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BEAUTY - WEDDINGS & EVENTS
PrintHere Comes The Bride...
(or the birthday boy, or the 50-year marrieds, or...)!
August, 2010 - Issue #70
Here comes the bride (or the birthday boy, or the 50-year marrieds, or...)!
Planning a wedding or special event takes time, patience and resources - but most of all, it takes LOVE. Lucky for you, this feature is filled with professionals who love what they do, love making your special events even more special, and would love for you to give them a call!
Bridal Beauty Checklist
God bless Photoshop. With a mouse click here and a few key strokes there, you can look 10 years younger (and 10 pounds lighter) in photos. Too bad real life isn't as forgiving.
What's a female to do? If you're anything like us, you're going to want to pluck, suck, lift, paint, peel, rub, poke and plump yourself silly. And speaking of silly, before you let anyone tell you that your pre-event beauty rituals are anything less than rational, show them a picture of themselves before Photoshop.
"It's like a forklift, but for boobs!"
Few things help a woman's body profile more than a pair of perkies. But achieving the ideal silhouette isn't easy. Lift, separate and ditch the requisite elastic-band back-fat roll with a perfectly-fitting brassiere. We are in love with the pros at Naughty But Nice (222-2359); these boob gurus totally changed the way we think about (and feel in) bras. You'll feel so good about the way you (and the "ladies") look, you'll want to pick up a few Honeymoon ensembles while you're there.
"I need a weed whacker to get through that unibrow."
Having your eyebrows professionally shaped can take years off your face. It's like a mini eyelift! Even better: Elegant Shapes Brow Shaping Loft (284-2198) offers brow threading for only $10. Tip: Go without tweezing for about a month so that your brow artist can get a real sense of your arch and make the greatest improvement.
"I feel like a wrinkled old lady."
Go from raisin to grape with blow-your-mind awesome Fraxel Re:store procedures. The process removes years from your appearance without surgery. It's a safe, non-invasive treatment effective for all skin types. The skin is resurfaced with little or no discomfort or down time. You'll see impressive improvement on wrinkles around the eye; age and sun spots; brown spots or pregnancy masks; acne or surgical scars; and skin resurfacing. Dr. Craig F. Ingber of DermaCure Medical Aesthetics (257-8400) will make you a believer. (We're sold. Sign us up!) For the skeptics, log onto the website to check out the before and afters: www.dermacurevalencia.com.
"I have a zit on my chin and I'm bloated, but at least my nails look good."
It's impossible to feel gross with freshly-primped fingers and toes. Pink and Whites or French Tips might be the best choice for your fingernails... But your toes? Don't you dare! They won't see daylight until the honeymoon, so rock a chic Coach or Louis Vuitton pattern, or match your vacation destination and go tropical. We heart the artists at Bellagio Nails & Spa (260-3759).
"We could use my spider veins as a road map."
Pregnancy, weight gain, heredity, career choice... they all can lead to those unsightly bluish-purple lines and leg bumps (Life = Unfair). Fix the mess with the help of Dr. Panasci of the Valencia Vein Center (254-0720). It's painless and affordable. But don't wait; doing it right isn't an overnight process.
"Why isn't HE losing HIS hair!?"
Meet "Life = Unfair, Part Two." Your once-hearty head of hair is now sparse and thin. Stress, genetics, hormones and other evil hair abusers can be the culprit. No matter the cause, though, there's one solution. We are bowled over by the impressive results achieved by Hair Loss Treatment Clinic (294-6880). They treat men - and lots of women - with patented laser therapy. Book a free consult today, because the sooner you act, the faster you'll regrow your hair.
"All this primping is making me grumpy."
It's hard work looking this good, right? (Personally, we're exhausted.) That's why booking your bridal or pre-event party at a spa is so popular. Our favorite deals and packages come courtesy of Balance Point Spa (252-0650). A variety of services are available, including facials, massage, body treatments, reiki, angel readings, stress reduction lessons and more. Plus, they have a separate room with plenty of space for your gal pals to chat and chill. Bring some treats or have them arrange catering. Just make sure you plan on taking advantage of the free sauna session.
Don't Miss This Event
Tuesday, August 3
Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals Present "Planning an Event or getting Married?
Learn the Do's and Don'ts from the Professionals" Held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 7 p.m., this must-attend seminar is time well spent. Meet the best in the business and learn how to make your big day a big success. $10 for attendee and guest. Call to reserve your space; 296-6191
www.santaclaritaweddings.com
The Top Pre-wedding Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
1. Breast Augmentation
Today most physicians performing breast augmentation are using FDA-approved memory gel silicone implants. Patients love the results of silicone implants, which have a very natural look and feel.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
3. Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and can tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The best candidates for tummy tucks are women or men in relatively good shape who have large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that did not respond to diet, exercise or both. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and stretched their abdominal muscles and skin will especially benefit from the procedure.
4. Buttock Enhancement
Buttock shape and proportion are critical to overall beauty of the body. Beverly Hills Physicians offers a fat transfer to the buttocks to nearly every patient who undergoes liposuction. This procedure is also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift or Buttock Lift. Instead of using uncomfortable and unsightly/unnatural buttock implants, we use your own fat, which looks, feels and is most natural. Often, this can be combined with a full body makeover, including tummy tuck and breast augmentation. By using the fat in shaping the hips and buttocks, the waistline and hips become very curvaceous. This enhancement rejuvenates the whole body silhouette. The skin of the buttock becomes tighter, clothes fit better, there is an anti-aging effect, as well as a lift effect.
All procedures are available from Beverly Hills Physicians; 800-788-1416 www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com
Get this Look!
What's in Eugenia Weston's Wedding Makeup Bag
Face:
Silky Primer (To allow makeup to last and stay fresh looking all day.)
HDExtreme Firming Radiant Makeup in Honey
HD HydraCover Concealer in Shade 2
Secret Set Invisible Setting Powder
Blush in Beached Peach
Glisten Bronze (on cheeks)
Lips:
Shy Lip Liner
Grace Lip Lacquer
Eyes:
Totally Transforming Eye Shadow Primer in Shade 2
Black Velvet Eye Liner
Eye Shadows:
Pink Martini, Legend, Black Sands, Lynx
Faux Lashes
Lash TLC Mascara
Brows:
Blonde Brow Shaper Pencil
Golden Brown Brow Fix X
Eugenia Weston is a professional makeup artist and founder of Senna Cosmetics; 255-0660
Picture This!
Fall in Love with your Wedding Photographer
story and photography by Mel Carll
There are so many things to accomplish before your big day. When it comes to selecting a photographer, it's tempting to think about Uncle Fred, your beloved family member who's been bragging about his new camera for months.
But before you make a decision that might ruin a treasured relationship (and is just as likely to ruin your precious photos), think again.
You will only get to make this important decision once. When the wedding is over, the photographs (good or bad) are there to remind you of your special day and cherished moments.
Once you realize that hiring a pro is practically a necessity, there are still decisions left to be made. Since every photographer has a different style, you'll want to make sure you find one that matches your desired "look" and personality. Meet with them to see that you can make a connection. Photography is very personal; you'll likely spend more time with your photographer than your family on your wedding day! Get to know them so that they get to know you. A good photographer will use this time to make sure he or she knows what you are looking for.
Mel Carll is a professional photographer and owner of the SCV Center for Photography 904-2092 www.scvphotocenter.com.
Preserve the memories
My grandmother may be gone, but the good wishes she had for my husband and me are preserved forever on a signature mat that wraps around our engagement photo. This treasure, along with wedding shadow boxes, custom preservation framing, gift cards and so much more are available from the professionals at Fast Frame (291-1325).
Have Faith
Marriage is Similar to Backpacking
"As a backpacker, I'm questioned as to why I strap 30 to 40 pounds on my back, trudge rugged trails, sleep on the ground, risk injury and eat weird food, only to come home looking like I've wrestled a tree and lost. My response: 'These photos don't do justice to what I saw.'"
Marriage is similar to backpacking. Without preparation, disaster is certain. The wedding is the trailhead, not the summit. Marriage has obstacles and dangers that will test a couple's core. However, those making it to the end together experience a life which photos can't do justice." ~ Minister Ray Davis of North Oaks Church of Christ 252-2298
Q&A with Barry Lamster DJ/Master of Ceremonies & Pianist
In: The last wedding I went to had a DJ/MC who stole the show, in a bad way. Is this the norm?
BL: I don't think the DJ/MC stealing the show is something a couple or their guests would want to remember. My presentation is always classy, elegant and fun.
In: What else do you do?
BL: I play great dance music. I do all the announcing and coordinating to make sure that the event flows smoothly, and I arrive early to set up way before guests arrive.
In: You've been entertaining for 25 years as a DJ/MC and pianist. I'm thinking of becoming a DJ. I have an iPod, so I'm good to go, right?
BL: Hmm...no. It's just not that simple. I custom-tailor song lists with my clients and help them with an itinerary and timeline. I create a great mix of open dancing while fitting in all preliminaries like the first dance, father/daughter dance and cake cutting. There is something to be said about experience and the know-how to operate state-of-the-art equipment to make your event a success.
In: Sounds like you really know what you're doing.
BL: It is important to me that I provide the best entertainment for the bride and groom and their guests.
For more information on Barry Lamster Entertainment call 713-4057.
As Unique as Your Love
Totally Customizable Wedding Decor Options
Tired of one-size-fits-all event decor options? Desperate to make your event more "you?" Robbie Cruikshank, owner of A-1 Event Rentals (775-8111), feels your pain. "We're all about offering our clients a custom choice," he says. His company is expanding on their already stellar reputation by producing truly unique decor options for the discerning bride or planner.
Draperies & Linens that Wow
A-1 Event Rentals now has a full-time drapery and linen manufacturer in house, meaning that your wedding or event really can be like no other. "You can give us a fabric swatch, and we'll find it or match it. Or tell us what you're looking for. We can do any type of fabric, too," says Cruikshank, who mentions that both earth tones and bold pinks are in demand right now. Because A-1 Event Rentals doesn't need to use outside designer rental companies, "we have competitive prices on designer linens," says Cruikshank.
Lounge Furniture that's a Perfect Fit
"Our lounge furniture is made in house," explains Cruikshank, "so if you don't see exactly what you want, we can make it. Untraditional seating, different colors or fabrics... You name it. It can be done."
Printed & Custom-colored Dance Floors
"We can print a digital image on your dance floor, go high gloss, or match your colors perfectly. The options are limitless," says Cruikshank, whose company recently provided both a platinum and a chocolate-shaded dance floor for local weddings.
Scene of the Crime
Steal these Great Decor Tips from a Rental Pro
Rusty Parr, owner of AV Party Rental (259-2151), is one of the most respected people in the business. Here, he shares some of his hard-earned rental and event wisdom.
Take a trip. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but only using the internet or a photo book can lead to one: "Ugh." "For the best results, come in and see what we have," suggests Parr. Sit on the chairs, rub the fabric, check out the colors in varying lights and get a real feel for your rentals.
Take advantage of rental professionals. "When it comes to solving problems and knowing what will work for any venue, our professionals can rival a wedding coordinator," says Parr. Bring in a simple schematic of your location (measuring length and width of the space, as well as any additions, like trees) and a rental pro will tell you the maximum number of people you can seat in your space.
Try before your buy (or rent). At AV Party Rental, the staff will set up a mock table - complete with your choice of linens, chairs, silverware, dishware - even favors and florals, if you bring them along - to make sure that you're head over heels with your selections.
Be up front with your budget. "We have the largest range and biggest selection: high end, low end, tons of colors and styles... people are always surprised to see just how much we have," says Parr. Good rental companies will have plenty of selection in every price range, so ask to see the pieces that fit your budget.
Take advantage of designer linens. "People are really getting into designer linens right now. The color scheme is one of the most important characteristics of your venue. You don't want a blase table cloth," explains Parr. "To save money, brides will select from one of our 35 different-colored table linens in stock and choose that for a to-the-floor look. Then they'll order a smaller - and therefore less expensive - designer linen to top it."
Planning a wedding or special event takes time, patience and resources - but most of all, it takes LOVE. Lucky for you, this feature is filled with professionals who love what they do, love making your special events even more special, and would love for you to give them a call!
Bridal Beauty Checklist
God bless Photoshop. With a mouse click here and a few key strokes there, you can look 10 years younger (and 10 pounds lighter) in photos. Too bad real life isn't as forgiving.
What's a female to do? If you're anything like us, you're going to want to pluck, suck, lift, paint, peel, rub, poke and plump yourself silly. And speaking of silly, before you let anyone tell you that your pre-event beauty rituals are anything less than rational, show them a picture of themselves before Photoshop.
 |
Few things help a woman's body profile more than a pair of perkies. But achieving the ideal silhouette isn't easy. Lift, separate and ditch the requisite elastic-band back-fat roll with a perfectly-fitting brassiere. We are in love with the pros at Naughty But Nice (222-2359); these boob gurus totally changed the way we think about (and feel in) bras. You'll feel so good about the way you (and the "ladies") look, you'll want to pick up a few Honeymoon ensembles while you're there.
"I need a weed whacker to get through that unibrow."
Having your eyebrows professionally shaped can take years off your face. It's like a mini eyelift! Even better: Elegant Shapes Brow Shaping Loft (284-2198) offers brow threading for only $10. Tip: Go without tweezing for about a month so that your brow artist can get a real sense of your arch and make the greatest improvement.
"I feel like a wrinkled old lady."
Go from raisin to grape with blow-your-mind awesome Fraxel Re:store procedures. The process removes years from your appearance without surgery. It's a safe, non-invasive treatment effective for all skin types. The skin is resurfaced with little or no discomfort or down time. You'll see impressive improvement on wrinkles around the eye; age and sun spots; brown spots or pregnancy masks; acne or surgical scars; and skin resurfacing. Dr. Craig F. Ingber of DermaCure Medical Aesthetics (257-8400) will make you a believer. (We're sold. Sign us up!) For the skeptics, log onto the website to check out the before and afters: www.dermacurevalencia.com.
"I have a zit on my chin and I'm bloated, but at least my nails look good."
It's impossible to feel gross with freshly-primped fingers and toes. Pink and Whites or French Tips might be the best choice for your fingernails... But your toes? Don't you dare! They won't see daylight until the honeymoon, so rock a chic Coach or Louis Vuitton pattern, or match your vacation destination and go tropical. We heart the artists at Bellagio Nails & Spa (260-3759).
"We could use my spider veins as a road map."
Pregnancy, weight gain, heredity, career choice... they all can lead to those unsightly bluish-purple lines and leg bumps (Life = Unfair). Fix the mess with the help of Dr. Panasci of the Valencia Vein Center (254-0720). It's painless and affordable. But don't wait; doing it right isn't an overnight process.
"Why isn't HE losing HIS hair!?"
Meet "Life = Unfair, Part Two." Your once-hearty head of hair is now sparse and thin. Stress, genetics, hormones and other evil hair abusers can be the culprit. No matter the cause, though, there's one solution. We are bowled over by the impressive results achieved by Hair Loss Treatment Clinic (294-6880). They treat men - and lots of women - with patented laser therapy. Book a free consult today, because the sooner you act, the faster you'll regrow your hair.
"All this primping is making me grumpy."
It's hard work looking this good, right? (Personally, we're exhausted.) That's why booking your bridal or pre-event party at a spa is so popular. Our favorite deals and packages come courtesy of Balance Point Spa (252-0650). A variety of services are available, including facials, massage, body treatments, reiki, angel readings, stress reduction lessons and more. Plus, they have a separate room with plenty of space for your gal pals to chat and chill. Bring some treats or have them arrange catering. Just make sure you plan on taking advantage of the free sauna session.
Don't Miss This Event
Tuesday, August 3
Santa Clarita Wedding Professionals Present "Planning an Event or getting Married?
Learn the Do's and Don'ts from the Professionals" Held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 7 p.m., this must-attend seminar is time well spent. Meet the best in the business and learn how to make your big day a big success. $10 for attendee and guest. Call to reserve your space; 296-6191
www.santaclaritaweddings.com
The Top Pre-wedding Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
1. Breast Augmentation
Today most physicians performing breast augmentation are using FDA-approved memory gel silicone implants. Patients love the results of silicone implants, which have a very natural look and feel.
2. Liposuction
Liposuction can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
3. Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and can tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The best candidates for tummy tucks are women or men in relatively good shape who have large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that did not respond to diet, exercise or both. Women who have had multiple pregnancies and stretched their abdominal muscles and skin will especially benefit from the procedure.
4. Buttock Enhancement
Buttock shape and proportion are critical to overall beauty of the body. Beverly Hills Physicians offers a fat transfer to the buttocks to nearly every patient who undergoes liposuction. This procedure is also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift or Buttock Lift. Instead of using uncomfortable and unsightly/unnatural buttock implants, we use your own fat, which looks, feels and is most natural. Often, this can be combined with a full body makeover, including tummy tuck and breast augmentation. By using the fat in shaping the hips and buttocks, the waistline and hips become very curvaceous. This enhancement rejuvenates the whole body silhouette. The skin of the buttock becomes tighter, clothes fit better, there is an anti-aging effect, as well as a lift effect.
All procedures are available from Beverly Hills Physicians; 800-788-1416 www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com
 |
What's in Eugenia Weston's Wedding Makeup Bag
Face:
Silky Primer (To allow makeup to last and stay fresh looking all day.)
HDExtreme Firming Radiant Makeup in Honey
HD HydraCover Concealer in Shade 2
Secret Set Invisible Setting Powder
Blush in Beached Peach
Glisten Bronze (on cheeks)
Lips:
Shy Lip Liner
Grace Lip Lacquer
Eyes:
Totally Transforming Eye Shadow Primer in Shade 2
Black Velvet Eye Liner
Eye Shadows:
Pink Martini, Legend, Black Sands, Lynx
Faux Lashes
Lash TLC Mascara
Brows:
Blonde Brow Shaper Pencil
Golden Brown Brow Fix X
Eugenia Weston is a professional makeup artist and founder of Senna Cosmetics; 255-0660
Picture This!
Fall in Love with your Wedding Photographer
story and photography by Mel Carll
There are so many things to accomplish before your big day. When it comes to selecting a photographer, it's tempting to think about Uncle Fred, your beloved family member who's been bragging about his new camera for months.
But before you make a decision that might ruin a treasured relationship (and is just as likely to ruin your precious photos), think again.
You will only get to make this important decision once. When the wedding is over, the photographs (good or bad) are there to remind you of your special day and cherished moments.
Once you realize that hiring a pro is practically a necessity, there are still decisions left to be made. Since every photographer has a different style, you'll want to make sure you find one that matches your desired "look" and personality. Meet with them to see that you can make a connection. Photography is very personal; you'll likely spend more time with your photographer than your family on your wedding day! Get to know them so that they get to know you. A good photographer will use this time to make sure he or she knows what you are looking for.
Mel Carll is a professional photographer and owner of the SCV Center for Photography 904-2092 www.scvphotocenter.com.
 |
Preserve the memories
My grandmother may be gone, but the good wishes she had for my husband and me are preserved forever on a signature mat that wraps around our engagement photo. This treasure, along with wedding shadow boxes, custom preservation framing, gift cards and so much more are available from the professionals at Fast Frame (291-1325).
Have Faith
Marriage is Similar to Backpacking
"As a backpacker, I'm questioned as to why I strap 30 to 40 pounds on my back, trudge rugged trails, sleep on the ground, risk injury and eat weird food, only to come home looking like I've wrestled a tree and lost. My response: 'These photos don't do justice to what I saw.'"
Marriage is similar to backpacking. Without preparation, disaster is certain. The wedding is the trailhead, not the summit. Marriage has obstacles and dangers that will test a couple's core. However, those making it to the end together experience a life which photos can't do justice." ~ Minister Ray Davis of North Oaks Church of Christ 252-2298
Q&A with Barry Lamster DJ/Master of Ceremonies & Pianist
In: The last wedding I went to had a DJ/MC who stole the show, in a bad way. Is this the norm?
BL: I don't think the DJ/MC stealing the show is something a couple or their guests would want to remember. My presentation is always classy, elegant and fun.
In: What else do you do?
BL: I play great dance music. I do all the announcing and coordinating to make sure that the event flows smoothly, and I arrive early to set up way before guests arrive.
In: You've been entertaining for 25 years as a DJ/MC and pianist. I'm thinking of becoming a DJ. I have an iPod, so I'm good to go, right?
BL: Hmm...no. It's just not that simple. I custom-tailor song lists with my clients and help them with an itinerary and timeline. I create a great mix of open dancing while fitting in all preliminaries like the first dance, father/daughter dance and cake cutting. There is something to be said about experience and the know-how to operate state-of-the-art equipment to make your event a success.
In: Sounds like you really know what you're doing.
BL: It is important to me that I provide the best entertainment for the bride and groom and their guests.
For more information on Barry Lamster Entertainment call 713-4057.
 |
Totally Customizable Wedding Decor Options
Tired of one-size-fits-all event decor options? Desperate to make your event more "you?" Robbie Cruikshank, owner of A-1 Event Rentals (775-8111), feels your pain. "We're all about offering our clients a custom choice," he says. His company is expanding on their already stellar reputation by producing truly unique decor options for the discerning bride or planner.
Draperies & Linens that Wow
A-1 Event Rentals now has a full-time drapery and linen manufacturer in house, meaning that your wedding or event really can be like no other. "You can give us a fabric swatch, and we'll find it or match it. Or tell us what you're looking for. We can do any type of fabric, too," says Cruikshank, who mentions that both earth tones and bold pinks are in demand right now. Because A-1 Event Rentals doesn't need to use outside designer rental companies, "we have competitive prices on designer linens," says Cruikshank.
Lounge Furniture that's a Perfect Fit
"Our lounge furniture is made in house," explains Cruikshank, "so if you don't see exactly what you want, we can make it. Untraditional seating, different colors or fabrics... You name it. It can be done."
Printed & Custom-colored Dance Floors
"We can print a digital image on your dance floor, go high gloss, or match your colors perfectly. The options are limitless," says Cruikshank, whose company recently provided both a platinum and a chocolate-shaded dance floor for local weddings.
Scene of the Crime
Steal these Great Decor Tips from a Rental Pro
Rusty Parr, owner of AV Party Rental (259-2151), is one of the most respected people in the business. Here, he shares some of his hard-earned rental and event wisdom.
Take a trip. A picture might be worth a thousand words, but only using the internet or a photo book can lead to one: "Ugh." "For the best results, come in and see what we have," suggests Parr. Sit on the chairs, rub the fabric, check out the colors in varying lights and get a real feel for your rentals.
Take advantage of rental professionals. "When it comes to solving problems and knowing what will work for any venue, our professionals can rival a wedding coordinator," says Parr. Bring in a simple schematic of your location (measuring length and width of the space, as well as any additions, like trees) and a rental pro will tell you the maximum number of people you can seat in your space.
Try before your buy (or rent). At AV Party Rental, the staff will set up a mock table - complete with your choice of linens, chairs, silverware, dishware - even favors and florals, if you bring them along - to make sure that you're head over heels with your selections.
Be up front with your budget. "We have the largest range and biggest selection: high end, low end, tons of colors and styles... people are always surprised to see just how much we have," says Parr. Good rental companies will have plenty of selection in every price range, so ask to see the pieces that fit your budget.
Take advantage of designer linens. "People are really getting into designer linens right now. The color scheme is one of the most important characteristics of your venue. You don't want a blase table cloth," explains Parr. "To save money, brides will select from one of our 35 different-colored table linens in stock and choose that for a to-the-floor look. Then they'll order a smaller - and therefore less expensive - designer linen to top it."
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