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Tropical Alki: ‘Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas’ movie crew brings palms
April 23, 2011 1:16 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The sun, the sand, the surf, the palms, the … snow-capped mountains!

As previewed here yesterday, the crew of the movie “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas” indeed showed up today to shoot at Alki Beach – and brought the perfect props to fulfill what they’d told neighbors, that Alki would be doubling for Florida. Pull back the shot a little, of course, and the palm’s pot is revealed:

And somebody had to cart ’em around:

The crew was packing up by late morning:

Notices handed out to neighbors said they’re expecting to be back Monday; they’ve been shooting elsewhere around the city/region too, with Leavenworth playing the role of “Christmastown, Washington” – here’s a “rough cut” clip we found online:

Our story from yesterday explains what they’re doing in Seattle and why Florida figures into the plot.

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Movie crew coming to Alki – which is standing in for Florida!
April 22, 2011 12:41 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thinking an unannounced festival or fun run was perhaps on the way, we had asked SDOT about those “no parking” signs in the Alki Bathhouse vicinity, but they had nothing on their special-events list. A note just out of the WSB inbox explains the signs: Alki photographer extraordinaire David Hutchinson e-mailed to say nearby residents have received a notice explaining that “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas” will shoot exteriors in the area tomorrow and Monday. Quoting the notice, “We will be using the beach as a backdrop for Florida.” (The movie’s iMDB summary shines a little light on why.) Beach Drive Blog had reported previously on the crew’s plans to shoot in that area too.

1 PM P.S.: After rooting around for more information about the movie – we’ve added a clip above with some explanatory behind-the-scenes info (found here, where some “rough cut” clips also have been posted), including soundbites from directing/producing team members such as Jennifer Roth, just announced today as the recipient of the 6th annual Seattle Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film.

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Now, a photo break … West Seattle’s spring really is here!
March 23, 2011 2:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

On this third full day of spring 2011, the season has unquestionably arrived. Bright sunshine, relatively warm temperatures (60!) and a modestly low tide (-1.2) are combining for a definite winter-is-over feeling right now. Our photo was taken looking east from Luna (Anchor) Park on Harbor Avenue a short time ago.

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Rare sighting on West Seattle shores: Elephant seal
March 12, 2011 11:48 am
|      25 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters says they’ve been enjoying a rare sighting — an elephant seal on a private beach in West Seattle. It’s actually her second visit in the past month or so, Robin explains, while sharing the photo above:

Abby was molting on this same stretch of beach in early February for several days, but finally returned to the water after a huge windstorm one night. Seal Sitters received a call yesterday afternoon from a waterfront homeowner that the huge seal (estimated to be around 350-400 lbs) was on her beach. We rarely see elephant seals around West Seattle, but there has been some breeding activity at Race Rocks off Victoria, BC, over the past number of years. There have been occasional elephant seal pups molting onshore near Port Gamble and Port Townsend. Since we are seeing them more often.

You can see video of Abby on the Seal Sitters “blubberblog” – just go here.

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Volunteers needed! Your chance to give the low-tide lowdown
March 7, 2011 1:01 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(January 2011 photo shared by Lisa)
Just about everyone loves walking our beautiful beaches at low tide. Are you ready to help beach visitors learn more about what they’re seeing – as well as how to make sure they don’t cause unintended harm? The Seattle Aquarium‘s volunteer Beach Naturalist program – which stations volunteers on area beaches (including two in West Seattle) during summertime low tides – is looking for help. Here’s the official announcement just out of the WSB inbox:

Care about beaches? Good with people? Sign up to be a volunteer beach naturalist at a Seattle-area beach this summer. Naturalists will attend a program orientation on Tuesday April 12, and receive training from marine and interpretative experts on four weekday evenings (April 19, May 3, 10 and 17) and three weekend days (April 23, May 7 and 21). Once trained, volunteers spend three summer days educating visitors about beach ecology and beach etiquette at Carkeek Park, Constellation Park (South Alki), Des Moines Beach Park, Golden Gardens, Lincoln Park, Olympic Sculpture Park Beach, Redondo Beach, Richmond Beach or Seahurst Park. To sign up or get more information, please email beachnaturalist@seattleaquarium.org or call (206) 386.4365.

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West Seattle scenes from a spring-is-approaching Saturday
March 5, 2011 8:28 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to everyone who continues to share wonderful photographs – particularly of our wildlife, plant life, and other scenery, as well as news events big and small, breaking and not (here’s how to share something, any time) – Top photo, Danny McMillin caught one of West Seattle’s eagles lifting off from a madrona snag on Alki Point today. Next, the sunny scene at Alki this afternoon, photographed by JayDee, who observes that warmth-deprived West Seattleites seemed like crocuses, popping out once the sun appeared:

And from Trileigh, tonight’s golden sunset, viewed from the Lincoln Park bluff:

More in queue for tomorrow already … more photos and more nice weather (at least by afternoon, says the forecast).

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West Seattle scene: Great blue heron in the great pink sunset
February 26, 2011 12:30 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Another way to appreciate Friday night’s colorful sunset – in the light glowing off a great blue heron that Alki photographer David Hutchinson encountered at Constellation Park, south of Alki Point.

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Beach Drive dilemma: What to do with a beached cow?
February 3, 2011 1:55 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Pam lives on the water in the 5900 block of Beach Drive (map) and says, “It’s the wild kingdom out here – we get seals, whales, birds …” But never anything like this.

Late last night, she posted in the WSB Forums, “My husband was out walking our dog on the beach and found a dead cow hog-tied on our beach … We’ve contacted the police, who are on their way.”

Today, the cow’s still on the beach (as also noted by Beach Drive Blog), and Pam and her husband are trying to figure out how to get rid of it.

The police did check it out, confirms Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith: “A third watch supervisor responded and did indeed locate a carcass which appeared to be used for bait for crab pots. Complainant was advised to call animal control if the carcass was still there after 0900 hours.”

Pam says they did just that. Responding to a note from WSB this morning, she replied, “Animal Control can’t help. The cow is on private property, so they suggested we call a rendering company. I think my husband is going to try to send him out to sea when the tide comes in.”

We asked if we could come over for a photo – from a respectful distance – and she agreed. (If you want to see it, you’ll have to click here.) As we walked out onto the bulkhead, she noted that even if pushing it into the high tide temporarily solves their problem, she realizes that may just end with the cow washing up on somebody else’s beach later.

So, she, and we, are wondering: Any other (serious) suggestions for how to dispose of the carcass, or someone who might be interested in taking it away? First time we’ve heard of a cow on or near the beach since the famous one found afloat last March.

8:20 AM UPDATE: In comments, Pam reports: “UPDATE: Mother nature has taken care of it. High tide and strong current. Hopefully it won’t become one of (the) neighbors to the north’s problem.”

9:39 AM UPDATE: And in a newer comment, Lura reports: “UPDATE: Cow is on beach in 5400 block.”

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Alki Polar Plunge, report #2: Splash-level video (and more)
January 29, 2011 10:08 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Polar Plunge, report #2: Splash-level video (and more)
 |   How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Most of what we showed you in our earlier reports from today’s Special Olympics/Washington-benefiting Polar Plunge (co-sponsored by WSB) was from the sands of Alki Beach – or the festivities atop the pavement and grass by Alki Bathhouse. Above, shot and edited by photojournalist Cliff DesPeaux for WSB, are highlights including the water-level spirit of the Polar Plunge, in two and a half minutes – also including City Councilmember Bruce Harrell‘s early running dive into Puget Sound, an interview with Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen and his boss, a West Seattleite whose friend came all the way from Snohomish County for this, and watch for the Special Olympics board members in pink-tutu “swimsuits” (as previewed here). P.S. Even if you weren’t at the plunge, you can donate to Special Olympics/Washington by going here.

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West Seattle scene: ‘Blooming’ on the beach
January 28, 2011 6:48 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lisa for sharing that photo of what she saw on the beach – almost looks like a flower! – near Alki Point Lighthouse during a spot of sunshine and low tide this week. Carries the promise of more beach-walking weather to come!

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What Seal Sitters were doing on Alki, with no seal in sight
January 23, 2011 11:39 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Story and photos by Ellen Cedergreen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Long before a Seal Sitters volunteer turns up on the beach, guarding a pup, there’s training involved, and rules to learn.

Saturday at Alki Beach, Seal Sitters’ volunteer coordinators Robin Lindsey (for West Seattle) and Rachel Mayer (for most points north) led a hands-on training session for volunteers. The discussions began at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza, with the dozen-plus volunteers eventually making way to two other points along the beach.

Volunteers from all over the city attended, since Alki’s unique terrain proved to be perfect for setting up a variety of perimeter demonstrations.

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West Seattle holidays: Yes, there’ll be a Polar Bear Swim
December 19, 2010 7:32 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(January 1, 2010, WSB video by Christopher Boffoli)
That’s our video from last year’s New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim on Alki. Here’s this year’s announcement, just out of the WSB inbox this morning:

Come wash away the challenges of 2010 and bathe in the unlimited opportunities that 2011 brings to our lives by joining the West Seattle/White Center Polar Bear Swim this January 1, 2011 at 10:00 on Alki Beach.

Bring a suit, towel, slippers and dry clothes to put on after the swim. Over 75 of us gather each year at Alki Beach for our annual ceremony. (and it gets bigger each year!). We all hold hands in a long line, and run into Puget Sound together. It is great fun and not nearly as cold as one would think. And it makes the water a lot warmer when everyone runs in together holding hands. It is a grand time and the children have the most fun of all. Hot chocolate will be provided. We guarantee that this will help you get a great start on a new year filled with happiness, opportunity, love and adventure. If you are healthy, be brave! Come join the crowd. 10:00 am January 1, 2011 – Alki Beach across from Duke’s.

Questions:

Mark Ufkes (206) 595-7124
markufkes@comcast.net

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Followup: New owners for Alki lighthouse-neighboring site
December 18, 2010 11:14 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(Photo from 2/2010 WSB story, republished with permission of Rick Miner)
Back in February, we reported on a one-of-a-kind West Seattle real-estate listing – 3221 Point Place, a rundown bungalow on an amazing waterfront site next to the Alki Point Lighthouse. At the time, it was listed for $1.3 million; we spoke with its listing agent Rick Miner (who shared photos including the one above) for our story. We lost track of it until Tim at Seattle Bubble pointed out that it has just been sold, for $965,000 per this Redfin page. County records say the new owners are a couple with an address elsewhere in Alki. So what will become of it? For that, we’ll have to watch the city page for the site. As noted in our February story, the relatives who inherited it from its previous longtime owner had met with the city to evaluate the site’s “buildable potential”; there is no indication of any action beyond “initial information collected” in October of last year.

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Christmas Ship’s 1st West Seattle stops greeted with umbrellas
December 11, 2010 6:23 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(UPDATED 11:29 PM – adding photos from Alki)

In the second :30 of that clip showing the Christmas Ship and its accompanying boats sailing away from Seacrest Pier less than an hour ago, after their first West Seattle serenade this season, you’ll see all the umbrellas – lots of hardy folks weren’t going to let the rain keep them away from this holiday tradition. Yes, there was even a bonfire, plus reps from your West Seattle Community Centers serving refreshments. The Christmas Ship will be back in our waters two more times tonight, but with a different choir. In case you missed Seacrest, here’s the first number performed there by Northwest Girlchoir Vivace:

The Dickens Carolers will be on board when the Christmas Ship arrives at Lowman Beach at 8:50, and Alki Beach at 9:40 for its next two 20-minute musical stops.

ADDED 11:29 PM: We made it to the Lowman stop, not to take photos/video, just to watch/listen. On that side of the Sound, the water was topped with fog, from which the Christmas Ship seemed to emerge, a bit eerily. The rain intensified during the performance there, and it was slippery going to cross back over the grassy, muddy park to get to the sidewalk/street. From there, the ship (known the rest of the year as Argosy’s Spirit of Seattle) moved on to Alki as planned – we called it a night at that point, but David Hutchinson shares these two photos from the Alki stop:

Here’s the schedule for the rest of its season (remember, Argosy Cruises sells tickets to ride on board the Christmas Ship and its official “parade boats,” too), including a final West Seattle stop on Monday (Don Armeni, 8:40 pm with Soundwave performing).

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Beach gets a refill: ‘Renourishment’ for West Seattle’s Lincoln Park
December 2, 2010 1:12 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Thanks to Lucian for sharing photos of the big job under way right now on the west-facing Lincoln Park shore: Sand replenishment. Funny, we were just talking about beach erosion last month (Lincoln Park here, Alki Beach here). We got first word of the sand barge’s presence late last night, when Ellen e-mailed after spotting it on a late-night walk. Here’s a shot showing more of the barge itself:

We have an inquiry out to the Parks Department for details; so far, they’ve told us the “sand-replenishment project” is something they’ve “been waiting for,” and they’re rustling up background. We’ll add it when we get it.

5:59 PM UPDATE: Thanks to “Swamp Thing” in the comments, who reveals this is a federal project and shares what was purportedly a “public notice” (will be checking into whether it was actually circulated beyond fine print somewhere). According to the notice, this is part of a periodic “renourishment” project that started in the late ’80s – last round of “renourishment” was 2002.

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West Seattle storm aftermath: More beach erosion
November 25, 2010 5:36 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

“Where did all that driftwood go?” asked Anne and Clarence from Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor), sharing that photo from the north-facing Lincoln Park shoreline. Note the bulkhead wall, which appears to now be fully out of the sand. As shown here earlier this week, same thing happened to the north-facing Alki shoreline; here’s one previously unpublished photo of that, courtesy of David Hutchinson:

We know the city replenishes Alki sand from time to time (remember the chunky-sand trouble earlier this year?); not sure about Lincoln Park, but we’ll check in with Seattle Parks post-holiday weekend.

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West Seattle storm: Weather takes a bite out of Alki Beach
November 23, 2010 9:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

First came the north winds whipping up wild waves last Sunday – then the snow and even-stronger wind last night – and this morning along Alki Beach, this is what it revealed. Jim Mercure photographed the startling scene on the shore, saying he “was shocked to see the massive amount of erosion of the shoreline.” (Note the fire ring that’s now with the driftwood instead of up on the sand.)

The phenomenon also was noticed by Alki resident Russ Walker, who noted in e-mail, with a photo link, “Went outside for the first time not long ago to find 2 ft of elevation gone from the beach. I expected some erosion, but not this much. The stairs down to the beach now end about 18 inches short of the sand. And I see more old pier posts that haven’t been exposed in the 20 months we’ve been living here.” Lucky the weather is relatively calm (albeit cold) tonight, since the second-highest tide of the month peaks just after 7 tomorrow morning.

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Cross the line, break the law: Seal Sitters’ reminder and request
November 16, 2010 6:07 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by, and used with permission of, Robin Lindsey)
Seal Sitters volunteers call that harbor seal Queen Latifah; she is the latest West Seattle shoreline visitor to merit their protection and win their hearts. But others are getting too close for comfort, explains Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey: “Over the last few days I have observed an increasing number of people intentionally going under (or over) the yellow tape perimeter of the area near Queen Latifah … those people are truly breaking a federal law and (it’s important) that the pups rest undisturbed.” To underscore that point, Robin has written a new entry for the Seal Sitters’ blubberblog, and asked if we would share the link with you – you’ll find it here. (If you don’t recall hearing so much about seals on our beaches this time of year, you’re right – Seal Sitters are having a surprisingly busy November, and as a result will soon be scheduling a December training session for prospective new volunteers – we’ll let you know when the date’s set.)

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Seal Sitters’ new signs: First two prototypes appear on Alki
October 6, 2010 5:19 pm
|    Comments Off on Seal Sitters’ new signs: First two prototypes appear on Alki
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(One of the new Seal Sitters signs on Alki; photo courtesy of, and copyrighted by, Robin Lindsey)
Seven months ago, we happened onto Seal Sitters reps at an Alki coffee shop, minutes after they got news that the group would get a Neighborhood Matching Fund “Small and Simple” grant, $15,000 for education. (Matching Fund grants require that the recipients also chip in the same value in cash/materials/volunteer labor – they are not outright gifts.) As of this morning, Seal Sitters‘ Robin Lindsey tells WSB, part of the grant money has become something tangible – two “prototype” signs on Alki, to educate people about the frequent beach visitors. Robin adds, “We are very excited about getting this valuable information on the beach and hope it will alleviate some stress for the (member of the) public that finds a pup and does not know what to do.” We can attest to the fact there are many people who need that info – three times in the past few days, we’ve received calls or messages asking us, and we’ve of course pointed them to Seal Sitters, who have a hotline at 206-905-SEAL. And it’s been a very busy few weeks for Seal Sitters and the pups they watch out for – the stories are all told at www.blubberblog.org – some of them heartbreaking, like the recent death of “Twiggy” the seal, and some heartwarming. You can also read more about the signage project on this blubberblog.org page.

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Seal Sitters guarding pup at Lincoln Park – please give it space
September 5, 2010 5:03 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
ORIGINAL 5:03 PM REPORT: We’ve just received multiple reports (thank you!) that Seal Sitters are guarding a pup at Lincoln Park. If you happen to see it, please keep far, far away (binoculars can facilitate viewing from a safe distance) – the Seal Sitters’ blubberblog site is full of good reasons why, like this story about a pup forced back into the water at Alki on Friday because people wouldn’t steer clear, and this one about a pup scared back into the water at Lincoln Park a few days earlier. As Seal Sitters pointed out in that second story, if the pup wasn’t weaned and its mom couldn’t find it in the water, it would die. If you see a seal (of any age) on a West Seattle beach, call 206-905-SEAL as soon as you can.

ADDED 10:25 PM: In addition to the photo we added above, Christopher Boffoli also shares video – don’t worry, NOT shot from as close as it looks!

MONDAY MORNING P.S. We are reminded that for anyone who considers disregarding the Seal Sitters – harassing seals is against federal law, period, and you don’t have to take their word for it – here’s a reminder from the source. And there’s now an update on this pup, posted on the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” – they’ve nicknamed it Storm because of yesterday’s playoff game. MONDAY NIGHT: Storm’s now being helped by PAWS – and Seal Sitters are dealing with a new pup at Lincoln Park, nicknamed Swimmy. Here’s the Seal Sitters’ blubberblog update.

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Alki’s second seal pup of the season: Meet ‘Windy’
August 27, 2010 12:51 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Less than two weeks after the sad saga of Primo, the second Alki seal pup of the year has arrived, according to the newest update on the Seal Sitters‘ “blubberblog” website. Little “Windy” was on the beach until 8 pm or so, Seal Sitters writes; if you spot “Windy” (or another pup) anywhere on the West Seattle shore in the days ahead, please be sure to call Seal Sitters at 905-SEAL.

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Flying seal pup: Seal Sitters find ‘Primo’ a free flight to get help
August 11, 2010 2:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

As first reported three days ago, courtesy of Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters, Alki has been playing host to West Seattle’s first seal pup of the season. And now, the story of Primo has taken a dramatic – and high-flying turn – here’s an update from Robin:

With the authorization of NOAA, Seal Sitters removed our very emaciated seal pup Primo from the beach about 6:45 this morning. It was believed she would have to be euthanized. However, upon arrival at PAWS in Lynnwood, Primo exhibited some rather feisty behavior that led to her being fluidated and stabilized. As PAWS was currently unable to keep her at their facility, Wolf Hollow in the San Juans agreed to take her. Kenmore Air generously donated a free flight for our little pup!

Robin has published more details on Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site. You can read the earlier updates by scrolling down the “blubberblog” home page. And if you see a pup – call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo of Primo taken last weekend – via long lens – by David Hutchinson)

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Baby-seal season begins in West Seattle: First pup at Alki
August 8, 2010 11:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Just in from Seal Sitters‘ Robin Lindsey:

Our first little seal pup nicknamed Primo has been hanging out on Alki off and on since last night. He spent the majority of today keeping Seal Sitters on our toes! He’s a gorgeous, but thin little pup. Please spread the word for people to be alert as they walk along the beach and to call us immediately if they come across a pup.

Here’s the number: 206-905-SEAL. Robin has Primo’s full story, with a photo, on the Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” – go here.

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