Best Buy January 2014 Issue

ISSUE 80 January 15, 2014

bestbuy. your MONTHLY shopping guide distributed with The Times

Look out for your chance to a cosee win gas heater on pg 1 1

IN THIS

ISSUE...

interview.

home.

health.

vox pop.

meet songwriter matt mercieca

beat the chill

food and fitness

would you scrap your car?

GAS, ETHANOL OR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE?

Quality rugs produced since 1897

During the winter period fireplaces are among the most preferred solutions to heat one’s space and enhance one’s home in terms of style and design. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of fireplaces available on the local market with the most popular being gas, ethanol or electric.

Brink & Campman has been producing quality rugs since 1897. The combination of more than 100 years of experience, knowledge, know-how and a continuous process of product development have built the Brink & Campman brand both locally as well as worldwide.

New collections are created annually; influenced by important trends and tendencies in fashion, the furniture industry and other related branches.

Brink & Campman has specialised through the years in three types of rugs: Axminster woven rugs, hand-tufted rugs and hand-knotted rugs.

Various design options allow for a wide choice of styles to choose from, to create a perfect ambiance and enhance any home’s decor.

The style and size of the home determines which fireplace would be most ideal for that particular space, also bearing in mind the connections one would need to have prepared before installation.

Gas fireplaces are the most popular because they have a

real flame and most models do not require a chimney, making them easy to install and hassle-free, whilst also being the most economical heating system from the three.

In the case of electric fireplaces, one would need an electrical plug supply. The main benefit of electric fireplaces over the other two systems is that one could opt to put on the electric flame to create that perfect ambiance,

however switch off the heating when it is not so cold.

Ethanol fireplaces have gained popularity recently as they are the cheapest option and the most hassle-free when it comes to installation.

To view a wide range of gas, electric or ethanol fireplaces one may visit HomeTrends, Industrial Estate, San Gwann or Mdina Road, Zebbug.

Tel: 2144 5654; email: shop@hometrends.com.mt; facebook: www.facebook. com/Hometrendscomplex

The former are woven in the Netherlands according to a traditional weaving process and are for the most part made from woollen yarns varying in thickness and structure. An important number of rugs are made with felted or otherwise treated yarns, preventing excess shedding. Apart from the woven rug collection, Brink & Campman offers a varied and contemporary runner programme that fits both classical as well as modern interiors. The runners are available in two widths.

The tufted rugs in the Brink & Campman collection are mostly made in colourful all-over

designs. In the woollen quality, Estella artificial silk is often applied to highlight certain aspects within a design. The Xian quality, tufted in Japanese acrylic is highly suited for the use of bright, vibrant colours in very outspoken designs.

The Kodari, Everest and Himali designs are hand-knotted according to the traditional Tibetan highland knotting method in Nepal. Kodari and Everest are made in a beautiful wool blend of 70 per cent New-Zealand wool and 30 per cent Tibetan highland wool that enables rich colours to be used in the Kodari quality.

Brink & Campman rugs are available at The Rug Gallery, Qui-Si-Sana Sea Front, Sliema.

Tel: 2133 4191; www.rugs.com. mt; www.brinkcampman.com

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bestbuy.

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

ISSUE 80 - january 15, 2014

In with the new As soon as celebrations tied to the festive season die down and order is restored in our day-to-day lives, a certain quietness sets in that is typical of the month of January, and often most welcome. After a hectic party-packed December, we attempt to cut down on excesses – especially food and drink – tighten up our budgets, and enjoy a little down time in front of a heater.

Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to print, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

This month’s issue of Best Buy focuses on precisely all of these.

We take a look at the best ways to get warm and comfy during the chilliest months ahead – not only through heating solutions

Publishers

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel.

Tel: +356 2132 0713 Fax: +356 2132 0714 Email: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Advertising Advertising Sales Executive Amy Schembri Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Ciantar DESIGN SWITCH Design & Brand Strategy Tel: +356 2131 6770 www.switch.com.mt Printer Progress Press Ltd

NEXT ISSUE:

12.02.14 DOn'T MISS IT

for the home, but with practical tips too. Fleece, warm drinks and simple tricks around the house will prove to be remarkably handy in keeping out the cold.

When better a time to start caring for our health and fitness than at the start of a new year? I’ll be the first to admit there’s a certain unpleasant pressure that comes with ‘new beginnings’ come January – we feel the urgent need to adopt new and better habits, exercise often being at the top of many people’s lists. While this is altogether a positive thing, change must be made in small doses in

order to avoid giving up after merely one week, as advocated by professional personal trainer Richard Geres on page 13.

Following Malta’s unprecedented success in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, we catch up with co-author of the winning song, Matt Mercieca, on his fashion choices, his relentless love for jackets and the experience of being involved in a first-time Junior Eurovision victory.

Tropical Aquatics – for all your aquarium needs An aquarium is mesmerising – one can get lost looking inside, observing fish swimming and hiding behind grass, then out again showing off their beautiful colours. Aquariums allow you to enjoy a few minutes of mind relaxation without even noticing.

Owning an aquarium does not require much out of you. Firstly, you must think carefully about where you are going to place it, taking into consideration the appropriate size and space you have available.

Once this is decided, you can discuss with us which aquarium best suits your needs, and choose from a very large selection available. Depending on the size of the aquarium we will give you professional help to choose the fish that fit best. However, before actually purchasing any fish, you must set up the aquarium.

More than 67 per cent of the world’s top dogs are fed Eukanuba The first item to go in is any background of your choice, be it gravel, plants or any ornaments that capture your imagination. After that you can fill up your aquarium with water and then, the most exciting part, add fish. From fresh water fish and plants to marine fish and corals you can find all your needs within our shop.

Tropical Aquatics, Independence Avenue, Mosta.

The 2013 edition of the Eukanuba World Challenge came to an end last December when 45 select Top Dogs from all over the world competed to be crowned the Best of the Best.

One interesting statistic which was derived from the several qualifying events involving hundreds of thousands of dogs from which the 45 finalists were selected is that almost 70 per cent of the World’s Top Dogs are fed Eukanuba.

When one considers the fact that over 3,000 different

brands of pet food are available to choose from throughout the world, this is a significant accomplishment for Eukanuba.

So what drives the carers of these dogs to choose Eukanuba as the best nutrition for their dogs? The most common answer is that Eukanuba delivers the optimal nutrition to keep their dogs healthy and in top condition throughout their showing career, as well as during their growth and after they are retired from the show scene.

Does this mean that if you feed your pet Eukanuba he or she will become a Top Dog? Of course, this may not turn out to be the case. However, by feeding your treasured pet Eukanuba you are providing him or her the ultimate level of health protection as the world’s top dog breeders provide to their dogs.

Eukanuba Super Premium Pet Food is distributed throughout Malta and Gozo by Sataco Ltd and is available for purchase from leading pet specialty shops only.

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interview.

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PHOTOS BY Lionel galea

Music For The Heart And Soul Music-mad songwriter and performer Matthew ‘Muxu’ Mercieca was recently part of the award-winning Junior Eurovision Song Contest team that went on to receive Gieh ir-Repubblika. he chats to Jo Caruana about piano playing, round-the-world travel and… fish.

M

atthew Mercieca, or Muxu as we know him best, is still reeling from his recent Junior Eurovision Song Concert success.

Muxu co-wrote the winning song in question, The Start, alongside its young singer Gaia Cauchi, who, in turn, wowed the judges and secured 130 points for Malta. Since then, Muxu and the team were awarded Gieh Ir-Repubblika – one of our island’s highest accolades.

“I have loved music for as long as I can remember,” he says. “I started my career as a songwriter, co-writing with Maltese producer Jay Omaro. Then, in 2008, I released my first single, Beat My Drum, which made it to the top of the Maltese charts in just three weeks.”

Since then other hits have followed, including Still Missing You, which also went to number one in the charts. He has been nominated for numerous awards and won the Bay Music Award prize for Best Solo Artist in 2010.

More recently, Muxu joined the hit reality show Liquorish, before deciding to take a year off from performing to concentrate on songwriting.

In 2013, he wrote Betrayed for Davinia Pace, which placed third at the Malta Song For Europe Contest, before writing The Start with Gaia. “And the rest, as they say, is history,” Matt smiles.

”

Knowing it was the piano that my granny learnt to play on makes it even more special.

How would you describe your relationship with money?

Terrible; I don’t know how to save money to save my life – but I am trying!

“

I do think that; generally, the higher the price, the better the quality.

What percentage of your life do you spend shopping?

I do like shopping, but only when I have money to spend.

With that in mind, I don’t spend as much time shopping as I would like to.

What’s a hobby you spend money on? Music. I am up-todate on all releases and I buy most of them. As a musician it’s important to know what’s going on internationally. I also love electronics; there’s nothing quite like opening the box of a new laptop or phone.

Do you think that because something is more expensive it is automatically better?

How would you describe your style?

It changes all the time and

usually relates to the type of music I am into at the time. I have had a couple of disasters in the past but I know that it was all part of a phase I was going through. It’s fun, especially as being an artist is about more than just time in the studio. When I release a song I always have a vision in mind. Years later it may not make sense any more, but I know that it would have been right in the moment.

What’s the one fashion item you couldn’t live without?

Jackets. I love jackets and think they can transform a whole outfit. I own too many of them to count but can’t bear to part with any of them either. When I see one I like, I absolutely have to have it.

When you plan to shop where do you tend to go?

If I have enough money in the bank and I know I need to go on a spree, then I plan a trip to London. Plus, any trip to London usually includes a Beyoncé concert or lots of West End shows, so it’s the perfect package.

Do you collect anything – if so what and how many do you have?

Tour books from every concert I’ve been to. I have loads!

What’s your biggest monthly extravagance?

Music. I spend an absolute fortune on it.

Do you hoard things or regularly throw stuff out?

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interview.

I used to hoard everything in the belief that I would need it again eventually. But, last year, I finally snapped. Together with my mum and a friend I went through my wardrobe in depth, and gave lots to charity.

What’s the best bargain you’ve ever made?

That would have to be from New York, when I was on a trip with my mum. The new Armani Exchange had just opened in Soho and we couldn’t resist.

There was a particular bag that I fell in love with, and we managed to get it for half the price – bargain!

What is your favourite thing in your whole house?

Probably my old piano. I still do most of my writing on it, and love it. Knowing it was the piano that my granny learnt to play on makes it even more special.

If you won the million euro lottery what would you do with the money?

I’d buy a round-the-world ticket and jet off. I adore travelling and believe it provides so many valuable experiences. I want to dance in South America, get lost in South East Asia and go back to basics in Africa.

What three items would you take to your desert island?

A friend? If that doesn’t count, then it would probably have to be an acoustic guitar, because I’ve wanted to learn to play one for ages and it wouldn’t require electricity, a photo album of my loved ones and a paper and pen.

Do you have any exciting plans in the pipeline?

As a songwriter there are lots of jobs coming in, which is very exciting. We are also officially working on new Muxu music and I am thrilled at the prospect of getting back on stage.

After a year concentrating on song writing, I know it will give me a huge rush to stand in front of an audience again.

Given the choice, would you drink champagne or beer?

Champagne.

What would be your last meal?

A nice, rare steak with French fries.

What’s the most money you’ve spent in one go?

Buying my car, which I am still paying off.

How would you describe the moment when your song won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest?

It was a dream and it still barely makes sense to me. We were an incredible team and everyone

played their role perfectly. It was a very supportive atmosphere. Of course Gaia was incredible, and I can still hardly believe how an 11-year-old can be so talented, beautiful and humble. It was definitely my biggest milestone as a songwriter to date and I am so proud.

Where would you most like to see your music performed in the future, and by whom? At the Grammy Awards, as winner of Record of the Year, or Song of the Year; that would

be amazing! I would love to write a song for Beyoncé, and having her sing it at the Grammys would be the ultimate reward – perhaps on stage with me as a duet. It certainly wouldn’t get any better than that.

What would you never buy?

Fish! Ironically I love fishing, but would never go into a fish shop to buy any. The smell bothers me and I don’t enjoy the taste.

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home.

Beat the chill at home As the wind blows and the rain falls, it’s time to turn to the sanctuary of home to cuddle up on those cold winter nights. But how best to keep warm when it’s just as cold as it is outside indoors? Sarah Micallef discovers budget friendly ways to stay toasty at home and avoid sky-rocketing energy bills.

J

anuary marks the beginning of the coldest time of the year in Malta, and with houses built to keep out the heat rather than withstand the cold, it can get very chilly indeed inside our homes. Whereas turning up the heating could mean hefty utility bills, the good news is that there are other ways of keeping your house warm during the colder months.

Here are a few ideas for you to keep warm this winter.

Close windows and hang curtains The areas through which the majority of heat escapes out of your home are your windows.

Ensuring all windows are closed and hanging thick curtains will help keep out the cold. Drawing your curtains on particularly cold days could also help insulate your home and keep the indoor environment warm, but make sure to open them again if the sun is shining. The natural heat from the sun’s rays is as effective as any heater.

Top TIP

besides warming your hands thanks to the steaming mug or cup. If you’re hungry, a hot and hearty soup will have the same effect, with the added benefit of warming up your kitchen thanks to the heat from the stove while you’re busy preparing it.

Warm drinks Putting the kettle on has never been so useful. Drinking warm drinks like tea, coffee and hot chocolate will help warm your body from the inside out –

to combat cold floors in winter, lay thick carpets – the fluffier the better.

Lay a carpet Most Maltese flooring features ceramic tiles that get really cold as the temperature drops, and do nothing to keep your home warm in winter. To combat this and avoid having to wear shoes indoors (although fluffy socks and slippers are highly recommended too), laying carpets is the way to go – the fluffier the better. Not only do they give your home a warmer atmosphere, they also help temperature-wise and are infinitely comfier to walk on.

il camino a5

Wear a hat A lot of our body heat escapes through our heads, hands and feet. A woolly hat, fingerless gloves (otherwise you won’t be able to get anything done) and fluffy socks or slippers can go a long way towards preventing this, and keeping you toasty at home.

Continued on page 8

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a wooly hat and fluffy socks can go a long way in keeping you warm Continued from page 7

Fight the draught

Have a cuddle

Draughts from beneath doors and joints of windows can really cause a chill, so be sure to block these using a draught dodger or rolled up towel.

Curtains also do their bit to prevent this, but every little helps.

What better excuse to rope in your hubby, kids or even fluffy pet for a cuddle? Besides that warm fuzzy feeling being with your loved ones gives you, body heat works wonders for keeping you warm... I know I feel a lot warmer with my cat sitting on my lap as I dip into my favourite book on a wintry afternoon.

Install a fireplace There really is nothing like the feeling of warming your feet by a real fire as the cold wind blows outside. With a large variety of fireplaces you can opt for, such as Il Camino’s wide range of wood burning, gas fires, wood pallet burning, stoves and ethanol burners, you can choose the one that best suits your home and pocket, and look forward to some cosy winters at home.

Layer up Aside from wearing comfy sweaters when you’re hanging out at home, your body temperature tends to drop when you’re not moving around, so if you’re working away at your computer or chilling out on the sofa, you may also need to cover yourself with a quilt or blanket.

A light, woven blanket could be just what you need to keep the chill out, but if you’re still cold, avoid heavy quilts by getting lighter but warmer insulating ones such as duck feather varieties – they really do work wonders.

Warm your bed There’s nothing quite like slipping into a toasty bed when bad weather is brewing outside.

Warm your bed with an electric blanket (though do be careful not to leave it on too long to prevent mishaps!) or go the old fashioned route with a hot water bottle.

Top TIP

Draughts from doors and window s can really cause a chill, so be sure to block these using a draught dodger or rolled up towel.

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PHOTOS BY lionel galea

Would you scrap an old car?

A new year brings new beginnings and perhaps for some, that means buying a brand new car. Best Buy asks passersby in Valletta for their thoughts on the car scrappage scheme and whether they would make use of it themselves.

Felix Rizzo, Zabbar

Sophie Chappelle, St Paul’s Bay

What car do you drive and how old is it? A Hyundai Getz, 2007 model.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? Yes, it is an incentive to get rid of harmful cars that no longer carry much value.

What car do you drive and how old is it? I no longer drive.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? Yes it is good for the environment.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Yes, definitely – I recycle at home so I suppose it is the same thing.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Yes, I used it in fact. I scrapped an old Micra and bought a new one.

Alfred Debattista, Birgu

Rita Scerri, Zabbar

What car do you drive and how old is it? I don’t drive.

What car do you drive and how old is it? Volkswagen Polo, 2006 model.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? Yes it is, better than leaving a car at a junkyard for ten years and more.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? Yes, I agree with the idea, it is a good incentive for people to buy new cars.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Yes, I would.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Not with my current car, but otherwise I would.

vox pop.

LAST MONTH'S

WINNING

LETTER Last month we asked you to write in and tell us why you or a nominee deserve to win a Panasonic Dect Cordless Phone, kindly provided by Digital Planet.

The winning reply was from Elizabeth Said: “I nominate my mum, Pauline, for this prize – it would be a lovely and useful Christmas present, and will come in handy since she’ll be looking after two newborn babies soon, mine and my sister’s. She can carry the cordless phone with her instead of running to answer the phone and looking for her phone book.

Everything will be organised and that would be of great help for her.”

Elizabeth won this very handy gadget, complete with hands-free and a camera baby monitor.

Anabelle Azzopardi, Rabat

Ryan Debattista, Gzira

What car do you drive and how old is it? Volkswagen Polo and it’s just over a year old.

What car do you drive and how old is it? Volkswagen Polo which is six years old.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? Yes it is, I was going to scrap my old car and would have got a good amount of money for it but I sold it instead.

Do you think the scrappage scheme is a good idea? It doesn’t really interest me and I haven’t read much about it.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Yes I would.

Would you make use of the scheme yourself? Not at the moment as I haven’t thought of scrapping mine.

WRITE IN & WIN This month we invite you to write in and tell us why you or a nominee deserve to win this Cosee Gas Heater, kindly provided by V&F Portelli.

The first reply will win this very handy heating device, worth €110.

The Cosee Gas Heater features: • • • • • •

A slim design Two ceramic tiles Electronic ignition Two temperature settings Temperature control A regulator and pipe

Available from V&F Portelli, Notable Road, Mriehel.

Tel: 2149 3621; email: info@vfportelli.com Send your contribution and contact details (address and telephone number) by not later than Wednesday 29th January 2014.

Write to: Best Buy Competition, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel QRM3000 or email info@contenthouse.com.mt Text may be edited for length or clarity.

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health.

Eat, Sleep, Work Out Our spirit and determination to whip ourselves into shape in January is strong, but all too often, the flesh is still too weak. Martina Said looks into the most effective way to maintain health and fitness throughout the year.

I

t is that time of year again – when our resolve to fulfil any type of New Year resolutions is strong, but surely dwindling as the January days slip through our fingers, until we quickly realise the chances of keeping up such resolutions are remote.

There’s a lot of pressure to bring about change in the month of January, often in aspects of our lives that are hard to alter, such as quitting smoking, spending more time with loved ones, and that good old faithful resolution to start exercising.

The frustrating part of it all is that we’re often well aware that such changes are beneficial to us – the problem is getting down to starting.

And especially when it comes to caring for our health and fitness, we’re often all too lax about getting ourselves off our comfy living room chairs and into the gym. The consolation?

You’re not alone.

Richard Geres, an internationally certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist in weight management and functional fitness, says overindulgence during December often results in a greater emphasis on getting back into shape in January. “With December being a month of festivities, get-togethers and celebrations many people simply overindulge in food, desserts and drinks which leads to inevitable weight gain,” he

Top TIP

explains. “This hectic time also causes people to exercise less, which is an irony really, considering that we are consuming more food and many people are on vacation some time during the holidays.”

Putting healthy habits into motion is never easy, and many end up giving up before they’ve even begun because of unrealistic expectations in an equally unrealistic amount of time. Taking drastic measures rarely works out, which is why most resolutions are forgotten by the second week of January.

It is considered that a minimum three weeks are required to get comfortable with a new habit, so thinking of a long-term plan

Sweet potatoes and leeks are considered as ‘superfoods’ – sweet po tatoes are rich in Vitamin A an d antioxidants responsi ble for producing new skin cel ls. Leeks contain generous doses of calcium and potassium. our coaching programmes.

Planning is essential to success and just hitting the gym is not enough to deliver the desired is more results-driven results.” than a quick fix.

What can people do to stay motivated in their goals?

“Maintaining an exercise and diet programme on your own is always much more difficult than when you are enrolled in a programme, where you are accountable to someone,” Richard explains. “This is one of the reasons we have such a high success rate with

Combining a good exercise programme with healthy eating is also immensely important as often achieving results depends on the two working together. With drops in temperature, fruit and vegetables are not the options at the top of our list of mostwanted food, and admittedly offer a lot less comfort than

cup-a-soup or hot chocolate.

Steering clear of much of the latter, however, will pay off.

Certain fruits and veggies are packed with nutrition, and have in fact earned themselves the label ‘superfoods’. Sweet potato, for instance, is one such food, filled with Vitamin A as well as antioxidants responsible for producing new skin cells.

Leeks are also considered a nutritious superfood, containing generous doses Continued on page 14

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planning is essential to success Continued from page 13

of calcium and potassium, which could help sore muscles after a workout.

Besides the obvious weight loss and calorie-burning benefits offered by exercise, there are numerous other pros. “Exercise relieves stress, helps to keep your heart and circulatory system healthy, helps to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer, helps to control blood sugar and prevent diabetes, improves bone density and muscle tone, and allows you to sleep better.

It also boosts self-confidence and improves your mood.

Useful tips: Richard Geres offers a few handy tips ahead of starting a new workout regimen: • Set a clear goal. This may sound obvious, but many people don’t define clearly enough what they want to achieve. What is your vision of how you want to look and feel? How many kilos do you want to lose? Is this goal realistic? By which date do you want to lose it?

• Are you tracking your weight-loss regularly?

What do you do if you are off-track? Is there someone to guide you and correct your mistakes?

• Are you complementing your gym workouts with a supportive eating plan that provides adequate energy and a balance of macro and micronutrients? Just eating little is not the answer – it’s unhealthy and unsustainable.

• Who is checking your progress? Is someone in your family supporting you, or are they just laughing at your efforts? These are essential factors that will determine whether you will complete your programme or not.

Richard Geres can be contacted for seminars and individual consultations through www.richardgeres.com

Those are pretty good reasons to exercise,” Richard argues.

It is fair to say not everyone is charmed by the gym – many are bored by it, but others might love it. The only way to guarantee consistency is to find a form of exercise that is enjoyable, and could include anything from training indoors to an outdoor activity or even in your living room. Richard

recommends that, whichever option you go for, start with something easy that can be improved in the long term.

“If you aim too high in the beginning, you will fail, and failure discourages adherence.

The benefits of exercise become visible in the longterm, so commit for a whole year, not just for a few weeks or months.”

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