Monday, December 31, 2012

Book Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian





Summary:

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost. 

Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

Series: Midnight Breed #11
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell (Delacorte Press)
Source: Netgalley

Review:

As a huge fan of the Midnight Breed series, I was thrilled to see there was a new release featuring Mira.  Edge of Dawn surprising begins 20 years after the Book #10 in the Midnight Breed series. Admittedly, I was a bit confused in the beginning, because the last time I read about Mira (one of the book's main characters) she was just a child. Fast forward 20 years and she is now an adult, a warrior among the ranks of the Order.

The author did an amazing job of describing and explaining the fast forwarding of time in this book. The feeling between the main characters in not only believable, but heart-wrenching at moments throughout the book. 

The storyline picked up after about 50 pages and from there on out, I couldn't put it down! Edge of Dawn was a well-written love story that included some new and interesting characters as well as many of my old favorites. Overall, I continue to LOVE this series and CANNOT wait for the Midnight Breed #12! Who will Lara Adrian feature next??? Eagerly awaiting...

For more about the author Lara Adrian and the Midnight Breed Series, please visit: www.laraadrian.com.
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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the PS3 {Review & Giveaway}



Featured Sponsor



I was recently invited to check out the sequel to one of our favorite video games Disney's Epic Mickey! Unlike the original version of this game, this release is not only available for the Wii, but also for the Xbox 360, Playstation, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U! After some good game play, the new Epic Mickey 2: The Power Of Two video game is truly a must have for this holiday season! Read on to find out why...



About Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the Playstation 3

In Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, gamers will play as Mickey Mouse and for the first time ever, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, in an all-new adventure of creativity and discovery.
 
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions.  But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners – Mickey with his magical paint brush that wields paint and thinner, and Oswald with his powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity.

Key Features

  • All in-game characters - most notably Oswald The Lucky Rabbit whose voice will be heard for the first time ever - are fully voiced by the official voice actors of those characters
  • Players will experience Disney's forgotten characters and attractions in all-new levels and further explore levels from the original Disney Epic Mickey game, but now changed, impacted by world-changing events that have shaken Wasteland apart.
  • New 2D levels based on classic Disney animated films and shorts will offer compelling puzzle-based, platforming gameplay
  • Players will enjoy an original game story co-written by award-winning American comic book writer, Marv Wolfman, and Junction Point
  • The storyline will feature a variety of new and returning characters that will further immerse players in Disney's rich history while adversaries familiar and new will challenge players.
Rated: 





Check it out: 


ace and friends thoughts

First off, we, as a family, adore all that is Disney. So when the first Epic Mickey came out the kids wanted it immediately, so *Santa* got it for them. When we heard the new Epic Mickey was release in HD, we were thrilled more than ever!

The additional quests are nice, the collectibles are also enjoyable, and the kids had a great time searching for them. They look forward to finding new ones with each new game play.
With every game you will certainly encounter pros and cons and here are some that we noticed:

Pros
  • Graphics are amazing
  • You don’t have to start from the beginning each time you die, you regenerate from the place in which you originally died
  • Fun, in-game cartoon clips
  • Easy to understand controller directions
Cons
  • Some quests are little confusing because of unclear directions
  • Limited hints
  • Hard to destroy enemies
  • Die easily throughout game


Final Thoughts: Overall, the game was super entertaining, family friendly and a great time. If you are fan of the original Disney Epic Mickey Game, this will make a great addition to your collection. Now, if your adore Disney as much as we do, you will, without a doubt, find great enjoyment in this game!



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Buy It

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two for the Playstation 3 (as well as other platforms) is available at Amazon!

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Win It


One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two Video Game
 (game platform - winner's choice) 
AND a Limited-edition Oswald The Lucky Rabbit Hat!

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Sunday, December 16, 2012

2012 Holiday Gift Guide Guide: NOVICA {Review & $40 GC Giveaway}



Featured Sponsor


Admittedly, I am a sucker for something unique, eclectic and beautiful. Recently, I was introduced to NOVICA.com offering just that.  NOVICA.com (in association with National Geographic) is online site that is in many ways different from many others that I have come across out there. They bring together a collection of  unique, hard-to-find items at great values.

About Novica
(source: Novica.com)

NOVICA unites you with more than 2,000 extraordinary master artists around the world. Read about their lives, explore their fascinating cultures, and customers have the ability to select from more than 30,000 handcrafted works of art.


NOVICA.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight developing nations. NOVICA features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor. So far NOVICA has succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

 ace and friends thoughts

NOVICA's amazing unique gift section immediately got my attention. I've always loved the designs and creations from around the world. This section offers the ability to search from very broad to very specific types of gifts including ~ Handbag Gifts for the Adventurer, Romantic Christmas Gifts for Her, Yoga Gifts for Men... and even have Cooking Gifts for the Animal Lover Man!

From their beautiful selection of Spring home decor, from their Murano hand blown vases to natural fiber baskets, there is definitely something for everyone this holiday season. I was instantly attracted to the stunning jewelry, including a wide selection of Garnet Dangle Earring to beautiful Silver Pendent Necklaces.
I completely fell in love with Tiger's eye and carnelian cluster earrings and the 'Garden Bower' Beaded cocktail ring from Thailand.  Included with each piece is an artisan story card that has a particular quote from each artist as well as a description of the purchased piece. Admittedly, the earring and ring were even more lovely in person and I was completely thrilled with my selection. I can see all the love and hard-work that went into each detail of these earrings and ring.
Because each piece is shipped directly from their international fulfillment center, shipping takes around two to three weeks, but the wait is well worth it! Overall, the selection at Novica.com is a little overwhelming, but I certainly enjoyed looking at all the amazing and beautifully creative pieces, as I am sure you will too. I will definitely return to NOVICA in the very near future to add to my new artisan collection!

Finding that unique gift for the special person in your life is a breeze now with Novica's  unique gift section... take a look.... you will not be disappointed!

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Buy It

The earrings and ring as well as a wide selection of many artisan pieces are available at NOVICA.com.

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Win It

Thanks to the NOVICA, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
$40 Gift Code to spend on their heart's content this holiday season!
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Thursday, December 13, 2012

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: tea collection's HOLIDAY clothing {Review & $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway}





Featured Sponsor


If you are looking for the perfect holiday children's clothing for your kids this season, look no further than Tea. With their approach to fun and exciting prints, {ace} will again be dressed extra fashionable and to the nines this year! 

About Tea

Founded in 2002, Tea, based in San Francisco, designs distinctive Kid's Clothes as well as women's clothing that is inspired by the beauty they discover in their travels around the world. Inspired by classic Asian styles and colors, they had the vision of bringing a fusion of worldwide cultures and modern design to children's fashion.

From the art of traditional Korean patchwork to the graphic boldness of Brazilian street graffiti, Tea designers interpret their discoveries into beautiful, modern and consummately wearable Children's Clothing for ages 0-12. 


WHY THE NAME TEA?
{source: teacollection.com}

Tea, the drink, is shared in nearly every culture around the world. Being Tea is about experiencing life together, even when we're not in the same place. It means taking the time to understand and honor our differences. In doing so, we become closer.



ace and friends thoughts

Tea Collection’s amazing holiday lines continue to be inspired by their latest destination: Nordic Design. They were inspired by Nordic designers that create "beautiful things for everyday use." What they discovered in their travels Denmark, Sweden and Finland were bold, eye-popping colors, not only on the people, but their pets too.

Upon returning home, this Nordic design were interpreted as clean and modern with the charm of handmade crafts. The results of these travels were original prints and styles that reflect their nod to the Nordic culture.

While venturing through Sweden, they found LOTS of geometric prints which inspired tea's designers to create their own... the results are seen in the shirt on {c} and the dress on {e}.


on {e}: mode triangle layer dress w/ skinny stretch leggings
on {c}: alpine hoodie & awesome cords on {a}: daisy chain mini dress w/ sparkle stripe leggings

Each piece of clothing is always made with exceptionally soft material that I have grown to love from Tea.  In addition to the super soft material, the design and quality are continually apparent in this year's holiday collections.

My little dude looked super cool in his Alpine Hoodie and Awesome Cords. {c} thought the hoodie was comfortable and not too hot (which he complains he is... A.lot). He really liked the slim fit of the cords. With skinny pant as the new style... he felt these were perfect to wear to school. I love that Tea always stays right on trend.   {a} and {e} looked so sweet in their adorable outfits including: Mode Triangle Layer Dress w/ skinny stretch leggings in Cosmic Berry and Daisy Chain Mini Dress w/ Sparkle Stripe Leggings in Vermillion.

What I truly love about Tea is their introduction of new styles and gorgeous prints with each new season. Tea's creativity never ceases to amaze! Their attention to every detail is what makes Tea one of my favorite kid's clothing designers.

If you are in the market for the perfect mix and match collection, make sure to take a look at their hand-picked wardrobe sets that groups the best pieces to coordinate together for everyday wear or to dress up for that holiday extravaganza.

So if you are looking for that perfect outfit to wear this holiday season, make sure to look no further than Tea. They will have just what you need to create that picture-perfect look!

I love the uniqueness of these prints... and the style of these outfits... they're going to make one FABULOUS holiday photo card!


Thanks, AS ALWAYS Tea... for keeping {ace} in style!




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Buy It

Tea is available at teacollection.com, in specialty and department stores, including Nordstrom, Von Maur, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more than 300 high-end children’s boutiques in the U.S. and Canada as well as Internationally.

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Win It

Thanks to the Tea, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
$100 Gift Certificate to spend on their favorite styles!

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Warner Bros. Holiday Movies Make Great Gifts - Enter To Win A Blu-ray Holiday Collection! #WBHoliday



Warner Bros. offers some great holiday movie suggestions for the upcoming gift giving season. Take a peek below at some truly classic and new holiday movies that will delight adults and children alike. While your there, make sure to test your holiday trivia skills as well as check out some other festive holiday activities that include a:
  • Holiday Movie Challenge! Are you a true cinephile? Then take the WB Holiday Movie Challenge! Keep your movie skills sharp with this awesome quiz! Ready. Set. Go!
  • Decode-A-Scene Game! Time is running out! Can you figure out what movie scene is slowly being decoded in front of your eyes? The sooner you figure it out the more points you earn!
  • Holiday Survival Guide! Throw an epic holiday party this season! We have some awesome tips to make you look like a total holiday master!




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Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will
win a (randomly selected copy) of either
Peanuts Deluxe Holiday CollectionClassic Christmas Favorites
or Dr. Seuss’s Deluxe Holiday Collection on Blu-ray!

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A New Twist on Friendship Bracelets With Rainbow Loom {Review & Giveaway}


Featured Sponsor





If you grew up in the 80's and 90's, I'm sure you remember the friendship bracelet. Just to refresh your memory, a friendship bracelet is given from one friend to another as a symbol of their friendship.

Recently my sister introduced me to a new twist on the friendship bracelet that involved using rubber bands instead of thread. It was so cool that I had to investigate and find out where I could get a kit for my oldest daughter.... and with a little research, I discovered Rainbow Loom. What was even more exciting was that Rainbow Loom was a local business not too far from me! 



About Rainbow Loom


Rainbow Loom is a fun and easy to use kit to create and make unique rubber band bracelet, using pony tail size rubber bands.  




The Rainbow Loom plastic peg template allows kids (and adults) to design and create unique, fun and stylish rubber band bracelet, rings and more.

Each Starter Kit Includes: Rainbow Loom(TM), Mini Rainbow Loom(TM), hook, a bag of c-clips, instruction manual and 600+ mix rubber bands (colors may vary). Make up to 24 rubber (single) band bracelets!!

Recommended for: Ages 8 and older. Children under 8 with adult supervision. Not for children 3 year and younger due to potential choking hazards. Package contains functional sharp object (plastic hook).

ace and friends thoughts

*a* was super excited to start using her new Rainbow Loom. Even though she didn't know too much about it, she knew that anything to do with jewelry was going to be *cool*. We read through the directions together and following the step by step instruction (which included photo snapshots) were pretty easy to understand and follow. The photo snapshots were truly helpful when we were trying to figure out how to create a single band bracelet. To begin, I showed *a* how to loop the rubber bands on the Rainbow Loom. She immediately was able to add a variety of different color rubber bands to start her masterpiece.


After adding the rubber bands, the next step involved using the plastic hook to loop the rubber bands back onto itself to create a *locking* type loop.


Once each loop was complete, a small *c* plastic clip was used to secure the ends. The final step was a little confusing and took a few minutes to work through, but once we figured it out... securing the ends was very simple.


Check out that adorable rubber band bracelet created by *a*. Super simple, super cute and a perfect gift for that tween on your list this holiday season!

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Buy It 

Rainbow Loom Kits ($14.99 + shipping) are available on their site HERE.

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Win It 

ONE LUCKY *ace and friends* reader will win
a Rainbow Loom Kit of their very own!

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Get Movies, like Ice Age - Continental Drift - Before They Are Released on DVD With Digital HD (DHD) #IceAgeDHD





As of today, December 11th, Ice Age: Continental Drift is NOW available on Blu-ray and DVD. But, did you know you could have viewed it early with Digital HD?

If you're not familiar with Digital HD (or DHD), here's a little bit of information about the format and some of its benefits:

  • For $15 you get a high-definition version of the film weeks early
  • Your HD movies are available round-the-clock—with no-fuss—as they are safely stored in a digital cloud, allowing you to stream or download them onto multiple devices from your laptop to your tablet to your smartphone—so your whole family can watch at home or on-the-go on many different devices!
  • You can say goodbye to security concerns! Download your Digital HD movie from trusted sites you already know,  like iTunes, Amazon, or Google Play, which provide you with the best picture quality without exposing your equipment to malware threats.




Showcasing Exciting Bonus Features Including an All New Coloring App  and Interactive Music Videos, The Extraordinary Family Adventure Floats to Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD TODAY!


About Ice Age: Continental Drift

Ahoy, matey! Blue Sky Studios unveils a brand new chapter in one of the most successful film franchises of all time.   Bringing together the visually epic and the emotionally powerful, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT sets sail on Blu-ray™ 3D, Blu-ray™, and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on December 11, just in time for the holidays. 

Sub-zero heroes Manny, Diego, and Sid embark upon a high-seas adventure after their continent is set adrift.  Using an iceberg as a ship, they encounter sea creatures and battle pirates as they try to reunite with their herd.  In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

Showcasing the coolest cast of all-time, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT, stars Ray Romano (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), John Leguizamo (Moulin Rouge), Denis Leary (“Rescue Me”), Queen Latifah (The Secret Life of Bees), Seann William Scott (Planet 51), Josh Peck (“Drake & Josh”), and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead).  Joining the familiar Ice Age family for this newest franchise installment are some of the entertainment world’s brightest talents including Jennifer Lopez (“American Idol”), Aziz Ansari (“Parks and Recreation”), Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), Wanda Sykes (Monster-in-Law), Heather Morris (“Glee”), and hip hop sensations Nicki Minaj and Drake.

With Digital HD, getting new movies for your kids are even easier and they will thank you because they will get early access weeks before their friends!

So tell me... what are you favorite benefits of DHD that makes you want to give it a try?

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Sunday, December 9, 2012

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy December 18th & {Giveaway - Two Winners}!


Band of Misfits
Relive your summer this December 18th with
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy!

Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the super-popular book series! When Greg’s dad (Steve Zahn) threatens to send him to military school if he doesn’t stay out of trouble, Greg finds all-new ways to land himself in the doghouse! For starters, Greg’s in over his head when he pretends to work at the swanky country club where Rowley’s family has a membership. Things don’t go much better on a father-son camping trip with the Wilderness Explorers, and then there’s the Heffley’s new dog, Sweetie, who fetches even more trouble for Greg in this hilarious family film!

Greg and his friends Rowley, Chirag and Fregley often find themselves in trouble as they try to have the most relaxing summer yet.  In this feature, we will highlight other bands of misfits in films including those from The Goonies, Super 8 and The Little Rascals!

The Goonies


The 1985 adventure-comedy film The Goonies follows a group of neighborhood friends who are on a mission to find forgotten treasure in order to save their homes from being demolished. Using an old Spanish map, a newspaper clipping, and artifacts found in an attic, the boys trek the Oregon coast looking for the treasure they believe belonged to the pirate known as One-Eyed Willie. After surviving several booby traps, the group eventually finds One-Eyed Willie’s ship filled with treasure and gold but realize they are not the only ones who want it.

Super 8


J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi flick chronicles the journey of teenage friends who discover a huge alien operation when trying to film a small-budget zombie film. They witness a terrifying train crash that is surrounded with small, white cubes that seem to have appeared from nowhere. Following the crash, several strange events happen around town including dogs running away, people disappearing, and electronics being stolen. They got caught up in all the alien action and manage to make a pretty epic film. 

Little Rascals


One of the rowdiest gangs in film is the “The He-Man ‘Womun’ Haters Club” from the 1994 classic Little Rascals. The boys-only team is led by Spanky, a loud-mouthed kid who is determined to win the local go-cart race. He rallies his troops who include the love-stricken Alfalfa, the methodical vice-president Stymie, and the most adorable member ever, Buckwheat to name a few. Despite their cute looks and small statures, these rascals find themselves in plenty of trouble from crashing a dance recital, to ruining romantic boat rides, and even setting their clubhouse on fire.

The Sandlot


The boys of the Sandlot think they rule the town when it comes to the game of baseball in the 1993 sports comedy. The teenagers find themselves in plenty of mishap as they are figuring out how to be grown men during the summer of ‘62. Some misadventures include risking drowning in order to be saved by the hot lifeguard, trying chewing tobacco at the city fair, and stealing a baseball signed by Babe Ruth in order to keep a game going. All in all, the boys of the Sandlot have one heck of a summer that they will never forget.  

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days


Greg Heffley seems to get into trouble no matter where he goes especially with his friends Rowley, Chirag, and Fregley. The boys cause a ruckus at all the favorite summer spots including the local country club, Rowley’s family beach house, a nearby amusement park, and in the great wilderness while on a camping trip. The addition of Greg’s new family dog doesn’t make matters any better for the group but seems to cause even more trouble! The boys’ shenanigans take place throughout the film, even to the end when Greg attempts to impress his crush at her sister’s 16th birthday party.


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Win It

TWO LUCKY ace and friends reader 
will win their very own copy of


Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days on DVD
!

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Get 20% Off Hot Mama Heirloom Jewelry #mamajewelry



Shannon Sunderland & Sahra Cahoon form the dynamic duo of Hot Mama Designs.  Hot Mama Designs rejoices in celebrating motherhood, family and the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object. Their inspiring designs are created to tell stories and celebrate life. Celebrate Family ~ Celebrate Motherhood ~ Celebrate You!


They rejoice in the art of metalsmithing!  As artists they are intrigued by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is (loosely translated) the beauty of things that are unpretentious and unconventional. In our mass-produced world, their jewelry celebrates the one-of-a-kind feeling of the handmade object!

COUPON: Get 20% any order of $100 or more.  Promo Code: mamalove226


A perfect gift for this gift giving season!


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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