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Yearly Archives: 2023

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Mrs Hinch has opened up about how thankful she is to have her son home from hospital to celebrate his birthday with him.

The cleaning influencer, Sophie Hinchliffe, detailed the worrying past 10 days they have experienced after her son, Ron, was hospitalised after being diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. 

With Ron returning home the night before his fourth birthday, Mrs Hinch ensured to make his big day extra special. 

Taking to Instagram to share a sweet video to her 4.7M followers of their family singing Happy Birthday to Ron as he blew out the candles on his birthday cake, the mum-of-two revealed how they spent the day. 

Credit: Mrs Hinch Instagram

Sophie captions the post, “Magical. Happy 4th Birthday Our Darling Ron. Thank you for blessing us every single day, you have no idea just how loved and special you are”. 

“We have spent every second of today celebrating Ron. Doing our everyday simple little routines at home that he just absolutely loves to do. From feeding our animals, watering plants and playing McDonald’s drive thru with Len”.

Hinchliffe continued, “We’ve had cake, opened presents as a family and Ive watched his every single move in complete admiration”.

“Just seeing Ronnie home , eating, drinking, smiling and then bathing him ready for bed is just the best feeling on earth. Mummy, Daddy and Lennie love you beyond words Ronnie. Happy 4th birthday baby! YOU DID IT!!”, she sweetly added. 

Credit: Mrs Hinch Instagram

Many of Sophie’s fans headed to the comments to send birthday wishes to her eldest son.

One fan penned, “So pleased you could all have today at home with each other… Happy 4th Birthday Ronnie”.

“Happy birthday to your special boy. Wishing him a speedy recovery”, wrote a second fan. 

A third added, “So glad he’s home for his birthday. Sending love and lots of birthday wishes”.

Reposting the video to her Instagram Stories, Mrs Hinch shared her joy that Ron made it home from hospital for his birthday. 

Credit: Mrs Hinch Instagram

“YOU DID IT! We made it home in time Ron. Happy 4th birthday our little soldier. We love you beyond words”.

Mrs Hinch spoke out about Ron’s rare diagnosis of Kawasaki disease earlier this week, revealing the condition causes the blood vessels to swell throughout the body.

“We have spent the past 10 days living what felt like a real life nightmare… Seeing Ron this way kicked me with a fear and desperation I’ve never felt in my whole life”.

We're so glad to see Ron home from the hospital and enjoying his birthday. 

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Award winning Artist Niamh McCann is joining forces with Venice Biennale architect Peter Carroll and Grammy nominated Iarla Ó Lionáird (The Gloaming) for an exclusive evening of art and music at the historical site of Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge House, Co. Meath on Thursday, 27th July.

‘Someone decides, hawk or dove’ by artist Niamh McCann was commissioned as part of the programme for ART:2023, a Decade of Centenaries collaboration from The Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

To celebrate the commission and collaboration, Solstice Arts Centre is hosting the first presentation of this project, a summer evening of art, spoken word and music with a drinks reception and musical performance set in the stunning surroundings of the walled garden at Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge House, Co. Meath on 27th July at 7pm.

Walled garden at Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge House, Co. Meath
 

The event will feature a sculpture/structure ‘Turn Again’ developed by Niamh McCann in collaboration with architect Peter Carroll with designed bespoke seating and a commissioned musical ensemble with specially composed music by Grammy nominated artist Iarla Ó Lionáird (The Gloaming) and singer Ceara Conway. Other musical performers are to be announced. These pieces of work invite the audience to reflect on the decade of centenaries, and the institutionalisation of the border on the island of Ireland.

Niamh McCann said at today’s launch:

“The Boyne Valley offers a rich and resonant setting for ‘Someone decides, hawk or dove.’ It’s a setting that reminds us of shared pasts with divergent narratives. I am really pleased that this project is being showcased in such a historically vibrant location and on a site that continues to hold an important place in the life and imagination of this country as we reflect on our past and on our future.”

The event will be introduced by Catriona Crowe, Historian and former Head of Special Projects at National Archives of Ireland followed by a 40-minute musical performance within the octagonal walled garden. An installation version of ‘Someone decides, hawk or dove’, sculpture and sound, will remain in the Octagonal Gardens, Oldbridge House for a further two weeks. The project will travel to other locations around the country including the National Sculpture Factory, Cork and MAC Belfast as well as Stable Arts, Washington DC in association with Solas Nua.

Belinda Quirke, Director of Solstice Arts Centre and Curator of ‘Someone decides, hawk or dove’ said today:

“This unique collaborative project by Niamh McCann brings together an assemblage of superb artists for ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’ – a project that emerges from the 100-year anniversary of the institutionalisation of a border on the island of Ireland, the establishment of the separation between North and South. It has been a personal pleasure working with all artists, particularly with Niamh and Iarla in the development of the work. Our sincere thanks to the OPW and staff at Oldbridge House, and The Arts Council, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in recognising and supporting the ambition of this project by Solstice Arts Centre under its ART:2023 award. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Battle of the Boyne Heritage site at Oldbridge House on 27th July.”

www.solsticeartscentre.ie.

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Stacey Solomon has shared the sweetest message for her big sister Jemma. 

The Tap to Tidy author had a multitude of kind words to say about Jemma as she celebrated her latest work venture with her. 

Jemma has just released her first book, Love, Lists and Labels, and Stacey clearly couldn’t be more proud of her according to her touching tribute. 

Credit: Stacey Solomon Instagram

Sharing a collection of photos of herself and her sister dressed in gorgeous pink dresses at Jemma’s book launch party to her 5.7M Instagram followers, Stacey detailed how Jemma is not only her sister, but her best friend. 

The 33-year-old captioned the post, “To my big sister, my best friend, my guardian angel. Today is all about you”.

“For all of our lives you’ve looked out for me, protected me, lifted me up & been the best cheerleader I could have ever wished for. Today I got to be that person for you. I love you so much Jem honestly don’t know what I’d do without you”.

Credit: Stacey Solomon Instagram

“My sister wrote a bloody BOOK. It’s amazing, I’m so so proud & today I got to be there to watch her launch it and shine her beautiful bright light in front of all of her family & friends and it was an absolute honour!”.

Solomon lovingly closed off by adding, “Good luck @label.lady.1 not that you need it! But to the moon and stars and back again! Forever and always”.

Many of Stacey and Jemma’s fans headed to the comments to share how wonderful their relationship is. 

Credit: Jemma Solomon Instagram

One follower wrote, “Love how close you both are! I really hope Rose and Belle grow up to be as close as you both are”.

“That's such a lovely picture of you&your sister, so nice that you two sisters get along, you are both clearly very much best friends”, penned a second fan.

A third added, “Such an incredible bond that you both have. Beautiful words and lovely post”.

Jemma also commented on the post to say, “Love you so much xxxx”.

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To celebrate the launch of new products across their range, NeoStrata hosted a fun and informative event at the Irish Georgian Society on South William St Dublin, hosted by TV presenter and brand ambassador Muireann O Connell.

Muireann O Connell chats with Gillian MacMahon
 

Muireann was interviewed on stage by Neostrata Skincare Expert Gillian MacMahon to find out her beauty and skincare secrets. With over 112k followers on Instagram, there was lots of questions from the audience eager to hear Muireann’s skincare routine and must-haves.

Niamh Molloy and Julie Millen
 

Joining the fun evening soiree were media and beauty influencers including Sally Foran, Paul Bray, Elaine Cruz, Julie Millen and Stacey Doyle.

Kyle Fitzpatrick, Stacey Doyle and Cian Fitzpatrick
 

Guests enjoyed pink prosecco and canapes in the cool vaulted Georgian room, shielded from the heat of the city.

NeoStrata Marketing Manager Nuala-Anne Curley
 

NeoStrata marketing manager Nuala-Anne Curley talked about the heritage of the cosmeceutical brand, founded by Dr Van Scott and Dr Ruey Yu, who are the recognised inventors and founders of alpha and poly hydroxy acid technology (AHAs and PHAs) revolutionising modern skincare. The doctors have been awarded by The Dermatology Foundation for their outstanding contributions to dermatology and the major impact of their inventions and research.

Aoife Cody Kane and Lorna Gilligan
 

Guests were treated to goody bags with DEFEND tinted mattifying SPF50 broad spectrum sunscreen, ideal for the current heatwave, and SKIN ACTIVE Cellular Restoration, a multi-action antiaging night cream to hydrate and plump the skin.

Neostrata is available in Allcare, Mulligans, Adrian Dunne, and salons and pharmacies nationwide.

Find your perfect products from the extensive range HERE.

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Calling all Swifties!

Taylor Swift has just announced a stream of European concert dates for The Eras Tour.

The Cruel Summer hitmaker is currently touring the United States with her popular setlist, and is also due to perform in cities in South America later this year.

Following rumours over the past few days that international dates were on the horizon, Taylor has finally taken to social media to confirm her next destinations.

Credit: Taylor Swift Twitter

“EXCUSE ME HI I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY,” the 33-year-old teased, referring to her hit single Anti Hero. 

“I can’t wait to see so many of you on The Eras Tour next year at these new international dates!” Taylor gushed, before telling fans to check her website “for more information on your registrations, pre-sales and on-sales!!”

Taylor will visit Japan, Australia and Singapore in February and March of next year, before she begins her European leg in Paris in May.

In terms of UK and Ireland dates, the Grammy-award winning singer has announced that she will be touring in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff, London and Dublin.

Taylor is due to perform at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on June 28 and 29 respectively. Meanwhile, she will be spreading out four legendary performances at Wembley Stadium in London in June and August.

The support act for Taylor’s European leg has yet to be announced. Stars such as Phoebe Bridgers, Hayley Williams and Gracie Abrams have already accompanied the singer on her sellout tour in the United States.

Many fans have since taken to social media to express their excitement at the long-awaited news.

Credit: Taylor Swift Twitter

“Well I’m quitting my job. This is my itinerary for next year,” one fan teased.

“WE ARE SCREAMING,” exclaimed another.

We can’t wait for Taylor’s anticipated arrival in Europe next summer!

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Vicky Pattison has opened up about her journey with freezing her eggs.

The former Geordie Shore star has remained candid with her fans throughout the process of freezing her eggs.

Now, Vicky has taken the time to openly discuss the process and reveal the reason behind her decision.

The 35-year-old appeared on Lorraine earlier today and got teary as she spoke to host Lorraine Kelly and Dr Hilary Jones about her experience.

Credit: ITV

“When you're freezing your eggs you're so focused on the end goal… you don't even consider the journey and how you get there,” Vicky explained. “I actually think that was a huge reason why I've decided to do this. I just think most women who do it are unprepared, so I underestimated the process.”

The former I’m A Celeb winner then went on to detail the logic behind her decision. “I've had moments where I think, ‘Come on just do it now,’ but the thing is, I'm trying to be responsible,” she stated.

Credit: Vicky Pattison Instagram

“I want to be the very best parent I can be, and in order to be that, I have to do it at the right time. So I'm hoping that in the next couple of years I'll be able to conceive naturally, but if I can't and if anything does happen, I have that security blanket so to speak,” she added.

Vicky, who got engaged to former TOWIE star Ercan Ramadan in February of last year, noted that three of the couple’s embryos survived the fertilization and blastocyst process, meaning that they have been frozen and can be used in the future.

Credit: Vicky Pattison Instagram

“Women want more but the only thing that hasn't changed is this ticking time clock – this biological clock that we are beholden to. And it's scary,” Vicky confessed.

“I want to enjoy being his fiancée. I want to enjoy being his wife. And when the time's right, I want to enjoy being a mother,” she concluded.

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Jessie Wynter has revealed she was rushed to hospital after her drink was spiked. 

The former Love Island star opened up about the scary incident after sharing photos of herself in hospital while on a trip to Chicago with her boyfriend Will.

After many concerned messages from fans, Jessie has detailed the reasons behind her hospital stay, explaining that she was spiked and felt ‘embarrassed’ that it happened to her but wanted to share the situation online to remind people to be careful when out drinking.

Jessie posted photos of her asleep in a hospital bed as well as pictures of her with medical patches on different parts of her body to her 912K Instagram followers.

Credit: Jessie Wynter Instagram

In the caption, she explained, “I wasn’t sure if I should post this as I felt so embarrassed but the other night I was unfortunately rushed to hospital after my drink was spiked. I was so lucky that I was with Will and he looked after me throughout the whole time especially because it was so scary”.

“It was such an awful and scary situation to be in and it breaks my heart that this is something people need to look out for”.

“If you’re out drinking please always make sure you’re with someone who you trust and please be careful when sitting your drinks down or accepting drinks off others. It’s so sad that this even has to be a reminder but unfortunately it’s the harsh reality.

Jessie went on to say that unfortunately there were other women who had also been spiked on the same night that were rushed to hospital too.

Credit: Jessie Wynter Instagram

“I’m so grateful to have been around so many supportive people who got me safely to hospital. It was so scary, in the hospital there were other girls arriving in the exact same condition I was in and the nurses said we had all tested with the same thing in our system”.

“I felt so embarrassed that this had happened to me and felt like this was all my fault and I can imagine others have been in the same position may feel the same but this is your reminder that this is not at all your fault and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about”.

“The people that should feel embarrassed and ashamed are the awful people who choose to spike other peoples drinks, not the victim”.

The former reality TV star closed off by adding, “Thanks for all the lovely messages and I pray that this doesn’t happen to any of you out there. I also send love to anyone else who has been put in the same or worse situations”.

Credit: Jessie Wynter Instagram

Many fans and friends of Jessie’s rushed to the comments to share their support and to send her well-wishes. 

Former Love Island star Sharon Gaffka wrote, “Please don’t feel embarrassed, it’s not your fault! The only person who should feel embarrassed is the person who did this to you! Sending you a big hug and I’m always here if you need me”.

“Must have been terrifying! Thank you for raising awareness on something that’s happening all the time everyone needs to be so careful”, penned singing twins Jedward.

Jessie’s boyfriend, Will Young, also commented to say, “I love you so much!! Nothing to be embarrassed or scared to speak up about – i got you”.

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Jessie J has shared an emotional post about her journey to motherhood after welcoming her baby boy into the world. 

Jessie gave birth to her son, Sky, back in May and has now opened up about being told in the past that she couldn’t have children and was advised to get a hysterectomy. 

Sharing a touching video consisting of sweet moments of Jessie with her partner Chanan and their newborn son to her 13.3M Instagram followers, the Price Tag singer shared intimate details about never giving up hope of becoming a mum and reflected on her heartbreaking miscarriage.

Credit: Jessie J Instagram

Jessie captioned the video, which is set to her moving song Four Letter Word, “I wrote this song years after I was told I couldn’t have children in 2014. In 2015 I was told I needed a hysterectomy to cure the pain I felt most days. I said no thank you and instead changed my diet and took a spiritual journey to healing”.

“In 2021 I lost a baby, but I never gave up hope. Ever. Not once. Hope that whatever way I became a mother would always come to me in the right time. Naturally or not. I wanted to have a baby”.

The 35-year-old then spoke about discovering she was pregnant with Sky. 

Credit: Jessie J Instagram

“In September 2022 in an airport in Rio Brazil I found out I was pregnant. I fell pregnant in the Sky. This song hits so different now… I would say this is the end of the baby spam. But it won’t be”.

“I have never felt more in my body and purpose as I do right now.Who I am as an artist is who I am in my life. Being a Mum is now a huge part of my identity and existence and I will celebrate it at every chance I get. Sky is 11 days old in these pictures”.

Jessie also joked that the tiredness of having a newborn had hit her as she closed off by adding, “Thank you @hannah.macgregor.photo.film for making me take these even though I was half asleep”.

Many fans of the Bang Bang singer headed to the comments to commend her honesty and share how moving it is to see her with her baby boy.

Credit: Jessie J Instagram

One fan wrote, "A lot of celebrities hide their lives but I love you share your ups and downs and now we get to watch the biggest high in your life and see your special man. Your story is the story of most women so thank you".

"So emotional to have followed your journey and now be able to see you the absolute happiest you’ve ever been. Just makes me cry thinking about it. You knew you would be a Mom one day. We knew too. And you did. You’re the resilience in human form", penned a second fan.

A third added, "Such beautiful pictures. So happy for you that your belief in yourself and your body let you heal and gave you your baby sky".

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Triton, the UK’s leading shower manufacturer, has launched an innovative new electric shower with diverter kit, the Amore DuElec and we have one to give away!

Combining a fixed, overhead rainfall drencher with a handheld shower head, it’s easy to customise your showering experience by diverting water between the two luxurious options – or using both together for a really invigorating blast.

The stylish Amore DuElec combines contemporary looks with intuitive technology. It has touch-activated controls paired together with an OLED display, which clearly and accurately highlights selected power and temperature settings.

Available in white or black as above

Available in two different finishes – gloss black and gloss white – the product has a slender riser rail that coordinates seamlessly with modern fixtures. A wide-diameter shower head with rub clean nozzles has been added for quick and easy cleaning, while Triton has also included an anti-twist hose for extra safety – to prevent unwanted kinks and blockages.

Furthermore, Triton’s Amore DuElec offers an energy-efficient way to heat and use water, for a cleaner conscience when showering. By heating instantly and on demand, it avoids unnecessary wastage without compromising on performance. Every drop of water saved makes a difference, so you can wash without worrying about overusing precious resources or unnecessarily inflating household bills.

The Amore DuElec has an RRP of €470.

Also from Triton, the Amala electric shower puts cutting-edge design at the heart of your bathroom.  The stylish look comes with easy to use illuminated soft touch buttons, modern styling with brushed brass or brushed copper effect trims and temperature dials.

It has a user-friendly Start/Stop push button to help you select your favourite shower setting every time.  It also includes a phased shutdown which flushes out pre-heated water after use to help reduce limescale build up.

Available in brushed brass or brushed copper as above

The sleek black kit includes a 1.5m hose with an easy clean five spray pattern shower head and a stylish slender riser rail kit for a minimalist appeal. It includes a 2-year parts and labour guarantee.

The Amala has an RRP of €340.

The Triton range is distributed exclusively in Ireland through Earthridge International Ltd., Dowdstown, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Tel: (01) 628 6845.  For more information visit www.tritonshowers.ie or www.earthridge.ie.

Giveaway time!

We have a Triton’s spa-style Amore DuElec electric shower with diverter kit to give way to one lucky follower.  To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in your details below.

Giveaway closed

This giveaway is now closed – Anna Murphy, Connemara – you are our winner.  We have sent you an email.  Thank you for all of your entries.

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A man has been remanded in custody after being accused of assisting an offender in the death of Chloe Mitchell.

34-year-old Ryan Johnston Gordon, who lives at an address in Nursery Close in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, appeared in Ballymena Magistrates' Court for a short hearing earlier this morning. Mr Gordon appeared via video link from Maghaberry Prison for the case.

During the hearing, the accused’s barrister stated that he was not applying for bail at this time. In the end, the court concluded that Mr Gordon should be remanded in custody for a further two weeks, until July 6.

Mr Gordon has been accused of assisting 26-year-old Brandon John Rainey, who has already been charged with Chloe’s murder.

21-year-old Chloe was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, June 3 in Ballymena town centre.

An extensive search for Chloe was launched after her family reported her as missing. Sadly, just over a week later on June 11, suspected human remains were found. The discovery led detectives to officially launch a murder inquiry into Chloe’s death.

Speaking to BBC News NI following the discovery of the human remains, Chloe’s brother Philip expressed the difficulties he and his family have been facing.

Credit: BBC

“I wouldn't want any family to go through this, it's just a living hell really and there's no words,” he said.

Chloe, who was the youngest of five siblings, was also spoken of lovingly by her elder sister Nadine.

"My sister will always be living, while I am, because she had half of my heart and I currently have half of hers,” she noted.

A vigil to remember Chloe was held in both her hometown of Ballymena and in Belfast last week.

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Janette Manrara has shared an honest pregnancy update as she prepares to welcome her first child into the world. 

The former Strictly Come Dancing star announced she was expecting a little one with her husband Aljaž Škorjanec back in February after revealing the couple were struggling with fertility issues.

As she revealed she is now in the ‘final stages’ of pregnancy, Janette has opened up about the ‘tough night’ she experienced last night.

Credit: Janette Manrara Instagram

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the professional dancer told her 532K followers about the latest pregnancy symptom she is experiencing as her blossoming baby bump continues to grow.

“Hi team, I thought I’d keep it real and say I had an awful, awful night’s sleep last night. My back is starting to really hurt because the belly’s getting big”.

“So I’m doing a lot of stretching and I’m trying to kind of keep myself mobile, but the night’s are proving to be a little bit tough and last night was really tough”.

Credit: Janette Manrara Instagram

Janette continued, “I don’t think I got more than like two hours now in the morning straight through. The joys of being pregnant in the last few stages”.

“But nothing a good OJ and maybe a nap in the afternoon cannot fix”, she cheerily said before adding how grateful she is that back pain has been the worst of her symptoms.

“Also though in hindsight if back pain is the worst that I’ve been dealing with so far then I’m very grateful and I keep saying it but I’m counting my blessings with this pregnancy”.

Credit: Janette Manrara Instagram

“Back pain is all I have to deal with, it’s fine, a hot water bottle can fix that. Baby is growing big and healthy and that’s the most important thing”.

Giggling, the 39-year-old went on to say, “Mama can deal with some back pain and I can sleep… at some point”.

“I genuinely do count my blessings of having had an amazing pregnancy because I know it’s not the case for many women out there”.

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Paige Thorne has been addressing some burning Love Island rumours!

The former star, who took part in last year’s summer series, has recently faced speculation that current contestant Scott Van Der Sluis is her ex-fiancé. Now, Paige has chosen to break her silence and confront theories from Love Island viewers.

Last night, the 25-year-old Welsh paramedic took to her Instagram stories and opened up to her followers through a Q&A.

Credit: ITV

One of the first questions Paige was faced with was whether or not she was previously engaged to footballer Scott.

“False news! Absolutely touring for him though,” she penned in response.

The reality star was then asked how she and Scott know each other.

“Met him around 3 years ago through a friend whilst he was living in Swansea,” Paige replied.

Credit: ITV

Unsurprisingly, many of Paige’s 1.4M Instagram followers queried if she has rekindled her romance with her ex Jacques O’Neill. The pair were coupled up during Love Island’s 2022 series and faced tribulations in Casa Amor, but their relationship abruptly ended when Jacques chose to leave the villa without her.

“This kinda question asked alot,” Paige joked in response to fans. “Not too much to say on this because there’s honestly nothing to really say. However we are on good terms and just want each other to be happy.”

Following Jacques’ departure, Paige went on to date bombshell Adam Collard on the show. The couple ended their relationship in October of last year, and Adam later went on to admit that he purposefully chose Paige, who was “the right person to stay on the show.”

Credit: ITV

In her Q&A, Paige was asked if Adam’s admission of a game plan hurt her feelings.

“Only things that hold value in your life can hurt you,” she wrote. 

“Let’s not forget it was a game show some were just better at playing it than others. Also a long time ago now so it really doesn’t matter anymore,” she concluded.

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