Hans Liska (1907-1984) is one of the most well-known WWII Axis illustrators, who served with the German Armed Forces during the war.
In 1942 and 1943 two albums were published with Hans Liska's sketches and color illustrations "to please the frontline soldiers and the workers of the weapon factories" in Germany. Definitely, his art lived up to the expectations of his peers, and propaganda clichés left the well-recognizable footprints all over his painting and drawings. Today the originals of both albums are a rarity.
However, at the same time artist was also able to create something more valuable than NSDAP-commissioned propaganda poster for the crumbling wall of the neighborhood bakery in bombed-up German provincial town. Liska convincingly demonstrates that he has an eye for the real war drama, with all its pain, suffering, desperation, hard work, endurance, sense of duty, and courage for yet one more push to the utmost, which all participants are likely to share, no matter under what colors they fought and died.
Check the fort in the near future for - some of - his sketches!
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
08 October 2010
06 September 2010
Upcoming: The Pacific DVD/BlueRay Boxset!!
From 2 November the DVD- and Blueray boxsets of the great series The Pacific will be in shops all over the world.
In my opinion the Band of Brothers series was magnificent and the Pacific is no less so.If you are interested in getting a feeling of what the war in the Pacific was about and want to know what the boys had to go through this one is worth a BIG recommendation!
In my opinion the Band of Brothers series was magnificent and the Pacific is no less so.If you are interested in getting a feeling of what the war in the Pacific was about and want to know what the boys had to go through this one is worth a BIG recommendation!
03 September 2010
New looks for the fort
As you see - duhhh - the Fort has a new look. You will miss my scenarios - but only at first. I thought the long list of theatres with their own scens looked too cluttered.
It's a pity Blogger doesn't allow you to store ZIP-files, so I'll have to store the scenariofiles elsewhere. Having heard your reactions on Mediafire storage, I'll make my scens available at the Gamers Depot, the SPWAW Depot and on the SPWAW Enhanced Forum. In my blogs I'll provide a link to one of these three sites.
A new item will be the tip of the week. The internet is full of SPWAW enthusiasts sharing their tips on playing and designing for SPWAW. It would be a shame if these goodies weren't shared.
It's a pity Blogger doesn't allow you to store ZIP-files, so I'll have to store the scenariofiles elsewhere. Having heard your reactions on Mediafire storage, I'll make my scens available at the Gamers Depot, the SPWAW Depot and on the SPWAW Enhanced Forum. In my blogs I'll provide a link to one of these three sites.
A new item will be the tip of the week. The internet is full of SPWAW enthusiasts sharing their tips on playing and designing for SPWAW. It would be a shame if these goodies weren't shared.
30 June 2010
Storm Over Eastprussia - upcoming new series
As I've let you know, I'm working on a new series about the battles for Eastprussia. Right now I'm studying quite a few books about these battles and some related battles in the near vicinity.
If you're interested, here are the links to the books I'm currently reading on the subject!
If you're interested, here are the links to the books I'm currently reading on the subject!
31 May 2010
NEW - ENH FR Slaughterhouse Halbe - 1945
SLAUGHTERHOUSE HALBE**
German Attack - Soviet Defense*
Halbe, Germany, 1800 hrs April 28, 1945*
Turns 20*
Design: Dutchiexx*
MADE FOR ENHANCED FR**
SCENARIO NOTES:**
After two unsuccesfull tries, on the night of April 28 the Germans tried another mass breakout from around Halbe. They managed to break through the 50th Guards Rifle Division and created a corridor from Halbe to the west but they paid a very high price. During the 28th and 29th the Soviets reinforced the flanks and attacked from the south poring in Katyusha rockets and shells concentrating on the area around the Halbe.*
By this time the Germans were spread over a wide area. The rearguard was at Storkow and the vanguard had linked up with the 12th Army at Beelitz. There were large groups around Halbe. The Soviet battle plan was to split the caterpillar into segments and then destroy each segment individually. The German battle plan was to continue moving west as fast as possible keeping the corridor open.*
The situation in Halbe was desperate for the Germans, orders were still being issued to recognisable formations, but these were by now all mixed up. There was considerable tension between Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht soldiers with both accusing the other of helping their own comrades while ignoring the plight of the other. In Halbe itself some of the civilians took pity on very young solders "kindersoldaten" and allowed them to change out of their uniforms into civilian clothes.*
In one documented case an SS man appeared at the door of a cellar intending to shoot a Panzerfaust into a cellar with about 40 civilians and young Wehrmacht soldiers in it, only to be shot dead by one of the soldiers.*
During the following days, the fighting became more and more confused. If the Germans came into contact with Soviet forces and overran a Soviet position, the Soviets counter-attacked not only with ground forces but with artillery and aircraft. Losses on both sides were very high. By the time the fighting was over, (around the end of April, begining of May), about 25,000 German soldiers had managed to escape to join up with the 12th Army on the eastern side of Reichstrasse 2 the road running north south through Beelitz.*
Although this was the end of the battle it was not the end of the breakout. The 12th and 9th Armies remnants then fought a fighting retreat westwards towards the Elbe so that they could surrender to the Americans.**
PLAYER NOTES:**
Your mission is to break through the Soviet defense line In Halbe. You have to open a corridor to the west. It is our last chance to escape the Russian steamroller!**
German Attack - Soviet Defense*
Halbe, Germany, 1800 hrs April 28, 1945*
Turns 20*
Design: Dutchiexx*
MADE FOR ENHANCED FR**
SCENARIO NOTES:**
After two unsuccesfull tries, on the night of April 28 the Germans tried another mass breakout from around Halbe. They managed to break through the 50th Guards Rifle Division and created a corridor from Halbe to the west but they paid a very high price. During the 28th and 29th the Soviets reinforced the flanks and attacked from the south poring in Katyusha rockets and shells concentrating on the area around the Halbe.*
By this time the Germans were spread over a wide area. The rearguard was at Storkow and the vanguard had linked up with the 12th Army at Beelitz. There were large groups around Halbe. The Soviet battle plan was to split the caterpillar into segments and then destroy each segment individually. The German battle plan was to continue moving west as fast as possible keeping the corridor open.*
The situation in Halbe was desperate for the Germans, orders were still being issued to recognisable formations, but these were by now all mixed up. There was considerable tension between Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht soldiers with both accusing the other of helping their own comrades while ignoring the plight of the other. In Halbe itself some of the civilians took pity on very young solders "kindersoldaten" and allowed them to change out of their uniforms into civilian clothes.*
In one documented case an SS man appeared at the door of a cellar intending to shoot a Panzerfaust into a cellar with about 40 civilians and young Wehrmacht soldiers in it, only to be shot dead by one of the soldiers.*
During the following days, the fighting became more and more confused. If the Germans came into contact with Soviet forces and overran a Soviet position, the Soviets counter-attacked not only with ground forces but with artillery and aircraft. Losses on both sides were very high. By the time the fighting was over, (around the end of April, begining of May), about 25,000 German soldiers had managed to escape to join up with the 12th Army on the eastern side of Reichstrasse 2 the road running north south through Beelitz.*
Although this was the end of the battle it was not the end of the breakout. The 12th and 9th Armies remnants then fought a fighting retreat westwards towards the Elbe so that they could surrender to the Americans.**
PLAYER NOTES:**
Your mission is to break through the Soviet defense line In Halbe. You have to open a corridor to the west. It is our last chance to escape the Russian steamroller!**
ENH FR - Exit In Vlissingen - 1940
Exit In Vlissingen*
Dutch province of Zeeland - 1940**
French defend vs German attack**
May 17th, 1940 - 2000 hours**
SPWAW 8.403*
ENHANCED FR**
Best played as: France*
Turns: 20**
Designed by: Dutchiexx*
HISTORICAL NOTES*
After the German bombardment on Rotterdam on May 14, Dutch forces in The Netherlands surrendered. In the days preceding this date, the Dutch asked for help by French forces. Their wish was granted. This meant, however, that Dutch forces in parts of the Netherlands, where they worked together with the French expeditionary force were not allowed to surrender. The only place in the Netherlands where this happened was the Dutch province of Zeeland. Here the fighting lasted until May 17, 1940.**
As can be imagined, the Dutch morale was not very high. Lots of Dutch forces surrendered therefore without their officers consent. The French forces in Zeeland felt abandoned by the Dutch.**
On May 17, at around 0300 hours, two German artillery sections opened fire on the west side of the Sloedam. Half an hour later the 9thKompanie of the III Battalion of the SS Standarte Deutschland attacked the French forces. The French resisted heavily and withstood the German onslaught.**
After this mishap, The Germans tried to drown the resistance by the use of heavy artillery fire and the use of heavy Luftwaffe bombardments on Arnemuiden, Vlissingen and Middelburg.**
These bombardments had a demoralizing effect on the French soldiers, who defended the Sloedam, even though General de Brigade Deslaurens visted the frontline more than once to urge his soldiers on. Most of his defences on the Sloedam were shattered and his forces pulled back.**
The SS Standarte Deutschland therefore had the opportunity to seize the Dutch island ofWalcheren without having to cope with too much resistance. They reached the outskirts of Vlissingen at around 2000 hours. General de Brigade Deslaurens and his troops fought a bitter battle to keep the German forces from reaching the harbour too early. Their last link to survival consiting of a small fleet of fisherboats and French marine craft were waiting in Vlissingen harbour to evacuate the men to France. Deslaurens fought literally until the bitter end. In the evening of May 17 he took a deadly hit from a German bullet. At 2300 hours Vlissingen surrendered.**
PLAYER NOTES*
You have to hold the German Onslaught at the least until your two marine vessels - at the left side of the map - are in Vlissingen harbour.**
Mon capitain, make sure these vessels stay in DEEP water; if they are grounded, General Deslaurens will not be able to pull your forces out of les Pays Bas.**
Mon General, you have to hold Vlissingen harbour until your flotilla arrives. it will consist of two vessels. At this time, your forces are all over the place. Coordinate the defense of the town and pull your men back to the harbour!**
DESIGNER NOTES*
You have to bring your two vessels into the harbour using only the deep water hexes. So watch carefully for colour changes in the water. Hovering your mouse over a hex before moving your vessel into it will help too!**
Dutch province of Zeeland - 1940**
French defend vs German attack**
May 17th, 1940 - 2000 hours**
SPWAW 8.403*
ENHANCED FR**
Best played as: France*
Turns: 20**
Designed by: Dutchiexx*
HISTORICAL NOTES*
After the German bombardment on Rotterdam on May 14, Dutch forces in The Netherlands surrendered. In the days preceding this date, the Dutch asked for help by French forces. Their wish was granted. This meant, however, that Dutch forces in parts of the Netherlands, where they worked together with the French expeditionary force were not allowed to surrender. The only place in the Netherlands where this happened was the Dutch province of Zeeland. Here the fighting lasted until May 17, 1940.**
As can be imagined, the Dutch morale was not very high. Lots of Dutch forces surrendered therefore without their officers consent. The French forces in Zeeland felt abandoned by the Dutch.**
On May 17, at around 0300 hours, two German artillery sections opened fire on the west side of the Sloedam. Half an hour later the 9thKompanie of the III Battalion of the SS Standarte Deutschland attacked the French forces. The French resisted heavily and withstood the German onslaught.**
After this mishap, The Germans tried to drown the resistance by the use of heavy artillery fire and the use of heavy Luftwaffe bombardments on Arnemuiden, Vlissingen and Middelburg.**
These bombardments had a demoralizing effect on the French soldiers, who defended the Sloedam, even though General de Brigade Deslaurens visted the frontline more than once to urge his soldiers on. Most of his defences on the Sloedam were shattered and his forces pulled back.**
The SS Standarte Deutschland therefore had the opportunity to seize the Dutch island ofWalcheren without having to cope with too much resistance. They reached the outskirts of Vlissingen at around 2000 hours. General de Brigade Deslaurens and his troops fought a bitter battle to keep the German forces from reaching the harbour too early. Their last link to survival consiting of a small fleet of fisherboats and French marine craft were waiting in Vlissingen harbour to evacuate the men to France. Deslaurens fought literally until the bitter end. In the evening of May 17 he took a deadly hit from a German bullet. At 2300 hours Vlissingen surrendered.**
PLAYER NOTES*
You have to hold the German Onslaught at the least until your two marine vessels - at the left side of the map - are in Vlissingen harbour.**
Mon capitain, make sure these vessels stay in DEEP water; if they are grounded, General Deslaurens will not be able to pull your forces out of les Pays Bas.**
Mon General, you have to hold Vlissingen harbour until your flotilla arrives. it will consist of two vessels. At this time, your forces are all over the place. Coordinate the defense of the town and pull your men back to the harbour!**
DESIGNER NOTES*
You have to bring your two vessels into the harbour using only the deep water hexes. So watch carefully for colour changes in the water. Hovering your mouse over a hex before moving your vessel into it will help too!**
28 May 2010
ENH FR Oob Patch
As you might know, some minor mishaps sneaked into the oobs for ENH FR. Alby and his team corrected any mistakes and placed an OOB-Patch for ENH FR on the Enhanced/North Africa Forum. Here's the link:
http://enhanced.freeforums.org/post5019.html#p5019
Have FUN!
http://enhanced.freeforums.org/post5019.html#p5019
Have FUN!
08 May 2010
SP:WaW Enhanced Final Release...
Finally arrives at the Enhanced / North Africa Forum; go here for the downloadlink of the MOD:
ENHANCED FR
Kudos to Alby and his Enhanced Team!
ENHANCED FR
Kudos to Alby and his Enhanced Team!
02 May 2010
SP:WaW Enhanced FR again...
From a post at the The SPWAW Enhanced Forum by Alby which was posted on Sun May 02, 2010 4:38 pm:
Trying to get last minute things finished up, but no 'exact' date is known right now, it is very close though.
We're looking forward to the final product Alby!
Trying to get last minute things finished up, but no 'exact' date is known right now, it is very close though.
We're looking forward to the final product Alby!
SP:WaW Enhanced FR
Well... the new MOD could be published any day now! However, only Alby knows when!
05 April 2010
The Pacific
Companion Book To HBO-Miniseries
In this companion to the HBO(r) miniseries-executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman-Hugh Ambrose reveals the intertwined odysseys of four U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy carrier pilot during World War II.
Between America's retreat from China in late November 1941 and the moment General MacArthur's airplane touched down on the Japanese mainland in August of 1945, five men connected by happenstance fought the key battles of the war against Japan. From the debacle in Bataan, to the miracle at Midway and the relentless vortex of Guadalcanal, their solemn oaths to their country later led one to the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot and the others to the coral strongholds of Peleliu, the black terraces of Iwo Jima and the killing fields of Okinawa, until at last the survivors enjoyed a triumphant, yet uneasy, return home.
In The Pacific, Hugh Ambrose focuses on the real-life stories of the five men who put their lives on the line for our country. To deepen the story revealed in the miniseries and go beyond it, the book dares to chart a great ocean of enmity known as The Pacific and the brave men who fought. Some considered war a profession, others enlisted as citizen soldiers. Each man served in a different part of the war, but their respective duties required every ounce of their courage and their strength to defeat an enemy who preferred suicide to surrender. The medals for valor which were pinned on three of them came at a shocking price-a price paid in full by all.
About the Author
Hugh Ambrose is a noted historian and was a consultant on the documentary Price for Peace, for which Steven Spielberg and Stephen Ambrose were the Executive Producers. He was a consultant to his father on his books, and is also serving as a historical consultant on HBO(r)'s The Pacific miniseries. Ambrose is also the former vice president of the national World War II Museum and has led battlefield tours through Europe and along the Pacific Rim.
Just as the series is in my opinion of great historic wealth, showing not only inportant battlefield scenes but more so the personal accounts of ordinary guys who were ripped out of their everyday lives to be dropped in the middle of raw and senseless slaughter, this book gives you an even deeper look into the persons who defined the events in the Pacific. A MUST READ!
In this companion to the HBO(r) miniseries-executive produced by Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Gary Goetzman-Hugh Ambrose reveals the intertwined odysseys of four U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy carrier pilot during World War II.
Between America's retreat from China in late November 1941 and the moment General MacArthur's airplane touched down on the Japanese mainland in August of 1945, five men connected by happenstance fought the key battles of the war against Japan. From the debacle in Bataan, to the miracle at Midway and the relentless vortex of Guadalcanal, their solemn oaths to their country later led one to the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot and the others to the coral strongholds of Peleliu, the black terraces of Iwo Jima and the killing fields of Okinawa, until at last the survivors enjoyed a triumphant, yet uneasy, return home.
In The Pacific, Hugh Ambrose focuses on the real-life stories of the five men who put their lives on the line for our country. To deepen the story revealed in the miniseries and go beyond it, the book dares to chart a great ocean of enmity known as The Pacific and the brave men who fought. Some considered war a profession, others enlisted as citizen soldiers. Each man served in a different part of the war, but their respective duties required every ounce of their courage and their strength to defeat an enemy who preferred suicide to surrender. The medals for valor which were pinned on three of them came at a shocking price-a price paid in full by all.
About the Author
Hugh Ambrose is a noted historian and was a consultant on the documentary Price for Peace, for which Steven Spielberg and Stephen Ambrose were the Executive Producers. He was a consultant to his father on his books, and is also serving as a historical consultant on HBO(r)'s The Pacific miniseries. Ambrose is also the former vice president of the national World War II Museum and has led battlefield tours through Europe and along the Pacific Rim.
Just as the series is in my opinion of great historic wealth, showing not only inportant battlefield scenes but more so the personal accounts of ordinary guys who were ripped out of their everyday lives to be dropped in the middle of raw and senseless slaughter, this book gives you an even deeper look into the persons who defined the events in the Pacific. A MUST READ!
The Kindly Ones...
A great book by Jonathan Littell. Here's a review by The New Yorker:
Littell opens his Second World War novel, told through the recollections of a German officer named Max Aue, with a breakdown of how many Germans, Soviets, and Jews died, minute by minute, in the conflict. As Aue travels to Stalingrad, Auschwitz, and Hungary to report on morale and efficiency, long sections of bureaucratic analysis alternate with moments of mind-numbing sadism. Aue, a caricature of moral failure (he fantasizes at length about sodomizing his twin sister), encounters a cast of unintentionally comic characters, such as an obese and flatulent proponent of the Final Solution, who surrounds himself with Teutonic beauties. The Holocaust is recast as an extended bout of office politics, with German officials quarrelling over who is responsible for prisoners hygiene. As the novel draws to a violent close, its story seems nearly as senseless as the horrors it depicts.
Littell opens his Second World War novel, told through the recollections of a German officer named Max Aue, with a breakdown of how many Germans, Soviets, and Jews died, minute by minute, in the conflict. As Aue travels to Stalingrad, Auschwitz, and Hungary to report on morale and efficiency, long sections of bureaucratic analysis alternate with moments of mind-numbing sadism. Aue, a caricature of moral failure (he fantasizes at length about sodomizing his twin sister), encounters a cast of unintentionally comic characters, such as an obese and flatulent proponent of the Final Solution, who surrounds himself with Teutonic beauties. The Holocaust is recast as an extended bout of office politics, with German officials quarrelling over who is responsible for prisoners hygiene. As the novel draws to a violent close, its story seems nearly as senseless as the horrors it depicts.
01 April 2010
WinSPMBT Patch 5.0
The patch has been released! Go here:
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/Patches/PD_MBT.html
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/Patches/PD_MBT.html
26 March 2010
Enhanced Final Release Postponed
Alby needs a bit more time until release due to some unforeseen OOB-troubles...
Alby, take your sweet time and don't forget there's more in life than SP:WaW!
Alby, take your sweet time and don't forget there's more in life than SP:WaW!
04 February 2010
NEW Scenario: Slaughterhouse Halbe
SLAUGHTERHOUSE HALBE**
German Attack - Soviet Defense*
Halbe, Germany*
1800 hrs April 28, 1945*
Turns 20*
Scenario Size: Small**
Design: Henk "Dutchiexx" Neumann*
Dutchiexx@spwaw.com**
MADE FOR ENHANCED**
SCENARIO NOTES:**
After two unsuccesfull tries, on the night of April 28 the Germans tried another mass breakout from around Halbe. They managed to break through the 50th Guards Rifle Division and created a corridor from Halbe to the west but they paid a very high price. During the 28th and 29th the Soviets reinforced the flanks and attacked from the south poring in Katyusha rockets and shells concentrating on the area around the Halbe.*
By this time the Germans were spread over a wide area. The rearguard was at Storkow and the vanguard had linked up with the 12th Army at Beelitz. There were large groups around Halbe. The Soviet battle plan was to split the caterpillar into segments and then destroy each segment individually. The German battle plan was to continue moving west as fast as possible keeping the corridor open.*
The situation in Halbe was desperate for the Germans, orders were still being issued to recognisable formations, but these were by now all mixed up. There was considerable tension between Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht soldiers with both accusing the other of helping their own comrades while ignoring the plight of the other. In Halbe itself some of the civilians took pity on very young solders "kindersoldaten" and allowed them to change out of their uniforms into civilian clothes.*
In one documented case an SS man appeared at the door of a cellar intending to shoot a Panzerfaust into a cellar with about 40 civilians and young Wehrmacht soldiers in it, only to be shot dead by one of the soldiers.*
During the following days, the fighting became more and more confused. If the Germans came into contact with Soviet forces and overran a Soviet position, the Soviets counter-attacked not only with ground forces but with artillery and aircraft. Losses on both sides were very high. By the time the fighting was over, (around the end of April, begining of May), about 25,000 German soldiers had managed to escape to join up with the 12th Army on the eastern side of Reichstrasse 2 the road running north south through Beelitz.*
Although this was the end of the battle it was not the end of the breakout. The 12th and 9th Armies remnants then fought a fighting retreat westwards towards the Elbe so that they could surrender to the Americans.**
PLAYER NOTES:**
Your mission is to break through the Soviet defense line In Halbe. You have to open a corridor to the west.**
German Attack - Soviet Defense*
Halbe, Germany*
1800 hrs April 28, 1945*
Turns 20*
Scenario Size: Small**
Design: Henk "Dutchiexx" Neumann*
Dutchiexx@spwaw.com**
MADE FOR ENHANCED**
SCENARIO NOTES:**
After two unsuccesfull tries, on the night of April 28 the Germans tried another mass breakout from around Halbe. They managed to break through the 50th Guards Rifle Division and created a corridor from Halbe to the west but they paid a very high price. During the 28th and 29th the Soviets reinforced the flanks and attacked from the south poring in Katyusha rockets and shells concentrating on the area around the Halbe.*
By this time the Germans were spread over a wide area. The rearguard was at Storkow and the vanguard had linked up with the 12th Army at Beelitz. There were large groups around Halbe. The Soviet battle plan was to split the caterpillar into segments and then destroy each segment individually. The German battle plan was to continue moving west as fast as possible keeping the corridor open.*
The situation in Halbe was desperate for the Germans, orders were still being issued to recognisable formations, but these were by now all mixed up. There was considerable tension between Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht soldiers with both accusing the other of helping their own comrades while ignoring the plight of the other. In Halbe itself some of the civilians took pity on very young solders "kindersoldaten" and allowed them to change out of their uniforms into civilian clothes.*
In one documented case an SS man appeared at the door of a cellar intending to shoot a Panzerfaust into a cellar with about 40 civilians and young Wehrmacht soldiers in it, only to be shot dead by one of the soldiers.*
During the following days, the fighting became more and more confused. If the Germans came into contact with Soviet forces and overran a Soviet position, the Soviets counter-attacked not only with ground forces but with artillery and aircraft. Losses on both sides were very high. By the time the fighting was over, (around the end of April, begining of May), about 25,000 German soldiers had managed to escape to join up with the 12th Army on the eastern side of Reichstrasse 2 the road running north south through Beelitz.*
Although this was the end of the battle it was not the end of the breakout. The 12th and 9th Armies remnants then fought a fighting retreat westwards towards the Elbe so that they could surrender to the Americans.**
PLAYER NOTES:**
Your mission is to break through the Soviet defense line In Halbe. You have to open a corridor to the west.**
15 January 2010
Russian War Paintings
Found some great Russian made war paintings on the internet. Notice the distinctive Russian style in each and everyone.
Battle for Koenigsberg - East Prussia
In the near future I will design a series of scenarios playing in and around the old East Prussian capital Königsberg. To give you a taste of what's waiting for you, I'll publish some pictures of the actual battle in and aroud this city.
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