MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falkland Islands celebrate becoming mine-free after almost 40 years
Today 14 November 2020. the Falkland Islands have been officially declared mine-free, almost 40 years after the end of the Falkland Islands war. The minefield danger signs and fences that were once the hallmark of the invasion have all finally been removed, and the community is again free to enjoy some of the Islands’ most beautiful areas which have been off-limits since 1982. Read full article
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Disclaimer & comment rulesWhat a day it was yesterday to mark the end of mines on the islands. It was an amazing feeling to once again walk on the beach and I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. I will never be able to thank all involved enough.
Nov 15th, 2020 - 09:40 am - Link - Report abuse +2You are velcome..., Joe...
Nov 15th, 2020 - 02:04 pm - Link - Report abuse -3I didn’t know you helped de-mine the beach Think, it’s good to know you are from Zimbabwe
Nov 15th, 2020 - 05:46 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Wooooooooooooooooow....
Nov 15th, 2020 - 07:05 pm - Link - Report abuse -5An Engrishman above that learned that Rhodesia is Zimbabwe...!
https://checkoutafrica-wordpress.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/20041736/82038601_cartoon.jpg
Next..., he may learn that them Falklands are las Malvinas...
Capisce...?
Congratulations to the Falklands Islanders and to all who made this nightmare returns to what it was before 1982.
Nov 15th, 2020 - 07:24 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Forgive THINK as he's an Argentine — a fate that is unfortunate to his mindset.
Estimado THINK
I forgot to mention that the two beautiful Jacaranda trees you recommend are in full glorious bloom now. (I took your advice and brought the two finest specimens available.)
¡Saludos!
The Group of 77 + China send their greetings...:
Nov 15th, 2020 - 07:48 pm - Link - Report abuse -3https://the-time.uk/2020/11/14/falkland-islands-panic-china-steps-into-sovereignty-row-and-backs-argentina-in-feud-world-news/#:~:text=The%20G77%20is%20a%20group,activities%E2%80%9D%20in%20the%20archipelago%20area.
About time ... I was last there in ~ 2010 and they were still talking about it. I remember being in Chile around Punta Delgada ~ 2000 and many of the fields were still bearing the signs. That was related to the Beagle Channel conflict. Argentine's are horrific in that regard, removing the detector rings when they plant them so that they cannot be swept for.
Nov 15th, 2020 - 09:33 pm - Link - Report abuse +3Shameful
Just curious...
Nov 15th, 2020 - 10:52 pm - Link - Report abuse -3How old are they..., hermanito...?
Think
Nov 16th, 2020 - 12:05 am - Link - Report abuse +1Thanks for providing the link to “The-Time”, I'd never heard of it.
But having read it I have to admit that it's hysterical in both meanings of the word.
It gives the impression of having been written by a bunch of rejects from The Irish Sun or by a bunch of semi-literate 15 year olds.
@Think
Nov 16th, 2020 - 02:30 am - Link - Report abuse +1I don’t live in the 1960s lol, one of my teachers at school was from Zimbabwe (and ofc is Black) and she was the one who told me it was better as Rhodesia lol
Congratulations to the Falklanders. Nice to see some good news for once. I hope other countries' mine clearing efforts go so well and speedily.
Nov 16th, 2020 - 04:07 am - Link - Report abuse +1TWIMC...
Nov 16th, 2020 - 04:08 pm - Link - Report abuse -2Most important on my above linked “G-77 plus China UN Group” declaration in Argentinas favour is the following...:
***“ Specific allusion to unilateral activities of exploration and EXPLOITATION of renewable AND NON-RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES in illegally occupied Argentine maritime spaces...”***
As we all know..., the Engrish Pirate Oil Adventure in occupied South Atlantic waters has died a (for them Engrish Private Investors...) very painful death...
Now..., with this renewed UN Group backing..., is time for us Argies to initiate legal action against all those Spanish Fishing Companies that carelessly have invested in the Engrish Pirate Squid Adventure in occupied South Atlantic waters...
This legal action is facilitated and runs..., of course..., in paralell with the current Malvinexit Process and the new fees and tariffs applicable to non EU fish...
Capisce..?
For admirers of SOURDOUGH BREAD we include this very remarkable resource of detailed information:
Nov 16th, 2020 - 08:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://www.questforsourdough.com
There are several articles regarding the health benefits and here is one:
https://www.questforsourdough.com
¡Saludos de Chile!
Read & Learn..., Shicuréo...
Nov 16th, 2020 - 09:44 pm - Link - Report abuse -3https://www.ft.com/content/67fc5152-d500-4b9e-ad5c-79e1bf2b68e2
Chicureo
Nov 16th, 2020 - 10:38 pm - Link - Report abuse +1You've convinced me to try making sourdough bread. I love it and I love trying different types but I have never tried making it.I will keep you posted with progress reports.
Jo Bloggs
Nov 16th, 2020 - 11:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Best of luck! Patience — practice — and perseverance will enrich your life.
Another recommended link, to making sourdough grissini and other joys:
https://www.sourdoughandolives.com/recipe/sourdough-grissini-breadsticks/
Estimado THINK
Now that the new vaccines are being released — I would hope that the most susceptible and especially the elderly should receive treatment. This current wave of infections has been exceptionally alarming — but this shutdown insanity has caused more damage to our society and economy than the unfortunate deaths due to this evil virus. I still think the Swedish chief epidemiologist Dr. Anders Tegnell (the man in charge of Sweden's strategy to fight Covid-19) is correct with his country's specific approach.
Do the mathematics — out of 19 million inhabitants in Chile less than 15 thousand have died. (Notably influenza deaths have nearly disappeared.)
Yet the damage to our society here in Chile has been severely affected.
History will eventually decide which strategy is correct — although they're still debating about the Spanish Flu a century ago. (Even the Black Death.)
¡Saludos!
Thunk - G77 + China repeat the same thing every year. Without effect. They are of no consequence, and Argentina cannot rely upon any of them at the UN. Not that the UN appears of much relevance either.
Nov 17th, 2020 - 12:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0The Falklands are British, and Argentina is quite incapable of doing anything about it.
Lazy retired Copper...
Nov 17th, 2020 - 06:00 am - Link - Report abuse -2- Evidently you haven't read the 2020 G77 + China final declaration...
Anyhow..., as I already indicated above..., with all the current fishy fuss going on between the UK and the EU about all that fish..., I Think we Argies should and will concentrate our best efforts on the fish that represents more than half of the Malvinas yearly total income...
Carpfish(e)...?
But unlike the EU, Argentina has no control over British waters
Nov 17th, 2020 - 12:36 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Shicuréo...
Nov 17th, 2020 - 02:00 pm - Link - Report abuse -2You say...:
***“ Notably influenza deaths have nearly disappeared.”***
I say...:
Notably influenza deaths have NOT disappeared AT ALL...!
Try to access..., read and comprehend the Shilean MINSAL statistics for excess deaths in the 2nd and 3th trimesters of 2020...
Maybe then..., you will stop sounding as stupid as Fox News Tucker Carlson...:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mlECoataVLU
Capisce...?
Estimado THINK
Nov 17th, 2020 - 04:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I will not quote the dog's breakfast COVID-19 statistics of Argentina as it would be beneath your dignity. I would imagine you'd feel the same irritation as a foreigner might telling me what is happening on MY side of the cordillera...
As of yesterday, Chile has had 532,604 confirmed cases and 14,483 deaths.
This in a population of 19 million persons. Do the simple math!
I am disraught and saddened of all the misery due to the deaths — but I'm extremely alarmed about all the social and economic damage and that has been inflicted due to this plague upon our society that was regrettable. (And yes, many of us have exceptionally profited because of it, but normally farmers bear the worst of the brunt of natural disasters.*)
What I find most alarming is government shadowing scenes from Orwell's '1984' and even touches of 'Animal Farm' into edicts that normally liberals would revolt against...
As far as Tucker Carson and the contested vote — there are THOUSANDS of cases that have been proven were dead — but the “Devil can quote Shakespeare for his purpose”. The major USA news topic seems to be focused upon Dominion Software. I have no dog in that fight.
I've already conceded my ego and paid my wagers as a gentleman — but it does look as though the election there was stolen. Trump will not concede easily...
Anyway — my thoughts are about completing Madame's ceramic workshop in the remodeled barn by the end of this month.
I'm currently enjoying the old woman's delicious empanadas and a chilled ginger ale. The weather here has been a bit cool — but the both the vegetable gardens are already abundantly producing.
We've staggered the planting of sweet corn to extend the harvest season — and again we've overplanted a wide variety of tomatoes!
I hope your day is as satisfying as mine.
¡Saludos!
(*I used the term “natural” although there is some who would argue it was man made. We'll probably never know the solution to this Chinese puzzle.)
Once again..., hermanito...
Nov 17th, 2020 - 05:52 pm - Link - Report abuse -3I am NOT citing any complicated..., possibly politicaly manipulated Covid19 statistics...
I am referring you to the simplest of Maths to demistify this (or any) pandemic...:
-“EXCESS MORTALITY DURING ANY DEFINITE PERIOD OF TIME ON ANY DEFINITE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA”
- For example..., more than 90% of those 14,483 dead Chileans in 2020 you mention are EXCESS MORTALITIES..., compared with same period in time and space in 2019..., 2018..., 2017..., 2016... etc..., etc..., etc...
That means...:
EXCESS MORTALITIES ON TOP of the influenza deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES ON TOP of the coronary deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES ON TOP of the cancer deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES ON TOP of the diabetes deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES ON TOP of the tuberculosis deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES on top of the dementia deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES on top of the diarrhoea deaths that have NOT disappeared...
EXCESS MORTALITIES on top of the MURDERING WIFES deaths that have NOT disappeared...
Capisce...?
Estimado THINK
Nov 17th, 2020 - 06:58 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Again I politely ask you to consider that worldwide influenza death statistics have not reflected what they SHOULD be — as many deaths related due to COVID-19 are also intertwined with other causes of mortality. This virus has been brutally vicious of the aged and we've lost a lot of healthy persons as well — but the predicted mortality statistics were completely wrong.
You proffer mortality maths and I answer with quotes...
“On a long enough timeline the survival rate for everyone drops to zero” or has John Maynard Keynes said “In the long run we are all dead”
Shakespeare used his character 'Shylock' to observe “The Devil can cite Scripture for his purpose” and it was Oscar Wilde who commented “The Devil can quote Shakespeare for his purpose” — in his exposé of politicians mixing fiction with facts...
Perhaps Mark Twain said it best: “Lies, dammed lies and statistics.”
I do remain respectfully observant of the ominous excess mortalities due to murdering wifes which you yourself has successfully escaped from....
¡Saludos!
Geeeeee...., milico...
Nov 17th, 2020 - 08:28 pm - Link - Report abuse -3- You are soooo cabezadura that I Think any jury in Shile would be lenient with your poor little wife after gently slittting your throat..., by sending her to a couple of years forced labour resocialization at the Auberge du Bois Prin..., where she would learn to speak properly..., prepare proper food to the guests and teach their little brats how to Ski Andino...
Estimado THINK
Nov 17th, 2020 - 10:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Back to Chicureo and have been informed by ma mariée that this evening's fare will be chicken roulade stuffed with tender artichoke hearts, pecans and Pecorino style cheese — accompanied with a chilled Viognier.
We have a small basket of ripening Cherimoyas in the kitchen which will be ready in a couple of days. (One of my favorite fruits.)
As I've mentioned she keeps her kitchen knives wickedly sharp. She may be of Catalan-Occitan blood — but has the cold gypsy heart of a Corsican.
After expertly slashing my jugular — she'd calmly place the bloody pairing knife in my lifeless cold palm and swear afterwards to the authorities — with her enchanting green eyes that I had sadly committed suicide...
What's not doubtable is that our children would take her side — but hopefully would insist I received a Christian burial...
Lately though — I've been subservient to her incessant demands — including allowing her to change the interior paint color of the farmhouse — which has shockingly appalled my cousins...
Yes, the matrimonial yoke chafes the vulnerable neck at times...
¡Saludos!
No pitayas..., no party...
Nov 17th, 2020 - 11:23 pm - Link - Report abuse -3For admirers of SOURDOUGH BREAD this is an excellent video for beginners baking sourdough that Madame herself approves of the commentary as the older the MOTHER starter — the better: https://youtu.be/S2Bc2Nwgqmk
Nov 18th, 2020 - 02:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0THINK: Regarding the age of the two Jacaranda trees — the nursery said they're about 8 years old and in addition to digging and replacing the near two meters of topsoil — we installed three tall posts to maintain and protect the the fast growing trees.
Meanwhile I've decided the barn concrete subfloor is sufficiently cured and we began laying the final common red terracotta tiles. (The old massive entry doors have been now also replaced with demolition doors from an old building in Talca and although refinished — we successfully varnished the wood to appear unfinished.)
The northern facing roof-eave has been installed with brackets and wiring for solar panels which will someday in the future be installed.
¡Saludos de Chile!
Niiiice...
Nov 18th, 2020 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse -2I reckon that..., if this “Che Copete” ever again drives through “Pelotillehue”..., he could stop at “El Jabalí Farsante” and ask where the fundo with them two baby jacarandáes lies...
Until then..., we Argies look forward to recieve the visit of Shilean capitán de navío (R) César Miranda..., to help us clarify some murky details of our recent milico history....
Wired the roof for the upcoming solar panels..., huhhhh?
You follow Sweden's Greta now..., I reckon... ;-)
Estimado THINK
Nov 18th, 2020 - 07:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Although I wouldn't recommend their cooking and they may not know yet about the Jacarandas — they'll easily recognize who we are and give you the easy directions to our modest orchards.
Give me notice — I'll invite you for lunch at the farmhouse and give a tour.
Miranda is one of the regrettable representatives of our navy — I have little sympathy for him. (I don't agree with endless persecution either.)
We have the precise measurements of the panels — but have not purchased (nor the lithium batteries) as we're waiting for an European subsidized loan through the fine agricultual specialist bankers at Rabobank.
We converted much of the exterior security lighting using solar panels two years ago — but the pumps remain our primary energy users that are currently on the electrical grid and backed with diesel backup.
Now with the green global politics — we'll eventually have a third power source which will be creatively financed at generous terms and heavily subsidized. The irritating detail is almost all the material is made in China — even though much of the design is European.
The other positive aspect is our customers — which are guiding us towards a more carbon neutral status — especially our grape customer Tesco.
We need to achieve recognition of the carbon absorption and oxygen contribution to our atmosphere from our orchards and vineyards.
As I always said — we adore foreign subsidies to make them feel more calm.
And you, how is the current zeitgeist there on the Mediterranean? Is there another lockdown in your area?
¡Saludos!
Hi Chicureo
Nov 19th, 2020 - 11:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0This thread took an unexpectedly morbid turn; I hope the pandemic isn't weighing on you too much. Sounds like your renovations are continuing well, at least. We are in lockdown again in England, it is all very tedious. Fingers crossed we will be allowed to visit family at Christmas.
Now there are two vaccines shown to work, hopefully the end is in sight and things can go back to normal before even more shops and businesses go bust.
Shicurèo...
Nov 19th, 2020 - 01:08 pm - Link - Report abuse -1As the above Anglo Turnip............... (who justifies last years military coup in Bolivia because he “Thought” it was “Strange” that the early vote count tendency favoured the opposition, shifting later in favour of the the incumbents..., and because the vote count was “Slow”... (God knows if the Turnip “Thinks” today that a military Coup in the USA is justified...))............... says, we are in lock-down almost everywhere in Europe...
A magnificent excuse to exercise my eremite tendencies..., enjoy a family free Christmas.., fish the adjacent waters on me Kayacat..., use & abuse Project Gutenberg..., practice some archery in the garden..., ., regulate me humble travelling bunch of mechanical watches..., telescope the nights away from me minuscule terrace...., and other similar useless pursuits that are quite difficult to concentrate on with a “practical priorities” Wifey nearby... ;-)
Don't get me wrong..., them feminine creatures are plain wonderful (and quite useful too)...
- Just had a whatsapp videocall with the dear neighbouresse that keeps an eye on them dogs who have chosen to tolerate me company...
They look..., content, pacified and very much fatter than six months ago...!
Wonder if they will ever want to return to our humble abode...?
Please give a treat to “Not Otto nor Fritz” from me...
El Think...
DemonTree
Nov 19th, 2020 - 01:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Good to hear from you and hope all is well with those you love.
Chile seems to have stabilized in COVID-19 related deaths. Certainly going into our warmer months is helpful and some people are already receiving the new vaccines.
Shopping malls and restaurants have all reopened with lots of restrictions — but people are coping fairly well. In many places — temperatures are taken of visitors automatically and there are limits to crowd sizes — but about 80% are at least partially open for business.
If you've followed my recent posts — we are ready for our annual employee Christmas party at the farm, an extended family Christmas in Chicureo and a blowout large New Years party in Viña.
2020 has been a terrible year — but serendipity has made it highly rewarding for our entire family.
Of course — this is Chile and things could wickedly change (such as an earthquake) but we are thankful for all our blessings.
Speaking of blessings — how is your daughter progressing?
Cheers!
Did Bismarck got his treat...?
Nov 19th, 2020 - 07:10 pm - Link - Report abuse -1Estimado THINK
Nov 19th, 2020 - 07:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I just finished (on the 'Inaugural Polar Pride' thread) referencing my intention to treat mein lieber Freund when I return to Chicureo.
Madame DeFarge was here on the farm today and left quite angry.
I will take her out to dine this evening on Chicureo's enormous lake where I'll settle the waves of anger due to the barn floor-tile misalignment. Our favorite restaurant there has some of the finest fresh oysters in Chile.
¡Saludos!
I see your root vegetable obsessed friend is still lying about me rather than admit he was wrong. I'd blame it on him being Argentine, but it's a very common fault among all nationalities... having studied science, I prefer to follow the evidence, even if that means changing my mind.
Nov 19th, 2020 - 10:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I'm glad things are improving in Chile. The weather makes a big difference, as you can see by the new lockdowns and increased restrictions across Europe.
How are you managing to hold an employee Christmas party with all the restrictions? Here even if you're getting married you can't have more than 15 guests. It's a real shame.
What has angered Madame Defarge? I thought the renovations were all going well?
My little girl is learning new things every day. She is crawling around and getting into everything, can sit up by herself, and now pull herself into a standing position. It's wonderful how quickly they change and develop. My nephew is also advanced and was climbing up and down when I did a video call with my sister. We're hoping to visit them once the current lockdown ends, but it's all subject to the whims of the government.
2020 will be remembered as a bad year by most, but for me it's the best year of my life because my daughter was born. :D
DemonTree
Nov 20th, 2020 - 12:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0I'm delighted hearing how your daughter is rapidly developing and obviously captured your heart. Our youngest is currently with her new love interest in Lago Panguipulli for the next couple of weeks. (They grow up so quickly and will never cease to understand the complex personalities that emerge — but it seems like she's found her partner and we highly approve.)
We replaced the barn dirt floor with a concrete subfloor and have covered the concrete with common red ceramic tiles. Instead of aligning the tiles at 45° to the walls — they instead laid them at 90°. Madame was furious — but tonight hopefully she'll be calmed.
You may remember that Madame enjoys making pottery and has a small studio in Chicureo. (Actually it's a hobby both our daughters and daughter-in-law also share.)
We also decided that additional bathrooms would be also convenient when we have large parties in the main garden. So we've been in the process of renovating our adobe barn into a ceramic workshop with new walls to enclose two guest bathrooms, a room for our motorcycles and tools — as well as a small room for a large kiln. (We had to remove the roof tiles and renovate our roof — but unlike England, it rarely ever rains during summer here.)
We've achieved having our traditional Independence Day celebration with our worker's families through the assistance of our highly resourceful Venezolana compliance employee who applied for all the bureaucratic permits to hold a safety seminar on the 18th of September — and will do the same for our Christmas party. (The Carabineros did not give us any trouble.)
We are practicing reasonable safety measures — but despite the pandemic panic — we have not seen serious cases in Panquehue. It seems that those wonderful butter cookie makers have the same opinion of the effectiveness about wearing facemasks: https://www.thelocal.dk/20201118/danish-study-finds-no-clear-evidence-face-masks-protect-wearer-from-covid-19-infection
Cheers!
I'm not surprised at the result of the study; the point of wearing masks is to protect other people, since it is possible to have the virus with no symptoms. (Something I think you are well aware of?) I trust you had a very healthy and safe independence day and will be doing the same for Christmas. ;)
Nov 20th, 2020 - 08:51 am - Link - Report abuse 0I hope Madame will soon forgive the error with the tiles. Sounds like everything else is going well, anyway. Have you made the plumbing large enough to accept toilet roll, so as to avoid the need for Terry's favourite waste receptacles?
You are lucky with the no rain thing. I know it's not true of all of Chile though, since it rained when we were there and sadly deprived us of seeing the view at the top of the trail. I was reminded of our trip when I saw the article about reopening borders. The loss of tourism must be a big problem for the people living in that area.
DemonTree
Nov 20th, 2020 - 02:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks for your kind comments. This morning ma mariée was in a very charming demeanor and prepared a late morning breakfast of eggs benedict with avocado and toasted sourdough with fresh squeezed tangerine juice. (I'm working in Chicureo today.)
As you mentioned, some of our immediate family, including myself, were COVID infected but were asymptomatic.
Of our 61 permanent (now 63) employees — two took sick leave of two weeks suffering very mild symptoms, but now have returned to work.
We are fortunate to have the assistance of an university educated Venezulana who's position is supervise all the numerous health requirements — which she's very adept. We are taking reasonable precautions — but the frequent washing of hands with soap has been an obsession.
Regarding rain — Chile's north has the driest desert on earth. (Some large areas of it have had no recorded rain since the Conquistadors.)
In the far south — we have one of the rainiest places in the world. Our central area is very similar to California with a variety of microclimates where my ancestors settled. (Rarely we receive summer rain — which is a serious threat to our table grapes.)
It's wonderful for growing crops — as long as there is sufficient snowpack in the Andes.
Regarding farm bathrooms: You'll remember, not too long ago the farmhouse facilities was limited to a single port-a-potty. Today the only relic of the bathroom past is my grandmother's gigantic cast iron (completely re-enamled) bathtub that was manufactured around 1920.
Regarding our root obsessed colleague — if you read my correspondence with him, you'll note that the insults inflicted — roll off my back like a duck in the water.
I recognize his education (even though his opinions are generally diametrically opposite of my own) and sometimes even admire his intellect.
CS Lewis's 'Screwtape Letters' comes to mind.
Also, he's been very polite not to expose my past particulars which shows he has manners.
Cheers!
Your meals always sound amazing. And there am I having Weetabix for breakfast. :( I did try something new the other day, making fishcakes out of left over salmon, which turned out well, but that's about as adventurous as it gets. I used to enjoy experimenting with new dishes, now we're just trying to persuade the baby to eat some food.
Nov 22nd, 2020 - 11:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Glad to hear your employees are all okay. Now that you're coming into summer hopefully infection rates will reduce - and fingers crossed they'll start rolling out a vaccine in a few months. It'll be weird to go back tos normal again. One nice side effect of the virus is working from home full time means getting to spend more time with the baby.
Chile's weather sounds like the Goldilocks story: too dry, too wet and just right. I bet most of the people live in the middle bit. Perhaps we can go back one day and see a bit more of the country. I'd like to visit Peru, too, and see some of the Incan ruins.
Re Sr Nabo, I don't think he's stupid, but everyone is wrong sometimes. He can say he's humble as many times as Uriah Heep, but actions speak louder than words. And he wasn't so polite about not exposing Islander1's identity, either.
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