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Bronwyn's Blog

Interview with David Starke

I first heard about David Starke on Coastal Radio SA, I was hooked! Shamelessly, I am a big fan!!! I attended his gig at the Kloof Country Club on 31 January! He has a mesmerizing voice that just makes you want to stop what you are doing and take it all in! I asked David a few questions so we could get to know him better because I had a sneak peek at his latest song and it is going to be a hit!

When did you discover your love of music and how long have you been doing gigs?

I grew up with a musical mother and my siblings and I all took music lessons from a young age. I played the violin from age 9 but stopped after a few years. I think my obsession with music really got going with the discovery of my uncle’s old guitar on top of a cupboard at home when I was about 12 years old. I taught myself for a while and then did guitar as a subject for a few years at high school. From then on it’s just gotten bigger and bigger…

Do you remember the first time you performed on stage?

That story has two parts… The first time I performed on stage was not music, it was magic. I attended the College of Magic for a few years in the 90s and my first stage appearance was in a show called ‘The World Of Magic’ when I was 11. The first time that I can recall playing music on stage was in a heavy metal band that I played in when I was in grade 8.

Who are your main musical influences?

James Taylor, Leonard Cohen and Josh Ritter.

Three things nobody knows about me?

1. Most nights, if I don’t have a gig, I go to bed around 8 pm

2. I collect Nat King Cole Records

3. I studied Classics (Greek and Roman history) at UCT.

 

 

Where can we go to listen to your music?

His first solo album, Duende, is available on all digital platforms:

SPOTIFY

APPLE MUSIC

His forthcoming album, Shifting Boundaries, will be released in March this year.

 

He will be opening for Arno Carstens on Saturday the 8th Feb in The Midlands!

Other Events

MARCH

7th – Lifestyle centre Ballito

8th – Canelands Beach Club

20th -27th – Cape Town Album LAUNCH TOUR

Just remember the name David Starke! He is a true artist and his music is beautiful! !If you get a chance you have to go to one of his gigs to see for yourself! Check him out on his social media on Facebook as well as Instagram.

 

 

3rd Feb 2020 / by / in
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Top 5 Picnic spots in KZN

1.Zulumoon gondolas

Some people are not even aware that we have Gondolas right here in Durban. On the Point waterfront canal! I have been a few times and enjoyed each moment! They offer many ride options, one of them being the night time picnic ride! It is a 40 min ride that costs R470 per couple! For any occasion.

Click here to book

2.Swissland Cheese

This is in the Natal midlands along the midlands meander route, You can do some cheese tasting and buy a cheese platter and a bottle of wine and enjoy a romantic picnic for 2 or you can take your own picnic and make use of their grounds.

They often have music events on a Sunday. For more information just check out their website here 

3.Botanical Gardens

The Durban Botanical gardens is a beautiful picnic spot. Take the family for a picnic around the lake! They do have a tea garden as well. The surroundings are serene and beautiful. I love the sunken garden and the orchid house myself! Absolutely gorgeous location. Note that you can take your own picnics but no animals or balls are allowed. I have to add they run an annual festival of lights over the Christmas period which is just magical!

4.Oribi Gorge

Located about 2km inland from Port Shepstone. There are a few picnic spots around the river banks. My husband and I camped at Lake Eland, what a beautiful place! There is a suspension bridge, they offer ziplining as well. It is a nice place to go when other guests are respectful of the wildlife instead of blaring their music loud all hours of the night which is what happened to us during our stay so that was a bit disappointing!

 

5.Karkloof Nature reserve

The Karkloof Nature conservancy stretches from Curry’s post through to Howick and Nottingham road and includes a wide range of flora and fauna! If you are wanting to get away to connect with nature, this is the place! There are many options for accommodation in the area!

27th Jan 2020 / by / in
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Relaunch of The Ocean View Umhlanga

We attended the Relaunch of the Ocean View Umhlanga and met with the owner Naven Naidu and his wife Valerie.

 

 

ST marketing did a great job organizing the event with Masood Boomgaad and Bash with Tash, 2 outrageously funny Local Durban comedians. Martin Nel from Coastal Radio SA was also there doing the pop up live broadcast of the Garage party Show!

A photo booth provided by The Pixel Room added an extra festive vibe to the night!

What venue options do they offer?

They are a restaurant firstly, open Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm

but they also hire out the venue for different functions. Baby showers, Birthdays, Bridal showers. It is a walk-in walk-out package. They offer everything from decor to catering.

The vintage room caters for 80 people

The Deck caters for 25 with a lovely view of the ocean for small intimate functions.

Main venue seats 150 max

All the options and prices are available on their website. They cater to your individual needs and requirements.

High tea for R150 per person is also a highlight with the locals.

What types of food do they offer?

All types of Indian cuisine like Rogan Josh, North Indian Curries but local Durban curries as well. My husband and I tried a variety of their food which is truly delicious. Their Naan bread is to die for. This family-run venue has a lot of heart and soul.

They also do other types of food like steaks Chicken Tikka , seafood and prawns. A prawn special is on the go for R89.

The perfect Umhlanga location which lives up to its name for a luxurious and affordable dining experience that caters for a variety of different tastes!

16th Oct 2019 / by / in
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Dúrban Burger Co

A few years ago my sister and I attended the Riverside night market and ate burgers from Dúrban Burger Co. I remember saying to my sister, these guys are going to go far. They have a good product here. The burgers were tasty and memorable. Over the years my husband and I have come into the market scene and have worked alongside these guys and they have stayed consistent only perfecting their menu. The other night my husband and I were in Umhlanga and came across their new space they have in the Park Square Umhlanga. We just fell in love with the place and the set up as well as the all-round service.

What makes them unique?

We met with owners Khutso and Rokia Masethe. I have to say we love their passion for food and people! Often burgers are associated with fast food and Khutso wants to make healthy food so he calls it slow food. All their ingredients are made from scratch. Their sourdough bread rolls and burger patties are made in house. Khutso uses many flavour profiles in his burgers and has a range of delicious gourmet burgers. They also serve great breakfasts! Vegetarian and Banting options are available as well.

 

Atmosphere

They have Craft Beer and Gin and Tonic available served from mobile tuk tuk station. It aesthetically has a street food feel. The decor is quite funky, retro and hipster. From light fittings to salt cellars, everything combined adds to the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

When are they open?

Even though Dúrban Burger Co has a restaurant, which is open Monday to Thursday 9 am to 6 pm; Friday 9 am to 7 pm; Saturday 9 am to 2 pm, they do still also do markets and events. You can find them at the I heart Market and they recently did the Durban Street food festival. You can hire them for your functions or events.

 

29th Sep 2019 / by / in
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Coastal Radio SA

I recently met Martin Nel from Coastal Radio SA at a music gig in Durban. We realized quickly that we are both in media and have a passion for Durban and local brands. Therefore we can collaborate together on various events. He asked me to be on his show and I said no because I was scared of being live and said I am better with writing than speaking. The tables were turned when I interviewed him for this blog.

How did Coastal Radio SA start?

Martin Nel is the Station Manager for Coastal Radio SA. Starting as a musician back in 1978. He was given drumsticks as a gift and started bashing away until he got in front of a drum kit. Martin was always involved in music during school and always loved public speaking. A definite extrovert. He has been in and out of Radio since 1998. He has done a bit of Radio and Television but prefers Radio

In the 80’s they did a lot of gigs as bands, then electronics made it easier for artists to get backing tracks and the front men could get solo gigs so there wasn’t as much need for musicians so he had to move into something else and ended up doing Radio.

Martin said that Radio doesn’t always pay and he had a career in sales, networking and communication. Ended up back in the corporate world and retired from that 11 years ago. He took a sabbatical and in taking the sabbatical all this started to happen.

Friends encouraged him 6 years ago to start an online radio station. He started in Capetown and has

clocked 12000 and 2000 hours on the second show. He has 7 studios in Cape Town, Jo-burg and KZN.

What services does Coastal Radio SA offer?

Expand your brand

Coastal Radio SA has a big platform to expand your brand through radio. They Reach 1.4 million over 28 days and Represent different companies as a brand ambassador or offer to advertise your products and services from R2500 per month or R7500 to do a live broadcast from your place of business.

Demographic

Their unique online network is totally different to any radio station out there. Other radio stations will say they have 3-4 million listeners. Coastal Radio has 500 thousand local and 150 thousand international listeners, reach over 1 million people a month. Demographic is 33-67. Middle to high-income households.

Supporting Local Artists

Coastal Radio SA loves supporting local artists, so if you have an audio biography of artist and music track in mp3 format, you can send it into them. You must ensure that all tracks submitted are studio quality.

Presenters training course

If you are interested in a Career in Radio, there is Presenters training course takes place in Studio, hands-on, theory and practical in a live studio environment. How to set up and present the show. It takes place on a Wednesday for 3 hours. R5000 Phase 2 will be a Second month, which will be a full-on Practical. Contact: MC Heyns 0829355014 if you are interested

Durban Blogger (my Instagram handle) and Coastal Radio SA have partnered together, so look out for us, I’m sure more exciting things to come. We will be at The Ocean View Umhlanga for a relaunch. 27th September.

“Be good and if you can’t be good at it” Martin Nel

10th Sep 2019 / by / in
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Ngwenya Coffee Shop Pinetown

I Frequently visit Charity shops around Durban, One of them being the Hospice in Pinetown. I discovered Ngwenya and often meet a friend there. I asked Cara if I could interview her because I found her story quite interesting. She is a self-starter and entrepreneur.  She has brought a bit of character and life to the hospice shop and to Pinetown.

When did you open?

We were open for business on the 8th January 2018

What is the story behind you opening your Café?

Ngwenya coffee shop was opened by my uncle and myself. It was something my uncle always wanted to do. He had the vision of coffee and sandwiches to be sold. I had some ideas floating in my mind as I had just come back from America. We put our ideas together and out came Ngwenya Coffee shop. People often ask me why the name Ngwenya Coffee Shop. My uncle is known as ‘Ngwenya’ as in the Crocodile amongst the family and his athletic mates.

What did you do before?

I was an Au Pair in America, where I lived with a wonderful family for over two years.

What is something unique about your Café? A signature dish or a special.

I think what sets us apart is the quality of the goods that we use. I don’t think you find many Charity Shops with cafés that use artisan bread and speciality coffee beans.

Many people have commented on our scones that we serve with fresh cream and strawberry jam…what a treat.

How do you deal with a difficult customer?

I am very grateful that I haven’t had to deal with many difficult customers. I think its best to find out what it is that is making them upset and try to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

I, myself am on this journey of discovery/learning about my business and never miss out on an opportunity to learn from others. What I’ve learnt so far is that vision in your business is very important and is the driving factor in your business. Also, do not give up while trying to turn that vision into a reality and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Make it a point to visit Ngwenya and the Hospice shop if you are ever in Pinetown.  Such great advice from Cara! You can not help but be inspired when talking to her about her journey.

21st Aug 2019 / by / in
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Waffle On Café Westville

Waffle On is a Cafe situated next to Chez Nous in Westville Junction. They have just recently moved premises but they are still in the same Centre. They have not closed down so loyal customers do not have to worry. I asked Lorraine Schuit,  the owner a few questions to get a behind the scenes look at what makes them unique. 

Waffle On Café provides the perfect place for customers to meet over an awesome coffee, amazing Pancakes and Waffles, (both Sweet and Savoury, and eggless/dairy free available) or a delicious ice-cream treat. They constantly strive to serve quality products and excellent service in a happy fun-filled and chilled environment. 

When did you open?

Waffle On Café opened in December 2016 at Westville Junction.  Over the past three years, we have seen this concept grow into an enduring business.

What is the story behind you opening your Café?

We have been in the business for almost 26 years. We started out as a Milky Lane Franchisee in Gauteng and then acquired the Pavilion Milky Lane Franchise for just over 20 years, which came to an end when Famous Brands bought the Milky Lane Brand. We felt it was time for a new approach to this concept and that was the start of Waffle On Café.

What is something unique about your Café? 

The successful combination of the quality of our products and the service provided by our totally committed and passionate staff is what makes us unique. We are always available to our customers. 

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We always listen to our customers, to what works for them, what doesn’t, and the suggestions they have. We’re serious about their experience with us. We appreciate constructive criticism as that helps us to move the business forward. We have continued to increase our customer numbers, make more friends, despite the changes in economic climate and challenges.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

Our advice to other entrepreneurs is to never give up, and love and respect not only your staff and support system but your customers as well.

Are you running any specials at the moment?

As times are hard and people want value for money, we are running two promotions at the moment – Two Traditional Waffles with Ice Cream or Cream or Both for R50-00 and the Muffin Combo with a Coffee/Cappuccino, Tea or milkshake for R36-90, which are doing very well.

 

 

 

18th Aug 2019 / 1 Comment / by / in ,
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Women’s Day 2019 : Meet some of the women from Black Swan Connect

This Women’s day I would like to celebrate a few women from a Facebook Networking group I belong to. Black Swan Connect. This group has inspired me and helped me to grow and “Dare Mighty Things.” like Michelle, our Group Admin would say. Each of the women represented are so unique and different from one another. Yet they are unified by their entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to help other women succeed. 

Michelle Fouche – Black Swan Connect

Black Swan Connect is is a business community for female entrepreneurs and women who are interested in starting their own business.

Running a business is flipping hard, and we could all use a little support, a sounding board, and some advice from people who’ve been there, done that. This group brings women together from around the world to network, support and learn from each other.
A ‘black swan’ is an event that’s unpredictable, surprising, and out of the ordinary – something that causes your life to take a different turn. I hope this group helps you to take the next exciting steps in your business!

Michelle is also the Director of Trade and Lateral Development. She has run the company since the year 2000 doing email marketing and website design.

 

Candice King –Life Coach 

Finding purpose in life is one of life’s greatest mysteries. Do you need direction, a decision partner and a co-creator of your goals? My coaching program is designed to help you take the steps from where you are now to where you would like to be. I use solution-focused, positive feedback, self-directed learning process where I facilitate insight which will assist you to move forward.

Often we focus on what we can see, which is results and behaviours, however, these are merely the tip of the iceberg. What lies beneath the surface is thinking and feeling. Through coaching and using emotional intelligence tools I can help you to connect your heart and your mind which is an effective tool for change. Are you wanting to change?

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IS THE BELIEF THAT YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT, TIME AND ENERGY NEEDED TO DEVELOP YOURSELF – DENIS WAITLEY

 Debbie Majoor- Personal fitness instructor

Debbie Majoor offers the very best to her clients. She equips them with the knowledge and skills to achieve their health and fitness goals on a realistic level. She is supportive and committed to ensuring that each client’s expectations are not only met, but exceeded!

Debbie has worked with a range of clients in different age brackets and has seen fantastic results with all. Learn how to keep a clean lifestyle through healthy choices, frequent training and constant motivation. Find her at Kings Park Medicine Sports Centre, Lion Match Office Park, 892 Umgeni Rd, Durban

Contact on: 

debbiemajoor28@hotmail.com

 

Lorraine Curry – Hambe Kahle BnB


Hamba Kahle air BnB is a lovely guest suite in a private home, located in the Riverside district of Durban North.
10 minutes from the city centre and Durban’s famous “golden mile” beachfront.
Durban thrives on a huge variety of restaurants and coffee shops … to suit everybody
Short 15-minute drive to Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the well known Umhlanga Village
25 minutes from King Shaka International Airport


Our 2 sleeper self-catering guest suite is R450 per night weekdays and out of season and R600 per night on weekends and high season.
A mini continental breakfast in the room is extra R50 per person. Tea and coffee are complimentary. The 4 sleeper guest cottage is Self Catering. It is R800 per night weekdays and out of season or R1000 per night weekends and high season. The rooms are airconditioned and serviced daily

Kim Livingston- Zulumoon Gondolas

Welcome to Zulumoon Gondolas. Take some time on one of the most Magically Relaxing Gondola Boat Rides in Durban. Enjoy a magical evening in a dreamland of water and lights. Treat yourself to a picnic in our comfortable gondola boats, or maybe add our unique “Message in a bottle”.

Our goal is to provide you with ~ a little magic ~ a different treat ~ that special chance to celebrate ~ so that you leave with a memory to cherish forever ~

We would love to share our little slice of Venice right here in Durban with you.

‘THE SUCCESS OF EVERY WOMAN SHOULD BE THE INSPIRATION TO ANOTHER. WE SHOULD RAISE EACH OTHER UP. MAKE SURE YOU’RE VERY COURAGEOUS: BE STRONG, BE EXTREMELY KIND, AND ABOVE ALL, BE HUMBLE’ – SERENA WILLIAMS

9th Aug 2019 / by / in
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Nation Changers Set Ablaze Conference

We met with Nadine Wright and Sam Jordt from Nation Changers to give us an idea of what they are about and to hear more of their up and coming Set Ablaze Conference. The aim of the event is to create awareness of the work that these 22 NGO’s are doing in the community and to encourage anyone who is willing to come alongside them in whatever capacity they are able to.

    • What is Nation Changers

They are a PBO that is an arm of City Hill Church and they have successfully been empowering the community for about 7 years feeding the poor, caring for the sick, upskilling people to be self-sustaining and supporting education.

Education is one of their focus areas as they understand that what they do today in children’s lives will positively impact future generations. They work into 13 different creches. Teach reading in 3 primary schools using the Neema Gateway to Reading Program. They teach extra maths lessons at a High Schools and an ECD teaching training program run by Margie Dunn. We watched a video testimony of a lady who is currently studying so she can open a creche in her area in Inanda.

They are involved in feeding the community by working with Joint Aid Management distributing porridge. In addition to that, Nation Changers Meal packs deliver about 2000 packs (20000 meals) a month to Creches and impoverished households. The Clothing box receives donations from Drake Clothing, to upskill women who buy, fix and re-sell garments.

 

    • Who should attend the Set Ablaze Conference?

Anyone can attend. Volunteers, NPOs and Businesses. Everyone regardless of age or what their capabilities are can do something to help. Most of us want to help in some way but don’t know where to start as there are so many needs around us. Nation Changers makes it easy to get involved in a number of different ways. The projects are not as overwhelming as they have a start time and end time. People willing to be volunteers become an army of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference. Last year they had 794 volunteers involved in 263 projects.

They link arms with other NPO’s. Working in partnership which is is better than doing it alone. The vision ultimately is to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Without funds, none of this incredible work would be possible. Companies willing to donate receive an 18A Tax Certificate as well as BEE scorecard.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

Speakers:

  • Steve Wimble (CityHill Lead Pastor) – Welcome and Close
  • Nadine Wright (head of Nation Changers)
  • Cindy Norcott (Entrepreneur and founder of Robin Hood Foundation)
  • Candace Davidson (CEO of HACT) Hillcrest Aids centre trust
  • Eric Tocknell (businessman and founder of CityHill Church)
  • Rod Spencer Social Entrepreneur and BEE expert. Talk on BEE Score Card for companies.

Sign up here to attend the Nation Changers Set Ablaze Conference.

Photo credit: Lou-Ann Fayers

27th Jul 2019 / by / in
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Interview with Comedian Jax Justice

For those who dont know ,Chantal (Jax) Justice is a Cape Town comedian and she is coming to the Seabrooke Theatre in Durban on the 3 August for her Oh my GAD solo tour.  I love her authenticity,  her raw vulnerability and heart for people. I asked her a few questions to get to know her a little better.

When did you first realize your talent for comedy?

I think I have always had an inherent ability to make people laugh. I have always used humour to cut the tension, to make a friend feel better after a rough patch or to break the ice as an conversation starter with new humans. I got addicted to the feeling I get from seeing the reaction people have to a witty honest perspective on everyday life.

Do you remember what your first live show felt like?

My debut performance felt like a ice cold beer after a difficult day. It felt refreshing to finally do something that had for the longest time only existed in my mind. There is a level of accomplishment in taking the first step to showcase vulnerability in front of a bunch of strangers. Little did I know then that the journey was only beginning and hard work is an understatement of the hustle needed to pursue this dream.

Do you like to cook/what is your favourite meal?

I used to love cooking but hated cleaning up, so… I stopped cooking. I got so lazy at some point I used paper plates for a whole month and to be honest I would do it again! My favourite meal… anything consisting of more than 2 minute noodles? All jokes aside I really enjoy green salad and Bacon… Yeah I said it but you were thinking it, mmm.

If you could sit down to dinner with any one person, who would it be and why?

Sarah Paulson

I find her to be a fascinating, strong and intellectual female. I would love to sit and just converse with her on all her strange roles she has played, on her ideas of the feminine movement and maybe… one or two things off the record…

Morning person or Night owl?

Night Owl

I find some of my best inspiration in silence of the night when other people sleep. I enjoy the darkness it inspires some of the most powerful thought provoking work I have. Beautiful for reflection as well.

What inspires you?

Pain… I know it sounds deep but the situations that have caused me the greatest sorrow are the ones we laugh at the most.

Where is your ideal place to live?

The ideal situation would be not to be situated in one place at all times. I would love to get to a point where I am a citizen of the world. I live in Cape Town because we have all four seasons in one day, so at times you feel like you’re in four different places at once. However home is where my people are which means my heart is split between JHB and CT.

BIO

Chantal Jax dubbed as the fearless comic originates from the breath taking shores of Wild Waters. She has been a force to be reckoned with since starting her comedic career in 2015 and will leave you teary eyed with laughter.

Since then she has levelled up on every stage she grazed with her “straight”-up, witty and satirical stand-up comedy leaving the audience with a refreshing take on everyday situations.

Chantal Jax has cemented herself in the comedy community and continues to perform at South Africa’s most popular underground and prestigious established stand-up comedy venues including Cape Town Comedy Club, Goliath & Goliath and Parkers Comedy & Jive.

Performance Highlights

2015:

  • #ThatsFunny Stand-Up Comedy Showdown second place recipient on debut comedy performance.
  • Triangle Project Fundraiser opening act to Shimmy Isaacs.

 

2016:

  • Premium Comedy Joke Slam Champion ’16

 

2017:

  • Beaulah Winter Warm Up: Comedy Competition Winner ’17
  • As seen on TV featured: Savannah Newcomer Showcase ’17
  • A GAME Comedy Night opening act to Barry Hilton
  • Launch of debut two-man show Jax & Gina @ Fringe Festival ’17

 

2018/2019:

  • Cape Town Pride Festival MC ‘18 and ’19
  • Samoka opening act for HBO’ s Dan Frigolette
  • Die Boer Opening act for Schalk Bezuidenhout
  • Frequent 5FM featured on Roger Goode and Thando Thabooty Show as Juicy Jax.
  • 9th Annual Savanna Comedy Choice Awards Audience Choice Nominee
  • Show Runner for Tiger’s Milk brand nationally, Devil’s Peak Brewery Taproom and Station On Bree.

 

Her blunt, authentic approach will definitely tickle your funny bone.

SOLO SHOW

Finally debuting my one woman show at the Heat City Comedy Festival 2019.

 

After spending over a decade worrying herself into a state of insomnia over her sexuality, friends and an excessively overactive imagination Chantal Jax was finally diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder. #OhMyGAD takes an irreverent look at excessive worrying and its side effects. Chantal Jax takes us on her journey that resulted in her becoming an Olympic level worrier to the point when she actually compares her anxiety levels to Oprah.

Durban get your tickets at link below

http://bit.ly/heatcitycomedyfest2019

25th Jul 2019 / by / in
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