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Chicago Goes Full TILT on 94th Floor of John Hancock Tower

Joe Kleiman
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Chicago Goes Full TILT on 94th Floor of John Hancock Tower

[quote]Attractions like TILT will attract thrill seekers from around the world to our city.” — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel[/quote]

Chicago, IL, USA — 360 CHICAGO (formerly John Hancock Observatory) is pleased to announce an epic new attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. TILT debuts this spring, providing the ultimate window to the Windy City.

A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.

“We had a vision for elevating the experience, and providing memories for guests that will last a lifetime,” said Patrick Abisseror, CEO of Montparnasse 56 Group, the owner of 360 CHICAGO and the leading operator of observation decks. “TILT is yet another example of the innovative and forward-thinking vision of Montparnasse 56 Group,” whose assets include the Observation Deck at Montparnasse Tower in Paris, France and the iconic Berliner Fersehturm/TV Tower in Berlin, Germany.

“Chicago has long been a pioneer in architecture. As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago continues to be the leader in innovative architecture and TILT furthers that tradition,” said Nichole Williamson, General Manager of 360 CHICAGO. “Visitors to Chicago will soon be able to experience unsurpassable views while in motion on TILT.”

“Chicago continues to be an international travel destination and I congratulate 360 CHICAGO for ensuring this innovative attraction is in Chicago for both residents and tourists to enjoy,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Since taking office I have been focused on tourism as a key driver of our economy and our tourism is at a record high while we continue to grow.”

To make this architectural achievement possible, Montparnasse 56 Group chose Thornton Tomasetti– an award-winning engineering firm – to develop TILT. Cupples, a leading high-rise façade specialist, is fabricating and installing. Also are Turner Special Projects as general contractor and Gensler as architect of record.

“Bold thinking supported by aggressive strategies is essential to growing visitation to Chicago,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Choose Chicago. “Chicago is heading in the right direction and at a precipitous pace. As Choose Chicago works to increase annual visitation to Chicago to 55 million by 2020, new and aspirational attractions such as TILT will bolster Chicago’s standing among leading global destinations.”

TILT is located in the 360 CHICAGO’s south area, allowing guests to experience both south and westward views of Chicago. The cost will be an introductory rate of $5 per experience, plus the cost of general admission to the Observatory. Special group rates are also available and reservations made 72 hours in advance are required. TILT tickets can be purchased online or in person at 360 CHICAGO.

www.360chicago.com

TRIOTECH Ships 1000th Typhoon Coin-op Simulator

Joe Kleiman
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TRIOTECH Ships 1000th Typhoon Coin-op Simulator

[quote]Today, the Typhoon remains a solid part of our portfolio” — Ernest Yale, President and CEO of TRIOTECH[/quote]

Montreal, QB, Canada — Montréal based TRIOTECH, a leader in out-of-home multimedia immersive and interactive attractions, has hit another landmark by shipping its 1,000th unit of its perennial best seller Typhoon coin-op simulator. This coincides with the 2014 AMOA Amusement Expo and IAAPA’s FEC Conference, which both took place this month in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

The Typhoon has been the cornerstone coin-op product for TRIOTECH in the Amusement segment particularly for Family Entertainment Centers. It allowed TRIOTECH to develop technology that was ground-breaking at the time and that even today is often imitated but never quite equalled. “They say imitation is the ultimate form of flattery” said Ernest Yale, President and CEO of TRIOTECH.

The first Typhoons came on the market in December 2008. Its motion technology has been a springboard for TRIOTECH’s expansion into larger footprint attractions such as its XD Theater, its award winning XD Dark Ride, and Interactive Dark Rides. “ added Mr. Yale. The Typhoon is an ultimate coin-op immersive mini-attraction that offers exclusive motion and wind special effects that deliver a fun thrill for guests of all ages.

www.trio-tech.com

SeaWorld’s Aquatica Tops Off Orlando’s Tallest Drop Tower Slide

Joe Kleiman
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SeaWorld’s Aquatica Tops Off Orlando’s Tallest Drop Tower Slide

[quote]Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is the tallest, steepest, and only multi-drop tower slide of its kind in Orlando.”[/quote]

Orlando, FL, USA — Early on the morning of March 27, Aquatica Orlando “raised the roof” and topped off its newest attraction, Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. The more than 53,000–pound, 1,000 sq. foot roof structure was installed through the night using a 550-ton crane.  With the signature Aquatica roof installed, the height of Ihu’s Breakaway Falls is just over 105 feet.

With slides nearly 80 feet tall, thrill seekers will face their fears and each other. Riders will step into one of three clear “breakaway boxes,” and watch each other fall one-by-one as the floor underneath them disappears OR test their bravery on a just as thrilling fourth open slide.  They’ll never know who’s going to breakaway first – and the anticipation of who drops next is part of the wild ride.  Ihu’s Breakaway Falls opens May 9.

www.seaworld.com

IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo to Bring Education Sessions with Industry Leaders to Beijing

Joe Kleiman
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IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo to Bring Education Sessions with Industry Leaders to Beijing

[quote]The high-caliber learning opportunities provided by global industry leaders is one way IAAPA supports the development and refinement of the attractions industry in Asia.” — Paul Noland, IAAPA President and CEO[/quote]

Alexandria, VA, USA — The premier exhibition and conference in the Asia Pacific region for the global attractions industry, Asian Attractions Expo 2014, will include five days of top-notch education sessions featuring speakers from world-class amusement parks and attractions. Conference sessions will be available to participants in both English and Chinese. Asian Attractions Expo is produced by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, (IAAPA), and is expected to bring more than 5,000 international attractions industry professionals to the China National Convention Center in Beijing, China, 17-20 June.

Attractions Professionals Learn from Industry Leaders at Conference Program
Asian Attractions Expo 2014 offers a comprehensive education program that allows attendees the opportunity to learn from industry veterans and management from several world-renowned attractions.

Asian Attractions Expo 2014 attendees can participate in unique education programs 18-20 June. Sessions include the following:

What’s New in Asia: A panel of leading industry experts, including Tom Mehrmann, CEO of Ocean Park Hong Kong and Hu Zhanghong, senior vice president, Wanda Group, moderated by Charlie Read, managing director of the online industry website, Blooloop, will discuss the new parks and attractions, innovative rides, and unique exhibits opening in the Asia-Pacific region.

Keeping Your Guests Happy While Keeping Your Employees Engaged: Attendees will learn important training and motivation strategies to keep their employees engaged and happy from officials with Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Water Park Trends and Innovation: Franceen Gonzales, vice president of waterpark business development of industry supplier WhiteWater West and Wuthichai Luangamornlert, managing director of Siam Park City in Bangkok will provide insights into new trends and innovations in water parks.

Entertaining Your Guests: Mike Davies from Universal Studios Japan and David Lightbody from Hong Kong Disneyland will discuss what their parks do to remain industry leaders in providing entertaining stage productions, shows, and atmosphere entertainment.

Maximizing Your Retail and F&B Revenues: Industry experts from Hong Kong Disneyland and Ngong Ping 360 in Singapore share their experiences on how displays, menu selection, marketing, and more increase revenue from retail, food, and beverage operations.

Traveling Exhibits: Considering Your Best Route for Success: Heather Farnworth from the Ontario Science Centre and Ashley Larose from Science North in Canada will provide an overview of how museums effectively use traveling exhibits to generate buzz and drive attendance.

Disney Parks and Resorts Executive for Asia to Deliver Keynote Address
Bill Ernest, president and managing director of Asia for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be the keynote speaker at the Asian Attractions Expo Leadership Breakfast on 19 June. Ernest is responsible for overseeing the company’s parks and resorts operations and overall development throughout Asia, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland with the Oriental Land Company, and the new Shanghai Disney Resort. Ernest has a wealth of experience in managing hotels and attractions operations. He will discuss the state of the industry in Asia and share his insight into Disney’s expansion in the region.

In-Depth Learning at IAAPA Institutes for Attractions Managers and Safety
Asian Attractions Expo 2014 offers two IAAPA Institutes, which provide in-depth learning related to safety and attractions management for more seasoned attractions industry professionals.

The IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers is a two-and-a-half day program, 15-17 June, designed for attractions managers with a minimum of three years of experience. This course will provide classroom and field study related to five areas of attractions management: finance, marketing, leadership, facility operations and safety, and revenue operations. Participants who finish the IAAPA Institute for Attractions Managers will receive a certificate of completion.

The IAAPA Safety Institute takes place on 17 June and addresses attractions industry safety and standards in China, water park safety, security, ride operations, and facility safety measures.

Separate registration is required for both IAAPA Institutes and more information is available at www.IAAPA.org/AsianAttractionsExpo.

“As the attractions industry in Asia continues to expand at such a rapid pace, the education conference offered by Asian Attractions Expo becomes increasingly important to fostering successful and safe operations within the region.” said IAAPA President and CEO Paul Noland.

Asian Attractions Expo 2014 is an international business event for attractions industry professionals only and is not open to the general public.

Sponsors of Asian Attractions Expo 2014 include Forrec, Golden Horse Amusement Equipment Co. Ltd.,JRA, Kraftwerk Living Technologies, and The Producers Group. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting Emily Popovich at [email protected].

Silver Dollar City Welcomes Two New International Acts to 2014 World-Fest

Joe Kleiman
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Silver Dollar City Welcomes Two New International Acts to 2014 World-Fest

[quote]New this year, World-Fest features a showcase of Spanish/Flamenco music and dance in the park’s largest presentation hall, Spanish-inspired street entertainment, plus a new show of lively gypsy music from the Ukraine, all running April 5 – May 4 at the Branson, Missouri theme park.”[/quote]

Branson, MO, USA —  Fiery Spanish guitar riffs, staccato flamenco heel clicks and rhythmic beats of Argentinian bombo drums announce the beginning of a global cornucopia of cultures and entertainment as World-Fest kicks off at Silver Dollar City on April 5. America’s largest international festival, World-Fest brings performers from around the world, presenting the rich entertainment traditions that helped build our nation as the park presents “Celebrate America.”

The new show “Benise – The Spanish Guitar” features Spanish guitarist Roni Benise with a band of top musicians and dancers, pushing the boundaries of traditional Spanish/Flamenco music. The show includes rapid-fire Spanish flamenco, Brazilian samba and Cuban salsa rhythms and dance starring Benise, who has taken his show around the world, from China to Brazil to television’s Dancing with the Stars, also winning an Emmy Award for a television special. Spanish-inspired theatrics fill the Festa de Espana courtyard, with costumed entertainers, living statues portraying iconic figures from Christopher Columbus to Don Quixote, and living puppet “marionetas” all interact with park guests.

Also new is Via Romen, lively gypsy music from the Ukraine. The popular show Amamos Argentina returns, starring the Los Pampas Gauchos who play traditional bombo drums, dance and perform with boleros, plus Argentinian dancers perform the tango. Island Fire presents the rhythms, music and dances from Samoa, Fiji and the South Sea Islands, and features world-champion fire-knife dancers. Additional performers include Ireland’s premier harpist Dearbhail Finnegan and English musician Robin Slater, Austrian yodeler Kerry Christensen,plus the melodic pan flute music of Ecuador Manta.

Even the food goes global for World-Fest at Tastes of the World, a pavilion of international specialties. Guests can feast on selections from 20 countries, plus unique combinations from Irish Tacos to Polynesian Calzones.

World-Fest, April 5 – May 4, is open Wednesdays through Sundays (closed Easter Sunday, April 20). Information: 800-831-4FUN(386) or www.silverdollarcity.com. World-Fest is presented by Humana.

Breaking News: US participation in Milan Expo 2015 is official! James Ogul comments

Judith Rubin
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Breaking News: US participation in Milan Expo 2015 is official! James Ogul comments

“Today, precisely 400 days until Expo 2015 begins, we received the good news that America has signed the participation contract. Once again, thanks to the Italian Government and the President of the Board of Ministers for their extraordinary work in view of 2015’s big event,” declared Commissioner Giuseppe Sala.

The Pavilion has been designed to look like a granary in keeping with the exhibit concept, ‘American Food 2.0,’ and will offer an innovative exploration of the Expo theme of ‘Feeding the planet, Energy for Life.’ See the Milan Expo 2015 statement here.

InPark contributor and US expo specialist James Ogul commented, “The United States signed a Participation Contract with the Expo Organizers for Milan Expo 2015 on March 27. This is a major milestone as this contract officially commits the U.S. to participation. I can recall the excitement on past projects when we reached this milestone.”

Why didn’t it happen sooner?

James Ogul: “Some people will ask why it didn’t happen sooner. In earlier times when we had a Federal appropriation we could sign these contracts early on because the money was in the bank. But when we started funding these from the private sector, the equation changed because the money commitments came much later in the project and we could not sign until we were sure we had adequate funds to complete the pavilion.”

Do we have enough time?

James Ogul: “With approximately 400 days to go to opening this is a timely event and bodes well for a successful U.S. Pavilion Project.”

Related stories:

World’s fair consultant James Ogul talks about Milan 2015, and the history of US expo participation

James Ogul: Looking back on a career in US expos and expo pavilions

Tales from the Expo: Role of the Commissioner General in US pavilions

Tales from the Expo: Student Ambassadors – The Heart and Soul of a US Pavilion

Will the US participate in Milan Expo 2015? State Dept files RFP.

 

 

World’s fair consultant James Ogul talks about Milan 2015, and the history of US expo participation

Electrosonic’s Tech Day for Control Rooms to Take Place April 16 in Burbank

Joe Kleiman
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Electrosonic’s Tech Day for Control Rooms to Take Place April 16 in Burbank

[quote]It’s a real opportunity for close up, hands-on demos and one-on-one information sharing – the kind of experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.” — Todd Miller, Electrosonic VP of Control Rooms[/quote]

Los Angeles, CA, USA (March 27, 2014) – Electrosonic has announced its Technology Day for Control Rooms and Collaboration Systems & Tools, a free event scheduled for April 16, from 11am to 5pm, at its Burbank, California, headquarters.  Electrosonic, a leading AV design and systems integration company, has successfully hosted Technology Days for several years.

Electrosonic’s Technology Day will feature live technology demonstrations and informational sessions.  Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the latest collaboration tools designed to improve productivity and save costs by enhancing remote/field access and communication.  They will also learn about the latest control room technologies and discuss custom solutions with system designers and engineers.

“Our upcoming Technology Day gives attendees in the utilities, oil & gas and emergency services markets a chance to see the latest equipment, expand their knowledge and network with other professionals,” says Electrosonic’s Todd Miller, VP of Control Rooms.

Technology Day attendees will see the newest visual collaboration and sharing tools, control room display technology and real-time network video streaming. Exhibitors at the event include: Cyviz, Jupiter Systems, Mitsubishi Electric, Extron, Barco, Russ Bassett Corporation and Telamon Corporation.

Informational sessions are also scheduled.  Randy Pagnan of RP Visual Solutions will address “Visualization – Focus on Control Rooms and Immersive Applications,” and discuss current trends in control/command centers and control room display technology.  Telamon Corporation’s Suzanne Beck will present “Value Added Partnerships,” a how-to guide to making and keeping partners that complement your business model with the goal of providing additional products and services to the end client.

Electrosonic VP of Control Rooms, Todd Miller, will also be on hand to lead a tour of the Electrosonic facility where the event is staged, including a visit to the new Network Operations Center (NOC) to view the company’s remote management capabilities.  Miller will also give a presentation focusing on Electrosonic’s custom end-to-end solutions from system design through commissioning, maintenance and service.

Technology Day will feature hors d’oeuvres and raffle giveaways.  Attendees may RSVP by visiting the event page at www.electrosonic.com/tech-day-burbank.

accesso Expands European Ticketing Services Footprint

Joe Kleiman
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accesso Expands European Ticketing Services Footprint

[quote]Demand for the Accesso Passport ticketing solution across Europe is clearly evident and we are pleased to expand our operations into a new part of the world with the same top-tier approach to support and service that has made our ticketing solutions the leading choice for North American venues.” — Steve Brown, accesso Chief Operating Officer for North American and Europe[/quote]

London, UK (26-Mar-2014) – accesso Technology Group plc (AIM: ACSO), the premier technology solutions provider to the global attractions and leisure industry, announced today the extension of its service footprint for the accesso Passport ticketing suite into Europe with the addition of a United Kingdom based data center, recruitment of local technical and support staff and integration with key European payment processing solutions.

accesso has established a high-availability, PCI Level I compliant network operation at Rackspace’s United Kingdom data center to ensure its innovative hosted ticketing platform is delivered with the highest degree of speed to local venues, while a new guest contact operation now provides technical support for European clients in multiple languages including Dutch, German, French and English.  Team members have also been added in the company’s Twyford, United Kingdom headquarters to provide front-line implementation coordination and support for the accesso Passport ticketing suite.

A new relationship with DataCash provides for multiple currency processing, allows accesso clients to offer international guests the choice of paying in more than 170 currencies and provides a sophisticated fraud and risk management system that operates on both a local and international scale.accesso’s integration with PayPal will also be an option for the company’s European clients.

Experience a One Day Seminar at SEGD Design+Connections Exploring the Best in EGD

Joe Kleiman
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Experience a One Day Seminar at SEGD Design+Connections Exploring the Best in EGD

[quote]Sessions will encompass a dialogue that goes beyond the ‘how’ and explores the ‘why’ these projects have brought success to their clients, and where these designers find inspiration to craft truly engaging and memorable experiences.”[/quote]

Orlando, FL, USA — SEGD Design+Connections, a fast-paced, one-day workshop on April 24 at ISA Sign Expo in Orlando, will give you fresh insights on the most talked-about areas of EGD practice today. But it doesn’t stop there. Your registration to SEGD Design+Connections gives you full access to the ISA Sign Expo that showcases the latest in printing technology, material innovations, and technology applications for your projects.

This event is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. It provides 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) in Health & Life Safety for all attending AIA Members. Credits earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

Join design and industry leaders for sessions on Placemaking, Branded Environments, Accessibility + Design, Technology + Media, and Practice + Process. Featuring professionals from some of the top design and industry firms working in EGD, including Selbert Perkins Design, Mayer/Reed, HOK, Infinite Scale, OpenEye, UEBERSEE, AECOM, APCO, iZone Imaging, and Century Sign Builders. Connect and learn about the latest at the ISA Sign Expo show floor from the leading companies you trust for materials, products, and digital printing!

Each session will run one hour with ample opportunity for you to engage the panelists with your questions and further insights.

+ Placemaking
With panelists: John Lutz, Selbert Perkins Design; Kathy Fry, Mayer/Reed

+ Branded Environments
With panelists: Amy Lukas, Infinite Scale; Hal Kantner, HOK

+ Accessibility + Design
With panelists: Teresa Cox, APCO; Grady Brown, iZone Imaging; Steven Raniszewski, Century Sign Builders; Moderator: Justin Molloy, SEGD

+ Technology + Media
With panelists: Jonathan Mugmon, AECOM; Ashley Arhart, Office Depot; Bryan Meszaros, OpenEye; Nik Hafermaas, UEBERSEE; Moderator: Justin Molloy, SEGD

+ Trend Sessions (Moderated and Concurrent)
Practice: Collaborative Partnerships
Process: Integrating Digital Tools
Technology: Content and Media Strategy

Register today. Don’t miss out on this exciting learning opportunity brought to you by SEGD and ISA.

Buzz Aldrin Returning to Deck of USS Hornet 45 Years After Splashdown Landing of Apollo 11

Joe Kleiman
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0
Buzz Aldrin Returning to Deck of USS Hornet 45 Years After Splashdown Landing of Apollo 11

[quote]OurSplashdown events have become nationally-recognized for our special guests, experts panels, and onboard activities. The USS Hornet Museum hosted over 3,500 guests for the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 and we anticipate capacity crowds again this year.” — Bob Fish, Hornet Trustee, Apollo curator of the USS Hornet Museum[/quote]

Alameda, CA, USA — In celebration of the 45th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 mission in 1969, when humans first walked on the moon, the USS Hornet Museum will host Splashdown 45. This ever-popular festival, which also commemorates the daring, safe recovery of the astronauts and their command module by the aircraft carrier USS Hornet CVS-12, will take place Saturday, July 26, 2014 from 10:00am to 5:00pm, followed by an evening reception from 6:00pm -10:30 pm. All events will take place onboard the carrier at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in Alameda, CA. Special guest speakers include Apollo 11 astronaut and best-selling author, Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two men to walk on the moon. Aldrin will be available to sign copies of his acclaimed book, Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration. Festival guests will also have an opportunity to meet Aldrin and other significant guests during the USS Hornet Museum’s VIP cocktail reception and dinner in the evening. A press conference with Aldrin is being planned.

The aircraft carrier USS Hornet CVS-12 recovered the first two NASA missions that landed humans on the moon, Apollo 11 and Apollo 12. The ship is the largest surviving artifact from these events, which are acknowledged to be among the most important in human history. The USS Hornet Museum is now a registered state and national historic landmark and home of the largest collection of Apollo space mission artifacts on the West Coast.

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“All visitors are welcome to join the USS Hornet Museum in commemorating one of the greatest technological achievements in human history,” said Randall Ramian, USS Hornet chief executive officer. “As we remember those significant events of the past, we will also look to the future of the U.S. space program. This includes the Museum’s commitment to educating future astronauts and aerospace scientists through our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and other youth education programs.”

While this year’s one-day event will again celebrate the various sciences and technologies connected with past space exploration programs – particularly Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo in the “space race to the moon” during the 1960’s – representatives from NASA and other private companies will also join Buzz Aldrin in discussing upcoming U.S. space exploration plans for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. In addition, numerous other Bay Area organizations will showcase important space-related artifacts and youth activities.

“We are pleased to announce that the USS Hornet Museum is once again bringing a world-famous ‘moonwalker’ to the San Francisco Bay Area,” said Bob Fish, Hornet Trustee, Apollo curator of the USS Hornet Museum, and author of Hornet Plus Three: The Story of the Apollo 11 Recovery.

Other Splashdown 45 activities scheduled aboard the USS Hornet Museum – the Bay Area’s premier sea, air and space museum – include hands-on science activities, a portable planetarium, moon rock displays, specialized Apollo-themed tours, and interactive exhibits.

Proceeds from Splashdown 45 will help fund further development of the USS Hornet Museum’s community outreach activities, such as its youth education program, merit badges for Scout programs, and more.

uss-hornet.org

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