clean up your act! Eco-Friendly Household Cleansers

sunshine on a plate Bloom’s Lemongrass Scallops

A Guide to Area Wildflowers

Arizona HomeownerApril / 2010

Thefinancingofyourrealestatecanbeadauntingtask.Youwantthebestinterestrateandyouwantthepre-approval,applicationandcloseofescrowprocessestobehassle-free.Iunderstand.Ilisten.Irespondquickly.•Ispecializeincustom-designingaspecific loanforeachindividualclient.Withover 400loanprogramsatmyfingertips,youwill getamortgagethatbestfitsyourunique situation.•Iusethelatesttechnologyinloan underwriting.You’llreceivealoandecision withinhours.Don’twaitdaystofindoutif youqualifyforthehomeyoureallywant! •Closingthousandsof loansandworkingwith thousandsofborrowers assuresyouthatIhave theknowledgeand expertisetohandle anysituation. •Myimpeccable reputationismybest asset.Ialwaysstrivetoexceedyourexpectations!

CALL ME TODAY!

Brady HollandPresident

480.627.2423 bradyh@ihlending.com

www.ihlending.comMB0905347

Mortgage Ratesas of 3/10/10

Loan Rates for $150K-$417K:• 30 Year Fixed @ 5.000%/5.309%APR• 15 Year Fixed @ 4.500%/4.879%APR• 5/1 ARM @ 3.875%/4.253% APR

Loan Rates for $418K-$1.5M: • 5/1 ARM @ 4.375%/4.672% APR• 7/1 ARM @ 4.750%/5.099% APR

Help for Homeowners• Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. Almost everyone can benefit by either buying a new home or refinancing to a low fixed rate. Call now for a free review of your options.

• First-time homebuyers are eligible for an up to $8K tax credit, and repeat homebuyers are eligible for an up to $6,500 tax credit for buying a home by April 30th, and closing by June 30th.

• If you have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA loan you may be eligible for refinancing even if your owe more on your loan then your home is worth. (Call us to determine if you are eligible.)

ProducedbyDesertLifestylePublishing•480.460.0996•www.DesertLifestyle.net

InventiveHomeLending1400E.SouthernAvenue,Suite615Tempe,Arizona85282

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celebrate spring

Considering Investing in Rental Properties? The good news is that today’s affordable home prices and amount of supply on the market - not to mention low rates and the government’s Homebuyers Tax Credit - present tremendous opportunities for homebuyers who are looking for a great deal. Soured by a volatile stock market in recent years, many savvy investors are taking advantage of low-priced real estate as a long-term investment. While some people choose to be landlords, others have it thrust upon them due to market conditions. If you or someone you know is considering doing the same, contact me for strategies and advice. I have Realtor referrals, lending strategies and first-hand experience for you. I’m here to assist you in any way I can!

*Note: Quotes assume primary home financing with 720+ fico score on a single family property with

20%-30% equity. All quotes offered at 1% origination fee. Certain restrictions apply.

Event CalendarApril 2010

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio SpursUS Airways Center, April 7th602.379.7867 or nba.com/sunsCheer on our very own Phoenix Suns as they slam-dunk their way to victory. 2010 has been a great year for the Suns with two players selected to play in the All-Star Game in Dallas. Special “Beat San Antonio” signs will be passed out to fans for that extra boost of spirit!

Michael BubleUS Airways Center, April 8th 602.379.2000 or usairwayscenter.comWith the recent release of his new album Crazy Love, Michael Buble will be performing his biggest hits right here in Phoenix. Known as the modern-day Frank Sinatra, Buble has released many #1 hits. This show promises to be cinematic and at the same time an intimate experience with the performer.

Scottsdale Culinary FestivalScottsdale Civic Center Plaza, April 13th – 18th480.945.7193 or scottsdaleculinaryfestival.orgThere is just no other local festival that trumps this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Partake in many great events including Bubbles and Bliss, Chef’s Wine Dinner and Best of the Fest. The event that always wows crowds is the Great Arizona Picnic featuring food from over 50 restaurants, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and over 200 beers to sample.

6th Annual Pat’s RunSun Devil Stadium, April 17th480.621.4074 or pattillmanfoundation.orgJoin over 20,000 runners and walkers as they come together to celebrate the memory of football star and military hero Pat Tillman. Complete the 4.2 mile run/walk and continue the fun with a finish-line festival featuring live music, refreshments and an expo. This event raises funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which carries on Pat’s legacy of supporting our future generations with academic scholarships.

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 StepsGammage Auditorium, April 20th – 25th480.965.5062 or asugammage.comThis hysterically funny mystery will keep you on your toes with suspense and nonstop laughter. There are over 150 crazy characters that are all played by a talented cast of only four! The tale begins as a man with a very boring life meets a woman with a thick accent and soon finds her murdered! Buy your tickets ahead of time, this is sure to sell out!

Evening in the TropicsHyatt Gainey Ranch, April 24th480.969.2308 or childcrisis.org/eventsJoin this “tropical oasis in the desert” in support of the Child Crisis Center; an organization assisting children and families in our community burdened with troubled situations. This beautiful event showcases unique Hawaiian traditions, a silent and live auction, a fabulous meal and engaging entertainment.

Featuring Bloom8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale

480.922.5666 or foxrestaurantconcepts.com/bloom.html

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Lemongrass Scallops

Your Home

The world is a greener and healthier place thanks to the trend toward all things eco-friendly. And that’s no truer than in the house cleaning aisle at your local supermarket or home store. All-natural cleaners, laundry detergents, and air fresheners are all the rage. And why not? They smell great and are purported to be better for you and the planet than their conventional counterparts. After all, who wants their floors, kitchen countertops, and bathrooms laden with bleach and chemicals that may be harmful to your health? Especially if you have small children in your home. But is there really a benefit to switching to all-natural and organic cleaners? Studies have linked chemicals found in some conventional cleaning products to everything from asthma to cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that uses the power of public information to protect public health and the environment, household cleaners, as well as bug killers, pet treatments, and air fresheners, can irritate kids’ lungs, especially if your kids have asthma. The chemicals in these cleaning products also eventually end up in our waterways and in the ground so the damage runs deep. Bottom line: If you swap out some old cleaners for some new earth-friendly ones you are definitely doing your part for planet Earth. If you’re looking to make the move to all-natural and organic cleaners, you have many options. From all-natural glass and window cleaner to organic dish soap, the options are varied. Look for ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Since the price tag can be high on these earth-friendly products, why not try making your own? EWG recommends using vinegar in place of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. The biggest offenders in most homes? Air fresheners, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and liquid drain openers, so start replacing these products first. If you are using conventional products, EWG recommends diluting cleaning products with water to lessen the amount of chemicals you are using, opening windows and doors so fumes can escape, wearing gloves to protect skin from any caustic cleaning products, and keeping kids away from toxic cleansers. A few simple switches and you can turn your home into a green domain.

PICACHO PEAK STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.466.3183 WHERE: Take I-10 south toward Tucson. About halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, take Exit 219.

The 1,500’ mountain peak has been a landmark used by travelers across the desert for hundreds of years. It is actually an eroded, resistant lava flow that began 22 million years ago. This is an excellent way to see wildflowers because you can drive through the park and not even exit the vehicle if you don’t want to hike or walk the trails. The Mexican Gold Poppies and other wildflowers are visible from the road inside the park and along ditches all around the park as they blanket the side of the mountain.

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK CONTACT: 480.982.4485WHERE: East of Phoenix near the Superstition Mountains – five miles east of Apache Junction.

This 320-acre park sits at 2,000’ elevation but rises to 5000’ at the top of the Superstition Mountains. With such a diverse change in elevation, the varietals of flowers change along the hiking trails. Flowers typically seen in this area include Mexican gold

poppies, Coulter’s lupine (purple), papago lilies (blue dicks), chuparosa (red), filaree (purple and profuse), brittlebush, globemallow and penstemon.

CATALINA STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.628.5798WHERE: 14 miles north of downtown Tucson in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains.

Catalina State Park is not known for the amazing abundance of flowers but for a variety of wildflowers. More than 300 flowers are catalogued at the park. In 1998 alone, 40 new flower species were identified. The purplish, low-growing filaree usually covers the entire entrance roadway to the park. You may also see creamcups (creamy color), globemallow (orange), owl clover (purple), wooly daisies (tiny white sunflowers), penstemon, and desert phlox. There is a binder in the Visitor Center with a picture of each flower in the park, its common name, when it blooms and where they are found.

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.689.2811WHERE: Approximately one hour east of Phoenix on Hwy 60.

This is a great destination as the drive out to the park is stunning and many of the trails are ADA accessible. Usually on the way out there you’ll see Silly Mountain covered with Mexican gold poppies, purple lupines, and yellow brittlebush. Gonzales Pass, at mile marker 218, is usually breathtaking as well. The Visitor Center offers hikes, a spring plant sale and many other programs.

ORACLE STATE PARKCONTACT: 520.896.2425WHERE: 40 miles north of Tucson off of Hwy 77 through the town of Oracle, in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Oracle State Park grasslands come alive with a variety of blooms in March and April. Over 40 species have been identified, including white and orange mariposa lilies, purple heliotrope, blue dicks and bajada lupine. The ceanothus bush, or wild lilac, is also expected to be covered in white fragrant flowers this spring. Visitors will appreciate the wildflower photo album and plant pressings along with plant lists available in the park office.

SOURCE: www.azstateparks.com

Ingredients:6 each sea scallops (size U10)1 stalk lemongrass1/2 cup black “forbidden” rice1 1/4 cups water5 oz. soy sauce1 oz. rice wine vinegar4 oz. heavy cream3 oz. butter (cut into 1 oz. pieces)2 oz. sugar snap peas2 cups baby spinach1/2 oz. radish sprouts1/2 cup Mizuna lettuce1 oz. olive oilas needed sea saltas needed black pepper

Rice:Place water and rice in an oven-safe container and season with sea salt and pepper. Tightly cover and place in a 350-degree oven. Cook for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.

Sauce:Place soy sauce and rice wine vinegar in a small sauce pot and reduce by two-thirds. Add heavy cream and reduce by half. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for five minutes. Slowly whisk in butter one piece at a time until incorporated. Set aside.

Scallops:Cut lemongrass into six-inch pieces on the bias. Peel outer layers off until the lemongrass is about 1/4 of an inch in diameter, or about the size of a pencil, to create a skewer. Place three scallops on each skewer, season with sea salt and pepper. Heat a 12-inch sauté pan on medium-high heat until hot. Add 1/2 oz. oil into pan. Place scallops into pan and reduce

heat to medium. Cook on each side for two minutes to cook to medium.

Snap Peas and Spinach:Heat a sauté pan on medium heat until hot. Add 1/2 oz. oil to pan and add snap peas. Sauté for one minute and add spinach. Cook for thirty seconds or until spinach is wilted.

To Plate:Place rice in center of plate. Place snap peas and spinach mixture on top of rice. Place scallops on top of snap peas and spinach. Toss radish sprouts and Mizuna lettuce with a little olive oil and rice wine vinegar and season with sea salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Serves two.

HOMEMADE ALL-NATURAL CLEANERS For a green clean, try these simple formulas provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Glass cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar. (This will clean but not disinfect.)

Furniture polish: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil and wipe furniture.

Rug deodorizer: Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

Oven cleaner: Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens).

Drain cleaner: Use a plunger or plumber’s snake.

a GREENER clean

At the Arizona State Parks Department, calls are already coming in from around the country with inquiries regarding the “best bets” for the flower bloom in Arizona. To assist in that effort, the park rangers are monitoring the green fields spreading across the desert watching for the first signs of wildflower blooms. To assist the public in their quest for wildflowers, rangers and volunteers will take daily digital pictures of flowers which will be posted on the state parks website www.azstateparks.com. Or you can call the Wildflower Hotline at 602.542.4988.

Event CalendarApril 2010

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio SpursUS Airways Center, April 7th602.379.7867 or nba.com/sunsCheer on our very own Phoenix Suns as they slam-dunk their way to victory. 2010 has been a great year for the Suns with two players selected to play in the All-Star Game in Dallas. Special “Beat San Antonio” signs will be passed out to fans for that extra boost of spirit!

Michael BubleUS Airways Center, April 8th 602.379.2000 or usairwayscenter.comWith the recent release of his new album Crazy Love, Michael Buble will be performing his biggest hits right here in Phoenix. Known as the modern-day Frank Sinatra, Buble has released many #1 hits. This show promises to be cinematic and at the same time an intimate experience with the performer.

Scottsdale Culinary FestivalScottsdale Civic Center Plaza, April 13th – 18th480.945.7193 or scottsdaleculinaryfestival.orgThere is just no other local festival that trumps this one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Partake in many great events including Bubbles and Bliss, Chef’s Wine Dinner and Best of the Fest. The event that always wows crowds is the Great Arizona Picnic featuring food from over 50 restaurants, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment and over 200 beers to sample.

6th Annual Pat’s RunSun Devil Stadium, April 17th480.621.4074 or pattillmanfoundation.orgJoin over 20,000 runners and walkers as they come together to celebrate the memory of football star and military hero Pat Tillman. Complete the 4.2 mile run/walk and continue the fun with a finish-line festival featuring live music, refreshments and an expo. This event raises funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation, which carries on Pat’s legacy of supporting our future generations with academic scholarships.

Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 StepsGammage Auditorium, April 20th – 25th480.965.5062 or asugammage.comThis hysterically funny mystery will keep you on your toes with suspense and nonstop laughter. There are over 150 crazy characters that are all played by a talented cast of only four! The tale begins as a man with a very boring life meets a woman with a thick accent and soon finds her murdered! Buy your tickets ahead of time, this is sure to sell out!

Evening in the TropicsHyatt Gainey Ranch, April 24th480.969.2308 or childcrisis.org/eventsJoin this “tropical oasis in the desert” in support of the Child Crisis Center; an organization assisting children and families in our community burdened with troubled situations. This beautiful event showcases unique Hawaiian traditions, a silent and live auction, a fabulous meal and engaging entertainment.

Featuring Bloom8877 N. Scottsdale Rd. • Scottsdale

480.922.5666 or foxrestaurantconcepts.com/bloom.html

Loc

al F

lavo

r!

Lemongrass Scallops

Your Home

The world is a greener and healthier place thanks to the trend toward all things eco-friendly. And that’s no truer than in the house cleaning aisle at your local supermarket or home store. All-natural cleaners, laundry detergents, and air fresheners are all the rage. And why not? They smell great and are purported to be better for you and the planet than their conventional counterparts. After all, who wants their floors, kitchen countertops, and bathrooms laden with bleach and chemicals that may be harmful to your health? Especially if you have small children in your home. But is there really a benefit to switching to all-natural and organic cleaners? Studies have linked chemicals found in some conventional cleaning products to everything from asthma to cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that uses the power of public information to protect public health and the environment, household cleaners, as well as bug killers, pet treatments, and air fresheners, can irritate kids’ lungs, especially if your kids have asthma. The chemicals in these cleaning products also eventually end up in our waterways and in the ground so the damage runs deep. Bottom line: If you swap out some old cleaners for some new earth-friendly ones you are definitely doing your part for planet Earth. If you’re looking to make the move to all-natural and organic cleaners, you have many options. From all-natural glass and window cleaner to organic dish soap, the options are varied. Look for ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Since the price tag can be high on these earth-friendly products, why not try making your own? EWG recommends using vinegar in place of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains. The biggest offenders in most homes? Air fresheners, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and liquid drain openers, so start replacing these products first. If you are using conventional products, EWG recommends diluting cleaning products with water to lessen the amount of chemicals you are using, opening windows and doors so fumes can escape, wearing gloves to protect skin from any caustic cleaning products, and keeping kids away from toxic cleansers. A few simple switches and you can turn your home into a green domain.

PICACHO PEAK STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.466.3183 WHERE: Take I-10 south toward Tucson. About halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, take Exit 219.

The 1,500’ mountain peak has been a landmark used by travelers across the desert for hundreds of years. It is actually an eroded, resistant lava flow that began 22 million years ago. This is an excellent way to see wildflowers because you can drive through the park and not even exit the vehicle if you don’t want to hike or walk the trails. The Mexican Gold Poppies and other wildflowers are visible from the road inside the park and along ditches all around the park as they blanket the side of the mountain.

LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK CONTACT: 480.982.4485WHERE: East of Phoenix near the Superstition Mountains – five miles east of Apache Junction.

This 320-acre park sits at 2,000’ elevation but rises to 5000’ at the top of the Superstition Mountains. With such a diverse change in elevation, the varietals of flowers change along the hiking trails. Flowers typically seen in this area include Mexican gold

poppies, Coulter’s lupine (purple), papago lilies (blue dicks), chuparosa (red), filaree (purple and profuse), brittlebush, globemallow and penstemon.

CATALINA STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.628.5798WHERE: 14 miles north of downtown Tucson in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains.

Catalina State Park is not known for the amazing abundance of flowers but for a variety of wildflowers. More than 300 flowers are catalogued at the park. In 1998 alone, 40 new flower species were identified. The purplish, low-growing filaree usually covers the entire entrance roadway to the park. You may also see creamcups (creamy color), globemallow (orange), owl clover (purple), wooly daisies (tiny white sunflowers), penstemon, and desert phlox. There is a binder in the Visitor Center with a picture of each flower in the park, its common name, when it blooms and where they are found.

BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM STATE PARK CONTACT: 520.689.2811WHERE: Approximately one hour east of Phoenix on Hwy 60.

This is a great destination as the drive out to the park is stunning and many of the trails are ADA accessible. Usually on the way out there you’ll see Silly Mountain covered with Mexican gold poppies, purple lupines, and yellow brittlebush. Gonzales Pass, at mile marker 218, is usually breathtaking as well. The Visitor Center offers hikes, a spring plant sale and many other programs.

ORACLE STATE PARKCONTACT: 520.896.2425WHERE: 40 miles north of Tucson off of Hwy 77 through the town of Oracle, in the northern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Oracle State Park grasslands come alive with a variety of blooms in March and April. Over 40 species have been identified, including white and orange mariposa lilies, purple heliotrope, blue dicks and bajada lupine. The ceanothus bush, or wild lilac, is also expected to be covered in white fragrant flowers this spring. Visitors will appreciate the wildflower photo album and plant pressings along with plant lists available in the park office.

SOURCE: www.azstateparks.com

Ingredients:6 each sea scallops (size U10)1 stalk lemongrass1/2 cup black “forbidden” rice1 1/4 cups water5 oz. soy sauce1 oz. rice wine vinegar4 oz. heavy cream3 oz. butter (cut into 1 oz. pieces)2 oz. sugar snap peas2 cups baby spinach1/2 oz. radish sprouts1/2 cup Mizuna lettuce1 oz. olive oilas needed sea saltas needed black pepper

Rice:Place water and rice in an oven-safe container and season with sea salt and pepper. Tightly cover and place in a 350-degree oven. Cook for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.

Sauce:Place soy sauce and rice wine vinegar in a small sauce pot and reduce by two-thirds. Add heavy cream and reduce by half. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for five minutes. Slowly whisk in butter one piece at a time until incorporated. Set aside.

Scallops:Cut lemongrass into six-inch pieces on the bias. Peel outer layers off until the lemongrass is about 1/4 of an inch in diameter, or about the size of a pencil, to create a skewer. Place three scallops on each skewer, season with sea salt and pepper. Heat a 12-inch sauté pan on medium-high heat until hot. Add 1/2 oz. oil into pan. Place scallops into pan and reduce

heat to medium. Cook on each side for two minutes to cook to medium.

Snap Peas and Spinach:Heat a sauté pan on medium heat until hot. Add 1/2 oz. oil to pan and add snap peas. Sauté for one minute and add spinach. Cook for thirty seconds or until spinach is wilted.

To Plate:Place rice in center of plate. Place snap peas and spinach mixture on top of rice. Place scallops on top of snap peas and spinach. Toss radish sprouts and Mizuna lettuce with a little olive oil and rice wine vinegar and season with sea salt and pepper. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!

Serves two.

HOMEMADE ALL-NATURAL CLEANERS For a green clean, try these simple formulas provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Glass cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water. Spray on and use newspaper to wipe dry.

Toilet bowl cleaner: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar. (This will clean but not disinfect.)

Furniture polish: Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of mineral or vegetable oil and wipe furniture.

Rug deodorizer: Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary.

Oven cleaner: Clean spills as soon as the oven cools using steel wool and baking soda; for tough stains, add salt (do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning ovens).

Drain cleaner: Use a plunger or plumber’s snake.

a GREENER clean

At the Arizona State Parks Department, calls are already coming in from around the country with inquiries regarding the “best bets” for the flower bloom in Arizona. To assist in that effort, the park rangers are monitoring the green fields spreading across the desert watching for the first signs of wildflower blooms. To assist the public in their quest for wildflowers, rangers and volunteers will take daily digital pictures of flowers which will be posted on the state parks website www.azstateparks.com. Or you can call the Wildflower Hotline at 602.542.4988.

If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing. Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net

“Making it Happen” is more than just a tagline. Jan

and Mary put those words into ACTION everyday! As

Realtors with extensive expertise and experience, Jan

and Mary know how to make real estate transactions

smooth and successful for each and every client. Selling

Valley homes since 1976, Jan and Mary not only have

a clear understanding of how to navigate in today’s

marketplace, they appreciate the unique needs and

desires of their clients.

Considering buying or selling? Might real estate be a

component of your investment strategy? Put us to work

for you … we provide a standard of care unsurpassed in

the industry today.

www.YouMakeItHome.net

MARY SWENSONABR, CRS, e-PRO

Board Member & Co-Chair, Luxury Home Tour

Past Chair, Premier Marketing Group

602.708.2700Mary@YouMakeItHome.net

JAN ROSSAssociate Broker,

ABR, CRS, GRIBoard Member & Past Chair,

Luxury Home Tour

602.228.8821Jan@YouMakeItHome.net

If you’re ready for Buyer and Seller representation with a standard of care unsurpassed in the industry today, give Jan and Mary a call!

Please visit our NEW websitewww.YouMakeItHome.net

It’s okay to be a “nosy neighbor”, check out homes for sale in your neighborhood using our mapping feature! Or call us to design a custom portal to fit your real estate needs.