Archive for April, 2007

Posted on Apr 30th, 2007

It used to be whatever the dominant beauty brands told us to buy; one could say almost a limited concept of taking care of our skin. Today, we are now facing interesting choices when shopping for beauty products.

Age Old Secrets Nature holds pearls of wisdom that enhance life’s splendors. Essential oils a perfect example and in their pure natural state is effective for all manner of things. Take Lavender, a very good relaxant and effective for those plagued with insomnia. Best of all, it is natural and therefore, not addictive.

We’ve rediscovered plant oils. Research has shown that some plant oils have much smaller molecules allowing them to penetrate into the upper layers of our skin. This offers the skin not only moisture but the additional benefits of nourishment.

Age old secrets with today’s technology are bringing us innovative formulas and rich blends. A perfect example is Green Tea Extract, a powder which is extracted from the leaves. Green tea offers us powerful antioxidants beneficial to human health.

Magic Potions The skincare market is now the arena of a fierce battle between prestige and mass outlets. In the mist of this battle, the cosmetic industry now increasingly looks to the organic or natural skin care niche as the newest in a long series of "innovations" to drive their market, constantly repackaging "hope in a bottle."

Except, nature gives us an amazing array of botanical ingredients and essential oils that naturally protect and nourish our skin. Essential oils are made from the distillation of flowers and provide tremendous benefits to our skin. For centuries, plants and herbs have been used for the vitamins and nutrients they deliver to the skin.

Some natural skin constituents, such as: ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), hyaluronic acid (found in plant oils), vitamin E, collagen (new technology has produced collagen from soy and wheat), lactic (goat’s milk) and citric acids, can also be found in natural beauty products.

The skin recognizes these ingredients as compatible with those already in the skin, so there is minimal risk of a sensitive/allergic reaction.

Truth Serum What we now know that to feel good about ourselves is by taking care of our looks - because beauty and health go hand in hand. Great looking skin arrives by limited sun exposure, good health and finding the right products for your skin. And, that the finest make-up in the world cannot disguise the effects of poor nutrition, lack of sleep, exercise, too much stress or emotional problems.

We also know that as more and more traditionally ‘mainstream’ customers begin adopting natural ingredients, the demand for efficacy data and documentation grows. Perhaps we’ll start to see a list of ingredients in all skin care products. We can start with commercial soaps, which most are made of detergents leaving the skin dry.

Because after all with perfect beauty as an elusive concept; consumer education should therefore be an important part of this business.

Cecilia loves skin care products. So, it’s no surprise that she co-created A Natural Perspective to be “The Place” for Canadian-made 100% natural, holistic skin and health care products. A Natural Perspective is a resource for the busy consumer who wants quality skin care. This site also serves high-end retailers and spa centers that look to offer signature and quality skin care products.

Posted on Apr 30th, 2007

Wrinkles refer to the loosening of the skin. With the age the skin loses its elasticity and moisture as a results wrinkles appear on all over the face. Some young people also have few wrinkles around the eyes that are caused by spending much time in the sun.

Home Remedies

1. Massaging the face with coconut oil before going to bed prevents wrinkles.

2. B complex vitamins are the best for skin so the foods like eggs, beef, chicken and whole wheat should be included in the diet in good amounts. Other vitamins like A, C and E act as antioxidant and gives the skin a healthy look. So these vitamins should also be included in the diet.

3. Avoid excess of smoking and alcohol as it causes puffiness of the skin. Thus, leading to wrinkles.

4. Application of lemon juice several times a day will fade away the blemishes and wrinkles.

5. Rubbing the core of pineapple on the face and leaving it for 5-10 minutes will help in the treatment of wrinkles.

6. Simmer half-cup rosemary leaves in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes. Add half cup of brandy and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Strain the mixture and store it to wipe the skin twice a day.

7. Don’t rub the face while washing and use only normal water for washing instead of using warm water.

8. Mix turmeric powder and sugarcane to form a paste and apply it on the skin for preventing wrinkles.

9. Eating one tablespoonful of shredded ginger with honey will provide the skin with healthy glow.

10. Leave metal spoons in the freezer overnight and in the morning keep the back of the spoons on the eyes. It will cure the eye wrinkles and the under eye dark circles.

11. Mix two tablespoons vodka, a tablespoon fennel seeds, and 2 teaspoons honey, and leave it for three days. Strain the mixture and use it as a toner.

12. Massaging the skin with pure castor oil also prevents wrinkles.

13. Avoid going out in midday as the ultraviolet rays of the sun cause premature wrinkles.

14. Cleaning face every night before going to bed and applying any cream will prevent wrinkles and other aging marks.

15. Juice of green pineapples and apples when applied daily on the face clears the skin from var ious lines and wrinkles.

16. Soft massaging of the face in the upward direction with any cream gives the skin firmness and prevents wrinkles. It’s best when done during night.

Posted on Apr 29th, 2007

Elements from Mother Nature have been a part of beauty regimens for centuries and she continues to provide us a bounty of hydration, antioxidants and emollients ingredients. There is Evening Primrose Oil, considered the “King’s Cure-all”, reputed for its healing powers in a wide range of ailments. Its secret is its essential fatty acid GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid).

Then we have glycerin, a natural moisture magnet found in natural soaps. Glycerin helps to attract and draw moisture from the air into the skin. Jojoba and almond oils also offer deep hydration to the skin.

Mimicking the lipid content of skin ingredients are canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, jojoba oil, lecithin, olive oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, and sweet almond oil, which can all be extremely helpful for your skin.

Natural skin care formulations maximize the therapeutic values of natural and organic ingredients. And, each ingredient provides its own distinctive properties from nourishment, rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory to repairing the skin. As a result, natural skin care products deliver penetrating holistic benefits to the skin and usually without side effects.

Mother Nature’s Version to Anti-aging There is an array of anti aging supplements that can help to eliminate the signs of aging and when blended together create skin rejuvenation nutrients. For example, you will find antioxidants benefits in natural skin care product containing Grape seed Extract, Olive Oil and Green Tea.

Plus, antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which can be found in green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Of course, there are excellent natural skin care products that offer an antioxidant blend of Ester C (Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Wonderful food-grade carrier oils are light, non-sticky and allow for quicker absorption. Carrier oils facilitate the penetration of essential oils into the body. They are rich in natural fatty acids and can contain a number of vitamins including A and E which help keep the skin supple, regenerated and nourished.

She Offers You Younger Looking Skin Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) help to give the skin a younger look. AHAs consist of several acids that gently exfoliate dead surface skin cells, exposing smoother, younger-looking skin. These acids include citric acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. Look for from naturally-occurring substances derived from citrus fruits, sugar cane and sour milk.

Take advantage of old fashioned facial clay masks made from fruit, honey or yogurt, these ingredients also provide AHAs as their active ingredients.

Old Mother Earth Autumn’s harvest makes it a good time to promote the importance of protecting the Earth’s resources. It is also a time to celebrate autumns’ beauty and the fruits of the past year. Take care of this earth and your earth will provide for you tenfold. Because the qualities of the soil, climate, and source of the raw materials all have an effect on the final product…, you!

Cecilia loves skin care products. So, it’s no surprise that she co-created A Natural Perspective to be “The Place” for Canadian-made 100% natural, holistic skin and health care products. A Natural Perspective is a resource for the busy consumer who wants quality skin care. This site also serves high-end retailers and spa centers that look to offer signature and quality skin care products.

Posted on Apr 29th, 2007

If you want 2 tips to keep your skin young, help with anti aging roll back the years here they are:

The majority of skin damage is caused by the sun, so wear any moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher.

If you want to get a better skin tone and complexion you need to nourish your skin from the inside and this is one of the best anti aging tips you can utilize.

You are what you eat, so make sure you eat the RIGHT foods and get glowing healthy skin.

Here are some foods guaranteed to help in the fight against anti aging:

10 anti aging food groups to eat for radiant skin

Multigrain bread

For selenium, this vital trace element is essential for making glutathione, an enzyme that cleans up free radicals, which are present in the air and cigarette smoke.

Other good foods for selenium include muesli, shrimps and sunflower seeds.

Sweet potatoes tomatoes and spinach

For three important antioxidants these foods are great.

Beta-carotene present in sweet potatoes, lycopene present in tomatoes and lutein present in spinach.

They all go into the skin and help reflect harmful UV rays and act as a permanent sunscreen.

Cherries, blueberries, blackberries and grapes

All contain anthocyanins an antioxidant that keeps the skin supplied with nutrients through blood vessels leading into the face.

Oily fish

Are a great source of protein to regenerate collagen and elastin, as well as omega 3 oils, these are essential to keep the skin subtle and hydrated. Good foods include: Salmon, mackerel, herrings and sardines.

Crab, sardines, lean beef and wheat germ

A great source of copper, a trace element that is essential for making melanin, the pigment in the skin that helps to absorb aging UV rays from the sun. It also helps fight age spots the tell tale sign of aging.

Soya milk, lentils, bean sprouts, yogurt & wholegrain cereals

These contain plant oestrogens, which help make lubricating oils and collagen in the skin for a healthier look. They also help repair collagen and elastin, which slow down the thinning of the skin and the formation of fine lines.

Oats

Contain the trace element silic acid, which is used to make the spongy cells that lie between collagen and elastin fibres and make the skin full and plump slowing down the formation of fine lines.

Whole meal pitta, gogi berries & muesli

Pitta contains ferulic acid, berries contain vitamin c, and muesli contains vitamin E. Why take these? Vitamin C and e are great for fighting harmful UV rays and gogi berries have 15 times more vitamin C than an orange gram for gram.

Eat lots of vegetables and drink lots of water

Two litres of water a day to keep skin hydrated and 2 portions of vegetables for lots of nutrients for the skin, the best ones are outlined above but also look to eat lots of peppers broccoli and carrots.

Remember it’s the SPF That counts!

By protecting your skin from the outside with a sunscreen, you will protect yourself from the major cause of skin damage harmful UV rays and it really doesn’t matter what type of skin cream it is, it’s the SPF that’s important!

Feed your skin well and it will last a lifetime

By nourishing your skin from the inside it will look better and gain additional protection and if you eat the above foods be in the best condition it possibly can.

In anti aging terms nourish from inside!

Nourishing your skin from the inside is far more effective in anti aging terms than nourishing your skin from the outside.

The above may sound logical, but many people still feel that by rubbing in some miracle skin cream they will look younger quickly and end up disappointed.

Remember one final point:

You are what you eat so feed your skin well and reap the benefits.

For more sensible health and beauty tips on all areas of beauty, fashion, diet and fitness visit our website:

http://www.net-planet.org/trends.html

Posted on Apr 28th, 2007

Looking younger is the mantra of Baby Boomers. This generation and the subsequent generations have greatly contributed to the gold-filled pockets of plastic surgeons everywhere. The Botox and Restylane craze has never been more evident than in today’s society. Aging just isn’t what it used to be; now there is a plethora of anti-aging products for every price range that make lots of promises. What happened to aging gracefully?

Over and over again, the phrase “non-invasive” is touted but having injections, whether they’re in your arm, your buttocks or your face is invasive. An injection requires a needle and when it is shoved into your skin, it is an invasion.

Yes, having an injection rather than a full-blown surgical procedure is non-surgical. There are many, many doctors and other practitioners who want consumers to believe that little doses of cadaver material or botulism injected in the forehead, the outer eye area and around the mouth, is not invasive but let’s tell it like it is.

On a recent network morning show, two women, moms in their 40’s, were willing to undergo “non-invasive procedures” to look younger. While the noted dermatologist took her black marker and began drawing on the faces to demonstrate how Botox and other material would be injected into certain areas to fill out and alleviate visible signs of aging, it was striking to see just how desperate these housewives have become. These injections would have cost at least $1500 - $2000 for a procedure that will have to be repeated at least twice during a one-year period of time if they want to maintain their results.

The quest for slowing down the aging process has become a multi-billion dollar business and in 2004, over 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed. Even though the effects of injections are gone in a short amount of time and plastic surgery requires updating, patients, particularly women, may have fallen into a trap believing that these procedures are the only avenue of preserving their looks.

There are other ways to turn back the clock without surgery or invasive injections and one is exercise, facial exercise. Exercising your face will restore the tone and firmness that you thought may have been lost forever. There is no recovery time, no risks of any type and you won’t end up with the face of a stranger.

Crow’s feet are a major concern because eyes look tired when these pesky little lines are apparent. The reason they form is because the forehead muscle has elongated due to gravity and life; when this happens, the muscles surrounding the eyes become compressed by the gravitational weight on them.

There is an easy remedy to alleviate the look of crow’s feet: Place the three middle fingers of each hand underneath each eye brow. Push the eyebrows up and slightly outward. Hold your eyebrows high and begin to use your forehead muscle to push down into your fingertips. (Make certain you are not creating lines between your eyebrows; push outward towards the temple area after pushing up) Count slowly to five. Remove your hands, take a deep breath, and again position your fingertips underneath your brows. Push the eyebrows up and slightly outward. Hold them high and begin to use your forehead muscle to push down into your fingertips. Count to ten – at count 7, close your eyes. (This action forces oxygenated blood to the eye lids) Remove your hands and repeat this two more times for a total of thirty-five seconds of exercise. If this exercise is performed once a day for six days in a row, in less than three weeks, the eyebrows will have lifted and crow’s feet will be less noticeable.

See how easy that was and you saved $3500! You can lift your entire face and neck with simple isometric/resistance exercises that require thirty five seconds for each movement. No pain, no anesthesia, no risk and great results – at home and in hardly any time at all.

Cynthia Rowland is widely recognized as an expert in all-natural facial fitness with many years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger through natural techniques without spending their children’s inheritance.

Posted on Apr 28th, 2007

 Limit your skin’s exposure to the sun. Excessive UV exposure leads to wrinkles, discolouration, loss of tone and dehydration. Always use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

 Always drink plenty of water. This assists in flushing out impurities, fostering the development of new cells and improving circulation. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.

 Plenty of sleep at night time is essential. This is when cells renew themselves and repair the day’s damage. Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is ideal. Any less will result in your skin showing signs of fatigue.

 Eating the right balance of foods is vital. You are what you eat. A healthy diet comprising of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and complex carbohydrates is recommended for most people. The better your diet the better your skin will look.

 Exercise on a regular basis keeps your heart and muscles fit. It also helps your skin by improving your circulation, which eliminates toxins giving your skin a healthy glow. At least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise is recommended daily. Walking, running, swimming, cycling and dancing are all excellent aerobic activities.

 Do not smoke as it destroys the underlying structure of the skin, leading to premature aging. It results in wrinkles and destroys elasticity. Over time smoking causes skin to thicken and discolour and creates lines around the mouth.

 Make sure that you do not drink too much alcohol or caffeine. Moderation is the key e.g. a glass of wine is relaxing but too much wine dehydrates your system, robs you of vital nutrients and may interrupt healthy sleep patterns.

 Try and reduce the stress in your life. Anxiety gives rise to a number of surface manifestations, including blemishes, hives, impaired circulation, itching, irritation and under eye circles. The key is to relax! Adopt sensible time management strategies. Participate in stress busting activities such as jogging, yoga or meditation. If stress gets the upper hand consult your doctor or a counsellor.

 While all these steps will help with providing healthier, younger looking skin, it is also important to get a helping hand by getting access to quality anti aging products and vitamins and minerals with traceability.

 I would be delighted to send you free information about the leading anti aging products on the market.

Aled Evans has a great interest in health and beauty issues which will help people lead a healthier, happier life.He is also an official distributor of Artistry beauty products and Nutrilite health products.

Posted on Apr 27th, 2007

As the cold weather approaches, it may be time to consider your skin care strategy for the winter months ahead. Dry air and cold wind can have a significant effect on the health of your skin, and you will want to do everything you can to protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. Give some serious consideration to the following information, and be proactive about the health of your skin.

Even though you will be bundled up in winter clothing, you should still consider using a sunscreen of some sort. For daily use, it may be a bit extreme to cover yourself in sunscreen in the winter months. Instead, try to use a moisturizer or makeup with an SPF of 15. If you are going to be out on the slopes, you ought to use a sunscreen with an SPF as high as you would use in the summer. The snow on the hills reflects an incredible amount of sunlight. Don’t forget to use a quality lip balm, too.

Try to avoid taking long, hot showers this winter. We all know how wonderful a hot shower can feel on a cold day, but try to resist the urge as best as you can. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural moisturizers. Instead take a short, warm shower. Try to pat your skin almost dry, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is slightly damp. This is a great strategy to help you avoid dry skin.

Another thing to consider is your home heating system. As your furnace will be in constant use in the colder months, the air in your home can become extremely dry. If you do not have a humidifier built into your heating system, you should invest in a portable humidifier. Using a humidifier can prevent your skin from drying out, and it can help you avoid dry nasal cavities. If you do suffer from a dry or bleeding nose in the winter, apply some petroleum jelly for short-term relief.

In my opinion, the best way to deal with dry skin is to hydrate from the inside out. Drink as much water as you possibly can, regardless of the time of year. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, will flush countless toxins from your body and will help keep your skin healthy and fresh. By following these suggestions, you can have beautiful skin all year round.

Alisha Burke loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys going for walks in the park with her dog and shopping for vintage clothes with her friends. When she finds herself with some free time, she writes for yourskin101.com – an online resource dedicated to helping you care for your skin, with information including Skin Care Facts, Skin Care Basics, Getting Rid of Acne and more.

Posted on Apr 27th, 2007

As the years pass by there is absolutely no reason why we should feel old, frail, useless or ‘past it’.

The spirit of man is ageless and for this reason that inner knowledge of ‘feeling’ as though we are no different no matter what the DOB claims will never go away. Changes to health, experiences, relationships or a job may have changed ideas, thoughts and plans and created a different lifestyle but that essential ‘you’ will remain in tact. People have often been heard to say ‘I don’t feel any different to how I did at twenty’ and the spirit is the reason.

Happy healthy people who have been through major challenges and enjoyed victories have even been bold enough to say, ‘I feel better now than I did at twenty’. Its not the good health or the happy disposition that have created the true feeling of well-being but the positive processes fed into the spirit during the time of adversity that has brought the refreshing. Food, exercise, diet and correct vitamin needs have a role but should never be the focus of the life of a happy victorious citizen.

Fear has been a primary weapon used to attack minds filling them with a need for total dependency on the health system. The medical profession certainly has a place but not to the point where daily dialogue dictates even the time of rising.

Multiple ‘caring’ groups have been aware of an increase in the number of centurions bringing the number of water front retirement villas to record construction and sales levels. Many businesses have moved to reap their benefits from the growing number of maturing humans by way of tonics, supplements, vitamins, even the well disguised course for the ‘Over 50’s.’

Worse still overseas holidays have been organized that cost a fortune, waste valuable time and bring further contact with growing numbers of ‘old’ and bored holiday makers. Deep dialogue would be focussed on the content of the previous meal and grow to even less meaningful discussion around life’s experiences when friendships develop. The problem here is that the positive experiences are rarely talked about. They may be mentioned but somehow don’t have the lengthy building power of the tribulation experienced. A success story may be shared but why it came about and the personal changes developed usually remain secret.

The millionaire wouldn’t be on the holiday and the only dialogue about money would be how far the super fund would have to be stretched to cover a possible 25 years of unexpected life.

Learning for Seniors sounds well meaning but getting together with a group of mature age students to learn how to use the internet could be one of the most challenging and frustrating experiences. On-going learning is vital but more rewarding with a group enrolled at the local community college. Dialogue wouldn’t dare suggest that you were a little slow catching on because of your age. A mixed group would be more rewarding and able to share current ideas and discoveries within the field of study.

The Lord has promised us that our end will be better than our beginning and for this reason all we need to do is run with this whilst following the Rules, giving out the most from our unique lesson plan. This will ensure that our ‘task’ will be fulfilled, we will be a blessing to others and earn the title of ‘good and faithful servant.’

Copyright 2005-2006 Patricia Little

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com

Remarkable "How I Became Young at Sixty" brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook "How I Became Young at Sixty" by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm

Posted on Apr 26th, 2007

Conditioners helps you manage things well, especially your hair.

Conditioner is a substance that makes things easily manageable. Bread dough’s for example, conditioners make it easy to manage bread dough, which is otherwise hard without it.

The best use for conditioners, on the other hand, is for the hair. Hair conditioners are heaven sent for people with frizzy and dry hair. It helps make hair easily manageable and easy to style. It also lessens the pain of detangling the dry hair when frizzyness attacks.

Conditioning the hair also eliminates the problem when it becomes nest-like after shampoo.

Here are a few tips on how to use hair conditioners to the fullest.

First, is clean your hair with shampoo. In shampooing, avoid bring up your hair and rubbing it with the shampoo. It will tangle all the ends and it will be hard to fix it after washing.

Shampoo needs to clean your scalp where dirt may build up that may cause dandruff.

Use your fingertips to clean your scalp with shampoo working the lather down to the tips from the roots. Do not rub the hair strands together to avoid damaging your hair.

Rinse well to wash the shampoo completely.

Secondly, apply a rich, moisturizing conditioner to the hair with more concentration on the tips.

Please note that when you shampoo, you concentrate on your scalp, but when you condition your hair, you concentrate on the tips.

Comb your hair with the conditioner still on it, and use a wide-toothed comb.

Remember, shampooing is to clean the scalp, conditioning is to treat your hair with protective shield to keep it moist and protected from dryness that harms the hair.

Rinse well after about a minute. If your hair is extremely dry, you may

James Monahan is a leading authority on hair care. He has written many articles and newsletters. For more information to go http://www.AllConditioner.com.

Posted on Apr 26th, 2007

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA; thioctic acid; lipoic acid) is a coenzyme that is a very potent antioxidant. A body exposed to free radicals becomes more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and liver damage. ALA, sometimes called the “universal” antioxidant, holds the capacity to neutralize the effects of free radicals in both fatty and water-based environments. The prevention and cure achieved by ALA, by virtue of neutralizing free radicals, is worth the credit it has gained in the therapeutic market. The human body holds the positive ability to produce small amounts of ALA. The benefits of additional supplementation can be gained from the natural sources of ALA, which include tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, beef, yeast, and kidney.

ALA has its benefits revealed in a number of diseases and disorders. Its usage slows the aging process, helps the liver to remove the toxins, and decreases the adverse effects associated with some analgesic drugs. It also holds the efficiency of effectively removing glucose from the blood. ALA shows its therapeutic benefit in complications associated with diabetes, such as macular degeneration, neuropathy, and cataracts. It has been found to be capable of reducing the symptoms associated with nerve damage (i.e. burning, pain, numbness) in diabetic patients. Because of its efficiency to cross the blood-brain barrier, the benefit of ALA in stroke and other brain disorders is probable.

ALA is also of benefit in the treatment of HIV-AIDS, cancer, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular disease. A daily dose of 20 mg to 50 mg of ALA is the requirement of healthy person. In diabetics, for antioxidant protection it is essential to administer a dose of 100mg twice a day to help prevent further complications. No adverse effects were observed on administration of 1,200 mg/day (600mg, 2 times/day) for 2 years and 1,800 mg/day (600 mg, 3 times / day) for 3 weeks in diabetic neuropathy patients under medical supervision. However, because of a lack of long-term safety studies, ALA should not be administered to pregnant and lactating women.

Alpha Lipoic Acid provides detailed information about alpha lipoic acid, ALA products, ALA research, ALA side effects and more. Alpha Lipoic Acid is the sister site of Hyaluronic Acid Web.

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