Zero stars for it being an actual park and 5 stars for being a great place to observe an assortment of psychopaths. Union Square Park is definitely an interesting place to check out, but I think it gets more credit than it deserves due to its convenient location and the fact that parks of this stature are few and far between around here. read more

While visiting from out of town, we have been to several parks in the city. This one is smaller, but has nice shade and lots of seating. There is a fun playground for the kids and an extensive farmers' market with all kinds of fresh fruits, veggies, bakery items, etc. This park is convenient to the subway with lots of stores and restaurants in the surrounding area. I give it a lower rating because there was some drug activity that some people may want to avoid. read more

I love this place. Out of all the destinations I've visited during my tour of NYC, this is the only spot that I could describe as "badass." The quirkiness of the street artists remind me of Austin, Texas. I don't know why people are complaining that others are doing nothing but loitering. Sometimes in life, you gotta sit down, take a breather and just enjoy good company--or in this case, dance. Yup. Watching the locals beat on a drum and break dance brings smiles to faces. Especially when everyday Joe Schmoes in suits jump in--just for the hell of it. THAT is what life is about. Dancing to your own beat and not having a care in the world what others think. read more

I adore this park, the green pasture surrounded by the concrete jungle. There is so much to do/see in and around union square park. I have coming here for a while to visit the farmers's market. There is also the christmas holiday market which surprises every year. I can spend hours sitting in this park. There is always something happening here right from artists displaying their skills on paintings and people playing some kind soothing music.It is located very conveniently close to public transportation. read more

Not a bad park, but it's most taken up on the south side with a concrete, stepped area that often is taken up on the flat areas with people, pigeons, and performers. Packed around the edge of the park with summer will be summer festivals, farmers markets, and the north side has a space for larger events. Also, you can't take a close your eyes to sun on the bench during the day - the park staff poke you to make sure you're awake. read more

I love what this park represents in terms of social/political struggle. It feels like that every time a group of people feels the need to voice their opinion/frustration about anything going on in the city (or elsewhere), they gather here. I will never forget what I experienced the weeks following 9/11. It was overwhelming. However, I do feel that it's not as well maintained as it used to be. Now when I pass by in the evening hours I feel that it's not as clean and taken care as it should be. There are often questionable folks hanging out and homeless people stationing. It's a pity because it's a space that still occupies a special place in my heart. read more

Its similar to Central Park but on a much smaller scale. As a result of being small, it feels more crowded and is surrounded by businesses everywhere. Its prime location between midtown and downtown makes this a great place to meet up with folks, relax or read, or even people watch. There are a lot of skaters here practicing their tricks, vendors who are selling the latest in hippy fashion, and is home to the weekly organic market. Its steps away from the Village, only a walk away from Soho, and all major trains will stop here. I have long fantasized about living close to here since its central to virtually everything one could want (hypothetically anyways). read more

5 stars well deserved. Where do I even start...so many memories here....I can't even count how many times I've walked through this park on my way to other places or even just to come here to think about things... Skaters always practicing. Weekly organic food market. Local artists. Sitting on the grass reading a book. Sitting on the benches passing time. People watching. Demonstrations every other day. Whole Foods. Forever 21. Max Brenner. Coffee Shop. Blue Water Grill. Central meeting spot. Decently clean air. A sanctuary in the midsts of a busy NYC life. read more

In Union Square Park's history, there undoubtedly have been many interesting and notable events that have taken place. However, being just a tourist in town for the weekend, Union Square holds no special significance for me other than it being a small public park with some nice statues and a bit of green space in an otherwise concrete jungle. Attempting to put myself in the shoes of a local, Union Square offers a nice pedestrian (and pet) friendly area to relax and catch one's breath. It does offer access to multiple subway lines and is overlooked from the south by one of the more interesting facades to a building that I've ever seen, the Metronome. However, one of the best features, if not its best, is that it offers the regularly recurring Greenmarket. Imagine my pleasant surprise walking out of my hotel on a Saturday morning and seeing the Greenmarket in full swing on the North side of the square. If anything can make a city like New York feel a little more like Mayberry, it's a farmers' market. I was impressed with the number and variety of vendors selling fresh organic fruits and vegetables, bread, cheeses, wines, beer, locally-raised meats ranging from beef to the more exotic, and many other interesting wares. If I were a local, I'd be glad very grateful for Union Square Park. read more

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Got out at this station to walk to an event nearby on 19th. Saw all the post its for the subway therapy project. It seemed to go up in response to the president elect. Some of the posts are people sharing their most vulnerable feelings of sadness or hopelessness however majority of the posts are positive affirmations and hopes for the future. The subway station had a lot of people standing around taking video and pictures. There was a random woman standing around offering up post its. read more

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Union square has changed from the ultimate drug park to now a cultural park in New York. I mean still you would smell the reefer, but there is less violence and more peace. Every weekend there is always a concert or food fair. I when yesterday with my wife just to enjoy the moment in the park. It is a beautiful place to be and enjoy the smell of nature. I recommend Union Square if you're into the New York scenery. If you love Central Park, then you would like Union Square. It's also in the center of great restaurants and stores. read more

As a teenager I used to love hanging out in Times Square...but when i came to Union Square to see De La Gaurda with a group of friends, i fell in LOVE with the area and replaced times square with the more tolerable Union Square. Its my favorite place to take non New Yorkers for a real bit of diversity (thanks Hipsters). I have sat in this park to people watch. I have had first kisses and break ups in this park. Sometimes I leave my peaceful neighborhood in Queens, hop a train and buy a large coffee to sit in this park and relax. The local artists who sell their work, the local farmers who sell the fruits of their labor and the kids who stand around with signs offering free hugs. Its all part of the Fabric that is everything i love about NY. read more

I have so many memories in this park it inevitably owns a piece of my heart. Despite the overwhelming amount of tourists crowding this park as if it were giving away Euros, I still love to be around here and walk among the trees and benches that make up this park and reserve so many of my adolescent secrets. I went to high school around Union Square and this was my usual hang-out spot with friends... so many girlish memories. Like the time I was dating that skater boy who I knew wasn't for me but really loved the fact that he was a skater who owned a cool skateboard and too many pairs of Vans. I remember sitting on those infamous USQ steps and admiring his tricks on the handrails. Like the time that I got my tongue pierced and decided to test drive my kissing abilities with it, with a guy I was crushing on at the moment, right in the middle of USQ park. It turned out to be a big mistake (kissing him and getting the tongue piercing) so that day I decided a tongue piercing just wasn't for me. Have never regretted it. Or those innumerable winter days my friends and I cut school, grabbed some warm Starbucks and had impromptu photo shoots in the park with our vanilla lattes because we were obviously "too cool for school." Or that time I had a huge argument with my current boyfriend in the beginning of our relationship about something absolutely ridiculous and told him I NEVER wanted to see him again as I cried my ass off. Yeh, 4 years later.... what argument? ha. Or the time my boyfriend took me to my first concert (Tiesto at Webster Hall) and upon leaving the concert we sat on the USQ park steps, at 4AM, gurgling down water, eating chips and watching the sunrise. USQ park is my go-to spot to meet up with friends and reminisce about "the good old high school days." Hell yes, it holds all these memories (and more!) of my life and adolescence. It's the kind of park that signifies something different for everyone. Never been? Go!- and make some memories. read more

This place is great! It's lively and busy! It's quite green! There are many stores to visit!

No you haven't been captured by time beings.. This is about to be a valuable lesson about the vortex that is Union square... Picture this.. you walk up to a packed crosswalk with the goal of crossing the street...cars are zipping by and a large noisy crowd is gathered in front of you... you look down at your phone innocently waiting for the herd to cross... 4 min pass ..you look up.. the realization is you've just been standing in front of this group who tricked u into believing they were crossing the street but instead were actually all just hanging out on the corner & taking pictures of manhattanhenge... Welcome to Union square. Keep your head up and navigate yoSelf around the mob. And to summarize, I just love Union square it's a positive happy meeting place where you'll see different types of people just chillin, hustling or enjoying and flowing with life. Lots to do in the area and fun to walk around or sit on the steps and as everyone else has said "people watch" read more

Union Square - I don't know about you, but I just don't like the brown stand underneath the statue - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Back when I had a ton of time to myself, I would come here, especially when it's gorgeous out, to people watch. During the summer, after having spent three hours sitting on the ledge across from Fuerza Bruta, (I was waiting for my friend to get off work), I met more people of/watched/witnessed New York-specific moments within that time frame than a person would in a month. Getting my picture randomly taken, people asking me for directions, raging hormones, a cab bumping into an Infiniti in front of it, people wearing horrible clothing, etc. Also, a tip for dates, or at least for getting some brownie points with the person whom you're trying to attract: have a little mini picnic by that ledge on the grass. There's a mailbox attached to the top of a tree. Totally random. read more

Union Square - Hands down weirdest thing I've ever encountered in NY (conception on). Circa May 08 - Crappy Treo pic - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

- favorite for people watching - summer staple - disclaimer: extremely crowded when nice weather hits - great place to stop and linger after visiting the farmers market to enjoy your purchases read more

I love coming here!!! I usually come to go to petco (to get stuff for my rabbit) or go to forever 21 or whatnots. There are a lot of places to shop as well. ALSO!!! this is where there would have the farmer's market set up every week and it's always fun to see what they gots. This is the area where there would be protests and weird and fun events happening. The seasonal holiday shop would always be set up at Union sq as well. You'll deff see a lot of different types of people here. Of course there's the actual park as well. Which is nice and big. The park has lots of benches where you can seat and relax or eat. It's really nice when it's cool out or if you shopped and want to rest. read more

Take the yellow, green, grey lines and come up from the subway in the vast cultural melee that is Union Square. All roads seem to lead there one way or another. The BEST thing about Union Square Park is the wi-fi access. Either connect through Wired Magazine's free wi-fi system or tap into a hook-up from one of the many businesses lining the park. This well sized park is lined with benches perfect for tapping away at the laptop or just catching up with a friend over coffee from one of the nearby shops (Starbucks, Chat And Chew, B&N). It's not the best place to sit and contemplate deep philosophical issues due to the large amount of people, dogs and boomboxes. Oh! And rats. Another great thing about Union Square is the green market that magically seems to appear in good weather. Farmers form upstate collect and gather to see their fresh fruits, veggetables, spices, desserts and flowers at great prices to needy New Yorkers. It's awesome! Along the southern edge of the park is a vast area with pavement making it ripe for teenage skateboarders to perform ollies off of the steps. Of course, the steps themselves are crawling with folks chatting, holding demostrations, live puppet shows, kissing, breaking up or just standing still. This is one of the best park's to people watch in. Along the northern side of the park is an outdoor restaurant called Luna Park. At night, the place turns into a hot spot for young execs and pr managers. The drinks are good, but overpriced and the vibe is "fresh out of college". The food is decent, but again, overpriced. Luna Park is awesome cause it's outside, so if you're going to head there - make sure it's daytime when the place isn't quite so jumpy. Also, at night be forewarned that if you're sitting on the benches, people will hassle you for change, food, to take your photo. While it's safe (cops do walk through regularly) you might find it hard to have a conversation. read more

Union Square - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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This place is always crowded whether protest, soap box speeches, performances, skate boarders you name it... If you're young and need somewhere free to chill at all hours without being bothered then this is for you. Plus they have a good Farmers Market held there usually on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and sometimes Saturday. read more

Union Square - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

There are only 3 reasons for me to go to Union Square: the shows, the farmers market and oddly enough, the people. I hate, HATE the bench areas. For some reason, any areas with benches and seats in this park smell. I thought it was from the dog run park, which has a horrible smell, but it's almost everywhere that smells like piss. I'm pretty much in an outdoor toilet, if that even exists. And an open home to some. This is a very diverse park and you will see all sorts of people, from teens to crazy middle-aged men. The best part is the huge, stretched stairs. That's where everything happens; concerts, street dances, skateboarders (I do wait for them to trip sometimes), people attempting to fly over 10 people, organizations and such. Interesting. There is a guy who is visible almost everyday, with his graffiti inscribed on the subway maps, which is pretty amazing (and also a big 'f you' to the MTA). Also, independent artists usually sell and display their art and designs. This park is in the middle of everywhere you need to go and has so many shortcuts going out. Oh, and there's also free-wifi. read more

I cried here once. Either that or I made a girl cry here once. The details are a bit fuzzy. But there were definitely tears. Union Square Park is the perfect place to take a load off, as it's in the center of everything and there are are plenty of places to sit. The Park is bustling at all hours of the night, and is definitely one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Overhearing the conversations of people while hangin' in the Park is one of the most entertaining things in the entire world. I'm convinced that people think that no one could hear them, because it can get pretty loud, but I can. I'm listening. The best eavesdropping, by far, is related to trying to decode the numbers on a clock on the building across the street from the Park [yes, that thing with all of the numbers on it is just the time; I apologize if I'm ruining your life with this information]. "It's a countdown to 2012." "It's the amount of pollutants in the air." "It has something to do with the zombie apocalypse." Wrong. Wrong. And, wrong. Although, I wish that last one was true. read more

Union Square - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

With its central location between major stores, food trucks and a subway station to say this is a central hub of activity in the Village would be an understatement. There's always something going on here whether it's protests, performances, the nearby Green Market or just people chilling out on park benches while squirrels forage for food, there's definitely a slightly grungy urban atmosphere about this park that suits the area. If I had written this review two years ago I think it would have been a three star rating, but as time has gone along, Union Square Park has been undergoing a slow transformation after much construction. The children's play area has been transformed from a once broken up looking area to one with bright, creative and fun looking jungle gyms for kids. The park is kept cleaner than before and it's safer with more police presence than in the past. This isn't my favorite park in the city, but I do like it and I'm grateful for its relaxing atmosphere and benches whenever I"m nearby. read more

I practically live at Union Square Park every summer. Why do I keep going back? Because nothing is the same each day. I park myself on the stairs across from Whole Foods and people watch. When I have a date, I ask them to meet me there. After a long day at work, I go there to relax. The skateboarders, the break dancers, the goths, the bohemians, the hipsters, etc. Farmers Market and now that Christmas is coming, you should definitely go looking for an extraordinary gift here at the fair. That one location is a melting pot for everyone. I was once out there at 4am, still on a really cool date, and there was a guy so drunk, he fell asleep on the stairs. No one bothered him. He wasn't homeless at all, he was nicely dressed, he was just a lot drunk. We occasionally walked over to him to make sure he was still breathing, but other than that, no one robbed him or made fun of him or anything. I thought that was cool, because we just couldn't wake him up. It was also amazing to me that at 4am, there were still so many people out just relaxing on the stairs. I will always enjoy Union Square and not because of some stupid internet connection (that was a stupid reason to enjoy this park), but because it makes you feel and it makes you aware of the beauty in people and the beauty around you. read more

Union Square - Union Square - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This is the best place to be in NYC. I was lucky enough to live here and it was an amazing experience. Whenever I visit the city, I make sure to come thru here. It is basically a park where you can hang out, shop at the farmer's market, play chess, get pamphlets on how to save the world and watch/listen to the street performers. If you are ever bored and need to socialize, this is the place to be. There are hundreds of stores nearby so anything you want (clothes, shopping, food, drinks) is just a walking distance away. Trust me , you will never get bored coming here. read more

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Save the artists NY!!! My Beau bought for me yesterday a beautiful oil on canvas painting of a scene from this park for a complete steal of $60! I support the artists and you should too - even if you're just passing through, just stop and browse; you never know what you'll find. Always calm and peaceful; best way to clear your head after dealing with crap work, or crap friends or whatever crap you happen to step yourself into. Crap! Dog crap... ::sigh:: did I mention I love this park? LoL read more

You want to truly experience the fact that NYC houses people from all various economic backgrounds, social status, and countries of origin. Within a lap around the park you are likely to see NYC Elites heading to dinner at one of the fine restaurants just off the park in Flatiron or Grammercy or a homeless man sitting with a briefcase which he claims contains free drugs. You see celebrities, drunks, gay couples, extremely attractive girls, NYU students, and even "Occupiers." By day it is an eclectic slew of what the city has to offer and by night many of those questionable people scatter to nearby nooks and stoops to make their beds for the night. Union Square and not Times Square is the center and focal point of my NYC. You can access the L, N, Q, R or 4, 5, 6. I love the weekend market and the night orchestra here. And lets not forget the young asian kid on his piano. You have Paragon Sports right there for your athletic attire needs and the area is always lively and never short of things to do. It is only a short walk to alphabet city, movie theaters, the west village, murray hill, and tons of what I consider the best restaurants in NYC. Hop in a cab for easy access to the amazing clubs in Meatpacking. And oh yeah, my favorite NYC hotel, the W Union Square is here. If I were to ever move to NYC, I would look around Union Square / LES and never settle until I found something I loved in that area. read more

Great spot for hanging out, watching street performers, musicians and just people in general. I come here every now and again with a book just to relax and walk around. But in the summer, not enough shade here. It can get really packed with people in the summer and you'll hardly find anywhere to sit down, not even by the stairs. Lot of restaurants and shooping around Union Square Park and the subway is right by the park. I will keep coming here whenever I want a change from Central Park. This feels like a classic square park. I didn't read the other reviews, but can't see why anyone would give this park a negative review. read more

I set every "Square" by Union Squares standards. There is hardly ever a week that goes by where there isn't a major event there. And some of the events are just surreal: pillow anyone? I've celebrated Buddha's birthday here. Been to a rally for Gandhi. During the blackout, I spent a few hours playing conga drums. And this is after a long walk from Brooklyn, and on my way home which was uptown near Columbus Circle. There are always people walking around, enjoying the chess games, markets, and various hawkers of this cause or that. read more

i seldom give out the five-star review. I am giving it now, not because the park provides a little greenery to the jungle of steel and concrete; not because it slightly baby/animal-proves the big apple; not becase of the blood-boiling farmer's market(awe the fruits and vegs); its because of the man on the horse. no, no, i do not know who that is, or care for the finger pointing something, significant of something... thing. But because every time i see him, the sun shining down on him and his pretty horse, the trees and people in the park. it makes me want to immitate his pose, look stupid, laugh, and feel relaxed from the city's fast-beat life. read more

Union Square - winter 06 - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

*Attached is how USP looks like* Anyways, this is The PLACE to be if you a college student like me who wants to hang out with some friends. Its proximity to Whole Foods just makes it better. A novel from the Strand and fruit salad on hand makes the day perfect. People to watch out for (especially in the late hours) a. Drunk NYU kids (Believe me, I know) b. Drug addicts c. Talentless artists/painters/singers/dancers w/e. d. Pedophiles Otherwise, have a great time because there are all kinds of people here. I recommend sitting on the steps away from all the vendors and stalls. PS; The absolute best time to come here is during the winter. read more

Union Square - Follow the blue arrow. Heres a picture of me in Union Square. It's usually pretty crowded. :) - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

I lived a few blocks from Union Square in the late 70's & early 80's, during which time almost everyone except drug dealers and drug users avoided it. I remember a Saturday in 1981 when a bunch of us from various block associations marched through the park en masse, together with some police officers; we emphatically stated that we were taking back our neighborhood park. It took many years before real change transpired, but eventually the situation improved significantly. I like the statuary at Union Square Park and my favorite is the one of Gandhi (in the very southwest corner, almost hidden behind tall sunflowers). The park is also historic, in that it was a center of political and social activism as early as the 1860's. There's always something going on in Union Square Park and it's quite crowded, plus of course it's above a major subway station. My favorite event is the December holiday market, as there's always a good variety (I feel it's the best one in NYC). Also, there's a good (year-round) Greenmarket (from 8-6 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). read more

Not the largest park in Manhattan, but a perfect place to spend a Sunday when the weather is good. There was so much going on here today. Where to begin, a band is playing here today. So many artists all over the place creating some unique and cool art. An artist creating so many projects, part of it is 500 small unique faces being created with chalk all around the park plus large mural picture. Large group of Hare Krishna's chanting or singing. Just sitting on the bench people watching with fearless squirrels and pigeons all around. If I had a blanket or sheet I would be on the grass just enjoying the day but the grass area is booked with so many people. I just enjoyed one of those perfect Sundays in NYC. read more

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This park has its own subway station. The perimeter is mostly concrete and the green area is in the center. The last time we were there we saw quite a few homeless people but overall there is always people walking through this park because of the subway and access through. We came to this station because my wife wanted to go to the nearby Anthropologie on 5th Ave and 16. There's a lot of good shopping in this area of lower Manhattan. I like this area of NYC because it just seems older and more down to earth than midtown. read more

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Whenever I enter the East or West Village, I usually start at Union Square. Union Square has an interesting history. The park got its name, because it was at the union of several streets. During the Civil War, the name took on a different meaning. And, during the labor movement, union activists often held rallies here. Activists still hold rallies at Union Square, for various issues. While not as Bohemian as Washington Square Park, Union Square is still a great place to people watch. Usually, I have seen Hare Krishnas chanting and dancing in the southwest corner of the park. You can see people playing chess. You will also see the occasional performer. On the weekends (and certain weekdays, I'm not sure of the schedule), there is a farmers' market, with a wide variety of produce, meat, fish, and baked goods. Some stands will sell tea or cider. During winter, I love getting a hot spiced cider. Speaking of winter, there is also a winter village during December, selling various gifts and foods. All-in-all, Union Square Park is a wonderful place to visit, whether in the day or evening. read more

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Do you ever feel like the city has died for you? That all the business vacancies are like the dormant accounts of your long lost Yelp friends? Everybody has just "moved on". Well, Union Square is the salve for those memories and can be a place to build new ones. There is always something new to do there within walking distance. You can always squeeze onto an overcrowded bench because it's necessary. Hit the farmer's market. See some sand art. Eat your lunch in the park and people watch. Make an easy connection to a number of subway lines. Union Square is the quad (even though no one says that anymore) of your imaginary campus that is New York City. In a city is reborn again and again, this is always a great place to start. read more

Interesting find! The subway I needed was embedded right in between the park and the holiday market was going on and was great! All types of people and yeah I might not go here too late at night was worth a walk around the area. See my pictures =) WARNING: Lots of people will try to sell you stuff and lure you in for random things but just smile. read more

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Definitely a beautiful and popular park to check out in New York City. Plus, you're surrounded by many restaurants and retailers. There are still plenty of benches and grassy areas to sit down and relax. I've seen some people playing chess at the designated areas (nothing harmful about that!), or simply walking around and exploring the park. Great place to get away from the other huge crowds in places like Times Square or the Financial District. read more

There's always something going on here. Festival, farmers market, and the Wednesday night inline skating group meets here. Hungry? head over to one of the many restaurants or max brenner, Chipotle. Thirsty? There's smoothie bars nearby, ice cream shops, and even starbucks or the starbucks or the starbucks. Gotta shop? Best buy, DSW, and Forever 21 are also close by. With your special someone, but hate shopping with him/her? Send her to Forever 21 and you can go to Best Buy. Need food? Whole foods, trader joes are also close by. Wanna get wasted off wine? Get cheap wine at Trader Joes Wine shop. read more

Union Square is a great park filled with locals that has a lively atmosphere. There's always people chilling here relaxing, and usually there's break dancers,skaters and BMX riders practicing. It's a great place to people watch especially on a warm night. One time I was here, there was a guy holding a sign. One side said 6'7 Tall Jewish Rapper, and on the other side, it said Healer: Will heal pain w/o touch (or something very similar). My cousin's friend actually got a no-touch healing session from here in the park -- and you know what, he said his back felt better! The funny part is, many years later, I was looking for a rideshare on Craigslist in SF, and coincidentally, spotted an ad from him looking for a ride! Another time, we spotted a discarded GIANT styrofoam book with huge pages and set props in the park. There were pieces in the trees and some teens were tree climbing to get them. Who knows why this was there? Come to Union Square Park to discover; you'll never know what or who you will find. read more