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Head Down. Get to work.

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.” – my man Mandela

After being back in LA for 3 weeks, this quote rings quite true. While I’m thrilled to be back (LA is home), something feels different this time around. I tried pinpointing my feelings to try and figure it out but to no avail. Man did I make excuses, though.

“Maybe I need to get acclimated again.” “Maybe get our house unpacked and in order.” “Maybe seeing my friends.”

Nada.

Then, as I was hiking this weekend, (damn, I didn’t miss that ish, but boy does it feel great!) Zeus himself shot me with one of his golden thunderbolts ⚡. That shit hurt … but the message was clear: I’m not the same person I was when I left almost 2 years ago. Call it cliche. Call it growth. Call it whatever you want, just acknowledge it’s truth. Things that mattered before don’t matter this time around. Dreams are clearer and more attainable. Goals are set. Distractions are recognized and shut down immediately. In short, can’t stop, won’t stop. Failure is not an option, and being inactive is the same poison by my definition. So! It’s time to get to work. My newly adopted motto from Gina Rodriguez, “Head down. Prayers up.”

Start each week off on the right foot. Set goals. Make plans. Support others’ visions. Sky’s the limit on what we can accomplish when we try.

Happy living 💛’s.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Dirt, Metal, and Fire: the Excitement of Off Road Racing

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When it comes to racing, I never thought that I would be interested. I assume the fastest wins and there was not much other than that. NASCAR is not something I grew up watching. Seeing cars drive around in circles just seems like something I could do for free on any Los Angeles freeway. So how I found myself screaming up and down like a maniac at the Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, is definitely a story to tell.

My first impression of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series was that this was going to be hot and not much to see, other than dirt and mud. I was right about it being hot ­­– over 109 degrees, but there was far more to see than just dirt and mud. I thought I would have time to gather PokemonGo characters with all the free time I had. That was not going to work. This was Devore and you can bet the network coverage was not the best.

Once past the parking, I saw some of the largest tires I have ever seen. Sure that’s not interesting, but to get to the race track you need to pass Pit Crew City. There were lots of booths selling clothing, car accessories, food, drinks, and even Tonka trucks for the kids to play with.

The racers and their crew are friendly. These guys are happy to meet their fans and take pictures. I got to meet Racers Justin Peck #49 and Ray Griffith #53 and the whole Race Pro Tech team. These guys met with us after the race and shared some of the rules of the sport. Justin Peck has an entrepreneurial spirit that is infectious; owner of Giveaway Garage, Gear 49, Race Pro Tech and also has an autobiography in production. It was a privilege to learn about off-road racing from someone so passionate.

Table Top Jump

Catching Air!

Next were the grandstands. These are regular bleacher style seating, first come, and first served. We scored a spot up high to see all the action. Water trucks were spraying the dirt track which evaporated very quickly in the desert heat. I settled in my spot and tried to catch a Pokemon Growlithe with no luck and spotty coverage. With fresh lemonade, I gave up and simply waited for the races to start. There are seven different classes of cars, J1 Kart, J2 Kart, Mod Kart, Pro 2, Pro 4, Pro Buggy, and Pro Lite.  Some may look the same but the specifications on them are important to all the racers and their safety as I was soon to find out.

Like most sports in America, there was the National Anthem.  At this event, the Lucas Oil Series honored first responders to the December 2nd terror shootings in San Bernardino.  They presented a $5000 donation towards the SBStrong GoFundMe Campaign. An organization that helps raise money for the victims and their families.  Then there was fire and loud music to let us know the races were starting. With the wave of a green flag, the first race began.

I started screaming when I saw the first cars jumping in the air and fire shooting out from below. Everyone was on their feet. It is pure adrenaline! As I mentioned before, this is not some race where the cars just circle around; Off-Road racing is as much about the mud and jumps as it is about who’s first.  Off-Road is about teamwork. The drivers are assisted by an observer, using radios to give track data, how close competitors are getting. The crew inspects and checks up every detail of the cars before they go out, and fully inspect, repair, and clean every inch of the cars after.

"And they're off!"

“And they’re off!”

The races only last 16 regular laps. It is extended whenever a yellow caution flag is waved. The reasons for caution include collisions with other drivers, a rollover, crash into a rail or wall, and an object in the track. The adrenaline rush watching these races is amazing. The crashes and watching fiberglass body parts flying off of the trucks; it makes for an exciting time.

The race finishes with a traditional checkered flag after each race. the drivers are awarded trophies. The winners stand in front of a background with race sponsors scattered about, along with the name and location of the race. The announcer introduces each winning racer and allows each to say a few words about the race and to thank their crew and sponsors. It is an interesting tradition because the announcer starts with the 3rd place winner and works his way to the 1st place winner.

My initial impression was changed after seeing several races and meeting the drivers and crew. It is a good time filled with excitement leaving me with a desire to see more. The adrenaline packed racing is fun to watch and would be scary to drive, despite my experience with Los Angeles freeways.

The next in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series will be held on September 23 – 24 at the Lake Elsinore MotorSports Park in Lake Elsinore, CA. To find more information go to http://www.lucasoiloffroad.com/

Thank you for reading…

-La Vida Verde

Fan Photo's

Tina Curtis, Justin Peck #49, and me.

Happy Birthday Red!

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This weekend marked what would have been Lucille Ball’s 105th birthday. As I celebrate along with the millions of fans both old and new, I think of how Lucille came to be the infamous Lucille Ball.

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Like many, I own, watch, and rewatch episodes of “I Love Lucy” on a regular basis. I can recite many by heart. While others watch for pure enjoyment, I watch as a teaching tool. I mean, who’s a better comedic teacher than the king of slapstick herself.

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What some may, or may not know, is that before she was Lucy Ricardo, Lucille Ball was the star of B-movies in Hollywood. How on earth did she make the jump from B-star big screen to A-star small screen? She went by way of radio. Turning her radio hit series “My Favorite Husband” into a show about the lovable Ricardos and their pals the Mertzes. MFH provided the content and layout for “I Love Lucy” but that still doesn’t explain how she became the funny gal we all know and love?? Simple. She learned it.

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Don’t misunderstand me, comedy can’t be taught, BUT it can be finessed. And that’s where Buster Keaton comes in. Desi saw the comedic genius that Lucy was and decided to bring in the big boss to help her hone that genius. So Buster, along with Red Skelton, took Ms. Ball under their wing and a star was born. But it wasn’t easy.

When they first started, Buster put Lucy through a scene to see she’d handle a situation. How she’d ‘act’. She bombed. It was at that point that Buster said, (I imagine exactly like this) “look kid, you got great chops but you’re thinking too hard red. We’re gonna run the scene again and this time, I want you to not think. Instead: Listen. React. Then act.”

And the rest, as they say, is television history. Needless to say, she took to heart what Keaton taught her. She later would use those exact words to try and create the next generation of comedians.Except this time she’d tell them to “SHUT UP! Listen! React. Then act.”

The great thing about Buster’s words is that they still remain very true today. In the world of acting (comedy in particular), it’s very important that one doesn’t act. Instead, listen to what’s being said. React to it internally. Then project externally.

Thank you, Ms. Ball. Not only for your timeless comedy but for continuously being a teacher to those of us willing to learn.

Happy birthday Red!!

Lucille Ball has knives thrown at her in the television series 'I Love Lucy', 1951. (Photo by CBS/Getty Images)

Lucille Ball has knives thrown at her in the television series ‘I Love Lucy’, 1951. (Photo by CBS/Getty Images)

Eritrean Woman: Blood of My Blood.

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Fact: By 1990, 40% of Eritrean freedom fighters were made up of women. Making the EPLF the highest percentile of women fighters than any other liberation army worldwide. Let that marinate for a second!!

Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

When I sit back and reflect on this, so many things become clearer in my mind. I’ve always admired the grace that Eritrean women embodied. Couple that with strength, resilience, and a loving heart that’s the cherry atop this sundae. My God, this woman sounds like some sort of medieval sorceress who spends her days strategizing world peace, while cooking monster meals for her little ones before sending them off to school, which she inevitably does on the back of a unicorn. In short, she doesn’t seem real. I mean, how do these women make it all seem so effortless?? Tell me your secrets. Tell me, I say!

The beauty of all this magic is that when you’re born into this reality one doesn’t have to look far. I’m fortunate enough to be talking about the many mothers, aunties, sisters, cousins, & friends I have in my abundantly blessed life.

I mean, is it a wonder that I’m a strong-willed feminist? It’s forged in my make. It runs through my veins. The perception that a woman can do anything and everything a man can. Think about it! Eritrean women have been fighting since 1810. They not only held house and home, they fought on the field alongside their countrymen. At a time in the world where women (although the backbone) were brushed to the side without thought, their opinions dissuaded, it’s knowing the stock one comes from that can shape who we are.

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Courtesy of www.pinterest.com

Sorry mama. Sorry baba. I know of all the things that make the Eritrean woman, you wish I’d veer towards the domestic but that’s a no-go. Strap me up and send this jigna (warrior) to the battlefield (uh, hypothetical battlefield because you know…. I bruise easily 😔)

Jokes aside, I  want to take this moment to thank the thousands of women who’ve paved the way for me. You’ve taught me that my abilities in life can exceed all my expectations if I just do it!

A’day Eri, in all my endeavours I carry your spirit with me. Blood of my blood. 💚❤💛💙

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Bring Your Unique LuLaStyle

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No woman wants to show up to a party wearing her dress. With LuLaRoe, It is quite a different story. Not only will you high-five anyone with the same outfit you own but you will embrace a LuLaRoe sister even if she is in your exact same dress. Let me explain….LuLaRoe is a brand of clothing that will bring out your inner stylist. The Prints are funky and some downright questionable. They make over 1,000 prints and only make a 1,000 of each style in one print. So you rarely see the same print. But when you do, you know you found another LuLaRoe sorority sister.

 

The beauty of this is that it really is Pokemon for adults but in clothing. You’ll want to buy em all! Once you put your legs in your first pair of leggings and feel the “Buttery Soft” fabric for the first time, you will get hooked. Not only are they comfortable but they are affordable and do not show through. These are not just simply funky leggings either. LuLaRoe has dresses, shirts, skirts, jackets, and even a line for kids, teens, and men. But this is an exclusive club and you cannot purchase these things at your local retailers. Like Pokemon go, you are going to have to use one app or another.  LuLaRoe is a multi-level marketing group for independent consultants — sort of a Tupperware of clothing.

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(Pictures courtesy of LuLaRoe)

                                                                                                     

I was introduced to LuLaRoe by one of my besties. She told me I would get hooked and soon feel like a joined a cult. I felt I was stronger than that as I slipped on the flying blue pig print with a red background.  The only thing I had to match this was a denim shirt. Soon enough, I wanted to try one of the dresses. Something that was easy to wear, not too hot for the weather and not too formal. The answer to my question was the Amelia dress. It has pockets! Need I say more?

 

All I had to do was find a print I liked in my size and purchase it. You do this by joining LuLaroe groups and search the picture albums and comment “Sold” on the item you want. Then you have 24 hours to pay for your purchase and it is mailed to you. Sounds simple enough right? Some 80 facebook groups later and I made my purchase — A leopard print Amelia. It came and I was instantly in love with its comfortable fabric and perfect cut of the dress. Now I  am a full-fledged addict. I search for my very own “unicorn’s” (That’s LuLa speak for a print that is hard to find that you want). I have my favorite groups and styles that I search for in particular. I like the Leggings, Randy Top, Perfect Tee, Madison Skirt, and Amelia Dress. I prefer groups that have albums. But there again, the new trend is to sell via Facebook Live streaming video or Periscope as one of my Reps, Elizabeth Olson, does. And like any addict, I refuse to see a problem. LuLaRoe is easy to wear and comes in petite and plus sizes so finding the great fit is easy.

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(Picture courtesy of Elizabeth Olson)

                                                   

Not every print out of the 1000 plus is a winner. So, many of the independent sales consultants have discount items for sale to move their inventory. There are even albums and Pinterest boards with print fails like “LuLaNO!’ A little styling goes a long way. Soon you will be so comfortable in these leggings that you will swear that mustard is the new pink. You’ll  find a way to wear the leggings that have been discounted to $12. The best way to get started is to get social. A simple search for a LuLaRoe group on Facebook or a consultant on Instagram or Twitter is all you need to get started.  If you are lucky, you just might have a friend, who knows a rep, who is having an open house sale. Then, you can try these gems on for yourself.

My First Premiere

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Mission: “Range 15”, Zombie Veteran Movie and the Bad Asses involved with it.

Being the new girl at Jade Umbrella can be quite intimidating. For someone who loves Indie films, I was lucky to land at “Range 15,” a Veteran zombie movie directed by Ross Patterson and has raised $1.1 million via IndieGoGo. It stars a group of impressive military veterans; the Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell, Mat Best, Nick Palmisciano. Medal of Honor recipients Leroy Petry and Clint Romesha produced “Range 15.” It is the first ever veteran-made blockbuster. It was a just a privilege to be with that many decorated veterans at the same time, let alone a movie premiere and this was my own red carpet boot camp. My respect for veterans is deep. Grandfather served the US Army in Korea and my Father-in- Law served in the US Air Force in Vietnam. So when I found myself surrounded by these veterans, actors, producers, and writers; you can imagine how nervous I was. To say that I had overthought the event would be an understatement. Like Scar from the Lion King, I like to be prepared. I stressed out way too much before the event about what I was going to be wearing. I lost sight of what was more important. I got a specs sheet with everyone’s picture on it and their names. These specs sheets are for the media, a “Who’s Who” tool for the event, but I wanted to feel a lot more confident knowing everyone’s name. I wish I had researched everyone like Anne Hathaway’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada.” At the “Range 15” pre-party I got to meet so many people and even met veterans who came out to support the movie even though they were not personally involved. This is where I got to really have a lot of fun taking pictures of everyone.

20160603_213550(Me with a Veteran who came to show his support)

20160603_210356(Weston Scott from “We Are The Mighty” interviewing Mary “WonderNubs” Dague)

20160603_21425320160603_21115820160603_204928(Some candid shots of Jessie Wiseman, Jarred Taylor, Vincent “Rocco” Vargas, Mindy Robinson, and Siva Kaneeswaran)

Soon we were to leave to the Vista Theater for the red carpet. I drove my own car. I also do not have an Uber account. I found great public parking in the heart of the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles. Score! But now I could have gotten stuck walking to the Theater 2 blocks away in 5-inch heels. No thank you, Uber to the rescue! You can guarantee I have an account now. The thought of being anywhere near the infamous red carpet sent me into to a bad episode of “Fashion Police.” I opted for wearing 5-inch heels. They look fabulous and are comfortable for about 3 hours. I was not going to be the focus of these pictures and lost sight that I should be more concerned with everyone else looking fabulous. Those 5-inch heels became the bane of my existence. I had asked permission when I was hired to wear comfortable but fashionable footwear, but when the email came with dressing guidelines, I took “wear heels” a little too literally. As a result, my toes were numb for 5 days. I wish I had the flip-flops I drove in or the beautiful pair of Gracie Dr. Martin’s I had planned on wearing. These are the most beautiful Dr. Martin’s I have ever seen. They should make a line of footwear just for publicists. Look at those fabulous heels below. Ouch!

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(Logan Stark, Black Rifle Coffee and Melissa Jensen, Producers)

I longed for my digital camera at home because I could not compete with large professional flashes. Below is an example what happens when my tablet has to compete with a professional camera flash. The digital cameras these days come with BlueTooth Technology I can upload and post to social media right away. I’d splurge on the waterproof camera. I’ll need it for kayaking and swimming with sharks (more on that later). I carried my Samsung Note Tablet, Samsung Phone, and left my backup charger plugged in at home because I was so nervous. Halfway through the event, my phone died. Luckily I had my tablet to continue taking pictures but I wish I had my backup charger.

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(Bo Roses, costume designer for Range 15)

I learned that I need to be aware of my surroundings and where everyone puts their belongings. Everyone from Jade Umbrella is “slating” stars, taking pictures, and helping everyone and I kept an extra eye on personal belongings to help everyone involved. There is a lot of action and there may not be security. I took the initiative with anything I saw unattended. Paparazzi are not friends and may show up and spoil the fun. I learned to care of celebs. There may not be much we can do other than warning that celeb where paparazzi is lurking or plan to have them walk a different route but that is still better than nothing. I wore an engraved dog tag style necklace that my aunt got all her nieces in my grandfather’s honor to the event. As the night progressed I got more comfortable with conversation by wearing those dog tags. This was good because I asked for my first celeb selfie. Trevor Snarr, one of the actors in “Range 15” also who served 7 years in the air force AKA “Don” (“Summer Weedley’s” boyfriend) from “Napoleon Dynamite” was nice enough to take a selfie with me, not only with his camera but texted it to me since my phone died.

Getting comfortable with this experience was getting better as I shared with everyone that this was my first time. Now, “Range 15” is the #2 comedy in the nation. So far, the butterflies I had in my stomach still have not gone away. Every review I see, every tweet, or blog; I cannot believe how much I lucked out to see this milestone for the Military community.

-La Vida Verde

Ode to A Violin

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From 3rd to 12th grade, I had a hate/love relationship with my #violin. I felt like the biggest nerd, BUT made, and kept, the best friendship of my existence. Not to mention the phenomenal exposure to #music! It was in my sophomore year that I saw, and fell in love with, ‘The Red Violin’. I was CONVINCED that I owned the very violin from the film. (Clearly , no.) Nevertheless, my girl was donned ‘Red’ from that day forward. Recently reunited, it’s the memories that flood my mind that remind me just how much Orchestra taught me. Plus, it’s just the sexiest instrument. In the words of Borgie himself, “never be satisfied”. 🎻

p.s. should have kept at it, don’t quite play the same…

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Farewell Mr. Rickman, thank you.

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Today we lost one of the greatest actors  of our time. I’ve always been fascinated by the impact the loss of a celebrity has on our society. I’m in awe that even though you may have never met the deceased, we still feel an emptiness in their passing. It wasn’t until we lost Alan Rickman that I understood why we feel that sharp pain in our hearts. He brought life to characters in such a way, you’d swear they were written just for him. I was introduced to Alan Rickman in Die Hard. Fell in love with him in Sense and Sensibility. Pissed at him in Love Actually. And thank him for his effortless portrayal of Severus Snape, in my favorite literature series: Harry Potter. Then I start to think of Sweeny Todd… Dogma.. and realize the list never ends.

Some of my friendships blossomed because of our mutual love for A.R. It’s always a sad day when we lose great artists, but this one hurts on a deep and personal level. You shall forever be missed, Rickman. ‘Always’

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B

Sundancing BTS

By | Baby Jade, Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments

When you work in an industry like Hollywood, it’s certainly easy to lose sight of how #lucky you are. Being swept up in a fast paced world full of chaos, your feelings can veer towards anxiety/stress rather than sheer bliss. ‘Cause let’s face it, I’m damn lucky! But sometimes I need reminding….We’re two weeks away from Sundance, and as it approaches, I had to sit back for a minute and appreciate what it all means. I am going to be at indie film mecca (for me anyway). The films that premiere at Sundance Film Festival are some of the best films to come out for the year. For a week, I get to be surrounded by #cinema #creatives. Holy shit! While it’s primo for networking, it’s also f*cking fantastic that I’ll be able to soak up all the #magic, as it happens! Don’t get me wrong, I work hard AF, and the labor is tiring, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am one lucky mother–shut your mouth! I’m talking ’bout Sundance. I can dig it.

Update 1/28: Had the pleasure of hearing Nate Parker talk about the arts and he had this to say: “This is what leadership in the arts looks like.”

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*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Xo, B

Je Suis Paris

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I was going to skip my blog in honor of those who lost their lives during today’s attacks, but then I remembered these words from Dumbledore and knew I had to say a little something.

“…the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, reminds us, that while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.” – Albus Dumbledore
France needs humanity to reign. They need love, peace, & solidarity. Skip any political and/or religious agenda, & stand with Paris. It’s so easy during a tragic event to try and run your own personal agenda. It seems human nature as of late. But when something horrific like this, or the Turkey bombing, or Kenya school terror attacks happen we have to remember one thing first and foremost: people lost their lives. Forget who. Forget why. Just remember that there are families whose lives will never be the same because of the selfish acts of a few. Hate does not run this world, I truly believe that love does. The problem is with hate comes horrific acts. People who love don’t blow buildings or set off suicide bombs. We must find it in ourselves and by uniting with one another to always choose love. To condemn these acts and teach a message of love. How do you do that? By living love. By loving your neighbor as yourself. So many Parisians opened their homes to those fleeing the gruesome scenes of the attacks. THAT is how you live love. THAT is how you shut down terrorists and their plan to thwart light and love. Kill them with the ultimate kindness.

*Thank you for continuously reading my blogs. For more content check out my YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/bethlehemawate*

Let’s connect on social media, I’d love to hear from you:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethlehemawate
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Snapchat: betu_la

Xo, B