From left to right: Aaron, Ethridge, Lupe Ernesto and Luz

On any Tuesday night, floor manager Traci Grant presides. Jam-packed in the classrooms, hallways and stairwells are scores of desks and chairs. Every bit of space in this modest, two-story building is used for learning. Students sit together with volunteer tutors in small groups. Each group represents a miniature “classroom” where the opportunities to interact are maximized. The energy, focus, and enthusiasm are palpable. So is the decibel level.
Kate Diggins has taught at the Guadalupe Center since returning from a Peace Corps assignment in 1992. She now oversees seven teachers and staff, and also teaches three student groups. “It’s important to keep your hand in,” she says, “so you know what your teachers are dealing with.”
Above all, Kate recruits volunteers. The program tries to maintain a two-to-one ratio of students to volunteers, who are the program’s heart and soul. The staff provide the materials and lesson plans, but volunteers make it happen. Kate notes if she had one wish it would be for an “never-ending stream of superlative volunteers–happy, enthusiastic, skilled, and dedicated.”
Kate’s favorite success story is Eugenio Gonzalez from Tijuana, Mexico. Eugenio was 58 when he joined the Guadalupe family, unable to speak English and barely literate. His third grade teacher called him a “burro.” Returning to school was a scary undertaking indeed.
When he started, Eugenio had no home. He slept on a mattress in the auto body shop where he worked. He cycled ten miles to school and back. The Center helped sponsor Eugenio with a TRAX pass, and he attended class faithfully for five years. He graduated from the program at the age of 63. He had gained four language levels and delivered a speech in English at the final ceremony that he wrote and memorized.
As Kate tells it, “It is not always about just English. It’s about feeling empowered. There are seeds of possibility patiently sleeping within each of us.” As Eugenio would say, “Exacto.” §

Josie Valdez is running for the Utah State Senate

Josie Valdez is running for the Utah State Senate District 8 Seat. She is just one of nine Democrat Latinos running for office in November. They are all part of a larger political action committee and a force to be reckoned with. “We are done allowing politicians to make all the decisions for us. We want to sit at the table where decisions are being made.”

Valdezs’ accolades include: Utah Business magazine, Woman to Watch, Top 20 Business leaders by the State of Utah, and Valdez is also a recipient of the Utah Pathfinder Award.

Life as a Hispanic political candidate is not easy in Utah. Despite a substantial population increase of self-identifying Hispanics in the 2010 US Census, there is little indication of this shift on Capitol Hill. A new crop of Hispanic political hopefuls have emerged. Among them is the indomitable Josie Valdez. Wearing a Jackie O style pink suit, she enthusiastically pursues the Utah Senate

8 seat created by redistricting. Josie Valdez has a vital, infectious energy. At the Salt Lake Democratic county convention hers was the only race to be so a close she will have to run a primary race before squaring off with the Republican candidate in November. Josie is running against a well-educated white, male opponent: Ty McCartney. Her concern is underrepresentation of women due to recent losses of seats in the legislature.

A quick look at the numbers substantiates candidate Valdez’s point. Virtually any person who is not an LDS white male is likely underrepresented in the Utah Legislature. According to the National Conference on State Legislatures website 95% of the legislature is Caucasian. A total of 83% of legislators are ages 50-65+ and 82% are male.

According to the 2010 US Census website, 13% of Utah’s population is Hispanic. Only 5% of the legislature is Hispanic. Women comprise only 18% of the state legislature yet 50% of Utah’s entire population is female. Why are the demographics of the legislature important anyway? Policy is best made by everyone affected. A true representative democracy must feature actual representation not merely good intentions.

You are a minority in the Minority Party in Utah. With all the power and support the Republican Party has in Utah do you believe you are fighting an uphill battle?

The Hispanic caucus was once the largest caucus in the Democratic Party. I don’t see that kind of support in the Republican Party. It is an uphill battle, but we are respected for the contributions we make to our society and in our party. We are very active in our party. We are united together. In the democratic party, we are not seen as a minority group but a part of the Democrats.

What is your background?

I am retired. Having served as Assistant District Director for the US Small Business Association—I was over all the specialty programs—I was the first person of color in the history of Utah to ever run for Lieutenant Governor. I ran with Bob Springmeyer in 2008. I have been very active in the Democratic Party for years. I have a whole list of accolades. I believe in the performance of excellence and when you perform in excellence you will be rewarded for that excellence.

What Are Some of Your Goals if You Become a Utah State Senator?

As a Latina I have made it my objective that we aren’t just a part of the Latino community but we are a part of the total community. And we are not a second class, I even hate the term “minority.” I don’t consider myself a minority. I think we should all look at ourselves as Utahns. Once we look at ourselves as Utahns and all a part of a community I think it will make a positive image for ourselves and our future generations.

There are some great things we are doing through the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We awarded $1 million worth of scholarships— we are not just tacos, tamales and low-riders, we are truly making a contribution to the future generations. The Chamber of Commerce also awarded $1 million to business start-ups. We are truly heading in a positive direction to be a big part of Utah now and for future generations. “We are done allowing politicians to make all the decisions for us. We want to sit at the table where decisions are being made.”  Visit the following link for more information on Josie and her bid to enter the Utah Senate.

The Sherlock Holmes Pub in London is about a block from the Thames in Westminster. The Pub not only features some excellent authentic draught and cask ales, but it also serves as a museum of Holmes’ artifacts including posters and a recreation of Sherlock Holmes study and labratory.

Driving under the influence is a big problem, and even members of the legislature are being busted for DUI which is why I’ve diligently prepared this special report written just for them, on how to enjoy health, happiness and wellness by learning a thing or two from the British regarding Utah liquor policy.

1. Beer is not evil. Beer an old sacred beverage developed by monks, prepared out of love and devotion to God in the belief that he loves us and wishes us to be happy.
2. Nearly every home in England is within a stone’s throw of a pub. Due to this fact, DUI is much less of a problem in the UK then it is in the US (and esp. Utah) because nobody is required to drive long distances to enjoy a fine ales and lagers.
3. Pubs, also know as public houses, facilitate fine opportunities to share ideas and grease the wheels of democracy.
4. If every neighborhood had at least one pub, more people would walk, which could aid in decreasing obesity.
5. Beer is available inside of every major college at Cambridge University. Every college has both a chapel for praying and a pub for living. (This is a fact). And Cambridge is one of the top learning institutions in the world.
6. Utah offers some of the best beer in the world. Let’s celebrate this fact by allowing everyone who visits Utah easier access to enjoy our wonderful microbrews by allowing more that just the 3.2s on tap. Visitors to Wyoming can drink Utah’s Epic beer on tap but in Utah we cannot.
7. Beer and pubs thwart depression by providing free, cheap therapy as opposed to spending years and dollars in counseling or suffering the long-term side-effects of anti-depressants.
8. The more pubs a city allows, the more tourism dollars a city generates. Tourists choose Colorado over Utah in part because of the liquor laws despite our resort’s superior ratings.
9. Children should be allowed in pubs with their parents. Children unaccompanied by parents should receive a free beer and a puppy.  This policy is common to English pubs.
10. For the members of the Utah State Legislature currently drinking behind closed doors, I’d like to invite you to come out and enjoy the wide-wonderful-world of beer and pubs, as certainly Brigham Young and Joseph Smith once did.

Tips In Choosing Pubs to Patronize in the UK

Early on in exploring pubs in England we were often disappointed by the sanitized corporate menus in many of the pubs which appeared interesting from the outside. The food was bland, dull, overcooked and boring–and the service was poor. After visiting a few places like this, we noticed a trend: whenever we found the menu to be something out of a corporate-America chain restaurant, the food was terrible. I finally learned that while these pubs appear local, many are in fact a part of giant corporate entities such as Green King Brewery and Wetherspoon. Don’t waste your time and pounds in these pubs. Instead visit Free Houses or Pubs in which you can witness the personal touches of an involved owner, like those recommended below.

We visited a few pubs in London, but we found the village pubs in Cambridgeshire far superior to those in  London. The pubs we visited in London were full of people– jam packed all in their own little cliques. The rural villages offer great historical attractions such as ruins from ancient Abbeys, beautiful architecture, churches, ancient mills and gardens. Most of even the tiniest English villages have their own pubs, where we often met very cool people and had great service and food.

Unfortunately, these pubs are dying in the UK, as the government is imposing greater taxes on beer. These taxes have little or no effect on the corporate  pubs, but has a severe impact on the village pubs. This is due to the fact village pubs must keep their prices very low in order to appeal to the locals, who have less disposable income than the urbanites. So in effect the UK Parlament, rather than preserving and protecting these cultural and social institutions, they are killing them through taxes. Does this sound familiar?

Still, there are some real gems like the Plough in Cotton. And the Willow Tree in Bourne, which has amazing food (unfortunately a rarity in the UK). Our number one favorite pub is defiantly the Pig and the Falcon in Saint Neots, which features 10 excellent Belgium beers, many I never tasted, as well as hundreds of the best beers from all over Europe. We also came on a night they had a “jam session” and  listened to some excellent live bands– both punk and classic rock. I hope that someone from the UK Parliament opens their eyes to the harm they are causing to rural England by imposing these taxes, just as I hope the Utah State Legislature understands the damage they cause to Utah and some of our best local businesses by over regulating our liquor laws.

Did you like this? If so you will also enjoy, a Tour of Great Beer, Pubs and History in Brussles, Belgium.

Aviatrix Band Members: Luis, Alexis, Adam and Brian

Chances are good you’ve seen a local band perform, sometimes amateurs, sometimes pros, but you can bet that every musician puts a lot of energy into each show. Most local bands, however, can’t stay afloat and it’s not surprising why, but here are three local bands that work it: Aviatrix  – Alexis (vocals), Brian (guitar), Luis (bass), Adam (drums). Aviatrix has been on SLC stages roughly once a month for a little over two years. For them, getting gigs hasn’t changed much since the beginning except now they don’t do so much cold-calling. As Aviatrix networked with other local bands, their show opportunities increased, but not all shows pay. Every month, each member of Aviatrix puts $200-$300 of their own money into the project. Despite this financial sacrifice, they are still excited to play free shows. Adam explains, “Payment is motivation only in that we’re a small, struggling act, and selling a shirt or making any kind of money helps our project move forward.” Exit Strategy – www.facebook.com/exitstrategymusic – Ash (vocals), Duncan (guitar), Austin (bass), Charlie (drums). Having been in a band before, Ash was no stranger to the local music scene when she posted

Duncan, Exit Strategy

the Craigslist ad which brought Exit Strategy together. Exit Strategy consistently plays one to three times a month while also managing to integrate new members when necessary. “We have gone through a few band members,” Ash says. This doesn’t seem to slow them down though. Recently, a representative from Kilby Court contacted Ash to help them put together a charity show called Gay Rocks. Thanks to Ash’s efforts the show was a success, “We ended up with eight bands, and six poets that night. We had $1 from every ticket sale donated to the Utah Pride Center, and we ended up raising over $100.” The Whits – www.thewhitsband.com – Amy (vocals), Todd (keys), Stephen (guitar), Mike (bass), Robbie (drums). Todd says, “In the music world, nobody is going to hand you anything. You have to really want it.” The Whits really do. If you haven’t heard of them, a glance at their Facebook page (2400 likes!) alludes to how far they’ve already come in gaining a reputation in Utah. Four out of the five Whits met in the Commercial Music program at BYU and almost all of them now work in the music industry full-time, but they had the same humble beginnings as any local band – plus one awesome opportunity: opening at the Stadium of Fire last year. Amy weighs in on the five-round competition, “It was a long road, pretty involved, but worth every step and we still are in awe at

how many people really stepped up to help us…friends, family, fans. We owe them for that opportunity.”

caption: Duncan, Exit Strategy

Ray's Barbershop Salt Lake City, Utah

Words to describe the service Ray Francom and his professional staff offer men at their new downtown SLC location just blocks from City Creek. Pampering sounds too girly, but the personal touch men receive is more than just a generic haircut. Ray’s Barber Shop is a comfortable place for men to come and relax while getting an indulgent shave, cut or shoe shine. Ray expertly combs and clips with the deft skills of a practiced craftsman. Casual barber-client banter can be heard between the sounds of electric clippers and the vibrating hum of the professional oscillating massager used to provide the grand finale pampering touch. Ray is keen on providing a niche for the urban man. The spacious shop at 154 S. Main has 12 chairs, and hopefully soon that many barbers to serve a growing business. “I’m really glad he opened up downtown,” a first-time customer says. “I can come here after work, and don’t have to waste time on a Saturday getting a haircut,” an encouraging remark for a business that relies on regulars. “We want returning customers,” Ray says, which is the primary reason he opened on Main, to cater to the 8-5 crowd. The new City Creek development may be the topic of conversation between barber and client and Ray is curious to see how the mall’s presence will affect his business traffic. There’s a lot of national press touting

the property as a Mormon mall, an isolated commercial contrivance serving a discrete clientele, but Ray thinks the mall and the greater downtown area will blend “because the stores, like Foot Locker, aren’t typical Mormon stores. I see tourism generating mall clientele, but they’re not stores that only Mormons go to.” “Being next to City Creek,” Ray notes, “is a bonus because I know it will bring people downtown,” though in the opening days of the mall he didn’t see the overfl ow local businesses expected. There is a residential component to the development, however, that Ray anticipates boosting his client base. “The mall could hurt some of the small business retailers, but it won’t negatively affect what we do.” After a trend shift in the salon industry that almost made barbershops obsolete, the classic and utilitarian style of this historic male retreat has made a comeback as men realize they appreciate the gender-specific service and atmosphere. “Men,” Ray confirms, “are liking having their own spot.”

Address: 154 S. Main  Business Hours: M-Sat 8 am-9 pm. Visit Ray on Facebook. Or visit Ray’s Website

Children's theater owner James Parker

Last June, the Children’s Theatre purchased the old Avalon Theater on 3605 South and State. Director James Parker has been doing extensive renovations to the historic property. James explains how his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, started the theater in 1986 and operated in the early days, renting out Abravanel Hall, The Capitol Theatre, and Kingsbury Hall. The Children’s Theatre is scheduled to reopen with the production Flash Gordon on April 20th but will still be relying on donated funds from the public to complete the property remodel. Visit the Children’s Theater Facebook page to see progress on their renovation, or visit their website.

Brother David outside of the Trappist Monastery in Eden, Utah

Founded in 1947 by the Roman Catholic Trappist order, this 1,800 acres of pristine land in Ogden Valley offered the monks solitude, silence and separation from the world, qualities unchanged in the spirit of the Trappists since being founded by St. Benedict in the Middle Ages.

Father Patrick arrived in 1950 and remembers a vibrant time when upwards of 80 men constituted the monastic community-at-large. Now there are more crosses in the cemetery than monks living in the quarters. Collectively these men form a living body of considerable wisdom regarding the human experience. They spend their time in individual and communal prayer that they believe, “has an effect on individuals and society.” Monks provide counseling for the greater community and Father Patrick delivers Hail Marys over the phone to callers as he minds the gift shop on Saturday. “Currently there are only 15 men who live, work and pray at Our Lady. Two are recovering from hospital procedures, and of the 13 monks on-site, 11 are over the age of 80. “We buried four more last year,” Father Patrick remarks.

In years past, farm work at the monastery included growing and harvesting hay, raising cattle, making cheese and running a dairy operation (Trappists in America have never brewed beer). Father David recalls bucking 30,000 bales of hay a season. The monks made and sold whole wheat bread for 50 years. For 45 years they produced Trinity Abbey honey. Visitors to the gift shop are disappointed to learn that four months ago the monks ceased making their acclaimed honey. “We didn’t run out of bees,” Father Patrick quips. “We ran out of monks!” Which raises the question, where are the new monks?

Recently the monastery’s governing body has closed the novitiate and no new monks will be joining Our Lady’s Trappists. “We’re too old,” acknowledges Father David. “It takes six years to prepare to take final vows and we don’t have the manpower or time to train new people.”

Trappists might be a 12th century order but they are no strangers to technology.

“Also,there is so much noise in the world today that the subtle, divine voice is not heard,” Father David adds. Father Leander agrees and astutely comments from his 87-year old perspective that in addition to the distractions of modern culture “the opportunities young men have for employment these days are much broader.” With no youth to re-infuse vitality into the monastery, the Huntsville landmark has a lifespan fewer in years than most of the current residents. “This particular community,” Father Leander reflects, “will dissolve.” As for what will happen to the monastery property, Father David embraces the unknown. “The Lord’s plan is unfolding, and we watch it unfold.” But Father Patrick is ready. As he turns to say good-bye, his eyes sparkle as he smiles, “Well, I’ll see you in Heaven! I’ve got my bags packed!” §

Naturists enjoy performing all sorts of tasks around the house free from the confines of clothing.

What do you have to hide, if you al already naked?

Utah’s one of the best states for being an independent naturist,” claims Ed Stimpson. Independent naturist? Sounds like it could be a new green movement political party, but what Stimpson, former CEO of the Utah Naturists Club, is talking about is being alone and in nature…naturally. Naturally, asin naked. Also referred to as nudists, naturists are people who prefer to spend time in the buff whether alone or hanging out, so to speak, with friends. For those who don’t understand why anyone might want to disrobe publicly, Ed has one word: freedom. Freedom? Like the freedom of feeling the sun and wind on your skin? No, freedom as in the freedom of not being judged, especially women, who often spend their lives and a fortune trying to look like women portrayed in magazines.” For Ed, that feeling of freedom is “being able to just enjoy being a person as if you were a child. If you’ve never done it, go do it!” Naturists share the common value of accepting people as they are, warts and all. “Naturism is a mindset,” says Tex, a Utah transplant (from guess where) and lifelong naturist. “We’re taught to be embarrassed about ourselves. Sure, we all have challenges, but so often people are fighting their own little battle of perceptions of themselves. Naturism is about accepting your humble humanity. When you’re naked, what’s there to hide?”

“Clothing,” Tex expounds, “serves two purposes. It’s for protection and pretension.” He adds with a chuckle, “If God had intended for us to run around naked, we’d be born that way.”Like any other pastime, there’s a time and place for naturism. Utah has no formal resort or privately-owned recreational area where naturists can shed their clothes and attitudes about body image. There are opportunities for the clothes-free crowd to engage in socializing au naturel. Alas,the sign for Beaver Creek Nudist Ranch in Samak is simply an expresson of
local humor. No such facility exists. Naturist organizations are present in Utah and members represent a diversity of age, gender, marital status and religion. Tex is very clear though about dispelling misconceptions regarding social nudity. “These are not sex clubs or swingers clubs.” Misbehavior will be recognized and behavior that implies a certain intention is grounds for removal from a club, or for being asked to leave a private social event, because yes, naturists do get together for parties at people’s homes. Just as any like-minded group chooses to get together to share food and conversation, naturists gather at people’s homes to do what people do at parties, only without clothes.

Naturists, not be be confused with nudists or swingers are not meeting for perverted reasons.

“If you are someone who likes the freedom of being naked, there’s potential for people to misjudge your intentions,” Tex explains, “so it’s a pleasure to be in an environment where everyone’s just as comfortable socializing as you are.” Legally, Attorney Andrew Mc-Cullough explains, people may gather in a clothes-free environment as long as, and this is the legal term, a “casual passerby” is not witness to nudity. “You avoid being in public where you can be seen,” he elucidates. “What I tell naturists is to look around. Make sure you’re not where there are other people.” On public lands the same reasonable rule applies.

“The fact that a place is public is not relevant,” McCullough continues. “What is, is whether or not the public can see you.” But if you do choose to be naked somewhere that is also frequented by the clothing compulsive, a situation that arises, for example, at unimproved hot springs, McCullough advises that you cover yourself so as not to offend. “The textiles,” as naturists call them, “have the say. You don’t get to say, that you were there first so they just have to deal with it.”
“People have different comfort zones,” Ed shares, “but if they can get out of that, they’re
hooked!” §

Rocket powered flying cow found in Salt Lake City outside of Squatters Brew Pub.

Ignore the critics. There is no line between art and trash in Utah. Junk art is not new, not as an art form or the works themselves. Comprised from landfill bound stuff, this style exceeds the sum of its parts. These mixed media compositions turn cast off items with no value into aesthetic fun. Art can be commentary, satire, activism, expression. For Scott Whitaker, it is found wherever you look. In a consumerist society found art is the redeemer of the prolific tonnage of waste we create.

Scott Whitaker with his solar saucer circa 2007

Scott has a particularly unique vision. In an Ignite Salt Lake City lecture titled “Junk Art, Aliens and Alternative Energy,” Scott says, “One day I was at Burning Man and I was abducted by aliens and I decided to quit my job and build a solar-powered flying saucer.” Cashing out his savings earned over nearly 15 years in cyber security and ignoring his mother’s warnings, he indeed built a solar-powered flying saucer. He took his flying saucer back to Burning Man to “commune” with the aliens that spirited him away. He was not successful. Undaunted, Scott went to Roswell, NM thinking surely there must be some aliens there. Again he had no luck but lots of fun. What Scott did find was a host of admirers, fascinated by his mix of lucid innovation and idiosyncratic vision. With this audience he strung lights onto the disc, put on some speakers and made music.

People were listening so Scott took this opportunity to create a forum for political activism and education. He puts on shows for elementary school children and at events such as Salt Lake City’s Sustainability Fair, spreading his message of making the old.

*To learn more about Scott Whitaker go to: http://solsystemsproductions.com;

www.jenkstar.com or www.scottysoultronic.com *To see the fine works of Michael Bingham
visit: http://www.michaelbinghamstudio.com/

Cummings Studio Chocolates has become famous for their chocolate covered strawberries in the summertime.

Smooth and subtle or dark and intense? Do these words describe a confection or a romantic encounter? There is a reason chocolate and love are intimately entwined. The complex chemistry of the cocoa plant mimics the neuro-transmitters the brain identifies with passion.
Utah’s love affair with chocolate is a sweet one and extends beyond Easter and Valentine’s Day. A sign in Cummings Studio Chocolates reminds the patron that “Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.” Cummings, the granddaddy of Utah candy-makers, has been satisfying customers for four generations. Started in 1924, and continuously operating out of the same location at 700 East and 900 South, Cummings is the model of a “family business.”

“My father-in-law started it,” says Marion Cummings, the current owner. “He wanted to meet girls, so he took a course in cooking.” Soon the confections concocted and given away from his mother’s basement were in demand. A banking friend saw his potential and the business was born. “V. Clyde developed the formulas and methods we use today.” says Marion. “My husband, Paul, took over when his father died, and I married into it.” Now Marion’s granddaughter, Allie, is learning the secrets of the Cummings kitchen. “She’s a natural,” says Marion.
Cummings offers over 60 different varieties of its unique “therapy,” which they ship worldwide. However, their creams and truffles remain a local delight. The confections displayed on the store shelves, whether molded, dipped, or boxed, were formed just a few yards away, mostly by hand, by a staff of 20 dedicated employees who frequently learned their skills from their own mothers. As Marion observes, “It’s a labor of love and is something handed down from one generation to the next.”

He wanted to meet girls, so he took a course in cooking.” Soon the confections concocted and given away from his mother’s basement were in demand.

Love, family and heritage is also at the center of Hatch Family Chocolates, which is a newer arrival to the Utah chocolate scene. In the cafe area of their new shop on Eighth Avenue hangs a life-sized photograph of the married owners, Katie Masterson and Stephen Hatch, standing under a rainbow-colored umbrella and looking up while chocolate rains on them from above making puddles all around. It could be a metaphor for their life.

“I love chocolate,” says Katie who is a trained pastry chef. “I always wondered about having a sweet or dessert shop.” The Chicago native candied to the idea when Steve’s father suggested they all open a sweet shop using Steve’s grandmother’s recipes for caramel which dated from the end of the 19th century.

“Back then they did it for fun at holidays,” says Katie, “making everything from scratch, by hand. We’re basically continuing that tradition and expanding it.” The hand-written, chalkboard menu behind the counter includes ice cream, beverages and confections. You can sit at a table and drink Hatch signature hot chocolate or espresso while sampling your choice of chocolate-coated fresh and dried fruit, or “Worms In Mud” (a surprise!), penuche, or pots de creme.

Featured two years ago on the TLC reality show, “Little Chocolatiers,” Steve and Katie have received a lot of media attention since opening their first shop in the Avenues in 2003. The exposure has undoubtedly helped them grow, but Katie admits it’s a double-edged sword. “There’s a fine line,” she says. “We don’t want to lose who we are and being part of the neighborhood with all the kids coming over after school to get something sweet. It’s like being part of an extended family.”
She smiles. The black and white photograph on the wall behind her is of a child, nose pressed to the case, kissing a display of chocolate. The image is on their business cards, too. “Our number one satisfaction comes from creating something people enjoy.” she says. Her favorite? By all means it is a peanut butter and chocolate combination “It’s like having a party in your mouth.” §