Below the Border

Below the Border

Lunch with a friend recently revealed that he had never been outside the United States and had little desire to travel. “How different people are,” I thought, as I love to travel and have always made an effort to find my way to an airport. Indeed, travel is not easy—checking in, missing flights, security checks, luggage, seating arrangements, snacks at a cost—it takes effort, but the landing and the arrival are more often than not worth it.

An email arrives announcing a press junket to Cabo. A term not heard much anymore, “press junket” once referred to an opportunity for journalists to interview celebrities for an upcoming film. It could also be an invitation to visit a particular hotel, property, or event. For the record, I have been on many junkets, most notably to Egypt and the Maldives. This particular press trip was to visit a resort located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula—Cabo San Lucas. From Los Angeles, this is a less-than-three-hour flight.

Cabo is known for a few things: a vibrant nightlife, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas (the iconic arch-shaped rock formation located at Land’s End), and as a port of call for large cruise ships. It is a tourist destination, as are Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Tulum, and, most recently, to the north, Holbox.

From the Cabo airport, shuttles are frequent, and it is less than a half-hour drive to the heart of Cabo. The veil lifts as Highway 1 comes into view—here, the Gulf of California meets the Pacific. Connecting San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas is the Tourist Corridor, a 33-kilometer (20-mile) four-lane highway surrounded by stunning views of both the desert and the coastline of the Sea of Cortez. And here we find Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts. This is but one of the three Velas Resorts that all sit next to one another. To the right is the Grand Velas Los Cabos, a luxury all-inclusive resort. A short walk to the left is the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.

Our stay is at Mar Del Cabo, a boutique hotel catering to adults only, with a pet-friendly crowd. All three are designed by Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara. The three hotels could not be more different—Del Cabo exudes old-world charm with lush entryways and a sloping sidewalk to the sea. The Grand Velas Los Cabos has an entrance that is dramatic, stylized, and cinematic.

For this junket, we are joined by fellow travel writers—it is a good group: diverse, informative, and friendly. We are staying at Mar Del Cabo by Velas Resorts, a triptych of hotels, all unique and vastly different. Mar Del Cabo is a boutique hotel—it feels intimate and organic to the region. The hotel, Mar del Cabo, is a stylish adaptation of a classic boutique hotel, designed to captivate and comfort with its unassuming and pleasing minimalism. With 46 one- and two-bedroom suites, two penthouses which have king or two queen-size beds; kitchenettes with a coffee maker and microwave oven; terraces with a sitting area, separate living areas with a sofa, a bathroom-width step-in rain shower, and daily turndown service. The restaurant, Encanto Farm & Sea, showcases the local and fresh flavors of Baja California in a unique seaside chic ambiance less than 50 yards from the ocean’s edge. Two bars, spa services, a sleek and sensual oceanfront pool, as well as outdoor spaces to hold private events, complete Mar del Cabo.

It was our first day on the press trip, and we headed off to Todos Santos with Cabo Adventure with our loquacious driver, Marcello. It is a 47-minute drive north on Highway 19. Marcello informs us that in Todos Santos we will find the Hotel California—the hotel behind the famous Eagles’ song. He alludes to “colitas,” which in Spanish is the flowering bud of the cannabis plant, as proof of the song’s linkage to Mexico.

All of which is conjecture—there is no evidence any of the Eagles ever stayed at this particular hotel, but it is a fun storyline nonetheless. Todos Santos is a magical and mysterious place. There is a large bazaar which belongs to the designer Rouss Ramírez. In the bazaar, you can discover the objects that Rouss has found on her travels through Mexico and around the world.

From there, we head back south towards Cabo and stopped at Cabo Adventures’ Camel Ranch. Here, we are treated to a vision straight out of Lawrence of Arabia—groups of people on dromedaries wearing shemaghs (headscarves). It is here that we learn a single-humped camel is called a dromedary—a camel with two humps is a Bactrian.

Lunch is enjoyed outdoors while in the distance we watch whales play along the Pacific.  Later that night, the entire press group is treated to dinner at Encanto. It is Valentine’s Day, and the atmosphere at the restaurant is festive. Near the sea, with a small stage, a performer is singing love songs in English. It is our last night—the days have swept by. Tomorrow is the short flight back to Los Angeles.

I think of my friend and what is missed by not venturing beyond. I have been visiting Baja since I was a child. As a young teen, I went to the bullfights, and the dog races in Tijuana. I have slept on the beaches below Rosarito, been astonishingly drunk at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, eaten lobster in Puerto Nuevo, and only recently, in the briefest of windows, come to Cabo on a “tender boat” from a large cruise ship and swam in the moody waters. For Californians, Mexico and Baja, in particular, hold a certain allure—proximity, cost, food, people, weather, and a coastline that rivals Italy. It is part desert, mountainous and almost always close to the ocean—  A striking combination of cactus and palm trees that invite the traveller to experience the lower California known as Baja.

: The “famed” Hotel California in Todos Santos.

The locks—legend has it that if you write your names on the locks and leave them here at the

Bésame Mucho Bazaar, you will be together forever. Surreal artwork on display. The man who sweeps the Bazaar. Our guide, Marcello, gives us the heads up that its time to leave.

 

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Catalina Island Welcomes New Educational Attraction: IMMERSED Ocean Wonders

Catalina Island Welcomes New Educational Attraction: IMMERSED Ocean Wonders

Immersive Education LLC Teams with Red Dot Digital Media to Create Immersive Viewing Experience in New Domed Theater on Catalina Island

If you didn’t know, there’s a small oasis off the California coast that makes for great weekends and day trips – Catalina Island. And every visitor to the island should be able to tell you that at the heart of it is a strong effort to highlight the environmental and ecological history, dangers, and fights that still go on today. Over the years, the island has faced and been subjected to whispers, rumors, and news of outlandish belief, such as the idea of opening an amusement park on it someday. Conservationists have done their best to educate and protect the largely undeveloped island and its surrounding waters, but a new installment could help pass the message along even further for not just Catalina Island, but the world.

Credit: Red Dot Digital Media

Spheres are all the rage these days, and Catalina Island just got its very own tiny and environmentally friendly sphere, with Red Dot Digital Media helping to bring it to life! The prominent specialist integrator within the digital signage sector, was commissioned by acclaimed underwater filmmaker Mark Davidson to provide a simple-to-operate media playback system for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, his innovative tourist attraction unveiled on Catalina Island. Mark not only filmed and produced the movie, but also designed and built the very dome that visitors gather in for their virtual dive. Nestled just 22 miles off Southern California’s coastline, Catalina Island serves as a favored day-trip and overnight destination, easily accessible via a swift one-hour high-speed ferry journey from the Los Angeles area.

Credit: Red Dot Digital Media

IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders offers a distinctive cinematic voyage, transporting visitors on a 30-minute virtual “dive” across the globe’s oceans. Spectators embark on a journey through Catalina’s verdant kelp forests, encountering a diverse array of marine life, including majestic whale sharks, soaring oceanic manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, captivating bait balls, playful dolphins and sea lions, and even the rare dugong. Entirely filmed underwater in full 360-degree 8K resolution, the immersive experience projects footage onto a domed screen enveloping the audience, synchronized with contemporary music and informative narration for a truly captivating encounter.

Beyond providing educational entertainment, the theater’s operations contribute vital financial support to local ocean conservation initiatives. Immersive Education pledges to allocate 10 percent of the theater’s annual profits to the Marine Mammal Care Center, a regional nonprofit dedicated to responding to distressed seals and sea lions in Catalina’s waters.

Credit: Red Dot Digital Media

Mark Davidson, Founder & CEO of Immersive Education, expressed, “Our hope is that IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders will deepen visitors’ connection to our world’s oceans by giving them an underwater view that people rarely see, and by reinvesting a portion of our profits back into the local nonprofit community, we’re taking a tangible step to preserve this underwater beauty by protecting the animals that call these waters home.”

For the execution of the AV system powering IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders, Immersive Education enlisted the expertise of Red Dot Digital Media. Red Dot devised an interactive touch panel interface to manage movie playback and control, integrating a Bluefin touch panel with BrightSign Built-In technology employing UDP commands to trigger content through BrightSign’s BSN.Cloud player management platform. This user-friendly touch interface empowers staff with minimal technical training to initiate, pause, and resume movies on demand, or schedule predetermined screenings effortlessly.

“Given the remote location of the theater, it was essential to create a control system that is both easy to use and extremely reliable,” said Darryl Kuder, President, Red Dot Digital Media. “Using a Bluefin touch screen with BrightSign Built-In, we created a cost-effective, dead-simple operational workflow whereby daily staffers power up the projector and speakers, and with a single tap of the touchscreen they start the first show of the day. At closing time they simply power down the projector and speakers and lock-up.”

The design and construction of the theater were accomplished by domed projection specialists at Lumen & Forge in Las Vegas, completed on-site within a swift eight-day timeframe. The venue features a 576-square-foot wooden deck as its foundation, supporting a circular wood frame enveloped in all-weather vinyl adorned with underwater artwork from Catalina’s renowned Casino Point. Showtimes for IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders are available throughout the day, five days a week, with tickets and additional details accessible at https://akuario360.com/immersed/.

For further insights into Red Dot’s comprehensive array of content management and specialty integrator services, interested individuals can visit www.reddotdm.com.

About Red Dot Digital Media

Established in 2007, Red Dot Digital Media is a leading digital signage specialty integrator focused on global digital signage deployments, content design, programming and CMS integration. As a BrightSign Top 10 Global Preferred Partner, Red Dot has grown to become one of the top digital signage companies in the country and, in 2014, created a global team to support its international projects. For more information, visit www.reddotdm.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Immersive Education LLC

“Immersive Education LLC’s mission is to create immersive exhibits that generate wonder, spark curiosity, and instill a commitment to ocean conservation using cutting edge 360 degree filming technology.  Our goal is not to bombard audiences with facts about what they are seeing, but to let them experience these magical moments in the same way that we did while filming them.  Falling in love with the oceans is the first step to protecting our oceans.”

Credit: Red Dot Digital Media

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Evolving Destinations For The Art Enthusiast: Culver City

Evolving Destinations For The Art Enthusiast: Culver City

It stirs and soothes hearts, minds, souls, and bodies across the world, all while taking on a variety of forms: silent, loud, simple, complex, bold, or abstract. In some cases, doing all of the above, all at once. That ever-changing thing that traverses mediums is art, and it is all around us.

As art aficionados continue to make their pilgrimages to the iconic art meccas in a post-COVID world, Paris, Italy, Tokyo, Jakarta, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have seen renewed popularity. But for those seeking the burgeoning art scenes and creative hubs where it’s still easy to spend a day popping in and out of galleries and curated local shops, a Los Angeles community known as Culver City has them all beat.

If you caught our coverage of The Shay Hotel last year, then it may come as no surprise that Culver City continues to deliver with its incredible support of small businesses and local artists.The Culver City Arts District encompasses a rich community of over thirty art galleries within its small footprint that showcase a wide variety of fine art, contemporary art, sculpture, pop, graphic, and street art. All the while, The Shay continues to be a lighthouse for wonderers far and wide in 2024 – remaining the best place to stay for those exploring and discovering art in Culver City.

Opened in October 2021, the young hotel has quickly become a mainstay that boasts the only rooftop pool in Culver City along with prime location at the helm of the incredibly walkable Culver City Arts District. On top of that, The Shay offers travelers and locals easy access to an enticing blend of posh accommodations, eclectic shopping experiences, and a dining scene that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

With prominent galleries like Blum (formerly Blum & Poe), Anat Egbi, Thinkspace and Sixty29 Contemporary, and the promising new openings of FP Contemporary, Reisig and Taylor Contemporary and CadFab Creative Gallery, Culver City is becoming a focal point for contemporary art. Along with specialty boutiques, hyper local design retailers and a thriving gastronomic culture, the dynamic neighborhood buzzes with creative energy from architecture enterprises, advertising agencies and culinary arts campuses, interior design showrooms and some of the world’s leading entertainment production studios – like Amazon, HBO Max and Apple TV.

The Shay is only steps away from these globally inspired art galleries and museums, and reflects the neighborhood’s artistic buzz by lining its walls with collections from local artists and hosting monthly pop-up shops from small businesses. In the true heart of Los Angeles, The Shay in Culver City is centrally located between Santa Monica, Downtown LA, Hollywood/West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and offers accessibility to all of the artistic corners of Los Angeles County. See some of the highlights below for just a few attractions sure to complement your own stay at The Shay.

Whether you’re a traveler looking for a memorable vacation, a shopper in search of unique finds, a food enthusiast ready to embark on a culinary journey, or an art aficionado looking for your next piece, The Shay and Culver City are all-encompassing destinations that cater to your every desire.

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Perfect Companions for Anaheim’s Best Experiences: The Viv Hotel & Top of the V

Perfect Companions for Anaheim’s Best Experiences: The Viv Hotel & Top of the V

Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford

The best experiences are always a perfect combination of things that come together to make the end result that much sweeter – whether those combinations are duos, trifectas, or more. Combinations that may come to mind may include your favorite sandwich or a roadtrip with your favorite playlist – but think bigger!

It All Comes Together

Anaheim is a city that thrives on companionship – from the nearby Disneyland and California Adventure, to the famed Angel Stadium and Anaheim Packing District – and these experiences are only that much better with your own companions by your side. Yet, there’s another stellar pair offering some of the region’s best experiences, and they’re practically right in the middle of all the surrounding highlights that make Anaheim a key travel destination.

The Viv Hotel and its Top of The V restaurant at its crown fill a space that may have gone unnoticed, but they’re daring anyone brave enough to leave what they already know and try something new. With spacious suites, stunning views, luxurious cuisine, theme park accessibility, and resort-style amenities, this duo even makes vacations that skip out on Disney worthwhile. The Viv Hotel invited SoCal Magazine to stay in one of their top-tier corner suites on the 11th floor for a weekend of immersion, where we explored, ate, admired, and spoke with some of their team members to find out what made it such a great new staple in the Anaheim community.

The Viv Hotel is young, having only opened in 2020, but it is no doubt making a strong name for itself as a AAA Four Diamond Hotel that is worth staying at, rather than the close-knit bubble of expectations nearer to the amusement parks. At approximately 1½ to 2 miles in proximity from Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and Anaheim Packing District, The Viv is central to some of the hottest attractions in the area, while also being a walkable-friendly distance. Just from the rooftop alone, we were able to spot most of these landmarks. If walking to Disneyland Resort is too much, shuttles will do the trick as Anaheim Resort Transportation offers pick-up and drop-off directly outside of The Viv’s main lobby. Shuttle costs are also low, with all-day passes for $6 for adults and $2.50 for children 3-9 years old.

The Viv clocks in at 326 rooms total, and features modern, artful, and stylish features throughout the property. Of those 326 rooms, 40 are connected rooms and more than 150 of them have bunkbeds and 2 Queen beds, allowing up to 6 people a comfortable stay. In addition, cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, and children 12 and younger stay free in the same room as an adult. Best in class and savings! Standing at 12 stories, it’s only fitting that the rooms have spectacular views, but some of those rooms also have the added specialty of sunsets, mountains, and Disneyland Resort. Room 1100, a corner suite featured its own living room quarters with a fold-out sofa bed, and views from two sides of the building, making it the ideal suite for soaking in the best of resort living.

As one would expect, the hotel’s amenities and features are state-of-the-art, with high-speed wi-fi, a 24/7 fitness center, soothe spa, and 2 heated swimming pools. The rooftop pool (12th floor) is adults-only, and open from 9 am to 10 pm – combining stunning views with sophistication and elegance. Alternatively, the 1st floor pool is family friendly, and includes a splash pad for all the water works. In addition, Melody’s Market is a 24 hour-access hub for all guest needs – from food to toiletries and souvenirs. Guests can expect a fully-equipped gym to keep all fitness needs in check, and in-room spa service for those seeking recovery and relaxation after a long day of walking at Disneyland Resort. And when laundry needs call, Guest Laundry is available on the 11th floor at just $2 per load, with laundry supplies available at Melody’s Marketplace.

The additional meeting and event spaces mean that versatility is a highlight, as conferences, seminars, and other special events are all possible, while two private rooms, a full restaurant, and outdoor space can be reserved for special events. Furthermore, the California Board Room accommodates up to 35 guests for meetings and 80 guests for receptions.

Finally, if guests are hungry or craving libations, they can look to a couple of on-site attractions for dining and drinks: Valencia’s at the Viv on the first floor, or Top of the V. Valencia’s features American “SoCal fresh” cuisine with seasonally inspired menu options, sure to please everyone. This casual restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and flows outside to the pool deck where guests can also dine from the comfort of a chaise lounge or cabana.

A Night Above at Top of The V

And then there’s Top of the V. This upscale, Spanish-inspired experience takes sophistication to a new level with its offerings, and feels pleasantly authentic when dining and taking in the views that guests fall in love with during their stay. Top of the V is graced by the direction of Southern California’s very own, Executive Chef Nate McCoy, who has been deeply involved over the last 4 years and has over 13 years of experience. Chef McCoy has worked with renowned chefs, including Top Chef winners Michael Voltaggio of Ink and Mei Lin, owner of Daybird, as well as Michelin-star Chefs Tony Esnault, owner of Knife Pleat, and Jacob Kear, owner of LURRA in Kyoto, Japan.

His background speaks for itself, as each dish radiates with pristine execution, presentation, and flavor as expected. The menu items we had the pleasure of tasting included:

  • Jamón Serrano Croquetas
  • Salchichón
  • Pan Cristal
  • Autumn Squash
  • Galician Beef Striploin
  • and Rack of Lamb

Fresh herbs, spices, and oils dance upon the stars of Top of the V’s menu in what are mix-and-matchable, dazzling, shareable plates. The waiters are knowledgeable and can recommend the best for every desired taste or texture, while the bar’s lead mixologist, Kevin Vidal, can recommend the best pairings based on meals and any particular palates. Kevin’s year’s long history and experience traversing the world of mixology have earned him the incredible ability to turn his love for the craft into a one-of-a-kind art form that complements meals at Top of the V, and the overall experience at The Viv Hotel.

From cocktails to wines, and mocktails to beers, Kevin can speak fluently and passionately about every offering, all while crafting with charm and a smile  that speaks volumes about his knowledge in mixology. Top of the V’s drink’s are inspire day Kevin and his team. The arguable star (that also happens to be Kevin’s favorite drink) of the menu, “La Ultima,” means guests have a show on the schedule. Arriving in a smoke-filled chamber, “La Ultima” makes a dramatic reveal with the help of its cocktail chemist, proving that everything is not always what it appears to be, but much more. Simple, yet complex, “La Ultima” is a favorite amongst guests who are dazzled by the sights, tastes, and sounds that can only be found at Top of the V.

From the very moment of arrival at the lobby of The Viv Hotel, to the last sip of “La Ultima” at the Top of the V restaurant, this pairing makes the tough decision to breakaway from the Disneyland Resort bubble a safe one. The Viv offers resort-style living with features and amenities that are a perfect fit for families, while also appealing to the sophistication of adults without children. Standing tall in its own lane, The Viv is central to the most popular attractions in Anaheim, with easy freeway access, time-saving shuttles to Disneyland Resort, and state-of-the-art, modern resort style living. The Viv, paired with its crown – Top of The V – creates an alluring and respectable duo that combines the very best of what only Southern California can offer. From views of glimmering sunsets and city lights to local attractions and majestic mountain sights, Anaheim has sprouted a new companionship that makes it difficult to leave and explore the areas surrounding it due to their AAA Diamond offering.

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Coastal Living Meets Urban Luxury At The Park Santa Monica

Coastal Living Meets Urban Luxury At The Park Santa Monica

A Glimpse into the Artful Harmony of Lifestyle and Sustainability

Nestled at the corner of 5th and Broadway, The Park Santa Monica offers a luxury apartment lifestyle that is nothing short of extraordinary. With 50,000 square feet of meticulously planned ground-level retail, The Park Santa Monica is a shopping enthusiast’s paradise. From Trader Joe’s to Kindbody, and the upcoming Barry’s Bootcamp, all potential needs are met just steps away from home. Situated in Santa Monica’s most coveted location, just a stone’s throw from the beach and within walking distance of Los Angeles’ finest shopping, retail, and dining establishments, it encapsulates everything we love about LA.

As you step into The Park Santa Monica, you are immediately welcomed by a commitment to sustainability that is nothing short of remarkable. The Park proudly boast LEED Platinum certification, setting new standards for eco-friendly living in Los Angeles. Solar and hot water panels power the building’s common areas, reducing its carbon footprint to help ensure a greener tomorrow. And with this sustainability comes incredible convenience. While the rooftop(s) and it’s 360 degree views are easily the star of this fine living establishment, there are so many other blinding sparks that add to the overall stunning impression that The Park Santa Monica leaves visitors with.

The Park Santa Monica is designed to elevate the everyday life to a new level of convenience and luxury, as valet parking welcomes residents home, while a dedicated butler service ensures packages are delivered right to their doorsteps. With a fully-integrated resident app, managing the living experience has never been easier. Residents are able to stay connected with a mesh wi-fi network that blankets the entire property, keeping them seamlessly connected.

One of the most impressive comfort features is a hallmark of The Park Santa Monica: solar shades and movable screens give you control over natural light and privacy, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion. The presence of a Hospitality Ambassador and concierge services also help to ensure that every need is met, while effortless programming brings the very best of Santa Monica right to each doorstep.

Even more impressive, four-legged friends are more than welcome at The Park Santa Monica, where pet-friendly apartments and a shaded on-site dog park provide a haven for furry companions.

A World of Amenities, A Haven of Wellness

The Park Santa Monica goes beyond expectations, offering an array of amenities that enrich life, from laundry and dry-cleaning services, to surfboard rentals and storage. The Park even goes so far as to offer beach cruiser bike rentals, secure bike storage, pet care and grooming, car wash and detailing, and electric scooters with charging stations!

But amenities and features are just nice things without soul so long as character is missing. Art lovers will be enchanted by the presence of public art gracing the entrance, as well as custom murals and sculptures by local artists adorning common areas and the rooftop. Take advantage of the house art concierge program to personalize each living space with artistic flair.

The Park Santa Monica places a strong emphasis on its resident’s well-being, as shown in the bi-level wellness-focused Residence Club offers a spa with a Himalayan Salt sauna and steam room, heated loungers, massage and meditation rooms. Residents can stay active with comprehensive fitness programming, including yoga, group classes, and personal training sessions. The 24-hour fitness and strength center boasts Woodway and Peloton cardio equipment, and when you need to focus, the library and co-working cafe offer a serene escape.

At The Park Santa Monica, living is an artful experience where residents can discover the perfect fusion of sustainability, convenience, and luxury, all in the heart of Santa Monica’s most desirable location. This is where dreams of coastal living become a captivating reality.

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Ask the Experts:Travel

Ask the Experts:Travel

If you’re travelling with a budget in mind, KAYAK offers a great service: find locations for travel based on location and price worldwide. Here’s how it works: Go to the flight section, under “anywhere” click and you wil find explore your options with anywhere search. Click on any price and it will give you the current price AND a forward look at upcoming prices. Deal of the day would appear to be Kahului, Hawaii. Also known as Maui, a roundtrip today would coast $338, roundtrip. If you like adventure and can afford it, you might take an expensive flight to Tolinaro in Madagascar for $3343.

https://www.kayak.com/

 
 
 
 

Meet Zuke Oshiro

Zuke Oshiro was born in raised in Hokkaido, the north island of Japan, and moved to Los Angeles in 1999. While he had his own educational agency business, Zuke has continuously traveled around world, and writes for numerious publications and journals.
info@socalmag.com

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