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Santas needed! Surprising Christmas shortage spells job openings for Aussie grandads

<p>A nationwide Santa shortage has many shopping centres hoping for a Christmas miracle, before festive families line up in droves for a snap with Father Christmas. </p> <p>According to talent agency <a href="https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scene to Believe</a>, who are responsible for hiring Santas in over 180 around Australia, there are not have enough applicants for Santa roles this December. </p> <p>The agency's head Christmas recruiter, Viviana Diaz, told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/santa-jobs-go-unfilled-despite-fall-in-aussie-job-ads/news-story/de7f3c5b6d95c6f78f9718d1bb60a099" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> that the seasonal shortfall was nationwide, but the situation was more pronounced in Sydney.</p> <p>The company said issue has been growing over the last three years, with the problem believed to have stemmed from the Covid pandemic. </p> <p>Ms Diaz said that contrary to popular belief, Santas can come in all shapes, sizes and ages, and that women are also eligible to apply. </p> <p>“Sometimes they think they have to look like Santa,” Ms Diaz said.</p> <p>“But we provide a full Santa suit and they don’t have to have a real beard.”</p> <p>Previous experience is also not required, as Scene to Believe runs a dedicated Santa School where new incoming Santas can learn tips from experienced Santas.</p> <p>The company states that Santas “need to be jolly, have a great HOHOHO and enjoy working with children”, while a genuine love of the festive season, patience and compassion, and good communication skills.</p> <p> A current Working with Children Check and Police Check, or willingness to get these, are also important.</p> <p>Ms Diaz added, “Being a shopping centre Santa is a perfect job for Aussies looking to help their hip pocket come Christmas time, with flexible working arrangements and casual rates.”</p> <p>Experienced Santa Tony Hooper said it’s “perfect for older Australians wanting to dip their toe back into the workforce”. </p> <p>“Being a Santa is by far the best work I’ve ever done. It’s flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.”</p> <p>“It’s also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!” </p> <p>Ms Diaz said failing to fill its Santa positions was not an option, and they would do everything in their power to have a flock of Santas ready to spread Christmas cheer on December 1st.</p> <p>“We have to find a lot of people because Santa has to be there. We will perform a Christmas miracle!”</p> <div> </div> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Retirement Income

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Grandad says power company is to blame for wife leaving him

<p>A 55-year-old man has blamed hefty power bills for the breakdown of his marriage. </p> <p>Grandfather Bryn Lawson has been in an ongoing battle with his energy provider, AGL, over bills that Mr Lawson claims are incorrect. </p> <p>The Western Sydney resident has accused AGL of using incorrect power meter numbers at his home, with his latest bill coming in at more than $1200.</p> <p>In attempt to lower his bills, Mr Lawson has tried to drastically reduce his electricity usage, even going so far as to get rid of his fridge. </p> <p>“It is a part of the decimation of my marriage to my wife of 35 years,” he told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/power-bills-dispute-agl/42ed3aaa-4e9b-4f34-820d-02160a9130a7" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>.</p> <p>“Because I’d come home and the lights would be on, the power would be on and the power bills are high. I’d be saying, ‘What have you got the lights on for, what’s this on for, why’s the heater on’?”</p> <p>However, even after his wife left, Mr Lawson was the only occupant of the home and his power bills still remained high, ranging anywhere from $900 to $1200.</p> <p>AGL has apologised to him for the issue and offered credit, but the mistakes keep happening. </p> <p>“Fix it AGL. Get your s*it together and fix it mate,” an enraged Mr Lawson said.</p> <p>He also shivers at night through cold temperatures because he does not want to use his heater to further drive up his bills. </p> <p>Mr Lawson, who said he was “sick to his stomach” and “scared” of his electricity bills, is ready to cut the power off.</p> <p>“I'm just banging my head up against a brick wall with these guys,” he said.</p> <p>“All I’m gonna get is a bad debt and a big bill I gotta pay off.</p> <p>“I have no problem at all putting my swag out there, putting my solar panels, my battery and running that fridge out there and living out there.”</p> <p>Mr Lawson has taken matters into his own hands by taking a picture of his power meter every month and sending the information to AGL three days before his bill is due, but he is still being overcharged just a few days later. </p> <p>An AGL spokesperson told <em>A Current Affair</em> the company had apologised to Mr Lawson for his experiences and would work with him to resolve his concerns.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair</em></p>

Relationships

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Blind grandad brutally bashed by teens

<p><span>Horrifying footage has captured the moment a partially blind grandad was set upon by a group of teen gang members in a Melbourne Park.</span><br /><br /><span>The 63-year-old was walking near Pelister Place in Sunshine West when the young boys dragged him onto the oval and repeatedly kicked and stomped the man before stealing his phone and shoes.</span><br /><br /><span>The sickening attack occurred at around 1.50pm.</span><br /><br /><span>“I feel sick when I see that type of offending,” Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Just a vicious attack on a person that’s going about their business.”</span><br /><br /><span>Three other people were attacked that day,<em> Nine News</em> reported.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840330/mick-fuller-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cc799337089a491f92e9bf3f5440dc81" /><br /><br /><span>This included a university student who was punched in the face and had his laptop stolen.</span><br /><br /><span>Police said all of the victims were vulnerable as they were targeted in a public place while waiting for public transport.</span><br /><br /><span>Four people, with two of them being juveniles, were arrested over attacks.</span><br /><br /><span>A 16-year-old boy was convicted of assault but hit with a youth attendance order, meaning he will spend no time behind bars.</span><br /><br /><span>Another 16-year-old boy was sentenced to six months in jail but with time served was released in January.</span><br /><br /><span>Ramzy Mohammedali, 20, was sentenced to eight months, while 18-year-old Amanniwal Nyieker – pictured in the video wearing a white hood and white trackpants – was jailed for two years.</span><br /><br /><span>Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack told Nine News that the boy’s sentences were a slap in the face to the victims.</span><br /><br /><span>“I think they feel really betrayed and I think it would impact on their sense of safety,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Such serious violent crimes … that needs to be taken really seriously by the system.”</span></p>

Legal

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How a smartwatch saved this grandad's life

<p><span>A grandfather-of-nine is counting his blessings after his life was miraculously saved by a simple smart watch.</span><br /><br /><span>Jason Potts says he was spring-cleaning his gutters when he fell backward, over his neighbour’s fence and onto a solid concrete path.</span><br /><br /><span>“I climbed the ladder, pulled the trigger and it immediately pushed me away from the house. So I reached out and grabbed onto the timber and it broke in my hand, it just crumbled,” he explained to 7NEWS.</span><br /><br /><span>After the 54-year-old fell to the ground, a familiar voice sounded - “Hello, is anyone there? Can you hear me?”</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838091/smart-watch-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/71bb38a7408646bea370e0b7f8eedebd" /><br /><br /><span>“Your Apple Watch has detected a hard fall and called 000. Do you require an ambulance?” the person said.</span><br /><br /><span>The watch had alerted emergency services, as well as his wife as she was listed as an emergency contact.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’m 107kg so I had 107kg of weight land on my head and my shoulder,” he said.</span><br /><br /><span>“I received four messages saying that Jay had had a hard fall and it (included) his last location,” his wife said.</span><br /><br /><span>The call proved to be life-saving as Potts suffered a dislocated collarbone, fractures to his spine and ribs, and a serious head injury.</span><br /><br /><span>Thankfully, the happy-go-lucky grandad says his near-death experience has not fazed him in the slightest - admitting he will be back up the ladder to finish the job as soon as he can.</span></p>

Technology

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Grandad has last laugh at his own funeral

<p><span>An Irish grandfather has played a final prank on his family members and friends with a message from beyond the grave.</span></p> <p><span>Shay Bradley, who died last week at the age of 62, had a wish that his loved ones would be laughing at his funeral in Dublin.</span></p> <p><span>On Saturday, mourners gathered at a Dublin cemetery and watched as Bradley’s coffin got lowered into the ground and bagpipes played.</span></p> <p><span>After the music stopped, the defence forces veteran’s voice could be heard saying “Hello”, with the sound of knocking appearing to come from the coffin.</span></p> <p><span>“Let me out, it’s f****** dark in here,” Bradley was heard saying to laughter from mourners, before singing, “Hello again, hello. I called to say goodbye.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Funeral in dublin yesterday he's alive <a href="https://t.co/j18uFJ5aA4">pic.twitter.com/j18uFJ5aA4</a></p> — Lfcgigiddy1122 (@lfcgigiddy1122) <a href="https://twitter.com/lfcgigiddy1122/status/1183375983145082880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2019</a></blockquote> <p><span>Bradley’s son Jonathan said his father arranged the stunt around a year ago with him and his siblings.</span></p> <p><span>“[My father was] a larger than life character who always wanted to make people laugh,” the 41-year-old told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-50041509" target="_blank"><em>BBC</em></a>.</span></p> <p><span>“He wanted something special and for everyone to remember him as he was, so that everyone, especially my mother, did not leave the graveside sombre.”</span></p> <p><span>The moment on the funeral was recorded in a video, which has received more than 1.7 million views on Twitter.</span></p> <p><span>“What a man. To make us all laugh when we were incredibly sad. He was some man for one man. Love you forever Poppabear,” Bradley’s daughter Andrea wrote on Twitter with the hashtag #Shayslastlaugh.</span></p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIrishDefenceForcesVeteransNews%2Fphotos%2Fa.1924125764566291%2F2298422903803240%2F%3Ftype%3D3&amp;width=500" width="500" height="696" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p>

Family & Pets

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“Hope we’re still around for her 17th!”: Patti Newton shares heartwarming photo of doting grandad Bert

<p>Patti Newton is a proud grandmother of five. <span>And the TV presenter took to Instagram on Friday to share a photo of husband Bert Newton playing the role of doting grandfather to granddaughter Lola at her seventh birthday party.</span></p> <p>The photo shows the 80-year-old quadruple Gold Logie winner embracing the little tot who was dressed up as Wonder Woman.</p> <p>She captioned the heartwarming snap: “Wonder Woman had her 7th Birthday party today. All her Super Heroes had a great time.”</p> <p>But while the moment was a joyous one, there was a twinge of sadness as the 74-year-old said: “Hope we’re around for her 17th !!!! Lola is just Sunshine.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvTv52aJgOS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvTv52aJgOS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Patti Newton (@pattinewtonofficial)</a> on Mar 22, 2019 at 4:15am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The TV power couple tied the knot 45 years ago and have fought through a number of health problems throughout that time.</p> <p>Over the years, the duo had had two children together – Lauren Newton and Matthew Newton.</p> <p>The pair are also grandparents to five cheeky grandchildren, Sam, 11, Monty, two, Eva, nine, Lola, seven and the latest addition to the family, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-legends-bert-and-patti-newton-are-grandparents-again" target="_blank">Perla who was born in January</a>.</p>

TV

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Prince Charles is ecstatic to be a “doting grandad” to Baby Sussex

<p>Prince Charles and the Duchess of Sussex are reportedly as thick as thieves.</p> <p>This clears the way for Prince Charles to play the doting grandfather, instead of the distance he has shown previously.</p> <p>Five years ago, when Prince George was born, things were very different. Prince Charles was feeling excluded from Duchess Kate and Prince William’s first child, as the Duchess’ parents were more on hand.</p> <p>As the 70-year-old had a more austere upbringing and was always away on royal business, he wasn’t the most present grandfather as he had little free time.</p> <p>However, things have improved with the arrival of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.</p> <p>Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8649056/meghan-markle-prince-harry-baby-charles-grandson/" target="_blank"><em>The Sun</em></a>, a friend of Prince Charles has said: “At the time Prince George was born, Charles was less easy in the role of a grandfather.</p> <p>“But now he welcomes each new arrival with a wider grin and even more open arms. He loves the happy chaos of it all.”</p> <p>It helps that Duchess Meghan was extremely interested in the history of the family, which is something that Prince Charles was more than eager to share with her.</p> <p>The friend went on to say, “He was captivated by Meghan when he first met her. He thought she was extremely intelligent, hardworking and impressive. They have a genuinely warm relationship.</p> <p>“When she first moved to London Meghan was very interested in the history of the family. Art was the medium through which they talked about it. They have a lot in common. He has a natural affection for her.”</p> <p>Prince Harry is delighted by the love between his father and his wife, especially when Prince Charles stepped up and offered to walk Duchess Meghan down the aisle after her father pulled out.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Prince Charles’ cutest moments as a grandfather.</p> <p>Are you excited for the birth of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s baby? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Relationships

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Donald Trump’s five-month-old grandson already looks a lot like his grandad

<p>Donald Trump’s five-month-old grandson Luke might not realise exactly what grandad does for a living, but he’s become an internet sensation in his own right due to the uncanny resemblance he already has with the leader of the free world.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfGYX4WA01K/" target="_blank">A post shared by Lara Trump (@laraleatrump)</a> on Feb 12, 2018 at 6:17am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>When it comes to hairlines (especially in high wind conditions), Luke is a dead ringer for the US President. Add to that the constant look of befuddlement and occasional tantrums and he looks like he’s got his Donald Trump impression down pat.</p> <p><img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7268230/trump-grandson_498x245.jpg" alt="Trump -grandson"/></p> <p><em>Like grandfather, like grandson?</em></p> <p>Luke is the son of Eric and Lara Trump, who have taken to social media to post photos of Luke learning his way around the world (including a stint in the Oval Office).</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcs93xwFoHh/" target="_blank">A post shared by Eric F. Trump (@erictrump)</a> on Dec 14, 2017 at 4:22pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Little Luke is working hard to #MakeAmericaGreatAgain,” the caption read.</p> <p>What do you think? Can you see the resemblance? Or is it a little far-fetched?</p>

Family & Pets

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Special Father's Day stories

<p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Three Over60 community members share their memories with their dads, grandchildren or husbands ahead of Father’s Day this Sunday.</strong></span></em></p><p><em><strong>By Jane Lord, 61, from Sydney, New South Wales</strong></em></p><p>“Looking back I caused my Dad untold anxiety. It was inadvertent on my part. I was ‘living my own lifestyle as I saw fit’. I came back to Sydney with my tail between my legs after living overseas in various places for 11 years – for which dad paid for the ticket. He brought me up ably assisted by my beautiful stepmother and welcomed me back with open arms. They insisted I ‘relaxed’ for a month with them on the central coast. &nbsp;</p><p>I started to look at employment ads after that. I went to Sydney for an interview with an employment agency and then the actual job interview where I am still employed 20-plus years later</p><p>I went home for a long weekend&nbsp;and proudly gave my Dad my new business card. Now this bloke was an eminent QC. The eyebrows bristled as he looked over his glasses with a growl and he said:</p><p>‘I didn't raise my daughter to be an insurance underwriter’ and then opened a bottle of champagne.”&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong><img width="300" height="224" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/1736/img_1558_300x224.jpg" alt="IMG_1558" style="float: left;">&nbsp; By David Payne, 66, from Palmerston, Northern Territory</strong></em></p><p>“A child only knows honesty. I had just brought a new extension ladder and was proudly showing it to my 3-year-old grandson. He asked, ‘Why did I need a ladder?’</p><p>I told him it was to help me get up higher from the ground, to which he said in a very stern voice ‘But you are too fat grandpa to climb that ladder’. He was only caring for my wellbeing – out of the mouths of babes! Best wishes to all the fathers on Father’s Day 2014”&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>By Rhonda Hodges, 63, Bathurst, New South Wales</strong></em></p><p>“This is a beautiful memory I have which still brings me undone. When our second child was a tiny baby, he was hard to settle. [My husband] Peter came home late every day due to his travel time for work. One night, I was caring for another child and he took the baby.</p><p>I couldn't find them nor hear any sound about 10 minutes later. He had sat down on the lounge and they were both asleep, the baby had his head tucked into Peter’s longish auburn beard and was sound asleep as was my very tired husband.</p><p>Although we have been apart for 25 years and all four children are grown with families themselves, this memory of sharing the load, no matter what, is still evocative for me.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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