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Gift Ideas for your Dog!

December 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment
https://joyfullpet.com/

JoyFull Pet makes science-backed pre- and probiotic treats and toppers that support everyday gut health—because wellness isn’t just for humans. Created by a team of passionate pet lovers (and reviewed by a real vet), every product is made with clean ingredients, high-quality proteins, and zero yucky fillers. It’s smart nutrition that keeps tails wagging and bellies happy.

Love that this is a healthy type of treat and my dog loves it too!

San Diego-based Doghook (www.doghook.com)

As 2026 kicks off, dog owners across the country are embracing a resolution that feels both simple and overdue: making everyday life easier and safer for the dogs who go everywhere with them. With 66% of U.S. households now sharing life with a pet1 and more Americans bringing dogs along on errands, travel and daily routines, the need for safer quick-stop solutions has never been clearer. DogHook™, the sleek, simple, ultra-durable hook designed to securely anchor any leash in seconds, is helping dog owners of every kind bring their dogs into more daily moments without the chaos.

Each hook is crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, a material trusted in demanding outdoor and marine environments for its strength and weather resistance. Every DogHook is rigorously tested to withstand more than 1,200 pounds of force, making it dependable even for large or energetic dogs. Designed for long-term reliability, DogHook stands apart from makeshift or DIY solutions that can bend, slip or fail under pressure. Its sleek and simple profile anchors any leash in seconds, giving dogs a safe, steady place to stay while life keeps moving. Whether mounted on a porch, next to a door, outside a storefront or in a busy public area, DogHook removes the need to secure leashes to unstable objects never meant to hold them.

DogHook’s popularity and demand align with a nationwide shift toward more pet-friendly living. From cafés and breweries to neighborhood shops, tourist attractions and dog-friendly businesses, more places are welcoming dogs. DogHook supports this movement with a modern, unobtrusive design that blends naturally into both residential and commercial spaces. Its minimalist look fits seamlessly into a wide range of environments, offering safety without compromising style.

More About Doghook

Founded in 2012 by Brian Hoffman, Doghook designs and manufactures premium stainless-steel tethering systems that make life with dogs easier, safer, and more connected. Proudly made in the USA, sold online on Doghook.com and Amazon.com ,and distributed in retail at Senproco and Little Free Libraries, Doghook products are trusted by restaurants, retailers, veterinarians, and dog owners worldwide. The company’s mission is simple: to help dogs and their humans belong everywhere, safely, responsibly, and together.

Dogs will love these treats!

Supreme Source Savory Jerky Cuts// Available on Chewy for $10.99: Supreme Source Premium Mix-Ins are a 2025 Product of the Year Winner. Superfood-packed kibble that supports immunity and overall well-being, perfect for seasonal transitions.

My dog absolutely loves these so they will definitely be a hit this holiday season!

Great for cats! (or dogs)

With built-in timers and continuous water flow systems, OneIsAll’s devices offer pet owners a simple way to ensure their animals are well-fed and hydrated throughout the day. 

Featured Pet Care Tools:

  • Smart Automatic Feeders – This digital feeder allows pet owners to program mealtimes and portion sizes, helping to keep pets on schedule even when their humans are away. The large-capacity hopper makes it ideal for single-day outings or full weekends.
  • Continuous-Flow Water Fountains – A quiet, filtered water system that promotes healthy hydration for pets with a steady stream of clean water. Its thoughtful design encourages regular drinking and fits seamlessly into any home.

Why It Works for Pet Parents:

  • Peace of mind with scheduled meals delivered consistently
  • Ongoing hydration from a clean, circulating water source
  • Low-maintenance design that supports busy lifestyles
  • Reliable, proven tech trusted by pet owners worldwide

OneIsAll helps pet owners stay present in the moment—knowing their pets are well cared for at home.

About OneIsAll

OneIsAll is on a mission to Transform How You Pet, blending innovation with everyday practicality to improve the lives of pets and their people. From grooming tools to smart feeding systems, the brand designs products that support pet wellness while making life easier for pet parents. Learn more at www.OneIsAll.com or follow @oneisallglobal on Instagram and Facebook.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Books of the Week: December 10, 2025

December 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
A must for any Winnie the Pooh Fan!

The book to watch out for! Coming soon! On sale January 6, 2026 is the 100th anniversary edition of WINNIE-THE-POOH! Celebrate a century of everyone’s favorite Bear of Very Little Brain with this special bind-up edition of A. A. Milne’s classic novels Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, together containing all of Pooh’s adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. Complete with the original black-and-white interior illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard, this edition is the perfect way to experience the children’s classic that has captured imaginations for the past one hundred years. Featuring a flocked cover that’s soft to the touch!

As a Winnie the Pooh fan, I love this book! It truly is a must-buy for any fan.

Such a sweet story!

THE SNOWMAN CODE goes on sale December 16, 2025, just in time for the official kick-off of winter! In this cozy winter story, a six-hundred-year-old snowman and a ten-and-a-half-year-old girl strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to bring an end to the longest winter ever, from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning screenwriter behind Pixar’s Luca and Paddington 2.  This is the sweetest story perfect for a Christmas gift!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books. Cover images were also provided. These two books I highly recommend!

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Daisy, Dec. 12 Pet of the Week

December 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Awwwwwww!

“Hey! Hey! Santy! Know what I want for Christmas, do ya, huh? Huh? Huh? I wanna forever and ever home, where the peoples will throw balls and cuddle me and give me good food and treats and take me for walks and … I know how great it is to be in a special home because I’m in a foster’s house now, and we have the best time! But my foster family said that we’ll have to give another doggie their chance soon. I know how to be in a home, so could you get me one, Santy? Honest, that’s all I want for Christmas!” Speed up the progress of those eight tiny reindeer and adopt Daisy or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A749888.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

It’s Time for Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

December 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment
https://oldtrapper.com/collections/beef-jerky

Does someone on your gift shopping list love Beef Jerky? Old Trapper has you covered! They have a great variety, and it tastes so fresh! There’s Old Fashioned, Peppered, Teriyaki and even Hot Spicy! You may have to try them all to see which one is your favorite! I do like the Teriyaki one the best! You can find individual bags in the stores or you buy in bulk on their website.

Can be found on Amazon.com

Bootleg Bath is thrilled to introduce the Hanging Car Diffusers Collection. Available on Amazon, these high-quality car fresheners come beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, making them the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season. They smell sooo good and are super easy to use!

They come in a variety of fragrances and handcrafted with a blend of natural and essential oils, the collection offers something for every scent preference. A fan favorite- Pistachio Salted Caramel, is often compared to the scent of the famous Brazilian Bum Bum Cream with its warm blend of pistachio, caramel, and vanilla.

This season’s limited-edition fragrance, Holiday Spiced Cider, layers red apple, nectar, berries, orange, cinnamon, amber, and musk to create an inviting aroma reminiscent of a crackling fire and warm apple cider. It is a cozy, nostalgic scent that captures the essence of the holidays.

Looking for glasses and sunglasses? I love the Reading glasses: poppy, blue light

Glasses and Sunglasses would make the perfect stocking stuffers!

And, GlassesShop.com has you covered! I like their glasses because there is such a variety to choose from in styles and they are comfortable to wear! They have some great deals right now too! The first pair free…it just may take you awhile to decide since they have so many to choose from! Another great deal is buy one get one free deal so don’t miss out!

I love these sunglasses: Baird, polarized, size med

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

It’s time for the Holiday Gift Guide #2

December 9, 2025 By Leave a Comment
So much fun!

Tamagotchi Collections: The Quirky Tomagotchi Management Game (Kess | Ages 10+ | $29.99 | Amazon, Target, & KessCo): A group of Tamagotchi friends has crash-landed on Earth, and it’s up to you to take care of them! In this cozy, competitive game for 2–4 players, you’ll feed, play with, and clean up after 30 unique Tamagotchi characters while rolling dice to keep up with their needs. But be careful, let too many pile up, and chaos will follow in true Tamagotchi fashion! Capturing the charm, nostalgia, and playful spirit of the original keychain craze, Tamagotchi Collections brings everyone’s favorite digital pets to the tabletop. Perfect for families, friends, and collectors alike, it’s a fun and heartwarming way to reconnect with the Tamagotchi world—no batteries required.

Fun for all ages!

Giant D20 Foam Dice (Kess | Ages 6+ | $24.99 | Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target & KessCo): Add oversized fun to any game night with this six-inch foam die made for play, display, and pure geeky enjoyment. Crafted from soft, lightweight foam with a smooth finish, it’s safe to roll on any surface—indoors or outdoors—and just as fun to squeeze, toss, or bounce. Perfect for tabletop gaming, parties, or casual play at home, in the park, or at the beach, the Giant D20 brings a lighthearted twist to every roll. With its vibrant colors and larger-than-life size, it’s a playful gift for gamers, collectors, and anyone who loves to roll in style.

Great for older kids!

IQ Deluxe Circle (Smart Toys & Games | Ages 14+ | MSRP: $19.99 | Amazon & Specialty Toy Stores) Challenge your mind and put your problem-solving skills to the test with IQ Deluxe Circle, a sophisticated evolution of the SmartGames IQ Line. Perfect for teens and adults, this captivating single-player puzzle features 13 uniquely shaped, double-sided pieces made of ball-like elements. Match the puzzle layout in the challenge booklet and fit every piece onto the circular board with only one correct solution to win! Compact and portable, this puzzle is ideal for travel or on-the-go play, and its sleek design makes it a thoughtful gift for any puzzle lover.

A game for one person!

Cats and Boxes (Smart Toys & Games | Ages 7+ | MSRP: $19.99 | Amazon & Specialty Toys Stores) Help these playful cats find their favorite hiding spots with Cats and Boxes, the purr-fect puzzle game for kids and adults! Lift the boxes one move at a time, trying to place them over the cats. With 60 challenges ranging from easy to difficult, this single-player brain teaser provides hours of fun while building concentration, problem-solving, and deduction skills. Its compact, travel-friendly design with a portable game board and lid makes it easy to take the fun wherever you go.

Sooo cool!

PLAYMOBIL x MonsterHigh Frankie Stein™(PLAYMOBIL | Ages 5-99 | MSRP $7.99 | Playmobil.com  & Amazon) Get ready to spark some fun! Frankie Stein is stitched together with Playmobil’s classic figure DNA, bringing her electrifying presence to life. Featuring articulated limbs and a bolt-styled handbag accessory, this set captures the patchwork perfection that makes Frankie an all-time Monster High favorite! There is also PLAYMOBIL x MonsterHigh Draculaura™ (PLAYMOBIL | Ages 5-99 | MSRP $7.99 |  Playmobil.com& Amazon) Gothic glam meets Playmobil charm! Draculaura enchants with her signature pink-and-black style, high-flying flair, and a frilly umbrella so she can take a walk in the sun. With Playmobil’s high-quality detailing, she’s ready to take her place in any spooktacular collection!

Miko Mini by Miko

Miko Mini (Miko | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $149 | Costco ($79.99), Amazon, Target): This award-winning, kidSAFE+ COPPA-certified and voice-activated robot is the ultimate high-tech gift for ages 5-10 this holiday season. Powered by deep learning AI, Miko Mini learns your child’s name, responds to their choices, and grows smarter everyday with stories, songs, games, and new monthly content. Parents will love its safety features, app-based controls, and progress tracking, while kids will be fully engaged with its jokes, dances, and friendly personality. 

Educational and fun!

The Magnetic Word Builder is an evidence-based educational tool designed to enhance foundational literacy skills in young learners, particularly those in grades K–3. Aligned with the science of reading, this versatile kit supports explicit, systematic instruction through structured routines that promote phonological awareness, orthographic mapping, and spelling proficiency. Each self-contained set includes over 75 high-quality magnetic tiles that feature essential phonics patterns such as digraphs, suffixes, and silent e, all organized within a durable, fully magnetized trifold board. The board also incorporates a writable dry-erase surface, allowing students to practice letter formation and spelling in a tactile, hands-on manner.

Designed for both classroom and one-on-one settings, the Magnetic Word Builder is adaptable to various learning styles and needs. Its multimodal approach facilitates differentiation, making it suitable for beginning readers as well as those requiring additional support. The kit includes a comprehensive teacher’s guide with routines and flexible teaching suggestions, ensuring effective integration into literacy curricula. Educators have praised the ReadBright program for its research-based pedagogy and classroom-tested strategies, noting its ability to engage students and foster independent reading skills. Prices vary, https://magneticwordbuilder.com/collections/all

Happy Holidays!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw * Packed Full Of Adventure And Nostalgia For The Original Movie And Books

December 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Greg continually finds himself at odds with his dad’s outsized expectations. As pressure builds to turn his act around after a series of hilarious near disasters, Greg’s dad presents him with an ultimatum–and a trip to wilderness camp–that just might challenge Greg’s wimpy ways for good.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kinsley H. comments, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is an animated film that puts Greg’s wimpy ways to the test. It is packed full of adventure and nostalgia for the original movie and books. It was a lot of fun to watch.” Zoey F. adds, “When I watched this film, I loved seeing the animation so similar to the book’s style, which fans of the book have grown to love. Plus, the film stays mostly true to the book thanks to the screenwriter, character designer and producer all being Jeff Kinney, the author of the original books. My favorite part of this film is how the dynamic in Greg’s family is explored.” See their full reviews and Chase’s interview with Jeff Kinney below.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
By Kinsley H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is an animated film that puts Greg’s wimpy ways to the test. It is packed full of adventure and nostalgia for the original movie and books. It was a lot of fun to watch.

This movie is adapted from the third installment of Jeff Kinney’s worldwide bestselling book series. It follows Greg Heffley (Aaron Harris) as he continually manages to spin disasters out of thin air. Greg’s dad, Frank (Chris Diamantopoulos), has had enough of Greg’s nonsense and decides that only military school will straighten his son out. Greg creates a plan to prove that he is able to turn himself around on his own. This creates an adventure that is full of twists and turns as well as multiple unfortunate events. It also provides relatable content for anyone who is trying to figure out how to be seen as an adult. Unfortunately, for Greg, this includes everything from rattling keys to mowing snow.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw had animation that made it seem like a graphic novel that had come to life. It would go from 2D images from the book and shift into 3D movie images. Each transition included a literal page turn that was seamless and engaging. It felt like you were part of the book. The humor from the books stayed on-point in the movie. The scene where Greg was trying to figure out how to use a door key was hilarious. The pressure built by Greg’s father could be felt as Greg fumbled and failed to successfully open the door. It seemed like his father’s head might explode at any moment. Greg’s Beef Cake Snow Removal Service also was comedic. Every kid tries to take a short cut at some time in their life, but Greg’s shortcut was surprising and catastrophic. It was definitely a wide-eyed, oh my-moment. The movie is full of these types of situations. It truly targets fun for younger audiences.

The show’s message is that growing up is tough. Everyone struggles with becoming an adult, and it is okay to stumble as you figure it out. This show has no violence or inappropriate language.

I give Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. It is available for streaming on Disney+ beginning December 5, 2025.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Review
Zoey F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw is a lighthearted and fun movie that is perfect for fans of the original series. 

The storyline follows Greg (Aaron D. Harris), who narrowly escapes the Spag Union Reform School by agreeing to become a wood-chipper! He tries to earn all his badges as quickly as possible. This results in distraught kindergarteners, a detention, and complete loss of trust with his dad (Chris Diamantopoulos). It seems like nothing Greg does is good enough for him. We follow Greg as tries to impress his dad and hopes not to be sent to Spag Union. 

When I watched this film, I loved seeing the animation so similar to the book’s style, which fans of the book have grown to love. Plus, the film stays mostly true to the book thanks to the screenwriter, character designer and producer all being Jeff Kinney, the author of the original books. My favorite part of this film is how the dynamic in Greg’s family is explored. The mom (Erica Cerra) is always very supportive of Greg and she consistently defends him to his dad. However, the sibling relationship between Rodrick (Hunter Dillon), Manny (Gracen Newton) and Greg is pretty underplayed. Greg is a very complex and interesting character. Although he has many strengths, he has many flaws which are interesting to see. Greg lies to his family many times throughout his film and uses his friends for personal gain. The movie plays this as a funny, lighthearted trait, but in truth, it’s quite a concerning trait. Not only does Greg lie, he also shows no apparent remorse for most of his actions. This makes him a very complex and interesting character to feature in a movie and what makes Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw so engaging. 

The main theme of this film is the importance of integrity. Greg often puts his own needs before anything or everyone else’s and this comes at a cost. He lies about being student of the month and about getting suspended. Greg learns that this cannot substitute hard work and that it is best to be honest. 

I give Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18. It is available on Disney+ beginning December 5, 2025. 

Filed Under: Media Reviews

THE LEGEND CONTINUES: NATION’S #1 HOLIDAY PARTY CELEBRATES 38TH YEAR

December 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment


MATZOBALL® Ignites the Night for Jewish Singles in Seven Premier Cities for Christmas Eve 2025

Get ready to trade silent nights for epic connections! Labeled the #1 holiday party in the country by USA Today, MATZOBALL® will celebrate its landmark 38th year of bringing Jewish singles together for the ultimate night of schmoozing, dancing, and romantic possibilities on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

This year, the legacy event is bigger and bolder than ever, hitting seven of the hottest cities coast-to-coast, while continuing to champion the fusion of nightlife and next-generation connection with its revolutionary digital companion, the Jewzz app.

From the creators of MATZOBALL®, Jewzz is the free, premier Jewish dating app that is revolutionizing the dating scene with verified profiles and real-time video speed dating. MATZOBALL® has a decades-long history of fostering thousands of friendships, romances, and marriages. Now, Jewzz extends this legacy, offering daily chances for singles to connect face-to-face virtually before meeting in person at the most unforgettable event of the year.

MATZOBALL® 2025 Event Highlights:

Boca Raton
Celebrate the night at the glamorous Boca Luna Luxe Lounge. 111 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 3:00 AM EST

Boston
Party like royalty at the magnificent The Grand Boston. 58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston, MA

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 2:00 AM EST

Los Angeles
Schmooze on the West Coast. The perfect venue for LA’s biggest night is Skybar. 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM PST – 2:00 PM PST

Miami
Experience the world-famous energy of LIV Nightclub Miami on South Beach. 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM EST – 4:00 AM EST

New York City
Head to the iconic beats of Musica Club NYC for a night of pure excitement. 637 W 50th St, New York, NY

Date & Time: Dec 24, 10:00 PM EST – 4:00 AM EST

Philadelphia

Step into the double-sided fun of Midnight & The Wicked in the heart of the city. 1500 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 2:00 AM EST

Washington, DC
Dance the night away across four decades at the legendary Decades DC. 1219 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC

Date & Time: Dec 24, 9:00 PM EST – 3:00 AM EST

“Turning 38 years is a massive milestone, and the energy for this year’s MATZOBALL® is electric,” says Andrew Rudnick, founder of MATZOBALL® and Jewzz. “We’ve always been the ultimate catalyst for Jewish connections, and now with the Jewzz app, we’re providing a vetted, video-first platform that lets singles meet face-to-face virtually. It’s the ultimate one-two punch: Find your connection online, and celebrate your good fortune at the biggest party of the year!”

About MATZOBALL

MATZOBALL® is a yearly party for Jewish singles held annually on December 24th. Since its inception in 1987, it has attracted over 400,000 attendees and generated more than $15 million in revenue. MATZOBALL® was founded by Andrew Rudnick, owner of Mazel Events, LLC. To learn more, visit matzoball.org.

About Jewzz

Find your Jewish match with Jewzz, the Jewish dating app created by the team behind MATZOBALL®. Combining decades of matchmaking expertise with cutting-edge technology, Jewzz is where tradition meets innovation. Learn more at jewzz.com.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Castle Park in Riverside Unveils All-New Holiday Experience: “A Royal Holiday at Castle Park”

December 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Credit: Castle Park

 Castle Park, Riverside’s premier family amusement park, is kicking off the holiday season with its all-new event, “A Royal Holiday at Castle Park.” From November 28 through December 28, Fridays through Sundays, families can step into the all-new Royal Holiday Village—a magical winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, festive treats, live entertainment, and fun rides for all ages.

Event Highlights

  • Royal Holiday Village: Christmas tree lighting, magical snowfall, photo opportunities, and live performances
  • Festive Rides: Holiday Express Train, Antique Cars, Carousel with Santa and friends
  • Activities for Kids: Snowball play, ornament decorating, and writing letters to Santa and local service members.
  • Daily Entertainment: Handbell performers, youth choirs, strolling carolers, Duke’s Ugly Sweater Contest, Holiday Hop Dance Party, and giveaways
  • Evening Magic: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM extended time to stroll through lights, ride the Holiday Express, and enjoy seasonal treats such as Santa’s Cookie Cake, Frosty’s Funnel Cake, and Rudolph’s Red-Nose Cocoa

Special Experiences for Children & Annual Passholders

  • All children aged 12 and under visiting with Santa receive a special holiday prize
  • Complimentary admission for all Castle Park Annual Passholders
  • The first 50 children who are Annual Passholders each day receive a “Nice List” coupon for a free treat

Royal Holiday Experience Ticket Includes

  • Full access to Castle Park rides and unlimited mini golf during regular operating hours
  • Entry to Holiday Village activities starting at 3:00 PM
  • Santa Photo Ops and Duke’s Holiday Hop Dance Party

Event Details

  • Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, November 28 – December 28, 2025
  • Event Hours: During standard park operating hours; visit the website for full schedule
  • Holiday Village Activities: Daily, 3:00 PM – Park Close
  • Location: Castle Park, 3500 Polk Street, Riverside, CA 92505
  • Tickets & Packages: Includes full access to rides, mini golf, Holiday Village activities, character meet-and-greets, snow play, dance party, and Christmas Tree Lighting Available online and at the park

Families visiting Castle Park this holiday season can enjoy rides, festive activities, holiday treats, and magical moments for children of all ages, making A Royal Holiday at Castle Park a must-see celebration in the Inland Empire.

For tickets and more information on Castle Park, visit: https://castlepark.com

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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