So yesterday was the Animal Kingdom. Disney definitely goes all out for prettu much everything. I've been to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego and they have nothing on Disney. The Animal Kingdom is sort of like a big Disney style zoo. The safari was really cool. We rode in a big truck right through lions, tigers, & bears. Well - lions & a bunch of other cool anumals anyway.
Next we encountered the Yeti on a sick rollercoaster. It goes forward up to the literal top of the track.There's nowhere to go but back. So you go backward through a pitch black cave where it feels lik you're going througj a loop. then the Yeti comes out & screams at you, and you go forward through a whole new track. Very cool. Very different.
The parade was the lamest Disney Parade I've seen. There were definitely some cool things in it, including a big hidden mickey that I spotted on one of the cars, but definitely NOT one of the better parades.
We finished off with a trip to Downtown Disney. Florida definitely has us beat here. We went to Disney Quest. It's basically a huge 4 story video game place where every game is free (well, not free since you pay to get in, but no quarters necessary).
I got to design my own roller coaster and then get is a roller coaster simulator & ride it. Very cool. California needs a Disney Quest for sure!
Today is Epcot part two. Epcot is so big that it takes two days to see it. Tonight - another trip to Downtown Disney & maybe the comedy club there.
Oh - the wallet adventure update: Thanks Gretchen for fedexing my passport & extra card. Now I can get on the plane. I'll get back the $500 charged to my account, but it appears that it will take quite a fee phone calls. After about 5 calls with 4 or 5 transfers each time, I have to call back again today. Joy!
Okay - off to the Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow!
Rob
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Disney: West Coast vs. East Coast
So which is better? DisneyLand, or DisneyWorld? Hard to say, they're both actually pretty good. Now as I go to DisneyLand as often as possible, I'll admit some bias toward DL, but I'm trying to be as objective as possible. At WDW, it's about 50 times more spread out than DL. It is pretty fun getting to see all the familiar rides & such, but with a different twist. For example: there's no Indiana Jones ride out here. Instead, there's an Indiana Stunt show. But-they do have the "don't pull the rope" thing. Only it's outside along a walkway instead of in the line.
Space Mountain: DisneyLand wins hands down. The entrance & line are cool, but the ride itself is slow & jerky. Speaking of jerky... Star Tours. Pretty much exactly the same, but imagine a bottle of ranch dressing when it's almost empty and you shake it hard to get the last bit of ranch to the top so you can squeeze it out. Now imagine that you're in the bottle and it's Star Tours. Now imagine that for about 30 consecutive shakes.
The Rocking Roller Coaster however was sick! It takes off just like California Screaming, but into a pitch black building and immediately into a loop. It only got better from there.
All in all a good day. Me & Stacy decided to skip Playhouse Disney with the rest of the crew & headed over to a few other attractions & had a great time.We finished off the day with Fantasmic. I haven't seen it at DL yet, but I'm told it's way better there.
Tomorrow: Epcot, which stands for "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow."
See ya!
Rob
Space Mountain: DisneyLand wins hands down. The entrance & line are cool, but the ride itself is slow & jerky. Speaking of jerky... Star Tours. Pretty much exactly the same, but imagine a bottle of ranch dressing when it's almost empty and you shake it hard to get the last bit of ranch to the top so you can squeeze it out. Now imagine that you're in the bottle and it's Star Tours. Now imagine that for about 30 consecutive shakes.
The Rocking Roller Coaster however was sick! It takes off just like California Screaming, but into a pitch black building and immediately into a loop. It only got better from there.
All in all a good day. Me & Stacy decided to skip Playhouse Disney with the rest of the crew & headed over to a few other attractions & had a great time.We finished off the day with Fantasmic. I haven't seen it at DL yet, but I'm told it's way better there.
Tomorrow: Epcot, which stands for "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow."
See ya!
Rob
It's Magic!
So... DisneyWorld (AKA: The Magic Kingdom). Very fun. There are quite a few things at DW that we don't have at DL. Of course, we've got quite a few things at DL that aren't here. Most of the matcing rides are very similar, but with different entrances. Space Mountain - It's very different. I think I liked DW better until about 1/4 of the way through the ride. It's slower & jerkier. At one point the guy behind me said "this ride hurts!" Philharmagic was really cool. I enjoyed the People Mover and The Country Bears, two rides that I really liked as a child, but no longer around at DL.
The reality of how hard it is to do a park in only one day was very evident. So much to do. So few rides.
The "highlight" of course, was having my wallet stolen. I thought it was in the car. Apparently not.
After it wasn't in my car, I checked my account & discovered that I had purchased $450 worth of stuff at Aeropostal in Kissimee. Seeing as how I was at the Magic Kingdom all day, I thought this was quite a trick! Wells Fargo is great though. one 10 minute phine call took care of it all.
Now the trick is going to be getting back on the airplane with no ID. Fortunately, I've been known to do the occasional trick....
Off to MGM Studios today... Lots of stuff there we don't have at DL. A few things we do. I'm sure it'll be a great day!
TTFN!
Rob
The reality of how hard it is to do a park in only one day was very evident. So much to do. So few rides.
The "highlight" of course, was having my wallet stolen. I thought it was in the car. Apparently not.
After it wasn't in my car, I checked my account & discovered that I had purchased $450 worth of stuff at Aeropostal in Kissimee. Seeing as how I was at the Magic Kingdom all day, I thought this was quite a trick! Wells Fargo is great though. one 10 minute phine call took care of it all.
Now the trick is going to be getting back on the airplane with no ID. Fortunately, I've been known to do the occasional trick....
Off to MGM Studios today... Lots of stuff there we don't have at DL. A few things we do. I'm sure it'll be a great day!
TTFN!
Rob
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The UN-Happiest Place On Earth
So travelling across the country on American was definitely NOT the best. Perhaps this is why they're having problems. Or maybe it's a result of their problems. Anyway.....
As many of you know, I'm off to DisneyWorld for a week in the Magic Kingdom. (I haven't been here since I was 16, so I'm pretty stoked about it, but I digress) Ontario was ok. The 1 - 1/2 hour layover at DFW turned into boarding more than a half hour late. Then, after sitting on the runway for a while, our Captain came on & told us we were #35 in line to take off. I thought "haha this guy is kidding!
He wasn't.
So after at least another hour and a half just sitting there, we finally took off. The only positive was that my Mom had made me some of my favorite brownies, so I survived. (My parents had driven 45 minutes to get to see me [& meet Stacy] for about 20 minutes during my layover. I guess they love me.)
After spending enough time in that plane to go to London & back, we were about to land, thinking "FINALLY!!!" we were suddenly climbing again. I was now thinking "are you kidding me?" Apparently there was a cargo plane on the runway and we had to loop around & try again in 20 minutes.
I miss Jet Blue.
So we finally land & get our luggage. Getting the rental cars was easy. Stopped at Waffle House for dinner (mmmmm! Waffle House!), & made it to bed after an 18 hour travel adventure.
I'm sure it will all have been worth it in about 2 & 1/2 hours though. That's when DisneyWorld opens!!!
As Tiggee would say: TTFN
Rob
As many of you know, I'm off to DisneyWorld for a week in the Magic Kingdom. (I haven't been here since I was 16, so I'm pretty stoked about it, but I digress) Ontario was ok. The 1 - 1/2 hour layover at DFW turned into boarding more than a half hour late. Then, after sitting on the runway for a while, our Captain came on & told us we were #35 in line to take off. I thought "haha this guy is kidding!
He wasn't.
So after at least another hour and a half just sitting there, we finally took off. The only positive was that my Mom had made me some of my favorite brownies, so I survived. (My parents had driven 45 minutes to get to see me [& meet Stacy] for about 20 minutes during my layover. I guess they love me.)
After spending enough time in that plane to go to London & back, we were about to land, thinking "FINALLY!!!" we were suddenly climbing again. I was now thinking "are you kidding me?" Apparently there was a cargo plane on the runway and we had to loop around & try again in 20 minutes.
I miss Jet Blue.
So we finally land & get our luggage. Getting the rental cars was easy. Stopped at Waffle House for dinner (mmmmm! Waffle House!), & made it to bed after an 18 hour travel adventure.
I'm sure it will all have been worth it in about 2 & 1/2 hours though. That's when DisneyWorld opens!!!
As Tiggee would say: TTFN
Rob
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The Nate Keating Band (or San Diego Bound!)
So last night's SIX33 was an amazing night of worship led by Nate Keating & Co. For those of you who don't know, Nate is the Youth Pastor and Worship leader for Cloudbreak Church in San Diego. The HSM has partnered with Cloudbreak to join them a few times this year and minister with them as they reach out to their community with the Gospel.
Shameless Promo: The HSM is headed down to San Diego May 9-11. We head out on Friday, pass out flyers & such, go to the beach, help set up and participate in "Overflow" an outreach concert they're putting on, then participate in the Sunday morning worship service. After church, we'll have lunch and head back.
Ok - back to blogging and not promoting upcoming events.
Nate is obviously a gifted worship leader and Cloudbreak, although small compared to Immanuel, is definitely lucky to have him as their worship leader. Thanks to Nate and Co. for leading us in worship last night.
I'm always amazed at how God puts things together. I'm in the middle of a sermon series on 1 Peter right now. When I talked to Nate yesterday morning about how many songs, and the flow of the evening, he gave me the list of songs that they would be singing. The closing song, one that a band member wrote, was titled "Live for Me" and is written from the perspective of God speaking to us. As they were singing the song, I was amazed at how it fit in perfectly with what I had just been talking about in my sermon. It was like it was written specifically as the "closer" for the sermon I had just preached. Now I know that God is sovereign and directs everything, but it's just so cool to see it so clearly and specifically come together like that.
Anyway - After spending a SIX33 with Nate & Co., I'm more excited than ever about our trip down there to minister with them. I can't wait to take some of our students down and spend a weekend fellowshipping and ministering together.
Have I mentioned that I love my job?
Rob
<><
Shameless Promo: The HSM is headed down to San Diego May 9-11. We head out on Friday, pass out flyers & such, go to the beach, help set up and participate in "Overflow" an outreach concert they're putting on, then participate in the Sunday morning worship service. After church, we'll have lunch and head back.
Ok - back to blogging and not promoting upcoming events.
Nate is obviously a gifted worship leader and Cloudbreak, although small compared to Immanuel, is definitely lucky to have him as their worship leader. Thanks to Nate and Co. for leading us in worship last night.
I'm always amazed at how God puts things together. I'm in the middle of a sermon series on 1 Peter right now. When I talked to Nate yesterday morning about how many songs, and the flow of the evening, he gave me the list of songs that they would be singing. The closing song, one that a band member wrote, was titled "Live for Me" and is written from the perspective of God speaking to us. As they were singing the song, I was amazed at how it fit in perfectly with what I had just been talking about in my sermon. It was like it was written specifically as the "closer" for the sermon I had just preached. Now I know that God is sovereign and directs everything, but it's just so cool to see it so clearly and specifically come together like that.
Anyway - After spending a SIX33 with Nate & Co., I'm more excited than ever about our trip down there to minister with them. I can't wait to take some of our students down and spend a weekend fellowshipping and ministering together.
Have I mentioned that I love my job?
Rob
<><
Monday, April 21, 2008
Planet Wisdom
So.
We're back from Planet Wisdom.
It was a good weekend.
To start things out, Friday night was basically with Mark Matlock throwing pots. No - he wasn't throwing things at us. Throwing pots is the term for making pottery on a wheel. He not only taught on Jeremiah 18:1-6, but he actually had a pottery wheel on the stage and put clay on it and formed the clay into a pot. He talked about our interaction with God and how He molds us.
Watching the spinning clay was mesmerizing. It really was a great way to teach us about being in God's will and surrendering our lives to Him.
The rest of the weekend was good as well. The "Skit Guys" did an amazing job. These guys are soooo funny and can also do great drama that really hits home. After talking about the weekend with the students, the pot throwing and Skit Guys seemed to be the highlight of the weekend.
Of course, being in charge of 40 teens at a nice hotel is its own interesting vibe. The security guard, who we chatted with a couple of times was very nice. No complaints about him. The manager - well, that's a story for another time. But the students were great and I have no complaints. We have a great group of students and I love being on trips with them. Sara didn't fall into the pond this time (I guess we only get that in the capital) but it was still a fun time.
What can I say about the beach other than "not enough time." I think I'd have to live in a beach house my entire life to even begin to think I'd been at the beach enough. We'll be back. And soon.
All in all - a really good weekend. HUGE thanks to Gretchen for arranging all of our meals and getting us all set in the hotel. Thanks to Alan and Sherri Arnet for driving us around, and definite thanks to the adult leaders that gave up their weekend to be with the students. I appreciate you guys more than you know.
Rob
<><
P.S. - I just watched the promo for Wildwood this Summer. I'm very excited about camp this Summer. It's all I can do to wait until June 29 when we get there. Sign up quick - there are only 47 spots total!
We're back from Planet Wisdom.
It was a good weekend.
To start things out, Friday night was basically with Mark Matlock throwing pots. No - he wasn't throwing things at us. Throwing pots is the term for making pottery on a wheel. He not only taught on Jeremiah 18:1-6, but he actually had a pottery wheel on the stage and put clay on it and formed the clay into a pot. He talked about our interaction with God and how He molds us.
Watching the spinning clay was mesmerizing. It really was a great way to teach us about being in God's will and surrendering our lives to Him.
The rest of the weekend was good as well. The "Skit Guys" did an amazing job. These guys are soooo funny and can also do great drama that really hits home. After talking about the weekend with the students, the pot throwing and Skit Guys seemed to be the highlight of the weekend.
Of course, being in charge of 40 teens at a nice hotel is its own interesting vibe. The security guard, who we chatted with a couple of times was very nice. No complaints about him. The manager - well, that's a story for another time. But the students were great and I have no complaints. We have a great group of students and I love being on trips with them. Sara didn't fall into the pond this time (I guess we only get that in the capital) but it was still a fun time.
What can I say about the beach other than "not enough time." I think I'd have to live in a beach house my entire life to even begin to think I'd been at the beach enough. We'll be back. And soon.
All in all - a really good weekend. HUGE thanks to Gretchen for arranging all of our meals and getting us all set in the hotel. Thanks to Alan and Sherri Arnet for driving us around, and definite thanks to the adult leaders that gave up their weekend to be with the students. I appreciate you guys more than you know.
Rob
<><
P.S. - I just watched the promo for Wildwood this Summer. I'm very excited about camp this Summer. It's all I can do to wait until June 29 when we get there. Sign up quick - there are only 47 spots total!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Doulos Christou
So. Hopefully everyone now understands that we're slaves. Two Wednesdays ago, I taught on the Greek word "doulos," which appears 150+ times in the New Testament. There's no meaning other than "slave." Most English translations use the word "servant." When we look at our relationship to Christ as that of a slave to a Master, then it sort of gives us a whole new way of understanding obedience.
A slave simply obeys his Master.
I want to live my life as an obedient slave to my Master Jesus Christ. He has done so much for me. Because of what He has done for me and because of my obedience to Him, I not only call Him my Master, but He calls me His friend.
What an amazing thing to be a friend to the one who not only saved me, but also created the universe and everything in it.
Wow!
This week at SIX33, we'll venture into the next episode of our adventure. We'll be looking at 1 Peter and I'm titling this series "Bring on the Mocking." If we're living the obedient slave-lives we're called to live, then there will be mocking. People will notice my life, and they won't necessarily be complimentary. But I say "bring it on!" I serve a glorious Master. That's what matters!
A slave simply obeys his Master.
I want to live my life as an obedient slave to my Master Jesus Christ. He has done so much for me. Because of what He has done for me and because of my obedience to Him, I not only call Him my Master, but He calls me His friend.
What an amazing thing to be a friend to the one who not only saved me, but also created the universe and everything in it.
Wow!
This week at SIX33, we'll venture into the next episode of our adventure. We'll be looking at 1 Peter and I'm titling this series "Bring on the Mocking." If we're living the obedient slave-lives we're called to live, then there will be mocking. People will notice my life, and they won't necessarily be complimentary. But I say "bring it on!" I serve a glorious Master. That's what matters!
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Final Day (a little late...)
So I wrote this blog at Dulles Airport. There are signs everywhere in the airport saying that the entire airport has free wifi. This is not true. There was zero wifi signal at gate B66. I know this was yesterday morning and we're all home now but here it is anyway...
Final Trip Blog:
Sightseeing-A-Plenty!
So Wednesday was a full day of sightseeing! Traveling via Subway is always fun for me. I don’t have to rely on public transportation during my day to day life, so taking the subway is kinda fun & novel. Of course, just getting 24 people through the turnstiles is sometimes a challenge. Tickets don’t always work and you sometimes have to wait for an attendant to look at your ticket and let you through. On top of that, most of our group isn’t used to the “crowd on – crowd off” dynamic. Let’s just say that getting all 24 people through turnstiles, to the right platform, all on the same car, then a transfer, then up to street level again is a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got some great kids and once they got the hang of it, we were able to move around easier.
Our first stop of the day was Arlington Cemetery. We saw JFK’s burial site and the eternal flame. I’ve been there before, but for some reason, it’s a pretty moving thing to see. It’s amazing how many people flock to see where someone is buried and that it’s such a “big thing.” From there, we walked up to Robert E. Lee’s original home and encountered a strange, but informative Park Ranger who filled us in on many details. Next we saw the changing of the guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don’t really know what to think, but to just be in awe of these guys that guard the tomb. They spend two years training and then a little over a year guarding. The fact that they guard it 24 hours a day year round no matter what the weather is incredible. One of our students said, after the ceremony was over, “that was really moving, Rob.” I agree.
Our next stop was Freedom Plaza and a quick bite to eat. Next, we went to the home where Abraham Lincoln died. Ford’s Theater is closed until 2009. On that corner we found several souvenir shops (finally!), then headed over to the Spy Museum Store.
My second favorite stop of the day was the National Portrait Gallery. I could have spent all day here. It took almost 45 minutes just to do a quick walk through of the Hall of Presidents, which was amazing. To see all the paintings of the presidents and to read the stories was incredible.
After dinner, we headed to see Vietnam, Lincoln, Korea, and WWII. I don’t know why, but I think the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite. We were in the area until just after dark and the Mall is a whole new place at night. It was amazing to see all the monuments lit up at night.
It was such a great day seeing all of the “major” monuments. (I could, however, go back and spend a week there and not even see all the art I want to.)
Devotions were really good. Jeff & Cindi’s Family Group had us running all over the church finding various clues to a Scripture puzzle. My team won (of course) and all had a great time.
After that, we packed and sort of slept a bit before getting up at 2:30 a.m. to be ready for the bus that was coming to take us to the airport. Taking the bus back was 1,000 times nicer than the public transportation we took on the way there. I’m so pleased that the airport had a Starbucks. (Dulles is a weird airport, but I’ve already talked about the elevator-buses).
I’ll be sleeping on the plane all the way back, so it’ll seem like a short flight (well, maybe)
Adios!
Rob
<><
Final Trip Blog:
Sightseeing-A-Plenty!
So Wednesday was a full day of sightseeing! Traveling via Subway is always fun for me. I don’t have to rely on public transportation during my day to day life, so taking the subway is kinda fun & novel. Of course, just getting 24 people through the turnstiles is sometimes a challenge. Tickets don’t always work and you sometimes have to wait for an attendant to look at your ticket and let you through. On top of that, most of our group isn’t used to the “crowd on – crowd off” dynamic. Let’s just say that getting all 24 people through turnstiles, to the right platform, all on the same car, then a transfer, then up to street level again is a challenge. Fortunately, we’ve got some great kids and once they got the hang of it, we were able to move around easier.
Our first stop of the day was Arlington Cemetery. We saw JFK’s burial site and the eternal flame. I’ve been there before, but for some reason, it’s a pretty moving thing to see. It’s amazing how many people flock to see where someone is buried and that it’s such a “big thing.” From there, we walked up to Robert E. Lee’s original home and encountered a strange, but informative Park Ranger who filled us in on many details. Next we saw the changing of the guard and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I don’t really know what to think, but to just be in awe of these guys that guard the tomb. They spend two years training and then a little over a year guarding. The fact that they guard it 24 hours a day year round no matter what the weather is incredible. One of our students said, after the ceremony was over, “that was really moving, Rob.” I agree.
Our next stop was Freedom Plaza and a quick bite to eat. Next, we went to the home where Abraham Lincoln died. Ford’s Theater is closed until 2009. On that corner we found several souvenir shops (finally!), then headed over to the Spy Museum Store.
My second favorite stop of the day was the National Portrait Gallery. I could have spent all day here. It took almost 45 minutes just to do a quick walk through of the Hall of Presidents, which was amazing. To see all the paintings of the presidents and to read the stories was incredible.
After dinner, we headed to see Vietnam, Lincoln, Korea, and WWII. I don’t know why, but I think the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite. We were in the area until just after dark and the Mall is a whole new place at night. It was amazing to see all the monuments lit up at night.
It was such a great day seeing all of the “major” monuments. (I could, however, go back and spend a week there and not even see all the art I want to.)
Devotions were really good. Jeff & Cindi’s Family Group had us running all over the church finding various clues to a Scripture puzzle. My team won (of course) and all had a great time.
After that, we packed and sort of slept a bit before getting up at 2:30 a.m. to be ready for the bus that was coming to take us to the airport. Taking the bus back was 1,000 times nicer than the public transportation we took on the way there. I’m so pleased that the airport had a Starbucks. (Dulles is a weird airport, but I’ve already talked about the elevator-buses).
I’ll be sleeping on the plane all the way back, so it’ll seem like a short flight (well, maybe)
Adios!
Rob
<><
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I CAN paralell park! I promise...
Is what Jeff said after the fourth try at paralell parking. On the first try, I thought he was going to hit the parking meter, thereby not having to deposit quarters in it. On try four, when he stopped and we got out, I continued to laugh as we weren't very close to the curb and at quite an angle (if only I'd had my camera...)
Yesterday was quite different. We were scheduled for our Capitol tour at 11:00, but the place we were supposed to check in apparently had no record of our reservation in spite of many assurances from the Redlands office of Congressman Lewis that we were there and ready to go. Since they had no tickets for us, I headed over to Congressman Lewis' Office. I was thinking as I was walking in what an amazing country we have. I was able to just walk in to a high government official's office with no appointment or anything. i just walked in. They were very helpful and when we weren't able to get in on our original appointment, they sent over two staff members to give us a personal tour. We not only got to see everything in the Captiol, but also got to see Congress in session. (Now that wasn't exciting, but definitely interesting)
The rest of the day was great. We saw the National Archives (Declaration of Independence, etc.) walked on the Mall for a bit, and then headed over to the White House. Several people earned points playing "Group Photo Commando." Amanda got busted by a guy pushing a cart of potatoes while playing the "Tap Game." All in all, everyone had a great time.
Today, we're headed over to Arlington Cemetary, the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. Then a stop in Ford's Theater and a few other adventures.
So I'm going to sit back, finish my Venti Soy No Water Chai and then we're doing our Quiet Time and heading out.
Hope y'all are great - we're really looking forward to our all-night adventure travelling home.
Rob
<><
Yesterday was quite different. We were scheduled for our Capitol tour at 11:00, but the place we were supposed to check in apparently had no record of our reservation in spite of many assurances from the Redlands office of Congressman Lewis that we were there and ready to go. Since they had no tickets for us, I headed over to Congressman Lewis' Office. I was thinking as I was walking in what an amazing country we have. I was able to just walk in to a high government official's office with no appointment or anything. i just walked in. They were very helpful and when we weren't able to get in on our original appointment, they sent over two staff members to give us a personal tour. We not only got to see everything in the Captiol, but also got to see Congress in session. (Now that wasn't exciting, but definitely interesting)
The rest of the day was great. We saw the National Archives (Declaration of Independence, etc.) walked on the Mall for a bit, and then headed over to the White House. Several people earned points playing "Group Photo Commando." Amanda got busted by a guy pushing a cart of potatoes while playing the "Tap Game." All in all, everyone had a great time.
Today, we're headed over to Arlington Cemetary, the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials. Then a stop in Ford's Theater and a few other adventures.
So I'm going to sit back, finish my Venti Soy No Water Chai and then we're doing our Quiet Time and heading out.
Hope y'all are great - we're really looking forward to our all-night adventure travelling home.
Rob
<><
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