Billy Mayfair, Rickie Fowler, Jonathan Kaye and Rocco Mediate received the first four tournament exemptions. Rauch and the tournament host Thunderbirds will hand out a total of eight sponsor exemptions for the tournament, scheduled to be played at the TPC Scottsdale, February 22 – 28.

Karlsson is currently ranked 17th on the Official World Golf Ranking and second on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai standings.  He has 10 International victories, and had the best year of his career in 2008, winning two European Tour events on his way to becoming the first Swede to win the European Order of Merit.  That year he also became the only player to earn top-10 finishes in his first three Major Championships (T-8 Masters, T-4 U.S. Open, T-7 British Open).

Karlsson missed four months in 2009 due to a problem with his vision, but came back quickly in 2010 with a victory over Quiros in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in January.

Quiros currently ranks 32nd on the Official World Golf Ranking and fourth on the European Tour Race to Dubai standings.  The longest hitter on the European Tour, Quiros has three European Tour victories under his belt, including a win at the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Championship in his first European Tour start as a full-time member.  He finished runner-up to Karlsson while defending his title at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters earlier this year.

“Robert and Alvaro are extremely talented golfers who have had great success playing on the European Tour,” Rauch said.  “They will add a lot to our field and I’m sure that our fans will enjoy seeing these guys in action.”

The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played February 22 – 28, 2010, at the TPC Scottsdale. The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $65.9 million for charities, with more than $37.9 million generated since 2004. The 2010 edition will mark the 75th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships). Title sponsor Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. For more information on Waste Management visit wm.com or thinkgreen.com. For more information on the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit wmphoenixopen.com.

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With a head mass only slightly heavier than a conventional wedge, the added weight (65 grams) is positioned in the butt of the shaft, raising the club’s balance point nearly 40 percent, promoting distance control, an improved swing path, tighter shot dispersion, acceleration through impact, smoother tempo and unparalleled feel.

“The Heavy Wedge is the natural evolution of our brand and establishes Boccieri Golf as more than just a putter company,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO. “Sharing the same counterweighing technology that propelled the Heavy Putter to the forefront of the golf equipment world, this new line helps players of all skill levels improve performance and lower scores.”

Available in a variety of lofts including 52 (eight-degree bounce), 56 (11-degree bounce) and 60 (four and seven degrees of bounce), the Heavy Wedge features a satin non-glare finish, as well as a CNC milled face and grooves constructed out of soft 8620 carbon steel for maximum feel and spin. Custom shaft lengths are available.

For this new line, Boccieri Golf chose FST (FEMCO Steel Technology) Hi-REV shafts which are specially designed to work in concert with heavier and more lofted heads to impart spin and preferred ball flight.

“What is really going to surprise people first trying the Heavy Wedge is the incredible control they will experience on all types of shots,” adds Boccieri. “On full swings, it’s extremely easy to squarely deliver the club face at impact for maximum distance and accuracy. Around the green, its performance is similar to the Heavy Putter in that it promotes less wrist action and solid contact.”

For more information on the Heavy Wedge or any Boccieri Golf product please visit www.theheavywedge.com.

About Boccieri Golf

The company’s popular Heavy Putter is carried in all 50 states and more than 35 overseas markets. It is found in many of the finest off-course shops and most prestigious golf courses, country clubs and resorts worldwide and since its 2005 introduction, has captured victories on the PGA, European, Champions, Nationwide, Asian, Canadian and European Challenge Tours.

In early 2010 Boccieri Golf introduced a number of new putter models in three distinct weight classes, the LITE-WEIGHT Series, MID-WEIGHT Series and HEAVY-WEIGHT Series. Available in a black PVD, with select styles showcasing a silver satin finish, all models feature the company’s innovative system of added weight within the head and grip. This causes the body to engage its larger muscles for a consistent swing path, uniform pace, precise distance and directional control, as well as tightening end-over-end golf ball roll.

The Heavy Putter remains the first and only putter that can automatically improve the consistency of the putting stroke. Original, Matte and Deep Face Series models — which spawned the global army of Heavy Putter true believers — are still available.

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Friday February 12, “An Evening of Romance Soiree” and “Love for a Cause”

Dance the night away and support the people of Haiti at the Valentine’s Day weekend kick-off event. Experience a Valentine’s Day Fashion Show, Cocktail Party and Silent Auction benefiting the World Concern Foundation. Featuring sultry looks from Anastasia’s Bath Body & Boudoir and Joya Bazaar along with jewels from DAMIANI and Isaac Jewelers. Live entertainment, a cigar lounge and an exclusive VIP area featuring Julia Baker Chocolates and Taittinger Champagne. Proceeds and a silent auction will benefit the Haiti and The World Concern Foundation to provide direct relief to earthquake victims.

Hosted by the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa and J Group Media. 21 and over event, tickets required, doors open at 7 p.m. Visit icmontelucia.com/fallinlove for more information or to purchase tickets.

· General Admission $20: Cocktail Reception, Fashion Show, After Party

· Haiti Relief General Admission $30: Automatically entered to win a Romantic Getaway to our own Montelucia, Fashion Show, After-Party. Access to Silent Auction

· Haiti Relief VIP Admission Ticket $60: Automatically entered to win a Romantic Getaway to our own Montelucia, Fashion Show, After-Party. Access to VIP lounge. Includes glass of Champaign and complimentary Julia Baker Chocolates.

· VIP Admission Ticket $45: Cocktail Reception, Fashion Show and Access to the After-Party’s Chocolate & Champagne VIP Lounge where you will indulge with one glass of complimentary Champagne and decadent chocolates by Julia Baker Confections.

· $500 Table Package: Include: 8 tickets to the “Chocolate & Champagne” VIP Lounge, 1 table, 1 bottle SKYY Vodka, 1 Bottle of Tattinger Champagne, 1 bottle of X-Rated Liquor and a platter of Julia Baker Confections chocolates.

Valentines Dinner at Prado Restaurant

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with a sumptuous four-course dinner in Prado restaurant, complete with handmade Julia Baker chocolates to take home and enjoy. Truly indulge with a bottle of Taittinger champagne rose’ to enjoy with dinner as well as an additional bottle to take with you. Call 480-627-3004 for reservations, or visit pradolife.com.

· $85 per person includes four-course dinner and one box of Julia Baker Chocolates

· $185 per person includes four-course dinner, Taittinger champagne rose (1 bottle to drink at the table, 1 bottle for the room or to take home) plus one box of Julia Baker Chocolates

Joya Spa

This Valentine’s Day, escape with that special someone and indulge with Joya Spa’s ultimate romance package, the Joya Rendezvous, featuring:

· 2- 110 Minute Diamond Facial Experience treatments

· 2- 110 Minute Diamond Magnetic Body Experience treatments

· Karma Sutra Lovers Kit

· Joya Spa Luxury suite for the treatments and to relax and enjoy Joya Spa

· The Joy of Discovery book

· From $1225 for two including tax and gratuity

Custom packages available, along with the standard menu of treatments. Call 480.627.3020 or visit joyaspa.com

To learn mnore, visit www.icmontelucia.com.

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Offer ‘Unlimited Golf Package’ in 2010

Half Moon Bay Golf Links, the world-class, 36-hole public golf resort set against the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Ocean just 23 miles southwest of San Francisco International Airport, and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, one of America’s premier oceanfront hotels, have extended their popular “Unlimited Golf Package” through March, 2010 after a record-number of bookings in 2009.

The package showcases the No. 18 ranked golf resort in North America (Golf Digest, 2009) and includes unlimited golf from 2 p.m. the day of arrival to sunset the day ofdeparture on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ two award-winning, 18-hole courses: The Old Course, an American parkland style layout originally designed by Arnold Palmer, and Ocean Course, an Arthur Hills linksland designnationally renowned for its closing holes perched above the Pacific. Rates begin at $399 for one player or $519 for two players per night, during the week.

Also included with the package: complimentary, overnight valet parking; resort fee (complimentary glass of wine at check-in, gratis WiFi, access to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Spa’s co-ed Roman mineral bath and steam room, group exercise classes, gym access, and more);and a commemorative gift. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay also offers one of the top 50 tennis complexes in theU.S., for guests in search of a multi-sport experience.

Reservations are taken directly through The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay by calling 650.712.2228 or by visiting www.ritzcarlton.com/hmb. For more information about Half Moon Bay Golf Links, visit www.hmbgolflinks.com, or call650.726.1800.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which sits adjacent to the Ritz Resort, is a world-class, 36-hole public golf resort set against the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Ocean just 23 miles southwest of San Francisco International Airport – recently announced its “Unlimited Golf Stay and Play Package” for 2010, with accommodations provided by Half Moon Bay Lodge.

A value-laden package designed for the diehard golfer, it includes: three days of unlimited golf on Half Moon Bay Golf Links’ two championship 18-hole layouts, The Old and Ocean Courses; two nights in a traditional guest room at neighboring Half Moon Bay Lodge; daily deluxe continental breakfast; one dinner at Mullins Bar & Grill (fireside dining located in the clubhouse); an arrival gift from the award-winning proshop and door-to-door shuttle service between the hotel and clubhouse. Rates begin at $185 per person, per night based on double occupancy, including taxes.

The No. 18 ranked golf resort in North America (Golf Digest, 2009), The Old Course is an American parkland style layout originally designed by Arnold Palmer, and the Ocean Course is an Arthur Hills linksland design nationally renowned for its closing holes perched above the Pacific.The Ocean Course has been enhanced to feature a fast-and-firm playing surface tee through green that adds multiple shot opportunities and fosters creativity short game creativity.

For more information about the unlimited golf stay and play package or to make a reservation call 800.710.0778 or email Reservations325@halfmoonbaylodge.com. For more information about Half Moon Bay Golf Links, visit www.halfmoonbaygolf.com.

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To fully appreciate the world’s great golf resorts requires indulging in the best they have to offer. This spring, Pinehurst Resort wants golfers to experience its most celebrated courses and the top of its off-course amenities, all in one perfect package.

The Pinehurst Perfecta, which will be offered throughout 2010 starting March 7, tantalizes golfers with unlimited rounds at the resort’s eight courses, including at least one round each on its three top-ranked courses: No. 8, No. 4 and No. 2, site of the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. Play No. 2 with a caddie and Nos. 4 and 8 with forecaddies and use provided yardage books as additional information or as a keepsake.

The Perfecta experience extends beyond the course. At $1,995 per person for three full days (inclusive of all taxes and service charges), it includes two nights in the Carolina Hotel, $100 gift card, preferred 20% discount on airport transportation from RDU, Tranquility Pass for a soak or steam at the Spa at Pinehurst and choice of the humidor and Macallan Scotch in the new Ryder Cup Lounge.

Also included are the best breakfast in golf and daily dinner, featuring at least one night in the 1895 Grille or steaks in the Carolina Dining Room.

“Pinehurst has so much to offer on and off the course, and Nos. 2, 4 and 8 are the courses our visitors treasure most,” said Pinehurst EVP of Golf Operations Don Sweeting. “We’ve taken the guesswork out of the choosing what we believe is the best golf trip, and made it easy and quick to book that experience.”

With the recent $15 million renovation of  its guest rooms and a new executive chef, Pinehurst has positioned 2010 as a banner year for the return of the great golf vacation.

Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is a 2,000-acre historic property featuring spa, golf, tennis, family, events and leisure recreation.  Widely known as the cradle of American golf, it has hosted more single golf championships than any other site in America, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Matches, PGA Tour Championship and many others.  It will serve as the site of both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in 2014 in back-to-back weeks through an unprecedented decision by the USGA.

For more information about the package or to make a reservation, visit www.pinehurst.com or call 800.487.4653.

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In early 2009, Blackstone Country Club began offering its upscale facilities for weddings and receptions, booking 14 for the year. This year, 24 weddings have already been scheduled with only a few Saturday slots still available in the fall.

“Our indoor and outdoor venues have been more popular than we imagined,” said General Manager Jeff Ulvedal. “Once the word was out, bookings started coming in very quickly.”

The private club, situated within the Vistancia master plan in north Peoria, can accommodate weddings of up to 300 people.Much of the club’s success comes from word-of-mouth endorsements from club members and couples who have held their nuptials at Blackstone. To establish a firmer presence in the Valley, on-site event planners Rebecca Chazan and Elizabeth Todd represent Blackstone at select local bridal shows.

Ulvedal pointed out that the wedding service “is a good way to generate profits for the club at a time when costs are rising and club memberships are down.”

Wedding ceremonies can be held on the Rose Garden Lawn above the ninth fairway of the Blackstone golf course. The western facing location has views of the White Tank and Bradshaw Mountains and during late afternoon ceremonies, guests can enjoy stunning sunsets.

Ceremonies can also be performed on the main event lawn on the south side of the Hacienda clubhouse which also has exceptional golf course and mountain views.

Blackstone’s premiere reception area is the spacious Hacienda courtyard with evening views of city lights, mature shade trees and lush vegetation that frame the view of the 18th fairway. Three stone fireplaces, water features and intimate alcoves with soft seating are among other charming design features. Twinkle lights on the trees provide additional soft lighting and give the courtyard a romantic ambience.
The club’s main dining room can be utilized for smaller and summer wedding receptions. There also are three private dining rooms for intimate affairs. The south event lawn is also available for larger wedding receptions.

Blackstone’s Executive Chef Ben Lesnick can custom design wedding menus per client preference. The club provides beverage service, valet service, greeters, locker rooms/changing area with attendants and all staff related to food and beverage service.

Blackstone’s event planners work with the club’s preferred list of vendors to insure a seamless planning process. “We have an extensive list of preferred vendors, such as florists, photographers, limousine service and entertainment,” explained Ulvedal. “However, we are open to other vendors the bride may wish to bring in.”

Weddings at Blackstone can be booked (with the exception of Fridays) no more than 18 months in advance. To schedule or for more information, call Chazan at 623.707.8703 or Todd at 623-476-2923.

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Tickets for the 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine, a music, wine and food festival benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, go on sale Monday, February 1, 2010. Scheduled for April 17, 2010, the Festival features 60 award-winning wineries, 35 of North County’s top chefs, gourmet foods and three live concerts performed by local San Diego musicians. Southern California wine, food and music enthusiasts can indulge for a night of North County’s best cuisine, signature wines and outstanding live musical performances, while benefiting a great cause, said Jeff Miller, Senior Vice President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego has become an excellent resource for youth within the community, and has made a lasting impact on the 132,500 that have come out of our organization’s Boys & Girls Clubs,” added Miller. “Wine, music and food enthusiasts have an opportunity to enjoy a night under the North County stars, taste some excellent wines, sample delicious cuisine and listen to some really great music, all while giving back to an organization that provides tremendous support for the youth of San Diego.”

Rhythm & Vine features wineries from some of the premier wine-producing regions in the nation, including Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Temecula and others. Some of the award-winning wineries pouring this year include Callaway Vineyard and Winery, Kiamie Cellars, Quady Winery, Woof’n Rose Winery, and more. For those interested in more than just wine, the event also features craft breweries and spirit companies. Pairing wine and food is easy at Rhythm & Vine. With over 35 of North County San Diego’s top chefs, wine and food enthusiasts are sure to find the perfect pairing to their dish. Some of the current restaurants participating include Harney Sushi, Truluck’s, Macaroni Grill and more.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm & Vine takes place at the Westfield North County Fair Mall on Saturday, April 17 from 6:00-9:00pm for General Admission, and 6:00-10:00pm for VIP Admission. In addition to the wineries, spirit and brewery companies, restaurants and gourmet food companies that are exhibiting, Rhythm & Vine features a silent auction, a special VIP tent and, of course, three live musical performances by some of San Diego’s favorite musicians.

Rhythm & Vine VIPs get a special treat with an after-hour party until 10:00pm, access to a VIP tent filled with exclusive wines and gourmet foods, and a private performance by one of the performing bands.
Proceeds from Rhythm & Vine support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. Funds raised at the event allow the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego to continue to serve at-risk youth, and to expand its services to support more youth throughout the Greater San Diego Region.

Tickets for Rhythm & Vine are $75 for General Admission in advance, and $100 at the door. VIP tickets are $125 in advance, and $150 at the door. For those who would just like to enjoy the music and the food, a Designated Driver ticket is also available for $40 in advance, and $90 at the door.For a complete list of wineries, restaurants and performers for 2010, please visit www.rhythmandvine.org.

To learn more or buy tickets, please visit www.rhythmandvine.org or call 858.578.9463.

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There will be contests and prizes. There will be live music. There will be food. There will be jaws dropping in disbelief. Because the real attraction at this event is the spectacular building itself, La Casa, which opens its doors for the first time with a public celebration. The largest and most exciting new private country club in the Valley, La Casa is more than 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor beauty.

La Casa offers Encanterra homeowners an exceptional combination of luxury and value. Homes have been specifically designed to take advantage of the club’s amenities, which include several fine and casual dining options, a full-service spa, the Mallorca Events Center, athletic club, three pools, lighted championship tennis courts, and an outdoor amphitheater. Indeed, La Casa is the shared social hub of the community – a place where members make new friends, attend a class, invest in a workout, or relax and enjoy a fine pint of local ale or a glass of wine.

Festivities will occur as follows:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13
36460 N. Encanterra Dr., San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
(off of Combs Road, east of Ironwood/Gantzel Road)

Encanterra, a Trilogy Country Club is a 745-acre gated residential community for all ages located in the newly named San Tan Valley, Ariz. Encanterra’s architectural elements center on Old World charm and authenticity with New World design and technology. Life at Encanterra revolves around La Casa and a private, Tom Lehman signature designed 18-hole championship golf course. Encanterra opened for sales in October 2007 and will include more than 2,400 luxury residences at full build out, which is slated for 2016. All homeowners at Encanterra receive social membership privileges at La Casa.

Trilogy communities are high-end resort communities offering a new choice in living to those looking for an exciting lifestyle that revolves around wellness, exploration, continued learning, and close personal connections. Architecturally superior product design and amenities reflect the changing needs of the baby boom generation, including business services, world-class clubs, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a diverse range of recreation and education opportunities. Trilogy is committed to addressing boomers’ growing concern about our environment and energy usage, and now offers Shea Green Certified® homes across its portfolio, delivering substantial energy savings to home owners while reducing each home’s carbon footprint by up to 48 percent. More information is available by visiting www.TrilogyLife.com or calling 800. 685.6494.

For more information about Encanterra visit www.Encanterra.com or La Casa visit www.LaCasaPrivateResort.com.

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InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa recently announced Eurohypo AG has completed foreclosure proceedings and is the new owner of the award-winning Scottsdale luxury resort.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will continue to manage the property. The luxury resort continues business as usual under new ownership.

The resort experienced a tremendously successful year and has secured industry accolades and customer feedback on service standards, including 5 stars on TripAdvisor.com, AAA 4-Diamond award, and numerous awards and accolades. The property was also named to the “It List” of top 45 new hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine and the Hot List of top new global hotels by Conde Nast Traveler for 2009.

“The resort exceeded set goals for operations and during the last quarter of 2009 has achieved great market share,” said Valeriano Antonioli, Managing Director of InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa. “Joya Spa and Salon have become a preferred destination for locals, Prado Restaurant and Mbar has established itself as a favorite for foodies, and there is a solid pipeline of upcoming weddings and events.”

“The year 2010 for the resort is about sharing the joys of discovery with our guests and furthering the impact the resort has made on the Scottsdale resort landscape,” added Antonioli. “We also have hired additional talent for the season and have been fortunate to secure more than 35 awards for the property, including a recent nod from Esquire magazine as one of the 20 best new restaurants in the country in 2009, one of the top three resort spas from American Spa magazine, and made the Platinum list from Smart Meetings magazine.”

Eurohypo AG is a leading international specialist bank for real estate and public finance. Eurohypo’s successful business model is based on a common platform of real estate and public finance. The bank is also the Pfandbrief issuer within the Commerzbank Group. The company is comprised of three primary divisions including real estate, public finance and treasury.

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is a signature property for InterContinental Hotels Group, the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. The property features 293 guest rooms including 39 suites and 2 presidential suites. The resort also offers 24-hour concierge service, 5 pools, 3 restaurants including the signature restaurant Prado, 4 bars, the 31,000-square-foot award-winning Joya spa, boutique shopping, a wedding venue and 27,000 square-feet of meeting space including multiple ballrooms and other guest amenities and services.

To learn more, visit www.icmontelucia.com or www.eurohypo.com.

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Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has selected Bullfrog & Baum Ltd. to represent Culina, Modern Italian.

Opening in early March, Culina will be the first restaurant in Four Seasons’ domestic culinary portfolio to operate as an independent restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Culina will be a neighborhood eatery featuring antipasti, handmade pastas, thin-crust pizzas, meat and fish at an approachable price point. The restaurant will also feature one of Los Angeles’ only “live-action” crudo bars, allowing guests to watch the delicate creation of this traditional Italian raw seafood preparation.

In addition to Culina, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has completed a $33 million renovation of all 285 guestrooms and suites, which provides a contemporary design while incorporating elements of classic Four Seasons flora and invoking the rich history of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. The renovation also included the Ballroom, Windows Lounge, Cabana Restaurant, the infinity-edge pool with new luxury cabanas and the Spa.

“We are excited to be working with the Four Seasons again, partnering with Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills to launch this exciting new concept,” said Jennifer Baum, president of Bullfrog & Baum. “With Culina, the Four Seasons brand will continue to change the landscape of hotel dining and we are thrilled to be part of it.”

Bullfrog & Baum is a nationally recognized agency specializing in hospitality, lifestyle and consumer public relations and marketing. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Bullfrog & Baum was founded in 2000 by Jennifer Baum. Today, the firm’s international clientele includes top chefs, lifestyle personalities, iconic product lines, cookbooks, specialty stores, and tomorrow’s next big thing.

To learn more, visit www.bullfrogandbaum.com.

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