Sept. 30, go to the Pepsi link and click on “Vote for this idea.” You can also choose to sign in through Facebook.  If you do, be sure to click on “Vote for this idea” again. You will know that your vote counted when your daily allotment changes to nine.

If you are into texting, you can also vote by texting 102308 to Pepsi (73774). Unfortunately, The Pepsi Refresh Project is only open to U.S. residents, 13 years and older. The many international fans can only help by spreading the word and acting as cheerleaders.

To the right of this article, there is a button you can click on that will help you vote.  I hope you will support this wonderful organization and encourage your friends to throw their votes to the National Inclusion Project.

EVERYONE VOTE FOR:
National Inclusion Project
http://www.refreshev…nclusionproject

Group A
National Federation of the Blind http://www.refreshev…om/nfbyouthslam
Little Tree Preschool http://www.refreshev…letreepreschool
Handicapped Treehouses http://www.refreshev…fordisabledkids
SWOOP http://www.refreshev…wheelchairramps
CDF http://www.refresheverything.com/cdf
Foxroad Elementary http://www.refreshev…ing.com/foxroad
Mckemy Middle School http://www.refreshev…hing.com/mckemy
Hematology / Oncology http://www.refreshev…om/needypatient
Charlotte Peace http://www.refreshev…ottepeaceathome

Group B
Add iPad http://www.refreshev…ing.com/alabama
St. Joseph’s School http://www.refreshev…schoolcomputers
Despite Dyslexia http://www.refreshev…despitedyslexia
Bag Ladies http://www.refreshev…ng.com/sthc3737
Blind Cat Rescue http://www.refreshev…/blindcatrescue
RETT http://www.refreshev…searchtoreality
Screamfest http://www.refreshev…om/screamfestla
Family Fun Events http://www.refreshev…familyfunevents
BRIDGES http://www.refreshev….com/bridgesdch

Group C
Ella’s Hope for Autism http://www.refreshev…g.com/ellashope
Boise Bicycle http://www.refreshev…ebicycleproject
Health Shots Reminder http://www.refreshev…thshotsreminder
Saving Shelter Pets http://www.refreshev…vingshelterpets
Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry http://www.refreshev…derfulpetpantry
Chem-Bio tech http://www.refreshev…/chembiotechlab
Ovarian Cancer http://www.refreshev…g.com/hopeheals

Here’s some words you can copy/paste to the comment section:

Votes from National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We’re going for $50K!!

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

Thanks for your support!!!

Comments (8)
Categories : Clay News, NIP/TBAF
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Clay Aiken – Support The National Inclusion Project

By musicfan123 · Comments (12)
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

If a person were to tell the story of the birth of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, most people would not believe the story. It is almost too good to be true.

Clay Aiken rose to fame on the second season of the very popular television program American Idol in 2003. This show interrupted his studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. He was enrolled in the special-education program and ready to do his student teaching when he decided to audition for the show and ended up staying on the show until the last episode.

Clay wanted his degree and was only 6 units shy of the goal. One of his professors suggested that he set up an independent study program to finish up his degree.

Clay set up a model of a nonprofit organization and created a charity that promoted inclusion for children with disabilities.

After briefly mentioning his research project while he was on the Idol tour, funds started pouring in for the cause. Checks were mailed to him, hand delivered and stuffed into jacket pockets. Sometimes the money was attached to teddy bears and panties and thrown on stage.

After the tour ended and over $50,000 had been donated, Aiken realized that his academic project had actually come to life and with the encouragement of friends and colleagues; the Bubel/Aiken Foundation was legitimized.

On July 28th, 2003, Clay and Diane Bubel officially announced the creation of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation. On August 5, 2009, the Board of the Foundation decided that a new name for the Foundation would establish long-term credibility and stability.  They looked for a name that would show the Foundation’s position as a national leader in the field of Inclusion.  After a long and deliberate discussion, the name was changed to The National Inclusion Project.

At this time, The National Inclusion Project is transforming the lives of children throughout the United States. The once modest beginnings of dreams, goals, and ideas have evolved into real accomplishments and developed into a leadership role in the field of  Inclusion for All Children.

It is September 7th and the ClayNation is working hard to earn $50,000 for The National Inclusion Project. The Project is participating in the Pepsi Refresh Project.

It takes only a few moments to cast a daily vote for the  so that all children with disabilities can be fully immersed in society.

First thing, each day through Sept. 30, go to the Pepsi link and click on “Vote for this idea.” You can also choose to sign in through Facebook.  If you do, be sure to click on “Vote for this idea” again. You will know that your vote counted when your daily allotment changes to nine.

If you are into texting, you can also vote by texting 102308 to Pepsi (73774). Unfortunately, The Pepsi Refresh Project is only open to U.S. residents, 13 years and older. The many international fans can only help by spreading the word and acting as cheerleaders.

To the right of this article, there is a button you can click on that will help you vote.  I hope you will support this wonderful organization and encourage your friends to throw their votes to the National Inclusion Project.

Pepsi is adamant that only one vote and one text per charity is allowed daily from the same person.  However, there are organizations that are working for funds in $5k, $25k, and $250k you can support.  Remember, you have 10 votes each day. Hopefully, if we vote for their charity, they will, in turn, support the National Inclusion Project.

The information below has been shared on several Clay Aiken message boards where members have signed up to vote for the various groups.

This  plan is designed by SueReu to include charities exchanging votes with the National Inclusion Project. Please check back daily for any changes that might be made.

All eligible voters (legal US citizens at least 13 years old) should include the “Everyone” list in their voting strategy and then choose one of the other groups to help distribute the 10 votes for the day. Remember, one Internet vote and one text vote are allowed each day.

National Inclusion Project Strategy:

Everyone Vote For:
National Inclusion Project http://www.refreshev…nclusionproject
National Federation of the Blind http://www.refreshev…om/nfbyouthslam
Little Tree Preschool http://www.refreshev…letreepreschool
Handicapped Treehouses http://www.refreshev…fordisabledkids
SWOOP http://www.refreshev…wheelchairramps
CDF http://www.refresheverything.com/cdf

Group A:

Foxroad Elementary http://www.refreshev…ing.com/foxroad
Mckemy Middle School http://www.refreshev…hing.com/mckemy
Hematology / Oncology http://www.refreshev…om/needypatient
Charlotte Peace http://www.refreshev…ottepeaceathome

Group B:

St. Joseph’s School http://www.refreshev…schoolcomputers
Boise Bicycle http://www.refreshev…ebicycleproject
Ovarian Cancer http://www.refreshev…g.com/hopeheals
Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry http://www.refreshev…derfulpetpantry

Group C:

Blind Cat Rescue http://www.refreshev…/blindcatrescue
Chem-Bio tech http://www.refreshev…/chembiotechlab
Screamfest http://www.refreshev…om/screamfestla
Ella’s Hope for Autism http://www.refreshev…g.com/ellashope

Group D:

Libby Tennis Courts http://www.refreshev…bbytenniscourts
Health Shots Reminder http://www.refreshev…thshotsreminder
Add iPad http://www.refreshev…ing.com/alabama
Creative Funding Through Art http://www.refreshev…ndingthroughart

Here’s some words you can copy/paste in the comment section:

A vote and a text from National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We’re going for $50K!!

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject


Thanks for your support!!

Comments (12)
Categories : Clay News
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Clay Aiken – The National Inclusion Project

By musicfan123 · Comments (11)
Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Congratulations to the National Inclusion Project.  On Friday, the Project posted that they received Back-to-Back 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator is America’s premier independent charity evaluator. It works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of over 5,500 of America’s largest charities.

September 1, 2010

Dear National Inclusion Project:

On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate National Inclusion Project on achieving our coveted 4-star rating for sound fiscal management.

As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars. In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities such as your own, and provides donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.

Based on the most recent financial information available, we have calculated a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce National Inclusion Project has earned our second consecutive 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances. Only 21% of the charities we rate have received at least 2 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that National Inclusion Project consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates National Inclusion Project from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our irrefutable data shows that users of our site gave more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.

We believe our service will enhance your organization’s fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of National Inclusion Project’s fiscal health will be visible on our website as of September 1st.

We wish you the best in all of your charitable endeavors.

Sincerely,

Ken Berger
President & Chief Executive Officer

Another exciting announcement was made on Friday at the National Inclusion Project website.

We are excited to announce that the National Inclusion Project is partnering with Bojangles in Central North Carolina and Southern Virginia.  From September 5-18, customers can donate $1 to the National Inclusion Project and receive a free, delicious iced tea from participating restaurants.

Special thanks to Tommy Haddock and Tri-Arc Foods for their partnership!

Every dollar counts!!  I hope that a lot of people enjoy a delicious iced tea!!

Please visit the National Inclusion Project site.  It is full of great information.  Just visit NIP.

As we progress through the month of September, we have a huge job in front of us.  We are all working to earn $50,000 for The National Inclusion Project. The charity is a part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Really, it only takes a moment to cast a daily vote for the National Inclusion Project.  We all want to help children with disabilities experience life with their peers.

First thing each day through Sept. 30, go to the Pepsi link and click on “Vote for this idea.” You can also choose to sign in through Facebook.  If you do, be sure to click on “Vote for this idea” again. You will know that your vote counted when your daily allotment changes to nine.

If you are into texting, you can also vote by texting 102308 to Pepsi (73774). Unfortunately, The Pepsi Refresh Project is only open to U.S. residents, 13 years and older. The many international fans can only help by spreading the word and acting as cheerleaders.

To the right of this article, there is a button you can click on that will help you vote.  I hope you will support this wonderful organization and encourage your friends to throw their votes to the National Inclusion Project.

Pepsi is adamant that only one vote per charity is allowed daily. However, there are organizations that are working for funds in $5k, $25k, and $250k you can support.  Remember, you have 10 votes each day. Hopefully, if we vote for their charity, they will, in turn, support the National Inclusion Project.

After you vote for another charity, be sure and send them a message.

Here’s some words you can copy/paste to the comment section:

A vote and a text from National Inclusion Project! Help us help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We’re going for $50K!! 

Don’t forget to include in your comment the National Inclusion link/text number so they can return the favor.

The following are sites that might help us out

National Inclusion Project – Pepsi Refresh Challenge

Here’s some to return votes to:

National Federation of the Blind http://www.refreshev…om/nfbyouthslam

SWOOP http://www.refreshev…wheelchairramps

Hematology/Oncology Needy Patient Fund http://www.refreshev…om/needypatient

Fox Road Elementary http://www.refreshev…ing.com/foxroad

Despite Dyslexia http://www.refreshev…despitedyslexia

Ella’s Hope http://www.refreshev…g.com/ellashope (we’ll try this one more day)

Little Tree Pre School http://www.refreshev…letreepreschool

Build Handicap Children’s Tree Houses http://www.refreshev…fordisabledkids

To receive the $50,000, a charity must be in the top 10 at the end of the month. Currently, the National Inclusion Project is ranked at #29.  Lets get to work!

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Categories : Clay News
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Clay Aiken – A Project For September

By musicfan123 · Comments (8)
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010


Update

The new information for this project can be found at

NATIONAL INCLUSION PROJECT – PEPSI REFRESH

It is September 1st and it is the first day of voting for The National Inclusion Project at The Pepsi Challenge.  This is our opportunity to help raise money and support for Clay Aiken’s very own charity.  It won’t cost anything to help and it will take about 1 minute of each day.

In an e-mail, the National Inclusion Project wrote:

The Pepsi challenge is a month-long activity with each registered person able to vote daily through email, Facebook, and/or texting. We have entered the competition for $50,000 and there are 10 winners each month so there is plenty room for our partners and the Project to win.

Please help us achieve success with the Pepsi Refresh Challenge! We need you to vote daily and encourage your friends, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of to vote. You do not need to have a Facebook account to participate, but you will need to setup an account with Pepsi at www.refresheverything.com. It will take only a couple of minutes and then login daily to vote. To sign up for a daily email reminder, visit us at www.inclusionproject.org/pepsi.

Together we can do this and continue to make a difference in the lives of children, thanks for your continued and dedicated support!

According to Aron Hall, the director of Services at the National Inclusion Project, the Pepsi Challenge does not give out the complete details until the last minute.  So, the first place to get the instructions will be in the daily reminder from The National Inclusion Project.   And, of course, we will publish all the details as soon as we get them.

Aron was kind enough to send us a wonderful letter he received from a parent.  He said we could share it with you.

“I just wanted to personally thank you for making room this summer for Jonathan to participate in the inclusion camp.  He absolutely loved it.  He liked the routine, games and counselors and of course friends he met at the camp.  He was the camper of the day for a few times and we were so proud of him.  It has been more than a week since his last day at camp; he continues talking about what he would have done now at the camp if he were there.  I think he gains more confidence and has gotten more comfortable being around with other kids.  I think we made the right move.  You have done a wonderful job in finding all those energetic, helpful and enthusiastic counselors.  Again, I can go on and on about his camp experience and have nothing negative to say about the camp.

We thank you for providing such a wonderful camp for our children.  Please take care and we’ll see you next summer.”

This is why our votes are so important!!


So………lets put this challenge at the top of our “to-do” list.  AND, don’t be surprised when we remind you often about the importance of voting this month.  I believe we will all feel  good as we watch  our votes make a difference!

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Categories : Editorial, NIP/TBAF
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Clay Aiken – Loving The Buzz

By musicfan123 · Comments (11)
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010


It is the first Tuesday of May and four weeks from today, we will be listening to Clay Aiken’s new CD.  Titled Tried & True, the album is already receiving lots of buzz.

During the last few days, there has been some promotional material that is showing up on the Internet.  The following is just the beginning of a long list of promotional elements we can expect to see in the next few weeks.

New Pictures at International Media

International Media


Examiner Article

By Randy Hamilton


On May 1, 2010, Randy Hamilton from Durham, North Carolina, wrote his second article about the photo shoot for Clay’s CD.  The article talks about the artistic photos and even shows three of the classic photos by Vincent Soyez.

If you haven’t read the article, you can see click on Examiner Article


Tried & True Ringtones


Funtonia has all the songs from the album listed for ringtones.  They say they will be available “soon.”

Visit their site for more information and to see if your phone will work with this site.

Funtonia


International Media Site


INTERNATIONAL MEDIA is a production, marketing and distribution media company specializing in music and self-improvement programs for public television and the international market.

There is a new Clay Aiken – Tried & True Promotional Page at this site.

This is the company that produced Clay’s PBS Special.  The concert was taped in Raleigh on March 12th and the International Media site has begun the promotion for the August telecast of the show.

The promotional page is filled with information about the CD and DVDs that will be available as premiums for PBS.  They also mention meet and greet opportunities and tickets for the Tried & True Tour.

There are three wonderful quotes about Clay on the page and the bio on Clay is interesting.  You can visit the site by clicking on this link.

http://intl-media.com/main/current.html

Official Fan Club

Team Clay has requested that members of Clay’s Official Fan Club visit the news section and give some input on your thoughts about migrating to the new board.  You can quickly vote for your preference or you can vote and comment.  It is great that the team is asking the fans what they want.  Have you voted yet?


The National Inclusion Project

And The

Pepsi Refresh Challenge


Don’t forget to submit your e-mail to Aron at the National Inclusion Project website.  If you don’t have time to vote each day, the staff of the Project will help out by voting for you.  They just need your e-mail and your permission.

Some of the details are still being researched, but it looks like each e-mail address must belong to a different person.  We will keep you informed about this important project or you can get more information at their website.  Project

CD Release Parties

If you are planning a CD Release party, let us know and we will mention it here at CANN.  These parties are so much fun and I hope that many of you will have the opportunity to attend one of them.

More News

As we get closer to the drop of the album, we can expect more news.  We will try and update this site as quickly as possible.  Please check in so you can get the up-to-date news that is out there.

Are you excited??

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Quote of the Day

It is not always about performance art, but about receiving positive energy from people with positive spirits. Sometimes we can see someone's spirit, and those are the people with great energy. Those are the people that get me through the day, especially on Broadway. -Clay Aiken

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