Pro Music Rights (“PMR”), one of the world’s largest music licensing companies, is pleased to announce that it has granted the well-known video service TikTok a license that will allow its users to create videos that include music from Pro Music Rights’ extensive repertoire.
The agreement will enable TikTok to offer PMR’s more than 2,500,000 works to its users. Jake P. Noch, CEO of Pro Music Rights, said that he is pleased to enter into the relationship with TikTok. “I think that TikTok is a wonderful platform and will be an outstanding online venue to expand the audience for our music, since it is routinely used by millions all over the world.”
This August, writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson will continue his bold contributions to the world of ALIEN in an all-new comic series! Featuring the incredible and terrifying artwork of rising star Julius Ohta, “ALIEN #1” will kick off a new saga that will serve as a perfect entrypoint into the legendary horror/science-fiction franchise for newcomers and a must-read for longtime fans. Packed with thrilling revelations and fresh insights into the ALIEN mythos, this new chapter promises to further explore the hard-hitting themes Johnson presented in the title’s first era as a new cast of characters must go deep into Xenomorph territory for a chance to combat human extinction.
A small colony of synths have settled in secret on a backwater moon. When a company of United System soldiers come to them for help retrieving biotechnology on a hostile planet that could be the key to saving humanity, the synths must decide whether the prospect of peace between man and machine is worth the risk of betrayal.
“Writing season one of Marvel’s Alien was a horror fanboy’s dream come true,” Johnson said. “We got to tell exactly the story we wanted to tell, bringing horrific new species of Xenomorph to life while also exploring the themes of family and corporate distrust that are such a crucial part of the films. And as much as I loved our season one, we’re outdoing it in every way in the new series.
“Julius Ohta is exceeding all expectations as series artist. Every background, every facial expression and emotion, and of course, all the environmental creepiness and full-on body horror is lovingly rendered by Julius, who is at the absolute TOP of his game right now. I can’t say enough great things about him. Fans are going to be truly spoiled. Stay tuned for one of the best, most beautiful Alien comics ever made.”
“When I got the invite to draw the new Alien series, I had a professional and standard reaction—I was glad to be invited and I was determined to make it the best work of my life. But then, a few minutes later, it came all at once—I understood that I was going to draw Alien… THE ALIEN. I freaked out (in a very good way) and then I knew the tremendous responsibility that is to be in this franchise,” Ohta added. “Even though there’s a huge responsibility to bring the series to life, I couldn’t expect a better welcome from the creative team. It’s been fantastic to work with Phillip, Sarah [Brunstad] and everyone involved. Phillip is a genius and… a gentleman and is always looking for something to make the story better. When I started reading the script, I couldn’t stop until I reached the last page. I could talk about it forever… Sarah is such a kind editor and it’s been a dream to work with these guys!”The Alien franchise influenced an entire generation and I’m among the people who were hugely influenced by the movies, designs, games and so much more. I hope readers enjoy the series we are bringing to them.”
Genre-defying artist, producer and songwriter guccihighwaters has released his major label debut EP, heartbreak highway. The six-track collection is available to stream and download via Public Consumption in partnership with Elektra Music GroupHERE. To celebrate the EP’s arrival, guccihighwaters has unveiled a brand new official music video for intimate piano ballad, “believe.” Watch the Ross Ginsberg-directed visual on guccihighwaters‘ official YouTube channel HERE.
“My goal with this new EP was to showcase how much I’ve grown over the years, especially with my lyrics and vocals,” shares guccihighwaters. “I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with new sounds, and I truly believe this is my best music yet. I’m so glad to put it out into the world.”
In late 2021, guccihighwaters holed up in a Los Angeles studio with producer Courtney Ballard [Waterparks]. He absorbed the spirit of diverse inspirations, ranging from Lionel Richie‘s “Dancing on the Ceiling” and the Drive Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to The Weeknd. “Courtney played a bunch of eighties beats for me,” guccihighwaters recalls. “I was into a lot of synth-revival music, so it was cool to hear where it came from. I took the synths and the drum grooves and morphed my style to fit those elements. It felt natural.”
guccihighwaters announced his signing to Public Consumption last month alongside the release of tracks “crash my car” and “devil on my shoulder.” Earlier this month, he formally announced the heartbreak highway EP and unveiled the synth-driven single “the chase” alongside an official music video. Signifying a new era in guccihighwaters’ ever-evolving sound, the EP’s early releases arrived to immediate praise from Alt Press, Consequence, Ones To Watch and more.
guccihighwaters is currently on the road in North America supporting nothing,nowhere. The 25-city trek kicked off last month and will conclude on May 27 in New York, NY at Irving Plaza. The bill also includes Poorstacy, carolesdaughter and Snarls. This fall, guccihighwaters will support nothing,nowhere. on tour in the UK and Europe. A complete list of upcoming tour dates can be found HERE.
heartbreak highway follows guccihighwaters’ 2021 album joke’s on you. Arriving to widespread acclaim, KERRANG! promised, “Whatever genre you label the tunes, the music of guccihighwaters doesn’t joke around when it comes to conveying emotion in its rawest form.” Alt Press lauded the “accomplished artist poised to be a star,”whileOnes To Watchproclaimed, “the sounds from singer/producer Morgan Murphy are as raw as it gets.” Billboard applauded standout single “rock bottom” [feat. nothing,nowhere.] as “the highlight of guccihighwaters’ joke’s on you album,” and NME praised the track as “an introspective blend of alt-rock and dark hip-hop flourishes—a marked progression from the online emo scene.”
About guccihighwaters
guccihighwaters glides through a soundscape familiar enough to catch your attention, yet futuristic enough to hold it. The artist, singer, and producer not only blurs the lines between alternative, R&B and hip-hop, but also the boundaries between yesterday, today and tomorrow. Growing up in between Long Beach, NY and Ireland, he maintained a diehard passion for music. After discovering Yung Lean at 18-year-old, he crafted beats all night. A year into this evening ritual, he picked up a microphone and penned lyrics to anesthetize the pain of his first breakup. His first collection of songs comprised the post death EP in 2017. Among many standouts, the fan favorite “i’m so sick of this” gathered 51.6 million Spotify streams and counting. In its wake, he unleashed music at a prolific pace, including multiple EPs and his 2021 full-length debut, joke‘s on you. Along the way, he toured with Lund, Lil Lotus, Smrtdeath, guardin, and nothing,nowhere.
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress and activist paris jackson unveiled her brand-new single entitled “lighthouse” out now via Republic Records—listen to “lighthouse” HERE. The song was produced by singer, songwriter, musician and producer Butch Walker.
The single is released alongside the official music video, which was inspired by the iconic video for Nirvana‘s “Sliver.” In the video, paris pays homage with a photo of Kurt Cobain—a full circle moment to the original video. Watch the “lighthouse” video HERE.
The song channels unbridled nineties rock energy as it harnesses the power of a classic alternative dynamic with a twist of its own. paris’ hypnotic verses give way to a chantable chorus, “I can feel the lights go low, but I don’t wanna let go now, maybe if I turn around you’ll see me, and what you used to be,” before a hummable guitar solo.
On the song, paris says, “I continued to write about this same old heartbreak that wilted is about. A lot of the new songs coming out are similar stories about the same person and heartbreak. I guess I’m just exploring different feelings. wilted was a more melancholy record, and now I’m exploring more of the anger…”
SEVENTEEN will bring back their powerhouse performances to the concert stage this June with ‘SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [BE THE SUN]’ (hereinafter ‘BE THE SUN’).
The K-pop stage-breakers announced their world tour ‘BE THE SUN’ on their official social media channels. While revealing North American tour dates, the announcement hinted at more shows to be added to the list, including cities in Asia and a Japan Dome Tour through November to December.
SEVENTEEN will kick off the tour on June 25 with two consecutive dates in Seoul, to be followed by shows in 12 North American cities: Vancouver on August 10, Seattle on August 12, Oakland on Augst 14, Los Angeles on August 17, Houston on August 20, Fort Worth on August 23, Chicago on August 25, Washington, DC on August 28, Atlanta on August 30, Belmont Park on September 1, Toronto on 3 and Newark on September 6.
‘BE THE SUN’ will be the K-pop supergroup’s first world tour in 2 years, after ‘SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR’ prematurely came to an end in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The 13-piece act signaled the return of their highly-anticipated live shows earlier this month, with a fan meet in Japan that amassed 60,000 people.
SEVENTEEN will release their 4th studio album Face the Sun at midnight (ET) on May 27. The 9-track album with the lead single “HOT” has already racked up over 1.74 million pre-order sales in its first week, reaching an all-time high for the band.
About SEVENTEEN
Racking up 2 billion streams and selling 10 million albums, SEVENTEEN has rocketed to the forefront of the music scene fueled by a fiercely independent spirit and an unmatched in-house creative ecosystem. The group’s innovative structure hinges on the interplay of three units: hip-hop, vocals, and performance. Living up to the title of “K-pop Stage-breakers,” SEVENTEEN has unassumingly made history and become one of the biggest groups ever due to their world-class synchronization, jaw-dropping choreography, and tight teamwork. Moving at an unparalleled pace, the K-pop stage-breakers made their U.S. television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden in January 2021 and followed it with unforgettable performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show,The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and MTV’s Fresh Out Live. SEVENTEEN’s latest EP, Attacca, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and No. 13 on the Billboard 200. It sold over 1.3 million copies in the first week of release, earning the K-pop superstars the “quintuple-million seller” title.
There’s no denying that finding the perfect present for the father figure in your life is no easy feat and it seems like gift giving is just getting harder each year! Well, look no further because Benjamin Restaurant Group in New York City is here to make gift giving a lot easier. For the steak lover in your life, Benjamin Restaurant Group has an array of gifts.
The Basics
Benjamin Classic Steak Sauce: Unlike other steak sauces on the market Benjamin’s Classic Steak Sauce is made with brown sugar (instead of white cane sugar), creating a distinct sweetness that pairs well with most fish and steak dishes.
Benjamin Steakhouse Steak Knives: (5″ Robust Steak Knife) Each knife features a large robust handle with beautifully crafted Pakkawood inlay to create an elegant and distinctive look. The handle is exposed on all four sides, giving the knife a unique and gorgeous design while also improving balance and comfort in the hand. The rivets are silver and nickel so they do not expand or contract with the heat of your hand and the blade is composed of High Carbon, German, Ice-Hardened Carbon Steel and features a Rockwell hardness of 57 and is designed to last a lifetime. Gift box included.
Dry-aged USDA Prime Bone-In NY Strip Steak, Center Cut: One of the most popular steaks, this NY Strip is dry-aged for a minimum or 28-days, is well-marbled, and beautifully tender and delicious. Prized for its buttery flavor, the NY Strip is as flavorsome as it is juicy.
Prime Filet Mignon: Notorious for being the most tender cut of beef, The Filet Mignon is luxurious and lean with fantastic marbling, lending to its delicious flavor.
Gift Cards
Give the gift of a dinner on you! Available at all Benjamin Restaurant Group locations, Benjamin Steakhouse (41st Street), Benjamin Steakhouse (Westchester), The Sea Fire Grill and Benjamin Prime.
Playing for Change Foundation held its premier concert, the Official Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix After Party, on May 4, 2022 at DAER Hard Rock Hollywood, with proceeds from sales going back to the foundation to continue its initiative of bringing music & arts education to youth worldwide ahead of their annual PFCF Impact Awards at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, FL. on May 14, 2022. This year’s performances by award-winning artists will premiere exclusively in the CEEK METAVERSE. The Official Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix After Party is primed to draw top names from celebrities and influencers, Miami socialites, as well as the Grand Prix circuit’s top racers.
Additionally, CEEK VR has teamed with The Impact Awards/Playing for Change Foundation to bring this year’s event to the CEEK Metaverse. Many award-winning performances will be on Ceek as well as on the CEEK VR App. The CEEK Metaverse will also feature an exclusive NFT collection with Impact Awards in celebration of the music superstars and their fans. Founder and CEO Mary Spio says, “The exclusive The Impact Awards/Playing for Change Foundation NFT collection enables us to engage music fans in an exciting and impactful way, while raising funds for a truly important cause.”
This year’s Playing for Change Foundation (PFCF) Impact Awards Gala honors musical icons Luis Fonsi and Paula Abdul for their career-long philanthropic initiatives toward making the world a better place. PFCF is a non-profit organization that operates over 50+ locations across 15 countries, with a mission of creating positive change through music and arts education, and alongside this year’s honorees, are able to continue their worldwide impact. PFCF Founder Whitney Korenke says, “Partnering with the CEEK Metaverse for this year’s Impact Awards is a perfect match. Our two organizations are aligned in our vision to empower people from all parts of the world through music and art. CEEK’s platform will help extend the reach of the show on a global level.”
About The CEEK Metaverse
CEEK is a celebrity Metaverse that empowers music artists to create NFT’s, live events, Avatars, digital merch, venues, art and social games that traverse multiple virtual worlds. CEEK VR pioneered virtual reality concerts with the mission of making VR experiences universally accessible and enjoyable. An award-winning distributor of blockchain authenticated digital media and celebrity merchandize, CEEK Smart VR Tokens allow Ceekers (CEEK community members) ability to access authenticated content and celebrity merchandize with transparent content rights reporting and automatic publisher payments via smart contracts. The CEEK metaverse simulates the communal experience of attending a live concert, attending a sporting event, and other ‘money can’t buy’ exclusive experiences with friends anywhere at any time.
NFT driven agency ART IS and Pilar Zeta welcomed VIP attendees to “The Space of Variations“ solo exhibition on Saturday, May 14, at the Praz Delavallade Gallery in L.A. Presented and produced by ART IS, “The Space of Variations” marks Zeta’s first solo exhibition in the United States, following the success of her recent large-scale immersive artwork—”Hall of Visions“— commissioned by Faena Art in Miami Beach during Art Basel 2021. Artworks are also currently on display HERE.
The Argentinean artist and Creative Director has manifested her aesthetic in numerous mediums from her fine artwork to music videos, album artwork, set design, and live performances, having collaborated with influential musical artists such as Coldplay, Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello and Katy Perry. Now with this ART IS partnership, Zeta moves into the metaverse.
Through their partnership, ART IS and Pilar Zeta sought to transcend fine art’s traditional material limitations and explore infinite digital platforms and otherworldly dimensions. Zeta showcased physical works alongside animated NFT artworks produced by ART IS, each in dialogue with each other and presenting myriad variations of Zeta’s iconic egg forms, a universal token of rebirth and creation, and a series of arches that offer glimpses into parallel universes.
Physical artworks on display included oil paintings and large and small-scale totemic mixed-media sculptures (combining different semi-precious minerals such as opal, agate, jade, and gold). A series of animated NFT artworks was also presented, and opening night event attendees enjoyed the opportunity to interact live with the artist and commission customized NFTs, minted to their specifications by ART IS blockchain experts.
ART IS Founder Dom Wojnarowski said, “At ART IS, we are proud to partner with artists like Pilar Zeta, minting NFTs and producing digital and physical exhibitions to amplify their artwork in the Metaverse and beyond. This event encapsulates the value and utility that ART IS promises to our exclusive NFT collector community: unforgettable experiences with some of the leading new artists of our generation and first access to their remarkable artworks.”
Artist Pilar Zeta said, “ART IS was the perfect partner for this exhibition as they understand my vision and worked closely with me to capture the essence of each physical work of art as an NFT work that also unfolds in the digital realm.”
ART IS also partnered with Zeta to produce an exclusive NFT art series featuring her signature egg motif, with six distinct one-of-one designs. The series represents the third chapter in Zeta’s recent narrative journey, following “Hall of Visions” and “The Space of Variations.”
Leading with the egg’s central themes of creation, rebirth, spirit, and intuition, the nascent 1/1 NFT egg series entered the Metaverse on May 4, 2022.
One of the longest-running nameplates in the auto industry, and with 20 straight years as America’s #1 selling midsize sedan, the 2023 Camry keeps things rolling with a refreshed Nightshade Special Edition. The Camry was among the first Toyota models to offer the distinctive Nightshade edition, a factory designer package without the customizer’s price. And, for 2023, Toyota offers three moods of Nightshade with the choice of Midnight Black, White and the new Reservoir Blue exterior colors.
The Nightshade Special Edition gives the 2023 Camry the look and stance of a premium sport sedan. The 2023 Camry Nightshade is available in SE grade front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and hybrid models. The black front grille with Sport Mesh insert is borrowed from the Camry TRD model. The Nightshade also wears a black rear spoiler, mirror caps, exterior badges and, for 2023, adds black-trimmed headlights and taillights for a stronger dose of attitude.
The standout new design feature for the distinctive Nightshade is the 19-inch matte bronze aluminum alloy wheels. These rims give a look that really pops against any of the three body colors offered. The standard SE grade features carry over, including the sport-tuned suspension.
The Nightshade Edition is designed to appeal to drivers who enjoy a car that gets a little extra attention or for those who appreciate getting a designer look at a value price. That appeal is growing. The Nightshade package accounted for about 5% of Camry sales in 2021 and, for 2022, is on track to be about 7%.
A Camry for Everyone, and Up to 52 MPG
Currently in its eighth design generation, the Toyota Camry is also just one year shy of its 40th anniversary in America. A wide array of model choices, plus Camry’s alluring, coupe-inspired design and renowned Toyota quality and value, are a few reasons why Camry maintains leadership in the mid-size sedan category. All told, the 2023 Camry offers 18 different choices, offering a model for nearly every budget and taste. Notably, the Nightshade Edition is offered on all four-cylinder and hybrid models.
Five 4-cyl. FWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Five 4-cyl. AWD grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Five hybrid grades – LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade, XSE
Three V-6 grades – XLE, XSE and performance-tuned TRD
As fuel economy has recently zoomed to the top of many buyers’ priority lists, it is worth pointing out the outstanding fuel efficiency ratings across the Camry line. The LE Hybrid is the champ, with a manufacturer-estimated 51 MPG city/53 MPG highway/52 MPG combined rating. The LE FWD gas model is also a standout in its class, with manufacturer-estimated 28/39/32 MPG ratings.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
The Camry has been a repeat IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK recipient. This is the organization’s highest rating and one that acknowledges the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system that includes:
Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection with Intersection Support
Extensive use of high-tensile-strength steel in the TNGA-K platform along with innovative fastening methods, including laser screw welding and advanced adhesives, give Camry its rock-solid feeling on the road. Optimally tuned MacPherson-type strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension endow the Camry with a ride-handling balance befitting luxury vehicles (SE, XSE and TRD grades also have sport-tuned springs and shocks).
Camry engineers prioritize a quiet ride, and the current-generation model improved on that by incorporating noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) countermeasures previously found exclusively on luxury models. Extensive sound-absorbing insulation includes foam/vibration-dampening materials throughout the vehicle, along with a thicker dash silencer mat across the entire firewall section. A special vibration-damping coating is applied over a wider area of the underfloor, and noise-proofing material encompasses more surface area under the headliner.
High-Style, High-Function Cabin
The Camry’s interior melds functionality, elegant styling and impeccable fit and finish. The dash design gives the driver a sporty cockpit-type feel while treating both the driver and the front passenger to expansive outward visibility.
Surfaces throughout the cabin employ soft-touch premium materials. Interior trim in all grades gives a sophisticated, higher-tech look with linear dark, wood inlay or patterned metal, depending on the model grade. Interior color choices, depending on exterior color, include Ash, Macadamia or Black. The sport-oriented XSE grade also offers an exclusive Cockpit Red interior for a touch of exotic sports car flavor.
Exquisite stitching on the front- and rear-seat surfaces, one example of the high level of craftsmanship, is found throughout the vehicle. The XLE grade features a luxurious-looking textured herringbone seat pattern. Ventilated front seats are available on the XLE and XSE.
The Camry relays information to the driver via three available displays. A floating 7- or 9-inch central touch-screen display combines audio and navigation. Customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen icons help ensure familiar and convenient operation.
For even greater functionality, Camry also offers an available 7-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster. Available on XLE and XSE, a 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) projects vital information, including speed and turn-by-turn navigation directions, onto the lower portion of the windshield.
The Camry LE features standard air conditioning, while all other grades step up to automatic dual-zone climate control. The system specific to the hybrid versions uses an electric compressor and humidity sensor. Rear seat vents come standard on the XLE and XSE Hybrid grades and are available as a package upgrade on the LE and SE.
High Power, Efficiency and Value
The 2023 Camry offers a choice of three powertrains: 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, 3.5-liter V-6 and next-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS II). The Dynamic Force 2.5-liter engine is a strong but smooth operator, yielding an impressive 203 hp at 6,600 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,000 rpm (206 hp and 186 lb.-ft. for XSE grade, which uses a dual-outlet exhaust). Most AWD grades have 202 hp, while the Camry XSE AWD grade has 205 hp with dual-outlet exhaust.
The four-cylinder engine uses a very high compression ratio (13:1) and Toyota’s innovative D-4S fuel injection, which employs both direct injection and additional port injectors. The engine is chock-full of Toyota’s most advanced technologies, including Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing intelligent system by Electric motor) and laser-clad valve seats. A variable cooling system, variable oil pump and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system all contribute to the engine’s high thermal efficiency and outstanding fuel economy ratings. Notably, regular-grade fuel is specified for all 2023 Camry models, helping to bolster value for the customer.
V-6 Performance at a High Level
The 2023 Toyota Camry is one of the few midsize sedans to still offer a V-6 engine and this one is a gem. It is standard for the TRD and is available for the XLE and XSE grades, as well.
The 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter engine is equipped with the D-4S direct injection system, along with a specially-developed VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) variable valve timing system for the intake, with VVT-i on the exhaust. The VVT-iW system can switch the engine to the Atkinson cycle, which reduces pumping losses by delayed closing of the intake valves. Output is outstanding, with 301 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm.
Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic
In all Camry gas grades, both the 2.5-liter engine and the 3.5-liter V-6 are teamed with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers satisfyingly crisp-yet-smooth quick-shifting to deliver an exemplary blend of performance and refinement. Close mid-range ratios improve passing performance, while the wide range of torque converter lock-up yields a more direct driving feel and contributes to fuel efficiency. Control logic optimizes precise matching of engine torque on downshifts for smoother transitions.
“You have this skill set to take something so dark and find something funny about it,” said Wayans, “It doesn’t mean you don’t deal with that pain. It’s just you go, okay what’s funny about it?”
This week’s episode is perfect for the current moment as we are coming off the heels of Mother’s Day and are still in the midst of Mental Health Awareness Month. In their poignant discussion, Flowers and Wayans reveal the heartbreak and potential for comedy and healing within the struggles of losing their mothers.
“My new set right now, I talk about the most traumatic thing that ever happened to me, which was losing my mother,” said Wayans, “And that’s crazy that you would make a set about losing your mother. Like what’s funny about that? I don’t know. It helped to heal me.”
“Understanding the Human Condition with Dr. James Flowers” is a weekly podcast in which Dr. Flowers and his most-admired mentors, respected colleagues and VIP guests share valuable insight into underlying health causes, conditions and issues. These in-depth yet approachable episodes are a great resource for both private individuals and industry professionals. New episodes are released every Thursday on YouTube, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and iHeartRadio.
About Dr. James Flowers
The esteemed host, Dr. James Flowers is one of the most recognized and respected names in the field of chronic pain, mental health, and substance use disorders, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Flowers is the founder of J. Flowers Health Institute located in Houston, Texas.