Main Attractions of New York City

For many people, New York is like the most important or fun place to be. Because of its metropolitan nature, New York is where most suburban dwellers want to go visiting. Besides this, it is also a hub of business activities as you have the famed Wall Street located there, and the twin towers. Recent estimates have shown that New York generates more than some third world countries budget per year. It also has the highest number of skyscrapers concentrated in one territory.

Often dubbed an ‘urban jungle’, it is home to more than 20 million people and amazingly, the metropolitan state seems to have more room for visitors, business executives, vacationers and tourists. New York City has a lot of attractions. In fact, it is said that you could spend three years in New York doing nothing except sightseeing and still not see every vacation spot or attraction sites. Some of New Yorks main attractions are partly responsible for its global popularity and these include:

1. Statue of Liberty This statue represents or symbolizes democracy in the modern world. According to history, the statue signified hope for the immigrants who crossed through Ellis Island. A gift from the French government over a hundred years ago, it was meant to signify freedom which America stands for. Sculpted by the Frdric-Auguste Bartholdi, the steel Framework was built by the creator of the Eiffel tower, Gustav Eiffel and is about 305 ft altogether. To get to the top of the statue, a visitor would have to climb three hundred and fifty four steps. Tourists interested in getting into the monument can purchase one time tickets.

2. Empire State Building The empire state building is possibly the most popular building in New York. Once called the tallest building in the world -it is about one thousand, two hundred and fifty feet high -and named the 8th wonder of the world, many say it signifies or represents what was meant to be carried out when man decided to build the tower of Babel. The empire state building became extremely popular after the movie King Kong was shot in 1933. At the time, it was dubbed the tallest building. However, the mystery surrounding it still counts for visits from over two million visitors annually.

3. Central Park This major tourist centre occupies three hundred and forty one hectares of land is synonymous with its name in its location at the centre of Manhattan. Located between 5th and 8th avenue, central park consists of ice rinks for those who want to skate, theatres, baseball fields, fountains, lakes, a Zoo, a museum, tennis courts and a host of facilities. And the best part of central park is access to it is free of charge. A must see as part of a New York City vacation package.

4. Fifth Avenue For those who love shopping, 5th Ave is an awesome place to be. Located between the 49th and 59th streets, its like a concentration of designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Prada and Versace. If you are looking for jewelleries, you will find Bulgari shops, Cartier and a host of other jewellers.

UK Flights to Middle East

The Middle East has had a mixed reputation in Europe. On one hand it has rich and prosperous lands with oil, but then there are also the troubles which plague the continent. The Middle East covers Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

The region which is called the Greater Middle East comprise the Afghanistan, and Algeria, the region considered the ?Horn of Africa? comprise Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. Undoubtedly, this is the land of great culture, which lures the European tourist, though it is always recommended that you do good research before coming here. Take care of all the safety concerns. Provided that you tour with a trustworthy tour operator, you are ensured of a safe trip.

Number of flights to your desire destination is depend upon the destination which you have choice. Take an example of Dubai; it is a very well known city of Middle East for Brits so you will find competition between Airlines to provide better services in lower rates. Other places yet, such as Iran maybe have restricted number of flights and it isn?t suggested that you trip to this place without a good tour organizer. Virgin, Qatar Airlines, KLM, Continental, and Emirates are the chief airlines which operates their flights to different locations of the Middle East.

Keep in mind, that these being Islamic countries, follow strict rules and you must observe certain social regulations; like keeping legs and shoulders well covered in public areas, though rules differ depending on the place you visit. Dubai is a place which is liberal and comfortable with UK tourist, but countries like Iran are stricter. You must check with the up to date security measures before travelling with a UK passport, as this may not be appropriate for entering all Middle East countries.

The Middle East is a very hot area and a lot of it is desert. Some of the areas are subject to droughts but there are still fertile areas with forests and greenery, depending on where you visit. In the summer, the weather reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius; sun protection is a must if you visit and be prepared for a dusty type of humidity.

The Middle East is well worth exploring; the country of Jordan which is one of the more modern cities. There is plenty of architecture and food which may be familiar to the European tourist, such as kebabs, and ethnic dishes.

Dubai has plenty of shopping arcaded and lovely beaches; pubs and bars are also there for people to enjoy, thanks to the liberal drinking laws, though being an Islamic country, there are prayers held many times in a day. Dubai also offers several art galleries exhibiting Arabic artefacts, so you can explore this if you are tired of beaches. Israel is home to several churches, and also many bible lands to visit; you will find here the Tower of David Museum, Yad Vashem, Baha?I Shrine Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, and Gardens in Haifa, among others. Try out the traditional food of Israeli such as bagels, pickles, and kebabs.

The city of Israel on the other hand, has several churches and the bible lands, to explore; here you will also find popular attractions which include The Tower of David Museum, Baha?I Shrine, Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, Yad Vashem, and the Gardens in Haifa. You may also try out the regional cuisine of Israel, the bagels, pickles, and kebabs.

Overview of UK Flights to Europe

Flying to different locations all the way through Europe has been trendy with UK travellers for so extensive because of the propinquity Great Britain has to its neighbours. In today?s circumstance when people are worried about the staggering economy and credit crunch, it?s obvious that holidays in Europe come across are the cheaper option than going far. The diverse locations serve as beach vacations, as cultural holidays or romantic breaks of time. You are free to explore Europe to your heart?s content.

Going to Europe from the UK is easy and economical. There are lots of choices depending upon which place of UK you are in. First you will have to select your destination, as prices are cheap and options are many. Many people prefer going to a new place. If you do online booking, this becomes easier as you enter your travel day and total number of people travelling along with the airport you want to fly from, and then you can choice from the locations available.

If you select to go for a destination in Europe then this is as simple as there are several budget airlines like Easyjet, and BMI Baby. These fly to short distance locations in Europe and are thus quite cheap. There are some luxury airlines such as British Airways which offer flights to Europe. It is not necessary to choose a luxury flight for short distance travel as it is not utilized properly.

Much sought after tourist destinations in Europe include countries like Italy, France, Spain, and Germany. These countries house plenty of airports and you will get one closest to the city, which you want fly to. France has Paris, and several other northern and southern territories. Spain has major cities like Madrid, and also the popular Holiday Islands, boasting sand and sun. Many UK flights will travel to these destinations because they are so well-liked.

Don?t forget about other beauty spots like Bruges in Belgium, Prague in the Czech Republic. Well known for having stunning architecture, there are regular flights to these locations not to mention an abundance of accommodation throughout the year. Prague has one main airport that is modern and accepts flights from British Airways, Easyjet, Jet2 and BMI Baby to name a few meaning there are plenty of cheap flights to this location.

There is also Scandinavia, a beautiful part of Europe filled with history and lots of quirky cultural traits; this includes Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. You need to search a little harder for flights to these locations but they are by no means impossible; Easyjet and Finnair both fly to Denmark, as does British Airways. I you specifically want to visit one of these locations go directly to the airlines website and search for the location so you know whether or not you are wasting your time.

Travelling to European destinations is in rage because it is easy, fast, and lucrative. With a British passport, the citizens of UK can any part of Europe without any visa issues. For good bargains, look for last minute and cheap airlines. Do not overlook to see the precise last minute packages on websites such as the lastminute.com, as they help you locate a cheap deal for flights and hotels, saving you botheration and time, when you are in hurry. With so much of options available?exploring Europe is a must!

How can a Blog Help

Getting a good feel for a summer camp is not all that easy, checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp’s Blog. Camp Blog

Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak or raft – it’s part of the sport! But when you hit the water unexpectedly, even strong swimmers need a lifejacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD). It allows you to concentrate on doing what’s needed to execute a self rescue and will allow you to assist others. Nearly 70% of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a lifejacket!

When thinking about a Minnesota children’s Summer Camp think about Swift Nature Camp. We are only a few short hours from Minneapolis and many of our campers are from Minnesota. For others, Minneapolis and St Paul, the largest cities in Minnesota is where our campers fly in from all around the world. Some parent even plan a little vacation in the city of Minneapolis. It’s diverse and grand with many exciting things to do and see, including the world famous Mall of America. The great variety of food and entertainment alone are well worth visiting this great city to take advantage of. So make sure to plan enough time to visit the city when you bring your child to resident camp this summer. You may even plan on seeing some of our local campers form Minneapolis.

The Russell W. Hogrefe Fresh Start Fund was established by Russell W. Hogrefe during his tenure as Executive Director of the American Camp Association, Illinois Section. He served in that position from 1979 until his retirement in 1996. Russ spent his entire professional career providing children’s summer camp and other services to families with very low income. Teachers, social workers, counselors or other professionals refer campers. ACA Illinois Section staff and the person making the referral select an appropriate day or resident camp program. Camps must be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camper’s family is encouraged to pay whatever they can afford for the camping experience. The camp provides a partial campership and the Fund pays the balance. If you would like to donate fund to help an underprivileged child attend summer camp in 2009 please send a check or make an online donation. Summer camp is an experience that enriches lives and all children should have the opportunity to attend kids summer camp. To learn how Swift Nature Camp can help your child attend camp visit our website.

Horses! Enough said. Today’s children often have their first interactions with a horse at summer camp. For most of us living the urban dream it is hard to have enough time in a day or space to own a horse. Yet at camp, children have the opportunity to get back to our American roots and have a relationship with a horse. Yes, a relationship! Horses have personalities, even more so than your family dog. Because they can do so much more, carry you through the woods on trails to places campers have never seen before. Our goal at Swift Nature Camp is to help children build this relationship while understanding basic horse care while learning how to ride.

When most folks think of a science they think of school and all those books and studying. However, Swift Nature Camp is all about having Fun while helps children to learn how and why to become good stewards of the environment. It is through direct experience and hands on activities that we inspire kids to be environmentally conscious when they return home. Our first goal is to be a kids summer camp but it is so much more,, it’s our dedication to the environment. Swift Nature Camp is fun with a purpose.

For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see Find A Summer Camp

UK to Naples

UK travelers wanting to visit Naples as their primary destination should try booking flights from London, which offers the best availability and lowest fares. The city’s only airport receiving international travelers is Naples International Airport. Located in the south of Italy, and the capital of Campania, Naples lies halfway between the volcano Vesuvius, which buried the ancient city of Pompeii, and the Phlegraean Fields. Naples is an ancient city, over 2,800 years old. It enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and short, mild, rainy winters.

Naples is famous for its music. It was the place where the mandolin and the romantic guitar were both invented. Neapolitan musicians also have made strong contributions to folk standards and to opera.

This southern Italian city is home to many museums, notably the Naples National Archaeological Museum, regarded as one of the most important repositories for artifacts of the Roman Empire. The museum displays many of the antiquities discovered at Herculaneum and Pompeii, as well as some pieces from the Hellenistic period and the Renaissance.

Probably the most important museum in Naples, however, is the Museo di Capodimonte, a museum and art gallery. The gallery features paintings from the thirteen to eighteenth centuries, including major works of Luca Giordano, and Jusepe de Ribera of the Neapolitan School, and also works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Simone Martini.

The majority of Neapolitans are Catholics, and their city is home to the Archdiocese of Naples. The Cathedral of Naples is the site of the annual Miracle of St. Januarius, the city’s patron saint. In this miracle, the dried blood of Januarius is said to turn to liquid when brought close to his relics. The annual miracle is regarded as sacred by many Neapolitans.

But the one thing almost every for around the world knows that originated in Naples is pizza. The procedure for making pizzas is strictly regulated by Italian law. The pizza is traditionally baked in a wood-burning oven. The ingredients in the dough must be type “00″ flour with the addition of type “0″ yeast and natural water. The sauce is to be made from peeled tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes, along with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. Another world-renowned Neapolitan dish is spaghetti. Neapolitans eat their spaghetti with a ragu. The cuisine of Naples, like all of Italy, is known for its use of local fresh ingredients. The city is also famous for its gelato dessert, and for limoncello, a popular lemon liqueur.

The history of Naples goes back at least 2,800 years, and the city is even older than Rome. It has survived the Etruscans, the Greeks, the Romans, and the Plague, and a succession of kings from Spain and France. As it has survived, it has changed and thrived. If you are already planning a visit to Italy, visit Naples, too. The city has much to offer, especially its fine food and wine, and visitors will be more than just happy they made it a stop.

Use the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 Navigator on Land Or Water

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator is a very flexible gps receiver for outdoor use. It is not only moisture proof but floats in water as well. It is marine friendly with all the marine data preloaded. It likewise has preloaded land data loaded so it truly is a dual use navigator.

Being WAAS enabled allows the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 accuracy within 3 meters anywhere you choose to venture. WAAS is a system developed for the FAA to enable gps accuracy for airplane navigation.

With the Garmin GPS 72 Navigator’s preloaded world wide maps you can view all of a cities navigation aids, such as cities, streets, points of interest, or local terrain. It’s maps also include an area’s marine navigation aids, which include buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids, including tide information, sunrise and sunset times, as well as a calendar.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 is a lightweight unit and measures 2.7 inches x 6.2 inches x 1.2 inches and weighs less than 8 ounces with 2 AA batteries installed. Battery life is approximately 16 hours. This is usually plenty for any day outings. The GPS 72 has a generous display size of 1.6 x 2.2 inches. The display pixel size is 120 x 160 pixels and utilizes a level four gray LCD light.

You can program the Garmin GPS 72 with up to 500 points of interest, and 50 routes. You have a track log of 2,048 waypoints, so you can input and pinpoint locations such as stores, your campsite, and even your vehicles parking spot. These points of interest can be saved on up to 10 separate tracks.

As with all Garmin Handheld GPS receivers, accessories are available for the GPS 72. You can choose holsters, straps, or clips to use with the GPS 72 receiver. Antennas, adapters and cables are available for using the GPS in your car if you so desire also.

Each Garmin Handheld GPS 72 comes with a quick start guide and the Marine Point Database of the Americas. Also included with each unit is a wrist strap so you can attach the GPS to your wrist like a watch. The quick start quide explains all the functions of the GPS 72 receiver.

If you want a gps receiver you can depend on while on the water as well as on land then look no further than the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator. It will serve you well on either and provide the data you need when you need it. It is dependable and you can expect a long service life for a modest price. Hunters as well as fisherman will love it as well as other outdoor adventurers.

Kindle 2 VS. Sony: Which one Is Better?

Nowadays, there are more e-book reader devices on the market such as theSony Reader, Booken Cybook Ebook reader or Amazon Kindle 2. Both Amazon and Sony use proprietary formats so you can’t just go from one to the other for the Reader. Both Kindle 2 and Sony Reader offer a great readable screen and excellent battery life.

You will probably learn very quickly that you get what you pay for in life and that is no different when it comes to Kindle copycats.The Sony Ebook Reader is quickly making some friends but it is only because people are not looking deep enough into the product. For starters, the most obvious difference between the Kindle 2 Ebook Reader and the Sony Ebook Reader is that the Sony version is cheaper.

Amazon continues to lock down their format so that it can only be used on the Kindle, while Sony has subscribed to policy of more openness when it comes to what can be put on its reader. SONY tends to give little discount for the eBooks but Amazon caps all books at $9. Kindle 2 might be $100 more but buy 10 books and soon you will break even.

The Sony Ebook Reader has enough storage space to store 160 ebooks. This sounds great and all but the Kindle 2 can store over 1,500. This is an obvious difference between the two. Since the Sony Ebook Reader is not able to hold as many books, it is no wonder that it is maybe an inch or two smaller.

With the Kindle 2 getting a lot of press these days, people are starting to think about eBooks much more seriously. What it seems most people do not know is that the Kindle 2 is not the only portable eBooks reader available to the consumer. If you are buying a Kindle or Sony Reader, make sure the reader displays protected Mobipocket and Adobe PDF files.

The Kindle 2 includes that power adapter along with the USB cable, a quick start guide, and a rechargeable battery for the price of the unit. The Sony Ebook reader does not. They recommended that you buy the AC charger for an additional cost but all they include with their purchase price is a case to carry the reader in, a USB cable, and a quick start guide.

If you want to buy the AC adapter so that you can actually make use of your purchase then that will cost you another $29.99. So when it comes to purchasing an Ebook reader, wheather it is for yourself or for someone that you care about, you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money.

These are not the times we should be casually spending our money with no regards to what we are actually getting. For something that will surely entertain and be worth the purchase, the Kindle 2 is the way to go.

Picking a Minnesota Summer Camp

So you are thinking about a Minnesota Summer Camp for your child. GREAT! Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What’s the camp’s ideology? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? What religious observances or practices are part of the program?

How does the Summer Camp get and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing? What’s the training all about?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps Minnesota

What’s the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

What’s the age of Staff ? Eighty percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s needs.

How does the camp Punish campers? Know what your summer camp’s rules and regulations. Be sure they match yur parental thoughts. Know what breaches would send a camper home.

What does a camp Day look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

How does the camp provide transportation? How often are the van inspected? Who is driving, what’s the training.

Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.

Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps Minnesota

Children’s Summer Camp-Blogs

Before you send your child to a summer camp it is a good idea to get a good feeling about a particular camp. Checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp’s Blog. Camp Blog

Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak or raft – it’s part of the sport! But when you hit the water unexpectedly, even strong swimmers need a lifejacket, also known as a personal flotation device (PFD). It allows you to concentrate on doing what’s needed to execute a self rescue and will allow you to assist others. Nearly 70% of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a lifejacket!

We at Swift Nature Camp believe that your child’s safety is the most important part of camp. That is why we have a strict Lifejacket rule. Everyone must wear a PDF when in a boat. No exceptions, staff and campers alike. THis is true if on a river canoe trip or on on our own camp lake. Water is so much fun and kids love it but it is dangerous and we must be prepared. We even have a special “titanic test” to ensure that our lifejacket fits nice and snug in case of an emergency. Campers learn this the first day of camp.

Swift Nature Camp is only a few short miles from Minnesota. It’s like having a Children’s summer camp in Minnesota. We are so fortunate to be able to avail ourselves to the natural beauty of Minnesota. Near Lake Superior, the largest of the great lakes. Many Swift Campers hike along the scenic bluffs of the Superior Hiking Trail. A little further north in Minnesota, campers participate in canoe trips to the Boundry Waters of Minnesota. This National Park is untouched by man. Here in this Minnesota camp, the views are breathtaking from the deep dark forests to the sparkling lakes, the naturalistic and simple beauty is evident while canoeing from lake to lake or just taking it easy while picking blue berries.

Horses! Enough said. Today’s children often have their first interactions with a horse at summer camp. For most of us living the urban dream it is hard to have enough time in a day or space to own a horse. Yet at camp, children have the opportunity to get back to our American roots and have a relationship with a horse. Yes, a relationship! Horses have personalities, even more so than your family dog. Because they can do so much more, carry you through the woods on trails to places campers have never seen before. Our goal at Swift Nature Camp is to help children build this relationship while understanding basic horse care while learning how to ride.

We at Swift realize the importance that campers feel special while at camp. That is why we have created a special First Timer program for children who have never been to camp. Our goal is to help children feel self confident while quite possibly being your child’s first extended time away from home. We do this by having extra staff on hand for each and every camper needs. We are extremely proud of the fact that during Discovery Camp we limit each cabin size to only 8 campers with 2 staff members. That’s only 72 campers (ages 6-12) and 26 staff members ! We also have an Orientation Day, when campers not only get a tour of the camp, complete with a visit to the Health Center and the Mail Box, but also go to each activity area learning about safety in that activity. Within the cabin our staff works hard to promote a nurturing and harmonious friendships. This starts with a Respect List for all to agree to and sign and each night ends with a bedtime story. Due to the fact that all campers are new to this camp they are all on equal ground right from the start. We encourages each child to learn independence in a safe, age appropriate non-competitive environment. Our twelve day program is the perfect length of time for your first time camper to gain autonomy, leaving their homesickness behind, and feeling comfortable with their new-found independence. For many campers the greatest lesson camp teaches is that they can leave home, return days later and very few things will have changed, especially your love for them. Swift Nature Camp’s Discovery Program is the perfect match for any camper that’s a little concerned about leaving home for the first time.

For additional information on how to pick the perfect camp for your camper see Camp Info

Tattoo History — World History of Tattoo

A tattoo is a permanent setting made by introducing ink into the layers of skin, to change the pigment, usually for ornamental reasons. Skin was the first canvas for art. Sticks and other pointy objects were the 1st paintbrushes, and tattooing was a form of building scars. This involved injuring oneself and jamming dirt or ashes into the wound to discolor it permanently. It is believed that prehistoric man cut holes in his skin, charred sticks in the fire, let them cool and then applied the black content to the injury to create tribal markings.

Primitive man believed the process of tattooing released sacred life forces, since it involved pain, blood and fire. The flowing of blood was also associated with a sacrifice to the Gods. Tattoos were also used to bring one’s soul in alignment with God’s purpose, increase virility and fertility, and ensure the preservation of the body after the death.

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice since at least Neolithic times. Otzi the Iceman (dating from the fourth or fifth millennium BC), found in the Alps, had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle.

Pre-Christian Germanic, Celtic, and other central and northern European tribes were often to a great extent tattooed, with detailed designs. Tattooing in Japan goes back to the Paleolithic era, probably, approximately ten thousand years ago. Between 1603-1868, Japanese tattooing was only exercised by the ukiyo-e (the floating world culture). Generally firemen, manual workers and prostitutes wore tattoos, that communicated their status. Between 1720-1870, criminals were tattooed as a visible mark of penalty.

Tattooing features prominently in Chinese literature, in addition, Chinese legend has it that the mother of Yue Fei, the most famous general of the Song Dynasty, tattooed the words jing zhong bao guo, on his back with her needle before he left to join the army, reminding him to repay his country with pure loyalty.

Tattooing in the Western world originates in Polynesia, with the uncovering of tatau by eighteenth-century explorers. Henna and Mehndi were popular in ancient India and ancient Egypt, and continue to be popular in some parts. An antediluvian practice of tattooing in the Middle East required people cutting themselves and scratching in ash (from the deceaseds funeral pyre) throughout a period of mourning, after an individual had died. It was a sign of honor for the dead, and s symbol of reverence, as well as a sense of profound loss.

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