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        <title>RE/MAX 1 Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/austin-roads-their-multiple-aliases.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/austin-roads-their-multiple-aliases.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Austin Roads &amp; Their Multiple Aliases</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
An Austin Road Guide


Have you ever found yourself on a different road without ever making a turn? If you are an Austin resident, you are no stranger to this phenomenon. Austin in known for “keeping it weird”, and the road names tend to follow in suit. Austin area roads often posses alternate aliases that describe the local culture and history of that particular location. When hearing directions from a local versus looking at a map, Austin can seem like a turned around place. Use this guide to learn the lings for Central Texas area roads with multiple personalities.


6th Street, formerly named Pecan St under Austin’s older naming convention in which east-west streets were named after trees. Historically this street served as the city’s east-west primary downtown commercial artery.


SoCo, aka South Congress Ave is a shopping district lined with unique local shops and eclectic boutiques located between Barton Springs and Oltorf St. The south segment from I-35 to US 290 is also known as Loop 275.


The North segment of Loop 275, from US 183 to I-35, is known locally as Lamar Blvd.In 1993 1st Street was renamed Cesar Chavez St to honor the civil rights activist who died in April of that year. 


Willie Nelson Blvd is the section of 2nd St, from Trinity St to San Antonio St. It was renamed in May of 2010 in honor of longtime Austin resident and outlaw country music icon.


I-35 can at times be referred to as Interregional Highway from Hays County to Williamson County.


FM 2304 from FM 1626 to Matthews Ln is Manchaca Rd.


“The Drag” sits between 21st and 25th streets on Guadalupe St along the UT campus and is home to many Austin home-grown stores. You won’t find “The Drag” on a road sign, but you’ll know when you get there.


US 183 variations:




Lockhart Hwy south of SH 71 (Ben White Blvd)


Bastrop Hwy between SH 71 (Ben White Blvd) and Loop 111 (Airport Blvd)


Ed Bluestein Blvd between Loop 111 (Airport Blvd) and US 290


Anderson Ln between US 290 and Loop 275 (N Lamar Blvd)


Research Blvd north of Loop 275 (N Lamar Blvd)


Bell Blvd within the Cedar Park city limit




Koenig Ln is also Spur 69 from Cameron Rd to N Lamar Blvd which is concurrent with US 290 from Cameron Rd to I-35. It’s RM 2222 from Ave G to RM 620, is also known as Allandale Rd between Burnet Rd and Shoal Creek, as Northland Dr between Shoal Creek and Mesa Dr, as Bull Creek Rd near Loop 360, and as Bullick Hollow Rd west of RR 620.


US 290 is concurrent with SH 71 through southwest Austin, which is known locally as Ben White Blvd and is also concurrent with I-35 through central Austin. It is also referred to as Bastrop Hwy east of US 183.


Loop 1 runs from SH 45 to Toll Texas 45 and is known locally as Mopac Blvd, or “MoPac,” short for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The original section of the highway was built in the 1970s along the right-of-way of the Missouri Pacific, now owned by Union Pacific. It’s also concurrent with FM 1325 between Duval Rd and Merrilltown Rd.


Loop 360, from US 290 to US 183, is known locally as Capital of Texas Highway. Widely considered one of the most scenic urban roads in Central Texas, partly attributed to the rolling landscape and the Pennybacker, or the 360 Bridge.


Loop 111 runs from US 183 to FM 969 and is better known as Airport Blvd. Part of this route, east of I-35, once formed the south boundary of Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, Austin’s 1st Airport.


Loop 343, from US 290 to I-35, is better known as Lamar Blvd in south Austin and as Cesar Chavez St in downtown Austin. 


FM 734 is known locally as Parmer Ln and from west of RM 1431 becomes Ronald W. Reagan Blvd.


19th St within the Austin city limits is Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, changes to FM 969 east of US 183, and is known as Old Webberville Rd west of Webberville.


Enfield Rd changes to 15th St east of Windsor Rd. 


Windsor Rd changes to 24th St just before N Lamar Blvd. Windsor continues as Windsor, but travelers will need to exit to its southbound route where the name change occurs. 


RM 2244 from SH 71 to Loop 1 is Bee Caves Road, sometimes spelled with the “s” and sometimes not. 


RM 3238 from Travis County Rd 12 to SH 71 is also Hamilton Pool Road.


RM 2322 from SH 71 to Camp Chatauqua Rd is known as Pace Bend Dr.


FM 3177 from FM 969 to US 290 is known as Decker Ln.


FM 1325 from US 183 to Williamson County is known as Burnet Rd and is concurrent with Loop 1 between Duval Rd and Merrilltown Dr.


RM 2769 from Lake Travis to Williamson County is known as Wharf Cove near Lake Travis, as Dobbs City Scenic Dr east of Volente, as Cyprus Creek Rd near Cyprus Creek County Park and as Volente Rd west of RM 620.


FM 1460 is known locally as AW Grimes Blvd from north Round Rock to SH 45. FM 1460 becomes Co Rd 170 south of SH 45 and continues as AW Grimes Blvd until it becomes Grand Ave Pkwy south of Pflugerville Pkwy.


FM 1825 from I-35 to FM 685 is known locally as Pecan St in Pflugerville.


RM 1431 is Whitestone Blvd west of I-35, and University Blvd from east of I-35 to SH 130, and ends in Taylor as Chandler Rd.


Co Rd 168 in east Round Rock is also Gattis School Rd.


RM 620 from SH 45 to N Mays St in downtown Round Rock is also Round Rock Ave.


FM 3406 west of I-35 is known locally as W Old Settlers Blvd and as E Old Settlers Blvd east of I-35, which then turns into Co Rd 113 east of FM 1460.


Co Rd 175 is Sam Bass Rd from RR 1431 to I-35, east of I-35 it becomes US 9 and it’s also called Palm Valley Blvd until it reaches Taylor to become W 2nd St.


Loop 212 from US 290 north of Manor to US 290 northeast of Manor is also known as West Murray Ave,North Lexington St and East Parsons St in Manor. It’s also known as State Hwy 20 east of Manor and is concurrent with FM 973 east of Manor.


FM 973 from US 183 to Williamson County, is concurrent with FM 812 east of US 183 and is also concurrent with Loop 212 in Manor.


Click here to download a PDF version! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:08:49 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/moving-to-austin-is-easy-with-storage-containers.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/moving-to-austin-is-easy-with-storage-containers.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Moving To Austin Is Easy With Storage Containers </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and the population is expected to keep increasing over the next decade. The capitol of Texas is home to the University of Texas, and the city is considered one of the music capitals of the world. If you are relocating to Austin, you can make the move easier with portable storage containers.  Portable moving storage containers are portable storage containers that can be delivered to your new home. You can pack them, or you can have movers pack them, and they will be taken to the destination of your choice. You will then have the option of unpacking your belongings at your leisure, phoning the container company for easy pick-up when you are done. You may choose to store the container in your driveway, or place it at a facility. If you are moving to Austin from another state, the unit will be taken to your new home, then picked up once you’ve completed unpacking.  There is a choice of sizes available for rent, with the largest holding over 7,000 lbs. When using portable storage containers, you may not have to rent a moving truck at all, and you can pack a moving container on your own schedule. If you need retrieve any of your belongings during the move, a storage container offers easy access. They really make moving much simpler.  Portable storage containers are usually a more cost effective option than a moving truck, and could help you keep better track of your things. These containers are designed to prevent belongings shifting while moving.  Also, they help avoid mildew or condensation. Most containers are made of steel and have doors that can be secured with locks.  Ordering a portable moving container is easy, and you can have it delivered the next day if you wish. It saves time and relieves anxiety, as you will not have to schedule movers coming to your home. Most experts suggest that you use one storage container for each large room. If a room is small, you might be able to fit the belongings from both rooms into one container. You can order as many storage containers as you need to move all of your belongings.  Portable moving storage containers have taken moving to the next step by providing you with another option for your moving needs. If you are moving to Austin, search online for a portable storage container company. You can then concentrate on the easy, stress free move to your new space in Austin, Texas.


Consultant Tony Allen works with businesses and residential customers to find the correct use for storage container or a container office for your business. Whether you’re thinking about a portable storage container for rent, or purchasing one for a business project, you’ll find their many uses inspiring.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:18:34 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/its-coming-along-nicely.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/its-coming-along-nicely.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>It's Coming Along Nicely!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 











It's beginning to look a lot like... new office! We're getting close people!


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:17:11 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/wine-tasting-in-texas.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/wine-tasting-in-texas.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Wine Tasting in Texas</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A Taste of Texas in a Bottle


Meadows and streams, vibrant wildflowers, rolling hills and a mild climate make the Texas countryside stand out as one of the prettiest areas in the South. These amazing climate features create the perfect environment for prosperous vineyards where grape vines bear fruit to create the unique, prize-winning wine flavors that can only be produced in the heart of Texas. 


Click here for a Texas Wine Guide


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:44:44 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/remax-1-rocks-for-kids.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/remax-1-rocks-for-kids.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>RE/MAX 1 Rocks for Kids!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Dell Children's Center Benefit


 


Check out the video below of some of the children that attended our benefit this past Sunday at Nutty Brown Cafe. Thank you to all of the sponsors and people who helped get this off the ground; can't wait for next year! For pics, visit our Facebook page!

  

Remax Rocks And Rolls For The Kids: MyFoxAUSTIN.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:10:23 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/home-staging-for-the-holidays.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/home-staging-for-the-holidays.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Home Staging for the Holidays</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
How to Stage Your Home for the Holidays


Well I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. It seems the older I get, the quicker time
flies by. We only have 10 short weeks
until Christmas, and with the holiday season upon us, I felt a few holiday staging tips may shed some light on the Staging
subject. While doing a Staging
consultation yesterday in a gorgeous home in South Austin, I was reminded of
how adorable those little pumpkins and sparkly spider decorations can be around
Halloween. This house was tastefully
decorated throughout complete with a silk and velvet witches hat as a
centerpiece on the formal dining table.  





Our homeowner knew
the décor would need to come down before getting pictures and the house listed
on MLS. I mean, how would it look should
the house still be on the market in December and there are Halloween
decorations in the pictures? Very
distracting. The same is true for houses
decorated for Christmas, with a big Christmas tree in the corner of the living
room and it’s now February. While you
don’t want to lose yourself during the process of selling your house, potential
home buyers may have different tastes and religious views.  It is important to keep the house as neutral
as possible so people can visualize their
family in that house. I recommend
removing all seasonal decorations for pictures (fall colored landscaping and
flower arrangements are ok), then placing a select few back in the house after pictures. For example, placing a pumpkin on the front
porch and cornucopia on the dining table, and around Christmas placing a small tree on a table top, a poinsettia
on the front porch, and Holiday centerpiece on the dining table. A few items as to not seem Scrooge-like and
celebrate the season with your family, yet not too personal or overbearing for
a potential buyer.  


 


Staging Spotlight brought to you by: Jennifer Plant, owner
of Spectacular Spaces. www.spectacularspacesaustin.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:50:26 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/fogged-windows-and-what-to-do-about-them.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/fogged-windows-and-what-to-do-about-them.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Fogged Windows and What To Do About Them </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
How to Deal With Fogged Windows in Your Home


Fogged
windows are not an uncommon issue in homes – even newer homes, and are
something I see routinely inspecting homes and commercial properties in the
central Texas
area.  There are a number of causes and
remedies for the issue but lets start with the basics of how thermal pane
windows are made and how they are intended to work.





The panes of glass in a
multi-pane window are sealed and separated by a spacer bar that contains desiccant
materials to absorb moisture.  By design
the spacer allows for small amounts of air movement in and out of the window
caused by “solar pumping “- the air expands out of the window with sunlight heating,
then contracts back into the window as it is cooled by night time temperatures.
As the air is drawn back in, the desiccant material absorbs the moisture in the
air and keeps condensation or fogging out of the window. 





With
time and the continual expansion and contraction cycle the seals fail allowing too
much moist air inside for the for the desiccant to absorb and or the desiccant
material reaches the end of its life, no longer absorbing the moisture – both
result in fogging between the window panes and sometimes significant insulating
or “R value” loss.  While sunlight is the
major cause of the seal failure, a number of other factors can cause premature
failure also such as improper installation and rough handling, opening and
slamming and even a stray football.  Constant
exposure to ponding water and poor maintenance around the seals can also cause
premature failure. 


Some windows will last longer than others but there is no
such thing as a fail-proof thermal pane window. It is not a question of if the
seal will fail but when.  Wood framed
windows can last 20 to 24 years.  Traditional
aluminum and vinyl frame windows typically last 15 to 20 years depending on
their design and the quality of the spacers – many vinyl windows have lower
quality spacers which may only last 5 to 7 years.


Can it be fixed?  Fogged
windows can be fixed and there are different opinions as to how to best resolve
the issue.




The
     windows may be under warranty.  Many
     window manufacturers provide warranties with your windows so check with
     the manufacturer and or your builder to determine if your windows qualify
     for repair under their warranty. 






Replacement.  Many window installers and manufacturers
     will tell you that the only sure, long term way to fix fogging is to
     replace the window or at least the panes of glass in the window.  If the condensation is left untreated
     for too long the moisture and hazing can actually causer permanent damage
     to the window necessitating replacement of the glass.






There
     are companies however that claim to have procedures for fixing fogged
     windows without replacement and at a much lower cost and trouble.  Some even provide warranties for their
     work.  The best thing is to
     investigate both installers and fog fixing companies to see what’s best
     for your situation.  The age and
     type of window will also factor into replacement versus repair. 




Can fogging be prevented?  Seals and desiccant materials will not last
for ever but a few things that can help you get the most from your windows are
gentle treatment of the window i.e. no slamming, don’t use a pressure washer to
clean windows, period use and cleaning of windows and tracks.  It is also important to maintain the seal/caulking
around the windows. 


 


About the Author:


Jerry is a professional building consultant and the owner and president of SunView Home and Termite Inspections.  He is licensed as a professional inspector by the Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC 9102 and business corporation license 9437. Jerry is also licensed as a Certified Applicator by the Texas Department of Agriculture to perform Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections. Having both licenses gives Jerry the ability to provide both property and wood destroying insect, (WDI) inspections for his clients. Along with residential property inspections, SunView Inspections also performs commercial, modular home and individual apartment inspections.


Jerry has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Mathematics and an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics. Jerry’s professional experience includes work as an engineer and technologist in areas of manufacturing and mechanical engineering, quality, safety and product improvement and work with biomedical electronics equipment. He also enjoys remodeling and renovation work on his own properties and is licensed in Texas as a Realtor®, license 538491. Jerry enjoys his work as an inspector because it gives him the ability to help and be an influence in peoples’ lives. Jerry and SunView inspections are actively involved in the following professional, civic and charitable groups and activities.


Bonnie is vice president and office and marketing manager for SunView Inspections…



 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:08:23 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/how-much-do-i-water-my-foundation.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/how-much-do-i-water-my-foundation.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>How Much Do I Water My Foundation?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
"How much do I water my foundation...?" 


As an Austin,
Central Texas
home inspector one of the most common questions I’m asked by clients and home
owners is “how much do I need to water my foundation?” If you are relocating
here from outside Texas,
especially the central Texas
area, foundation watering may be a foreign concept, but much of the soil in the
Austin area is
what we call expansive clay soil which expands when it gets wet and contracts as
it dries. In times of excessive rain and
dry periods (such as the record breaking droughts we’ve had), the clay soil can
move to such a great extent that the foundations resting above move also – in
some cases beyond a tolerable amount. While repair isn’t always required the
movement can cause cosmetic and functional issues such as sticking windows and doors,
sloping floors, cracks in sheet rock, etc., so it’s important to limit this
movement as much as possible. One of the best ways to limit soil and the
resulting foundation movement is to keep the moisture content of the soil
around the house consistent year round.  


 


How much to water? There really isn’t any hard fast rule and
the amount will depend somewhat on your particular situation and in some cases
may require further expert consultation but here are some tips:




Consistency is the key when it
     comes to moisture control. Don’t
     water just the front yard and ignore the back for example. You also don’t want one area (actually any
     area) to be soggy/excessively wet. A general rule of thumb is 1 to 1.25”
     of watering.


Your watering should result in the
     soil being pulled up tight against the foundation i.e. there shouldn’t be
     large gaps between the soil and foundation wall. Note: Never put water directly at the soil/foundation or in the gaps if
     present. This could cause
     additional issues.  


Automatic sprinklers work well if
     designed with good coverage and proper adjustment. An automatic sprinkler
     will water the foundation and the other thirsty vegetation nearby and will
     do so automatically.  


Manual watering/sprinkling. If you
     are moving a manual type sprinkler or you are watering by hand you’ll want
     to water as large an area as possible but at minimum a strip 3 to 4 feet
     wide around the foundation should be maintained.


Soaker hoses.  It is important not to place a soaker hose
     closer than 12 – 18” from the foundation wall – again, so that you are not
     watering the foundation or into any gaps directly. With a soaker hose watering each day for
     about 30 minutes is a good target.


Note: The downside with manual
     watering and soaker hoses is making sure to water consistently. You really
     can’t make up for missed watering. For example you can’t miss a day or two of watering then do twice
     as much the next day to compensate. An add-on timer may help automate.




 


 


About the Author:


Jerry is a professional building consultant and the owner
and president of SunView Home and Termite Inspections.  He is licensed as a professional inspector by
the Texas Real Estate Commission, TREC 9102 and business corporation license
9437. Jerry is also licensed as a
Certified Applicator by the Texas Department of Agriculture to perform Wood
Destroying Insect (WDI) inspections. Having both licenses gives Jerry the ability to provide both property
and wood destroying insect, (WDI) inspections for his clients. Along with residential property inspections,
SunView Inspections also performs commercial, modular home and individual apartment
inspections. 


Jerry has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Technology with a minor in Engineering Mathematics and an Associates of Applied
Science in Electronics. Jerry’s professional
experience includes work as an engineer and technologist in areas of
manufacturing and mechanical engineering, quality, safety and product
improvement and work with biomedical electronics equipment. He also enjoys
remodeling and renovation work on his own properties and is licensed in Texas as a Realtor®,
license 538491. Jerry enjoys his work as
an inspector because it gives him the ability to help and be an influence in peoples’
lives. Jerry and SunView inspections are
actively involved in the following professional, civic and charitable groups
and activities.


Bonnie is vice president and office and marketing manager
for SunView Inspections…


 


 




 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:44:38 -0500</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/acl-where-are-you-staying.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/acl-where-are-you-staying.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>ACL - Where Are You Staying?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Austin City Limits Last Minute Places to Stay





So it’s ACL weekend, you’ve got your passes, you’ve got your
sunscreen, you think you’re all set. And then it hits you, no hotel! Or you’re
more like me, who just thinks I’ll figure it out when I get there. Well, no matter
how you got yourself in this predicament; you can still get out of it.
Homeaway.com still has listings available for Austin homes, apartments, condos,
and townhomes where you and your buddies can stay for ACL weekend. The best
part is, most of the prices are comparable to a nice hotel, and the locations
are superb. With the festival being in Zilker Park, whether you choose a 6th
Street loft or a SoCo bungalow, you can easily take a cab or even walk to the
festivities. 


I first visited Austin for SXSW, decided I wanted to move
here, and haven’t looked back since. You’d be surprised at how often this
happens. So after this weekend’s over and you’ve decided you just can’t get
enough of our beautiful city, feel free to contact us in your search for a new
home. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:34:59 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/summer-drought-water-restrictions-in-your-neighborhood.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.myaustinhouse.com/blog/summer-drought-water-restrictions-in-your-neighborhood.html</link>
            <author>Monica@myremax1.com (Super Admin)</author>
            <title>Summer Drought Water Restrictions in Your Neighborhood</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Water Restrictions in Your Area


Click below for a guide containing Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown and surrounding areas Drought information. Please note this information is likely to change at any time. As of Sept. 7, 2011, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Kyle and Dripping Springs are in stage 2 while Wimberly is in stage 3. Do your part to conserve water and prevent wildfires. For up-to-date information search #centraltxfires on Twitter and visit Statesman.com


Click here for a downloadable PDF of the Drought Water Restrctions


 
 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:01:06 -0500</pubDate>
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