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VULKON CONVENTION
Friday, May 18th 2007
My Hubby and I arrived in Orlando Florida approximately at 3pm. We checked in at the Meriot Hotel. We met a wonderful person name Christina. She was from Pennsylvania and we went to the hotel cafe and had lunch/dinner before we headed to get in line for Registration. Nathen had the Mai Mai sandwich and I had a burger. When we got in line for registration, we met some people from South Florida, South Carolina, and Minnesota.
After we got registered we headed over to the dealers room. Unfortunately it was quite small compared to the dealers room last November. But, they still had some wonderful stuff. I went ahead and bought some 8x10 protectors for my artwork since I didn't have anything to protect them :)
At 9:00pm is when we headed to the Desert Buffet. Fortunately we were two of the fifty that got to go.
The Desert Buffet was wonderful. There was a Chocolate fountain were you could take Pineapple, Strawberries, Marshmallows, and other fruits and dip them into the fountain. (drool) We got a surprised visit from two of our wonderful guests, Claudia Christin from Babylon 5 who was so awesome. She went around and greeted everyone and you never would have expected that she Just flew in from London. She stayed for about a half hour before she headed off to bed.
Claudia sporting her "Tiki Party" shirts.
Alice Krige, our beloved Borg Queen, was there as well. She actually got assimilated at a table so she never really got the chance to go around and talk, but she did stay longer and I got the opportunity to go sit at the table while she was talking about her work in South Africa and her involvement in prisoner rights. After awhile, Alice decided it was time for bed, and so did we.
May 19, 2007
Hubby and I got up around 8:30am. We got down to the convention around 9:00am we went and browsed the dealers room again and chit chatted with Fabiana and Norman from Light speed Fine Art until the signing room opened. To very much our surprise there was very few in line, and we got to get our autographs very fast. The first person we got our autograph from was our beloved queen, Alice.
Me, Alice, and Nathen
Alice saw my artwork, and she said “That is simply amazing.” I blushed of course and said “Anything for the queen.” She was so funny, because she didn't know where to sign. After I told her that it didn't matter she went ahead and wrote “To my Loyal Drones, Crystal and Nathen, Love Alice Krige” I have to admit, I was so excited. Alice is a wonderful woman. If I had to choose anyone to actually sit down and chat with, it would be her. :)
The next guest we got to see was Vanessa Angel from Stargate SG1. That woman is more beautiful in person then she really is on TV folks. She was very nice, and after much debating on what picture of “Anyse” we wanted, she signed the picture and then we got to steal a picture with her. TEE-HEE.
Me, Vanessa, and Nathen
The next one we got to see get our autograph from was Claudia Christian from Babylon 5. She is such a hoot. I wanted a picture of Claudia as Susan. But then we saw some umm (cough) sexy pictures of her and debated. And with about another three minutes of thinking I went ahead and got the Babylon 5 picture. (But guys, she is quite sexy and yummy... lol) After Claudia signed the pictures, I had asked for a photo with her. She said “not unless its a Claudia shot”. I said “eh?” So I went ahead and gave Claudia my camera and she quickly turned the camera around and snapped the two of us. (Poor Hubby).
Claudia and Me
The next person we got inline for was Marina Sirtis. I have to admit, I wasn't so sure about her. I have heard so much bad stuff about Marina and her attitude. But she was so nice. She was the only one that charged to get pictures taken with her, but it was only 2 dollars and it was for her charity for animals. And, of course being the animal lover that I am, I went ahead and donated two dollars. It's so sad that there are so many animals out there that need our help. After Marina talked to us for a few minutes about her and guest starring on Stargate, we headed out of the autograph room.
Nathen, Marina, and Me
After we got out of the Dealer/Autograph room we went and sat down next to where all of Lightspeed's artwork was at. And after staring at the artwork of the “five captains” I turned to my hubby and said “Please, can we get that.” And to much to my surprise, we got it.
THIS IS SO GOING IN THE LIVING ROOM... SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
12:30pm was Claudia Christin's presentation. Again, this woman is a hoot. She was so bubbly and so fun. She had mentioned her story about being shot by a tribble. I have to admit, that was a crazy ass fan. I really won't go into detail about it, but next time you guys see Claudia ask her about her experience with the Tribble that shot her.. LOL. Claudia also talked about her books. Unfortunately the third one she wrote she won't get published due to the fact that one of the creators of Babylon 5 will not give her permission to write anything in her book about Babylon 5. Let's just say, she was a little pissed off about that. Someone had asked her about the Babylon 5 movie, and she said that she will not be in it, due to the fact again that one of the creators doesn't want her in it. Sowwy guys, we were bummed too. After about a half hour of chit-chatting, it was time to say good-bye to Claudia.
1:15pm was Brandy Ledford's turn to be on stage. She was very quiet, and I think of out of all the presentations, she had the most trouble. But, she answered her questions wonderfully. She talked about her role in Andromeda and her Supporting role in Whisper. We learned that Brandy and Lexa Doig are very close. She mentioned that Lexa would have been the life of the party if she was here. Brandy talked very highly of Lexa. Brandy also talked about how Kevin Sorbo refured to his “Force Lance” with sexual innuendo. She also teased Kevin about being a little flabby.
1:45pm was Vanessa Angel's presentation. Vanessa was very quiet as well. Due to going over on time, we only stayed a few minutes for her talk. But for what we heard, she was suppose to be in another six episodes of Stargate but that was canceled when she became pregnant with her daughter. Like I had said before, Vanessa is a very beautiful woman. I honestly would not have recognized her as being the Anyse.
At 2:00 pm was when the Adrenalin started to appear. I was nervous as hell standing in line getting ready to take our picture with Vice Goddess, Torri Higginson. I had never been so nervous or excited in my entire life. When we got closer in line, my hands started to shake. I was in front of Hubby and when it was my turn to take my picture with Torri, I froze. Guys, you have to understand that this is the Vice Goddess, okay? She was not only beautiful, but the smile she gave me was incredible. It wasn't until my hubby PUSHED me forward that I went straight up to Torri and gave her a hug, telling her that I was so excited. She even noticed that my hands were still shaking. And so she grabbed my hand, (omfg), and said “You're so cute.” Okay, that is when I almost died. After a few minutes of trying to calm down, hubby and I wrapped our arms around the V.G and took our picture with her. Then I stole another hug from her, and dazedly walked off.
I was the happiest person on the face of the planet at this moment in time...
After about a half our of calming down, hubby and I headed into a small room where we met Nicole De Boer. Nicole was very nice and when I showed her my work. She said it was very beautiful and that she loved the butterfly a lot. After we talked to Nicole for a few moments, we headed into the main room to wait for Torri's presentation.
You all think that I would remember what Torri had said, but I honestly for the love of God, can't really remember. It's all a blur to me, so most of the information that I am writing is coming from Hubby. I had actually asked her three questions.
STOP!!! For all those who have not seen Atlantis's SUNDAY, don't read :P beyond this point until you see the word “SAFE”....
My first question was along the lines of “Do you miss Paul.”
Torri's answer was somewhere along the line of “Yes and No. No, because I got to see him all the time in LA for lunch, but I do miss him very much on the set.”
SAFE
My second questions was: “How is sledge” She laughed and said that Ced was doing just fine and that she was trying to get Ced into doing more commercials :)
My third question was “In the long goodbye, how many takes did it take for you to kiss Joe.”
Torri's answer was “It took a few takes, had to umm get a side shot... and had to get another side shot, took about 4-10 takes”
And with me being the Sparky fan that I am, I said “Sparky LOVE, woohoo” and I can't remember exactally what her response was, but she did say something along the lines of “Yay, Sparky!”
Another question that was asked was “Were you afraid that Joe was going to drop you?” Torri had teased that it was a stunt double because Joe was so wimpy, and that she was a welsh girl and had good heavy bones. Then she said that no, she was teasing and that it was Joe, but she was worried that he would drop her because his wife was “a tiny beautiful little slim of a thing.”
Someone also had asked her why she wasn't going to be in Atlantis anymore and she said “You will have to ask the producers.” We were bummed, but we understand that she really couldn't answer that question.
Another question was asked to Torri about her favorite Episode. She had mentioned the Real World because she loves to work with Richard Dean Anderson. She also mentioned that she always liked to episodes where she could do more then just stay in the background.
A question was asked if Torri was in the Stargate movies, and she said no. I was quite disappointed. I really thought that since Amanda was going to be on Stargate that she would be in the movie, but it looks like no one from Atlantis will be in the movies :( sniffy.
And that is really all that went on that I can remember for Torri. It was simply amazing to watch and listen to her. She is indeed a beautiful woman.
After Torri got done with her presentation, she went to do Autographs. While we waited to get in line, there was an action going on. There was actually some very nice things auctioning off. The one thing I was interested in was an concept art from Nemesis. But, I didn't bid on it due to the fact that hubby said “No, you're getting your painting.” EHEHE
The autograph session was even more amazing then the photo op. I started, yet again, getting nervous about Torri signing my work. When it was our turn, Hubby went first and to my surprise she had remembered my name..
This was the part where I had to stop, because I was (and I am so serious on this) having an asthma attack. It was a small one, but I started to shake again, and I couldn't breathe worth a damn. Gary, the owner of Vulkon walked by and jokingly said “Are you okay, do we need to call the paramedics?” HAHAHA, I laughed and said “No, I'm just the happiest person the face of this planet right now.” Haha :P Gary smiled and then told Nathen to make me sit down. Hehe
After I sat down and the shock wore off that The V.G just signed my work, called me a sweetie, and kissed me, we went to the hotel cafe and had dinner. Nathen had the rotissary chicken and I had the steak. We actually got to talk to our friend,
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oparu,from Minnesota before she had to leave to go the cocktail party. We weren't Platinum guests so after we ate dinner, we headed to stand in line with the SCIFI women photo op. That was quite an experience as well. We got our pictures taken with all the women, including Katee Sackhoff. I got to sit next to Torri, (of course) and Claudia Christin. Claudia must have had a few drinks, because when I was sitting down next to her, she was playing with my hair and kept calling me Smiley. She was so funny. Hubby got to wrap his arm around Nicole as we took our picture.
(Back to Front, L to R)
Nathen, Nicole De Boer, Brandy Landford, Katee Sackhoff, Marina Sirtis
Torri Higginson, Me, Claudia Christin, Vanessa Angel, and Alice Krige
The Khan Tiki party was simply a blast. We met up with a nice version of Deanna Troi and an Orion Slave Girl. Those girls can dance too.
Orion Slave Girl
Nathen and I got lei's around our necks when we first arrived. I actually got lucky, cuz I actually got two... So guess who I got the chance to Lei?? You're right... I walked up to Torri and leid her.. WOOHOO!
I LEID TORRI!!! *SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
After some of us girls got our pictures taken with Torri, we got to hang a little with Katee.
Hang'n with Torri
Then out of no where, there was a Starbuck look-a-like that came over and got her picture taken with Katee. She was so cute, and her hair was so Starbuck like.
Katee and Starbuck look-a-like
After I hung around Katee, I met up with my friend Mora and we chit chatted. We got our picture taken with Torri again, and then Hubby and I got our big chance to kiss Torri on the cheek... :) After we talked to Torri a little bit after that, we wondered over and talked to Alice who showed up for the Party.
Mora, Torri, Nathen, and Me
MWAHHHHHHHHHH
Fabiana and I hangin loose!
Our friend,
oparu, and Nathen 
Hang'n with the Queen
The Limbo was going on as well, so While I was talking pictures of Katee doing the Limbo, Nathen was talking to Alice about her movies and her books. Boys, I have to tell ayah, Katee can LIIIMMBBOO. But, instead of our Starbuck winning, Mini Starbuck brought home the prize.
Go Katee, YOU CAN DO IT!!!
After talking to some other conventioners, my friend, Beth, pulled me aside and said we need to drag Torri to the dance floor. So, Beth, my friend Sabrina, and I walked over to Torri and asked if we could borrow her for a moment. Of course Torri hesitated saying she couldn't dance, but we talked her into it, and so a bunch of us got to dance with the heart of Atlantis.
After dancing with Torri for awhile, Torri had to go. I have to admit, I almost cried, but in sort of a happy way. It really was the most amazing thing in the entire world. After Torri left, we danced a little longer, had a drink and then we went to bed. It was a perfecting ending of the most amazing day in my entire life.
Sunday, May 20th 2007
We got to sleep in a little and was down standing in line for Katee's photo op by 11:00. We saw Marina playing with Louis, a helping dog, so we snapped a few pictures.
Marina and Louis
We met another person from South Florida as we stood in line for Katee's photo op.Katee is such a sweet pea, and she is just as funny. After Hubby and I both wrapped our arms around Katee, we took our picture, gave her a big hug, we headed off to change clothes and head to the Autograph room to snag a an auto and pic of Brandy Ledford.
We had a nice conversation with Brandy, we went and talked to Claudia because we had heard she wasn't feeling well. She said that she got pink eye, and that is why she was wearing her glasses. We convinced her that since we really didn't get a photo with her, if we could get one. She said sure :)
Me, Brandy, and Nathen
Nathen, Claudia, and Me
We also talked to Vanessa, and to our surprised she had a horse voice. She said that she was feeling fine, but her voice was gone. I gave her a hug and told her to get better soon. We were going to talk to Marina and Alice, but they were busy with fans.
After we mumbled around and talked with Fabiana and Norton again, we went to the SCIFI scramble game until it was time for Nicole's presentation.
Nicole's presentation was great! She had stated that they were currently working on their sixth season of Dead Zone. She liked that the location was so close to her family, and she hopped that next season, (if there was one) that it will be in the same location. Someone had asked her did she feel welcome on the set. She had said that they were very kind, especially Armin Shimmerman. She joked about how Ezri was so tough, but in real life A Jem'Hadar could blow her down with his breath. She said she was never really good with Action, but she did enjoy it.
After Nicole's presentation, Marina Sirtis came on. Again, I wasn't sure what to think because of all the bad rumors I heard, but she was funnier then shit. She first talked about Britney Spears and that she was on the plane and due to “A panic attack” they had to turn around again. Marina saw her “look a like” in the audience and told her to come up to the stage. Marina and her look alike posed for a few shots before Marina continued with the presentation.
Then she talked about how why is it that it was a woman that crashed the Enterprise-D. She had told the story of how her “space suit” got a burn hole due to the fact that Marina, during the scene of Troi jumping into the helm seat and burned herself. Marina joked around saying that it wasn't the first time she had crashed the Enterprise. Picard had ordered Troi to crashed the Enterprise. She joked that who was the first person to have the “keys”... a blind man.. Who was second. “A boy” and it was a Woman who crashed the ship. Marina was quite funny and hilarious and I can see why people say she has a dry humor, but she was great, and I saw nothing wrong with her at all. :)
Alice was the next to do her presentation. She was simply amazing on stage. The first question that was asked was “How long did it take to do your make-up.” She mentioned that it took seven hours on First contact, and when she did Voyager, it was brought down to five hours. Both times it took two hours to take the make up off. She was quite happy with Voyager and doing the Borg scene for Experience because it was now a two piece suit and she could go potty. :) She also talked about how she had to re dub her voice over satellite for Endgame, something she didn't really like to due. It was the only time she ever saw bits and pieces of that episode. Alice also talked about how she became the Borg queen. After getting herself into the makeup and outfit, the producers stood behind her waiting for the final touch, her contacts. When she put them on and turned around to show them, they took a step back and gasped, “There she is.” When Dizzy came on to say that Alice's time was up, there was a couple of boo's.. and I have to admit.. one of them was me :)
After Alice left, the owners of Vulkon appeared on stage and talked to us for a little bit. Terri and Gary are amazing. They help you whenever you need help, and they go out of their way to help make your stay a little bit better. I have always enjoyed Vulkon, and it's them that really make the difference. :)
Terri and Gary, owners of Vulkon
After T&G left, Katee Sackoff came on. It was quite funny because right away her phone rang. It was one of her friends, Karen. After saying “Hello Karen” Katee hung up and started questions right off. There were questions along the line of “Is Starbuck a Cyclon?” and unfortunately Katee couldn't tell us. Also, it looks like Season four of Galactica will be the final season. Katee talked about her other role she was is in, in Bionicale woman. Katee said even though she wasn't getting paid much, she gets to do her own stunts, and that was the most exciting part. Katee also talked about Starbuck coffee. She told us a little story that she was in line to get some coffee from Starbucks and someone was excited that in Starbucks “Starbuck” was behind him.
After Katee's presentation, I met up with a fellow VAMBie, CaptainJamieway (Jamie). Unfortunately with our long drive back to Panama City, we had to cut our visit very short. We got a few pictures taken and of course, I had to tease her about loving Harry so much. Jamie, if you read this, I had a wonderful visit, and hopefully in November, You, Camryn and I can go have coffee.
Captainjamieway (Jamie) & Belanna (Me)
They also autioned off the banner of the SCI-FI women that all the girls signed. It went for $2,000 USD... (OMG)
After We got Katee's Autograph it was sadly to say good-bye to everyone. I went right to the autograph room and gave a hug to Claudia and Vanessa, telling them that it was so much fun for them to be there. And of course, Nathen and I spent a few more minutes talking to our Queen. Alice is such an amazing and wonderful woman. If I really had to choose someone to really sit down and talk to, it would be Alice.
After we said good bye to Alice, we headed out, and luckily for us, we got to see Nicole in the lobby. We gave her a hug and said thank you as well, and we even got to steal a quick picture with her. :) And we even got to see Katee and steal a hug as well when we headed out for the car for our long journey back home.
Nathen, Nicole, and Me
COLORADO TRIP
Monday, May 21st, 2007
After we arrived to Panama City at 12:00pm from our journey to Orlando, I quickly did some re-packing to get ready to head to Colorado. We got about four hours of sleep before the cab was at the house to pick us up. We had an uneventful flight from PC to Colorado Springs. After we reached the CS airport, we rented a car and drove to the Shelton hotel where we will be living for the next few days.
Scott, Nathen's brother, met us at the hotel and we headed over to the Colorado Springs mall to meet up with Melissa, and the girls. Kaitlyn was not there, for she was hanging out with her boyfriend. But we got to see Erin, Kayla, Melissa, and Melissa's mom, Pam, who drove up from Panama City. We hung at the mall for awhile as we waited for Kaitlyn to meet us there.
Erin, Me, and Kayla
Erin with her Grandma, Pam
After all of us finally got together, we went to the China Sea Buffet for dinner. Melissa's brother, Shane, his mother in law, Cathy, and his two girls, Victoria and Alyssa, met us there as well. They actually drove up from Panama City as well. After we all had our dinner, we said our good nights and headed back to the hotel.
Kayla, Alyssa, Victoria, and Kaitlyn
Erin, Kayla, Kaitlyn, and Me
The girls with their Grandma, Mary Lou
When we got back to the hotel, we put on our bathing suits and headed for the indoor pool/spa. It was quite relaxing since we had basically only four hours of sleep in a 38 hour time period. After we relaxed in the spa and took a cool dip in the pool, we headed back to our room and went to bed.
Tuesday, May 22nd 2007
Mom, Dad, Nathen and I got up around 9:00am and went across the street to Denny's for breakfast. We met a nice waiter name Ruben. I actually had the Philly cheese steak sandwich ( yes I know, not breakfast) and the parents and hubby had the spring breakfast special. :) After we ate breakfast we went back to the hotel to get ready for Erin's graduation.
The In-laws
The graduation was very nice, and right after we went to Golden Corral for dinner. This was the first time I got to meet Erin's boyfriend, Charles and Kaitlyn's boyfriend Jakiem. After we ate dinner with Jakiem's family we said our good nights and headed back to the hotel. Nathen and I jumped into the spa for a few minutes before going to bed.
Erin doing her walk
Erin
Kaitlyn with her boyfriend, Jakiem.
Wed, May 23rd 2007
Today was Erin's Graduation Party. Mom got up early and went to Scott and Melissa's house. Dad took us out to Denny's for breakfast again.
Around 11:45am we went over to Mitchell High School to pick up Kaitlyn. Then, we headed to the house. We actually stopped in a small town called Woodland Park to pick up a few groceries that we needed for the party.
Nathen, Kaitlyn, and Dad with their mini Cart
When we arrived at the house, Scott gave Nathen and I a quick tour. They have four beautiful horses, 8 cats, and 9 dogs. They have quite a farm :)
Hersey
Around 4:00 is when the guests began to arrive. The party lasted for about 3-4 hours. I actually was getting quite excited because it started to snow. So I was outside most of the time, dancing in the minor snow storm.
Kayla and her boyfriend, Michael
Erin and I playing in the snow
Since it was starting to snow real bad, Dad wanted to get on the road so we could make it back to the Springs before it really started to stick. So, with lots of hugs and kisses we said our good nights and headed back to the hotel which is about an hour and half drive. We made it there safely and went straight to bed.
Thursday, May 24th 2007
Nathen and I got up around 9:00am and went to Denny's for breakfast with Mom and Dad. After we got back from breakfast we headed over to Manitou Springs to do the Cliff Dwellings.
We first met up with Pam, Shane, Cathy and the girls. After a few moments of taking pictures, Scott, Melissa, Kayla and Kaitlyn got there. We hanged around the cliffs for awhile, learning how the people lived in the cliffs. It was quite interesting. Pam, Shane, Cathy and the girls wanted to get a early start on heading back to Florida, so with a few more family pictures and some hugs they left while Scott, Melissa, the girls, Mom, Dad, Nathen and I hung around the Museum awhile longer and browsed the gift shop.
The In-laws again
A Ponderosa Pine Tree
My Brother in-law, Scott and his wife, Melisa.
"Live long and prosper"
Left to Right, Back to Front
Dad, Nathen, Me, Scott, Melisa, Kayla, Kaitlyn, Victoria, Pam, Alyssa, Mom, and Cathy
Nathen and me
I am showing of Melisa's ear warmers hehe :P
After we got done touring the Museum we headed back to Colorado Springs for Lunch. We went to a German Restaurant called Edelweiss. They had some decent food there. After eating and talking for awhile, we headed back up to Scott and Melissa's house. We all played a few games of cards before Mom and Dad headed back to the Springs while Nathen and I stayed the night at Scott and Melissa's.
Nathen and Oreo
Friday, May 25th 2007
We got up around 9:00am and got ready to go to the small river that was close to the house. Kayla and I climbed up the small mountain and enjoyed the beautiful view as Scott, Melissa, and Nathen suntanned by the creek. Kaitlyn wasn't feeling well so she slept in the car. Kayla and I sat on the rock talking until Nathen decided to join us. We climbed a litte further up the mountain and enjoyed the view before heading back down.
Nathen and Kayla
Kayla convinced me to go into the river so we headed in, trying to find our way to a rock that we wanted to sit on. Took us a good five minutes to get there, but we made it. Scott was trying to splash us by throwing rocks, but he didn't do to well. After Kayla and I sat on our rock for a bit, we headed our way back to shore and packed up so we could head back to the house to get ready for the Martina McBride concert.
Kayla and me
Our Rock
Kaitlyn
We left the house around 4:30pm and met up with Kayla's friend at the Macaroni Grill from dinner. They had WONDERFUL food, and after we ate we all headed to the World Arena for the concert.
The Concert was AMAZING. We got to see Rodney Adkins right off. We danced and sang as he did a few of his songs, including “Watching You” and “Going through Hell”. It was marvelous.
He's got a cute butt, huh ladies??
We also got to see Little Big Town preform. They were just amazing as well. I can't remember what they all sung though :(
Little Big Town
Then Martina came out. What a beautiful woman, and what a beautiful voice. She sung lots of her songs including “Concrete Angel”, “This One's for the Girls” “I never promised you a Rose Garden” “Independence Day” and many others.
Martina
After the concert we headed for the car. Since we will be leaving tomorrow, we said our final good byes to Erin, for she had to work and couldn't join us for breakfast tomorrow. After we said our goodbyes, we headed back to the hotel to do some packing before we went to bed.
Me and the Twins
Showing off Erin's sunglasses
The Scotty Clan
Saturday, May 26th 2007
Met up with Scott, Melissa, and the girls at Denny's. We ate and chit chatted for awhile before we had to say our goodbyes and head for the airport. It wasn't as bad to say good bye because they will be coming down to see us in six weeks.
The flight from Colorado Springs to Atlanta wasn't that bad. The person I was sitting next to had two cats with him, Oakly and Isis. They were so cute, and made the trip very short
Isis
Oakley
Our flight from Atlanta to Panama City wasn't so delightful.But we made it home safely and I had a wonderful trip. If Nathen and I ever decided to move out of Florida, and we couldn't live in Alaska, Colorado will be our next choice.
:)
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