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Save Some Vacation Days This Winter for a Ski Trip to the Poconos

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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If you enjoy skiing, what better place to go than the Poconos this winter! The Pocono Mountains in PA have some of the best skiing in the United States. There are many tempting areas for skiing the Poconos including Sno Mountain and Elk Mountain. The best part is that there is Elk Mountain lodging nearby for added convenience.

Sno Mountain

One of your best options is Sno Mountain in Scranton, PA. The “Learn to Ski Program” there is for all age groups. You can confidently bring your whole family to learn to ski. The children’s program instructors teach children ages 6 to 18. Each student is professionally taught while keeping the individual child’s skill level and special needs in mind. There are also adult ski lessons that are for all levels whether you are a beginner or have just been away from skiing for a while and need to brush up on your skills. There is also a similar snowboarding program. You will be able to rent any equipment you need for skiing or snowboarding including boots and helmets.

The exhilarating snowtubing at Sno Mountain has ten chutes available with a special “Magic Carpet” lift to take people back to the top of the hill. All ages have a marvelous time together snowtubing. After your tubing session you can rest at the fire pit near the chutes.

There is also a NASTAR (National Standard Race) trail at Sno Mountain. NASTAR was begun by SKI Magazine to allow challenging competition between recreational skiers and snowboarders. Four different categories of medals can be won in this competition at Sno Mountain. What fun to have a chance to attend!

Sno Mountain Hotels

There are several moderately-priced places to stay within five miles of Sno Mountain. These offer vacation packages. Relax and unwind at the spa and hot tub at Sleep Inn. Have a delicious continental breakfast at the Clarion. Enjoy the pub and coffee bar at the Hilton. Shop to your heart’s content at the Shoppes at Montage next to the Courtyard Marriott.

Enjoy the many other attractions of beautiful Scranton while you are on your trip. Scranton, PA is a fascinating town with a lot of interesting history. For example, it was the first town in the U.S. to have electricity in the streets and therefore the first to have trolleys. Delight in Scranton’s many superb restaurants and enjoy antiquing in this historic town.

Book a room in a PA ski lodge and take a ski trip to enjoy a winter wonderland in the Poconos this year. You will have a vacation you won’t forget.

Posted in: Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.
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Local Business to Experience Bonanza Thanks to Table Games

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Eastern Pennsylvania has, like the rest of the state, been experiencing troubles economically. The advent of table games, however, might just be the stimulus that’s needed to get the region back on the upswing again.

Gambling Legalized in PA

The state legislature and Governor Ed Rendell recently passed and signed a new law allowing the play of table games in Pennsylvania, and various casinos around the state were already completely prepared for the phenomenon. As Harrah’s Chester Casino unveiled its tables soon after the bill was signed, and police allowed the gamblers inside, it was easy to see that people were prepared for the legalization. The floor was packed, with happy people playing poker, blackjack, and other popular table games.

Pennsylvania is just getting into the bonanza that people are beginning to discover. The advent of gambling can increase the coffers of the state, but there are other notable effects, as well. For instance, games have already convinced a school board in the eastern part of the state to lower tuition at the Delaware County Community College. Students there may in fact see their tuition rates drop by half.

Eastern PA Casinos Enjoying the Extra Business

The casinos located in the area are expecting to bring in a tremendous amount of business to the area, thanks to people seeking a place to gamble with their spare income. When they travel, they will of course use the Mohegan Sun casino hotels and restaurants, bringing a large source of income that the businesses did not have before. Players need to eat, and they need a place to stay. The Mohegan Sun casino inns and restaurants in the areas where the games can be played will no doubt see a surge in business as players flock to local gaming establishments, to take advantage of new opportunities in more convenient locations.

It is also possible that as the people continue to show and the local casinos become more popular, the casinos may sponsor large-scale tournaments, which not only bring more business in the form of players and spectators, but also bring news coverage to the area for the tournaments. This is all speculation of course, but if the tournaments become popular enough, well-known players may begin attending, bringing not only more business to the area’s hotels and restaurants, but it could even increase population as people become more interested in a bustling, fertile economy. This could, in fact, be the step forward that ignites the dormant economy of eastern Pennsylvania.

Posted in: Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.
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The Art of Austin Texas Is Unique and Full of Local Flavor

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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When you think of Austin, Texas, you don’t necessarily associate it with art. However, it’s home to one of the richest and most diverse artistic communities in the nation. It’s strongly represented in areas of music, film, and fine art.

Music in Austin Texas

Austin is known as the live music capital of the world because it has the most live music venues per capita in the entire country. Austin’s residents claim you can see a show any day of the week at almost any time of the day. It has more than 200 music venues and literally thousands of musicians. It’s also home to the memorial of Stevie Ray Vaughn, arguably the best blues guitarist the world has ever seen. Aside from the popular Austin City Limits television show, there’s an Austin City Limits music festival that lasts for three days with over 100 bands on eight stages.

Film in Austin

Austin is considered to be the very best location in the country to shoot a film. In part, due to its diverse landmasses and rich culture, but also because of its weather, allowing film crews to shoot all year round. In fact, well over a hundred movies and television shows have been shot in Austin. Some of the more popular ones include Friday Night Lights, Secondhand Lions, Dazed and Confused, and Varsity Blues. Maybe if you’re lucky you’ll run into a movie star in a Austin Hotel lobby.

The Fine Art of Austin Texas

Whether you’re interested in design, paintings, or sculptures, Austin has all of them. The newest addition to the community is the University Of Texas’s Blanton fine-art museum. It’s also home to the Mexic-Arte Museum, which is a huge tourist attraction, representing Mexican and Latin American art. The museum has a strong educational drive, and it holds at least one major event a month. Austin is also home to the rather incredible Zilker Botanical Garden. It has 30 acres of gardens with streams, ponds, and waterfalls throughout. They call the Zilker Botanical Garden the “Jewel in the Heart of Austin.” For fine-art aficionados Austin, Texas is a great place to visit.

Regardless of any specific artistic interest, Austin, Texas has more than anybody could ask for. It has a large and diverse art scene that can be both educational and fun. Don’t delay, book your Austin TX hotel room today and visit Austin!

Posted in: Hilton Austin Airport.
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Visit Austin, Texas for a Truly Unique Cultural Experience

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Austin, Texas is known for many things including being the state capital. It is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World. The community of Austin offers an experience one can only find in this magnificent city – full of culture, music, Austin TX dining, and wonderful people. The people living in Austin come from all walks of life. It is a college town, a high tech city, a music mecca, and it is the place they call home. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino said, “It’s one of those cool towns where everyone is friendly.”

Important Locations in Austin

Austin offers some wonderful opportunities to visit a variety of places. Number one on the list should be the Texas State Capitol. Built from pink granite it was completed in 1888. It stands taller than our nation’s capitol at 302 feet. Another interesting visit is to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Here you will find a number of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and an enthralling IMAX theatre offering the multi-sensory Texas Spirit Theatre.

Everyone should plan to tour the University of Texas. It offers spectacular grounds with interesting buildings. The Blanton Museum of Art is located here. It is recognized for the European paintings as well as the modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. Since the University gets year round visitors there is plenty of lodging in Austin near the University.

Visitors rarely get the opportunity to see a large bat collection; however, not only will you see bats you will see the largest urban bat colony in North America at the Congress Avenue bats. From April to October quite a spectacle is offered when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats leave at sunset.

The Beautiful Nature Sights of Austin Texas

Former First Lady – Lady Bird Johnson was known for preserving natural beauty during her husbands’ years as president. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is named in her honor. There are planting areas, wildflower meadows, exhibits, and an observation tower for visitors to enjoy. The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a 10.1 mile path bordering the lake as it flows through the downtown area. In her husbands’ honor, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is another interesting place to visit in Austin. Here visitors will find presidential papers along with a scale replica of the Oval Office during his term as well as other interesting information from his presidency.

The Barton Springs Pool is an artesian spring-fed swimming hole located in Zilker Park. Many visitors enjoy swimming in the waters that are a constant 68 degrees. Shoppers will want to head to South Congress Avenue. This is the location of dozens of eclectic shops, popular music venues, trendy restaurants, along with accommodations.

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Some of the Fun Summertime Activities Available in Pittsburgh

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Pittsburgh is well known as a center for culture and entertainment. With so many attractions, it can be difficult to decide exactly which ones are worthy of a visitor’s time. While many have merit, there are certain activities in Pittsburgh which outshine the rest.

The Carnegie Science Center

Activities which appeal to guests of all ages can be found at this museum. This is a hands-on educational experience that is also fun. The Center features a digital planetarium, a submarine, and a boat ride exploring local rivers. Techies will love the roboworld exhibit, where visitors can discover the connections that are growing between the world of humans and that of robots. Also visit the SportsWorks exhibit where visitors can test their physical prowess on a host of challenging attractions.

The Rivers Casino

High-stakes excitement awaits visitors to this ultra-modern casino. Indulge in slot machines, or try out one of the table games. The casino features poker along with roulette, craps, and blackjack. If you’d like to spend the night there are Rivers Casino hotels nearby. Winning works up an appetite, so visit at least one of the restaurants this casino offers. Cheer for a local team in the sports bar or enjoy the all-you-can-eat buffet which takes patrons on a culinary world tour. The Rivers Casino also offers live musical acts and sporting events.

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture

For a truly cultural experience, sample everything this institution has to offer. More than an art museum, the Center has interactive experiences and offers classes as well. No other establishment offers such a comprehensive glimpse into African American culture. Special events are offered on a regular basis and the Center can be visited several times to appreciate not only its permanent exhibits, but also the traveling exhibits which rotate into the galleries every few months.

The National Aviary

Bird enthusiasts and zoo lovers alike will delight in this activity. The centerpiece of this attraction is the Penguin Point exhibit in which visitors can immerse themselves in the world of African penguins with a comprehensive 360 degree view of their habitat. Visit tropical, rare birds, and learn all about conservation at this exciting exhibit.

Pittsburgh Hotels

There are hotels all over Pittsburgh, so it is easy to find one close to you. This means that whether you’re looking for a downtown hotel or a Pittsburgh Casino hotel, there are choices to choose from.

Posted in: DoubleTree Pittsburgh.
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Fun Family Activities in Pittsburgh that Everyone needs to Experience

Aug 20th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Are you searching for fun family activities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that both adults and kids can enjoy? If you are then you will be happy to discover that this northeastern city is packed with kid friendly adventures and family fun, plus there are plenty of hotels in Pittsburgh to check into after a long day.

Spend Family Time at Pittsburgh Museums

There is the famous Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh that will make a great summertime destination. In fact this family favorite is popular at any time of the year. There are special exhibits and displays that frequently take center stage and right now the highlight of the museum is designed around the adventures of “Curious George”.

Pittsburgh is home to some other outstanding museums including the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Although these world renowned institutions may have more interest for older children, teens and adults even the little kids will be delighted by the appealing and colorful displays.

The art museum has an enormous collection of paintings, statues and other artworks from the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th 20th and early 21st centuries. At the Natural History Museum there are examples of local, native wildlife as well as a wonderful display that depicts “Dinosaurs in their Time”. This is a perfect place in Pennsylvania to explore as a family.

Head out to Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center and everyone can experience the many interactive displays that are designed to welcome “hands-on” experimentation. This is a place where you do not have to worry about telling your kids “not to touch” because the Science Center encourages interaction with the many exhibits. The Miniature Railroad and Village is one of the largest and finest railroading displays in the world and a favorite for all ages.
Outdoor Excitement

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens appeal to anyone who loves gardening or being outdoors. This center even features special crafts and activities for the family to participate in as well as story times that will entertain the younger members of your group.

Outdoors Activities

Another of the fun family activities in Pittsburgh begins when you check out the scenery of Mount Washington by riding in newly restored cable cars at the Duquesne Incline. These specially designed cable cars make climbing the mountain an activity anyone can do and the sights and adventures that unfold as the cars ascend to the top of the mountain are definitely worth the trip.

Family amusement parks are always a great way to spend some quality time together and at Kennywood you can experience the thrilling wonder for yourself. There is something for all ages to enjoy including arcade games, cotton candy, burgers and dozens of rides. Smaller kids may prefer the gentler merry go rounds and pint sized amusement rides but older children and adults will want to take a spin on some of the large roller coasters and adventurous rides such as the Sky Rocket.

Looking for quieter fun family activities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Then why not go for a cruise aboard one of the 5 clipper ships that are part of the Gateway Clipper Fleet? With a ride aboard one of these magnificent sailing vessels you can experience seeing the city from 3 rivers and there are always some fun events taking place on board these ships.

Pittsburgh Animal Adventures

All kids love to watch animals and you can let your children watch the elephants, seals, bears and sharks when you take them to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. There are scheduled shows such as “sea lion feedings” and “elephant baths” that occur throughout the day and you will discover that this is one of the fun family activities in Pittsburgh that will delight visitors of all ages.

You can always find some fun family activities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that will transform your day into an adventure. In addition to the listed activities there is the National Aviary which features birds ranging from tropical toucans to comical penguins.

Family Fun in Pittsburgh Begins at the PNC Ballpark

Gather the kids and take your family to the ballpark for a day of exciting fun and team spirit if you want to really experience one of the best fun family activities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PNC Park has been designated as a Top 10 Major League Baseball site and a $21 ticket will get you a great seat plus a jersey featuring Roberto Clemente’s number. Enjoy your time at PNC as you share hot dogs, sodas, peanuts and a day filled with cheers and great baseball with your kids.

Visit Pittsburgh!

With all that Pittsburgh has to offer, it’s hard to take a pass! Block off a weekend and book a room in one of Pittsburgh’s hotels and enjoy all the city has to offer.

Posted in: DoubleTree Pittsburgh.
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Visit Rivers Casino on the North Shore in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Jul 30th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Along Pittsburgh’s North Shore one can find a gem filled with excitement: The Rivers casino. Here are a few things you should know if you’re planning on reserving some Rivers Casino lodging and taking a trip to the Steel City to visit Rivers Casino.

There is something for everyone. The Rivers Casino has 3000 slot machines. This includes older style games that use the three to five reel set-up, and they also have the newer video style slots, which consist of just about every theme you could think of with many different play styles to boot.

Table Games at River’s Casino

Rivers casino finally has table games as well. You can try all of your favorites: roulette, craps, three card poker, blackjack and more. They also have poker! Poker is very popular now and the chance to play on tables like these is an awesome opportunity.

When you arrive at the casino be sure to sign up for the Rivers Edge Players Club, you can use it at the slots and you can use the same card at the new table games. Just be sure to let the pit boss know that you want your play rated. You can be well on your way to earning great rewards just after your first trip. Membership to this club is free.

More Than Just Games

If you get hungry there are several different dining options from which to choose. Watch a game while having a burger in their sports bar. If you have a more refined palate you will really enjoy the fantastic fine-dining restaurant. Should you desire a huge variety for a great price be sure to hit the buffet. If you don’t want to stop playing long enough to eat they do offer a grab-and-go style restaurant. Finally, after a long night of playing hit their cafe for a take-home pizza to give to the kids.

Since you will be in Pittsburgh you will have a huge amount of options if you want to spend your day sightseeing and your night gambling at the Rivers. You can find Rivers Casino hotel ranging in price from unbelievably inexpensive to very costly. Wherever you decide to stay, access to the casino is convenient. I hope this helps if you are taking a trip to the Steel City to visit Rivers Casino, and have a great time.

Posted in: DoubleTree Pittsburgh.
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Saving Money in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with AAA Discounts

Jul 30th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Consumers can save a great deal of money in Pittsburgh with AAA. This membership service caters to consumers who may need emergency road services or maps. They have a plethora of insurance products and services for consumers to choose from based on their own traveling needs. So if you’re looking for more information on AAA deals and AAA hotel discounts read on!

Some of the Many Benefits

Some travel benefits include cruises and other vacations. Customers can get AAA hotel deals, restaurant reservations and car rentals. Since traveling can be expensive, anyone can stand to save a little money from this membership. Some people may need help with their traveling arrangements and planning; AAA membership services also provides this. Other services include automotive care such as roadside assistance and auto repair. This type of service is often needed, especially if a person travels long distances, which increases the chances of getting into a car accident.

Automotive Services

Customers are who interested in shopping for a new car can use AAA to their advantage. The membership already has networks and connections with other companies who can provide the best price and arrange for easy financing. Another product available is basic insurance. Depending on the insurance package, consumers can get coverage for being a homeowner. Other coverage includes health, life and automobile insurance. In the case of an earthquake, the insurance coverage will also allow the consumer to get assistance and service.

Saving Money With AAA

For those who are interested in saving money for purchases, the AAA club has connections and partnerships with multiple organizations which can provide special rates for members. Some of the financial services include arrangement for traveler’s checks, foreign currency exchange, and travel money. Other benefits include discounts on flowers, entertainment and DVD rentals. Some of the aspects of entertainment that AAA can cover includes shopping and dining. Most of the time, consumers are confused about where they can use their membership card in order to receive discounts on their purchases; the AAA membership club will provide each of their members with a list of companies where they can get discounts and automotive services at a great price. In many cases, the merchant’s (or business owner’s) door will have the have the phrase, “Show Your Card and Save” logo on the door.

Most of the companies that AAA is partnered with is of high quality and has exceptional service. The membership can also be used for attractions of a particular city such as, Universal Studios, Six Flags and Sea World. The AAA club has saved many locals in Pittsburg a lot of money.

Posted in: DoubleTree Pittsburgh.
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Table Games in Eastern Pennsylvania: A Boon for Tourism?

Jul 30th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Eastern Pennsylvania is located right near New York City, and shares a lengthy border with the rest of the Empire State. Recently however, there may be signs that the region might be getting a significant increase in tourism.

Plenty of Questions About Gambling

Gambling is a sore spot for many people; some believe that it’s damaging morally, others believe it runs a risk of increasing the crime in the state. However, one thing that cannot be denied is the increase in income for the state that sponsors it. Pennsylvania already had slot machines for some time, and took a tidy sum into the state’s coffers from that. Then the economic downturn hit, so the legislature and Governor Ed Rendell took another step in that direction, signing a bill into law in the last week to allow table games.

The difference between table games and slots, however, is that people generally don’t want to travel particularly far to pull slot machines. However, the draw to go play poker or blackjack in a table game setting is much more intense. This change can draw in more outside visitors and bring in revenue to Scranton gambling hotels.

It’s easy to see – take a long look at the casinos in places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas. People travel for miles and miles to these locations to do their gambling, and most of them don’t spend time shaking hands with the one-handed bandit.

How Table Games in PA Can Change Things

So the advent of table games in eastern Pennsylvania should tap into markets not necessarily tapped into for people. For many New Yorkers, Atlantic City has a negative connotation. It is most possible that many of these sort of New Yorkers might see these new opportunities over in eastern Pennsylvania as a better alternative to Atlantic City.

That of course doesn’t even mention the influx of tourism that should come down from upstate New York and other nearby areas. People who do not want to drive all the way to Atlantic City can instead come to eastern Pennsylvania and spend their extra money there, in the new casinos and new table games. New York is a very big city, and even though Atlantic City may be marginally closer for many of them to travel to, it’s also quite crowded. The newer, cleaner casinos in eastern Pennsylvania should be a quick draw for most of these folks.

Gamblers may soon be flocking to the Eastern PA casino hotels, thanks to these new table games. And if so, it will be a serious boon for the local economy with out of state dollars coming into the state, not to mention that Pennsylvanian gamblers’ dollars will stay in the state, as well.

Posted in: Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.
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Atlantic City May See a Hit in Business Thanks to PA's Table Games

Jul 30th, 2010
by Eyeflow.
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Pennsylvania recently enacted legislation adding table games to the sorts of gambling that are legal in the state. Already horse tracks, slot machines, and lottery tickets were allowed under the rules in Pennsylvania, but continued budget shortfalls and interest brought the legislature to a decision that’s actually made fairly common nowadays in many states.

Already, poker, blackjack, and numerous other table games will make their way into the casinos around the state. When Harrah’s unveiled their Eastern PA casino table games, the whole floor was absolutely packed, which shows that gamblers were more than ready to take advantage of the new law, as well as casinos.

A Move Made By PA Changes Everything

Governor Ed Rendell was trying to find a solution to the state’s budget shortfalls. Over the years, constant rising property taxes were beginning to take a serious toll on much of the state, particularly the elderly. So the Governor suggested, and later signed, a bill allowing the addition of slot machines.

There’s more than just a benefit to the state’s coffers, as well. While the state pockets around 60% of the take from the slots, it will only take 14-16% of the take from table games. The money will also be used for other things – some of the money is already being given to the Delaware County Community College, and students may see their tuition costs cut in half, just from the take from the casinos in Chester. That is a huge windfall, and certainly a positive outcome from the introduction of gambling to increase the state’s revenue. Not only that, but Eastern PA gambling hotels can benefit from increased traffic from tourists traveling looking for a game.

This is all good for Pennsylvania, but it’s very worrying for the casino owners and for legislators in neighboring New Jersey, particularly Atlantic City. Other nearby states have also increased their own gambling, which is horning in on the bonanza that Atlantic City brings to New Jersey. Already, Delaware has table games as well as slots, and is planning on expanding table games to even beyond the three horse tracks where they currently reside.

Reaction from NJ

State Senator Richard Codey is greatly worried as this new development of Pennsylvania opening table games inches away more of Atlantic City (and New Jersey’s) revenue. He told The Record of Bergen County that “It’s all around us now, and Pennsylvania only adds to the urgency. We’ve got blinders on, and I don’t get it. Why are we giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to other states?”

New Jersey is exploring other options to increase its gambling revenue, including opening a slots parlor at the Meadowlands, to tap into some of the possible income that could spill over from New Yorkers using the slots.

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