Acclaimed Allentown Xplorer Spirits Set to Pour at Taste of Kutztown June 11
Cocktail lovers, get ready to explore amazing sips from Xplorer Spirits at Taste of Kutztown taking place June 11 at Kutztown Park
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Spirits Begin by Exploring
Kishor Chokshi is a world-class engineer who was working in Glycerin distillation at a factory in Tanzania, Africa. Like so many others, he wanted more out of life for his family and himself; and risked it all to pursue that goal.
That ambition led him across the world to land in Allentown, PA where he decided to leverage his world-class science skills from Glycerin distillation to spirit distillation and created Kilimanjaro Distillery.
The Chokshi family founded Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery.
Related: Taste of Kutztown is set to deliver a delicious day for a good cause on June 11
In conversations with Kishor and his co-founder and daughter Niky, we quickly learn how much these two names (Xplorer and Kilimanjaro) really influence the Chokshis, because whether it’s in life or your taste buds, they want to explore the world and they want to inspire you to explore with them.
Also, just like Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro, they aspire to compete with the very best in the world and win! Based on their awards and how quickly their company is growing, they’re on their way to victory.
Let’s Get Tasting
Xplorer offers 10 different spirits and in the last few years, they’ve won several awards including Platinum for Wheat Vodka from The Sip Awards, Triple Gold for Apple Pie Moonshine from Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and Gold for Bourbon Whiskey from Great American International Spirits Competition and Double Gold for their American Gin in 2021 at the World Spirit Trophy Competition in Germany.
Xplorer Wheat Vodka
Wheat from America’s mid-west, fermented and distilled to a smooth, neutral profile.
Subtle on the nose. Clean with gentle vanilla and cream.
As you take a sip, notes of vanilla, cream, and lemon peel fill your mouth. It lingers into a long finish of whipped cream and citrus. So clean, soft and delicate. An extraordinary taste.
Xplorer Potato Vodka (Gluten Free)
Continuing to celebrate Pennsylvania’s local farmland, their potatoes are sourced near the Lehigh Valley to use in the fermentation and distillation. This is an advantage as the area’s potatoes are known for a crisp profile and a hint of natural sweetness.
The aroma hits your nose immediately. Lemon peel, light spice, rye bread.
Your mouth gets notes of custard, vanilla and spice. Finishing with vanilla pudding, anise and the subtlest smooth spicy note that lasts extra long and begs you to take another sip.
Xplorer American Gin
Made with 14 different botanicals sourced from across the globe including: Europe, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Juniper, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cubeb berries, grains of paradise, orange, lemon and a blend of 5 proprietary herbs that are vapor infused for an exceptionally clean and dry finish.
The nose flirts with you, gushing citrus and gin’s trademark touch of juniper.
The mouth continues its romance with a full-bodied experience. So many of the international ingredients balanced well: dry juniper, coriander, citrus, lemon, refreshing, crisp, smooth. The finish is fresh, fruity, light, bright, refreshing.
Xplorer Rooibis Flavored American Gin
Rooibos is from a plant that grows in South Africa. The leaves are used to make a herbal tea infused with the health benefits of anti-oxidants and polyphenols from the Rooibos herb. And today we get to enjoy it in this bottle.
Once again starting with the juniper nose you’d expect from a quality gin. The mouth is more herbal, nutty, with slight pepper. The finish is smooth with spices. These are all traits that come with Rooibos. It adds a texture and dimension that’s subtle, unique and adds meaty, earthy pairing options like roasted lamb.
Xplorer Bourbon (High Rye)
Sourced exclusively from North American corn, rye & malt.
The nose is a delicious balance of caramel, vanilla and the slightest hint of sweet corn. The mouth is luscious! A big kiss of maple, caramel and vanilla with the rye and spice that you want from a rye bourbon. A finish that hugs you tightly with light oak and spices; and gently, slowly relaxes its romantic embrace.
I’m personally a fan of rye bourbon and this is one of the best tastes I’ve had in recent years, including attending several grand tastings. For me, this bottle is a winner.
Xplorer Chocolate Bourbon
Made using Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey, with cacao from Uganda, Dominican Republic & Ecuador.
The nose hits you from a mile away. Strong, deep, several layers of varied cocoa flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, get ready!
The mouth is creamy and indulgent, but not heavy. Smooth, complicated, balanced. Ending with rich & creamy notes of dark chocolate, maple, and caramel.
Xplorer Honey Bourbon
A local favorite!
All-natural Pennsylvania dark honey blended with Xplorer’s own Bourbon Whiskey creates a very special bottle. Whiskey connoisseurs need to give it a taste. The specially-sourced dark honey creates a magic outcome.
On the nose you’ll find sweet caramel, honey and vanilla. The mouth is very special! Very complex honey with maple, caramel and cream. A smooth, rich finish that goes on and on.
Xplorer Peach Bourbon
Made with ripe peaches famous from South Carolina and Georgia
The nose is a full waft of sweet ripe peaches. The mouth continues smooth peaches and adds cream and vanilla for the end. A delicate, consistent balance.
Xplorer Peanut Butter Whiskey
The newest treat from Xplorer.
The nose offers fresh-roasted peanuts, caramel and toasted nut butter. The mouth is smooth caramel peanut butter with a hint of vanilla. Ending with creamy roasted peanuts and vanilla.
Xplorer Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Pie
A local favorite for a reason! A special blend; and no matter how good you’re expecting it to be, it still manages to surprise you with how good it is.
Whiskey, vodka, local Pennsylvanian apples, Tanzanian cinnamon and spices make for a bold and spicey adventure.
On the nose you’ll find cinnamon, vanilla, all-spice and apple.
On the mouth is a burst of apple. Like a carnival candy apple with cinnamon and hazelnut. The layers and details dance on your tongue with a finish that brings in whipped cream and cinnamon.
It’s a fun tasting experience!
As you can imagine, the diverse selection attracts a wide range of customers.
Some are attracted to the award-winning acclaim, some traditionalists are attracted to their high-level vodka, gin and high rye. The bar crowd and younger drinkers are loving their flavored whiskeys.
Kishor Chokshi at Kilimanjaro Distillery
You can find many of the bottles at your local bar or liquor store. If you’re in Pennsylvania, look for the “local” section, but Xplorer Spirits has grown outside the East Coast, traveling to shelves nationwide.
Here’s a pro tip, try the peanut butter together with the apple pie. Incredible!
One of the key reasons for the incredible aromas and flavors is Kishor’s use of quality ingredients. See the video below as he shows us how the honey actually drifts on the honey bourbon bottle.
Xplorer Spirits are Quality Ingredients and a World-Class Process
Xplorer strives to celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage in each bottle, sourcing local ingredients whenever possible and using Kishor’s decades of science expertise to carefully craft the finest small-batch spirits.
From every step of the process: from mash to ferment, to distill, and finishing up with in-house bottling, the experience is truly artisan.
At their Kiliminjaro Distillery headquarters, the 12x distillation removes impurities and leaves the bottle with cleaner taste and aroma. Compare that to others, even the most high-end competitors are only distilled 6-7 times.
The difference is obvious and the results are truly outstanding.
Xplorer Spirits Perfect Pairing
We discussed the quality ingredients in the bottle. But we need to discuss the quality ingredients outside the bottle, the father-daughter combination that makes up the brand.
If dad Kishor is the science, then daughter Niky is the vibrant spirit. Her voice, her energy; she’s a star.
Whether’s she’s leading a boardroom of executives through her next marketing strategy, or guiding a bar full of patrons through a tasting, her infectious energy compels you to take a sip and love what you taste.
The only thing better than Niky’s passion for their drinks is seeing Kishor beam as he proudly watches his daughter work.
Giving Back To the Lehigh Valley
Xplorer Spirits and Kilimanjaro Distillery are proud local businesses in Allentown.
During Covid-19, they were quick to pause their work and use their machinery to make much-needed hand sanitizer for the Lehigh Valley community
They continue to give back and proudly support the community that has given them so much over the years.
Related: Wine Lovers Cameron Diaz, Katherine Power introduce Avaline White & Rosé Cans
On June 11, they’ll be pouring as a part of Taste of Kutztown. In an event full of tasty options, they’ll stand out, not just for their outstanding and award-winning flavor, but also for their pride in the community.
Taste of Kutztown takes place June 11 at Kutztown Park. 439 E Main St Kutztown, PA
For more information: https://www.unation.com/event/7684877
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Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
Lehigh Stunned by Sweet Innovation From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
Lehigh Invaded with Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
Scary-good whiskies this Halloween: J. Mattingly 1845 Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings
J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program.
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Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.
Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey. Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.
The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray.
The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall. “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.
Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent.
Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY. Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof.
J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. Imagine expressing your innermost devilish (or angelic) thoughts on the bourbon bottle you give your favorite boo.
Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states.
About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery
The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.
It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.
In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business. Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/
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An Evening with Keller Williams on Nov 4 to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Album “Laugh” at the Sherman Theater
An Evening with Keller Williams Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of his album “Laugh” at the Sherman Theater.
Keller Williams will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of his album “Laugh” at the Sherman Theater on November 4.
This Evening with Keller Williams will include original musicians from the album, Tye North (Leftover Salmon) and Dave Watts (The Motet.).
Williams said:
“We will play “Laugh” in it’s entirety and attempt to create the studio magic live…yet enhanced.
Please enjoy responsibly.”Virginian Keller Williams, released his first album in 1994, FREEK, and has since given each of his albums a single syllable title: BUZZ, SPUN, BREATHE, LOOP, LAUGH, HOME, DANCE, STAGE, GRASS, DREAM, TWELVE, LIVE, ODD, THIEF, KIDS, BASS, PICK, FUNK, VAPE, SYNC, RAW, SANS, ADD, SPEED and CELL.
Each title serves as a concise summation of the concept guiding each project. Keller’s albums reflect his pursuit to create music that sounds like nothing else. Un-beholden to conventionalism, he seamlessly crosses genre boundaries. The end product is music that encompasses rock, jazz, funk and bluegrass, and always keeps the audience on their feet.
Keller built his reputation initially on his engaging live performances, no two of which are ever alike. For most of his career he has performed solo.
His stage shows are rooted around Keller singing his compositions and choice cover songs, while accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, bass, guitar synthesizer and drum samples; a technique called live phrase sampling or “looping”.
The end result often leans toward a hybrid of alternative folk and groovy electronica, a genre Keller jokingly calls “acoustic dance music” or ADM.” Keller’s constant evolution has led to numerous band projects as well; Keller & The Keels, Grateful Grass, KWahtro, Keller and the Travelin’ McCourys, Grateful Gospel and More Than A Little to name a few. Keller can be found playing clubs and festivals around the U.S. with these projects throughout the year.
Show: An Evening with Keller Williams
Date: November 4, 2022
Time: Doors at 7:00 PM -
Dave Mason brings his 2023 Endangered Species Tour to Penn’s Peak July 21
Dave Mason brings his 2023 Endangered Species Tour to Penn’s Peak July 21
Dave Mason left Traffic in 1969 to pursue a solo career in the U.S. Dave has penned over 100 songs, has 3 gold albums: Alone Together, Dave Mason, Mariposa De Oro, and platinum album Let It Flow, which contained the top-ten single “We Just Disagree”.
In addition to cranking out hits, Dave has performed on, or contributed to, a number of famous albums, including: The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, Paul McCartney and Wings’ Venus and Mars, and Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland.
Mason is featured playing acoustic guitar in “All Along the Watchtower” on Electric Ladyland, a favorite in Dave’s live shows!
Dave Mason brings his 2023 Endangered Species Tour to Penn’s Peak July 21
Dave, a prolific artist in his own right, has collaborated with an enviable list of the who’s who in the music industry … Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Rita Coolidge, Delaney & Bonnie, Leon Russell, Ron Wood, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, and Jim Capaldi, just to name a few.
THE BAND:
Dave Mason: Guitars & Vocals
Marty Fera – Percussion
Tony Patler – Keys & Vocals
Johnne Sambataro – Guitar & Vocals
Ray Cardwell – Bass & Vocals
QUOTE FROM DAVE:
It’s subjective of course. I’m a “rare bird”, so to speak, sticking to the tour life and to music, and you’re invited to join me in 2023! No fireworks, no flashing lights, no go-go dancers, no special effects. Just great songs and a promise of a heart filled performance.
Yep, I sing all those songs that first hit the airwaves in the 60’s and 70’s. And I’m still a strong believer in the magic of music. There aren’t old songs or new songs, in my mind at least, just GOOD songs. Or not?!
At 76 years of age, I’m still loving performing live concerts. I feel grateful for that, and to tell you the truth it surprises the hell out of me. I’ve been doing it for over 60 years and the love is still there. I present to you… The Endangered Species Tour 2023.
Tickets on sale Friday, April 28th at 10AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
Reserved Seating
Premium Reserved: $35.00
Regular Reserved: $30.00
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue
located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers. Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event. It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.
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Summer Concert Series Goes Country, featuring Steel Creek Band on July 7
Summer Concert Series Goes Country featuring Steel Creek Band
Join Upper Saucon Township and the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce for a FREE concert at Hopewell Park!
This edition of the Summer Concert Series will feature country artists, The Steel Creek Band!
This special country edition is just one of several of Upper Saucon Township’s Summer Concert Series with additional performances by Scott Marshall Band on July 21st and Craig Thatcher on August 25th.
The event begins at 6:00 PM and the music will start at 6:30; blankets, lawn chairs, etc. are all welcome!
Scott Marshall Band
Community goal is to have as much fun as possible, have a good night with our local community and enjoy a terrific night of music!
When asked about working on community events such as this:
“It’s great to see businesses and community members connect,
and what better way than through a shared experience of live music”.
Sarah Yost
Assistant Manager of the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber is proud to partner alongside communities like Upper Saucon Township and businesses to inspire community camaraderie.
Thank you to Xfinity and other sponsors, JT Tsiouvaras at Farmers Insurance, Designing Wealth Management of Raymond James, G&T Auto Body, and Digital Outdoor Display for making Southern Lehigh’s Summer Concert Series at Hopewell Park happen!
Craig Thatcher
In addition to partnering with our sponsors, local businesses from our community will also be joining this event.
Food trucks Greek Street and PFG Pizza will be on-sight serving up delectable snack and dinner options, alongside Mon and Mel’s Ice Cream truck for dessert- so come hungry! A portion of all sales will go back to the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce to support more events like this in the community.
For more information, please visit our local Chamber of Commerce event page
https://web.lehighvalleychamber.org/events/UpperSaucon%20Township%20Summer%20Concert%20Series%20%20SLCC-838881/detailsGrab your lawn chairs and your cowboy boots and get ready to go country with The Chamber and Steel Creek Band!
Event Information:
When: Friday, July 7th, 2023, 6:00 PM EST
Where: Hopewell Park, 4695 West Hopewell Road, Center Valley, PA 18034
Pricing Information: Free and open to the public
Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Xfinity. Bronze Sponsor: Designing Wealth of Raymond James. Supporting Sponsors: JT at Farmers Insurance and G&T Auto Body. Marketing Sponsor: Digital Outdoor Display.
