Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Year End Giving Opportunity To Keep The Dream Alive!


We appreciate cash donations in any amount, 
and at the end of the year, 
here's a great opportunity for you 
to get a last minute tax benefit from your donation
and help keep Matt Garcia's dream alive.

Please click the "donate now" button below. 
You can use your PayPal account or any credit card,
and you can make it a one-time donation 
or a recurring donation throughout the year.

See our donation page:



Thank you for your generous support 
to keep the dream alive!

HELP SUPPORT YOUTH... STOP CRIME... STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY

Monday, December 26, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Holidays!


May Songs of Joy Fill Your Home with Warmth and Your Heart with Happiness this Holiday Season

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Why are Afterschool Programs Important?



Joe Davis, afterschool advocate, on extending the education day to build better learning environments in safer surroundings.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Help for Kids the Education System Ignores | Victor Rios


Define students by what they contribute, not what they lack -- especially those with difficult upbringings, says educator Victor Rios. Interweaved with his personal tale of perseverance as an inner-city youth, Rios identifies three straightforward strategies to shift attitudes in education and calls for fellow educators to see "at-risk" students as "at-promise" individuals brimming with resilience, character and grit.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Why Do We Feel Nostalgia? - Clay Routledge


Nostalgia was once considered an illness confined to specific groups of people. Today, people all over the world report experiencing and enjoying nostalgia. But how does nostalgia work? And is it healthy? Clay Routledge details the way our understanding of nostalgia has changed since the term was first coined in the late 17th century.

Lesson by Clay Routledge, animation by Anton Bogaty.

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Three Types of Forgiveness and Why They Matter to Us As Leaders


Forgiveness.

We see it in public gestures like Nelson Mandela forgiving his captors after his long imprisonment or when President Ford pardoned President Nixon.

And we often see the results when there is no forgiveness.

Like in the news every day - from revenge violence to road rage to people arguing about reclining seats on airplanes.

Yes, Mandela and Ford were leaders, but how does forgiveness apply to us as "everyday" leaders?

It applies immediately and directly.

But before I share my thoughts, let's start with the three types of forgiveness. They are:

• Forgiveness of self
• Forgiveness of others
• Forgiveness of situations

As I describe each, I believe the relevance to you both personally and as a leader will become clear.
Forgiveness of Self

We all make mistakes. We all exercise poor judgment. We all screw up. It is what we do next that matters most. If, after our mistakes, we live in guilt and in the past where the mistake happened, nothing positive will come from it.

It's considered a universal truth that "we learn from our mistakes". Yet this "truth" is missing a couple of components - lessons in mistakes are there but the learning isn't guaranteed, and the learning won't come if we are living in the mistake or not willing or able to reflect on it, or won't let go of it and forgive ourselves first. A more complete statement of that truth is that "we can learn from our mistakes if we will let ourselves learn and choose to do so."

And that learning can't happen without self-forgiveness.

There are other reasons why self-forgiveness is important. It will allow ourselves to focus on the future, rather than the past, and it will allow us to reduce our stress and frustration (and makes us healthier too).

Forgiveness of Others

Admit it.

When you read the title of this article, this was probably the type of forgiveness you were thinking of.

Think for a second about the way you feel about a person who hasn't forgiven you. Do you want to be around them, or work for or with them? Are you willing to give them your best effort? Or does the barrier between you (which can include self-forgiveness too) keep you from moving forward?

When we don't forgive others, we set ourselves up for animosity, reduced productivity, more conflict and drastically lowered trust.

So how open to forgiving others are you?

Forgiveness of Situations

Things happen that might not be anyone's "fault". Do you know people who continue to dwell on a past situation that caused them grief or pain, even if it was just a situation? When we are able to forgive situations, we are able to let go of those negative feelings and move forward.

Your forgiveness of situations defines how forgiving you tend to be of negative circumstances, events, or situations that are beyond anyone's control. This would include things like illnesses, natural disasters and the like.

Can you let go of these situations so you can move forward?

If you hear yourself saying lots of "If only... " or "If it had just happened that way... " type statements, you likely have a ways to go in this area.

So What?

When we can forgive, we can move from a past focus to a future focus, which provides us with hope, accountability, and the opportunity for growth and advancement. As long as we (or others, or an entire group) are living in the past, no progress can be made.

Because error is part of being human, forgiveness allows mistakes, failure, slip ups, errors in judgment and decision making, flaws and other breakdowns to become a source of increased wisdom and learning. Without the forgiveness, the same events and situations create more divisiveness, angst, conflict and discord.

The best leaders use the practice of forgiveness to transform themselves and their organizations into forward-looking, agile learners and promote better results every day.

But?

If you are still reading and still are having reservations, it is likely that you agree with my premise, but aren't sure how to let go. Perhaps this quotation from the psychiatrist Thomas Szasz will help - "The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget."

The point is instructive. Events, mistakes and mishaps in the past can be learned from, but only if we can let them go through forgiveness. This does not mean we should forget those events, but rather put them in the proper perspective. They are events in the past that we can't change now, but we can learn from.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Eikenberry

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8733671

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Anger, Compassion, and What It Means To Be Strong | Russell Kolts


While anger can feel powerful in our bodies, many of us use angry behavior to avoid dealing with things that make us uncomfortable. Compassion gives us a way to be strong that helps us courageously face the things that scare us—about the world, and about ourselves—and help make them better.

Russell is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Eastern Washington University, where he has taught for the past 16 years and has received numerous honors including twice being named the associated student body’s Faculty of the Year. Dr. Kolts has authored and coauthored numerous books and scholarly articles, including The Compassionate Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, An Open Hearted Life: Transformative Lessons for Compassionate Living from a Clinical Psychologist and a Buddhist Nun (with Thubten Chodron), and the forthcoming Buddhist Psychology and CBT: A Practitioner’s Guide (with Dennis Tirch and Laura Silberstein). Dr. Kolts has pioneered the application of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to the treatment of problematic anger and regularly conducts trainings and workshops on CFT.

Monday, December 5, 2016

A Prosecutor's Vision for a Better Justice System | Adam Foss



When a kid commits a crime, the US justice system has a choice: prosecute to the full extent of the law, or take a step back and ask if saddling young people with criminal records is the right thing to do every time. In this searching talk, Adam Foss, a prosecutor with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office in Boston, makes his case for a reformed justice system that replaces wrath with opportunity, changing people's lives for the better instead of ruining them.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Join Us TONIGHT for The Matt Garcia Foundation's Winter Extravaganza 2016!


December 2nd, 2016 
6:00pm to 8:30pm 
West Texas Street (under the Fairfield Sign) 

All you have to do is make a donation of your choice that day!


TO DO: 

 ♦ ICE SKATE the night away ♦ Play in the SNOW 

 ♦ Capture the fun at the PHOTOBOOTH ♦ Indulge in some delicious HOT COCOA 

 ♦ Create winter CRAFTS ♦ Take home a SOUVENIR

Brace yourself! You are invited to experience the night of your life! Bundle up and come down to the Fairfield sign to experience a winter wonderland in your own town! Yes, you heard right! Snow is coming to Fairfield! Be sure to pick up a cup of hot chocolate, capture the moment with family and friends, complete holiday crafts, and take home your Matt Garcia Foundation balloon! A great time is sure to come when you spend it with the FFINEST!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

The Matt Garcia Foundation's Winter Extravaganza 2016 is December 2nd!


December 2nd, 2016 
6:00pm to 8:30pm 
West Texas Street (under the Fairfield Sign) 

All you have to do is make a donation of your choice that day!


TO DO: 

 ♦ ICE SKATE the night away ♦ Play in the SNOW 

 ♦ Capture the fun at the PHOTOBOOTH ♦ Indulge in some delicious HOT COCOA 

 ♦ Create winter CRAFTS ♦ Take home a SOUVENIR

Brace yourself! You are invited to experience the night of your life! Bundle up and come down to the Fairfield sign to experience a winter wonderland in your own town! Yes, you heard right! Snow is coming to Fairfield! Be sure to pick up a cup of hot chocolate, capture the moment with family and friends, complete holiday crafts, and take home your Matt Garcia Foundation balloon! A great time is sure to come when you spend it with the FFINEST!

Sponsor this magical event and get your business noticed!



For further info: EMAIL advisory@ffinest.org or CONTACT (707) 372-4160

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!


"Be present in all things and thankful for all things.
Maya Angelou 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Alessandra Orofino: It’s Our City. Let’s Fix It



Too often, people feel checked out of politics — even at the level of their own city. But urban activist Alessandra Orofino thinks that can change, using a mix of tech and old-fashioned human connection. Sharing examples from her hometown of Rio, she says: "It is up to us to decide whether we want schools or parking lots, recycling projects or construction sites, cars or buses, loneliness or solidarity."

Thursday, November 17, 2016

HopeMakers: Helping Homeless Youth Embrace Life | Kevin Ryan


A moving talk from a man who has dedicated his life to helping youth overcome rejection, trauma, depression and abuse. He tells us how he came to understand the power of love from three teenagers whose courage taught him about the essence of home, hope and parenthood. His unexpected and heart-rending revelation at the end breaks open the very essence of what it means to love a child.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Don't Miss The Matt Garcia Foundation's Winter Extravaganza 2016!


December 2nd, 2016 
6:00pm to 8:30pm 
West Texas Street (under the Fairfield Sign) 

All you have to do is make a donation of your choice that day!


TO DO: 

 ♦ ICE SKATE the night away ♦ Play in the SNOW 

 ♦ Capture the fun at the PHOTOBOOTH ♦ Indulge in some delicious HOT COCOA 

 ♦ Create winter CRAFTS ♦ Take home a SOUVENIR

Brace yourself! You are invited to experience the night of your life! Bundle up and come down to the Fairfield sign to experience a winter wonderland in your own town! Yes, you heard right! Snow is coming to Fairfield! Be sure to pick up a cup of hot chocolate, capture the moment with family and friends, complete holiday crafts, and take home your Matt Garcia Foundation balloon! A great time is sure to come when you spend it with the FFINEST!

Sponsor this magical event and get your business noticed!



For further info: EMAIL advisory@ffinest.org or CONTACT (707) 372-4160

Friday, November 11, 2016

Dolph Lundgren | On Healing and Forgiveness


The movie Rocky IV turned Dolph Lundgren aka Soviet boxer Ivan Drago into a Hollywood star. Exactly 30 years later the Fulbrighter Dolph Lundgren shares his personal fight worth fighting with a live audience at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. “If you heal yourself you can heal others” is the message of this surprising TEDxFulbright talk about a fighter who became a social activist.

Best known for his performance in Rocky IV as Ivan Drago, Dolph has starred in over 50 films. He was awarded a Fulbright to MIT after graduating at the head of his class in chemical engineering at the Royal Inst. of Technology in Stockholm. He also completed an exchange program with the University of Sydney.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Matt Garcia Foundation Invites You to: Winter Extravaganza 2016!


December 2nd, 2016 
6:00pm to 8:30pm 
West Texas Street (under the Fairfield Sign) 

All you have to do is make a donation of your choice that day!


TO DO: 

 ♦ ICE SKATE the night away ♦ Play in the SNOW 

 ♦ Capture the fun at the PHOTOBOOTH ♦ Indulge in some delicious HOT COCOA 

 ♦ Create winter CRAFTS ♦ Take home a SOUVENIR

Brace yourself! You are invited to experience the night of your life! Bundle up and come down to the Fairfield sign to experience a winter wonderland in your own town! Yes, you heard right! Snow is coming to Fairfield! Be sure to pick up a cup of hot chocolate, capture the moment with family and friends, complete holiday crafts, and take home your Matt Garcia Foundation balloon! A great time is sure to come when you spend it with the FFINEST!

Sponsor this magical event and get your business noticed!



For further info: EMAIL advisory@ffinest.org or CONTACT (707) 372-4160

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, Failure And The Drive To Keep Creating



Elizabeth Gilbert was once an "unpublished diner waitress," devastated by rejection letters. And yet, in the wake of the success of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' she found herself identifying strongly with her former self. With beautiful insight, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers a simple -- though hard -- way to carry on, regardless of outcomes.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

From Pain, to Power to Success: Macio Thompkins at TEDxYouth@TheBeltline



Macio Thompkins is a 19 year old employee of the City of Atlanta and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. Growing up on the Northwest side of Atlanta, Macio had to overcome numerous challenges and hurdles to achieve his dream of graduating high school and being a model of success for his family and friends. However, thanks to Beyond the Bricks program offered this summer at Georgia State University, Macio dreams now include sharing his talent with the world and his message of determination and success.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Join Us For Our Monthly Community Clean Up on Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Monday, October 24, 2016

10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation | Celeste Headlee



When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn a lot about how to have conversations — and that most of us don't converse very well. Celeste Headlee has worked as a radio host for decades, and she knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, clarity and a healthy amount of listening. In this insightful talk, she shares 10 useful rules for having better conversations. "Go out, talk to people, listen to people," she says. "And, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed."

Friday, October 21, 2016

How Does Forgiveness Heal?



Deepak Chopra explains the healing power of forgiveness.

When you have a resentment, grievance , feeling of hostility towards someone or if you have any of the other toxic emotions like guilt, shame, depression or fear, these emotions release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones have effects on the cardiovascular and on the immune systems. You become immune compromised, even your platelets get jittery with the high levels of adrenaline and they start the clotting cascade leading to cardiovascular illnesses, heart attacks and stroke. On the other hand when you forgive and let go the burden of judgment, everything settles down and your body starts to return to homeostasis, which is self regulation and self healing.

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Former Dealer Transcends Post Prison Stigma


Ex-convict Coss Marte transform from a drug kingpin to entrepreneur with the help of non-profit organization Defy Ventures. Now he is giving back.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

How Does the Nobel Peace Prize Work? - Adeline Cuvelier and Toril Rokseth


Among the top prestigious awards in the world, the Nobel Peace Prize has honored some of the most celebrated and revered international figures and organizations in history. But how does the nomination process work? And who exactly is eligible? Adeline Cuvelier and Toril Rokseth detail the specifics of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Lesson by Toril Rokseth and Adeline Cuvelier (of Nobel Peace Center), animation by Zedem Media.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Why Open a School? To Close a Prison | Nadia Lopez


Our kids are our future, and it's crucial they believe it themselves. That's why TED Fellow Nadia Lopez opened an academic oasis in Brownsville, Brooklyn, one of the most underserved and violent neighborhoods in all of New York City — because she believes in every child's brilliance and capabilities. In this short, energizing talk, the founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy (and a star of Humans of New York) shares how she helps her scholars envision a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

The Matt Garcia Foundation's 7th Annual Golf Tournament is TOMORROW


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Thursday, October 6, 2016

How to Raise Successful Kids -- Without Over-Parenting | Julie Lythcott-Haims


By loading kids with high expectations and micromanaging their lives at every turn, parents aren't actually helping. At least, that's how Julie Lythcott-Haims sees it. With passion and wry humor, the former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford makes the case for parents to stop defining their children's success via grades and test scores. Instead, she says, they should focus on providing the oldest idea of all: unconditional love.

Monday, October 3, 2016

Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is Just a Week Away!


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Friday, September 30, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Why You Should Talk to Strangers | Kio Stark


"When you talk to strangers, you're making beautiful interruptions into the expected narrative of your daily life -- and theirs," says Kio Stark. In this delightful talk, Stark explores the overlooked benefits of pushing past our default discomfort when it comes to strangers and embracing those fleeting but profoundly beautiful moments of genuine connection.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

The Matt Garcia Foundation's 7th Annual Golf Tournament is October 10th!


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Join Us For Our Monthly Community Clean Up on Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, September 24th, 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Clint Smith: The Danger of Silence


"We spend so much time listening to the things people are saying that we rarely pay attention to the things they don't," says slam poet and teacher Clint Smith. A short, powerful piece from the heart, about finding the courage to speak up against ignorance and injustice.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness



What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

Monday, September 12, 2016

The Matt Garcia Foundation's 7th Annual Golf Tournament is October 10th!


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Friday, September 9, 2016

5 Tips to Improve Your Critical Thinking - Samantha Agoos


Every day, a sea of decisions stretches before us, and it’s impossible to make a perfect choice every time. But there are many ways to improve our chances — and one particularly effective technique is critical thinking. Samantha Agoos describes a 5-step process that may help you with any number of problems. 

Lesson by Samantha Agoos, animation by Nick Hilditch.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

A Tale of Two Americas. And the Mini-Mart Where They Collided.


Ten days after 9/11, a shocking attack at a Texas mini-mart shattered the lives of two men: the victim and the attacker. In this stunning talk, Anand Giridharadas, author of "The True American," tells the story of what happened next. It's a parable about the two paths an American life can take, and a powerful call for reconciliation.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Join The Matt Garcia Foundation for Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament!


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Sunday, August 28, 2016

How Playing Sports Benefits Your Body ... and Your Brain - Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh


The victory of the underdog. The last minute penalty shot that wins the tournament. The training montage. Many people love to glorify victory on the field, cheer for teams, and play sports. But should we be obsessed with sports? Are sports as good for us as we make them out to be, or are they just a fun and entertaining pastime? Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh show what science has to say on the matter. 

Lesson by Leah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Join Us For Our Monthly Community Clean Up on Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, August 27th, 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Monday, August 22, 2016

Everyday Leadership - Drew Dudley



We have all changed someone's life -- usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other's lives. (Filmed at TEDxToronto.)

Friday, August 19, 2016

Scilla Elworthy: Fighting with Non-Violence



How do you deal with a bully without becoming a thug? In this wise and soulful talk, peace activist Scilla Elworthy maps out the skills we need -- as nations and individuals -- to fight extreme force without using force in return. To answer the question of why and how non-violence works, she evokes historical heroes -- Aung San Suu Kyi, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela -- and the personal philosophies that powered their peaceful protests. (Filmed at TEDxExeter.)

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Join The Matt Garcia Foundation for Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament!


JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF GOLF THE MATT GARCIA FOUNDATION SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce one of our most exciting events of the year. Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament is an opportunity to ensure that the impactful youth and community programs that we support throughout the year will continue.

Our late city councilman, Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation has been able to raise the essential funds needed in "Keeping the Dream Alive." Your participation sends a powerful message that you are partnering with us to make our world a safer and more meaningful place.

The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. All of our sponsors' names will be prominently displayed on our event publications. Your donation is tax deductible. It is our mission to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community.

Thank you in advance for celebrating this hope of creating a better Fairfield for tomorrow!

The Matt Garcia Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 10, 2016, at the beautiful course of Green Valley Country Club. CLICK HERE for more details.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE - MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

9:30AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION 
11:00 AM | SHOTGUN START 
4:30PM | NO-HOST BAR 
5:30PM | DINNER

Saturday, August 13, 2016

How Jobs Can Help Kids Stay in School



The NewsHour's American Graduate team recently traveled to Boston to report on youth employment rates and how the city is reaching out to businesses in an effort to link the classroom to potential careers.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Why You Think You're Right -- Even If You're Wrong | Julia Galef


Perspective is everything, especially when it comes to examining your beliefs. Are you a soldier, prone to defending your viewpoint at all costs — or a scout, spurred by curiosity? Julia Galef examines the motivations behind these two mindsets and how they shape the way we interpret information, interweaved with a compelling history lesson from 19th-century France. When your steadfast opinions are tested, Galef asks: "What do you most yearn for? Do you yearn to defend your own beliefs or do you yearn to see the world as clearly as you possibly can?"

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Nadine Burke Harris: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime



Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain. This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer. An impassioned plea for pediatric medicine to confront the prevention and treatment of trauma, head-on.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Theaster Gates: How to revive a neighborhood: with imagination, beauty and art



Theaster Gates, a potter by training and a social activist by calling, wanted to do something about the sorry state of his neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. So he did, transforming abandoned buildings to create community hubs that connect and inspire those who still live there (and draw in those who don't). In this passionate talk, Gates describes his efforts to build a "miniature Versailles" in Chicago, and he shares his fervent belief that culture can be a catalyst for social transformation in any city, anywhere.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Join Us For Our Monthly Community Clean Up on Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, July 30th, 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Mark Bezos: A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter



Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected -- but that taught him a big lesson: Don't wait to be a hero.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Relay For Life is This Saturday - Find Out How You Can Help FFINEST 4 A Cure


Join FFINEST 4 A CURE Team at this years Relay for Life 

July 16th, 2016

FFINEST 4 A CURE: Inspired by the History of Dr Gordon Klatt's and his Heroic 83.6 Miles of continuous running & walking which brought awareness to a day in the life of a person dealing with cancer, and to generate resources 4 A CURE. 

The MATT Garcia Foundation, FFINEST 4 A CURE Team is committed to Strengthening our Communities, and is simply following the example of Dr Klatts, "Keep up the Fight" as we run 365 continuous accumulative Laps (90.4 miles) to represent each day in a calendar year. 

Please join our Team or invest in FFINEST 4 A CURE, "Running to Raise Resources" and pledge a lap sponsorship; i.e. $1.00 per lap at 10 laps, equals a $10 contribution. 
Visit our Booth during the Relay for cash prizes, gift cards and so much more.

Looking forward to seeing you at Armijo High School July 16th-17th to rally the support of all the Teams...walking & Running Laps.

Email Raymond info@mattgarciadreamteam.org or call/ preferably text him at 707 310-4152.

Monday, July 11, 2016

The Secret to Effective Nonviolent Resistance | Jamila Raqib


We're not going to end violence by telling people that it's morally wrong, says Jamila Raqib, executive director of the Albert Einstein Institution. Instead, we must find alternative ways to conduct conflict that are equally powerful and effective. Raqib promotes nonviolent resistance to people living under tyranny -- and there's a lot more to it than street protests. She shares encouraging examples of creative strategies that have led to change around the world and a message of hope for a future without armed conflict. "The greatest hope for humanity lies not in condemning violence but in making violence obsolete," Raqib says.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Join FFINEST 4 A Cure Team at This Year's Relay For Life!



Join FFINEST 4 A CURE Team at this years Relay for Life 

July 16th, 2016

FFINEST 4 A CURE: Inspired by the History of Dr Gordon Klatt's and his Heroic 83.6 Miles of continuous running & walking which brought awareness to a day in the life of a person dealing with cancer, and to generate resources 4 A CURE. 

The MATT Garcia Foundation, FFINEST 4 A CURE Team is committed to Strengthening our Communities, and is simply following the example of Dr Klatts, "Keep up the Fight" as we run 365 continuous accumulative Laps (90.4 miles) to represent each day in a calendar year. 

Please join our Team or invest in FFINEST 4 A CURE, "Running to Raise Resources" and pledge a lap sponsorship; i.e. $1.00 per lap at 10 laps, equals a $10 contribution. 
Visit our Booth during the Relay for cash prizes, gift cards and so much more.

Looking forward to seeing you at Armijo High School July 16th-17th to rally the support of all the Teams...walking & Running Laps.

Email Raymond info@mattgarciadreamteam.org or call/ preferably text him at 707 310-4152.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Extraordinary Times Demand Extraordinary Leadership: René Carayol at TEDxPlainpalais



René reveals through breathtaking examples how culture superseeds vision and endures the most extraordinary situations. René Carayol, one of the world's leading business gurus specializing in leadership and culture. Drawing from his own unique experiences on the boards of the biggest British and American organizations; from Marks & Spencer and Pepsi to IPC Media and the Inland Revenue, René has had the privilege of working closely with some of the world's best leaders; Sir Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, Ko Annan and Colin Powell to only name a few!

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Programs Aim to Rehabilitate Rather than Incarcerate



In America's juvenile justice system, experts say girls, who make up a larger portion of incarcerated youth than in the past, have often been victims of trauma and abuse. Now, programs in Jacksonville, Florida, aim to rehabilitate rather than incarcerate. NewsHour's Megan Thompson reports.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Join FFINEST 4 A Cure Team at This Year's Relay For Life!



Join FFINEST 4 A CURE Team at this years Relay for Life 

July 16th, 2016

FFINEST 4 A CURE: Inspired by the History of Dr Gordon Klatt's and his Heroic 83.6 Miles of continuous running & walking which brought awareness to a day in the life of a person dealing with cancer, and to generate resources 4 A CURE. 

The MATT Garcia Foundation, FFINEST 4 A CURE Team is committed to Strengthening our Communities, and is simply following the example of Dr Klatts, "Keep up the Fight" as we run 365 continuous accumulative Laps (90.4 miles) to represent each day in a calendar year. 

Please join our Team or invest in FFINEST 4 A CURE, "Running to Raise Resources" and pledge a lap sponsorship; i.e. $1.00 per lap at 10 laps, equals a $10 contribution. 
Visit our Booth during the Relay for cash prizes, gift cards and so much more.

Looking forward to seeing you at Armijo High School July 16th-17th to rally the support of all the Teams...walking & Running Laps.

Email Raymond info@mattgarciadreamteam.org or call/ preferably text him at 707 310-4152.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Join Us For Our Monthly Community Clean Up on Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, June 25th, 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.

Monday, June 20, 2016

S.T.A.N.D. - Support



The Matt Garcia Foundation supports various youth organizations throughout the community by providing sponsorship to local youth sports teams and other nonprofit groups that benefit the young people of Solano County.

The Foundation has given thousands of dollars to the PAL Youth Center here in Fairfield, which provides after-school activities to local teenagers. This money has helped to purchase computers, a recording studio, roller skates, and much more.

The Foundation also gives out several college scholarships a year to graduating seniors through the Assist-A-Grad program.

 https://www.grouprev.com/standwithffinest

Friday, June 17, 2016

Can You Really Tell If a Kid is Lying? | Kang Lee



Are children poor liars? Do you think you can easily detect their lies? Developmental researcher Kang Lee studies what happens physiologically to children when they lie. They do it a lot, starting as young as two years old, and they're actually really good at it. Lee explains why we should celebrate when kids start to lie and presents new lie-detection technology that could someday reveal our hidden emotions.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

S.T.A.N.D. - Advocate


In a direct effort to curb the violence in our community and advocate for peace, the foundation has sponsored several successful gun buy-back programs that have taken hundreds of unwanted guns off the streets.

The president of the Foundation, Teresa Courtemanche, has also advocated by going into the prisons and speaking to prisoners serving life sentences about the impact of Matt’s murder on her family and community.

These prisoners are a part of a program that helps them improve their lives and take responsibility for their actions. As a result, the Foundation has received letters and checks from some of these prisoners whose lives have been changed as a result of the program and her visits.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Message to Matt Garcia Graduates: Strive for Excellence

Matt Garcia Career and College Academy Craig Dixson hugs friends after the school's graduation ceremony at the Fairfield City Council Chambers, Wednesday. (Robinson Kuntz/Daily Republic)

By

FAIRFIELD — The Matt Garcia Career and College Academy graduated its first class Wednesday. The school was formerly known as the Matt Garcia Learning Center.


Five teens, dressed in black caps and gowns, received their diplomas.

“You not only represent Fairfield-Suisun Unified (School District),” Superintendent Kris Corey told the students, “you represent Fairfield’s finest because you are Matt Garcia graduates.”

Corey shared a brief history about Garcia, one of the youngest people ever elected to public office. He was killed in a case of mistaken identity in 2008.

“Keeping the Dream Alive” is a theme of the foundation that bears Garcia’s name.

Corey spoke of researching what it means to have a dream about graduation.

“Your dream is a reality,” she told the students.

Commencement speaker Ariday Fuentes told her fellow graduates they started school as children and were leaving as adults. She noted each will follow their own path now but should hold their heads high and keep their hearts full of hope.

“Strive for excellence in every task, large of small,” she said. “The future is truly in our hands. Let’s make the most of it.”

Principal Jacqueline Kearns held back a few tears after the graduates received their diplomas.

“I am so proud of each of you,” she said. “You have gone through tremendous struggles to be here.”

She also shared some words of wisdom for teachers that included everything from “smile” to “little things make a big difference.”

Graduate Paola Silva-Ramirez came to the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy having earned all F’s in high school. She found an environment to thrive in.

“The people care,” she said of the staff and students. “They get to know you.”

Holding her diploma, a gift bag, balloons and congratulation signs, Silva-Ramirez said she was looking forward to more learning, possibly becoming an ultrasound technician.

“This day means the world to me,” she said. “It’s opened new doors and opportunities. I know if I’ve made it this far, I can make it further.”

Craig Dixson, who called himself a “super senior,” said graduation was best summed up in one word: Accomplishment.

“I’ve been in (high) school five years,” he said. “I never gave up and now it’s done.”

He plans to work in the summer and head off to the Job Corps in the fall.

“That’s the beginner’s plan,” he said.

Todd and Kristy Neal watched as their son Bret Neal finished high school. He’s the youngest of four children.

“I’m so proud of him,” Todd Neal said.

“Matt Garcia gave him the opportunity,” Kristy Neal said. “He went from a 1.6 (grade-point average) to a 4.0.”

The Matt Garcia Career and College Academy serves sixth through 12th grades and focuses on project-based learning.

Article Source: Daily Republic 

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Why Not Put the Gun Down?: Yoni Hernandez at TEDxYouth@Watsonville



At the age of seven, in Chiapas, Mexico, Yoni was shot during the uprising of the Zapatistas. Immigrating to the United States, Yoni was bullied at school and sought protection from a gang when he attended Watsonville High. Yoni's life story and message: Why Not Put the Gun Down? is relevant for youth involved in gangs and adults involved in war. Yoni's life is a story of triumph and courage.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Pam Warhurst: How We Can Eat Our Landscapes



What should a community do with its unused land? Plant food, of course. With energy and humor, Pam Warhurst tells at the TEDSalon the story of how she and a growing team of volunteers came together to turn plots of unused land into communal vegetable gardens, and to change the narrative of food in their community.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Support The Matt Garcia Foundation Through AmazonSmile!

Click the logo above to start shopping!

You can help support The Matt Garcia Foundation by shopping through AmazonSmile.

  • Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The Matt Garcia Foundation whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
  • AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same Amazon Prime benefits.
  • Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

Monday, May 30, 2016

Memorial Day Tribute



A tribute to the men and women who gave their lives fearlessly defending the freedoms we all enjoy. God bless them.

Friday, May 27, 2016

The Science of Compassion



Reaching out and contributing to the lives of others doesn't only make you a good person. The act of compassion has major health benefits, starting with the alleviation of stress.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Join Us for Our Special Community Service Day this Saturday!

 
When: Saturday, May 28th 2016 at 9am 

Where: Starbucks Downtown Fairfield 700 Jefferson St Corner of Jefferson & Texas (map)

Description: We meet every last Saturday of each month (weather permitting). We clean up different locations and neighborhoods. Please join us. All are welcome

At the Matt Garcia Foundation we don’t want to complain about this, we want to create solutions to problems. It is with this spirit that we began our Monthly Community Clean Ups.

On the last Saturday of every month, volunteers get together and clean up a neighborhood in Fairfield. We pick up trash, work on landscaping paint windows, fix fences – all in an effort to improve our community. This is another example of community coming together to help make a difference.

The Matt Garcia Foundation Dream Team, is all about stepping up and stepping out of ourselves to serve others and our communities to be a part of the solution. Matt would say ” if you see a piece of garbage on the ground, please just pick it up” How simple is that! So, that is what we do.