Brand New from Kleenex

Everyone know Kleenex and every parent especially knows Kleenex as it's one of the first brands to pick for facial tissue.  Every school year, before this one since I'm home schooling, I purchased a few boxes to contribute to the school.  Kleenex has a variety of products that makes it easier to keep those noses clean and to help stop the spreading of germs.  Whereas I love having the larger boxes for home, I really love the new smaller packs that allow you to take them on trips, stick in your purse or even throw in a back pack.



Kleenex has added a new product line for those of us who love the on-the-go packs now with Sneeze Shield.  I have a younger daughter with chronic medical conditions so I fear the common cold as it can mean life or death for her literally.  Having the tools to protect other children from bring home these germs are essential for many children that also have chronic medical conditions.  Besides, who really wants to be sick anyway?


These on-the-go packages include:

• The wallet pack. It is thin and sleek, so you can always keep a tissue on hand. Their trendy design and convenient size make it the perfect accessory for hip tweens and teens.

• The auto pack. It fits perfectly in the car door or glove compartment – no need to lug around a box of tissue or fumble in a purse for a tissue while driving.
• The new and improved pocket pack. A long-time favorite has been improved to feature three-ply tissue.

Each pack has a different set of box designs to make it a bit more personalized.  This is my favorite Wallet Pack:

Sugared Lace

Click here for a money savings coupon from Kleenex On-The-Packs.

Also, just in time for the 2011 – 2012 school year, Kleenex brand facial tissues is committing $500,000 to help schools across America keep field trips as a part of the educational curriculum.  This is a big deal as schools are fighting budget cuts and this is one area that is affected.  

This is how you can help by entering the 

Kleenex brand Back to School sweepstakes to help your school win a share of the cash to help fund school field trips:

• Visit www.Facebook.com/Kleenex. 
• Click on the “Field Trips” tab at the top of the page
• Vote for your favorite participating school -or- 
•  Register the school of your choice by clicking the “Add a School” box and filling out the digital registration form 
• The top 100 U.S. schools that finish with the most votes on the Kleenex brand Facebook page will receive a $5,000 award from the Kleenex brand. 
• Voting ends on September 14 
• Visit Facebook.com/Kleenex for complete entry requirements and to learn how you and your friends and family can help win field trips for your child’s school.

Overall, I love the packs and the convenience with being able to take in my purse, my pocket, in the car or the backpack.  The stylish designs make it also look nicer than a regular plain package.  Kudos to Kleenex!

*Disclosure:  I received complimentary samples of product for the purposes of this review as a member of MomBloggersClub.com.

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Mamavation Monday!

I've just been down and out this month with my eight year old's run in the Pepsi Refresh project.  I've had little time to do anything but network to get her votes.  I try to exercise when I can.  Today, I rode for 30 minutes on my recumbent bike and then jogged in the pool for 30 minutes but I've been four days without exercise and picked up five pounds this month.  Once this dreadful popularity contest is over, I can get down to business in between my first time at home schooling but I'm incorporating exercise into the lesson plan so they will encourage me and I'll keep them healthy.

My food has been horrible with many Heath bars, Rockstar Energy drinks and lots of Excedrins.  I'm the poster child for unhealthy this month.  I did eat some salads though ..smirk.  Overall, when this is over, I need to take the time to reflect on what went wrong and ensure it won't happen again.  I know all the things I did to get that temporary energy boost were counter productive as it was a short term fix with a big draw down.

I have learned a lot and know that I must change the mind to be successful and cut out the excuses otherwise, tomorrow will always be tomorrow and I'll be missing out on all the pictures I don't want to take because I'm unhappy with myself.   At least it was therapeutic to write this and it gave me a moment to get back to reality!


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV

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FoozKids: Happy Kids are Fooz Kids Review & Free Download $11.99 Value

Thank you to Fooz Kids for providing me with an All-In-One pack to review. The opinions I’ve expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint.

Having a place that is safe and secure online is very important to me for all obvious reasons.  My girls don't get to play online without supervision but at times, I may walk away to make lunch or dinner.  During those times where I may not be with them 100%, I don't want to worry about what they might accidentally click on as I know what they want to read and play online. This is where my opportunity to review Fooz Kids comes into play.

    

Fooz Kids is a subscription based package available at different levels for different costs:

• Education Pack for $3.99 a month or $23.99 a year
• Entertainment Pack Shorts for $1.99 a month or $11.99 a year
• Entertainment Pack Movies for $3.99 a month or $19.99 a year
• All-in-One Pack for $6.99 a month or $34.99 a year

Each pack has their specifics so you will want to check out each one and find the best one for your children.  For this review, I received a complimentary All-in-One pack.

Virtual Fun:

When my girls first tried it out, we wen to the Fooz Kids Creator and they were able to create a virtual look-alike as they have thousands of features to choose from to make themselves online which they love doing.  Another fun place they visited was the Fooz Kids Places where they were able to custom create their own virtual room.

Online Education:

They were also able to check out creating e-mail and video mail.  With the rapid pace of the e-world, it doesn't hurt to have children prepared as more and more schools are using computers at young ages.  It's also a great feature so children can communicate with love ones from afar by learning now how to use e-mail.

Another feature is introducing children to their first social network.  This of course is up to individual preference whether or not to use this feature but it's there if you want it.

Fun:

The girls were able to interact with each feature of the web, videos, games and crafts of their favorite characters.  Each link is a safe link so you don't have to worry about them hitting that wrong key and having something that would make you blush pop up.  The sites are all pre-approved and are kid friendly which I also loved.

Details:

Fooz University has over 20,000 practice skills aligned with school curriculum so this is great for extra practice or to help teach a little one who hasn't had the exposure yet. Parents can even track progress and as a bonus to the kids, they accumulate points as they learn to trade in for fun things.

Fooz Kids Flix contains thousands of full length movies and thousands of titles ranging from educational to family fun titles. 

Fooz Kids Books has thousands of professional illustrations and photos along with easy drag and drop story creations for extra fun!  My girls loved this!  You even have the option to print your child's story at  a low cost to preserve their creation.

Fooz Kids Mall is perfect for the little one who loves to shop!  In this virtual world, they can pick out what they want to buy with the money they have.  It's a win-win as it costs you nothing and they have fun virtually!  My kids love to shop online and this fills the crave they have.

My girls really liked all the features of Fooz Kids because there were so many different things to choose from.  It was easy to navigate and my four and eight year olds had no problems.  I have a greater piece of mind knowing that they are in safe zone and when my sister signs her daughter up for it, they can have more fun playing along side their cousin.  It's a great portal to fun and education at a low cost.  I recommend it for parents with children that like the internet.

If you would like to try it out for FREE, just click on the referral link!  It's an $11.99 value for free!

 Please click here to learn more about Fooz Kids. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #cleverfooz

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Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD

Separating from your siblings is not an easy time especially when you have no idea what has happened to him or her.  I've not seen my oldest sister in over eight years and have no idea where she is or if she's still alive.  It's a sad moment in life to endure.  Sometimes you hear of stories of families reuniting with happily ever after endings.  Stories of those are always good and that is no different than with the brothers Winchester who faced a short separation from the end of Season 5 and the beginning of Season 6.  Changes happen just as Dean now lives with a woman and is raising a child and Sam is still hunting. 


Did you think they were done fighting the evils of the supernatural?  Not a chance!  The two brothers re-unite again and immediately get down to their old demon fighting tricks.  If you missed an episode or are just a die hard fan and want to have Dean and Sam at your disposal, check out how you can pre-order Supernatural Season 6 on DVD!

Special Features:

Jensen Ackles: A Director’s Journey featurette
Supernatural and the Quest for the Soul featurette
Audio Commentary on “Clap Your Hands if you Believe” with EPs Robert Singer, Sera Gamble, and Ben Edlund
Audio Commentary on “The French Mistake” with EP's Robert Singer, Sera Gamble and Ben Edlund.
“The French Mistake” Alternate Takes and Outtakes
Gag Reel
Easter Egg
Two bonus episodes from Supernatural: The Anime Series - “All Hell Breaks Loose” Parts 1 & 2

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural Season 6 on DVD.

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The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 Pre-Order

Isn't it great that people are not deemed socially beautiful are getting their revenge on television?  It's a little old to see beautiful people on every show as it's just not real.  When I go out in public, I don't see an endless supply of perfect and beautiful men and women rather I see average, every day looking folks.  I have found through my single life that looks aren't everything and when you date someone, it takes more than a pretty face.  I dated a total hottie a couple of times and never went back.  I'm sure it's a stereotype to lump them in one category but I tend to stray towards the average person.  I did date a total geek once and he had a heart of gold.  He had many quirky things that I couldn't overlook after time so that didn't last long.  It wasn't so much the nerdiness rather everything.  

Geek can be chic sometimes though such as the boys on The Big Bang Theory.  Missed an episode?  Not to worry because you can pre-order The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD today!  Who's your favorite geek of all?



I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

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The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray

Did you watch The Vampire Diaries from season two?  There was a lot going on with twists, turns, deaths and resurrections.  I had many favorites but one that hit me  was the return of Anna.  It didn't make sense to kill off Anna but to see how they brought her back and how it's going to impact the rest will be interesting.  Of course, Stefan's continued struggles with the dark side keeps the various dimensions going with his character and I can't wait to see what season 3 has in store for him.


Pre-order your copy of The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray here today!  You will get all 22 episodes and special bonus features!


Haven't seen an episode yet?  Don't miss out and look at the clip below to see why others are making it one  of the hottest shows out thre:





I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

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Life is Not a Candy Store: It's The Way to the Candy Store by Tal Yanai Book Review

I read and review many children books but this is the first time I read a book that is simple for kids to understand and teaches how to live a better life.  I love this book and I feel it's appropriate for adults who just need a refresher in living good.  The author, Tal Yanai, provides insight to teens on making decisions, treating others right and being good to yourself.  In a society where so much is glorified relative to self-satisfaction, Yanai helps to keep the reader grounded with exercises, tips and a great ability to provide the path easily.


Life is Not a Candy Store: It's The Way to the Candy touches the heart of teens because first, he sympathizes with the plight they are faced against which is comforting for a teen to know they are not alone.  He further explains how the road of life is full of temptations but at the end of the day, they need to carefully decide the path to take in order to live a fulfilled life.



Overall, I think it's a great book for teens, young adults and a refresher for us older kids.  It was easy to read, short so it doesn't lose the attention span of children and provided insight into how to live a better life.  I enjoyed it and will definitely keep it.





About the Author:


Tal Yanai is a unique voice as a teacher, writer, and speaker. As a spiritual man of faith who spent his earlier years in the secular world, he possesses the ability to understand and communicate with people of different walks of life. As a struggling student in the past, and a teacher today, he has a deep understanding of the needs of young people and he has been able to provide many of them with useful tools to meet today’s challenges. With his book,Life is Not a Candy Store, Tal steps outside his classroom to help more young people find meaning and direction in their lives.

Disclosure: I received this book from World of Ink.  No compensation was received.

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Nikita Season One on DVD: The Division

Are you a Nikita fan?  Do you love the spy and intrigue of a good drama?  If so and you haven't seen Nikita, it gives you all of that and more.  Within Nikita is what is called "The Division" which recruits troubled youth, erase their background and shapes them into up and coming spies and assassins.  I could honestly say there is no way that I'd ever want to do that but if you asked me when I was around 18, you bet!  Who wouldn't want something new and mysterious?  


Being younger always makes things more appealing and seductive but as you grow, you learn that sometimes family and children are much better than the alternative. If I wasn't so kid oriented the life of a spy would be appealing and desirable but then Nikita makes it alluring and tempting!  Traveling to all those far away places, meeting interesting people and having to be one step ahead is a thrill!


Would you give it up to take on a life like that? 

Nikita, Season One, is available on DVD now to purchase!

Check these out too:

	Nikita: Should Have Told Michael Facebook
	Nikita: Reassure Me Facebook
	Nikita: Towel Girl Facebook

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita Season One on DVD.

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Gossip Girls Summer Vacation Season 4 on DVD

It's so sad that summer is almost over and so are those wonderful vacations and memories.  Now that school is getting back and we are all getting back into our routines, we can reminisce about summer.  Summer vacations are always a blast and that holds especially true with the Gossip Girls in season 4 when in episode one (Belles de Jour), Serena and Blair enjoy their summer vacation in Paris trying to take their minds off of home.  



I have been to Paris and it's something!  When Serena and Blair take this lavish trip to Paris, they experience the food, culture, fashion, and even romance!  I can honestly say that I did too and loved it!  Paris is something magical and if you are a Blair fan, you enjoyed seeing Blair meeting a French royal that wanted to sweep her off her feet.  Watching her get into a major spat with Serena and even bumping into her ex, Chuck all made for quite the adventure.  

As with life, trips are always full of excitement and letdowns but you can always dream!  My dream vacation is set in Rome, Italy among the beautiful tourist sites and off the beaten paths to the cafes while soaking up all of Italy.  Of course, meeting royalty while sipping some wine and being swept off my feet would be ideal!  To only live the lives of Serena and Blair!  I can't actually go to any dream vacation right now but I certainly can live vicariously through them!  


What is your dream vacation and would it be more like Serena's experience or Blair's?

Too busy for a summer vacation? Join Serena and Blair in Paris with Season 4 of Gossip Girl on sale now!

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Gossip Girl Season Four on DVD.

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Little Kelsey Needs Votes to go to Disney: Help a Fellow Blogger

Shanna over at MomCaboodle has a wish to go to Disney and YOU can help her do that with a quick free easy click of the mouse!  Wouldn't it be great to see little Kelsey go to Disney?  I think so!  Since I have children with chronic medical conditions, I, of course, gravitate towards others.  I think all kids should go to Disney but children with autism share a special place with me.  Did I mention that Shanna is a really nice giving person too?  She deserves it too!

Check out her post here:   http://momcaboodle.com/blog1/2011/08/23/wordless-wednesday-47/

Vote here:  http://wildfireapp.com/website/302/contests/130374/voteable_entries/28107723

She's in third and is almost there! Vote and share please!

Thank you!

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The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray Coming Soon!

The Vampire Diaries is the rage among many but then who can't resist vampires, villains, love, lust, drama and good looking characters?  Season one heated up and brought on a series of fans who couldn't get enough.  Season two brought us more of the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon.  Mystic Falls has all the intrigue and drama for anyone especially between Stefan and Damon!  



It wasn't enough either to have those three at it but then enter the love triangle villainous Katherine into the picture and season two really heated up.  When you have two sexy brothers vying after the love of one, it's hard to pick unless you go by looks or you go by character.   I want to see Elena and Stephen together because he's the better looking one (smile).


The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on Blu-Ray and DVD Features: 

• Pages of the Wolf: Three Featurettes – The Myth & The Mystery (Werewolf Lore), Building the Beasts (Working with Actual and Mechanical Wolves) and Howling at the Moon (Michael Trevino’s Transformative Makeup Process)
• Her Own Worst Enemy…Elena, Katherine and Nina!: Nina Dobrev Rises to the Challenge of Playing Two Roles
• The Perfect Love Triangle: Vampires, Werewolves, Witches: Setting the Record Straight on Who’s Nibbling on Whom for the First Two Seasons
• Unaired Scenes
• Audio Commentary on “Masquerade” With Executive Producers Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec
• Second Bite AKA Gag Reel

Pre-order your copy of The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray here today!









I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

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Nikita Season One on DVD

There have been several moments throughout the show that Nikita has been judged solely on her looks, which is a huge mistake!  Of course the show has its appeal to men given how pretty Nikita is but many men and women tend to prejudge a woman by her looks.  There were many times when I first started out in the business I was in where people assumed because I was blonde, I couldn't be intelligent.  I had to go that extra length to prove I wasn't dumb and at times, it was irritating.  I grew accustomed to it and it was always delighted when I proved them wrong.  


Nikita, if you haven't seen it, is about her leaving this secret government agency that grew corrupt.  Since no one was ever suppose to leave, it showcases her continued efforts to undermine the group while they try unsuccessfully to stop her.  It has all the suspense of a drama with the eye appeal for the guys and some fashion candy for us women.


You can pre-order the Nikita Season One on DVD now!

Check out:

	Nikita: Should Have Told Michael Facebook
	Nikita: Reassure Me Facebook
	Nikita: Towel Girl Facebook

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita: Season One on DVD/Blu-Ray.

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Hearthsong ABC Chalk Talk! Electronic Learning Center Review and Giveaway 9/9/11 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

debijackson 

djackson1958 at hotmail dot com

An e-mail has been sent and Debbie has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via Random.org. Thanks to all those who entered!

It's time for school again and this year, I'm homeschooling and a little bit petrified!  I'm worried I'll let my kids down and fail miserably but then I stop, breath and realize that most likely, I won't fail them and I'll do okay at least.  I look for tools to enhance the learning experience and whether I'm homeschooling or not, I always like tools that incorporate fun into learning.  What kid doesn't like to play school?  I loved it growing up and in fact, I wanted to be a teacher until life caught up with me and I took a different path.  When I was offered a chance to review a product from Hearthsong, I easily picked the ABC Chalk Talk! Electronic Learning Center.


I knew I liked how it looked in the eCatalog but wasn't quite sure what it would be like in person.  I was surprised as it was nice and portable.  Portable is a great feature to me so I can easily put it away if needed or hang it up.  My girls loved the pointer hand and it's a great system with many games and levels to play.  What is nice is that it talks and instructs to child to play such as find the circle.  They use the pointer finger to select the answer and it tells them if they have it right or wrong.  It can be turned up louder or softer which is another nice feature to have.  The built in chalk board allows more versatility in teaching your kids while they have fun.  The built in pockets to hold the pointer hand, the chalk and eraser really make this the all around ideal toy to learn.

 

My eight year old filmed the review of this as I wanted to see how they operated without me present

My youngest did have a little bit of trouble getting the finger pointer to push down on the answer response but I think in time, she will learn how to most effectively push to seek the answer she wants.  She didn't get frustrated so that was saying a lot to me.  I think it's a great toy to learn from with the number of games it has, the ability for the kids to play teacher and to have a question/response forum.


Other Details:

• Durable vinyl that can be cleaned which is good for germ removal
• More than 30 touch sensors for kids to learn
• Removable chalk board
• Six games including a music mode
• Can be hung or laid out flat
• Comes with colored chalk, a pointer and an eraser
• Requires four AA batteries (not included)
• 34"L x 30"H
• For ages 3 and up

Overall, I think it's a great product to learn while having fun.  My girls love it and although it's below my eight year old, she's having fun playing teacher with my four year old.  I advocate any toy that serves a learning function as learning is always easier when it's fun!  To purchase, click on ABC Chalk Talk!

______________________________________

The Giveaway

One reader will win their very own ABC Chalk Talk which is a $47.98 retail value.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have heard of HearthSong before.

Extra Entries:

• Like HearthSong on Facebook.
• Follow HearthSong on Twitter.
• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Giveaway ends 9/9 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I received a product to review in exchange for this post and giveaway.

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Gossip Girls Season Four on DVD - Find Out More!

Trends are started many times from movies and television.  We watch what they wear and when we love them, we certainly can make a difference in what becomes hot and what doesn't.  Us girls tend to watch the little things like fashion and want to get the latest and greatest.  Just like on the Gossip Girl where the lovely women wear such terrific fashions from clothes that most cannot afford to buy to other ready to wear outfits.  Whatever your style, Serena and Blair wear the latest and makes their fans come back wanting them.


If you are a Gossip Girl fan, you know these girls can wear just about anything and their styles reflect their own personalities.  Blair's style is more in gear to what I like in a classic upper east side chic whereas Serena is the sexier version and a lot less effort.  Blair wearing her Oscar de la Renta sweetheart gown was one of my favorites.  Elegant and sophisticated yet timeless.  It reminded me of an old movie from the glamorous times.   All her outfits are gorgeous right down to her Fendi dress and accessories.


Don't get me wrong, I love the outfits that Serena has too and would also love to have the money to buy them!   What style are you?  Blair or Serena? 





Step on the runway of style with the fabulous 4th season of Gossip Girl on DVD http://bit.ly/r4GTe8!








I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Gossip Girl Season Four on DVD.

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A Critical Loss of Balance by Mark E. Shaver Book Review

If you are into suspenseful thrillers, this one is for you.  Mark E. Shaver's third book titled A Critical Loss of Balance is about one parent's worse fear of having your child kidnapped.  Cliff Elliott is one parent gripped in a city of fear due to a rash of kidnappings that go unseen despite all the normal tools available to law enforcement.  In an elaborate scheme to kidnap, seek ransoms and run, the criminals didn't bargain on what one parent could do.

The book was very well written and kept me guessing all along the way.  As a parent, it was easy to put myself in the position Cliff was in and understand the array of his emotions.  It may sound like a typical kidnap, ransom, return of victim and parent gets even story but it's not.  Cliff's story is different from the other kidnappings and never hears a word from the kidnappers.  There are twists with the criminal, Aaron and his long family history of this type of crime all the way down to the turn of events that you will not even suspect.  It's a well thought-out gripping suspenseful novel that was hard to put down.

Check it out here:






About the Author:




His story starts out interesting back in 1966 when his father was transferred to the city of Cork in Ireland. Upon his time there, his parents took him to Blarney Castle where legend has it that he who kisses the Blarney stone will receive 'the gift of eloquent speech.'  Needless to say, he was taken there by his parents and reluctantly kissed the stone and the rest is history.  His collection include The Second Verdict, After the Fact: When Passion and Fate Collide and of course, A Critical Loss of Balance.  His next book is due out in 2012.

Like us, Mr. Shaver resides in Texas.

Connect on Facebook here and Mark E. Shaver's website.

To purchase A Critical Loss of Balance or to download, go to Mark E. Shaver's site.



* Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of this review.

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