December 22nd, 2024 The RUN is 56 out of 56 Weeks.
CRITERIA: Waist high or better at least once a week.
There were chest high waves on 12-12-24 and 12-17-24
And head high on 12-21-24
THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN A ROW FOR WAIST HIGH OR BETTER. August 8th, 2021 was 53 WEEKS! TOPPING THE 43 CONSECUTIVE WEEKS SET IN 2009! |
Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously.
By 10AM. Make sure they are 1300 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me.
Thank you.
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics. |
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NEXT BLOG January 5th, 2025.
All future Blogs will be posted on the 1st and 3rd week of every month (give or take a day). *Also in the event of any significant swell I will post the week of that swell. Although the blog is now bi-weekly, I'm certainly not gonna pass up a decent swell. So while it's basically going to be every other week, I left it open for some wiggle room.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKAH! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tis the season. I don't know many people who truly hate the Holiday season. I know they are out there, I just don't know of any. I do know people/friends who get depressed during the Holidays. Especially those who recently lost a loved one or pet. And those individuals have every reason earth to be sad. But aside from those who are suffering from recent losses and breakups, the majority of us have positive attitudes and feelings about the holidays. There's one particular story in my book that I wrote about that entails my own childhood Christmas Eve experience. I loved Christmas Eve as a child. That magic was real for me. And to a certain extent, it still is.
And I am fortunate enough today to be able to witness that same magic in the eyes of our grandchildren. That magic is real in their eyes.
December 23rd, 2024 will mark the 41st anniversary
of Cory and I meeting each other. We met at SPIT on Lansdowne Street on December 23rd, 1983. This photo is from last year's 40th anniversary.
Three years later on this same date I asked her to marry me.
Our daughter Noelle and her husband Pete also share this date. Pete asked Noelle
to marry him on this date in 2018. Suffice it to say, December 23rd in our home has a special meaning. And on Christmas Day, our son Max asked Jacquie to marry him. BAM!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKHAH! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Ed O'Connell was one of the most loved surf photographers in New England. A US ARMY Vietnam Veteran who saved the lives of so many ARMY Grunts in Nam in 68-69 as a Medic on board those Dust Off Hueys.
He was a close and dear friend of mine.
When he passed on July 1st, 2014 I swore I'd keep his memory and legacy alive by giving him this weekly corner. He loved surfing and he loved taking photos of all the surfers. Not just those who could really stand out. He shot every one. As long as I shall live and breathe the salt air, there will be a corner dedicated to Ed.
ED'S CORNER December 22nd, 2024
This photo of me was taken on this date 14 years ago. December 22nd, 2010. Ed was always there for me when I was out catching my daily wave. Looking at this photo I was reminded of how I could actually surf on a shortboard. There were times when I never thought I'd never not be able to surf on a shortboard. But life has a funny way of catching up to all of us. But as they say...life goes on. Merry Christmas Ed.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
COMING SOME TIME IN EARLY WINTER/SPRING OF 2025
I apologize for this taking so damn long, but I've had so many crazy stories in my life that I needed to include them all. Though the shorter printed version will only have the best of the best. It's basically my memoir. The last 73 plus years of my life all condensed into two formats. The shorter printed version and the longer Online version.
The problem is I need to cut down the 1000 page Online version down to 350-450 to fit in the printed version. And to be completely honest with you, I am having a hard time deciding what stays and what goes. I have been literally spinning my wheels and it has been beyond frustrating. At times I feel like a complete failure. It has been beyond stressful. And I have jokingly said that this book will be the death of me yet.
I'm joking (sort of). All kidding aside, it has been stressful.
UPDATE: I did hire a professional editor to cut through my story and take out the fat and leave the prime beef. Having my life stories ending up on the cutting room floor has been difficult at best. So I bit the bullet and hired a team of BEST SELLER editors. I hope this will expedite the process. Fingers crossed.
This book that I have been writing will be available in both hard cover and soft cover on AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE, INGRAM, GOOGLE BOOKS, and KOBO PUBLISHING.
Meanwhile enjoy the blue lights on our Japanese Maple.
We have all blue lights and all white lights in the front of our home. And in the backyard is the old fashioned Big bulbs. Gotta love the Big Bulbs.
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PAUL AND RINGO TOGETHER AGAIN.
As most of you know, I am a huge Beatles fan. And though I never saw The Beatles live I have seen Paul three times. Once in 1976, once in 1990, and then the last time in 2022. I have never seen any of the other Beatles. And I suppose it will be one of the biggest regrets of my life. But this had to have been special for both surviving members of the biggest Rock group in the history of R&R. I'm sure they both thought about John and George. How could they not. Man, they were the best of all time.
PAUL IS REUNITED WITH HIS LONG LOST BASS
I am always amazed to hear about famous musicians having their instruments stolen from them. I guess I'll never understand the mindset of a criminal. But long story short. Paul's original Hofner violin bass that he bought in 1961 was stolen in 1972. He organized a team to find it and lo and behold they did.
This is Paul with old mate Ronnie Wood with his old bass. Paul who is 81 years old has lived an amazing life. And I am not going to mince any words here, if I live long enough to be around when he passes, it will be one of the saddest days of my life. But knowing Macca, he will outlive us all. God Bless Paul McCartney and God Bless The Beatles.
I've known Andrea Giani for a few years now. We met Online and I have shared his photos with you guys before. These pics (down in the galleries) were recently featured in a SURFLINE SWELL STORIES. I was worried about Andrea exposing all these spots in Italy as they are not very consistent. And I don't care where surfers live they ALL are very protective about their local home-breaks. Andrea seemed a bit naive about that happening and I tried to explain to him he could possibly open the floodgates to bigger crowds. But he's a young surf photographer and he wants to get his name and work out there. I do get it.
But it's a double edge sword. Be careful my Italian pisan of what you wish for. This could come back to bite you in the culo (Italian for ass).
Check out his gallery down in the photo section. Click on any of his photos to see the full gallery.
NEW 2025 RALPH'S PIC CALENDARS ARE IN. CLICK ON THE PIC.
Every month is an empty wave shot. See what I did there? Each month has an empty wave shot of that particular month that is guaranteed to get your attention. Nobody can complain that I didn't include you in the calendar because it's all empty wave pics. Nobody made the calendar.
I'm selling them for $20. Just send me an email ralph@adlantic.com or pick one up at Cinnamon Rainbows.
“SURFING, MUSIC, and CALENDARS HEALS ALL WOUNDS.”
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WELCOME HOME KIM GRONDIN
The best news of the day was local surf mom Kim Grondin came home after a lengthy stay in the hospital. Our prayers were answered as she came home for Christmas. I guess we could also call this a "Christmas Miracle." Welcome home Kim!.
Kim Grondin is HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. That's the best news we've heard in a long time. Everyone is so relieved that their queen is home. And nobody is more happy than Kim herself. Merry Christmas to the whole Grondin Family.
*I have to say that Kevin has been an outstanding father and husband the whole time Kim was in the hospital. I was impressed with his daily updates and his detailed reports.
You're a good man Kevin.
I'm really surprised to see the attitude that so many people have with this young assassin Luigi Mangione. Especially all the young women. The man shot and murdered a father of two. He shot him in the back. Like John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln and Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon. In the back. Like a coward. A weasel. A lowlife assassin. Well he's now sitting in a jail cell in the same wing that Sean P Diddy is sitting. So poor Luigi became an overnight celebrity by murdering Brian Thompson a CEO for United Healthcare. Thompson was a father, husband, and friend to many.
I get that the healthcare system has some bad apples and have denied help to some in desperate need. But that's not the case with Luigi. Luigi comes from a very wealthy family. Well Ole Khaliddy wasn't about to let this story slip by without getting a story in the GITMO GAZETTE. Much to the dismay of his thousands of followers. Many of which are donating money to his defense fund. It's crazy.
Suffice it to say, The Sheik and Luigi had a few choice words to share with each other before Luigi was whisked off to Diddy's wing. Happy Holidays to all those sitting in jail. Especially Diddy and Luigi. And as soon as The Sheik's story gets printed in the GG I'll let you people know. Meanwhile...enjoy this meme.
And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed). *Note to self -must pick up a case of MARIO AND LUIGI Video games at Home Depot this week.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANUKKAH!
REST IN PEACE Andy Paley 73.
REST IN PEACE Dickie Brynes.
HAPPY 41st ANNIVERSARY Cory December 23rd, 2024!
HAPPY 4th Engagement Anniversary Pete and Noelle!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tony Berardini December 24th, 2024!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Jesus December 25th, 2024!
HAPPY 1st Engagement to Mackey and Jacquie 12-25-24!
KEEP FIGHTING Robert Gerard! You Got This Brother!
Please keep LOCAL SURF LEGEND Norm Murphy in your thoughts and prayers.
"SURFING HEALS ALL WOUNDS."
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 19 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo
from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember
my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surfing Is Supposed to be Fun.
Ralph
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Everybody loves seeing the old pics of surfing. Especially here in Northern New England. If you have any old pics please send them off to me via email or social media. My email is ralph@adlantic.com
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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM 1955.
This is me at age 5 on Christmas morning. I'm holding onto my Davey Crockett musket while wearing my twin Fanner Fifty toy handguns. I'm sure there are parents out there who are frowning over this image. Truth be told, lots of kids from the 50's and 60's had toy guns. And I may be a little off but I'm guessing that 90% of us never went on to become criminals. Though a bunch of us did go in the service. And many more went into law enforcement. Photo by Gus Fatello
*Click on the photo above to see a larger image
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I kept a daily Blog on my CATCH A WAVE FOR MOLLY surf campaign, when I surfed every single day for 365 consecutive days. Click on the Banner above to read entries of my daily journey. There's some really interesting and true experiences
that happened during that year. Some of which are to this day, unexplainable. Some are just mind blowing. But all true.
I started on July 26th, 2010 and ended on July 26th, 2011.
Some rainy Sunday, pour yourself a cup and go through the journal.
Pay close attention to the month of May in 2011. Read that month and let me know what you think of that. Be forewarned it will change you forever.
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All photos taken this week unless otherwise noted.
Today- WINTER SOLSTICE Saturday December 21st, 2024.
Photos by RALPH
(Above) Matt Colby was getting barreled on every other wave.
Winter Solstice Saturday December 21st, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the Menu and other
important info on their Somerville restaurant and all the
other AMERICAN FLATBREAD locations.
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(Above) Crowley Gentile twisting in the wind. Winter Solstice
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Jon Kiskinis inside a Winter Solstice wave.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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The Haffenreffer family have been helping seacoast families
with their holistic health and optimal wellness for decades.
Welcome Solsticenh.com Melinda is a local NH surfer.
Click on the ad above to visit her site.
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(Above) Colby slapping the snot out of this inside runner.
Winter Solstice Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Our festive Japanese Maple. Winter Solstice
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Best EAST COAST Coverage on the Internet.
NEW Client to the BLOG WELCOME 935 OCEAN
Click on the ad to find out where to stay the next time
you're in town.
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Today- TUESDAY December 17th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH
(Above) The perfect peak on Tuesday December 17th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The waves were so nice and the air temps were 65 degrees.
Tuesday December 17th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to see the NEW SURFER'S JOURNAL
DIPG THE CURE STARTS NOW
To learn more about Evan and his journey click here https://thecurestartsnow.org/sup.../view-heroes/evan-austin/
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(Above) This guy had this to himself. Tuesday December 17th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on the ad above to find out more about owner
and creator Ryan Jackson and
NH2o's cool selection
of surf related products. |
(Above) The day felt like Spring. Tuesday December 17th, 2024.
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) A boy and his dog. On a beautiful Spring Day.
Tuesday December 17th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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If you love the Beatles and you love the guitar
click on this ad above for an amazing instrumental
band playing all of your favorite Beatles songs with
the coolest
arrangements. Johnny A is one of the
best guitar players on the planet.
Peter Stokes is one of the BEST guitar techs in
all of North America. He's the BEST guitar tech
in New England.
Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page |
Today- THURSDAY December 12th, 2024.
Photos by RALPH
(Above) The surf came up later in the day.
Thursday December 12th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The only camera I had was my cell phone.
Thursday December 12th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Produced by David Robinson of the CARS.
Visit our Facebook page
Produced by Steve Sadler.
Visit our Facebook page
The VINNY Band was around from 1976 to 1984
July 30th, 1979 headlining the Paradise Club
In Boston, MA
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(Above) There were some fun looking waves in the waning light.
Thursday December 12th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) This view reminds me of winter.
Thursday December 12th, 2024. Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Joe Carter, Brian Nevins, and Nick Lavecchia
The art of Donna Baldassari
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(Above) Crowley and Cam talking surf and whatnot.
Thursday December 12th, 2024. Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- WINTER SOLSTICE Saturday December 21st, 2024.
Photos by Dina Crawford
(Above) Carter Walsh driving north during the Winter Solstice swell.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Hannah Vokey is one of my favorite surf artists.
Click on the ad above to find out more about
more about local surf artist Stan Chew's art
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(Above) Matt Colby flying along the rooftop. The Winter Solstice swell.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) I'm gonna guess and say this is Jon Kiskinis. Winter Solstice.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) And this is James Morse. Winter Solstice Swell.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Carter Walsh ducking under a Winter Solstice rightl.
Saturday December 21st, 2024. Photo by Dina Crawford
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- The ANDREA GIANA ITALY Gallery from SURFLINE
Photos by Andrea Giana and Tommaso Pardini
(Above) This is Italy. YES I said Italy.
SURFLINE. Photo by Andrea Giana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Visit Jimmy Dunn's website to find out where
else he will be performing. Watch Jimmy on the
new FRASIER Click on Jimmy to find out more.
Jimmy Dunn and Kelsey Grammer
Click the image above or below to see more.
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(Above) Again. This is Italy. As in Italy in Europe.
SURFLINE. Photo by Tommaso Pardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) How many of you have surfed in Italy? How many of you want to surf in Italy?
SURFLINE. Photo by Andrea Giana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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I love Erica's whimsical Gull art. So cool and unique.
SECRET SPOT IS NOW OPEN IN HAMPTON.
SECRET SPOT is back in operation on the seacoast.
Thank you.
Jon Gozzo and family.
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(Above) Looks tropical. Italy has decent surf. But not very consistent.
SURFLINE. Photo by Andrea Giana
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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(Above) See that guy in the left paddling out? Look again. This is Italy.
SURFLINE. Photo by Tommaso Pardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Listen to QWILL on the video page.
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Today- CHAMBO'S CENTRAL CAL December 18th, 2024.
Photos by Chambo
(Above) Looking pretty clean. December 18th, 2024.
Photo by Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) The Pier. December 18th, 2024.
Photo by Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Love surfing the piers in California. December 18th, 2024.
Photo by Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Click on this image to visit Driftwood Photography
"GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A KICK IN THE ADS"
Since 1985.
Click on the image above to see the cool ocean art
from Alex Walsh.
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(Above) The SUP rider holding his paddle over his head like he wants to decapitate the prone riders. December 18th, 2024.
Photo by Chambo
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
Today- FURTHER NORTH December 19th, 2024.
Photos by Tony Berardini
(Above) Bigger and hollower. December 19th, 2024.
Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Grab a rail, say a prayer, and hope for the best.
December 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) Out of towners are not welcome here. And you can see why.
December 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) But these guys are the only true locals. Sea Lions can pack a punch. Not to mention they have a nasty bite.
December 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) A guy in my platoon in Nam used to carry a photo of this place in his pack. We would look at it every now and then.
December 19th, 2024. Photo by Tony Berardini
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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Send your SURF Pics to me directly to: ralph@adlantic.com.
Need photos by 10 AM on Saturdays. Seriously. By 10AM.
Make sure they are 1500 to 1555 pixels wide.
If you have more than 10 pics please use wetransfer.com it's free up to 2 gig. Please DO NOT send me over 10 pics without first contacting and communicating with me. Thank you.
Click on Archives link to see all the past Blogs and pics. |
My friend Rick McAvoy from Maine is the creator
behind this unique Surf Company
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(Above) It's one of my favorite views at home. The Wall.
Photo by Karen Hoddeson
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
(Above) She starts most of her days taking photos of the sunrises.
Photo by Karen Hoddeson
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery
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He's more than just a good photographer
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(Above) All Rise: The 10th Street District Court Of Surf is Now in Session. The Honorable Judge RALPH presiding. Case # 784 BLATANT DROP IN OF THE WEEK. Click the image above to see the outcome of this Surf Crime and the verdict that was rendered.
Photo by Wave Collective
*Click on the photo above to see the outcome
This is what happens if you are found GUILTY. You become invisible.
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Click on this image above to buy this book
and more cool KING'S X merchandise and music
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I see waves end of the week
I'm picking New Year's Day as the best of the two weeks.1-1-25
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December 22nd, 2024
"Oh what fun it is to surf...!"
(ABOVE) It's The HOLIDAY SEASON! Merry Merry Happy Happy Happy!
Photo by The Google Machine
Click here to return to TOP of the page
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Click here to read Shaun Tomson's first book.
Happy Holidays from Post 35
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