Owner: The Hometown Invasion Tour URL:http://www.hometowninvasion.com/blog.php Join Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 20:02:06 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: For one year Justin Sailor is headed to 50 states staying with host families he has never met, taking the ultimate US road trip. Along the way he is blogging and photographing his experience. Site statistics:Click here
Burton and All 2007-07-23 10:12:23 For 10 months and now 43 states, and a whole lot of miles in my Jeep, I was looking forward to coming to Burlington, VT. It?s a place I?ve always wanted to visit. It was a long long wait, not just on this miraculous trip, but for years before. Why? Burton
Snowboards. Of all the things in Vermont to do that?s what I wanted to see, the Burton Snowboards offices, the factory, see where it all began and to get a greater sense of it all. And how great it would be to include them in my book someday. Sadly? out of all the craziness of things that have gone on during this trip, Burton is just one thing I couldn?t swing. I tried and tried but nothing worked out. Seeing the store itself was great, but this trip is about people, not shopping or things. Oh how cool it would have been to sit down with a Burton employee and just learn about something more, learn about something that can?t be read in the catalog or website. Ah bummer. I have to leave Vermont without accomplishing the one
Burlington is a Rap 2007-07-22 22:23:50 I can check off 43 states now. What a great stop. Burlington is truly a unique town. It?s probably one of the youngest towns I have ever been to, and it?s summer! I can?t imagine if the college?s were in full session. This town takes a big stance in the world. And do they ever love their dogs! I don?t talk political speak often, but I heard that during President Bush?s presidency this is the only state he has never been to. Personally, I think everyone should pay Burlington a visit. They are responsible citizens who have passion and pride for their hometown. That?s what makes it thrive. In all the towns I?ve been to, that?s the factor that makes the difference. But what comes first? Does a great town lead to pride and passion for it, or do pride and passion for that town lead to a great town?
I got the chance to hang out with a lot of different people in Burlington, all my age take or give a few years. But it seems like everyone here is that age. Though I didn?t get to
Arrival in Upstate New York 2007-07-24 09:23:18 You know, when anyone says anything about New York state they automatically think of New York City. In fact if people say the pronoun New York most people assume the person is talking about New York City before New York the state. But I?m here to represent upstate New York. As my latest host John has said there is clearly a big difference and an environment of its own in upstate New York. I guess I?m not really sure what ?upstate? refers to though. Maybe saying Syracuse is Upstate New York is like saying Mount Pleasant is ?Up North? in Michigan, and Yoopers take great offense to that.
Well it doesn?t much matter for my locale, I am in central New York, the dead center. One source tells me it?s the geographic center for the state, Erieville, NY. As I track my memory through all the stops on the trip Erieville may be the 2nd smallest town I have stayed in on the trip. There are only a few hundred folks here, most of them seem to live around the lake. It?s quiet and relaxing,
To Pittsburgh I Go 2007-07-30 21:52:01 Its been another full day and a good one at that, except for this terrible hot weather. Sorry, but Ill just never been able to handle this. Yuck! Especially during manual labor, which was my chore this morning before leaving State College. Katie and Jasmine had nothing but boxes in the living room when I arrived at their apartment and today was moving day. They kindly asked if I could help them pack the U-Haul before I headed out. So a little manual labor was good for me and I owed it to them after giving me a bed to sleep in. It was short but I had a great taste of Penn State and State College. So to Pittsburgh
I go.
What a great first day in Pittsburgh. Karen has been in touch with me for a long time. We both graduated from Baraga High School, shes a 1980 graduate and Im a 2001 graduate. I found myself in Bellvue on the NW side of Pittsburgh where Karen, Jack, Brittany, and Christian live in a beautiful house built in 1896. It was a perfect day to show up, Christ
Phyrst Bar of Choice 2007-07-29 01:50:41 About a month ago I found myself in Newburyport, MA where I met up with Jimmy, a reporter from the paper. He had a lot of questions about the trip that were off the record, as he was just very curious about my entire trip. Its great meeting people who actually cannot hold them selves back from asking more questions. He asked, Do you mind if I ask about night lift and if there has been much on your trip? Well the website is pretty much G-rated so I leave a lot of that out, but of course there is night life, and its a large part in any culture, especially among my peers.
So the next question after that is almost always, Whats the best bar youve been to? Well, until now I havent been able to answer that question. I have seen a lot of bars, from NYC to Loup City Nebraska, old to young crowds, dancing clubs and Irish pubs. The Toy Factory in NYC where I went with Kim and Devon may be the best lounge for some good conversation and a fancy drink. But, the be Read more:Choice
State College 2007-07-29 01:21:33 Since starting at Michigan State
in 2001 and becoming a bigger fan of Big Ten football each year, I have since wanted to go on a Big Ten campus tour, experiencing each university for a few days. Im not too close to seeing them all yet, but Ive made it to Penn State, the 5th Big Ten school I have seen, and the 11th school in the Big Ten for those of you who dont know (yes, in the Big Ten we dont know how to count, but personally I think its cool that they admitted an 11th team without changing the name).
Penn State is an awesome college and I think State College
is a perfect college town, although I think the name is just a little strange. Its a huge university in a pretty small town thats just in the middle of the state. Its a beautiful campus with great tradition. Of course the greatest tradition may be that of Joe Pa. Its an amazing story, it truly is. I stood at the statue and was amazed looking at all the old seasons and how many perfect seasons hes had
Restless Again 2007-07-27 21:56:29 Im restless again. Im sleeping less at night. Im rolling around in bed. I cant concentrate on thoughts. My mind is all over the place. Im having all the same feelings as when I left on this trip. I remember hardly getting any sleep the night I left. I was full of excitement of how I took this huge dream and put it forward into reality. Now I am full of excitement of how I took this huge dream and am VERY close to accomplishing it.
The drive today was very similar to my first drive of the trip when I headed to my first host in Milwaukee. Maybe not all that similar, but it did rain almost the entire way and as I drive around in this area Im reminded of the Midwest, with more farms and corn in sight, and maybe just the air seems more familiar. Most of all, it must have been the excitement of the drive. I was hopping all over the place, or as much as you can while sitting in a car driving. As restless and anxious as can be.
Why? 45 STATES! 45!!! Thats a lot Read more:Again
, Restless
Welcome to Hometown 2007-07-27 15:02:47 Some time ago one of my friends passed on a little information to me about a little town in Pennsylvania named Hometown. Given the name of my trip I couldnt believe it. Cmon, I couldnt go to all 50 states on the Hometown Invasion Tour without stopping in Hometown, PA. For a while I didnt think I was going to make it to Hometown because of my dates and locations. Plans change for the good all the time. Take a side trip to State College for the weekend while coming from Erieville and boom, youre just 20 miles from Hometown off the interstate.
Erieville is a small town, no more than 1,500 people. Im thinking it would compare to my hometown of Baraga or maybe Justin, TX. I was anxious to find a welcome sign, big or small, where I could take a photo of myself and the Compass in front of it. Sadly, no such sign existed. I even asked a police officer and surely he would know. Supposedly there are no t-shirts are anything. Somebody could be sitting on a gold mine, th Read more:Welcome
Dessert 2007-07-26 22:41:25 Im a little sad about this topic and my experience of dessert across the country. Just not many families serve dessert after dinner. Im kind of shocked. With a country thats getting heavier and heavier I also thought it would be more likely.
I miss lots of freshly baked brownies, cookies, pies, and cakes. I wouldnt say I took it for granted growing up, but I guess I didnt realize just how lucky I was. Living in the Sailor house wasnt much different than living in a bakery. My mom always had fresh cookies of some sort to pass around the dinner table after dessert. There was always dessert after every meal. And were still a good healthy family, so dont go thinking that!
Why is it that not many families have dessert? This country loves to eat, I have learned about that in first person. Theyre missing out on the best part!
Read more:Dessert
Travel Literature 2007-07-25 21:12:55 A year ago I would walk into mega bookstores like Barnes and Noble and head straight to the magazines of photography section. Today when I walk in I head straight for the travel section. Though every time I seem to be quite disappointed. There are several shelves filled of books that list every restaurant, park, club, and museum in the country. You can buy these books by city, state, country and more. You can read all the ratings of the food and how much they cost to see what fits your budget. But for all the people who buy these books and the millions of travelers around the globe there is only a small portion of the travel section designated for essays and the stories that really make traveling what it is. Of the millions of travel books sold telling about reviews, there should be another thousand to accompany them with the stories.
In this year I have become more opinionated on what traveling, roadtripping, and tourism are. To me, it doesnt much matter if youre on a mot Read more:Literature
, Travel
Roadtripology 2007-07-25 17:54:33 Looking to take a road trip? Maybe a week long trip or a year long trip, maybe sponsored or not, maybe solo or with a few friends. Its never too late. There are a million ways to road trip and there are a million ways to do something new and exciting. A lot of people have come up to me for advice on how to take trips of their own and this is what I have to offer
What are your passions, interests, and hobbies? How can you integrate those into your trip? For me I merged my advertising and sociology degrees, love of photograph and web design, and my passion to write and document. Maybe its a sport you love, an art, beaches, sunsets, a certain type of music, or anything else. Theres a lot going on in the country, you could probably even pick a Raspberry in all 50 states if you so desired.
When I was in Oxford, MS there was a strange little coincidence. A man had written a column about when he was younger him and his friend planned a trip to travel across the United Stat
To Host or Not to Host 2007-07-25 17:12:06 That IS the question. Thats been the question for a lot of people. Who is this kid asking to stay with us? We dont know him. I have been the complete stranger to walk through the door and I have seen all kinds of ways hosts respond to having a guest, and one they have never met for that matter. So here are some of the reactions to a complete stranger asking to spend a couple nights.
Just recently a woman from Upstate New York asked me to please never call again and was upset that her daughter gave out her personal contact information through my website. She was insisted to take down my name and phone number. Its understandable. I knew there would be some people like this, and it worries me some. She mockingly said, Yeah I hope to write a book too.
There was one couple who turned me down as a host, this was after I already brought a couple bags in side, even a loaf of friendship bread. They were both psychologists and I watch them discuss (or was it an argument?) i
Arrival in Upstate New York 2007-07-24 09:23:18 You know, when anyone says anything about New York state they automatically think of New York City. In fact if people say the pronoun New York most people assume the person is talking about New York City before New York the state. But Im here to represent upstate New York. As my latest host John has said there is clearly a big difference and an environment of its own in upstate New York. I guess Im not really sure what upstate refers to though. Maybe saying Syracuse is Upstate New York is like saying Mount Pleasant is Up North in Michigan, and Yoopers take great offense to that.
Well it doesnt much matter for my locale, I am in central New York, the dead center. One source tells me its the geographic center for the state, Erieville, NY. As I track my memory through all the stops on the trip Erieville may be the 2nd smallest town I have stayed in on the trip. There are only a few hundred folks here, most of them seem to live around the lake. Its quiet and r
Burton and All 2007-07-23 10:12:23 For 10 months and now 43 states, and a whole lot of miles in my Jeep, I was looking forward to coming to Burlington, VT. Its a place Ive always wanted to visit. It was a long long wait, not just on this miraculous trip, but for years before. Why? Burton
Snowboards. Of all the things in Vermont to do thats what I wanted to see, the Burton Snowboards offices, the factory, see where it all began and to get a greater sense of it all. And how great it would be to include them in my book someday. Sadly out of all the craziness of things that have gone on during this trip, Burton is just one thing I couldnt swing. I tried and tried but nothing worked out. Seeing the store itself was great, but this trip is about people, not shopping or things. Oh how cool it would have been to sit down with a Burton employee and just learn about something more, learn about something that cant be read in the catalog or website. Ah bummer. I have to leave Vermont without accomplishing th
Burlington is a Rap 2007-07-22 22:23:50 I can check off 43 states now. What a great stop. Burlington is truly a unique town. Its probably one of the youngest towns I have ever been to, and its summer! I cant imagine if the colleges were in full session. This town takes a big stance in the world. And do they ever love their dogs! I dont talk political speak often, but I heard that during President Bushs presidency this is the only state he has never been to. Personally, I think everyone should pay Burlington a visit. They are responsible citizens who have passion and pride for their hometown. Thats what makes it thrive. In all the towns Ive been to, thats the factor that makes the difference. But what comes first? Does a great town lead to pride and passion for it, or do pride and passion for that town lead to a great town?
I got the chance to hang out with a lot of different people in Burlington, all my age take or give a few years. But it seems like everyone here is that age. Though I didn
Daily Twist 2007-07-20 19:15:03 Meeting people is what I do. I meet all kinds of people and in all kinds of circumstances. Yesterday while at the Burton factory store I had on my State shirt. Something I love to do now is wear a local shirt, it always draws a comment. If I wear something from MSU and Im this far away from Michigan it will draw a comment, gaurenteed. Same thing when I wear my I love Belleville, Illinois shirt. So I had my State shirt on and hear someone ask if I was from Michigan. Sure enough, and I meet a wonderful family of six who is on their family vacation. They were from Shelby Township. It makes my day to run into Michiganders. I would run into them later that same day on Church Street.
Today is another story. So after a walk and getting rained on (again!) I decided I would go for a short drive. Going for a drive is the best way for me to relax, do what I love, and to simply be in a familiar place, as Ive spent a lot of time in my Compass. So I was in my car for a couple m Read more:Daily
Burlington Day #1 2007-07-18 22:56:09 If there are two things I love with all my heart its ice cream and snowboarding. If I could fill me life with those two things I would be pretty happy. There has been a decent amount of ice cream on the trip (though not nearly as much as there would if I lived on my own), but just not enough snowboard. I never could get enough snowboarding. But for ice cream and snowboarding this is the place to be. Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream and Burton Snowboards.
My stay here in B-town is with even more young folks my age who are working their first jobs, just out of college, or just finishing up college. Thanks to a last minute call (where were you at Seann and Parker?) and perhaps a miracle I found myself meeting up with Aimee, the cousin of one of my good friends. Im staying on Pearl Street, where my car gets a lot of funny glares and Im just a short walk from Church Street, cookie shops, burrito joints, and all kinds of great things.
Yesterday afternoon we put another 100 miles on
Oh Sweet Burlington 2007-07-17 17:02:20 Burlington, VT. It marks the 43rd state of the trip and I have waited a long time for this one. Vermont has been high on my list of states to visit and Ive been anxious to get here, particularly in Burlington. Grated, I didnt take an interest in this town until I found out years ago that Burton Snowboards was headquartered here. But well talk about that some other time, what I say about them depends if I can get a tour at their place or not!
Vermont is the 2nd smallest state in terms of population, a few more people than Wyoming and a few less people than North Dakota or Alaska. Its tiny. The largest town is Burlington itself at a whopping 38,000. Not that big compared to some standards of a city. As for the capital, Montpelier, I have word that its the only capital city in the country without a McDonalds. Imagine that! Montpelier is something else. Its like no other capital and feels like youre in any small town in America, except it just has one fancy buil Read more:Sweet
Dream Finale in Michigan 2007-07-17 11:36:42 The states are counting down fast, really fast! Since my thoughts lately have been surrounded by getting back to Michigan
maybe its time to make a post about what I think would be the coolest stuff to do to wrap up my trip. Michigan is home. Michigan is by far one of the best states in the nation and everywhere I have been Ive tried to encourage people to check out Michigan sometime. Ive got a lot of Michigan pride, especially for the Upper Peninsula. Now I like to dream big, always have, always will. I aint lyin. So here are a few things which I think would be the absolute best ways to finish up my trip in Michigan.
Go to the top of the Mackinac Bridge The Mackinac Bridge is one of the biggest icons Michigan has to offer and sadly not enough Michiganders make it across to the Upper Peninsula. One of the absolutely coolest things that I could do is go to the top. Theyre always bring people up there, its just a matter of pitching my story and getting in touch Read more:Finale
, Dream
The Presidentials 2007-07-16 19:11:17 Today I took the Invasion Mobile on one of the most notorious drives in the country, up to the peak of Mount Washington here in the White Mountains. Its an 8 mile drive up a winding mountainside road with no guard rails or shoulder. It costs $20 to make the drive to the top, but its very worthwhile. They even give you a CD to keep that guides your way up the mountain and tells you the history of the road. The peak of Mount Washington is known for some of the most severe weather in the world, holding the record for the strongest winds ever recorded on earth, 281 miles per hour. Thankfully, today was just about 30 mph (though I was sure to keep my hat in the car this time, unlike in Wyoming). The temperature drop was significant from the base to the peak, which was probably close to a 5,000 foot climb. Incredible views up there. If youre ever around New Hampshire dont let the drive to the top of Mount Washington pass by. If nothing else it is definitely worth the bumper
State of the Union 2007-07-15 23:52:17 Every year we hear the president of the USA give The State
of the Union
. Ive always wondered what it really is. Its more of a tradition that the president just has to get up and make this speech that is overly careful on each choice of word where its to ensure the people that there is hope while trying not to make the president look bad. It never really speaks to me. In addition to learning about the states Ive truly learned about the real state of the Union. The state being the condition and the Union being the citizens of the United States.
Ive had little glimpses of American life across the country. And although they are little experiences for only a few days each, the sum of living with over 100 households in a year, of people Ive never met is, magnificent. From social classes, races, backgrounds, living environments, demographics, politics and much more Ive been invited into homes where I have seen the thoughts of U.S. citizens. Ive had insight
Northern New Hampshire 2007-07-15 21:08:43 Several days ago I called Parker on the phone to ask if he knew anyone in Northern
New Hampshire
to stay with. Thats what I also thought New Hampshire was about. I knew they had just a few miles of coastline, but to me that wasnt New Hampshire. I was simply too fast to judge. The New Hampshire coastline is one of the coolest places on the East Coast and Im going to miss it. But thanks to Parker and his family I made it to Northern New Hampshire as well. They sent me up to Berlin to crash at their mountain home for a couple nights in the White Mountains. And it is beautiful and breathtaking.
Here I am sitting outside overlooking the mountains in the distances and praying that a moose will come out into the opening in front of me. They say they have seen several out there, so please please let it happen! I went from beachfront paradise to mountain paradise in just a few hours. No need to rush home, right? Maybe just move in here for a while. Ive got the house to my
They Ain't Lyin' 2007-07-14 18:37:38 There have been some stops on my trip where people take a particularly strong pride in their hometown, home state, and what have you. Well my hosts in New Hampshire were exactly that, especially Pete, the father. Pete said, Most people who come to New Hampshire see either the coast or the mountains, but youre going to see both. I havent made it to the mountains yet, thatll be tomorrow. But I can talk about the beach.
Well, they aint lyin. The beach here is fantastic and quite possibly my favorite part of the Atlantic Coast. The Salisbury Beach is beautiful and without all the chaos of places like Miami. As for the summer weather it is absolutely perfect. These last two days on the beach have been absolutely incredible. The cool breeze is perfect, the sand is fine, sunsets spectacular (but being on the east coast they specialize in sunrises, which quite frankly I just havent gotten up earlier enough for).
When you get up north of Boston life slows down.
It's Incredible 2007-07-12 23:48:58 What I do is simply incredible, at least thats the only way I know how to express it. To be more specific is how incredible it is of all the people I hear from, the responses, and particularly what they say. Im not sure if my thoughts on this make for a legitimate blog entry and if its something people would want to hear, but lately, especially tonight while enjoying the fire on the beach, it is all thats been on my mind. I cant stop thinking of all these things people tell me.
Nearly two years ago now, I as just this kid who had an idea, a dream. I had no idea where it was going to go, I had big ideas, big ambitions, big visions, but no matter how many of those come true they are all entirely knew feelings to me. Being on this trip is a tremendous exploration of self identity that Ive never known in anything else Ive done. Its this montage of stuff all thrown together, exploration, adventure, America, sociology, and just about anything else you can mention. If Read more:Incredible
Newburyport to Portsmouth 2007-07-12 17:39:53 Looking for a nice drive on the East Coast? Start in either Newburyport or Portsmouth
by parking in town and wandering around downtown. Great little shops and food, good people watching, and quaint little downtown areas. Then hit up Route 1-A going either North or South. Truly, if you wanted to, you could make a full day of the short drive. Pack a picnic, stop at several of the beaches, gawk at the mansions, and roll down all the windows.
After taking care of laundry this morning I met up with Jimmy in Newburyport, a reporter for the Daily News. I guess word travels fast on the Invasion tour, because press was informed on my arrival to Seabrook before I even told a second person I was going there. Jimmy gave me the grand downtown tour of cute little Newburyport, MA.
Well, low and behold there we were in at a sandwich shop where I ordered a turkey bacon ranch wrap. Delicious. Jimmy and I were in line talking about Michigan when this girl behind us in line (who I was alrea
New Hampshire Shores 2007-07-12 00:07:00 In the entire state of Hampshire
.htm">New Hampshire
there are only a few miles of shoreline that manage to squeeze between Massachusetts and Maine, and somehow thats where I have found myself and it couldnt be any better. Parker (23) was once again another person to find me through U.25 magazine. Its astonishing to hear from all these peers across the country. Not only is it astonishing to hear from them, but to hear these great words they have to say about what Im doing. Im definitely leaning towards doing something after this trip that encourages other peers to follow their dream and what not.
So anyways I was greeted in Seabrook, NH by Parker, his family, and his friend Sean. They greeted me with some delicious pasta, garlic bread, and my favorite summer time treat strawberry shortcake. In addition to great food I was greeted with great company, great conversation, and great enthusiasm.
What a perfect night, it couldnt have been better. It was topped with a good fire on Read more:Shores
Acadia National Park 2007-07-10 19:54:52 The last time I went for this long of a drive for some sight-seeing was probably back when I took a trip to Crater Lake in Oregon. However, I was sad to find out that the park was closed when I was there due to snow. Bummer. Well this time on my way to Acadia
it was a beautiful day with no closures. My cousin David (one removed) is probably upset with me for not visiting as many National
Parks as I could or should have. Acadia will be one of the last ones I see.
What a beautiful hot sunny day. Its actually not what I wanted. I was hoping for a foggy and misty day, full of that nasty coastal weather. It would have made for better photos. The last few days have been rain, rain, rain. It feels like Im back in Oregon and Washington. I love the moody weather of the Northern Pacific and Northern Atlantic coasts, some of my favorite places in the country.
Read more:Acadia National Park
, Acadia National
Leaving Metropolis 2007-07-07 18:32:11 At last, I am refreshed to be out of the booming metropolis of the East Coast. For the last several weeks I have made it through Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston. And of course the other stops between in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are all just states full of cities that connect all these big ones together. Its a fast pace in the city and it was a great time, but it feels pretty good to be out of the big city. Maine is a little slower pace a lot slower pace.
Ive learned to let the chips fall where they may, along the course of the trip. From the beginning of the trip I didnt plan to spend as much time in major cities as I have. However, more and more people have moved to the suburban and urban areas and a lot less of the country lives in rural areas.
From here on out there wont be many big cities, it looks like Ill be stopping in Pittsburgh and that could be it. Still trying to figure out what I would like for living in my life. I Read more:Metropolis
, Leaving
Closing Out PA 2007-08-03 21:16:38 Pennsylvania is done, thats 45 states complete. It has been a goooood stop! Lots of great food, cookies, ice cream cream, cookie dough ice cream with homemade cookie dough mixed in and it was finished with two great meals eating out before leaving town. If youre in Bellevue you need to stop in at The Rusty Nail for breakfast. They give you 4 strips of bacon! Thats very unheard of. I love my bacon and most places will give you a wimpy two strips, three if youre lucky. Four still isnt near enough for me, but theyre off to a good start. Now the trick is to find a restaurant that will give you a big big glass of orange juice instead of a glass that has just one big gulp in it.
If youre in Pittsburgh you cant leave without going to the strip and eating at Primanti Brothers. There is nothing like it, and its one of the top 10 pig out places in the country. The list of new and interesting foods is growing. At Primanti Brothers every sandwich served includes c
Dream, Firehouse, DC 2007-08-02 20:17:38 Im a dreamer. And for the first time I last night I had a dream about the end of my trip. It was kind of a reality check and wake up call. The dream took place on the last night of the trip where I was spending just one more night in a hosts bed. It was an interesting feeling when I woke up. Each night its getting a little more exciting. Well see if I have any more dreams about the finish.
Also on todays agenda was making my 4th stop to a fire station. Those stations include stops in Nebraska City, Kansas City, Clanton AL, and now Bellevue just on the edge of Pittsburgh. Each time I visit one I feel more inclined to be a volunteer firefighter someday, or fulltime? Its a cool job, they always know people in the community, its intense, and the list goes on. I might have to sign up one day.
The day was capped off with walking down to DC Coopers house, the rockstar neighbor. DC has had great success overseas including being voted the #1 vocalist in Japan, v Read more:Dream
, Firehouse
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