Daily Thrifty Tips - January 7, 2009

We have a lot of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Try a Bowling Birthday Party

Bowling parties for birthday parties are fun for the whole family. My niece lives near a bowling alley in her town. Her house has become too small to have everyone over. She organizes bowling parties for her 2 boys birthdays. They are allowed several school friends and the rest are family. Here is a picture of my husband and our grand daughter Jessica. Grandpa is helping her to get her bowl down the lane.

By D.Lockwood from Millbury, Oh

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Reuse Christmas Cards As Gift Tags

Each year I save our Christmas cards and use them the next year to decorate the Christmas presents instead of buying bows and name tags.

By Betty from NC

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Print and Frame Regularly Used Schedules

This is a tip for decorating and organizing at the same time. I love to decorate meaningfully. I recently scanned a garbage collection schedule distributed to households by the government, divided the image into two parts, printed each on a standard photo paper and put the photos in a nice picture frame. I chose the picture frame that matches my other decor in my downstairs washroom. Now, the schedule will never be lost and we will hopefully never miss the garbage day again. Neat and inexpensive idea.

By Elena from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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Use a Baby Bottle Nipple for Transferring Liquids

This could be recycling, too. When you need to transfer something from a larger bottle to a smaller one, I use an old baby bottle nipple.

I cut the hole bigger and in most cases, the larger bottle opening fits in just right.

Works every time!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Buffy (Toy Poodle)

Buffy is a toy poodle, she will be 2 in November. My Bf bought her as a Valentine's gift for me in February of '07

She loves her toys; fetch, play keep away. She also loves to chase and play with our cats, and play with Henry when she can get him to play; He's getting to be an old man, and likes to save up his energy for chasing squirrels! Her favorite thing, though, is to be where ever I am, and of course, car rides!

I had several names picked out, and couldn't decide on one. My bf, as a joke, said "How about Buffy the Vampire Slayer?" Obviously the "vampire" part wasn't used, but Buffy just seemed right. She barks and carries on like she's big and mean, so we call her Buffy the Killer Poodle, a dobie in a poodle body lol The picture was taken after her "big girl" haircut

By Joy from Dexter, IA

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Keeping Kids Hands Clean in the Yard

I have four children and in the summer time when they are outside a lot, I save small pieces of soap and put them in a knee high (or pantyhose) and tie the knee high to the outside water tap so that they can easily wash their hands without running in and out of the house so much.

By Gail from Montgomery, PA

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Use Microfiber Instead of Furniture Polish

Instead of buying expensive furniture polishes, just buy 2 microfiber cloths from the super market. Wet 1 of them wring it out so its just damp and use that to wipe over the furniture and dry with the other one. I do this because I get bad dermatitis on my hands. This saves a lot of money and works just the same as furniture polishes

By jas69 from South Australia

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Homemade "GAK" Recipe

Mix together 8 oz Elmer's Glue with 3/4 cup water + 2 drops food coloring (optional). Dissolve 1 tablespoon "20 Mule Team Borax" (found in laundry aisle) in 1/4 cup warm water.

Take a Popsicle stick and dip it into the glue, then stir it in the borax solution until no more will clump on stick. Take off of stick and repeat. Mix up more Borax solution as needed. Play with GAK to blend. Store in airtight container or ziploc bag.

If you just want to make the GAK and not turn it into a project, the two solutions can be mixed together in larger portions to make the proper consistency.

By Carol from Gasport, NY

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Roll Sweatpants for a Tidy Drawer

I lay my sweatpants flat, fold in half then take the bottom of the legs and roll up to the waist. I can now see all my sweatpants at once and don't have to mess up the entire drawer looking for a particular color.

Source: My sister Lisa.

By Carolee from Madison, AL

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Good Enough for the Queen's Dog

What is good enough for the queen's dog is good enough for my pug.

Our Pug was suffering from very bad skin allergies. It was so bad that there were raw patches in her skin. So we took her to the vet and they took care of the symptoms, but not the source.

Well, I heard that certain dog foods causes allergic reactions, and that is when I started making my own food for our pug.

I buy a 5-lb bag of chicken legs with the thighs and drumsticks attached for about five dollars. I bone them, but then pressure cook the bones for about thirty minutes so that even if there are bones left, they are soft. I do leave the gristle and other chewable parts; she's a dog for heaven's sake! That does not mean I am careless and not pick out all the bones that I can find. I save the broth for soups and so forth.

I add 1 cup of cooked rice. I mix this with 1 cup of cooked cabbage and 1 cup of Cooked carrots. I have used a can of mixed vegetables without trouble. If using the canned veggies, reserve the liquid to make everything easier to stir together. Otherwise, use 1 cup of the BROTH. I think this adds more protein for the animal.

The reason why I say that this is the food served to the royal dogs is because there was a TV special where the former chef to Queen Elisabeth II showed how he prepared the food for HER Majesty's corgies. It was almost the same recipe with just livers substituted for the leftover meat on the bones. He actually added cabbage. Livers would probably be easier to use than boning the chicken; I just like making sure I have used everything to its fullest potential.

Our dog's allergies cleared up! Then we all remember about the tainted dog food from China.

Don't feed this to your dog while it is hot. My pug is too comfort controlled to eat it hot, but my Aunt gave in to her begging boxer and then she had to clean up where he got sick. Her vet said it wasn't good to feed them homemade food. I think her doctor gets commission for every bag of canine products he sells.
I am not quitting. I save money and my dog is healthy. Healthy enough to run with royalty.

I think it is funny our pug will even eat raw cabbage now. It is funny she doesn't like lettuce. And carrots have become one of her favorite snacks. They just need to be cut to the size of her mouth.

By Tim from Science Hill, Ky

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Save Money, Buy Men's Deodorant

Men's deodorant is usually a lot cheaper than women's deodorant. I often buy the men's stuff in unscented. It's nice to have it last longer and I have noticed no difference in using it. It works great.

By Janet from Brant Rock, MA

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Homemade Head Lice Remedy

To get rid of head lice, just buy a cheap bottle of mouth wash (the kind that contains alcohol). Saturate the hair with mouth wash and a good conditioner, put shower cap on and leave on for one hour. Rinse out and comb with lice comb, all the bugs should be dead. Kills the eggs too. Don't forget to wash all bedding, hats, coats, brushes, etc. and vacuum house good. This should take care of the lice with out costly and dangerous products. My daughter and niece got them. After using all of the other stuff (that didn't work), tried this and they were gone. We have not been bothered with them since. Good luck!

By Suzanne from Norfolk, VA

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Saving The Bagged Salad

Prewashed salad fixings are great, except they go bad so quickly due to excess moisture in the bag. To extend your salad greens' life, open the bag once you get home, place a paper towel inside and then close with a bag clip. The paper towel absorbs the extra moisture. This gives salad about an extra week.

By Morganna from Anderson, IN

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Remove Cardboard Liner From Mayo Jar

To keep mayo lasting longer and not have an odor, just remove the cardboard liner from the inside of the lid. You won't believe the difference this makes.

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

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Save Money With The Pick 5 Meat Program

One of the best ways to save money on your meat bill is to find a food store that has a pick 5 meat program, you can but any 5 meat items for $19.99. Look for the packages that run $5.00 or more if you were going to buy off the pick 5. you can save as much as $5.00 to $6.00 buying a pick 5

By Leon from Dalton, GA

Editor's Note: It looks like these Pick 5 programs are pretty common with smaller, more independent grocery stores. Check stores like Red Apple, IGA and Thriftway rather than the larger chains. If you find one, report it here in the feedback.

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Recipes for a Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven

I need a recipe, instruction booklet for the Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop. I seemed to have lost mine.

Ida-Mae

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Inexpensive Wedding Tips

My fiance and I are planning to get hitched at the end of next year and I was wondering if I could get some pointers on how to keep our wedding as cheap as possible, seeing as at this time, both my fiance and I are very strapped for cash, as we are both jobless. We are hoping to keep the wedding to $2,000-3,000, including wedding, reception, photography, honeymoon, etc. you know, the whole kit and caboodle.

Look like the usual plea? Well, here's the kicker, we're both 17, turning 18 before December. Her parents, though poor, are willing to help pay for whatever they can, thing is, I'm not sure if my family will be on board with the whole idea, so quite possibly we are looking at even less than the hoped for budget. Also, church, Justice Of the Peace, and backyard weddings are no go's, as she's dead set against them. Outdoors will also not work, seeing as in winter it's about 20 or so degrees at high noon here.

With that said I'd like to know every trick in the book for having a good wedding with a budget that is even more thrifty than most requests on here. Thanks so much for your help.

Benjamin from Show Low, AZ

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Knifty Knitter Patterns

I am looking for patterns for the long loom Knifty Knitter.

Beverley

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Manual For Welbilt Home Bakery ABM-150R

Did anyone ever find the manual for the Welbilt Home Bakery Model ABM-150R. I need one too! All the links I followed were dead ends. I've had my machine for at least 15 years and can't remember how to use it. Thanks.

Susan

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Homemade Almond Extract

Can someone tell me how to make homemade almond extract?

fayyaaz

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Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe

I need to find a cheesecake recipe that has a pineapple layer between the cheesecake filling and the graham cracker crumb bottom.

Caroline from West Islip, NY

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Problems With Yahoo Mail

I cannot open my yahoo mail. It says there was a problem accessing your account, try again. I tried but no results. Vicky from New Delhi, India

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Manual For Amana Radarange Microwave Convection Oven Plus

We assumed a double wide manufactured home with a Amana Radarange Plus convection unit in the kitchen, but there is no operator/owner manual. How can I secure one of these manuals? Thank you.

Matt

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Stains on a Dooney and Bourke Purse

I purchased a light brown suede Dooney and Bourke bag and wore the bag once. I noticed that it had a dirt spot on the bottom of the purse, probably from being handled by the sales staff at Macy's. After I wore it on New Years Eve, I put the bag away in the closet in the blue storage bag that they provided. I pulled it out recently after almost one year and it now looks as if I had worn it all year. It has several blue stains from the bag and other dark spots on the purse. Do I call the manufacturer to clean my bag?

Michelle from Indianapolis, IN

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Easy Afghan Crochet Patterns

I love getting easy crochet patterns, especially for afghans. Please submit any you would like to share.

Julie from NC

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Removing Gloss Paint from Jeans

I have gloss paint on my new jeans. How can I remove it? Thank you for your help!

Robert from UK

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Tips for Seniors Living on Limited Income

I am looking for tips for senior citizens who live on limited income.

Marieg

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Sofa Bed Frame Replacement

I need to replace a queen size sofabed frame-mechanism. Does anyone know where to find one?

Kathe

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Mop Made from Recycled Plastic

I brought a green-colored mop made from recycled plastic or tires, a year back. It has been great, it needs replacing and the store has no idea what I am talking about! Please help, green is my motto and I cannot bring myself to buy an environmentally "bad" one.

Bernie from Daytona Beach, Florida

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Rotten Meat Smell in Freezer

The meat in my freezer spoiled. I cleaned the freezer out with soap and bleach. But the rotten meat smell is still there and in room as well. What product can I use that will rectify this problem? Please advise where it can be purchased and/or ordered. Thanks, please hurry.

Croffort

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Food Grease on Microfiber

How do I clean food grease from a microfiber chair, the material is a stone color.

Sandi from Melbourne, Australia

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Ideas for a Valentine's Ball

I need ideas on having a Valentine's ball for youth, similar to a prom.

Mary from Texas

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Tiny Thin, Brown Bugs

I have tiny bugs in my house. They are very tiny and thin. They are brown and when you smoosh them it leaves a brown streak. They don't look like bed bugs.

Miosotis

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2004 Sienna Power Sliding Door Not Working

The power sliding door on my 2004 Toyota Sienna is broken. It will cost $1800 to replace the motor. How can I disconnect the motor to make it a manual door? The dealer said everything runs through the motor and they can't disconnect the motor or cut any wires for safety reasons.

Christie from Durango, CO

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Protecting Window Sills from Pet Scratches

I have two Poms that are constantly scratching the front window sills when they get excited. Is there something I can buy to put on the windowsills for protection?

Shirley from Charleston, SC

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Games and Activities for "Rock Fantasy" Themed Party

Thanks for the ideas on decor for my daughter's Rock Fantasy party. Now I have a problem with games and activities or novelties to have at the party. So far we have a photo booth, Fortune teller, live entertainer, but I want to have some other side stuff that the kids can engage in. My daughter's concern is keeping them entertained and not getting bored. Help! Her party is in less a month and a half!

Jae

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Rooting Fruit Tree Cuttings

What is the longest cutting I can take off of a fruit tree, dip in rooting hormone and have it root?

Hardiness Zone: 7b


Lisa from Arkansas

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Planting Eunomy Suckers

I have a nice bush probably a Eunomys, that has 3 foot suckers, can I plant these?

Hardiness Zone: 7b


Lisa from Arkansas

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Annuals to Plant with Profusion Zinnias

I would like some suggestions for annuals I can put with Profusion zinnias. They are heat tolerant and don't take much water. I have a tendency to plant the wrong kind of flowers together. Some need more water then others, so I would like to know what to plant with the Profusion series. These will go in my flower boxes on the south side. They get full sun. Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 6a


Terri from Missouri

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Making Eggs in a Cup

How do you make eggs in a cup? When I was a little girl, my grandmother made me eggs in a coffee cup or mug. I'm not sure if they were poached or soft boiled, but she would put them in there sometimes with pieces of bread and some salt and pepper.

You could even eat them over toast. Does anyone remember anything like this or how to make them? They were very good but it has been a long time and I don't remember. Thanks!

Kathy from Philadelphia, PA

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Using Glass Punch Cups

I have about 100 glass punch cups. Any ideas (besides drinking punch) on what I can use them for? Any craft ideas?

Elaine from Indianapolis, IN

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Adding Volume to Thin, Fine Hair

My hair is very thin and fine. I am over 60 and past menopause, which I have heard can make your hair this way, although it has always been thin. What can I do to give my hair volume and control? I do not color, perm or blow dry. I use Shimmer Lights shampoo to highlight the silver but other than that my hair air dries with nothing else to damage it. Help!

beachlifer from Lincoln City, OR

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Getting Rid of Fungus in Grass

I have a fungus on my grass. I had a commercial service which I gave up on it and after that is when I got this fungus. It seems the grass is very weak do to all the chemicals this company laid on it and the fungus just took over. Any suggestion on a natural product, I'm afraid to use any more chemicals. Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 10b


Carlos from Florida

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Starting a Single Stitch on a Loom

How do you start a single stitch on the looms, using one side?

Leeza from North Olmsted, Ohio

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Is My Puppy Purebred?

I have a 4 month old Shetland Sheepdog that I just adore. She was a bit pricey (full papered and what-not) and I want to get a second one to keep her company. I found one without papers, the same age, but a very unusual color. She is almost solid black, with a little white on her chest (not full collar white) and paws. Based on the picture (and keeping in mind that this is a 4 month old pup) does this appear to be a purebred Sheltie?

Stacey from Dorr, MI

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Spending Freeze Tips

Tomorrow is the first day of my January Spending Freeze, that means no spending other than the essentials: bills, gasoline and groceries. No more McDonald's for lunch, I will bring something from home. No books or CDs, no visits to the antique mall, no fundraisers, no lottery tickets, absolutely no extras for one month. Has anyone done this? If so, I would love to hear from you with your thoughts or advice. Happy New Year to All!

Karen from Missouri

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Staying on Medicaid After Marriage

Marriage after Medicaid in Florida: My fiance and I are engaged when we found out I am expecting. I chose to get on Medicaid since I work part time and job doesn't provide health insurance and we did not have a date set for marriage. He wanted to get me on his insurance but could not be done because we are not married. I did get Medicaid and WIC.

I wanted to know if I would be penalized in some way, by staying on Medicaid after marriage. Would they check on that later in the state of Florida or not? I couldn't find anything on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Terri from Florida

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Recommendations for Vacuums

I have a Eureka "The Boss" Smartvac, and I have had it about a year. I bought it for about $250 and now I just keep having problems with it. Before that I went through about 3 vacuums, buying them and returning them because they just all seem to have problem or things I didn't like.

So I am wondering if any one can suggest a good vacuum the works well and deals with dog hair well. I have a German Shepherd and young kids! I need one that is not to pricey (if I could afford a Kirby I would have one!) I would appreciated advice or help so much! Thank you! I just want a decent vacuum that works and will last a while.

Natalie from Utah

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Dog is Dragging His Behind on the Ground

My 3 yr old dog is dragging his behind across the carpet and then chews on his butt. The vet has checked him and he has no worms, the gland is clear, and there are no flea. He doesn't do it all the time, he will go for days without doing it. Then he will do it for a few days. or not do it again for months. Any ideas?

Anette from Dexter

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Using Plastic Containers in the Garden

Would someone kindly explain to me about plastics in gardening? I would like to use the bottoms of vinegar bottles as starter pots for u-name-its. I'm just worrying if they are outside, in the sun, if anything could taint veggies and herbs grown in them. How do I know when the vessel's life is over?

How about same thing with those kitty litter buckets (some are opaque yellow, pickle buckets are green), and light unrecyclable restaurant takeout clam shells. Anything definitive out there? We thank you very much!

Jane from Baltimore, Maryland

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Looking for Tiny Zip-Lock Bags

Could someone tell me where I can purchase the small little plastic zip-lock bags that would hold about a tablespoon of seeds, etc? I don't even know what they are called, nor where to get them, or what's a reasonable price. We want to put seeds, small screws and electronic parts in them to stay organized. About a tablespoon or a little more, not too teeny. Thank you, everyone!

Jane from Baltimore, Maryland

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What Breed is My Dog?

What kind of puppy do I have?

Honeybabie from Santa Cruz, CA

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Wedding Locations in New York, NY

We are planning an April 2009 wedding but are having an extremely hard time finding a venue that will accommodate our needs/desires. We will be expecting anywhere from 100-120 guests and want to stay in the $60 or less range w/a sit down dinner, open bar, etc. We'd also like to have the ceremony performed at the same location as the reception.

Any of the 5 boroughs, Westchester, White Plains, L.I., etc. will do fine. I don't think that this is an unreasonable budget but we just can't seem to find anything that we like. We've even considered a Sunday wedding to save money. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Frustrated Bride from New York, NY

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Cooking Venison Without the Gamey Taste

My husband loves to hunt and brings home venison. What are different ways to cook it without the "gamey" taste?

Barbara from Manassas, VA

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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My Frugal Life: Finding a Use for "Useless" Items

I work as a social worker with a non-profit. This generally means that we have no money. My job is to look at things in a new way and find a new or application for them. We recycle everything!

We use the toilet paper, and then we use the holders for craft projects. We provide a food bank and reuse all of the containers to organize office and school supplies. We take in donations of unwanted items and find a new use for them in another home. We use all of our office scrap paper for coloring sheets, egg cartons to make critters, broken jewelry for Christmas ornaments, bits of colored paper for sun catchers. Everything gets a new life!

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