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Ethnic cultures as newsmakers

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10 Best Mark Ruffalo performances, from ‘Poor Things’ to ‘Foxcatcher’

When Mark Ruffalo first appeared on the scene, the comparisons to Marlon Brando were plentiful. It was an easy parallel to make — he was bursting with talent, darkly handsome and excelled at playing brooding, troubled characters.

Variety via Getty Images

 

Ruffalo even studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, which continued the teachings of Brando’s famous acting teacher. “You belong here, darling,” his teacher Joanne Linville told him in their interview, as recounted by Ruffalo in a Variety story. “I never had anyone tell me I belong somewhere. I had never been so excited about learning in my entire life as I embarked on that journey.”

 

But Ruffalo soon proved to be his own actor, seamlessly slipping into light comedies and superhero status as effortlessly as he made his dramatic work look. He just received his fourth Academy Award nomination for his sharp turn in “Poor Things” and on Feb. 8, will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In celebration of that event, we looked at 10 of his most memorable performances over the years.

TIPSHEET

WHAT: Mark Ruffalo receives his star on the Walk of Fame
WHEN:   11 a.m., Feb. 8
WHERE: 6777 Hollywood Blvd.
WEB: walkoffame.com

 

Foxcatcher (2014)

Scott Garfield

Ruffalo earned his second Oscar nomination (after “The Kids Are All Right”) for playing wrestler Dave Schultz, an Olympic Gold medalist who was murdered by millionaire John du Pont. Ruffalo has the challenge of playing a decent family man opposite Steve Carell as du Pont and Channing Tatum as Dave’s younger brother Mark. It can be hard to make goodness interesting, but Ruffalo presents a dedicated family man and athlete — making it all the more tragic when his life is inexplicably
cut short.

 

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— Variety

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Brian Cox, Patricia Clarkson joined on West End Play ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ by ‘Fool Me Once’ star Laurie Kynaston

Laurie Kynaston (Netflix’s “Fool Me Once)” is replacing Anthony Boyle in Second Half Productions’ London West End play “Long Day’s Journey Into Night.”

 

Boyle, who can currently be seen in Apple TV+ series “Masters of the Air,” had to withdraw due to personal reasons, the producers said.

 

Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer-winning play, published in 1956, takes place on a single day. It is set in the home of the Tyrones and portrays a family struggling to grapple with the realities and consequences of each member’s failings. The parents and two sons blame and resent each other for a variety of reasons.

 

Kynaston joins the production in the role of Edmund Tyrone. He will star alongside Emmy winner Brian Cox “(Succession)” who will play James Tyrone, Golden Globe and Emmy winner Patricia Clarkson “(Sharp Objects)” as Mary Tyrone, BAFTA nominee Daryl McCormack “(Bad Sisters,” “Good Luck to You, Leo Grande)” as James Jr. and Louisa Harland “(Derry Girls)” as Cathleen.

 

Jeremy Herrin “(Ulster American,” “A Mirror,” “Best of Enemies)” directs. “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” is designed by Lizzie Clachan with lighting design by Jack Knowles, sound design by Tom Gibbons, movement by Polly Bennett, voice by Hazel Holder, and casting by Jessica Ronane CDG. The associate director is Justina Kehinde.

 

Kynaston is currently also in Paramount+ series “The Doll Factory,” Disney+ series “A Small Light,” the Showtime/CBS series “The Man Who Fell To Earth” and Netflix’s “The Sandman,” written by Neil Gaiman. Among his theater work, following his performance in the Olivier nominated production of “Spring Awakening” at the Almeida, he led the cast of the Royal Court’s “Mates” In Chelsea. He is the winner of the emerging talent award at the Evening Standard Awards for his title role in “The Son” for the Duke of York’s Theatre, West End.

 

“Long Day’s Journey into Night” will run at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre from March 19-June 8.

 

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— Variety

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Business Culture Entertainment News Environment International & World Lifestyle Travel & Leisure

Disneyland Paris Flagship Hotel re-opens in time for upcoming ‘World of Frozen’ launch

After three years of renovations, the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris, finally re-opened on Jan. 25 with a new focus on luxury.

 

Courtesy of Disney

With a five-star rating and a manager whose resume includes the Ritz and the Mandarin Oriental, the hotel, which is located over the main entrance to the park, boasts a spa, kids club, styling studio similar to Florida’s Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and even a pillow menu (there are seven different types of neck support to choose from) in addition to its 487 rooms and suites.

 

While Disney’s last foray into experiential accommodation ended in tears when Orlando’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel shut down last fall just eighteen months after it opened, the company’s latest endeavour (which launched just a week before new Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland in Anaheim) proves lessons have been learned about what guests actually want.

 

Gone are the windowless cabins and mandatory character interaction. Instead visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Sleeping Beauty’s castle and soak in high-tech animated details, including a life-size version of Aurora’s dress made from fibreoptic fabric that turns from pink to blue at the touch of a button.

 

“You’re not only coming here to sleep in a bed,” manager Majbritt Iaconis tells Variety.

 

“Why are you coming here? It’s for all the different experiences on offer.”

 

Promising “excellence and immersive storytelling,” the hotel aims to offer both an extension of the company’s two French parks (as well as Disneyland Paris there is also a separately-ticketed park called Walt Disney Studios) and the first word in comfort, combining themed restaurants, character encounters and interactive suites inspired by classic films including “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cinderella” with amenities such as 24-hour room service and high-end bath products.

The lobby in the Disneyland Hotel in Paris (courtesy of Disney)

 

Disney’s French team, led by veteran Imagineer and art director Sylvie Massara (who was also responsible for the resort’s 2021 Marvel-themed hotel), were tasked with bringing the studio’s films to life, with Disney’s Burbank HQ providing archive art and props for inspiration as well as approving designs and interactive details, such as a glowing glass slipper in the Cinderella suite. Pixar Studios artists designed a “Brave”-themed tapestry, which was brought to life by craftsmen from a 130-year-old weaving workshop in the North of France and now hangs in the hotel’s Royal Banquet restaurant.

 

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— Variety

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Donnell Rawlings stand-up special produced by Dave Chappelle, lands Netflix premiere

Netflix has picked up the stand-up special “Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day,” the latest installment in a series of stand-alone comedy specials executive produced by Chappelle. Ok

 

“Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day” is Rawlings’ first solo stand-up comedy special for Netflix, and is set to premiere on Feb. 27.

 

Directed by Emmy and Grammy award winner Stan Lathan, the special was filmed at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City during the New York Comedy Festival in November. “Chappelle’s Home Team – Donnell Rawlings: A New Day” is executive produced by Chappelle, Rikki Hughes and Lathan.

 

“It’s a new day, and Donnell Rawlings is feeling good. Dressed in a blue suit, red socks and lotioned ankles, he’s here to discuss toxic relationships, traveling to New Zealand, aging, co-parenting and much more,” reads the special’s synopsis.

 

Rawlings was previously featured on “The Degenerates” (2019) and on “Snoop Dogg’s F*cn Around Comedy Special” (2022). Rawlings then joined Chappelle on his special “Dave Chappelle and Friends” at the Hollywood Bowl and performed a solo during the previous Netflix is a Joke comedy festival, where he will perform again as it returns this spring.

 

Rawlings was previously seen in sketches as “Ashy Larry” on “Chappelle’s Show.” He also appeared as Damien “Day-Day” Price on HBO’s “The Wire,” and he also starred as Dez in the animated Pixar film “Soul.”

 

The Rawlings special is the third installment of “Home Team,” which features comedians spotlighted and chosen by Chappelle.

 

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and comedians like Donnell are not only friends but have inspired my own career,” Chappelle said in a statement.

 

“Anyone in the comedy community knows these names and knows their time to shine is long overdue. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”

 

The first special released as part of “Home Team” was “Chappelle’s Home Team – Earthquake: Legendary,” which premiered in February 2022. It was followed by “Chappelle’s Home Team – Luenell: Town Business” on September 2023.

 

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— Variety (EXCLUSIVE) 

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Art & Life Culture Lifestyle

James Marsden, Sarah Shahi, Julianne Nicholson join Sterling K. Brown in Hulu Series from Dan Fogelman

James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson and Sarah Shahi are joining Dan Fogelman’s upcoming Hulu series, Variety has learned.

 

The untitled series was first announced in April 2023. The trio join previously announced series lead Sterling K. Brown in the show. Exact plot and character details are being kept under wraps, but sources have previously describe the show as a thriller and say Brown would star as the head of security for a former president.

 

According to an individual with knowledge of the project, Marsden will play the president. Shahi will play a therapist to powerful people with secrets of her own. Nicholson will play a political power broker.

 

Marsden is fresh off of his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role in the Freevee series “Jury Duty.” His other recent credits include the feature “Knox Goes Away,” the “Party Down” revival at Starz, the Netflix series “Dead to Me,” and “Westworld.” He is also known for his work in films like the “Sonic the Hedgehog” and “X-Men” franchises, and will appear in the upcoming comedy film “Unfrosted.”

 

Marsden is repped by CAA and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

 

Shahi recently starred in the Netflix series “Sex/Life” along with shows like “City on a Hill,” “The Rookie” and “Heartstrings.” She is also known for her role in the groundbreaking Showtime series “The L Word.” Her film credits include “Black Adam,” “Bullet to the Head,” and “Old School.”

 

She is repped by Independent Artists Group, Untitled Entertainment and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis.

 

Nicholson won the Emmy for best supporting actress in a limited series for her work in the HBO show “Mare of Easttown.” She also recently starred in the HBO series “The Outsider” and “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty” as well as films like “Dream Scenario,” “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” and “Blonde.”

 

She is repped by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and B-Side Management

 

Fogelman serves as writer and executive producer on the series via Rhode Island Ave. Productions along with Jess Rosenthal. Brown will executive produce in addition to starring. John Hoberg, John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, and Steve Beers also executive produce. 20th Television is the studio, with Fogelman currently under an overall deal there.

 

 

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— Variety

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B&G Foods announces date of fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 earnings conference call

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today that it intends to issue a press release with fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 financial results after the market close on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024.

 

B&G Foods has scheduled a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET that same day to discuss the results. Hosting the call will be Casey Keller, President and Chief Executive Officer and Bruce Wacha, Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

 

The earnings press release and live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed at www.bgfoods.com/investor-relations. A replay of the webcast will be available following the conference call through the same link.

 

About B&G Foods, Inc.

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute high-quality, branded shelf-stable and frozen foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With B&G Foods’ diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands you know and love, including B&G, B&M, Bear Creek, Cream of Wheat, Crisco, Dash, Green Giant, Las Palmas, Le Sueur, Mama Mary’s, Maple Grove Farms, New York Style, Ortega, Polaner, Spice Islands and Victoria, there’s a little something for everyone. For more information about B&G Foods and its brands, please visit www.bgfoods.com.

 

Contacts

Investor Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Dara Dierks

866.211.8151

Media Relations:

ICR, Inc.

Matt Lindberg

203.682.8214

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Business Culture Digital - AI & Apps Economics Education Energy Lifestyle Local News Science

Universal Display Corporation announces fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 conference call

EWING, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $OLED #OLED—Universal Display Corporation (Nasdaq: OLED) (UDC), enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED® technology and materials, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year, ended Dec. 31, 2023, will be released on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, after market close. At that time, a copy of the financial results release will be available on the Company’s website at https://oled.com/.

 

In conjunction with this release, UDC will host a conference call on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. The live webcast of the conference call can be accessed under the events page of the Company’s Investor Relations website at ir.oled.com. Those wishing to participate in the live call should dial 1-877-524-8416 (toll-free) or 1-412-902-1028. Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time. An online archive of the webcast will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call.

 

About Universal Display Corporation

Universal Display Corporation (Nasdaq: OLED) is a leader in the research, development and commercialization of organic light emitting diode (OLED) technologies and materials for use in display and solid-state lighting applications. Founded in 1994 and with subsidiaries and offices around the world, the Company currently owns, exclusively licenses or has the sole right to sublicense more than 6,000 patents issued and pending worldwide. Universal Display licenses its proprietary technologies, including its breakthrough high-efficiency UniversalPHOLED® phosphorescent OLED technology that can enable the development of energy-efficient and eco-friendly displays and solid-state lighting. The Company also develops and offers high-quality, state-of-the-art UniversalPHOLED materials that are recognized as key ingredients in the fabrication of OLEDs with peak performance. In addition, Universal Display delivers innovative and customized solutions to its clients and partners through technology transfer, collaborative technology development and on-site training. To learn more about Universal Display Corporation, please visit https://oled.com/.

 

Universal Display Corporation and the Universal Display Corporation logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Universal Display Corporation. All other company, brand or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks.

 

All statements in this document that are not historical, such as those relating to the projected adoption, development and advancement of the Company’s technologies, and the Company’s expected results and future declaration of dividends, as well as the growth of the OLED market and the Company’s opportunities in that market, are forward-looking financial statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements in this document, as they reflect Universal Display Corporation’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated. These risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in Universal Display Corporation’s periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, in particular, the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Universal Display Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Universal Display Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this document.

 

Follow Universal Display Corporation

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(OLED-C)

Contacts

Universal Display Contact:
Darice Liu

investor@oled.com
media@oled.com
+1 609-964-5123

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Business Culture Economics Healthcare Lifestyle Regulations & Security Technology

HMG unveils Compass340B as part of extensive rebranding initiative

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — HMG Consulting Services, LLC. is rebranding to Compass340B, to better reflect what we do: offer a fleet of services and technologies that support 340B stakeholders in achieving their 340B program performance and compliance goals.

 

Compass340B is our customers’ 340B Navigator!

 

“During the formative HMG years, our focus was to build service offerings and tools to ensure they were effective, complementary, and customized to our customers’ needs. As Compass340B, we are keeping with our roots, and looking forward to rolling out our web-based technology that will automate compliance in the second half of 2024,” says Nathan Coney, Vice President Sales of Compass340B.

 

“The improved branding will provide a better understanding of the company’s mission, with enhanced customer experiences, valuable resources, and solutions for the 340B industry. This initiative will also encourage our customers and prospects to stay on top of their 340B program using Compass340B as their guide and our upcoming software to get them there,” Nathan adds.

 

About Compass340B:

HMG Consulting Services, LLC. dba Compass340B was founded in 2015 to support our diverse network in the Healthcare industries by providing solutions specializing in 340B Compliance, External Audits and Business Operations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional solutions to our business partners through three key pillars: Service, Experience, and Relationships.

 

To learn about Compass340B, visit us at www.Compass340B.com

Contacts

Nathan Coney

Vice President, Sales

nconey@compass340b.com

info@compass340b.com
Telephone: 888-819-4447

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Business Culture Economics Government Lifestyle Local News Perks

The AACCNJ announces new members to its Governing Board of Directors

TRENTON, N.J. – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces new additions to its Governing Board of Directors.

 

Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction, LLC, and Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors/Hightower, joined the Board of Directors effective Jan. 1, 2024.

 

“I am honored to join the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) Governing Board,” said Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC.

 

“Joining this esteemed group of leaders presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the economic development and success of the Black community. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members, leveraging my expertise in the public and non-profit sectors and DEI while engaging in initiatives that will drive equitable innovation and prosperity for minority and women-owned businesses. Together, we will navigate the evolving landscape, fostering growth and resilience in our business community.”

 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a board member at the AACCNJ,” said William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction, LLC.

 

“I see this opportunity as a platform to influence positive change, drive growth, and contribute to our collective vision. Together, we can foster an environment that promotes diversity, innovation, and mutual success.”

 

“I am truly honored to serve as a Board Member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey,” said Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors/Hightower.

 

“The commitment to economically empower and sustain African American communities and businesses aligns closely with my heartfelt beliefs. I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the Chamber’s mission, working towards the empowerment of Black businesses, fostering leadership development, and nurturing our communities for a prosperous future.”

 

“I am looking forward to collaborating with these accomplished individuals in my new role as the Chairman of the Board,” said Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics.

 

“Together, with the continued guidance of AACCNJ, CEO, John E. Harmon, Sr. and former Chairman of the Board, R. Stanley Prater, we will further advance and expand revenue generating opportunities and strategic relationships for African American businesses in New Jersey and beyond.”

 

“I look forward to working with each of our new Directors to design strategies that will derive value for our members and those that invest in the mission of AACCNJ while contributing to the competitiveness of New Jersey,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

Please visit the links for more information:

https://www.aaccnj.com/board-members

https://drdeniseanderson.org/

https://www.empowerconstruct.com/

https://www.pbs.org/video/the-power-of-inspiration-and-seizing-an-opportunity-7ukkqd/

https://lrgwealthadvisors.hightoweradvisors.com/deborah-frazier.html

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

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Business Culture Government Local News Politics Programs & Events

The AACCNJ announces Hon. Tahesha Way, Esq., NJ Lt.-Gov., Secretary of State to make opening remarks at 2024 Black History Month, Black-Tie Gala

TRENTON, N.J. — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that the Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., NJ Lieutenant Governor and  Secretary of State, will make opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on Feb. 22 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J.

 

“We are excited to have the Lieutenant Governor join us for our Black History Month Gala,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

“We are at a critical juncture for our co-existence in NJ. The Lieutenant Governor’s presence is significant and appreciated as we look forward to advancing a more intentional economic agenda to improve the social economic standing of Black people in NJ. This will be a night of Excellence on full display.”

 

The AACCNJ 2024 Annual Awards Gala themed “Leading the Way” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of NJ. Each year at the black-tie affair, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, sports and/or entertainment. The event provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of NJ, to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.

 

2024 Honorees:

The Honorable Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law; will be presented with the Presidential Award of Excellence. Brett J. Hart, President, United Airlines, and Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections will both receive the Community Service Award. Keith D. Wright, PhD., Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Port Authority of NY&NJ will receive the Public Service Award.

 

The evening will begin with a “Black Carpet Experience” for the attendees, honorees and guests and will also include a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony in the Palazzo Ballroom.

 

The 2024 Gala “Exclusive” Sponsor is Truist. Gala Gold Sponsors include Atlantic Health Center, Consolidated Edison, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Milhouse Engineering, PSEG, Provident Bank, United Airlines, Valley National Bank. Silver Sponsors include American Water, Atlantic City Electric, Atlantic Shore Winds, Citizen’s Bank, Davis EIS, JCP&L, Lakeland Bank, NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), PNC and SJI.

 

More information can be found at www.aaccnj.com  https://www.aaccnj.com/gala

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.