Dream Flight Adventures IKS Marvel Officially Launches at Dansville Elementary School in Dansville, Michigan. Meet the Space Academy's Last Young Astronaut Squadrons Finishing this Year's Long Duration Mission. LDS Mission Calls Received. Imaginarium Theater

From Admiral Starblayze.  Dream Flight Adventures.

You knew it was coming, but now it's official.  The IKS Marvel has launched from Dansville, Michigan on an epic mission into the great unknown.

A local news crew was there for the lift-off, and they put together a nice story about it with some great footage too.

Here are some highlights straight from the inaugural crew:

"Knowing that I'm a gigantic role in the spaceship simulator really helps me calm down," said Jillian Fishback, a sixth grade student. "I'm a huge control freak so knowing that I'm a huge role just kind of helps me say, 'Okay, I'm really important to this. Everybody's important. Everybody has their own important job."

"It's good because no one could run that by themselves. Everybody else has to do their job," said Carter Tkaczyk, a sixth grade student.

"A lot of it is talking to that other person, finding out what they did and then adjusting. Adaptability is a big part of that," said Fishback.

Major congratulations to Angela St.Amant and the team at Dansville Elementary School for putting together such a great simulator!

The Article on the Launch of the IKS Marvel from the Local TV Station WILX

By Julie Williams | 

Posted: Fri 4:42 AM, May 17, 2019  | 

Updated: Fri 9:20 AM, May 17, 2019

DANSVILLE, MI. (WILX) - 

In this edition of Schools Rule, WILX News 10 is talking about a new program at Dansville Area schools that lets students dive in to their lesson plans with a unique twist.

     When you hear the word 'simulator, you might think of something like a video game. Dansville schools are putting a twist on gaming and they're using it to explore the 'STEAM' curriculum.

     "Everybody has just seen the value in it and when you watch the kids and how excited they are, learning things they may not have found as interesting before just has been really great," said Angela St. Amant, the STEAM teacher at Dansville.

     They call it 'AGGIE STEAM.' It's the new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math curriculum at Dansville Middle School.

     "The kids really have to work together and collaborate and communicate," said St. Amant. "All of those really important 21st century skills that we can't just teach them, like creativity, collaboration, communication."

     So what makes the Aggie STEAM program so unique? The school has actually converted a classroom in to a spaceship simulator. SO WHAT

     "I think it's a really big opportunity," said St. Amant.

What is a simulator without the darkroom turning door. They are another unifying theme of all Voyager Inspired Simulators.

 HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

     Here's how it works: depending on the lesson plan, students could be learning about space or even the human body. When they're ready, they'll step in to the simulator to complete a mission as a class.Those missions could be navigating an asteroid field or curing the flu. The missions have to be completed collaboratively.

     "They each have unique individual jobs. There engineers, there's doctors, there is a captain, an officer, a navigator, a pilot," explained St. Amant. "They all have different jobs that they have to be able to do to complete our mission."

     

     "Knowing that I'm a gigantic role in the spaceship simulator really helps me calm down," said Jillian Fishback, a sixth grade student. "I'm a huge control freak so knowing that I'm a huge role just kind of helps me say, 'Okay, I'm really important to this. Everybody's important. Everybody has their own important job."

     "It's good because no one could run that by themselves. Everybody else has to do their job," said Carter Tkaczyk, a sixth grade student.

     

     Students, or 'crew members' will each get a specific role in the lesson and each is crucial to completing their mission.

"A lot of it is talking to that other person, finding out what they did and then adjusting. Adaptability is a big part of that," said Fishback. Students start navigating their way through missions as early as third grade.Ms. St. Amant says the simulator helps bring those lessons to life.

Four Space Academy Young Astronaut Squadrons Complete their Eight Month Long Duration Mission on the Starship Voyager this Week

     The 4th Grade Cobra Squadron took the bronze medal in the 4th grade division for this year's Space Academy Long Duration Mission. Brockton commanded the expedition. Serving with Brockton were Gave, Jarom, Jack, Abigail, Jamis, Katelyn, Katherina, Loralei, and Michael. Congratulations 4th Cobras for a job well done this year.  

      The 5th Grade Lion Squadron successfully completed their dangerous eight month mission to the star Beetlejuice with only a few scrapes and bumps to show for it. Their final mission of the year was commanded by captain extraordinaire Riley. The team was remarkable in performance and in the handling of the Starship Voyager in an extreme situation.  Members of the squadron were:  Wyatt, Leah, Sam, Kambria, Riley, Lehman, Preston, and Johnny. 

 

     The 4th Grade Phoenix Squadron finished the mission Supernova just by the hair on their chinny chin chins with Captain Acacia in command.  It was down to the last two seconds before they would have made a nice meal for a carnivorous black hole.  They have been a delight to fly all year.  A team full of personality and enthusiasm.  Congratulation to the 4th Phoenix Squadron for a job well done this year.  Members of the squadron were:  Tavi, India, Avalon, Samantha, Alexis, Trevor, Sigur, Acacia, Silas, and Gage.  

      Let me introduce you to the brave and daring 4th Grade Lion Squadron who finished their long duration mission by taking the silver medal for the year under the command of Captain Max, one of the best in the business.  Congratulations Lions for a job well done! Members of the Lions were:  Sophia, Max, Brahm, Garett, Sophia, Seth, Carter, Mayzie, Parker, and Hailey.

Spencer Baird and Jensen Caldwell Receive LDS Mission Calls. The Renaissance Space Academy Asks, "Who Will Take Their Places?" 

     

              

     The Space Academy will lose its first two supervisors at the end of the summer.  Spencer Baird has been called to serve an LDS mission to Taiwan; Jensen Caldwell has been called to Ventura California. Both gentlemen have been with the Academy almost from the beginning.  

Their shoes will be tough to fill.  And it isn't just the Academy who will need to find replacements.  Spencer is a flight director at Reality's Edge at Canyon Grove Academy. Jensen is a flight director at Telos Discovery Space Center. 

     There are a few excellent candidates coming up through the ranks eager to step up to the plate and give the Academy Spencer and Jensen level quality.     

     Congratulations on their mission calls. Both are a credit to their families and their communities and will be missed.

And Another Goodbye to one of our Sixth Grade Top Volunteers and Young Astronauts

     Last night Ammon Costa, one of the Space Academy's top Young Astronauts and one heck of a talented volunteer, volunteered for his last mission on the Starship Voyager. Today he moved with his family to Massachusetts. Considering Ammon is my great nephew, it only stands to reason that he would be outstanding in the simulator. He was also a joy to have in my sixth grade classroom. 

  

Ammon in the Captain's Chair with the staff of his last mission. Mr. Bracken Funk was
was especially upset and couldn't hold back the tears.

Imaginarium Theater (Now on Vimeo!)

The Best Videoettes of the Week Edited for a Gentler Audience

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From the Archives: Pictures from Space Center History and the Journal from April 28, 2003. Outstanding Space Academy Young Astronauts Survive the Supernova. Construction Update. Our Universe - The Big Rip Explained. Imaginarium Theater.

From the Archives:  The Space Center Journal

April 28, 2003.  Field Trip Schools. Report on the Overnight Camp. Repeat Campers are a Pain.  Spotlight on Outstanding Staff. Simulator Updates. Staff News.

The Magellan Admiral from a summer EdVenture 3 Day Camp. June 2008

Hello Troops,

A fine, cool, cloudy Sunday. I'm sitting here in my living room writing the weekly (or almost weekly) Space Center Journal. My diet Mountain Dew on my left and IBook on my lap. 

It has been a very busy week for all of us. We came back from Spring Break rested and ready to see the rest of the school year through. I spent most of Monday sending out the final curriculum materials to our May schools and getting the call for volunteers prepared.

The crew of the Magellan.  Summer Overnight Camps. June 2008

Schools:

This week the Center was visited by Jordan Ridge, South Jordan, and Rocky Mountain Elementary Schools. The Jordan District kids were terrific. The Rocky Mountain kids were a bit of a challenge. Their lead teacher warned me that this was the very "busy" fifth grades they warned me about earlier. The term `busy' was to conjure the image of a class that is intelligent by all measures but very, very noisy. The sort of class where every student has something to say about everything all the time. We are familiar with this phenomena from the District's gifted classes. The teacher was right - they were `busy' ! 

Jeremy Ranch Elementary School from Park City occupied our Voyager, Odyssey, Galileo after school slots this last week. All great kids and very enjoyable. 

A Few of our Park City Regulars.  Summer EdVenture Camp June 2008. 
They're enjoying their frozen treats before bedtime so it must be around 10:45 P.M.

Overnighter:

This last overnight camp was a mixed group of students from Aspen Elementary in Orem, Park City kids, and four students from Alta Wyoming. I had the kids 
from Wyoming in the Voyager. Sharp is a good word to describe them. All of the flight directors agree on this statement; we love missions crewed by kids between the ages of 12 and 14 that have never been to the Center before. The kids that have to sacrifice 
something to get here are the very best, the cream of the crop. Some of the hardest crews are those made up of high ranking, multiple repeat campers. The repeat campers sometimes have the attitude of "I know the tricks and I won't fall for them this time". They become very critical of the missions and the sets. It's like riding the same ride at 
Disneyland over and over again. Pretty soon the magic of the ride diminishes and you begin looking for how the ride is put together and what makes it run. You also find yourself looking for defects and errors perhaps overlooked on earlier visits. 

New, older crews are in the awe stage. They've never seen or experienced anything like this before and it blows them away. They are amazed at the set and comment repeatedly on how much it all must of cost. They are so easily drawn into the story and tend to `play along' with us. They are so happy to be here. 

Perhaps the answer for older, advanced crews is to give them more of a challenge. I've thought about creating special missions for advanced officers that would start at the normal time on a Friday and go longer into Saturday afternoon. I would lower the number of students on the bridge from 10 to 5! We would feed them in the simulator and give 
them opportunities for relaxation. We would equip the lounge with a Nintendo and other things. This ultimate camp would cost $50.00 per person. They would get the most challenging experience of their lives. What are your thoughts, suggestions, and comments? 

Bedtime Treats. June 2008

SpotLight:  Randy Jepperson, Tanner Edwards, Brady Young, and Bryson Lystrup.

I want to spotlight some people on our staff this week in the Journal. Randy Jepperson, Tanner Edwards, Brady Young, and Bryson Lystrup: These outstanding young people are examples for all to follow at the Center. I see them all arrive early for their missions (except Randy who does like to arrive a bit late but once he's here you get 200%). These kids amaze me and make me proud to have them on our staff. They not only do what they are asked but go well beyond what's required and look for ways to improve their simulators. 

It's up and at'em for breakfast on the second day of the 3 day EdVenture Camp. June 2008

They aren't flight directors or set directors but act the part in their concern and pride they take in their ships. Brady and Bryson created their own hoodies as a way of generating staff morale. Randy and Tanner (not to forget Ben), have their own knitted caps and Magellan hand signals and signs. They are the right hand staff of their Flight Directors. The missions 
run smoothly because they are on board. Their happy and enthusiastic attitude is contagious and they elevate the mood of the staff they work with. It's just fun to listen and watch them as they talk about their sets and tease each other. Staff morale is high thanks to the example set by these Rangers. There are others, but today I want to highlight them. There isn't anyone that wouldn't agree with me that they need spotlighted. Thanks Randy, Bryson, Brady, and Tanner for all you do. You are spotlighted and please take a bow. 

Be ready - the spotlight is out searching for next week's highlighted staff and volunteers. 

The stage mats were always great set pieces for the gym away teams.

Updates:

This week Matt Long was in working again on the isolinear chips There are a few bugs here and there but they'll be worked out. Get Ready to have real working Isolinear chips for the summer camps in the Voyager.

The Voyager Crew on an away team. The turning door on the stage led to the Voyager's main accessway hallway.
June 2008

Odyssey, and Magellan. 

Matt Long will also be working on new Odyssey station revisions as Chris Call and Landon Hemsley work to improve the quality of the Odyssey. Look for developments soon. 

Allan Stewart came by on Thursday and spent the day at the Center. He just finished his finals at BYU. He reminded me that he hasn't retired yet and accepted Chris's request to do a few things for Chris and Landon's new summer story. We are all under the gun to get everything ready for the trail runs of our missions in May. Allan is very busy working full time this summer so we won't see much of him but I want to thank him for the giving us the time he can. 

Can't get away from the Orion Pirates fast enough. June 2008

Simulator Reports:  The Magellan

The crew for this weekend's flight was older than most of our crews, and with more experienced campers our staff knew we were in for a struggle. Of course, the Magellan staff of Bad Boy Orion's under the leadership of that infamous Phillip Q. Nimbly (our main bad guy, who used to just be a second story distraction), felt sure that they could overwhelm this crew. However, as I predicted, this crew had members who were what I call "Chargers and Cheaters". You know, the kids who defy all phaser fire, call-downs from Bridge and
doctor staff, who "miraculously" survive phaser fire from 7 Orions and leap down the hall another 200 yards...

Sarah Glad on the Voyager's Bridge. June 2008

The visiting crew took up the challenge of trying their best against our most experienced staff (Rio Downs,Randy Jepperson,Tanner Edwards ,Ben Hogland ,and Charlie Heaton) and a "Mother of all battles" it was. I thought our guys could hold though, but the only thing we managed to hold was the schedule... which is what it's all about. We had great reviews, even though I had to "chastise" the crew a wee bit about overacting and not following
staff instructions. The kids loved it and the staff was pretty happy about the way it went by the end. Unfortunately, that Phillip Q. character seems to be getting a bit uppity with his Orion leader, Cooter, so there may be an accidental marooning in the near future...

Thanks to all the staff who kept the crew busy and having fun.

Mr. Daymont

The Voyager Engineer. Summer Camps June 2008

Galileo

The crew this weekend was pretty slow. They had barely left space dock at 10:00 pm.  Later Friday night, the captain got a really bad headache and had to leave the bridge for about 20 minutes. With a lot of help and some  slight modifications to the mission, the crew made it through to the end on Saturday.

Stacy Carroll 

The Voyager's Right Wing Stations:  Sensors, Scanners, Right Wing Helm, Right Wing Power, and Engineering

Staff News:

Ryan Davis, one of our old timers, was hit by a 90 mph fast ball while up to bat on Friday.
He is a senior this year and on the PG High School's Varsity Baseball Team. His hand is broken and in a cast. He can't play center field or bat but will continue with the team as a base runner. He is working hard to get a baseball scholarship. 

The campers taking a small break from the action

Nate Bullock is getting married. He returned from a mission to Moscow, Russia two years ago. I'll pass along further information as I get it. 

Bryson Lystrup will be in Mountain Ridge's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat. More information coming soon on date and times. 

Saint Sheila Powell explaining what the campers will be doing in the summer space / science classroom rotation.

Bill Schuler recently purchased a new home in Pleasant Grove. He says moving out of the Thornberry Apartments will be a dream come true. I guess some new move ins above his apartment play their music too loud. Punk Rockers for sure. 

Chris Call and Rio Downs have finished their end of term exams and are feeling the blessed relief of having finished a university school year. Us old timers that went to university know the feeling of finishing your last final at the end of a term. It is a time to celebrate. 

The summer camps drew between 44 and 60 campers per camp with the campers divided between the
 simulators and the classroom sessions.

Kyle Herring is preparing the Space Center's first internet Radio Talk Show to be hosted over our web site. The first 30 minute show will feature me. Wow, what a surprise. More information coming soon. 

Aleta Clegg brought her new baby to the Center to show her off on Friday. She had her dressed in a little mini Star Trek uniform. She is a doll. Both mother and daughter are doing fine. 

A group of campers waiting to be assigned a simulator

Gary Nuilia, another member of our old time staff, has returned from his mission to Uruguay. He looks just fine and came by at the beginning of the overnight mission to drop his little brother off. He was in a hurry so we didn't get to talk too long - he had his first post mission date waiting for him in the car. He did say he was happy to be back and had a wonderful time on his mission. He is preparing to head back to school and get a law degree. He is also getting a private pilot's license. Flying is in his blood - his dad is a 747 pilot for United Airlines. His little 5th grade brother has been hounding me for a year to get on staff. I told him as soon as he started 6th grade we would be ready to have another Nuilia on board. 

Have a Great Week

Mr. Williamson

Three More Space Academy Young Astronaut Squadrons Complete their Eight Month Long Duration Mission on the Starship Voyager 

     The 6th Grade Tiger Squadron took the gold medal in the 6th grade division and on Saturday embarked on their victory flight aboard the Voyager.  Jackson commanded the expedition. With him were Porter, Isaac, Savannah, Mark, Audrey, Ammon, Quinton, and Paige.  Congratulations 6th Tigers for a job well done this year.  

       The 5th Grade Phoenix Squadron successfully completed their dangerous eight month mission to the star Beetlejuice with only a few scrapes and bumps to show for it.  Their final mission of the year was commanded by captain extraordinaire Caleb.  The team was remarkable in performance and in the handling of the Starship Voyager in an extreme situation.  Members of the squadron are:  Caleb, Dane, Gavin, Bryson, Ethan, Kaylee, Korver, Sawyer, Sophia, Hunter, and Milo. 
   

     The 4th Grade Tiger Squadron finished the mission Supernova just by the hair on their chinney chin chins.  It was down to the last two seconds before they would have made a nice meal for a carnivorous black hole.  They have been a delight to fly all year.  A team full of personality and enthusiasm.  Congratulation to the 4th Tigers for a job well done this year.  Members of the squadron are:  David, Luke, Mya, Elizabeth, Ella, Enoch, Kallie, Kate, Andy, and Liam. 

     Let me introduce you to the brave and daring 4th Grade Scorpion Squadron who finished their long duration mission with flying colors under the command of Captain Jonah.  They had their work cut out for them because of their numbers.  Most squadrons have 10 or 11 members.  The 4th Scorpions flew the Starship Voyager with a skeleton crew of six for their final mission last week.  Many of the younglings had to do two jobs.  In order to survive many of them logged a mile or more in running back and forth between stations.  Congratulations Scorpions for a job well done! Members of the Scorpions are:  Rustin, David, Raya, Gabriel, Jonah, Myles, and Sophie.
 
Weekly Construction Update of the New Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Central Elementary School

The Playground as it was

As of Today.  The ground is level and ready for the footings

Our Universe

Watch how the universe may end by the expansion of the universe. The famous big rip theory explained.

If dark matter is real, then it is quite possible that the ultimate fate of the universe is for all things to be pushed far enough apart that even matter itself dissolves.

Imaginarium Theater

The best Videoettes From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Building a New Space Center Isn't an Easy Task, Just ask the Think Tank. Meet this Week's Young Astronauts and Voyagers who Survived the Supernova Long Duration Mission. Construction Update on the New Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Imaginarium Theater.

A Think Tank was Convened to Put the Finishing Touches on the Designs for the Christa McAuliffe Space Center's New Simulators

    

     Last Tuesday James Porter called a meeting of the minds to put the finishing touches on the designs for the simulators going into the new Christa McAuliffe Space Center scheduled to open in the spring of 2020.
     I attended as a member of the CMSC's Advisory Board and as one of the Minds assigned to imagineering the new "Galactica" (working name) along with the Galactica's Set Director, Jon Parker. The brainstorming session was held in the CMSC's Discovery Room.  Those present were divided into their respective simulator teams.   

     Maeson, Orion and Nathan comprised the Galileo Team.  I think Nathan is imagining the new Galileo with gigantic longhorn steer horns attached to the front. 

     Of course I could be wrong about that because I couldn't stay long enough to hear their presentation.  But just imagine the new Galileo with a set of those horns attached directly above the main viewer.  That would get people talking and set the ship apart from the rest.
Don't think James would approve though.

     The Porter brothers made up the "Jupiter" (working title) team.  The "Jupiter" will be the CMSC's largest simulator (sorry Magellan, you'll have to ride in the backseat).  James is the Space Center's director. Stephen is one of those Space Center legends from years back.  

The Odyssey team was composed of Natalie, Lindsey, and Tabitha.  Matt Ricks floated from team to team gathering intel for reasons unknown.  Rumor has it that he will be building the isolinear panels for every ship. If so, that would explain his curiosity.  Another possibility I'm leaning toward is that Matt is an unregistered operative for the Chinese secret service. 

What James wants, James gets; and James wanted Dave Wall at this meeting consulting with Connor Larsen for the new Magellan.  I'm sure it took a bit of persuasion to get Dave to come down into the valley from his home atop Draper Heights but he did it.  

Dave was one of the Space Center's first volunteers, along with his good friends Bill Schuler and Mark Daymont.  Dave designed and built the first Odyssey with his brother Steve.  Dave was the Odyssey's first flight and set director.  

Jordan, Brylee, and Lissa make up the Phoenix Imagineering Team.  They are happy the new Phoenix will be larger than the original. Their biggest problem is what to do with the extra space!  Also, will the new Phoenix have FRP wall panels?  Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

James will take the ideas from the think tank to his next meeting with the architects.  

Last Week Another Six Squadrons from the Space Academy's Young Astronauts and Voyager Club Survive the Supernova and Finish the 2018-2019 Long Duration 8 Month Mission Slightly Radiated but in One Piece 

We have nearly 200 Young Astronauts and Voyagers at the Renaissance Space Academy in grades 3 - 8.  They are divided into squadrons of 8-10 cadets.  Young Astronauts and Voyagers participate in a school year long LDMs (Long Duration Missions).  The 3rd grade squadrons encountered an escaped slave who was being hunted by his owner.  The 4-8th grade squadrons ventured deep into the Cardilir Neutral Zone to launch several star probes to study a star on the verge of going supernova.  Classes in leadership, team building, and space science complemented the time spent in the Jumpship Voyager.  

All Space Academy squadrons finish their missions in May. Last week, six of the squadrons completed their missions and received their points and promotions in the Terran Space Command.  We celebrate their successes and achievements.

Congratulations to the 6th Grade Tiger Squadron commanded by Mark.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  918.  
Monthly Top Team Awards:  4  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  1  
The Team:  Brooklyn, Jackson, Ammon, Savannah, Lalith, Porter, Paige, Quinton, Isaac, Audrey, Mark

Congratulations to the 5-8th Grade Dragon Squadron commanded by Carter.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  816.  
Monthly Top Team Awards:  3  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  1  
The Team:  Karthikeya, Taylin, Nadia, Kyan, Carter, Lincoln, Max, Anthony, Fenix. 

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Congratulations to the 5th Grade Cobra Squadron commanded by Nathan.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  892.  
Monthly Top Team Awards:  3  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  1  
The Team:  Brie, Dallin, Juni, Grant, Jerin, Jylian, Kyla, Nathan, Ethan, Hinata.


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Congratulations to the Middle School Tiger Squadron commanded by Gavin.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  637.  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  1  
The Team:  Aiden, Sydney, Harmony, Tyler, Caleb, Maxwell, Charlee, Gaven.

Congratulations to the 6th Grade Phoenix Squadron commanded by Lincoln.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  808.  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  1  
The Team:  Dublin, Lincoln, David, Michael, Kai, Oliver, Marcus, Kaden, and Cooper

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Congratulations to the 6th Grade Lion Squadron commanded by Aiden.  
Total Points Earned for the Year:  896.  
Monthly Top Team Awards:  2  
Monthly Second Place Awards:  4  
The Team:  Ammon, Canyon, Charles, Jadon, Stephen, Sebastian, Daniel, Aiden, Kaden, and Myles. 

  

Weekly Construction Update
The New Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Central Elementary School

Pre Construction Photo
The playground as we all remember it.  The new school and space center will occupy the right (north) playground.

Construction continues at full speed on the new Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove with an opening date set for April 2020.  

Construction Continues on the new Central Elementary School and Christa McAuliffe Space Center.  The hole is deeper as they prepare to put in the foundation supports.  You can see a temporary retaining wall built up along the school's new addition. 

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videoettes from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

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