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 Bits Beyond the Berms 4/9/07 - 4/15/07
Figment! aka Jason ºoº
INTERCOT STAFF
News, Rumours & Imagineering
Dining
Vacations Beyond Disney
~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~
~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~
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Seven-Park Deal Closes
Jacksonville Business Journal
April 9, 2007
A Jacksonville-based amusement park manager has closed a deal to operate seven parks formerly owned by Six Flags Inc. PARC Management LLC and Six Flags reported the sale-leaseback deal in January. CNL Properties Inc., based in Orlando, bought three water parks and four theme parks for $275 million and a $37 million receivable note and the parks were leased back to PARC Management.
The parks, only two of which are under the name Six Flags, are in various states including New York, California, Oklahoma and Texas.
Six Flags said 2007 season passes and park events will continue to be fulfilled by the new owners.
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Expectations Great for Dickens the Theme Park
By Laura Clout
The Telegraph
April 9, 2007
The river is brown and pungent, the houses are haunted and the streets teem with thieves.
Charles Dickens's England, however, never had construction workers in hard hats and high visibility vests.
News that the finishing touches are being applied to the £62 million theme park may be unwelcome among literary purists, but Dickens World in Chatham, Kent, is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors a year.
The complex offers a boat ride in a London sewer, a haunted house and a reconstruction of Newgate Prison. Children can get a dose of Victorian discipline in an 1832-style school, or enjoy a play area called Fagin's Den.
Built on the former site of the Royal Naval Dockyard, where Dickens's father worked, the centre opens on April 20.
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Universal Studios Hollywood's Enhanced 'VIP Experience,' Combines Private Guided Theme Park Adventure With Unprecedented Behind-the-Scenes Access to 'The Entertainment Capital of L.A.'
Elites TV
April 9, 2007
Universal Studios Hollywood has raised the bar for its star-treatment "VIP Experience," granting limited parties of guests expanded behind-the-scenes access to previously "off-limits" areas of the famed Hollywood dream factory, pampering them with an elegant continental breakfast at a VIP Lounge, offering unlimited food service at favorite theme park locations and ushering them to the front of the line at such world famous attractions as "Revenge of the Mummy -- The Ride" and "Jurassic Park -- The Ride."
The additional access to key Studio production areas now allows "VIP Experience" guests the opportunity to see the machinery of the filmmaking process in its entirety, including sound stages and standing sets, post-production bays and craft support facilities, as well an up-close view of an authentic Academy Awards(R) Oscar(R) statuette.
Guests are steered through the famed studio's movie lot in groups of no more than 15 persons and travel aboard comfortable trolleys designed to provide them with an optimal view of every facet of the studio. VIP Guides, armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of the studio's history as well its current production schedule, provide a personalized commentary.
Created by the Studio as a perk for its stars and business associates, the "VIP Experience" has been a favorite of celebrities ranging from European sovereigns to Hollywood royalty. Only in recent years, in response to growing demand for a "luxury" studio experience, has the program been offered to the public and never before with these new enhancements.
The new additions to the program -- which extend the all-day "VIP Experience" by nearly two hours -- include a private tour of the production facility where movie set and scenic design as well as lighting techniques are created. Guests now have a chance to observe film and television sets in the early phases of construction and also get an illuminating glimpse at the complexities of set lighting design.
A tour of the world's only fully functioning "Production House" located on a remote part of the backlot will involve guests in another facet of the movie making process by showcasing the use of a practical house, constructed for the sole purpose of accommodating entire film cast and crews in a real house environment.
The immersive experience also includes a visit to Universal's famed Property Warehouse, situated in the heart of the studio's backlot. Built in 1915, the "Prop House" is the largest of its kind in the world. A 100,000 square-foot, three-story facility, the "Prop House" contains an eclectic assemblage of more than 400,000 items representing virtually every set dressing and handheld article required for any movie across time the world over. Miles of aisles inside the Property Warehouse reveal a limitless collection of furniture, draperies, kitchen supplies, statues, musical instruments, jewelry, weapons and more.
The "VIP Experience" also introduces guests to the intricacies of film and television sound post-production with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Studio's Sound Department where they will observe various techniques applied in dubbing, sound mixing, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley sound effects.
"VIP Experience" guests also disembark from the trolley to stroll along an array of movie sets made famous in such hits as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds," "Bruce Almighty," "Evan Almighty," "Back to the Future," "Spartacus," "Psycho," and "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," as well as sites for such horror favorites as "Frankenstein," "Dracula," and "The Wolf Man."
A highlight of the "VIP Experience" features escorted, hassle-free front-of-the-line privileges at many of Universal Studios most popular attractions, and complimentary breakfast and lunch with the inclusion of the theme park's "All You Can You Eat" program to help round out a complete VIP day.
"VIP Experience" costs $199.00 per person. Reservations are available online at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com or by calling 818-622-5120. "VIP Experience" gift certificates are also available.
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SplashTown Staying Put, Operator Says
By BRAD HEM
Bloomberg News
April 10, 2007
The new operator of the SplashTown water park said Monday the attraction in Spring will stay open for years to come, with rides expected to be added for next summer.
PARC Management of Jacksonville, Fla., bought seven theme and water parks from Six Flags for $312 million. The deal was announced in January and closed Monday.
Under the sale terms, PARC resold the properties to CNL Income Properties, a real estate investment trust, and is leasing them back.
PARC CEO and President Randy Drew said his company will make $500,000 in improvements to the park, including recoating water slides, in time for this summer. It will add rides for next year, but details were not available, he said.
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Elitch Gardens Goes Back to the Future
by Kirk Montgomery
9News Denver
April 10, 2007
Denver's hometown theme park announced Tuesday that it will be named 'Elitch Gardens,' the parks original name.
Elitch Gardens is part of a family of parks, attractions, recreation and entertainment venues recently acquired by PARC Management, based in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2007, Elitch Gardens will celebrate its 117th season and is the oldest existing theme park west of the Mississippi.
A new name isn't the only addition guests will see when visiting the park this season. A new extreme tube slide, RipQurl, will be coming to Island Kingdom Water Park in June. The ride experience sends two riders on a double tube down a steep slide into a bowl where they spin around before dropping through a chute to the landing pool.
"We are entering into an exciting new era in the park's long and successful history," said Joe Martinez, Elitch Gardens general manager. "From our new name, to the new RipQurl waterslide, to the all-new thrilling shows, our guests will notice the difference when they visit the new Elitch Gardens."
From Memorial to Labor Day, Elitch Gardens will offer guests an
extensive and innovative entertainment package including a dramatic cirque-style performance, Bailamos; X-CITY!, a spectacular urban acrobatic production; and a spellbinding evening show, Carnaval de Fuego II. This action-packed new show package combined with a family-friendly festival line-up will offer guests more entertainment options than ever before.
"Retaining the park's original name is a natural fit for this venerable world-class attraction," said Randal Drew, president and CEO of PARC Management. "While we want to pay tribute to the park's celebrated past, we also want to bring to this community the most advanced and complete theme park experience possible. Our goal is to create long-lasting family memories and recapture the feel of what makes Elitch Gardens so magical."
Elitch Gardens is a 117-year-old tradition of family fun with thrilling coasters, family rides, innovative entertainment and Island Kingdom Water Park.
Elitch Gardens opens for the 2007 season on Saturday, April 28.
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Dinosaurs to Join Terracotta Warriors in Shaanxi
By Ma Lie
China Daily
April 10, 2007
Shaanxi Province is gearing up to relive prehistory with a 220 million yuan ($28.2 million) dinosaur theme park - and is hoping to attract a few tourists in the process.
Officials from Shaanxi Yangling Agriculture High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone and Beijing Jurassic Era Park Investment Management Company met in the provincial capital Xi'an this weekend to sign a contract to build Jurassic Era Park in Yangling, a city in this province. The park is to be completed next year.
Beijing Jurassic Era Park Investment Management Company was acting on behalf of a Japanese enterprise that owns the rights to develop Jurassic Park theme parks in Asia. The parks are based on the American writer Michael Crichton's novel Jurassic Park, which was later turned into a popular film series by Steven Spielberg.
Wang Yaomin, chairman of the board of the Beijing company, said Shaanxi was a key destination, attracting millions of tourists from both home and abroad to visit the world-famous terracotta warriors.
However, the few attractions in the area give tourists little reason to stay for very long, he added.
"Jurassic Era Park is a theme park featuring acoustic, optical and electronic technology allowing for the integration of science, technology and culture. Tourists can expect to learn a lot. Entering the park, visitors will enjoy leisure, recreation and entertainment, all while learning about popular science," Wang said.
Wen Ming, director of Yangling Zone's foreign investment promotion bureau, had similarly high hopes for the park.
"Visitors should stay for more than one day in Jurassic Park. The project here will promote tourism in Yangling, home of the world-famous Famen Temple. We hope the project will also stimulate local transportation, catering and urban construction and further speed up local economic development," Wen said.
The Yangling Jurassic Era Park will be the third such park in Asia, said sources at Beijing Jurassic Era Park Investment Management Company.
Yangling Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone, China's only such development zone for modern agriculture, is located some 180 kilometers west of Xi'an. Taibai Mountain and Famen Temple are two of Shaanxi's key tourism destinations.
Tourism experts said the Jurassic Park project would enrich Shaanxi's tourism industry, which is dominated ancient cultural relics, ruins, tombs and buildings.
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Central & City Developments to Build Phuket's First Water Park
Wet Sands Resort Press Release
April 10, 2007
Central & City Developments has announced this week that it will build Phuket's first Water Park at its prestigious West Sands Resort, located at Mai Khao Beach on the North West coast. West Sands is the first in a series of Lifestyle Resorts by Central & City Developments, whose major shareholders are Sir Terry Leahy CEO of Tesco Plc supermarkets and Mr Paul Mercer.
Mr. Mercer was asked why he thought that the resort needed such a feature and was happy to explain, "There are many studies and case examples to prove that developments with unique features such as a Water Park have greater occupancy levels, this is very important to potential investors as it gives a better return on their investment. Of course it will also give families staying at the resort a better holiday experience as well." He went on to add, "Investors need to think seriously about the rental market after any guaranteed rental program offered by the developers has finished and what special features will give better occupancy."
The Water Park will take up 6400 sq.m (4 Rai) and cost around 150 million Thai Baht (US$4 million), it will have state of the art water rides, a children's play area plus many more features. Central & City Developments have paid particular attention to making sure the design of the Water Park adds to the design of the resort as a whole and becomes a positive feature. Following the example of some of the many 5 Star hotels that have managed to provide this style of feature and still offer luxury resort lifestyle and service such as the Jemeirah Hotel in Dubai, they are sure they can pull it off.
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Darien Park to Increase Visitors, Decrease Some Fees
Star-Gazette
April 11, 2007
DARIEN -- Seeking to draw more visitors, the new owners of the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort said today they will cut the cost of parking by $3, reduce some other prices and add new attractions for the 2007 season.
Le Grande Cirque, a live musical performance featuring costumed characters, will debut in June on a stage in the main part of the park. And Blake Daring's Storybook Adventures will take children on pirate adventure tours at the amusement park in Genesee County.
Parking will cost $7, down from $10, when the park begins its 26th season on May 5. General admission will remain $34.99, but the cost for people 55 and older will be reduced to $24.99.
And admission to the park after 5 p.m. will be $19.99.
Darien Lake will be under the management of Parc Management of Jacksonville, Fla., whose chief executive, Randal Drew, came to western New York today to help unveil the changes. "We think Darien Lake is a compelling product with a bright future," Drew said.
The park employs 85 people fulltime and adds 2,200 seasonal workers.
Darien Lake’s longtime owner, Six Flags Inc., sold the 978-acre facility earlier this week to CNL Income Properties Inc. of Orlando, Fla. Parc Management will be the theme park's operator.
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1st Trips on Cedar Point's New Maverick Are Up for Bids
Toledo Blade
April 12, 2007
SANDUSKY - Thrill-seekers who want to be among the first to ride the new Maverick roller coaster at the Cedar Point amusement park now have that chance.
The Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross is teaming up with Cedar Point to auction seats on Maverick to the 72 highest bidders, with bids starting at $75. Money raised benefits the Red Cross. A winning bid will include an inaugural ride on Maverick, breakfast at the park, a commemorative medallion, and complimentary admission to Cedar Point on its May 12 opening day.
The steel coaster will feature one of the steepest first drops on a roller coaster and speeds of up to 70 mph. Throughout the 2 1/2-minute ride, passengers will experience eight "airtime" hills where they feel weightless, three inversions - twists that turn riders upside down - and a second launch through a dark, 400-foot tunnel to reach the ride's top speed.
Bids will be accepted through 8:30 a.m. May 9. For information on how to place a bid, call the Red Cross or visit firelandsredcross.org.
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USJ Theme Park Says it Sold Out-of-Date Chocolates
Reuters
April 12, 2007
TOKYO - Universal Studios Japan sold out-of-date chocolates to visitors at its Osaka theme park last week, operator USJ Co. said on Thursday, in an echo of the health scandals that hurt the company in 2002.
A number of other Japanese firms have admitted similar lapses in recent months. The hardest-hit, confectioner Fujiya Co. , was forced to shut down factories and seek financial aid from a rival after it was found to have shipped cream puffs with ingredients whose expiration dates had passed.
USJ's lapse appears to have been relatively minor -- the company says it sold 113 packages of expired chocolates from March 31 to April 8 -- but it could revive concerns over health standards at the park.
USJ's image took a battering soon after it opened in 2001 as the movie studio's first theme park outside the United States. In addition to selling out-of-date food, it was caught using purified drinking water and packing excess explosives into pyrotechnical displays.
USJ, which listed its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange last month, said in a statement that an examination of unsold chocolates showed that eating the almond-pastel snacks posed no health risk.
The chocolates, sold in souvenir mugs emblazoned with the Snoopy comic-strip character, carried March 30 expiration dates, USJ said. The company apologized and said it would take steps to prevent future problems.
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Theme Park Gets Australian Touch
By NATALIA E. ARBULÚ
The Repulican
April 13, 2007
AGAWAM - Chilly temperatures and a steady downpour failed to dampen the excitement at Six Flags New England yesterday as officials unveiled their children's area based on the globally-popular Australian entertainers, the Wiggles.
Wiggles World features new rides, a play area, a spray park, and a production stage based on the Wiggles' cast of characters.
Park authorities invited hundreds of children, parents, and local officials to a private event at the park to showcase the new area. Six Flags will open for the season tomorrow at 10 a.m.
The Wiggles - Anthony, Sam, Jeff, and Murray - will perform at Six Flags on May 26.
Gathered in the Rockville Gymnasium, park officials introduced the show's popular characters, including Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword.
The characters danced around on stage, and were photographed with children.
The event gave 2-year-old Madison R. Bennett of Agawam the chance to get a hug from Wags the Dog.
Her great-grandmother, Rose M. Pepper of Agawam, said the child watches the Wiggles television show regularly. Pepper said the Wiggles area is "wonderful."
Park President Larry D. Litton said officials are happy to have a partnership with the No. 1 children's brand.
He said that the park is seeking to diversify its food and entertainment options.
The park is also creating another children's area, Thomas Town, that will be ready by June 15.
Mayor Richard A. Cohen said the city is fortunate to have a theme park that caters to everyone.
He asked the audience, "How is everyone? Are you ready to wiggle?"
Cohen noted that the city will continue to work with Six Flags to make the park a premier establishment for family entertainment.
Litton also said that Six Flags will raze a dilapidated banquet hall and inn on Main Street that is on park property.
He said the structure has been an eyesore in the city. The demolition will commence this month, though there are no definitive plans for the property.
Cohen described Six Flags as a good neighbor.
"I'm very pleased they are taking it down to beautify that area," he said.
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Wild Escape Still On Its Way
by Stacy Rich
WTRF 7
April 13, 2007
WHEELING -- The Wild Escape Theme Park will sit on the western end of the Highlands Development and will encompass over 100 acres of land.
Originally, many hoped it would be up and running by this summer, but Owner Steve Minard said 80 percent of building a park happens behind closed doors.
"We've actually got some rides that are just about ready for delivery. We're going to hold off until the pad is ready for that, but things are going well. We're also working with the Army Corp of Engineers. We're doing some creation of wetlands habitat and some remediation on some of the manmade ponds near the site. So a lot of things going on and things are going very well," said Minard.
He said the last 20 percent of the work is actually constructing the park. He explains it like a huge erector set, with everything pre-fabricated.
Once the ground work is complete, it could take just six months to construct the park. With 11 indoor acres and 80 outdoor acres, the year-round park will have lots to offer.
"You'll have everything from Ferris wheels to three-story carousels to major coasters.
Actually one of our coasters has the world's highest inversion. It's top speed is 65 miles per hour and it's quite a ride," said Minard.
It's not called the Shock Tower for nothing. And if you're not into the chills and thrills, Minard said there will be spas, shopping, a water park and entertainment.
"We'll have 20 concerts in our first season. Anything from Willie Nelson to Nora Jones to Josh Groban. Those kinds of acts. We'll always have multiple acts on multiple stages with music going on. We're foodies and this is an all ages park. It's not just for families with small children and teenagers. This really is for everyone," he said.
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Group Plans Coolzone Theme Park
Associate Press
April 14, 2007
FORT WORTH - A development group unveiled plans for a winter-sports theme park, anchored by a 25-story outdoor mountain, that would allow snow skiing and ice skating during the summer.
Developers of the Coolzone Winterplex park pitched their vision for the $696 million project slated for north Fort Worth to investors and institutional lenders Thursday.
Skiers and snowboarders would slide down the mountain on a slippery carpeted surface called Snowflex, which imitates the properties of snow. A misting system embedded in the carpet surface maintains its slipperiness.
The mountain would be linked by gondolas to a ski lodge. The 150-acre park would also feature ice skating on a synthetic surface that requires no refrigeration, luge rides on a synthetic surface and a field of manmade snow for playing.
Mist-blowing fans would cool the area by 20 degrees.
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ALDAR Signs Exclusive Contract with Ferrari for World-Class Theme Park
Today for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, ALDAR, Abu Dhabi's leading integrated property development company, announced the signing of an exclusive contract with Ferrari to construct the Ferrari Theme Park on ALDAR's YAS Island project.
ALDAR Press Release
April 15, 2007
Work has already begun on the project, one of the main anchors of which is the innovative and exciting Ferrari Theme Park. Built around the legendary Italian auto company and featuring an interesting mixture of attractions, the theme park will consist of family rides, driving school and virtual simulations as well as retail merchandising for people who wish to truly live Ferrari.
'This partnership is the start of a new era for the team. We are proud to be associated with ALDAR, one of Abu Dhabi's leading brands, whose determination and desire to succeed matches Ferrari's philosophy and brand values perfectly and I hope we will both continue to progress together for many years to achieve our own respective goals,' said Jean Todt, the Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari.
'It is our shared passion and finely aligned organisational goals that really make our association special. Ferrari is a luxury brand and the company strives for the ultimate in performance and success. '
The development will provide leisure and entertainment for the whole family with a race track, numerous rides and attractions, an opportunity to allow visitors to experience the story and history of Ferrari, to participate in Ferrari motoring activities, and to experience the Ferrari brand also through virtual simulations. A component of the race track is integrated with the Ferrari Theme Park for the Ferrari Driving School experience.
'This relationship will allow ALDAR to create an exciting destination within Abu Dhabi that offers something for the entire family and underlines the already strong relationship between the Ferrari brand and ALDAR,' Ronald Barrott, CEO of ALDAR, said.
'Abu Dhabi is a fast growing market and Formula 1 is integral to its commercial growth. ALDAR has shown a firm commitment to Formula 1 with the ongoing development of Yas Island, but the partnership with Ferrari profoundly deepens our involvement and widens the profile and reach of the company.'
ALDAR creates world-class real estate developments in Abu Dhabi, while providing a stable and profitable investment portfolio for its investors. Among its many projects, Aldar is responsible for the development of the pioneering Yas Island. With new standards of innovation, excellence and value in urban design, the Island will occupy a total land area of 2,500 hectares and will feature attractions such as a world-class motorsport circuit, the venue for the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, signature hotels and a retail development of 300,000 square metres.
The project brings together world leaders in architecture and design, including theme park attraction design and co-ordination by Jack Rouse Associates, specialists in the planning, design and management of theme parks whose work includes Universal Studios in Florida, and the theme park shell architecture designed by top UK architect Benoy.
The Ferrari school experience will be managed by the Italian company Dorado who has experience in developing and operating driving institutions for Ferrari. Dorado will undertake courses to train drivers on the necessary skills to drive a Ferrari car. Also linked to the Ferrari Theme Park will be an F-Red Theatre, a Las Vegas-style Ferrari spectacular show, created by Filmmaster Group, who has an extensive extravaganza theatre show background.
About ALDAR Properties
ALDAR Properties PJSC is a premier real estate development, management and investment company with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The company was formed as the result of an initial Public Offering (IPO) of shares. The PJSC was created under Emiri Decree No 808 of 2004. ALDAR Properties PJSC is owned by leading Abu Dhabi institutions, founder shareholders and individual investors.
ALDAR Properties PJSC was created to fast track real estate investment opportunities, and to offer an opportunity to participate in the prosperity of this increasingly important industry in the UAE.
The current property portfolio includes major developments and re-developments within Abu Dhabi Emirate, such as the Central Market in Abu Dhabi, the Al Raha Beach Development, Al Gurm Resort, the Yas Island project, Al Mamoura - the Mubadala Development Company and Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Headquarter Building in Abu Dhabi, and Al Jimi Mall Expansion in Al Ain.
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"Gundam World" Debuts in Japanese Theme Park
Exhibit previously displayed in Osaka area reappears in Nasu Highland Park in eastern Japan
Anime News Network
April 15, 2007
Starting Saturday April 21st, the city of Nasukogen in Ibaraki Prefecture will see the arrival of a new exhibit at their local amusement park: an exhibit featuring "life size" Gundam robots.
The attraction, which will appear in Nasu Highland Amusement Park, will be laid out on a "giant diorama" that features a 4-meter (approx. 14 feet) tall Gundam, a model of Char Aznable's Zaku robot, models of the cockpits for robots from the Gundam and Zeta Gundam anime, and a 1/144th-scale "White Base", based on the location of the same name from the anime.
The attraction was previously featured in an Osaka-area park, and has never appeared in eastern Japan before. Nasu Highland Park is better known for its 9 rollercoasters and other attractions. The park will likely see a large number of visitors shortly after the Gundam exhibit opens; "Golden Week", the week-long period in early May where most people are on vacation from work and school in recognition of a number of national holidays, begins one week after the exhibit opens.
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