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Clive Palmer's plans to build Titanic II resurface

<p>Just when you thought we'd exhausted all of the possible billionaire pet projects, Clive Palmer, the Queensland mining magnate with pockets deeper than the Mariana Trench, has once again proven us wrong.</p> <p>For more than a decade now, Palmer has harboured a peculiar obsession: resurrecting the ghost of the <em>Titanic</em>, the world's most infamous maritime disaster.</p> <p>Palmer wants to build <em>Titanic II</em>, because when you've got more money than you can count, why not embark on a maritime venture that's already synonymous with catastrophe?</p> <p>Palmer, with the audacity only wealth can afford, has been pushing for this <em>Titanic</em> replica since 2012. Not content with merely one failed attempt, he launched the project again in 2018. Now, after another six years and a global pandemic, he's dusting off his captain's hat and setting sail once more, announcing the <em>Titanic II</em>'s re-launch at the Sydney Opera House (because when you're Clive Palmer, a press conference venue like the local community centre just doesn't cut it).</p> <p>But why, you may ask? According to Palmer himself, it's a simple matter of economics: "I’ve got two options, either give my wife more money for shopping or spend it on the <em>Titanic</em> and I’m spending it on the Titanic because she’s shopped enough."</p> <p>Ah, yes, the age-old dilemma of whether to buy your spouse another designer handbag or fund a one-billion-dollar replica of a ship that sank over a century ago. We've all been there.</p> <p>Despite the naysayers who dismissed Palmer's dream as nothing more than the folly of a rich eccentric, he remains undeterred. Now, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror and cruise ships once again cruising, Palmer sees this as the perfect time to resurrect his <em>Titanic</em> dream. Because what better way to celebrate the end of a global health crisis than by building a monument to maritime tragedy?</p> <p>Palmer assures us that this time around, things will be different. The plans are similar to previous iterations, but now they comply with current regulations. Tenders are being sought, with plans to confirm a shipbuilder by year's end with the intention of setting sail by 2027.</p> <p>And what can prospective passengers expect from this seafaring spectacle? Well, according to Palmer's team, an eight-minute video featuring period costumes and a layout straight out of the early 1900s. Passengers will even be encouraged to dress the part (though that's not compulsory; nothing screams "fun vacation" like wearing corsets and three-piece suits in the middle of the ocean).</p> <p>But fear not, third-class passengers, you won't be left out of this <em>Titanic</em> experience. You'll get to enjoy stew and mash at communal dining tables, just like the good old days. Although, for those who prefer their meals without a side of historical accuracy, other options will be available. </p> <p>In amongst of all this, Palmer has grandiose visions of <em>Titanic II</em> as a symbol of world peace. “We all know how to make war," he announced at the press launch. "We get armies and we fund wars. People know about that. But it is a lot harder to make peace. To make peace you have got to stick with it every day. You progress inch by inch.</p> <p>“<em>Titanic ll</em> is something that can provide peace. It can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world. Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. <em>Titanic ll</em> will be the ship where those dreams come true.”</p> <p>So, as Palmer sets sail on his quixotic quest to recreate history, we can't help but wonder: Is <em>Titanic II</em> a testament to human ingenuity or just another billionaire's folly? Only time will tell. But if history has taught us anything, it's that sometimes, even the grandest dreams can end up at the bottom of the ocean.</p> <p><em>Images: Rod Eime / Wikimedia</em></p>

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Clive Palmer in more hot water over Hitler Mercedes furore

<p dir="ltr">Clive Palmer has come under fire and could face the full weight of the law after <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/clive-palmer-buys-adolf-hitlers-mercedes-from-russian-billionaire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">allegedly</a> importing a Mercedes-Benz once owned and used by Adolf Hitler.</p> <p dir="ltr">The controversial billionaire and politician reportedly purchased the 1939 770 Grosser Offener Tourenwagen (“large open touring car”) from an unnamed Russian billionaire.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though the identity of the seller and the time-frame of the sale is unclear, the Courier Mail reported that negotiations took place over two years.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has called on Mr Palmer to explain his actions and said he will face hefty consequences if it is found he breached import, customs and sanctions rules by buying and importing the vehicle.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b331882e-7fff-34f1-9693-3dacbc37cd4d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“If an individual contravenes our sanctions regime there will be serious consequences under Australian law. The bottom line is: No one gets a special deal and the rules apply to all,” she <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/motoring-news/clive-palmer-warned-after-reportedly-buying-adolf-hitlers-mercedes/news-story/11cbac51b128fc3baaeab26056bd4aec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Should this not be “Australian Nazi-sympathising oligarch breaks trade sanctions on Russia during global humanitarian crisis” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClivePalmer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClivePalmer</a> <a href="https://t.co/K6b5JDaDRn">https://t.co/K6b5JDaDRn</a></p> <p>— jo dodds 🔥🔥🔥 (@JoDodds6) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoDodds6/status/1499151893825687552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">News of the purchase came shortly after sanctions were announced against Russian financial institutions, as well as individuals of “strategic and economic significance to Russia”.</p> <p dir="ltr">If reports of the sale are true, Mr Palmer will also have to ensure the car doesn’t contain any asbestos, which is often found in the brake and clutch components of classic cars.</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-02/clive-palmer-reportedly-buys-hitlers-car/100874720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Failing to do so</a> before he imports the vehicle could see him slapped with a $180,000 fine - which is three times the value of the car - or a $900,000 fine if one of his companies purchased and imported it.</p> <p dir="ltr">There is no suggestion that the avid car collector supports or sympathises with the Nazi movement, and Ms Andrews has outright condemned any glorification of the movement on behalf of the government.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The government absolutely condemns any glorification of Nazi history and neo-Nazi extremist activity in Australia,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-301828fa-7fff-4fef-5c5d-7921ca95c9fb"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I understand why people may find this purchase by Clive Palmer offensive.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">On Monday I asked the government to stop Clive Palmer importing Hitler’s car using the Customs Act. </p> <p>Today the Government has acted on my request. </p> <p>There is no reason for the importation of these obscene objects into Australia, billionaire or not.</p> <p>Read my full letter below. <a href="https://t.co/KyvTEbV2bq">pic.twitter.com/KyvTEbV2bq</a></p> <p>— Patrick Gorman MP (@PatrickGormanMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickGormanMP/status/1498835957407436800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">West Australian MP Patrick Gorman also shared his disapproval, writing to Ms Andrews on Monday to ask that the federal government urgently investigate the alleged purchase.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Many of my constituents are concerned with this purchase and the message it sends. I believe that it is inappropriate for Mr Palmer to personally own such an item,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I seek an assurance from you as minister that Mr Palmer has not breached Australia’s customs and sanctions requirements.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2b1a0d2a-7fff-6641-33b2-ae168b60cb10"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Clive Palmer buys Adolf Hitler's Mercedes from Russian billionaire

<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2f7b6c70-7fff-91bd-9762-c6ded9882390">Mining magnate Clive Palmer has made headlines for the second time in just a week, after two years of negotiations resulted in him <a href="https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/clive-palmer/clive-palmer-purchases-adolf-hitlers-mercedes-benz-for-gold-coast-museum--c-5859570" target="_blank" rel="noopener">purchasing</a> Adolf Hitler’s bulletproof Mercedes Benz from an unnamed Russian billionaire.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/nazi-car1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Clive Palmer has purchased a vehicle belonging to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5720dae1-7fff-c4cc-7852-341ea6432452"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Palmer bought the Mercedes-Benz 770 Grosser Offener Tourenwagen - which features bulletproof glass and armoured panelling - for a museum of vintage cars he hopes to build in Queensland.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Clive Palmer is really that Texan billionaire from The Simpsons <a href="https://t.co/CrylLGLKZ6">https://t.co/CrylLGLKZ6</a> <a href="https://t.co/n8hnWtSrNy">pic.twitter.com/n8hnWtSrNy</a></p> <p>— Evan Smith (@evanishistory) <a href="https://twitter.com/evanishistory/status/1498145874030915586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The car was seized by US forces in France at the end of WWII, and has had several owners before Palmer claimed ownership.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ebed1dd9-7fff-e0b6-b3ba-8b99e66536d3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">It was previously listed for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2018 and was <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/19072/hitlers-parade-car-bought-by-anonymous-buyer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> sold to an unknown buyer outside of the United States.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/nazi-car2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The car was last sold in 2018 at an auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, to an unknown buyer. Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-202c28ed-7fff-f4f2-b246-fcbf0796442e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">He also purchased a 1929 Rolls-Royce owned by King Edward VIII which is also expected to end up in his car museum.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Australian oligarch buys dictator &amp; mass murderer's car from Russian oligarch amid worldwide sanctions against Russia- telling us exactly who he is &amp; what he really cares about. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moralwasteland?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moralwasteland</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/auspol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#auspol</a> <a href="https://t.co/j13JSpiMpj">https://t.co/j13JSpiMpj</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/newscomauHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@newscomauHQ</a></p> <p>— Diana (@ElephantFlowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElephantFlowers/status/1498082458969178112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The vehicle - which many online have dubbed “Nazi memorabilia” - was secretly shipped from London to Queensland and is now being kept at a high-security location.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9e4fe9e0-7fff-0ee4-5f60-92c5b73c89c8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Though the final purchase price hasn’t been confirmed, it is believed to have cost Mr Palmer more than $200,000.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I cannot believe I have posted twice in one day about my 2022 bingo card but here we are. Clive Palmer buying Adolf Hitlers mercedes from a Russian billionaire was *definitely* not on my bingo card and I feel that whoever is writing this season of our lives has jumped the shark.</p> <p>— Dr Kate Miller (@DrKate_Miller) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrKate_Miller/status/1498098388919013377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The purchase comes after the unvaccinated United Australia Party member <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/clive-palmer-rushed-to-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made headlines</a> last week when he and his wife were rushed to hospital with Covid-like symptoms.</p> <p dir="ltr">Three ambulances reportedly arrived at their Paradise Point home in Queensland on Thursday morning, taking the 67-year-old and his wife Annastacia to Pindara Private Hospital.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3714a73a-7fff-229a-9243-bb285ca64bc7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Australian writer Clive James dies aged 80

<p><span>Poet, critic and star of <em>The Clive James Show</em> has passed away, aged 80, after a lengthy battle with cancer on Sunday in his Cambridge home.</span></p> <p><span>The Australian export was diagnosed with leukemia, kidney failure and lung disease nearly 10 years ago and endured his “ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour,” a statement from his agent read.</span></p> <p><span>“A private funeral attended by family and close friends took place in the chapel at Pembroke College, Cambridge on Wednesday 27th November.”</span></p> <p><span>“He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this ‘great, good world’.”</span></p> <p><span>The beloved star first revealed to viewers his illness in May 2011, 11 months after he had first been diagnosed with the deadly disease. </span></p> <p><span>His career reached new heights for the better part of 50 years, not only making way as a successful TV star but as a writer who went on to publish poetry, essays, memoirs, literature and song lyrics.</span></p> <p><span>His dead-course, illuminating writing style peaked in popularity during the 1980’s and he became an influential powerhouse in media circles.</span></p> <p><span>On his show, he lampooned clips of absurd international television shows, including a Japanese contest called <em>Endurance</em>. </span></p> <p><span>As a prolific master with words, James firmly retained his fond memory of his British heritage, and often reflected on his time as the “Kid From Kogarah,” despite five decades of residency in Britain. </span></p> <p><span>His daughter Claerwen noted his father as "a showman and a recluse at the same time."</span></p> <p><span>In his latest years, James did not stray away from writing about his illness and in 2010 penned a newspaper column called <em>Reports on My Death</em> in The Guardian.</span></p> <p><span>He later said in 2016, his longevity after announcing his diagnosis was “embarrassing.</span></p> <p><span>His last poetry collection, <em>Sentenced to Life</em>, published in April 2015 was described by<em> The Independent</em> as "essentially, a love letter to Australia”.</span></p> <p><span>James made his last stage appearance at London's inaugural Australia &amp; New Zealand Festival of Literature &amp; Arts in June 2014.</span></p> <p><span>It was there he shared his charming wit and humour and the true poet within to his audience. </span></p> <p><span>''The poetry I write now, I think, is quite a lot more penetrating and sensitive than my earlier work — because it needs to be,'' he explained.</span></p> <p><span>''Inevitably you start saying goodbye. I like to think that I hit a sort of plangent tone of threnody, a sort of Last Post, a recessional tone."</span></p> <p><span>Vivian Leopold James was born in Sydney in 1939, changing his name to Clive as a child.</span></p> <p><span>James moved to England in 1962 and, after graduating from Cambridge University, remained there for the rest of his life.</span></p> <p><span>He is survived by his wife Prue Shaw and two daughters, Claerwen and Lucinda.</span></p> <p><span>Scroll through the gallery to see Clive James throughout his career.</span></p>

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Clive Palmer announces $700 million Titanic II set to sail in 2022

<p>One of the most infamous shipwrecks in history, the story surrounding the <em>Titanic</em> will be one that will be told for years to come.</p> <p>And now, exactly 110 years after the ocean liner sank to the depths of the sea, an optimistic hopeful promises to complete the voyage that it failed to do in 1912.</p> <p>Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has shared his plans to create <em>Titanic II</em> – a replica of the ship that met a doomed fate – and said it will be ready to set sail in 2022.</p> <p>The ship, which is costing close to $760 million, has been a work in progress since 2012 under Mr Palmer’s company Blue Star Line.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK8dTdn64S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK8dTdn64S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">You'll feel like king of the world, when the Titanic II casts off in 2022. The maiden voyage of the replica of the doomed 1912 vessel will leave from Dubai before traveling from Southhampton to New York: the same route as the original.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tictoc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> TicToc by Bloomberg</a> (@tictoc) on Oct 20, 2018 at 3:05pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Construction paused momentarily in between then and now due to financial disputes, but work has started back up again.</p> <p>However, despite the similarities, there are also some differences, as the <em>Titanic II</em> is currently being built in China while the older model, which was said to be “unsinkable”, was constructed in Northern Ireland.</p> <p>Another difference to expect is the improved safety systems in place, such as accurate navigation and technology, and extra lifeboats on board.</p> <p>Otherwise everything ranging from the interior to the exterior will be the same as the original.</p> <p>The old <em>Titanic </em>was able to house 2400 passengers and 900 crew members, with the new cruise liner hoping to accommodate to that exact number.</p> <p>The <em>Titanic II</em> will also replicate the cabin layout of the original ship.</p> <p>And to top it all off, the cruise plans to follow the same voyage as the first, starting its journey in Dubai and travelling along the North Atlantic route from Southampton, England, to New York.</p> <p>The journey will take two weeks in total, and upon its return, it will then start to travel towards other destinations.</p> <p>“The ship will follow the original journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York,” Mr Palmer said to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.msn.com/en-au" target="_blank"><em>MSN</em></a>.</p> <p>“But she will also circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivalled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits.”</p> <p>Speaking to <em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/cruises/clive-palmers-700m-titanic-ii-to-replicate-voyage-of-the-doomed-original/news-story/851178755d4ce4d58fe0d4c475b93b91" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>, Blue Star Line has said that the <em>Titanic II</em> will feature the same class categories as the original – first, second and third class.</p> <p>The length of the ship will also be the same, along with having dining rooms and restaurants resembling the original.</p> <p>There is currently no information regarding ticket prices.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above for a sneak peak inside the <em>Titanic II</em>.</p> <p>Would you like to be a passenger and set sail on <em>Titanic II</em>? Tell us in the comments below. </p>

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Golfing great Arnold Palmer passes away, aged 87

<p>The golfing world has lost one of its true legends today, with the confirmation that golfing great Arnold Palmer has sadly passed away at the age of 87.</p> <p>Palmer passed at University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre Presbyterian Hospital on Sunday, local time, after reportedly being hospitalised in preparation for heart surgery. According to assistant Doc Griffin the cause of death is still unknown. </p> <p>The former-US professional golfer was very much the face of the sport in the 60s, and considered by many to be one of the greatest players to ever pick up a set of clubs.</p> <p>Nicknamed ‘The King’, Palmer had a highly decorated career that took him to the peak of the sport, including 62 wins on the PGA Tour and seven major championships.</p> <p>Palmer received a PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998 and was one of 13 original inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame.</p> <p><img width="500" height="284" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27994/golf-palmer-in-text_500x284.jpg" alt="Golf -Palmer -In -Text" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / Golf Digest</em></p> <p>Palmer biographer James Dodson told <a href="http://www.golfweek.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Golf Week</strong></span></a>, “He represented everything that is great about golf. The friendship, the fellowship, the laughter, the impossibility of golf, the sudden rapture moment that brings you back, a moment that you never forget, that’s Arnold Palmer in spades. He’s the defining figure in golf.”</p> <p>Our thoughts are with his family, at this difficult time. </p> <p><em>Hero image credit: Twitter / History In Pictures</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/body/2016/09/john-watson-how-i-lost-15kgs-i-gained-in-retirement/"><strong>How I lost the 15kgs I gained in retirement</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/body/2016/09/how-cycling-reduces-your-risk-of-osteoporosis/"><strong>How cycling reduces your risk of osteoporosis</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/health/mind/2016/08/the-secret-to-beating-bad-moods/"><strong>The secret to beating bad moods</strong></a></em></span></p>

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