This book cover released by Rodale Books showsThe Kind Dietby actress Alicia Silverstone.

Celebrities and doctors launch 21-Day Vegan Kickstart weight-loss program

As the holiday season draws to a close, many people are looking forward to the New Year with thoughts of weight loss on their minds. To help individuals succeed, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has teamed up with actress Alicia Silverstone, basketball superstar John Salley, best-selling author Rory Freedman, and celebrity chef Tal Ronnen to launch the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program.

Based on research by Dr. Neal Barnard, founder and president of PCRM, the free online program will provide all the support and essential information for those wishing to move toward a plant-based diet.

“Losing that spare tire has never been easier,” says PCRM dietitian Susan Levin, M.S., R.D. “People who try a vegan diet typically lose about a pound a week, without limiting calories. Our Kickstart program offers a step-by-step guide to eating habits that will shrink your belt size, lower your cholesterol level, and improve your overall health.”

Those participating in the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program will have access to vegetarian recipes, cooking tips, an interactive vegan restaurant guide, and a 21-day meal plan. Additionally celebrities will share personal stories about their eating habits and offer advice on food choices and grocery shopping.

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2010 cover of ELLE UK

Natalie Portman graces the February 2010 cover of ELLE UK

Hollywood actress and recent vegan convert Natalie Portman graces the February 2010 cover of ELLE UK. With what promises to be Portman’s most revealing interview yet, “the Hollywood enigma invites ELLE into her private world.”

In a teaser, ELLE reveals the Golden Globe winner’s thoughts on dressing for the red carpet. “I’m very against people thinking you have to buy new things every season. But I’m lucky because when I have events to go to, I get to borrow incredibly beautiful dresses that have been made by wonderful artists like Laura and Kate Mulleavy from Rodarte and Alber Elbaz from Lanvin.

"It’s funny, some of my actress friends and I talk about how none of us have the big wedding obsession that other girls our age have, and I think it’s because what girls experience on their wedding day happens a few times a year for us: Any time you go to a premiere, you get your hair and makeup done and everyone is looking at you. So when you’re not working, you want to be comfortable.”

The full interview is available on January 6 in the February issue of ELLE UK.

Natalie Portman, who has been a vegetarian since childhood credits Jonathan Safran Foer's book "Eating Animals" for her recent decision to switch to the vegan diet and lifestyle. Portman writes in an article for The Huffington Post, “The human cost of factory farming -- both the compromised welfare of slaughterhouse workers and, even more, the environmental effects of the mass production of animals -- is staggering.” She continues, “Factory farming of animals will be one of the things we look back on as a relic of a less-evolved age.”

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Ellen DeGeneres receives Woman of the Year honor

Ellen DeGeneres receives Woman of the Year honor

PETA named Ellen DeGeneres the 2009 Woman of the Year because of her “exceptional effort to place animal rights issues before a large audience.”

The talk show host posted a tweet of appreciation on her twitter, “I'm honored PETA named me 'Person of The Year'. I thank them for protecting animals every single day. Amazing.”

DeGeneres made the switch to a vegan lifestyle in 2008. “I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings,” DeGeneres writes on her website. “And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer. I read books like ‘Diet for a New America’ and saw documentaries like ‘Earthlings’ and ‘Meet your Meat,’ and it became an easy choice for me.” Since then she has used her show and high profile status to encourage others to try a cruelty-free lifestyle.

On the show’s website DeGeneres provides helpful links for those interested in an animal-free diet such as sources of protein, inspirational videos, recipes, and reasons to go vegan. The comedian frequently features vegan guests on her show including her personal chef Roberto Martin and Dr. Neal Barnard who is launching the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart weight-loss program on January 1.

Along with Ellen DeGeneres being crowned the Woman of the Year, PETA recognized Project Runway’s host Tim Gunn as Man of the Year. "Tim Gunn and Ellen DeGeneres show us that one person really can make a difference in the world by rejecting cruel deeds in favor of compassionate acts," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Their message that animals must be treated kindly and respectfully has reached scores of people, and many of them have changed their buying habits, all because Gunn and DeGeneres spoke up for the voiceless."

The Ellen DeGeneres show is in its seventh season and has won 29 Daytime Emmy Awards since its inception in 2003.

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Animal rights

'Animal rights’ will compel Ted Nugent to slaughter more in 2010

Royal Flush Magazine recently interviewed Ted Nugent, who is well known for his passionate defense of hunting and unrestricted gun ownership.

While delving inside the mind of Nugent the magazine was able to discover who the sportsman is “hating most these days.” His answer? Pam Anderson.

“Pam, if you get the d*ck out of your mouth for 2 minutes, you’re telling me I can’t eat venison? You don’t authorize venison,” explained the rocker.

Nugent continued, “Here’s the point, this is what I want somewhere in your little interview. My name is Ted Nugent and because of Pam Anderson and because of Bill Maher and because of Paul McCartney, all the members of PETA, whenever I hear the word animal or rights in the same paragraph, I’m killing an extra hundred of something this year.

“I have unlimited deer tags in Michigan and Texas, and I don’t even need to kill them really, but I’m going to for Bill Maher. I’m not just killing them I’m f*cking slaughtering them and I’m going to gut them and skin them, quarter them and butcher them and feed them to the soup kitchen and homeless shelters of America. Not because I need to, because it will cause Bill Maher to sh*t blood. That’s my goal in life.”

When asked to expand upon his dislike for Bill Maher, Nugent described how he plans to scrape the remains of dead vermin off the soles of his boots and onto Maher’s desk. “I’m stymied to come up with anything funnier than people who think animals have rights. Just stick an arrow through their lungs.”

Nugent continued his rant by elucidating his belief that tofu manufacturing and consumption are more destructive than hunting and meat-eating. “I believe that every bowl of tofu is responsible for the death of billions of things.”

The Royal Flush phone interview concluded with the rocker’s belief that President Barack Obama is a communist who should be jailed, those who don’t see the beauty in hunting are retarded, Rolling Stone Magazine’s publisher Jann Wenner should die, and cartoon animals should be afforded animal rights.

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Cherry Red Casino

Santa Strikes Back Still A Hit At Cherry Red Casino


Even though the holidays have come and gone, that does not mean that the Christmas spirit still does not live at online casinos. Santa Strikes Back has remained one of the most popular slot games at Cherry Red Casino.

The slot takes a twisted look into the holidays. Angry Santa's are the theme of this game, and one of the symbols even has Santa swinging around a knife. The elves are also a sight to see, whether on a cold ice block, or standing next to a reindeer.

The object of this game, much like with any slot, is to gather as many like symbols on the pay lines as possible. Santa Strikes Back has twenty-five pay lines, and can be played for a maximum of $5 a line.

The symbols involved in the game are also similar to those found on other Real Time Gaming slots. There are nines, tens, jacks, queens, kings, and aces, and since no Santa game is complete without the misses,Mrs. Claus reading is another symbol.

Cherry Red is part of the RTG network of online casinos. The software provider is known for their high progressive slot jackpots. At Cherry Red, players can enjoy the games in fun mode, or they can play with real money.

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Las Vegas Sands Stock Off And Running In 2010

Las Vegas Sands Stock Off And Running In 2010


Las Vegas Sands began the new year as one of the gaming companies with the biggest room for a jump in stock price. On Monday, the stock price reflected that optimism with a jump of over eleven percent.

Sands stock has risen from $9.12 to $9.73 in just one day of trading in 2010. Analysts believe that once Macau and Singapore projects are completed, the stock should remain stable.

The weekend brought good news from Sands' stock price over on the London Market. In Asia, Sands stock jumped, causing a ripple down effect on the New York market. The company will now look for that price to grow in the future.

Other gaming companies based in the US also had good days to start 2010. MGM Mirage stock jumped 6.69%, to $9.73. Wynn Resorts, the most stable of the US gaming stocks, increased to $63.96, a gain of almost ten percent.

Century Casinos is one of the few casino stocks that fell Monday. Century stock dropped to $2.60, representing a loss of 3.35%, but only $.09. Companies with a minimal gain Monday included Ameristar Casinos ($.07), and Boyd Gaming ($.23).

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Obama's terrorism summit

Obama's terrorism summit -- and another Obama-Bush debate




President Obama conducts national security meeting last week in Hawaii.
CAPTIONBy Pete Souza, The White HouseAs President Obama conducts a summit meeting on the Christmas near-tragedy, backers and critics beyond the White House are sure to be arguing about his approach to terrorism -- writing yet another chapter in the battle between the Obama and George W. Bush presidencies.


Defenders of the Bush approach, led by former Vice President Dick Cheney, say Obama regards terrorism as more of a law enforcement problem and diplomatic challenge than a war.

One outspoken critic, columnist Charles Krauthammer, writes that, "from the very beginning, President Obama has relentlessly tried to downplay and deny the nature of the terrorist threat we continue to face."

Obama backers, including the president himself, say he is taking a comprehensive approach, one that includes diplomatic and economic initiatives as well as force to combat extremism.

In his Saturday radio address, Obama said that on Inauguration Day he "made it very clear" that the U.S. "is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend our country."

Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer wrote on the White House blog that the difference with Cheney is that Obama "doesn't need to beat his chest to prove" the nation is at war..
http;://www.funplaneta.blogspot.com

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New decade in Times Square

New decade in Times Square


As festivities die down and revelers empty out of Times Square after midnight, Oliver Nehring of Dortmund, Germany takes a photo of himself and friend Dasa Surovcikova from Slovakia.




NEW YORK - The crystal ball has dropped and confetti has showered the crowd of hundreds of thousands of revelers in Times Square who are greeting 2010 with cheers.
With hugs and kisses, partygoers tried to look forward to a more hopeful decade after 10 years marred by war, an uncertain economy, terrorism and the threat of environmental catastrophe.
But 50-year-old reveler Gail Guay (gah-WAY') of New Hampshire had this advice: "Don't look back."
Organizers had mixed handwritten wishes with about 3,000 pounds of confetti. The messages include appeals for the safe return of troops fighting overseas, continued employment and a cure for diabetes.
The crowds brought out heightened security. Hundreds of officers were scattered around Times Square. Snipers were at various locations.







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Celebrate the new year in Vegas

Celebrate the new year in Vegas
300,000 celebrate the new year in Vegas
From left, Jen Cantrall, Diana Martinez and Stacy McCain from Orange County, Calif., rock out to the tribute band Fan Halen during New Year's 2010 Tribute Palooza at the Fremont Street Experience.


LAS VEGAS — Sin City welcomed some 315,000 revelers for New Year's Eve with fireworks from casino rooftops, celebrity toasts at nightclubs and a traffic-free Las Vegas Strip.
The downtown Fremont Street Experience hoped to host 35,000 partiers as it held a bash with nine bands and a countdown by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
Bundled-up revelers began trickling in at 6 p.m. for a block party with plenty of street-side bars and 2010 knickknacks. Bartenders flipped shakers and danced on the bar, while crowds sang along with tribute bands playing hits from U2, Van Halen and Aerosmith.
Elsa Valenzuela, a 27-year-old third-grade teacher from Victorville, Calif., said that despite graduating from high school and college during the last 10 years, she's glad to move on from the past decade.
"The horrible outfits, the bad hair," she said as she and her boyfriend wore matching novelty hats and beads. "I really think it's just more like thinking ahead on the possibilities and the good that we can do and the changes that we can make."
David Fraley, 56, of Las Vegas, said he's also ready to get away from the aughts.
"This decade's over, let's get a better one going," said Fraley, who said he lost his job as a supermarket liquor clerk in March.
"My wish is a job. I've been laid off. I need work," he said, sporting glasses that displayed "2010" in blue lights.
On the Strip, actress Eva Longoria was scheduled to host at Eve nightclub at CityCenter, the newest casino complex in town. Other celebrity hosts at various clubs included rapper 50 Cent, singer Robin Thicke, Nicole Ritchie and Maroon 5, while DJs Mix Master Mike, Jermaine Dupri and DJ Z-Trip were scheduled to spin.
Las Vegas Boulevard was closed to vehicles from the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino to the Sahara.
Police spokesman Ramon Denby said there were no major problems before 11 p.m., with eight adults arrested for various misdemeanors and one juvenile arrested for being on the Strip past curfew without a chaperone.
Official crowd counts were not immediately available, Denby said.
At midnight, more than seven minutes of fireworks were shot from seven casinos on the Strip, stretching more than four miles from the MGM Grand to the Stratosphere. The show cost an estimated $500,000 and was brought back to the rooftops after a toned-down fireworks show last year was panned by tourists, city officials and casino executives.
Gone from the festivities were stunts. Last year, three stunts were performed in Las Vegas as part of television specials. This year, television networks Fox, ABC and CNN all planned New Year's Eve programming from Las Vegas.
Tourism officials said they expected the city's 148,000 hotel rooms to be 96 percent full as casinos slash prices to get more people in town.
The estimate of 315,000 tourists eclipsed last year's total of 312,000 visitors, but the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority said it expected folks to spend less than they did last year because of the bargains.
The agency, which promotes tourism to Las Vegas, estimated revelers would spend $183.4 million, down from $199.5 million last year.
In downtown Reno, several casinos pooled efforts to bring back fireworks in hopes the display would add excitement and encourage more visitors. The tradition went on hiatus last year as companies tried to save money.
They planned a $65,000, 15-minute show with Michael Jackson-themed music.

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The Yamaha YZF-R1, introduced in 1998, is a sport bike manufactured by Yamaha
Motor Company.

Contents
1 1998–1999
2 2000–2001
3 2002–2003
4 2004–2005
5 2006
6 2007–2008
7 2009
8 Specifications
9 References
10 External links



1998–1999

Yamaha launched the YZF-R1 after redesigning the Genesis engine to offset the
crankshaft, gearbox input and output shafts. This "compacting" of the engine
yielded a huge dividend in that the total engine length was now much shorter.
This allowed the wheelbase to be shortened significantly which resulted in much
quicker handling and an optimized center of gravity. The bike had a compression
ratio of 11.8:1. with a 6-speed multi-plate clutch transmission.
The launch model Yamaha YZF-R1 was available in white/red or blue. Early models
were subject to a worldwide recall for a clutch problem. Yamaha today describes
the launch of the R1 as the true value of "Kando".

2005 YZF-R1 instrumentation The 1999 R1 saw only minor changes apart from paint
and graphics. Notable improvements were a redesigned gear change linkage and the
gear change shaft length which was increased for better gear shifting. Fuel tank
reserve capacity was reduced from 5.5 l (1.2 imp gal; 1.5 US gal) to 4.0 l (0.88
imp gal; 1.1 US gal), while the total fuel tank capacity was unchanged at 18 l
(4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal). A second worldwide recall was issued for 1998 and
early 1999 models to change a coolant hose clamp under the fuel tank which
could, under hard use, come adrift.



2001 YZF-R1 2000–2001


In 2000, Yamaha introduced a series of changes to improve the bike, plus minor
changes to the body work to allow for better long duration ride handling. The R1
was an excellent bike to live with on short runs, but due to its quick handling
was not a favorite longer run bike. Yamaha's main design goal was to sharpen the
pre-existing bike and not redesign it. Even so they instituted over 150 changes
in hopes of making an already light, sleek and mean motorcycle even lighter,
sleeker and meaner. For example, even with the addition of the new Air Induction
System, which weighs four pounds, the overall weight of the bike is down five
pounds to 414 lb (188 kg) dry. At 127.8 bhp (95.3 kW) at the rear wheel,
top-end output remains the same but changes to the engine management system are
supposed to result in a smoother, broader distribution of power.The bodywork is
still unmistakably R1 although a few changes were made resulting in a 3%
reduction in the drag coefficient. The headlight housing has a sharper profile,
the side panels are more aerodynamic and slippery and the windscreen has been
reshaped for better rider protection. In fact the bodywork changed so much that
bodywork from previous R1s will not fit the Y2K edition. Also updated is the
seating area. The fuel tank is reshaped with a more relaxed rear angle and
deeper leg recesses to provide for better rider feel. The seat extends further
towards the front of the tank and the new, steeper seating position puts
additional weight on the front end. All of this is aimed at improving weight
bias and offering sharper cornering and more stability. Again, the resounding
theme here is to sharpen what was already a very sharp package. The carburetors
have been rejetted in an effort to improve throttle response—especially in the
low end—all the way up to the bike's 11,750 rpm redline. The redesigned
camshafts are lighter and use internal oil ways to lubricate journals that, when
combined with reduced tappet clearance, provide less friction and create less
engine noise. Also changed within the crankcase is the gearbox featuring a
taller first gear, a hollow chrome-moly shift-shaft with an additional bearing
and a completely redesigned shift linkage and foot pedal. These changes are
aimed at nixing last year's transmission complaints as well as helping to
transfer as seamlessly as possible the R1's prodigious power to the pavement.


2002–2003

2002 YZF-R1 with aftermarket high-mount exhaustA new fuel injection system was
introduced for the 2002 year, which worked like a carburetor by employing a CV
carburetor slide controlled by vacuum created by the engine. With a similar
power output to the 2000-2001 bike, the engine was remained largely the same.
One notable improvement was the use of new cylinder sleeves of a high silicon
content alloy containing magnesium that minimized heat induced distortion,
reducing oil consumption. Also in 2002, Yamaha released the newly developed
"Deltabox III" frame,[3] which, with its hydro formed construction, dramatically
reduced the total number of frame welds. These changes improved the frame's
rigidity by 30%. The cooling system was redesigned for better performance and
compactness. The exhaust system was changed from a 4-into-1 to a new titanium
4-into-2-into-1 design. The rear end of the motorcycle was updated and
streamlined with a LED taillight. This allowed for very clean rear body lines
when choosing one of several common after market modifications, such as removal
of the turn signal stalks and stock license plate bracket; and replacing them
with assorted available replacements that "hug" the body or frame. Also, front
end lighting was improved in 2002, between the higher definition headlights and
also side "parking" lights within the twin-headlight panel, giving a more
angular appearance. This also gave additional after market possibilities, such
as to remove the front blinkers and utilize these front lights as directional or
hazard markers while stopped. For 2003, the only change was the choice of
colors, fitted hazard warning lights and dipped headlights, which stay on all
the the time the engine is running. The previous years all had a "Red" option,
but this was replaced by a black with red flames "Special Edition" which cost an
extra $100.


2004–2005

2004 YZF-R1With the competition advancing, Yamaha took to a major development.
This included style updates like an under seat twin exhaust, and performance
upgrades including radial brakes and for the first time on an R1 Ram-air intake.
Furthermore, the wheelie-tendency known from earlier productions is drastically
reduced by changing frame geometry and weight properties. The all new engine (no
longer used as a stressed member of the chassis) featured a separate top
crankcase and cylinder block. The 2004 R1 produces a stated 172 hp (128 kW) at
the crankshaft (excluding ram air,180 hp (130 kW) with ram air) and also weighs
172 kilograms (dry). The conventional front brake calipers were replaced by
radially-mounted calipers, activated by a radial master cylinder. Also newly
added for this year was a factory installed steering damper. Combined with the
changes to the frame, it helped to eliminate the tendency of the handlebars to
shake violently during rapid acceleration or more so during deceleration on
downgrade and less-than-perfect surfaces (aka "tank slapping").


2006 YZF-R1 2006


In 06, Yamaha is now rated with 180 hp (130 kW) at the flywheel. In addition,
the swingarm was extended 20 mm longer due to acceleration instability. Also, in
2006 the 50th anniversary of Yamaha racing in America, Yamaha released the
limited edition version in original Yamaha racing colors. The model (LE/SP)
featured a Kenny Roberts replica paint pattern with yellow and black paint, and
front and rear custom Öhlins suspension units developed by the people who work
on the YZR-M1 MotoGP bike. Custom forged aluminum Marchesini wheels specifically
designed for the LE shaved nearly a pound of unsprung weight. And a back
torque-limiting slipper clutch, and an integrated lap timer rounded out the
package making the LE more of a production racer. It had an MSRP of $17,999 and
only 500 units were made for the United States.


2007-2008 YZF-R1


2007 Yamaha YZF-R1 used by Noriyuki Haga in the Superbike World Championship.An
all-new YZF-R1 for the 2007 model year was announced on 8 October, 2006. Key
features include an all-new inline four-cylinder engine; going back to a more
conventional 4-valve per cylinder rather than Yamaha's trade mark 5-valve
genesis layout. Other new features are the Yamaha Chip Control Intake (YCC-I)
electronic variable-length intake funnel system, Yamaha Chip Control Throttle
(YCC-T) fly-by-wire throttle system, slipper-type clutch, all-new aluminum
Deltabox frame and swingarm, six-piston radial-mount front brake calipers with
310 mm discs, a wider radiator, and M1 styling on the new large ram-air ports in
the front fairing. 2008 brought BNG and the ability to buy limited edition Fiat
plastics.


2009


In late 2008 Yamaha announced they would release an all new R1 for 2009. The new
R1 takes engine technology from the M1 Motogp bike with its cross plane
crankshaft, the first ever production motorcycle to do so. Crossplane
technology, puts each connecting rod 90° from the next, with an uneven firing
interval of 270°- 180°- 90°- 180°. The idea of this technology is to reduce
internal crankshaft torque, thus giving the new R1 a more linear power delivery.
Yamaha claims the bike would give the rider 'two engines in one', the low torque
of a twin and the pace of an inline four. As with previous incarnations of the
R1 the 2009 model keeps its YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle). The R1 is
now rated at 182 PS @ 12,500rpm at the crankshaft (without ram-air).
Another advancement included on the 09 model is D-Mode Throttle Control Valve
Mapping which allows a rider to choose between 3 distinct maps depending on the
rider’s environment. Each mode of operation controls YCC-T characteristics
changing how the R1 reacts to driver input. The first mode is Standard Mode,
which delivers performance for a wide variety of driving conditions. The second
mode is "A" mode which will give a rider more available power in the lower to
middle RPM range. The 3rd mode is "B" mode, which is a dial back of the previous
mode, designed to soften throttle response in inclement weather and heavy
traffic. D-Mode throttle control is controlled via the rider through a forward
mode button near the throttle. The instrument panel is more comprehensive than
previous models and the '09/'10 Yamaha YZF-R1 model now features a gear
indicator as standard

Overall handling of the R1 was improved through several changes to frame and
suspension. A new sub frame was designed for the 09 R1 which is magnesium cast
in a carbon fiber mold. This new sub frame offers a superior strength to weight
ratio, while helping keep mass closer to the center of gravity and subsequently
gives the bike greater handling performance. The rear shock on the 09 offers
variable speed damping as well as an easy to tweak preload via a screw
adjustment. The rear shock now connects underneath the swing arm through
different linkage; a change from previous years models. Front suspension takes
its cues from the M1 as the left fork handles compression damping while the
right controls the rebound duties. As an added bonus to overall handling and
safety, this is the first year Yamaha developers included an electronic steering
damper on a production R1.


The overall look of the R1 has changed drastically. In a side by side comparison
between last year’s model and the 09; to the eye, the 09 looks much more compact
and could be compared to the size of the R6r. The center up exhaust on the 09
seems significantly larger compared to previous years, due in some respects to
changes in emissions controls. The front has the same classic R1 shape, though
the air intake location and headlamp design have been revamped on the 09 model;
utilizing only projector lamps and using the new found design space within the
nose cone to reroute ram air tubes next to the lights. Four color schemes have
been released for the 09 Model: Blue/Black; Red/black; White/Red; Yellow/Black.

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