Lifestyle/Art

Published on November 16th, 2020 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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20 Recent Healthy, Fun And/Or Delicious Food & Drink Discoveries You Can Order Online Today

With everything happening in the world, there is still a lot of uncertainty going around. But everyone needs to eat, and there is no shortage of exciting food and drink offerings to order online. If you are searching for new food discoveries, you’ve come to the right place as I have been monitoring the latest and greatest from online retailers. Here are 20 recommendations available for ordering today.

Farmer Focus Organic Poultry’s Turkeys

With Thanksgiving 2020 just around the corner, it is time to start picking out a turkey, if you have not already done so. Founded by sixth generation farmer Corwin Heatwole, Farmer Focus is on a mission to promote and protect generational farming by partnering with independent family farmers to responsibly raise organic poultry. By shifting decision-making and ownership back to the hands of farmers, the Farmer Focus business model creates a sustainable livelihood for generational farmers. Headquartered within the East Coast’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, every Farmer Focus product is traceable back to the nearly 70 family farms that bring organic, humanely raised and high-quality poultry to your table; these partner farms are listed online via farmerfocus.com/farms.

All Farmer Focus turkeys and chickens have a Farm ID, creating a distinctly farm-to-table experience, by allowing you to explore the farm where your poultry was raised. Farmer Focus Turkey retails from $4.99 to $5.99 per pound, with an average weight of around 13 pounds, making this the perfect alternative for the smaller gatherings expected this holiday season. Each Farmer Focus turkey will feed about 6 to 8 people. Farmer Focus is available at select grocer retailers on the East Coast and Midwest, including Kroger, Fresh Thyme, Publix, and online at FreshDirect.com; the new Farmer Focus Turkey will be available from now through December, exclusively at select Kroger locations, all Fresh Thyme locations, natural stores, and online through FreshDirect.com.

Smithfield’s Power Bites

Last month, the Smithfield brand announced its new Power Bites. Power Bites are essentially a tasty breakfast bite of real sausage, egg, and cheese that you can eat anywhere. Offered in portable packaging, Power Bites make meal-time awesome for meat lovers. They pack all your favorite ingredients into one satisfying bite to provide a boost of flavor and protein, here, there, anywhere; simply heat for 45 seconds in the microwave and eat right out of the container — no fork required. The brand-new line hitting shelves this fall is available in 3 mouthwatering flavors: Homestyle, Western Style and Meat Lovers. Each 4-ounce package serves as an excellent source of protein with 17 to 19 grams per serving and contains no MSG or artificial ingredients.

ROAR Organic Beverages

Last month beyond announcing its roll-out nationally into 7-Eleven stores, ROAR Organic Beverages announced the launching of a new social media campaign that calls attention to the importance of hydration in staying healthy during this challenging season. In addition to reminding consumers to hydrate regularly and organically, the ROAR consumer outreach campaign provides tips to stay safe, from “get a flu shot” to “wear a mask.”

Beyond being USDA Organic, ROAR offers an array of in-demand attributes: electrolytes, antioxidants, vitamins A, B3, B5, B6, C and E, no preservatives, and only 2 to 3 grams of sugar and 20 calories per serving. All of that goodness comes with great taste in 4 delicious flavors: Mango Clementine, Cucumber Watermelon, Blueberry Acai and Georgia Peach. ROAR is available in an 18-ounce bottle and at drinkroar.com in powder sticks.

Eagle Brand Condensed Milk

Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is available in 3 varieties. Its original Sweetened Condensed Milk was introduced in 1856 and has reportedly been #1 in the Sweetened Condensed Milk category for close to 150 years. The brand introduced Fat Free Sweetened Condensed Milk to the U.S. market in 1995, letting you make the same delicious Eagle Brand recipes without the added fat. And speaking of recipes, the official Eagle Brand website has some excellent recipes — including Thanksgiving offerings — available to Internet users at no cost: www.eaglebrand.com/recipes.

VESTA Handcrafted Chocolate

Brought to you by husband and wife team Roger Rodriguez and Julia Choi-Rodriguez, VESTA is a bean-to-bonbon craft chocolate factory and café where the chocolate is first made from organic cacao beans, transformed into bonbons, baked goods, spreads, bars, and more. The couple felt that there was a gap between small-batch craft chocolate making and everyday consumption. That is why they decided to combine forces to create a unique artisanal chocolate-making house where French techniques meet the true definition of chocolate in Latin America where cacao originates. VESTA has something for everyone within the chocolate space, as its website sells bon bons, peppermint bark, decadent hot chocolate, brownies and chocolate chip cookies; there are also vegan offerings from the New Jersey-based chocolatier.

Prior to Vesta, Roger Rodriguez was the master Chocolate Maker at Cacao Prieto in Red Hook, Brooklyn. He honed his skills in New York City’s revered restaurants, including Jean-Georges, Gramercy Tavern and Del Posto. His family’s roots quit literally from the Dominican Republic, where his grandfather had a cacao farm, have been a lasting influence in Roger’s love for chocolate. And Julia Choi-Rodriguez, a celebrated Food Stylist of Baby One More Bite, worked the likes of Starbucks, Guinness, KRAFT and Food Network as clients, and prior to that worked within the pastry kitchens of Gramercy Tavern, Jean-Georges, and Bouchon Bakery.

Honest Earth Protein Powder

Founded by former tech entrepreneur and multi-sport athlete Aaron Siwoku, Honest Earth is a plant-based protein and superfoods company introducing non-dairy, non-GMO, and non-soy protein powders that support and help you exceed your active lifestyle goals. His company’s mission is to optimize your health instead of profit margins at the expense of your health. Thus, Honest Earth wants to change your perception of plant-based protein powders with a clean and high-performing formula.

So in short, if you have been looking for an honest, 100 percent source of complete protein-free of dairy, gluten and chemicals, this may be what your post-workout shake or smoothie has been missing. With delicious Vanilla Coconut and Raw Cacao flavors — unflavored also optional — there is plenty for anyone seeking a new plant-based protein powder.

B.T.R. Bar

B.T.R. Bar’s Ashley Marie found inspiration in an unlikely place at an unlikely time: at the hospital cafeteria. When both of her parents were diagnosed with cancer, she was spending much of her time taking care of them, devouring protein bars when she could. However, most of those bars were filled with sugar and other questionable ingredients. After her parents passed away, Ashley Marie founded a bar brand based on her family’s mantra: “Be Bold, Tenacious and Resilient.”

Absolutely in line with Ashley Marie’s initial goals, B.T.R. Bars are adaptogen-packed protein bars with what many believe to be the cleanest label in the protein bar category. These bars are plant-powered, keto-approved, paleo-friendly, vegan and free of gluten, dairy and unexpected junk. Available in Cherry Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Cookie Dough, and Dark Chocolate Brownie, each bar boasts adaptogens that take you from AM to PM and help you either stay sharp, chill out or provide a pick-me-up. Taste and nutrition aside, B.T.R. Bar is on a purpose-based mission to end mindless snacking with its protein bars with a purpose; with ingredients like Lion’s Mane, cordyceps + reishi mushrooms and MCT oil, you may be able to eat your way to a happy headspace.

Simple Mills’ Limited-Edition Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix

I have previously had the pleasure of trying and writing about Simple Mills’ very-delicious Veggie Pita Crackers. Each cracker features vegetables as its #1 ingredient. These Veggie Pita Crackers are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and also free of soy and corn. They currently come in 3 flavors: Himalayan Salt, Mediterranean Herb, and Roasted Red Pepper. Pour that full box in a bowl the next time you host or watch a movie and expect them to be gone in a matter of minutes.

But I now have also had the pleasure of trying Simple Mills’ Limited-Edition Pumpkin Pancake & Waffle Mix. This mix has only 9 simple whole food ingredients and nothing artificial in it. The same brand also has great Almond Flour-based cupcake and brownie mixes on the market. Everything I have tried from Simple Mills so far has exceeded my expectations and then some.

 

 

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Fresh Cravings

Reportedly still the #1-one-selling refrigerated salsa at Walmart, Fresh Cravings’ products are not only made in the U.S.A. but are also produced using fresh ingredients. Part of FoodStory Brands — which is known to search the world to bring thoughtfully-curated and affordably-priced food and beverages to American tables — Fresh Cravings salsas are made with vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp, hand-picked vegetables, zesty peppers and spices. Its current store-sold varieties include Restaurant Style, Chunky, and Pico De Gallo. I had the pleasure of interviewing the company’s President about 2 1/2 years ago for The Hype.

Last month Fresh Cravings released a Game Day Eats Report to help explain the COVID-19 pandemic-era food preferences of sports fans. That report — which taught me that chicken wings are the favorite tailgating food among nearly all sports fans, except for NASCAR fans, who prefer hamburgers, and golf fans, who prefer salads and veggies — can be found online, but in the meantime, Fresh Cravings products can be found in the fresh produce department at more than 11,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Target, and Safeway Albertsons. You can also purchase via online grocery pickup in select markets via Walmart.com and Instacart.

OSHĒN by BluGlacier

BluGlacier is one of Chile’s largest salmon importers to the U.S., and earlier this month it debuted its first ever direct-to-consumer brand: OSHĒN. OSHĒN offers a convenient delivery service bringing premium fresh and frozen Chilean salmon to customers’ front doors nationwide in completely biodegradable and recyclable packaging playfully-designed with witty banter. In the words of Sebastian Goycoolea, CEO of BluGlacier: “With the need for easy, at-home solutions at an all-time high due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to deliver best-in-class salmon offerings straight from Chile to your kitchen. In a continued commitment to the environment, we are proud to say that all OSHĒN products will be sustainably raised and mindfully packaged using eco-friendly materials.”

A great source of protein, easy to cook and delicious to eat, all OSHĒN products are ocean-raised and ocean-loved from the fresh-water fjords of southern Chile. Cared for by a dedicated aquaculture team, OSHĒN salmon is fed the highest quality diet to ensure the highest concertation of healthy Omega-3s. Additionally, the salmon producers work closely with their communities to ensure both the environment and people of Chile are properly respected. OSHĒN is collaborating with a number of notable chefs to unveil a series of exclusive recipes on the website for consumers to replicate at home. Additionally, the brand has partnered with the artisanal and eco-conscious TAJA Candles to offer all customers a 10 percent discount off the Tall Dark + Handsome scent paired perfectly to set the mood while preparing salmon. The best home-made salmon I have had in 2020 was from OSHĒN.

Lemon Perfect

Lemon Perfect’s organic cold-pressed lemon water is in rare company in being enjoyable on its own for the sake of healthy and delicious hydration and also making for a great cocktail mixer. The electrolyte and Vitamin C packed beverage has the full flavor of a lemonade, but only contains 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar. Its available flavors include Just Lemon, Blueberry Açaí, Dragon Fruit Mango and Peach Raspberry. Meanwhile, this drink is USDA Organic, Non-GMO, keto-friendly, gluten-free and a supporter of 1% For The Planet. The brand is also part of the Amazon affiliate program; 12 bottles are currently priced through the company’s website at $23.88.

KAHAWA 1893

Coffee aficionados can skip the plastic pods and enjoy coffee directly from Kenya’s coffee farms, which have been historically-abundant with some of the world’s most delicious coffee beans on earth. Kahawa 1893, a sustainable and premium coffee brand, brings the rich flavors of Kenya directly to U.S.-based coffee lovers with a selection of aromatic blends and roasts that will satisfy everyone.

Kahawa 1893 is available in 12-ounce beans or ground as well as convenient, eco-friendly single-serve coffee packs. Flavors currently offered include Kenyan Peaberry, Serengeti Blend, Ethiopian, Safari Blend and 1893 Espresso. Kahawa 1893 offers monthly subscriptions, which are great for gift-giving. Quality of the product aside, Kahawa 1893 supports the hardworking Kenyan female coffee farmers through its online “customer tipping” program, allowing 100 percent of its proceeds go directly to the female coffee producers that Kahawa 1893 works with; Kahawa 1893 matches all tips to double the impact.

Mary’s Gone Crackers

Mary’s Gone Crackers is reportedly the largest organic and gluten free cracker company within the United States. The company bakes organic, gluten-free, Non-GMO crackers in its own dedicated organic and gluten-free bakery in Reno, Nevada. Since its inception, the company has grown at a rapid pace, expanding its offerings while staying true to its promise to use only whole, plant-based ingredients free from wheat, nuts, eggs, and dairy. Products are available nationally and across Canada at natural, specialty, mainstream grocery, and club stores. Mary’s Gone Crackers, in business since 2004, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kameda Seika, Japan’s largest manufacturer of rice crackers.

In conjunction with its much-anticipated Real Thin line extension launch, Mary’s Gone Crackers recently hosted its first virtual event showcasing the brand-new Olive Oil + Cracked Black Pepper, Chipotle, and Tomato + Basil Real Thin crackers for select media representatives. I had the pleasure of attending this event and also experiencing these excellent new Real Thin crackers. The Tomato + Basil Real Thin crackers are my personal favorite from the new line.

AYO Almondmilk Yogurt

Featuring at least 20 sustainably-harvested organic almonds in every soy-free, palm oil-free single-serve cup, AYO Almond Yogurt makes for an ideal choice for every diet, from flexitarian to primal. Every serving of Non-GMO certified AYO yogurt brims with plant-based proteins and gut-boosting probiotics. At just 150 calories per serving, the probiotic-rich AYO Almond Yogurt, also happens to be harvested sustainably and produced responsibly from seed to cup on the Billings family farm in the San Joaquin Valley.

Earlier this month AYO unveiled a new Peach flavor, A 5.3-ounce serving this yogurt contains only 150 caories while giving you 7 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, beyond those needed active cultures. My AYO favorites, however, remain the Strawberry and Blueberry Almondmilk flavors.

 

 

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ZYN

ZYN is reportedly the first-ever holistic Curcumin Infused Beverage with therapeutic, sustainably grown, NON-GMO Project-verified ingredients. Named after the Hindi/Urdu word “zindagi” — which means “life” — the beverage contains 200mg of curcumin (up to 15 turmeric roots’ equivalent), one of the highest curcumin contents available on the market, as well as piperine, an extract from black pepper that increases our bodies’ ability to absorb curcumin by 2000 percent, and vitamins C and D for an added immunity boost to help consumers take advantage of this compound’s healing capabilities.

As founded by Pakistani-American brothers Asim and Qasim Khan, ZYN’s inception began a few years ago with one monumental “aha” moment. On a plane ride to visit their family in Pakistan, the brothers’ father suffered from a diabetes-related bout of inflammation causing severe pain in his foot. Upon arrival, Asim and Qasim’s aunt created a paste made from ground turmeric mixed with olive oil, massaged it onto his foot and wrapped it in cloth. An hour later, his pain was gone. Quality products aside, ZYN is a Certified B Corporation, which means they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. In the U.S., there are only 165 B Corporations in the Food & Beverage sector; in the world, there are currently only 2,668 B Corporations.

Dr. Praeger’s Purely Sensible Foods

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods was founded in 1994 with the mission to bring healthy and delicious frozen food to everyone. After all, it is not every day that 2 heart surgeons get into the food business, but the company’s founders knew ingredients had to be nutritious and simple, that everything had to be delicious, and that their products needed to be simple to prepare. Now, 25+ years later, the next generation is at the helm, inspired by and true to the company’s original mission and values. The brand is still an independent, family-owned and operated business grounded in using simple, whole ingredients to make great-tasting products families love.

I had the pleasure of trying a variety of offerings from the Elmwood Park, New Jersey-based company. For me the, Seafood and Puffs offerings were the stand-out frozen meals. With the full box of each offering totalling between 500 and 600 calories, you expect to simultaneously eat a lot with minimal guilt and ward off cravings to eat unhealthy food after enjoying a Dr. Praeger’s entree. For example, the Lightly Breaded Fish Sticks are not too different from the fish sticks you likely grew up on, only they have 9 grams of protein per serving beyond being prepared with top-notch ingredients. Mark my words: I am going to be buying a lot more Dr. Prager’s products in the months to come.

Adrenaline Shoc Smart Energy

Adrenaline Shoc — also known as A SHOC — is a modern-day energy drink designed for today’s active generation. Formulated with ingredients to inspire you to reach your peak including a natural energy blend, electrolytes sourced from ocean minerals, 9 essential amino acids to boost performance, and BCAA’s for muscle recovery. Its 300mg natural energy blend includes yerba mate, green coffee beans, coffee fruit extract and guarana. In turn, A-SHOC is smart energy and a guilt-free choice with zero sugar, zero chemical preservatives, zero artificial flavors and zero artificial colors. It comes in 8 refreshing flavors, including Acai Berry, Shoc Wave, Peach Mango, Frozen Ice, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Watermelon and Sour Candy, with 2 new flavors recently launched. Flavors can be bought individually, or as a 12-can performance pack.

And if you want to work out from home, you can join the A SHOC community through November 22, 2020 and complete the brand’s virtual challenge: a 3-week fitness feat with 2 main challenges and multiple bonus challenges presented by pro athletes. The main challenge is to crush 300 minutes of activity each week and to get outside and cover 10 miles of distance. Any sport, any time; run, bike, walk, or surf, just get after it. Compete with top Olympic, X Games, and professional athletes from Billy Kemper, Big Wave Surf World Champion, to Gwen Berry, U.S. Olympic Hammer Thrower, who will guide you through some of their unique workouts. You can view your results on the leaderboard for motivation to push your limits. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, speed walker, weight-lifter or simply a weekend warrior, you were probably made for this challenge: www.ashoc.com/challenge.

 

Drink Rebellious

Drink Rebellious is a 100 percent plant-based, USDA organic, liquid enhancer. Rebellious Infusions are a simple, delicious way to boost your immune system by transforming your water with their all-natural, healthy, antioxidant rich, 5 ingredient infusion blend. These flavorful products are made with 0 sugar and 0 calories and contain up to 300mg of antioxidants with unmatched taste, made for ice water but can be enjoyed hot or in food.

The distinct, extensive line of Rebellious Antioxidant Water Enhancers flavors include Strawberry Kiwi, Peach, Blood Orange, Lemon, Mint, Sangria, Wildberry, Pure Energy Tenacious, Pure Energy Marvelous, and Pure Energy Courageous. Of course, these infusions are customizable and portable for on the go. Rebellious Infusions are available for purchase in 12 or 24-packs and variety packs on drinkrebellious.com and Amazon.

Chivas 13 Manchester United Special Edition

The Premier League matches are heating up and Chivas — the leading blended Scotch whisky brand — has crafted couch-friendly cocktails for every night of football viewing. Chivas knows that just like blended scotch, a great team has to “blend” and collaborate in order to achieve success, which is why the brand has partnered with football industry leaders Manchester United to show that blended is better in life, football, and Scotch.

Each cocktail recipe is blended with Chivas 13 Manchester United Special Edition to be exceptionally-smooth and mellow with flavors of sweet and juicy citrus orange, creamy milk chocolate and a touch of cinnamon. The Winter Rebel is one of those recipes, a rebellious drink everyone ought to try.

Ingredients:
– 2 oz. Chivas Regal 13 Year Old
– 0.75 oz. Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth
– 0.50 oz. Blood Orange Juice
– 2 Dashes Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters

Method:
– Build in glass over large rock. Stir.
– Garnish with large orange peel, studded with 6 to 8 cloves.
– Enjoy.

JustCBD

JustCBD revolutionized the CBD industry with its innovative gummies, which continue to be a best-seller for both JustCBD and the CBD industry as a whole. A wide array of flavors and sizes from our traditional clear bears, to cherries, to sour belts, these gummies will bring back the feelings of yesterday while eating gummy bears as a youth. These gummies ought to help turn a bad day into a great day and subsequently assist with creating a perfect break from your stressful hectic day.

These gelatin-free, Non-GMO, cholesterol-free, gluten-free and vegan gummies come in 5 delicious flavors: Dragon Fruit, Exotic Fruits, Mixed Berries, Mixed Fruit and Strawberry Champagne. The Vegan gummies are conveniently packaged in small pouches so they can be enjoyed on the go. 1 pouch of the Vegan gummies delivers 300mg of hemp-derived CBD, as priced at $19.99. Thus, JustCBD’s parent company JustBrands is continuing to lead the charge with its innovative products for humans and pets with all sorts of health and relaxation needs.

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards

Sonoma-Cutrer has been crafting wines since 1981 in the esteemed Russian River Valley growing region of Sonoma County, California. Its flagship wine, Russian River Ranches, was built in the on-premise and for almost 40 years has dominated the Most Popular Chardonnay wine lists. Furthermore, its winemaking process is designed to specifically to preserve the highest quality grapes, and the wines are aged in barrels made of specific French oak trees that are individually-selected to fit the winemakers’ needs.

My favorite Russian River Valley offering from Sonoma-Cutrer is its Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2017. This vintage of the Sonoma Cutrer Pinot Noir expresses classic Russian River elegance and flavors of dark fruits and forest floor complexity. This wine is round, silky, and elegant with a juicy mid-palate and a wonderful long finish, expressing all the hallmarks and elegance of a great Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

Earlier this year, Sonoma-Cutrer hosted a virtual media event alongside the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, which I had the pleasure of attending. I have never experienced a better combination of “wine and cheese” than via the combo of Sonoma-Cutrer and Point Reyes. Meanwhile, Sonoma-Cutrer continues to give back in a variety of ways, announcing a No Kid Hungry collaboration earlier this year. A national campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger, Sonoma-Cutrer and sister Brown-Forman brand Woodford Reserve will provide up to 500,000 meals to those facing food insecurity in the United States.

Copper Cow Coffee

Last but definitely not least… Copper Cow Coffee has released its new 2020 holiday offerings, and these festive coffees and bundles are guaranteed to bring a sense of warmth and coziness to your day, as available for purchase via coppercowcoffee.com. The Peppermint Candy Cane Latte is priced at $13.50 for a 5-pack, featuring real peppermint folded in with Copper Cow’s signature Vietnamese coffee grounds. Its Holiday Sippings Bundle is Copper Cow’s most festive pairing of lattes wrapped in 1 package, including Classic, Ginger, Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Candy Cane, Churro, and Chai Tea. Meanwhile, its 12 Days of Pour Over Advent Calendar lets you treat a loved one to a variety of Vietnamese pour-over coffees, including Pumpkin Spice and Churro Lattes, and Coconut and Classic Creamers.

Also new to the Copper Cow Coffee fold is that prepaid subscriptions became available for purchase as of November 13th. Perfect for a latte-loving loved one, Copper Cow Coffee’s prepaid subscription deliver Copper Cow wares straight to your recipient. These options for 3 months and 6 months pre-paid subscriptions aim to provide between 10 and 15 percent in savings, when compared to a la carte purchases.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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