Big Country Notes for OCT 4

RASCAL FLATTS TOP CHARTS WITH NEW CD

Rascal Flatts is on top of both the "Billboard" all-genre Top 200 album chart as well as the country album chart this week with the new CD "Still Feels Good." The disc sold 547-thousand copies the first week after its release. In addition to being the top selling CD this week, it's also logging the biggest one-week sales figures for a country artist this year. "Still Feels Good" is the third consecutive album for Rascal Flatts to debut on the Billboard 200 at number one. The trio joins Kenny Chesney and Alan Jackson as the only country artists since 2000 to have three or more consecutive albums enter the all-genre chart in the top spot.
The sales figures for "Still Feels Good" include 44-thousand digital albums, which gives the disc the best first week digital numbers of any country album. The disc sold another 93-thousand individual tracks through downloads. Rascal Flatts first single from the album, "Take Me There," was the most popular of the downloaded songs.

KENNY CHESNEY FINDS INSPIRATION IN WILLIE NELSON

Kenny Chesney says Willie Nelson was an influential figure for his latest album, "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates." He explains that was looking for both professional and personal inspiration, and it came to him as he was co-producing Willie's album with Buddy Canon. Kenny says he tried to soak up everything he could learn from Nelson, while at the same time giving him direction for the album they were working on. Kenny notes that Willie is very carefree, adding that he's the epitome of a poet and pirate.

LEANN RIMES TAPING “CMT CROSSROADS” WITH JOSS STONE

LeAnn Rimes is finding she has a lot in common with her "CMT Crossroads" partner, Joss Stone. Both the country star and the British R&B singer-songwriter became famous as teenagers, and they've both been able to maintain successful careers over the years. LeAnn and Joss are now seeing their careers come together with the "Crossroads" taping, coming up in Nashville on Tuesday. The invitation-only performance will include the two singing each other's songs along with interviews with each of the vocalists.

SARA EVANS GETS PERSONAL WITH HITS COLLECTION

Sara Evans says the material on her upcoming "Greatest Hits" album will reflect her beliefs and personality. The project includes songs such as "Saints and Angels," which demonstrate her faith, and tracks that show her sense of humor, like "Cheatin'." Evans notes that one of the things she enjoys about performing is getting the chance to humor herself while making others laugh. But the singer credits her mother with teaching her how to balance her serious side with her sharp wit. She adds that she's also learned a lot by watching the way her idols -- including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Reba McEntire -- handle both personal and professional matters. Evans' "Greatest Hits" will be in stores on Tuesday.

KELLIE PICKLER, TAYLOR SWIFT WRITE SONG TOGETHER

Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift are seeing an advantage to hitting the road together. The young country stars became good friends while on Brad Paisley's "Bonfires & Amplifiers" tour, and have even teamed up to write a song. Kellie says she's added their collaborative tune, "The Best Days of Your Life," to her live sets. She's also considering including the cut on her next album. "The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" says the song is about an unfaithful ex-boyfriend. But Kellie denies it was written about her ex, Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo. The two have reportedly split up. According to "The Nashville Tennessean," Kellie claims the hockey player cheated on her.

MEMORIAL SET FOR LATE EX-EMERSON DRIVE BASSIST

The family and friends of the late Emerson Drive bassist are organizing a memorial in his honor." A Celebration of the Life of Patrick Bourque" is set for Nashville's Belmont Church on October 9th. Fans are welcome to attend the public service. Those wishing to pay their respects in a more tangible way are being asked to make a donation to the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee. The contributions will support the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. Bourque became a member of Emerson Drive following bassist Jeff Loberg's departure in 2002. He was played on the group's last two albums -- 2004's "What If?" and last year's "Countrified," which features Emerson Drive's first chart-topping hit, "Moments." Bourque had just left the band back in August. He was found dead at his home in Montreal last week -- two days before his 30th birthday.

COUNTRY STARS SIGN ON FOR UPCOMING CHARITY CONCERT

Tanya Tucker and T.G. Sheppard have been tapped to perform at the Steve Cropper Classic concert, set for Nashville next week. The event is a benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation, an organization that supports research for leukemia, cancer, and AIDS. Other country artists on the bill include Asleep at the Wheel's Ray Benson, T. Graham Brown, Gary Morris, and Con Hunley, while Kim Carnes, Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner, and The Rascals' Felix Cavaliere are among the classic rock and soul stars slated to appear. Cropper is best known for his work with Booker T and the MG's -- the house band for Memphis' Stax Records studio. He was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band, and worked with Otis Redding, co-writing the late R&B legend's Grammy-winning hit "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." The Steve Cropper Classic is set for the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on October 10th.

DIAMOND RIO PREPPING FOR ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER

Diamond Rio will hold its 5th annual Arby's Charity Tour Nashville next weekend. The event includes a golf tournament, a Diamond Rio concert, and live and silent auctions. Shania Twain's autographed lyrics for "You're Still The One" and a signed script from the pilot episode of the TV series "Medium" are some of the items going up for bid. The concert and auctions will take place at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville on October 14th. The next morning golfers will gather to tee off at the Hermitage Golf Course. Diamond Rio's Marty Roe says he's hoping that this year the weather will hold for the event, recalling that over the last few years rain has kept them from hitting the links. He notes that instead, quote, "we ended up playing sports trivia to see who took home the trophy." The fundraiser supports the one-on-one youth mentoring program Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.

QUICK BITES

Andy Griggs is featured in “Nashville Lifestyles” magazine's 2007 list of the city’s 25 Most Beautiful People. The list was unveiled at the 8th Annual 25 Most Beautiful People Party, at Nashville's Sambuca restaurant. Andy says he's not sure just how he got picked for the honor, noting, quote, “half the time my wife has to stop me on my way out the door to fix my hair or to tell me that my clothes don’t match.” Amy Grant, Barbara Mandrell, and Emmylou Harris also made the list. The issue is on newsstands now.

Shelby Lynne will preview her new album of Dusty Springfield songs during a special intimate performance in Nashville on November 13th. “Just A Little Lovin',” will be in stores on February 5th.

“Best of Flatt & Scruggs TV Show: Volumes 3 and 4” will be released on Tuesday. These DVDs contain more down-home entertainment from Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and The Foggy Mountain Boys. They include special guests Ricky Skaggs and Randy Scruggs.

Little Texas is taking part in two charity auctions. Band members are selling their backstage and all access passes from the 2007 CMA Music Festival, which they're willing to autograph, to help out the Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue. The other auction, which will be conducted on eBay beginning October 10th, features an acoustic/electric guitar donated by a fan who asked the band to use the instrument to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Big Country Notes for OCT 3

BROOKS & DUNN'S CHANGE IN FANS

Brooks & Dunn are recognizing a change in their audiences. The duo's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn note they sometimes get approached for an autograph by fans who say their moms are big Brooks & Dunn. Neither singer is sure why they are attracting second-generation fans, but they have their theories. Kix suggests it might have to do with the duo's entertaining and high energy shows. Brooks & Dunn have upcoming shows set for Denver on Friday and Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday. The two are currently promoting their new album “Cowboy Town.” Kix and Ronnie will appear on NBC’s “The Today Show” tomorrow morning, and visit the syndicated “Live with Regis and Kelly” on Friday.

TIM MCGRAW'S WEBSITE DEVELOPING NEW PAGE TO HONOR TROOPS

Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This,” which he performed on the Academy of Country Music Awards in May, is inspiring a new way to honor members of the military. The singer is adding a page to his website that will serve as a living memorial to U.S. troops. On the page people will be able to upload photos and post stories about their loved ones in the service. The website will also feature a live performance of McGraw's "If You're Reading This." The area will be up and running tomorrow via www.timmcgraw.com.

MARTINA MCBRIDE DISCUSSES FRIENDSHIP WITH FAITH HILL

Martina McBride says she and Faith Hill are good friends. Martina tells “Reader’s Digest” that they have a lot in common, including being moms to daughters. She says that when they talk, she and Faith might discuss the industry in general but they don’t ask each other for advice on specific career issues. Martina notes they typically turn to one another for tips on domestic matters, such as cooking or decorating. Martina's feature is in this month’s issue of “Reader’s Digest.”

"GLEN CAMPBELL GOODTIMES AGAIN" DVD REFLECTS VARIETY SERIES' DIVERSITY

Highlights from the TV variety series "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" are now available on DVD. "Glen Campbell Goodtimes Again" features clips from the series' three-and-a-half-year run, including performances from an array of stars. Campbell's show featured pop and R&B artists along with a number of country legends. But the host admits that he clashed with the network over bookings, which executives apparently didn't think were diverse enough. Campbell recalls, quote, "It came down from the big wigs at CBS that the show was getting 'too country,' and I said, 'Well, which country is it?' And I think I kind of ticked them off on that one." Non-country artists featured on "Glen Campbell Goodtimes Again" include Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Rick Nelson, and Cher. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Bobbie Gentry, Anne Murray, B.J. Thomas, and John Hartford are also included on the DVD, along with five solo Campbell performances. "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" originally aired on CBS from January 1969 until June 1972.

NEAL MCCOY AND FRIENDS' SUCCESSFUL ANGEL BENEFIT

Neal McCoy's giving the East Texas Angel Network more than 500-thousand-dollars. That's how much the singer raised through his benefit for the organization last week. He was among the performers at his 13th annual event, which took place in Longview, Texas Saturday night. Jamie O’Neal, the von Trapp Family Singers, comedians Williams and Ree, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders also took part in the show. At the sponsor’s dinner, Neal auctioned off his private Montana home for a week, which brought in 42-thousand-dollars for the cause. Since 1995, McCoy has raised more than four-million-dollars for the charity.

SHOOTER JENNINGS' CHILDHOOD MEMORIES

Shooter Jennings' memories from when he was a kid include people such as Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr., and Kris Kristofferson stopping by his house to visit his dad, Waylon Jennings. The younger Jennings also recalls not really thinking it was all that special. He says, quote, “I completely didn’t care. I was into playing my video games or playing with my toys in the basement.” He admits that later on he realized just how special these visits were, and understood more about these people who were coming in and out of his house. Shooter will release his third album “The Wolf” on October 23rd. On the project he hosts a special guest of his own. The Oak Ridge Boys contribute to the track “Slow Train.”

QUICK BITES

Keni Thomas will sing “God Bless America” at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series UAW-Ford 500 at Alabama’s Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday. The race will be broadcast on ABC. Thomas’ song “Alabama Home” was included in the Superspeedway’s national advertising campaign.

Tanya Tucker will be celebrating her birthday this week in Nashville. She’ll perform at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, and on her birthday – which is coming up on October 10th – she'll be at the Ryman Auditorium for the Steve Cropper Classic. Following the Ryman show, Tanya will make her way to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge for a private party.

Carrie Underwood will give the debut TV performance of her current hit “So Small” on the Grand Ole Opry’s 82nd birthday broadcast, airing on October 20th. Underwood's new album, “Carnival Ride,” will be in stores on October 23rd.

Toby Keith is the latest to sign on for the upcoming salute to Hank Williams Jr. He's slated to take part in "CMT Giants: Hank Williams Jr." Others on board for the show include Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Gretchen Wilson, as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, and blues great Buddy Guy. "CMT Giants: Hank Williams Jr." is scheduled to be taped at the Gibson Theater in Los Angeles on October 25th, and make its broadcast debut on CMT on November 17th.

Luke Bryan is giving fans the opportunity to watch and remix the video to his single, "All My Friends Say." Details are available online at http://remix.lukebryan.com/.

Big Country Notes for OCT 2

KEITH URBAN SUGGESTS PAPARAZZI CAUSED BIKE CRASH; SHUTTERBUG HELPFUL AFTERWARDS

Keith Urban appears to be blaming the paparazzi for his minor motorcycle crash yesterday in Sydney, but is also crediting the shutterbug with some kindness and decency. In a statement the singer is calling the accident, quote, "the result of one person's desire to do his job and my desire to maintain my privacy." Urban explains that he was on his way to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when he felt himself, quote, "being pursued." Urban notes he started going a little faster, but then had to "drop" his bike in an effort to avoid hitting an oncoming car he contends was making an illegal U-turn. But Urban adds that his "pursuer" ended up being very polite and helpful. He says the photographer came to his aid after his crash -- and didn't snap any pictures in the process. Urban walked away from the crash. Witnesses tell Australia's "Melbourne Herald-Sun" the performer appeared shaken up by the incident, but wasn't hurt. The 39-year-old Urban, who is married to actress Nicole Kidman, spent time in rehab last fall.

BROOKS & DUNN ESTABLISH “COWBOY TOWN”

In their follow-up to “Hillbilly Deluxe,” Brooks & Dunn continue with the more rural themes with “Cowboy Town.” Kix Brooks says that when he and Ronnie Dunn started the album they had six songs -- and threw out all but one. They then noticed a theme emerging, with such songs as “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” “The Ballad of Jerry Jeff Walker” and “Johnny Cash Junkie (Buck Owens Freak).” Kix says, quote, “We had this dusty cowboy groove so we said maybe that’s what this album is about this time.” The last song they wrote for the project was the title cut. The 12-track “Cowboy Town” includes the single “Proud of the House We Built.” The disc will be in stores today.

FAITH HILL'S HITS COLLECTION ARRIVES TODAY

Faith Hill offers a look at her 15 years in country music with the release of her first “Greatest Hits” package. The singer says fans have been asking for her to create a best-of disc for several years. But she notes that she didn’t want to just throw something together, explaining that these songs have given her a career in the music business and they're also fan favorites. The album includes Hill's biggest hits, such as “This Kiss,” “Wild One,” “Breathe,” and “It Matters To Me,” along with a live version of “Stronger” -- a concert favorite that was never a chart hit -- and her current single, “Red Umbrella.” Faith's hitting the small screen to promote the new CD, with appearances set for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View” this morning.

CLAY WALKER GETS HITCHED

Clay Walker's now a married man. The singer tied the knot with girlfriend Jessica Craig over the weekend at the Audubon Zoo in in New Orleans, Louisiana. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of about 100 friends and family members. CMT.com says Tracy Lawrence and two of his band members took part in the ceremony. Lawrence performed for the couple, while the backing musicians stood up for Walker as groomsmen. Walker wore a black suit with a cowboy hat and boots. He told his guests it was one of his best days ever, noting, quote, “I am married to a beautiful girl, my daughters are with me, and I am with friends. What more could a guy ask for?” The newlyweds will be traveling for their honeymoon, with a three-week trek planned that'll take them to Europe and Hawaii. This is the second time Walker has taken a bride. His first marriage ended in divorce last year.

NEW RASCAL FLATTS CD COULD BECOME YEAR'S TOP COUNTRY SELLER

Rascal Flatts' new album, "Still Feels Good," is on course to post the best first-week sales figures this year for a country act. “Billboard” magazine says fans snatched up 321-thousand copies of the CD from major retail outlets within the first three days after it's release. Opening day sales hit the 175-thousand mark, while sales for the week are projected to reach 550-thousand. If the estimates hold true, Rascal Flatts' disc will outpace Reba McEntire’s “Reba Duets,” which moved 301-thousand copies during its first week out, and Kenny Chesney’s "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates,” which sold 387-thousand copies in its first week of sales.

JO DEE MESSINA READY TO RUN

Jo Dee Messina is prepping for a lengthy trek – but she's not going on tour. She'll be taking part in the upcoming Chicago Marathon. The singer says running helps her deal with the stresses of her career. She explains that she started running several years ago to get in shape. But Messina notes that she discovered that pounding the pavement while listening to her iPod allowed her to be mentally ready for the work-related demands and frustrations that came her way. Messina has undertaken other marathons in the past, including the Boston Marathon and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix. She'll run the 26-point-two-mile course through the Windy City this weekend.

JACK INGRAM RETURNING TO ROOTS BETWEEN MAJOR TOURS

Jack Ingram seems to have restless feet. Between runs on Brad Paisley's Bonfires and Amplifiers tour and Dierks Bentley's Throttle Wide Open trek, the Texas singer-songwriter has been playing as series of headlining shows across his home state. He's returned to his roots, performing before loyal fans who've supported him since the early days of his career. Ingram says, quote, “To come back to Texas now and play shows for the fans that have been following us for years, and to play the songs that weren’t necessarily hits on the radio, but were definitely hits on the streets is a lot of fun.” He says it’s also gratifying to see the new songs resonating with his longtime fans. Ingram and Bentley will launch their tour in Rome, Georgia on Thursday.

JOHN BERRY TO EMBARK ON 12TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOUR

John Berry says he loves to sing Christmas songs. He'll get the chance to perform them once again in concert when he heads out on his annual Christmas tour next month. Berry notes that he doesn't offer a Santa-based Christmas concert, but a Christ-centered show. The singer adds that his performance isn't really flashy, but instead it's a simple presentation with the focus on the music. In several cities local choirs will join Berry on three songs. Before he heads out on the tour John will spend time promoting his new single, “A Woman Like You,” his first new music offering in almost three years. Berry's Christmas Tour will begin in Lake City, Florida on November 16th.

QUICK BITES

Reba McEntire was the first singer to be featured in an eight part series on Women in Music on GayWired.com. Her segment debuted this past weekend. LeAnn Rimes will be profiled in the series, which will air through November 16th.

Lyle Lovett will receive the Americana Music Association's inaugural Trailblazer Award on November 1st in Nashville. He will also perform at the organization's 2007 Honors and Awards show. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will sponsor a keynote interview with Lovett the following day.

New artist Chuck Wicks was invited to sing at the wedding of the daughter of University of Tennessee head football coach Phillip Fulmer. Fulmer extended the invitation after he heard Wicks’ song “Stealing Cinderella.” Wicks sang an acoustic version of his tune at the wedding last Friday.

In Stores Today

Brooks and Dunn / “Cowboy Town”
Merle Haggard / “The Bluegrass Sessions”
Various Artists / “Songs 4 Worship: Country”
Various Artists / “Heart Something Country Christmas”
B.J. Thomas / “Love to Burn”
Cross Canadian Ragweed / “Mission California”

Big Country Notes for OCT 1

SARA EVANS DIVORCE FINALIZED

Sara Evans is now officially a divorcée. According to the Nashville newspaper "The Tennessean," a judge has granted the country singer a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Evans filed to formally end her marriage to Craig Schelske on October 12th last year, claiming adultery on the part of her husband. He denied the charges, then later filed documents asking her to provide details of any relationships she may have had during their marriage. Attorneys for the two sides say their clients will not comment further on any allegations of misconduct that were brought forth prior to the divorce. Evans and Schelske have also worked out a custody agreement for their three children, and have split marital assets. Additionally, Evans will pay Schelske alimony of at least 500-thousand-dollars over a ten-year time frame. Each requests that the family's privacy be respected during this time.
Evans is currently putting together a best-of collection. The project boasts four new songs, including her latest single “As If.” Evans' “Greatest Hits” will be in stores on October 9th.

JOSH TURNER INVITED TO JOIN GRAND OLE OPRY

Josh Turner's becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The invite came as a big surprise for the singer. During Saturday night's show Josh thought he was there to honor Roy Clark. But after he presented the country legend with a plaque commemorating the performer’s 20 years as a Grand Ole Opry member, Clark turned the tables and asked Turner to become an Opry member. A stunned Turner took a moment, then replied, quote, “I made my Opry debut back in 2001. I never knew this could happen so early. And if this is an invitation, I say yes!” Josh has been embraced by the Opry crowd from the start. During his first performance he received a standing ovation for his song “Long Black Train,” and another one after he encored. Opry superstar Vince Gill will officially bring Turner into the Opry family on October 27th.

DIERKS BENTLEY'S BENEFIT EVENT DRAWS HUGE CROWD

Dierks Bentley is likely happy with the turnout for his second “Miles & Music For Kids” benefit. More than 15-hundred motorcycles lined up at Cool Springs Harley Davidson to join the singer for the start of the charity event. For the fundraiser Bentley rode a Harley sporting music notes and images of the Grand Ole Opry. Keith Anderson, Little Big Town's Philip Sweet, and Trick Pony's Ira Dean are among the country stars who also took part in the ride. Afterward, they met up with a number of other performers, including Craig Morgan, Big & Rich's Big Kenny Alphin, Marty Stuart, Wade Hayes, and Buddy Jewell, for an informal jam at Nashville's Loveless Café.

KELLIE PICKER REFLECTS ON HOW MEN THINK ON NEW SINGLE

Kellie Pickler is dabbling in psychology with her new single. She says the stuff women tend to worry about when they're with a man are things guys would never consider. The singer uses an example from her own life to illustrate her point. Being a shoe freak, Kellie notes that while on a date she'll wonder if her footwear is matching her outfit. But she admits that while it's so important to her, it's something, quote, “that would never cross a man’s mind.” “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind” is the third single from Pickler's debut album, “Small Town Girl.”

BRAD PAISLEY COULD HAVE LIVED OUT ONE OF HIS HITS

Brad Paisley admits that he could have been the guy he sings about in “Online,” if he had discovered computers earlier. The singer notes that he didn’t discover computers until he was in college. But he says if he had a computer and Internet access when he was in high school, his story might be different. These days Brad is quite computer savvy. He uses the machines to create all kinds of animation and graphics to project on the big screens at his concerts. Fans in the Midwest will be the next to get the chance to view some of his work. Paisley will be performing in Detroit on Thursday and in Cincinnati on Friday.

BROOKS & DUNN SHARE THEIR DEFINITION OF A COWBOY

Brooks & Dunn's Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn say they've been around cowboys most of their lives. Brooks grew up in Louisiana, while Dunn's from Oklahoma, and they note that especially during their early years as performers, when they were still playing bars and doing cover songs, they played for cowboy crowds. The duo say their new album, “Cowboy Town,” is a compilation of the different definitions people attach to a cowboy. According to Kix, being a cowboy has to do with one's attitude, while Ronnie adds that it’s also about being a rebel. They both agree fans won’t have to be the kind of cowboy that rides the range to like the album. “Cowboy Town” is due in stores tomorrow.

MARTINA MCBRIDE'S SECRET TO ROMANCE
Martina McBride has a simple secret to keeping the romance in her marriage -- companionship. The singer tells “Reader’s Digest” that she and her husband John truly enjoy each other's company, and love spending time with one another. She adds that while they are different in many ways, they have the same values. She also notes that John really knows how to touch her heart. Martina explains that for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, instead of giving her a gift he writes letters to her. But McBride advises be ready to go with the flow and laugh at things when they happen. The story on Martina is in this month’s “Reader’s Digest.”
McBride is re-releasing her holiday album “White Christmas.” The revamped project has four new songs -- "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells,” and "Baby It's Cold Outside." "Baby It's Cold Outside" is McBride's duet with the late Dean Martin, which Martina recorded for the reissue of Martin's holiday album last year.

QUICK BITES

Lee Ann Womack has been busy lately. She is a guest vocalist on both the new Joe Nichols album “Real Things” and the Gene Watson disc, “In A Perfect World.”

Gretchen Wilson's website has won a Web Marketing Association award, one of the top honors in web awards. The site received the Standards of Excellence in Music Award, which is presented to only 20-to-30 sites out of thousands of applicants.

Miranda Lambert is featured in the October issue of “Texas Monthly.” The article calls her "Merle Haggard With Lip Gloss." The issue is on newsstands now.