Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for December 20, 2013
December 19, 2013
December 21, 2013
Transcript:
Luann: "Rosa. if you go off to save the world- what about Gunther?"
Rosa: "You mean would he go, too?"
Luann: "Yeah, I can't really see him digging an aqueduct in Ecuador"
Rosa: "Actually, there's LOTS of things I can't see him doing..."
Well…I hope for Gunther’s sake, he manages to prove both ladies wrong, he ends up in Ecuador with her, and puts that brain of his to use…and maybe his tongue too, if Rosa’s bubble is any indication.
I believe the moment of truth will be when Rosa, in a last ditch effort to prove there’s a man in there somewhere, asks him to come to Ecuador with her in the Peace Corp. He will either prove himself a man…or prove himself for his mom’s basement.
“Brought to you” by….Deaf Leopard Alarm Clocks, From Twisted Products… “Specializing in both snoozeless alarms, and mobile clocks that evade your touch, until you have chased it for 2.3 miles, thereby giving you a brisk wake-up jog, and waking you up in the process… D.L. Alarms… We’ll get you up, alright! But the rest is up to you!”… – and by…Love Light Bulbs… “Don’t be left in the dark!… Turn on the best light for your money!… Turn on a Love™ light! …”
Yea, Gunther is very slow at getting out of the starting gate. I see this as a long term problem. He is going to need a lot of help just like male Pandas. they don’t have clue of what goeswhere. Even though their care givers have shown them movies. This is the truth!!!
I’ve been thinking about Gunther and the Peace Corps for a couple of weeks now, ever since Rosa brought it up. And the way I see it playing out is he goes along just to be near her, gripes and whines about how he’s not cut out for a life in the rough, and at some point without even realizing it he turns into the Albert Schweitzer type and becomes the dashing socially-conscious hero he’s been inside all along.
I mean, just look at how he adapted to his fashion makeover. And how he came through as the go-to costume guy for everyone in town.
I think he could get the hang of it and even enjoy it. Gunther’s a real man. This is just a new field to him. I think he would be fine. He is just moral; Gunther is a decent man.
I would not yet be so quick to dismiss Gunther and Rosa. What she could be saying is, "There’s a lot of things I can’t see him doing…. but I want to…"
Or, it could be the end of the road for them. Which would also make sense if the Evans’ are still to have Gunther and Lu be destined for each other, eventually. I’d be curious though as to how many more relationships either will go through before they finally get around to each other, properly.
In the 1980’s I used to listen regularly to a Christian missionary shortwave radio station from Quito Ecuador, and I would get the occasional picture postcard from them, and Quito was at that time, at least a modern city. There are poor areas, but it came a long way from just a rural area in the 50’s. I think Gunther would like the costumes they wear.
If Rosa is leaving the cozy confines of the three panels, then perhaps it’s a bit inevitable…. G-man is most likely a “mainstay” and if Rosa would be going off, would most likely be an occasional guest only… so perhaps there’s something better for Gunther coming along…..
Plus…. if G-man is like Frank, but only a “junior operative", he can’t really go to Ecuador… that’s someone else’s jurisdiction…. so alas, Gunther will have to just sacrifice Rosa’s impression of him, for the “greater good”…. and Luann will continue to have “Private Eyes” on her side…. – This would be the more “attractive”. more “palatable” sort of way, even a bit “Walter Mitty”ish sort of way to view this developing situation… the one that puts Gunther in a more favorable ligtht……
Rosa is certainly having her doubts. But whether this is a foreshadowing of her impending break-up from Gunther or instead a sneaky bit of misdirection from Greg is not easy to say. It does seem rather hasty in contrast to how the strip tends to unfold slowly. If, however, Gunther and Rosa do split up, then there might come to be a Luann-Quill-Gunther triangle to resolve….
Many are theorizing that Gunther may be gay because he’s “more worried about impressing Quill than Rosa”…I think that he’s just doesn’t want Quill to see him as a nerd. Let’s not forget that he carried a torch for Luann a long time before Rosa came along, and that he is very attracted to Rosa despite his shyness.
Gunther digging an aqueduct in Ecuador? He’s a tailor, not a digger, and Mom would have to come along to prepare his bedtime plate of cookies and milk. These girls have Gunther pegged, and they realize how mis-matched a Gunther / Rosa couple is. Rosa likes Gunther because they’re both excellent students, but he’s certainly not the man of her dreams. She’ll find someone better suited for her, just as soon as she leaves Pitt.
I’d have to go with Rosa. I’m thinking that Toni might cut her hair just slightly for “work” purposes (i.e. to tuck under the helmet or put in a bun, etc. etc.).
And here is the background info on Rosa, from 9/7/2006…(or you can use the ol’ Calendar up there to go back a day, then of course click on the year/month/day)….
There was once a boy who loved a girl, but during the two years they were dating, he never once told her how he felt about her. So feeling the relationship was going nowhere, she dumped him and broke his heart. He did go on with his life though. Today he is an English language teacher, married and living in Japan with his native Japanese wife. That I can see Gunther doing.
I see that, too… that’s why I was mentioning “alarm” and “light” earlier… a wake-up call….and also a need to “see the light” or even “turn on the ol’ love light”…. – I would have thought that with the spring dance, that he was improving enough… but I guess either he reverted back, or his lips are still stuck in “get out of the driveway” gear…
If real life holds, this dilemma is probably academic. Most Peace Corps programs (at least when I entered 20 years ago) require at least a bachelors degree and preferably some experience.*Last I heard, non-college graduates were being recruited if they were older people who had valuable experience in such areas as agriculture, entrepreneurship, teaching.*And Rosa, when you pursued Gunther, you were perfectly aware he wasn’t a passionate Romeo. So no fair expecting him to be one now!
Gunther has that same dream only it is Luann in his arms.
=We’ve seen no sign of that for some time. That was the past. All these kids are now looking toward the future. =Since both Bernice and Gunther are seriously good students, the future might bring Bernice into Gunther’s arms. The two have more in common with each other than either of the two ladies previously associated with Gunther…
I’m wondering if we are working our way to the end of this strip? Everyone will be off to college, married (Brad and Toni), in the Peace Corps, etc. End of story, end of strip.
The Peace Corp isn’t all about digging toilets and building homes, there is teaching as well. Gunther could fit in well, remember, he’s got six more months of rooming with Quill and I’ll bet he grows alot in that time.
I suspect a lot of this speculation is just that…The girls are in the midst of “senoritis”—they haven’t actually heard from the Peace Corps or any of these colleges. The Peace Corps may put Rosa “on hold” until she has a college degree, Bernice may not get a “free ride” and have to live at home..Gunther hasn’t said anything about his plans…Luann and Delta seem pretty safe, but.there’s a lot of time between now and graduation.
Bernice’s guy has not arrived yet. As much as she cared for Zane, I think there is someone else in the works for her. This person may not arrive until she starts college^^ I vote for Bern and MPQ :p
Perhaps Aaron Hill will decide to enroll in Moony Uni instead of attending the Southern Hawaii Institute of Technology after all. Having Aaron back in town would make things a lot more interesting next year…
> the author of the comic strip is notorious for recydling and rebooting old relationships>Bring back mini-Elvis! He was the one who actually offered Luann a ring.
I would prefer the natives pull Aaron out of the volcano and send him back to the States -um, if he’s in a volcano in Hawaii, he IS in one of the states….
the author of the comic strip is notorious for recydling and rebooting old relationships.-Then it’s possible that Zane will return and Bernice can restart her relationship with him?
something just as fake as he is-something fake for Luann would please seismic-2, because he seems to think he can only like one character. And he’s picked Tiffany, so in his world, Luann must be bad and must be punished.
Gunther needs to find a female who is as uncomfortable with her body as he is with his. He will never be the kind of man Rosa wants and needs. They can remain friends but not romantic partners. There are females like Gunther out there.
Guess I’ll need the Picture In Picture feature, then… so I can re-read the Free Online Dictionary on my TV’s web feature…. – I was using an Apple “Old Faithful” model, complete with two foot CPU, and a monitor with green pixelated text… 1984 was a good year….
Yeah, spelling can be a real pain. I always have problems with remembering the correct spelling of the Welsh town Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. It’s the 4 "L"s in a row that messes me up.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
here is a song that seems to fit the playlist, and could fit Gunther’s current M.O., or what Rosa could call a station to play, in hopes that he’d get the right message from it….
“Don’t Dream It’s Over”, Crowded House (for title, alone…) 90210 infamously used this one, for the “Oh, no! They’re going to be graduating and life is so hard!” era of that series….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Beginning of the end (of a relationship)?…. – Looks like the Love Train is going to pull off with one less passenger….
imbaldeagle almost 11 years ago
Rosa is still carrying a torch for Gunther, but… looks like the flame is flickering. Not much hope left.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
“Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Ecuador”“Rosa’s Dilema”“You’re As Cold As Ice”“Not Gonna Fly Now”or “It’s Not In His Kiss”
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
They both got that right, big time. The Gunther / Rosa “romance” (yeah, sure) is history, as soon as the diplomas are handed out.
Fan o’ Lio. almost 11 years ago
You’re the first to say you’re first.
Angelalex242 almost 11 years ago
Well…I hope for Gunther’s sake, he manages to prove both ladies wrong, he ends up in Ecuador with her, and puts that brain of his to use…and maybe his tongue too, if Rosa’s bubble is any indication.
brewingbiker almost 11 years ago
I hated being shy at that age. It really sucked.
Angelalex242 almost 11 years ago
I believe the moment of truth will be when Rosa, in a last ditch effort to prove there’s a man in there somewhere, asks him to come to Ecuador with her in the Peace Corp. He will either prove himself a man…or prove himself for his mom’s basement.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
“Brought to you” by….Deaf Leopard Alarm Clocks, From Twisted Products… “Specializing in both snoozeless alarms, and mobile clocks that evade your touch, until you have chased it for 2.3 miles, thereby giving you a brisk wake-up jog, and waking you up in the process… D.L. Alarms… We’ll get you up, alright! But the rest is up to you!”… – and by…Love Light Bulbs… “Don’t be left in the dark!… Turn on the best light for your money!… Turn on a Love™ light! …”
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Aah! There you are!…. howya doin’?…
Swalb%515 almost 11 years ago
Looks like the love light is gradually burning out.
wlabinger almost 11 years ago
@IamJayBluEGreat!
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Happy Friday, everyone!….
kenhense almost 11 years ago
Bye Gunth. Note I still don’t see Gunther winding up with Luann. Maybe Tiffany…(opposites attract).
curmudgeon68 almost 11 years ago
Is Rosa Ecuadorian?
kittylover2 almost 11 years ago
Yea, Gunther is very slow at getting out of the starting gate. I see this as a long term problem. He is going to need a lot of help just like male Pandas. they don’t have clue of what goeswhere. Even though their care givers have shown them movies. This is the truth!!!
alviebird almost 11 years ago
Uh-oh.
gkid almost 11 years ago
Sad to see..the dreams are beginning to die.
gkid almost 11 years ago
He could still end up with Luann. Theyfit.
Mordock999 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Ah. Exploring Your Back-Up B/F Options Early, eh Lu?
Well at Any Rate, Let’s HOPE that Ms Rosa Doesn’t TORMENT the G-Man with a “HEY! What About ME?!!?” Tirade Like YOU Did with “Mr. Perfect”. Last Week.
samwas35 almost 11 years ago
Rosa could walk by a cemetery and cause coffin lids to elevate. But Gunther seems immune to all of that.
dadoctah almost 11 years ago
I’ve been thinking about Gunther and the Peace Corps for a couple of weeks now, ever since Rosa brought it up. And the way I see it playing out is he goes along just to be near her, gripes and whines about how he’s not cut out for a life in the rough, and at some point without even realizing it he turns into the Albert Schweitzer type and becomes the dashing socially-conscious hero he’s been inside all along.
I mean, just look at how he adapted to his fashion makeover. And how he came through as the go-to costume guy for everyone in town.
gkid almost 11 years ago
I think he could get the hang of it and even enjoy it. Gunther’s a real man. This is just a new field to him. I think he would be fine. He is just moral; Gunther is a decent man.
gnmnrbl almost 11 years ago
Gunther is such a shy boy and rosa is much more adventurous. These two have nothing in common other than a desire to learn.
svetlana17 almost 11 years ago
Rosa and Gunther are both brilliant. Why sh/would they skip college?
ReadingComicsAtWork almost 11 years ago
Maybe that’s a goodbye kiss?
Editman almost 11 years ago
Turns out that Gunther is banned from entering Ecuador for reasons best left unsaid.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Rosa, show him your thought balloon. Perhaps, the light bulb will light in him. Or not. ^Shhh! …..You’re not supposed to talk about Light Cliub!
TORAD_07 almost 11 years ago
Well, now, some movement, finally.
I would not yet be so quick to dismiss Gunther and Rosa. What she could be saying is, "There’s a lot of things I can’t see him doing…. but I want to…"
Or, it could be the end of the road for them. Which would also make sense if the Evans’ are still to have Gunther and Lu be destined for each other, eventually. I’d be curious though as to how many more relationships either will go through before they finally get around to each other, properly.
Editman almost 11 years ago
In the 1980’s I used to listen regularly to a Christian missionary shortwave radio station from Quito Ecuador, and I would get the occasional picture postcard from them, and Quito was at that time, at least a modern city. There are poor areas, but it came a long way from just a rural area in the 50’s. I think Gunther would like the costumes they wear.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
If Rosa is leaving the cozy confines of the three panels, then perhaps it’s a bit inevitable…. G-man is most likely a “mainstay” and if Rosa would be going off, would most likely be an occasional guest only… so perhaps there’s something better for Gunther coming along…..
gtx076 almost 11 years ago
First gay character?
JoeStoppinghem Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Or once Gunth gets started she’s going to wish for the way he was. After he gets over the fear of “this might be too far”, all heck will break loose.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Plus…. if G-man is like Frank, but only a “junior operative", he can’t really go to Ecuador… that’s someone else’s jurisdiction…. so alas, Gunther will have to just sacrifice Rosa’s impression of him, for the “greater good”…. and Luann will continue to have “Private Eyes” on her side…. – This would be the more “attractive”. more “palatable” sort of way, even a bit “Walter Mitty”ish sort of way to view this developing situation… the one that puts Gunther in a more favorable ligtht……
Sisyphos almost 11 years ago
Rosa is certainly having her doubts. But whether this is a foreshadowing of her impending break-up from Gunther or instead a sneaky bit of misdirection from Greg is not easy to say. It does seem rather hasty in contrast to how the strip tends to unfold slowly. If, however, Gunther and Rosa do split up, then there might come to be a Luann-Quill-Gunther triangle to resolve….
thetraveller4 almost 11 years ago
Many are theorizing that Gunther may be gay because he’s “more worried about impressing Quill than Rosa”…I think that he’s just doesn’t want Quill to see him as a nerd. Let’s not forget that he carried a torch for Luann a long time before Rosa came along, and that he is very attracted to Rosa despite his shyness.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 11 years ago
OopsAndSad
mroneofthefellows almost 11 years ago
Well then Rosa…Maybe there are a few things you can see yourself doing to bring about the man you desire…Comic situation please…………..
rasalom almost 11 years ago
Gunther will come through.
Durak Premium Member almost 11 years ago
No Rosa, I don’t think so. You are so good at kidding yourself.
Hugh Manatee almost 11 years ago
DOH! Here we go!
Darsan54 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Gunther is an idiot if he passes on this opportunity.
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Gunther digging an aqueduct in Ecuador? He’s a tailor, not a digger, and Mom would have to come along to prepare his bedtime plate of cookies and milk. These girls have Gunther pegged, and they realize how mis-matched a Gunther / Rosa couple is. Rosa likes Gunther because they’re both excellent students, but he’s certainly not the man of her dreams. She’ll find someone better suited for her, just as soon as she leaves Pitt.
Runforson almost 11 years ago
Come on Greg give us some good DRAMA!!!! for a change.It’s getting BOOORRRRING!!!!!!!
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Look here for a peek at Rosa’s original look! (she’ll be the one girl there in the middle panel)…
TORAD_07 almost 11 years ago
Who has longer hair? Toni or Rosa?
I’d have to go with Rosa. I’m thinking that Toni might cut her hair just slightly for “work” purposes (i.e. to tuck under the helmet or put in a bun, etc. etc.).
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
And here is the background info on Rosa, from 9/7/2006…(or you can use the ol’ Calendar up there to go back a day, then of course click on the year/month/day)….
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
People who embarrass easily or are afraid to try something new really have a pride issue, more than a self confidence issue.
=That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that. Do you have a source for that info?
Willow Mt Lyon almost 11 years ago
There was once a boy who loved a girl, but during the two years they were dating, he never once told her how he felt about her. So feeling the relationship was going nowhere, she dumped him and broke his heart. He did go on with his life though. Today he is an English language teacher, married and living in Japan with his native Japanese wife. That I can see Gunther doing.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
I see that, too… that’s why I was mentioning “alarm” and “light” earlier… a wake-up call….and also a need to “see the light” or even “turn on the ol’ love light”…. – I would have thought that with the spring dance, that he was improving enough… but I guess either he reverted back, or his lips are still stuck in “get out of the driveway” gear…
sportbuff01 almost 11 years ago
Roza gonna move on to bigger and better things if you get my drift
ACTIVIST1234 almost 11 years ago
If real life holds, this dilemma is probably academic. Most Peace Corps programs (at least when I entered 20 years ago) require at least a bachelors degree and preferably some experience.*Last I heard, non-college graduates were being recruited if they were older people who had valuable experience in such areas as agriculture, entrepreneurship, teaching.*And Rosa, when you pursued Gunther, you were perfectly aware he wasn’t a passionate Romeo. So no fair expecting him to be one now!
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Heartbreak Station, by Cinderella, for starters (hey- how about that? The first to say "beginning and starters…ha ha!..)
BeniHanna6 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Gunther, the latent Homosexual in the strip. He just doesn’t realize it yet.
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
Gunther has that same dream only it is Luann in his arms.
=We’ve seen no sign of that for some time. That was the past. All these kids are now looking toward the future. =Since both Bernice and Gunther are seriously good students, the future might bring Bernice into Gunther’s arms. The two have more in common with each other than either of the two ladies previously associated with Gunther…
cwkrrk almost 11 years ago
I’m wondering if we are working our way to the end of this strip? Everyone will be off to college, married (Brad and Toni), in the Peace Corps, etc. End of story, end of strip.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
I’m with you, on that!…
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Proof that there’s only one girl Gunther REALLY loves (One he has kissed enthusiastically, more than once)
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
=LOL! Thanks for this; you made my day!
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Gunther has that same dream only it is Luann in his arms^^Yup
tarball almost 11 years ago
The Peace Corp isn’t all about digging toilets and building homes, there is teaching as well. Gunther could fit in well, remember, he’s got six more months of rooming with Quill and I’ll bet he grows alot in that time.
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Did anyone else catch Greg’s live feed last night? We watched him draw a strip and talk about it… He recognised me and shouted out to me by name! :)
Comic Minister Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Rosa’s thinking of Gunther making out with her. Nice!
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
The strip Greg drew was a Sunday strip, that will run next March; a very good and interesting one… and I’m NOT telling ;)
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Lev, I would say that Rosa and Toni’s hair lengths are virtually identical, but, it looks longer on Rosa because she is several inches shorter
bronzeskater almost 11 years ago
I suspect a lot of this speculation is just that…The girls are in the midst of “senoritis”—they haven’t actually heard from the Peace Corps or any of these colleges. The Peace Corps may put Rosa “on hold” until she has a college degree, Bernice may not get a “free ride” and have to live at home..Gunther hasn’t said anything about his plans…Luann and Delta seem pretty safe, but.there’s a lot of time between now and graduation.
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Bernice’s guy has not arrived yet. As much as she cared for Zane, I think there is someone else in the works for her. This person may not arrive until she starts college^^ I vote for Bern and MPQ :p
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Perhaps Aaron Hill will decide to enroll in Moony Uni instead of attending the Southern Hawaii Institute of Technology after all. Having Aaron back in town would make things a lot more interesting next year…
Old Man River almost 11 years ago
Gunther, you snooze you lose. Give Rosa some affection.
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
> the author of the comic strip is notorious for recydling and rebooting old relationships>Bring back mini-Elvis! He was the one who actually offered Luann a ring.
milania almost 11 years ago
Geeky Gunther….
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
I would prefer the natives pull Aaron out of the volcano and send him back to the States -um, if he’s in a volcano in Hawaii, he IS in one of the states….
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
the author of the comic strip is notorious for recydling and rebooting old relationships.-Then it’s possible that Zane will return and Bernice can restart her relationship with him?
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
something just as fake as he is-something fake for Luann would please seismic-2, because he seems to think he can only like one character. And he’s picked Tiffany, so in his world, Luann must be bad and must be punished.
locake almost 11 years ago
Gunther needs to find a female who is as uncomfortable with her body as he is with his. He will never be the kind of man Rosa wants and needs. They can remain friends but not romantic partners. There are females like Gunther out there.
Argy.Bargy2 almost 11 years ago
-There are wild jackals in Hawaii?
Doctor Go almost 11 years ago
C’mon Gunth – time to Get Down, Get Funky!
Swalb%515 almost 11 years ago
That’s right. i saw it on Google.
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
That puzzle’s fun!….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
That helps me with “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, 135 across… the clue was: “When you’re at a loss for words”….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Guess I’ll need the Picture In Picture feature, then… so I can re-read the Free Online Dictionary on my TV’s web feature…. – I was using an Apple “Old Faithful” model, complete with two foot CPU, and a monitor with green pixelated text… 1984 was a good year….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Yeah…. – It’s funny… you finish with school, and still have to learn… puzzles make you think… shouldn’t that be illegal ?….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
In that case, you don’t have to worry about saying: “Any volunteers? Step forward!”…
alviebird almost 11 years ago
How far is that from my home state of denial?
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
On your 65-inch screen, is this the answer to 829 across?http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis#English
koiyu almost 11 years ago
Rosa is gonna hook up with Quill.
dr trumpet almost 11 years ago
I smell a double date!
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
That should be the national standard for “Employee Evaluations”….. would go more smoothly and quickly…..
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Yeah, spelling can be a real pain. I always have problems with remembering the correct spelling of the Welsh town Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. It’s the 4 "L"s in a row that messes me up.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
seismic-2 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
“For No One”, by the Beatles“She’s Out of My Life”, by Michael Jackson
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
here is a song that seems to fit the playlist, and could fit Gunther’s current M.O., or what Rosa could call a station to play, in hopes that he’d get the right message from it….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
“Don’t Dream It’s Over”, Crowded House (for title, alone…) 90210 infamously used this one, for the “Oh, no! They’re going to be graduating and life is so hard!” era of that series….
JayBluE almost 11 years ago
Seismic reminded me of another: “In My Life”, by the Beatles..