Making a Blog Post by Transition To College1

Isfahan, my beautiful city

2022-06-29 17:14:31 UTC

By: Vida Shahsavari

My favorite place of Night Market

2022-06-29 22:50:40 UTC

By Tsae -Li Kao

The night market first opened in 1899, and it is now famous for its various eateries selling authentic Taiwanese snacks. The night market wakes up in the late afternoon and early evening, and is soon packed with people, especially on holidays.

These Chinese delicacies, the enormous variety of typical Taiwanese snacks, are unique in the world and most perfectly illustrates the important place that the food culture takes into the lives of the Taiwanese people. Famous and unique Taiwanese snacks range from oyster omelets to fried rice noodles, tempura, Tainan Dan- dan noodles, Taiwanese spring rolls, rice tube pudding, and braised pork rice. Food is cheap and delicious, and by no means inferior, while each specialty gives you an insight into the people of the area it originates from.

You have to try stinky tofu and Boba Milk Tea. The tofu is made with fermented milk. But Taiwanese people never prepare stinky tofu at home, so it makes for the perfect street food. The smell of the stinky tofu we ate wasn’t as strong as we expected. Taiwanese's boba Milk Tea is a famous drink invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. It's a tea based drink that's more popular than Starbucks in Taiwan, the most popular is green tea with boba . Mixed with a group of friends, enjoying them in a Taiwanese night market.

Taiwan's night market is one of Taiwan's characteristics. There are so many interesting things to do. Every time I go back to Taiwan, I must make a pilgrimage to a place. If you visit Taiwan , you must go to the night market to experience it.

I like to watch TV News to be informed. It's one of the many ways to get information about what is happening around me as well around de world. Even dough sometimes are consuming, frustrating, and a lot of sadness among other feelings, I have the sense to know about it. Do I'll resolve situations? absolutely no! But I can be aware. Definitely, Have an idea what is happening in our days, the TV news are my best resources.

2022-06-30 04:15:19 UTC

Arminda

My Favorite fast food - Pizza

2022-07-01 18:57:42 UTC

By Rita Chan

My favorite fast food is pizza because it is delicious, can be bought in any grocery store or restaurant, and is affordable. Pizza is a very popular and common dish in the United States, Pizza was originally from Italy. Pizza consists of various ingredients; such as sausages, cheeses, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, olives, vegetables, meats, ham, etc. Pizza provides many options for clients even if you are vegan. you still can pick up your favorite dish. Therefore, Pizza is the most popular and common fast food in the world.
I like pizza because the taste is so delicious and yummy. I also can choose various types of pizza that are divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. If you want to eat healthily, you can get the vegetarian one, and the taste is still yummy. Furthermore, pizza can buy it in many grocery stores or supermarkets, then you just bake it for around 15-20 minutes, and the meal is ready. It is very convenient. Also, you can buy pizza in a pizza restaurant, for example, Pizza Hut, Papa John or Domino, etc., all these stores provide food delivery to the house.
In fact, pizza is a very economic food for families. The price range is from $5.99-19.99/per one. However, this is an affordable price to feast for a meal. That's why I will order pizza if I have a party it is so tasty, very convenient because I don't need to cook, and the price is reasonable. That's why my husband and I Like pizza very much. But the calory of the pizza is pretty high so we just have it once a month.

My favorite food: Chelo Kabab With Saffron Rice

2022-07-02 00:57:58 UTC

Chelo Kebab Kobideh, which is considered Iranian food and is served at parties and gatherings. It can be eaten with rice or bread. Which, of course, in both cases, tomatoes, sumac, grilled peppers and basil are inseparable companions, which are in the list of the best Iranian dishes, and its basic ingredients include minced meat: one kilogram of onion: 300 grams of grated saffron: one teaspoon of salt And pepper: enough

2022-07-03 09:19:07 UTC

I have two daughters，the older one is five years old now，her name is Lena，she is a very smart girl.
First，she can read 26 letters when she was 18 months old，and she knew more than 10 cosmetics，mask，cream，lipstick……
Furthermore，she can write Chinese words when she was 2 and half years old，Chinese words is the hardest words to writing in the world，but I only taught her several times then she can remembered and wrote very nice.
In addition，she can do additions within a thousand now，and I only teach her one time.She also can reading some simple English and Chinese story in the book.
My daughter‘s teacher said to me that Lena is a genius，and I humbly agree with her opinion.

Jie Xiao

Incredible Dim sum - pineapple Bun

2022-07-05 05:35:56 UTC

By Gabby

There is no doubt about Chinese traditional food-Dim sum: it is fantastic and unbelievable.
There are many types of dim sum in Hong Kong, and mainly Pineapple Bun is very popular. Most people enjoy eating it because it has its signature golden, crumbly crust, which resembles the pattern of pineapple skin. The taste is incredible. In addition, Pineapple Bun, also knowns as Bor Lor Bao in Cantonese is a very famous Hong Kong-style pastry served as a dim sum snack, breakfast bun, or dessert pastry.
Therefore, if you plan to travel to Hong Kong, do not forget to try eating delicious Dim sum, especially Pineapple Bun.

The Healthy food

coto0179 — 2022-07-06 04:45:46 UTC

Claudia Mariana Arriaga Garcia
My main idea is witte about food, because I had a big change in my life in the last 6 years.
I start for read about have a inmunity sistem stenght, beacuse i had a little pain in my hands a couple years ago, like artritis in my hands, I bought different books about artritis, for example Dr. Blum the best doctor in America with the ofice in New York, she writtes about *Healing Arthritis, and The immune System recovery plan, is so interesting they way everyone can learn about how eat healthy, what exactly you body need.
I made a plan complete nutrition, which has helped me a lot, I dont any pain more in my hands, and I recover strenght in my body.
However way I learned how food i should boought in the stores and cook for my family the best and healthy.
I stop eating sugars, dairy products, and fluor, (only special dates I test some). Our body no need it, daily, this cause a lot of inflamation and this is the first reason we get sick different diseases. The stomach is so important for maintance a healthy life.
In conclusion I am a passionate the nutrition books. The food is so important in the quality life everyone, and if you eat healthy you could live many years.
I hope so you dont get bored with this little Blog Post.

Instructions:

transitiontocollege1 — 2022-07-06 05:54:33 UTC

Create a post using the instructions from Canvas linked here: Mini-Blog Post Instructions
Write at least 3 paragraphs using the paragraph structure guide in the instructions.
Look at the paragraph structure chart in the Mini-Blog Post Instructions. Do your paragraphs follow the 3 components of paragraph structure that we've discussed? (See Paragraph Structure Chart)
Don't forget to add your name at the end of your post.

transitiontocollege1 — 2022-07-06 06:19:06 UTC

transitiontocollege1 — 2022-07-06 06:21:01 UTC

transitiontocollege1 — 2022-07-06 06:35:10 UTC

2022-07-06 06:39:40 UTC

Benefits of Positive Thinking

2022-07-06 07:25:13 UTC

Despite of what is your idea of positive thinking, let's find out how you might take advantage of it and apply it to make changes in your daily life.

Positive thinking means that you face negative news or stressful situations with a positive outlook; that you are able to look beyond the crisis instead of being consumed by it. It can impact your physical and mental health and change your behavior in the long run.

Positive thinking has many benefits such as:

Lower risk of depression, since you expect good or better things approaching instead of getting sad or upset thinking the opposite.

Resilience, so you can maintain control of situations, think of new ways to tackle problems, and emerge stronger after coming to grips with.

Better relationships. – Due to your energy, either positive or negative is contagious, it will impact on people around you. You will see how your relationships will grow into more fulfilling ones being a positive thinker.

Whenever you think something is beyond you, keep being positive.

You have enough reasons… now on, just think positive!

By Maria Magdalena Vera Garrido

Let's talk about dogs.

2022-07-06 23:36:13 UTC

For many people, dogs are part of their family. They give us emotional support and they protect us in many situations. In addition, dogs help blind people like guide dogs and make better their lives.

I like American Pit Bull Terrier, a race very dangerous for a lot of people but it isn't. These dogs were imported from the Union Kingdom in 19 century and are a mixture between bulls and terriers. I do think they are very protective with kids and so territorial with their families.

I do feel dogs are with us in any place that we go and at any moment they are there, at our side, when we need their love. Therefore, I do recommend any people adopt a dog.

By Ismael.

Check your writing slowly...

2022-07-06 23:43:20 UTC

Check your spelling.
Check your punctuation.
Check your paragraph structure.
Check to make sure each paragraph is at least 5 sentences long.
Check your title. Is it specific?

Spring Rolls

2022-07-07 23:46:43 UTC

Spring Rolls
One of the most famous appetizer in Vietnamese restaurant that is Spring Rolls.
People loved Spring Rolls because its healthy and delicious food. Beside that, still have eggs rolls and young Papaya salad those dishes which are people's favorite. Even though, It's the food but it was rolled by someone's clever and when you saw it you thought that it looks like the painting was drawn by the artist.
What's the Spring Rolls ingredients? some of vegetables in each one includes: lettuce, mints, beansprouts, shrimp and pork meat that were boiled, and the last one is vermicelli ( same as rice noddle). But one more important thing to created the roll is a Rice Paper So that, we need to have all of those stuff to complete the spring rolls.
What's made Soring Rolls tastes better? There is the sauce, It was made by ground soybeans and cooked with salt, and sugar, They do added vinegar into the sauce and it became a special thing that couldn't miss when people eating Spring Rolls,
Hoa Pham

Mary Z-What Is a Good Job?

2022-07-08 01:32:37 UTC

Most people would say a nice job is one that comes with a great paycheck, less stress and safe work environment. For certain cultures, working as blue collars are low lever jobs. Anyone should work hard to become a doctor, professor and engineer. The truth is as long as you are happy with a job, that is one for you

Born in a small town, my father worked very hard to become a journalist to raise his family. One time when I was a teenager, he told us “It is a good career to work in a manufactory if it makes you happy”. I couldn’t make heads and tails of thatl. Secretly I really didn’t buy it, at the same time, I was thinking: “yet, right. Dad, would you be happy if you work as a worker?”. It was hard to get my head around his logic; even more, I did not see his point for many years. As I am growing older, I am slowly coming to grips with what he meant. Having trying enormous odd jobs through these years, I am getting something out of it.

Talking about a good job, you should meet the basic need within such as getting enough salary to pay your bills. Secondly a good job makes you feel having a purpose. It motives you to achieve a larger goal for example helping others. Personal and professional growth is another measurement for a good job. It allows you having opportunities to think not only creatively but also may using problem-solving methods to find solutions. Overall, a good job is something you enjoy to do each day and you are happy with it.

Monica - My first week in my new job

2022-07-09 00:37:01 UTC

During 6 months I was looking for a new job about my career, I'm a materials engineer. I was excited to work, see big factories and be part of the process to build something important.

But I came to grips with a new chapter in my life, understand the job life. It was hard, because some selection process was very difficult and the requirements were imposible. I couldn't make head or tails of the reason about some people to select the correct candidate for a job.

I was sad and desesperate, because nobody call me for an interview or sometimes they told me that I'm young and I didn't the experience...I only wanted an opportunity. I had doubt about my career and I thought this it's beyond me.

I'd decided to enjoy my process, work on myself, improve my skills and never lose the hope. My thoughts were "I need a one open door, somebody that can see my potencial". That day came, I'm so happy now, I'm in my area, learning, being a better engineer and this is the first step for my new laboral life

Leyla Dallakyan

2022-07-09 05:55:21 UTC

The reading man

Every day passing on my way back home I see him, the reading man. He has lived on the bench at the stop bus station for a long time.He was there before COVID quarantine and he lives there now, approximately around seven years. He is a young and tall man who does not look like other homeless people. He is always wearing clean clothes and carrying a backpack with him. Often I see him walking on the streets of the city then at night sitting with a book on the bench. I am curious about his life. I wish I could ask him a lot of questions, but I do not dare because I can not embarrass him. Where are his parents? If his mother is alive, does she know about the life of his son? Why is he alone? Where does he come from? What did he expect from his life? How long is he going to live in this way, on the street without a roof over his head, without a bed, without nothing? I can not make heads or tails of his psyche of mind. Every day on my way home I see him reading a book.

There are diverse educational programs in the USA for students of all abilities. Therefore, if that man likes to read, why does he not get an education and why not try to change his life? He probably does not know about numerous educational programs? I have always asked myself that question. Does no any social worker or organization come to grips with it? Maybe I am that person who may help him? I have tried to see the point of that issue. I always want to tell him about all the educational opportunities in the USA, but it is beyond me. Ultimately, there are not only educational programs created by the government for helping people like him.

Reading a young man sitting on the bench waits for his “life bus” which brings him toward the beautiful dream. I know from where he borrowed those books. He took from the box where people put their books that they had already read. I like that smart idea. You can take those books and return them back without thinking about the due date as you take from the library. Why does a man who reads a lot do not want to spend his time getting an education? Maybe someone should lend a helping hand to him? Explain to him where and how to enroll in college? Maybe he is not aware that he can do it? What is his dream about?
To make this story short, the life of that homeless reading man sticks in my mind since every day I see him on my way home. I would like to believe that one day he will change his life for the best.

P.S.
While I was browsing my blog, one idea came to my mind. I will print this blog and leave on the bench for the “ reading man.”. Maybe after reading he understood that he his young and he can change his life toward the best.

Professional Growth

2022-07-09 20:33:39 UTC

In 2018, I got my first job which changed my life, after graduation in October of 2017 at Dunya University of Afghanistan I feel that it is time to find a job and have some responsibility, so I was searching for a job and I find one, as procurement and finance officer at Sara Kumar LTD electronic retail company. I was so agitated that I will earn now.
It was a happy moment for me but I was also nervous that how could I handle it what will happen if they will like me or not very bad intentions were in my mind. fortunately, it passed and I joined the organization. One day a customer came and ask for a Quotation then I did not make it well I failed somehow to give proper details to the customer, then I decide to work hard I went through past data in the computer everything was disorder someway I fixed it and made proper filling system.
Gradually I learn a lot of things in the office but I also faced some challenges that it failed me and I never lost my hope and positivity. In the end, I learn that study is not enough for professional life you must become part of the organization and work practices.

2022-07-11 13:34:29 UTC

Iranian delicious food

2022-07-12 19:35:47 UTC

The history of Iranian cooking goes back to the six century B.C, when Cyrus the great , the leader of a tribe, called the pars (Persians), created an empire , that eventually stretched from India to Egypt and parts of Greece.
Typical Iranian main dishes are combinations of rice with meat , vegetables and nuts. Herbs are frequently used , along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, prunes , apricots and raisins .
Persian food makes eating fruits and vegetables much easier. Almost all of the main dishes , soups, and stews are loaded with healthy vegetables and herbs .
Iran has a wide range of bread types and Iranian breads are some of the tastiest anywhere in the would.
In Iran food is highly respected and is a blessing from god .

In addition, Iran has one of the oldest , richest and most influential art heritages in the world , which encompasses many disciplines including literature, music , dance ,architecture, paintings and pottery.

Features an extensive list of Persian food helps you choose the best Iranian dishes.
You can even learn how to cook them .

By Farnaz Zomorodian

My Hobby

2022-07-12 22:04:57 UTC

Since childhood, I have always had a few favorite activities: drawing, cooking interesting dishes, modeling and tailoring. I was always in a good mood when I did one of these activities. I made them quite often as a child and also alternated them in different ways over time. I have good potential and I have achieved great success in my hobbies. Now I am only engaged in drawing and cooking various dishes. I stopped only on these two hobbies, since sewing is now economically unprofitable and expensive. It's easier to buy a well-known brand with a very big discount.
When I was a child, my grandmother taught me how to cook. She taught me the secrets of cooking Tatar national dishes. One of my favorite dishes has always been triangles with beef and potatoes and chicken noodle soup, which I cooked myself. The preparation of these dishes is quite laborious and takes a lot of time. For example, for triangles, you first need to knead the yeast dough. Then you need to wait until it rises, about two hours. While the dough is rising, I put the whole chicken on the boil and start boiling the egg noodles. The secret of noodles is in good country eggs and very thin slices of it. Once the chicken is done, I pour some of the broth into a bowl to use for the triangles, then add the onions, carrots, diced potatoes. 10 minutes before the end of cooking, add noodles, salt, black pepper. To prepare triangles with meat, I cut meat, onions, potatoes into small cubes. I roll out the dough and form small triangular pies. Then I bake them in the oven for about 50 minutes. After the triangles are baked, I pour a little meat broth into the hole on top. These dishes are delicious and everyone loves them.
Hobbies are very useful activities. If a person, in addition to work, is busy with some favorite thing, then he will not only diversify his life, but will also be able to earn money on a hobby. Do what you like and you will avoid bad mood and depression!
Sofya Sakhaeva

The Art of Cooking by Omar Castro

2022-07-13 03:18:51 UTC

To cook is not a job, is a privilege.
Cooking is an art that encompasses the world. It requires passion, precision, and most of all, love. The culinary arts are a complex mixture of balancing a variety of tastes and aromas, combined with beautiful plating. Cooking allows the artistic side of anyone to come alive. Cooking is an essential skill that all people should know how to do on a basic level. Preparing and then sharing meals is also a great way to bond and grow relationships. Some of the benefits of cooking are nutrition, saving money, and learning an essential skill. Quality of cooking is important for nutrition as well as the proper mixture of vegetables, proteins, grains, and fats. Cooking has been a lifelong art that has many beneficial effects. Cooking can be used to bring people together for the sake of enjoying food. Cooking is the mediator for a lot of relationships and is often a setting for people to converse. By learning to cook, you can save money and create quality meals. The art of cooking is the many aspects it has in daily life as well as the joy it brings to those it touches. Cooking in general is like life , put the right condiments and enjoyed it.

I love to read.I usually read 1 book a week, unfortunately, in lest couple months I can't afford reading, firstly, I don't have enough time, secondly, I haven't learned to read books in English yet. The last book I read in my peaceful past life was Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee's “The Economics of Poverty. How to free the world from poverty”

2022-07-23 07:28:16 UTC

Fifteen years of working with poor people in dozens of countries on five continents allowed Banerjee and Duflo to radically rethink the economics of poverty. Why a Moroccan, who lacks money for food, buys a TV. Why the poor neglect free vaccinations, but spend money on ineffective drugs. Why they start many business projects, but none of their businesses develop. As the authors argue, to overcome world poverty, it is necessary to first understand circumstances that form the basis of people's choices. Based on extensive research and collected data, Banerjee and Duflo propose fairly simple measures to help improve the lives of the world's poor
Sometimes I can’t come to grips with authors, in some moments I can’t get my head out of it, but I try get something out and start my new life changing our approach to solving the problems our family faced

Oksana

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

2022-11-01 01:29:58 UTC

Mexico has an ancestral tradition called "Dia de los Muertos." This original and unique celebration is called by The UNESCO a World Heritage Site because of its vast cultural richness.
The purpose of this celebration is to remind loved one who were ahead of a better life and they are returning to visit us and eat. This remembrance is due every November first and Second. This tradition is not a joke, Mexican people commemorate their loved ones with respect. The Day of the Dead consist in an altar decorated with colorful paper, candles, flowers, food, drinks, bread, and of course the pictures of our loved ones.
Due to the extensive cultural richness of each state of Mexico, it cannot be said that only one region is the representative of this tradition. Consequently, every place has their unique way to celebrate this tradition.

Arminda

Looking at Chemistry

2022-11-01 01:39:41 UTC

Many people think that chemistry is only for those that spend time in the laboratory. But chemistry is more than that! As human living beings, we are created with thousands of chemical reactions, the simple example is when you feel some new smell, immediately your brain starts a chemical response to identify the components of the smell and if you had a bad experience related to that smell your brain will say to you: It is an odor!

Chemistry is everywhere, our food, our cells, and our environment are made of atoms, and atoms are one of the smallest particles on the Earth. Some people study chemistry to understand the origin of life, some others study chemistry for doing new drugs that prevent or cure hundreds of different diseases!

So, next time that you or your children say chemistry, don’t be angry or scared! Chemistry is fun!

U- Bike In Taipei Taiwan

2022-11-01 01:49:13 UTC

U- Bike is my first choice of transportation to moving around the city of Taipei. I largely prefer it instead of taking the subway, bus, or taxi. It is affordable, in good condition, comfortable, with walking distance from anywhere, and the cities have built long biking paths in the major cities.
U-Bike, officially is called the Taipei Bike Sharing System, is a large network of bicycle rental kiosks in Taipei City. Bicycle parking stations located around the city, many of which are located within walking distance of MRT stations and tourist destinations. Available bicycle in the parking lot, use your Easy card over the terminal, and slide the bike out. Your first 30 minutes are free, and the bicycle can return to any U-Bike station, provided space is available. When returning the bicycle, slide the bike into the terminal. When the indicator LED flashes blue, swipe your Easy card to complete the return.
I recommend everyone riding a U-Bike around Taipei City, between famous places, or along the West Indies River (Bitan), along the way to see the beautiful Bitan Suspension Bridge and many people go under the bridge in little boats. U-Bike is affordable and easy to return back.

Tsae Li Kao

My life being a musician

2022-11-01 02:01:58 UTC

My story begins back when I turned 9 years old. I remember being introduced to playing an instrument at my elementary school learning to play recorder and acoustic guitar which I immediately fell in love with but stopped practicing after a year. It wasn't until my freshman year in high-school that the curiosity to start practicing appeared again in my mind but this time I wanted to try with electric guitar.

After working really hard to obtain good grades in school that year and being successful at it, my father bought me an old guitar from a pawn shop with a small speaker to connect it to. This is the instrument that helped me learn my first chords and songs and will always be in my heart.

I sold my old guitar after a few years to buy a better quality instrument and now I have six and a ukulele.

Mariano

Knowledge is better or wealth

2022-11-01 02:02:17 UTC

When I was teenager, I was very interested in Physics. When I was graduated from high school, even though I could choose any major, despite my parents advising to choose engineering or medical majors because I could earn more money that way, I chose physics.
I received bachelor's and master's degree in this field.
I could work at university and thought I
had achieved my dream, but after a while I
realized that in my country the system doesn't care about science and my income was as low as I couldn't afford my family with this low income.
After two years I found that life cannot be managed just by learning and teaching science.so I decided to go into business.
I got this important conclusion that knowledge and wealth are both necessry.

Travelling to Germany

2022-11-01 02:10:46 UTC

Now adays, most of people work in their company and have a good opportunities to work with different countries in the worlds with a lot of different fields. Frist, they need to know the culture which country where they go, clothes, weather, food, culture...
for example: I visited Germany where I was travel for work. The weather was extremely cold that time, day time is -20 degree and night time is -40 degree. The food was good but it was not my taste that hard for me to eat even though I was paid expensive price, I couldn't eat that food...
the second, I have to wear formal clothes for meeting and standing up in the crowded people and start to talk. working 10 hours per day without stopping then we have some more party at the meeting before going back to the hotel around 1 am and keep going for the next day start 8 am.
third, I was late in the airport because I couldn't take taxi to be there for the right time , they have rule and law to call taxi that I didn't know and they didn't use English like normal people...
I have a lot of experience after this trip and I will share a little bit my real life that I have never had in my life
Trang le

Happy Halloween

2022-11-01 03:03:10 UTC

Halloween is well-known by the people in the world. The origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, almost 2,000 years ago. The Celts believed Samhain was the day in the year when the gap between our world and the spirit world was blurred, making it easier for the spirits of the dead to return.

Trick or treats, pumpkins, spooky costumes, these are the customs what we are very familiar with. Disney movie “Coco” also shows the yearning for the family members between the different worlds from the different aspect. The theme song of the movie is called “Remember me”. This beautiful song lyrics have moved lots people in the world, and released in several different language versions.

Remember me
Though I have to say goodbye
Remember me
Don't let it make you cry
For even though I'm far away,
I'll hold you in my heart
I'll sing a secret a song to you each night we're apart
Remember me
Though I have to travel far
Remember me
Each time you hear a sad guitar
Know that I'll be with you in the only way that I can be
Until you're in my arms again...
Remember me

For me, it is my third year living in the US, but it is my first time to celebrate Halloween with friends. I am not scared and sad anymore when seeing the spooky decorations, on the contrary, these can kindly remind me to remember the dead family seniors, my grandparents and my great-grandfather in my memory.

Afghan culture and tradition

2022-11-03 03:01:46 UTC

Afghanistan is rich in traditions and customs and has long been a melting pot for an array of ethnic groups and cultures. The country is geographically positioned at the meeting point of 4 major cultural areas: the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the far east.

These different influences can be seen in the cultural norms and practices across the country, and can be tasted in Afghan cuisine, with the country's regional specialties reflecting the variety found across the country.