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Apple’s Maryland store workers vote to authorize strike

APPLE.COM

WORKERS at Apple’s store in Towson, Maryland, have voted in favor of authorizing a strike, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (AIM) said in a statement late on Saturday.

The date for work stoppage has yet to be decided, according to the union, which represents Apple’s retail store workers in Maryland.

“The issues at the forefront of this action include concerns over work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices disrupting personal lives, and wages failing to align with the area’s cost of living,” IAM said in the statement.

“We will engage with the union representing our team in Towson respectfully and in good faith,” an Apple spokeswoman said.

In June 2022, Apple workers at Maryland voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, becoming the first retail employees of the tech giant to unionize in the United States.

Meanwhile, workers at Apple’s store in Short Hills, New Jersey, voted against unionizing, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday.

Communications Workers of America (CWA), which filed complaints with the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) alleging illegal union-busting by Apple at the New Jersey store and others, blamed the defeat on the company’s behavior, the report said.

Apple retail staff at its New Jersey store had filed for union representation with Communications Workers of America on April 8, according to John Nagy, who is the operations lead at the Short Hills store and a member of the organizing committee

Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the vote against unionization. CWA and the NLRB did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the Bloomberg report on the New Jersey workers’ vote. — Reuters

Death toll from floods in Brazil’s south climbs to 136

RIO DE JANEIRO — The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has climbed to 136, the local civil defense government body said on Saturday, up from 126 in the previous day, while another 125 people remain unaccounted for.

Storms and floods battering the South American country’s southernmost state have also left around 537,000 displaced, according to the local civil defense body, a significant increase over the 340,000 reported a day earlier.

About 446 urban centers have been impacted, affecting the lives of more than 2.1 million people in a state whose population is about 10.9 million.

Weather forecaster Metsul has reported that after a short respite, rains coming down over the state on Friday have begun to fill rivers in what it called a “worrying” situation.

“Accumulated precipitation is occurring in the worst possible region given the current flood scenario, along the basins and in the sources of the main rivers that are still full,” said the meteorological service in a public statement.

The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains or drought.

Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change. — Reuters

Germany’s Scholz says Ukrainians with work in Germany can stay

FRANKFURT — Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday that Ukrainians with a residence permit and work in Germany can stay even as Ukraine seeks to recruit nationals living abroad to serve in the war against Russia. The Ukrainian government last month approved rules temporarily barring military-age men from applying for passports abroad, further tightening regulations as it seeks to address a shortage of troops to counter Russia’s attacks.

“The legal situation is such that residency here is not called into question by this,” said Mr. Scholz, speaking at a webcast event by the RND group of newspapers.

“Being in employment leads to security of residence,” he said, adding that Germany wanted to encourage Ukrainians in the country to work. — Reuters

South Korea prepares support worth over $7B for chip industry

CHRIS RIED-UNSPLASH

SEOUL — South Korea is readying plans for a support package for chip investments and research worth more than 10 trillion won ($7.30 billion), the finance minister said on Sunday, after setting its sights on winning a “war” in the semiconductor industry.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said the government would soon announce details of the package, which targets chip materials, equipment makers, and fabless companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain.

The program could include offers of policy loans and the setting-up of a new fund financed by state and private financial institutions, Mr. Choi told executives of domestic chip equipment makers at a meeting, the finance ministry said in a statement.

South Korea is also building a mega chip cluster in Yongin, south of its capital, Seoul, which it touts as the world’s largest such high-tech complex.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to pour all possible resources into winning the “war” in chips, promising tax benefits for investments. — Reuters

Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring propels economic empowerment for Filipino MSMEs

Amid fluctuating economic conditions faced by Filipinos, Puregold continues to fortify the foundation of local communities — sari-sari stores and food establishments. Recognizing these entrepreneurs as pivotal to the Philippine economy, Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring program offers comprehensive benefits tailored to bolster resilience and support the growth of the micro, small, and medium business enterprises sector.

“We have seen record-setting volumes, thanks to more small business owners signing up for Tindahan ni Aling Puring,” said Ferdinand Vincent P. Co, president of Puregold. Members attribute this to Puregold’s offerings, including the convenience of a one-stop shop for all their business needs, the reliability of product quality, convenient locations, and competitive pricing.

With nearly one million members, the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program is the cornerstone of Puregold. One way that Puregold gives back to its members is through the annual Negosyo Convention, scheduled for May 16-18, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This year’s theme, “Asenso Tayo,” underscores Puregold’s commitment to boosting the profitability and long-term viability of Filipino sari-sari stores and other small businesses.

“Behind nearly every sari-sari store in the Philippines is Puregold. We are honored to be their ally in their journey to success and financial independence,” said Mr. Co.

Puregold reiterates that its core mission will continue to benefit sari-sari stores and other businesses. Through strategic initiatives and robust support systems, Puregold pledges to remain a steadfast partner in the growth and success of Filipino entrepreneurs across the nation.

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Mother’s Day gift ideas: Upgrading your mom’s garden with outdoor furniture

Nurturing, caring, and loving are words we associate with our mom, mama, mommy, or nanay. Our mother’s unconditional love has always been our anchor in life, and we thrive thanks to their fostering heart and unwavering support. So, this Mother’s Day, let us give back to our mothers by supporting their hobbies, such as gardening. Why don’t you surprise her by transforming her garden into a stylish and cozy hideaway where she can relax and have fun with loved ones? Build a garden where furniture and plants collide in a way that nourishes her soul and brings her closer to nature.

Wilcon Depot offers a wide range of outdoor products to create a space of comfort and relaxation for her backyard. Elevate her outdoor space and make it more inviting. Spruce up your mother’s outdoor experience to new heights with our variety of outdoor furniture, lighting, and tiles, designed to make her outdoor space more inviting and enjoyable, just as she deserves.

Give your mother the gift of simple comfort with the Heim Patio Outdoor Dining Set. Made with durable PE rattan, this set is designed to withstand the changing weather, providing your mother with a peace of mind and minimal maintenance. Whether she is sipping coffee over chat with you, relishing in her solitude, or hosting an evening outdoor gathering with loved ones, this set will be her perfect companion, offering a nature-inspired look that enhances the beauty of her backyard.

Don’t let the heat of the sun dampen your mother’s outdoor enjoyment, especially this summer. The Heim Steel Banana Umbrella is a practical solution, providing a cool shade for her to lounge in. Its sturdy design and classic green color will not only protect her from the sun but also complement her garden’s look.

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t have to end. There are many outdoor lights to choose from with Alphalux. Illuminate her space aptly with the Alphalux Led Flood Light, an eco-friendly choice that mimics the bright color of sunlight and saves 70% less electricity. For a stylish touch, choose the Alphalux Post Lamp,  built from lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable aluminum material. These versatile lights are designed to enhance the outdoor experience, no matter the occasion.

Complete your mother’s outdoor area with a pathway that reflects her garden’s personality. If she prefers minimalist designs and simplicity, the Saigres Criscross Tile is the perfect choice. This ceramic tile adds a chic touch to her garden with its beautiful gray and white cross patterns, reminiscent of stones. However, if maximalism and colorful flowers are the focal point of her garden, get the Saigres Doily Stone Outdoor Tile for a vibrant pathway that will create a pathway that perfectly complements her outdoor space.

Let your mother’s personality shine with these stylish additions to her outdoor space. Remind her that between her busy schedule, she should allow herself to bask in the sun occasionally and be one with the earth. Explore endless quality choices through Wilcon Depot’s products and check out these outdoor essentials that will make a difference in her sanctuary.

Bonus Tip: Essential Items for a Healthy Garden

Potted Beauties

First, start by picking the perfect home for your mom’s botanical beauties: plant pots. Heim Home Essentials offers various rubber plant pots in different sizes and colors. If she owns bigger plants sitting outside to get all their nourishment, get her the Heim Rubber Plant Pot, which offers a deep interior and is perfect for plants that grow large. For plants she puts as decorations, get the Heim Ceramic Plant Pot carved with a gorgeous pattern and a glossy finish. She wouldn’t want this to get muddy, and it will surely make her plants look prettier. There are many pots in different finishes and materials to choose from, but what matters is where her plants will be most comfortable.

Hydrated Greens

There are two things a garden can’t live without: sunlight and water. Watering cans are optional for smaller plants, but to effectively help her water the lawn, she should use a Metal Head Impulse Sprinkler. It has an adjustable spray pattern and customizable spray from a powerful blast to a gentle mist. Another option is the Truper 3-Ply Garden Hose, which is easier to install and paired with the Spray Nozzle to maximize and control the water flow. These water mechanisms ensure her garden will get enough water, and she will have a thriving green haven with time!

Tending Essentials

Gift her gardening tools that will make her tasks more manageable. P.Tech Rake can help her whisk away leaves and debris falling, and to level soil and cover newly planted seeds. With its sturdy yet thin handle, storing this rake wouldn’t be a problem. The Truper Trowel is a small yet handy tool to dig holes and remove pestering weeds. Trim plants growing out of control with the Gilmour Grass Shear. With its vertical blade design, this can also cut the grass that mowers can’t reach and give an efficient slice-cut action every time.

For a mom, tending to a garden and caring for her family is quite similar. With enough love and attention, plants and children can grow into something she can be proud of. Gardening is a beautiful way for moms to find pleasure in nurturing plants and enjoying the outdoors. Converting her garden into a scenic and comfortable retreat where she can unwind to care for her mind and soul is the best gift you can give her on this special day. When you combine gorgeous furniture and her healthy plants, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful results she can achieve!

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact the Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

 

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Treat Yourself 2024: Welcome to the self-care movement

As SM Supermarket and Savemore Market’s Treat Yourself enters its 4th year, it continues to redefine shopping experiences as more than just an event; it’s a movement advocating self-care and indulgence, fostering a culture of fun and wellness. For until the end of May, shoppers are invited to embark on a journey of joy, relaxation, and delight at their branches nationwide.

A Celebration of Self-Care

The Treat Yourself campaign offers an array of deals and offers across food, beauty, and health segments. Moreover, SM Advantage Card (SMAC) members can expect member-only deals, enticing bundles, freebies, and substantial discounts.

Supported by leading grocery brands such as Coca Cola, KitKat, Milo, Bear Brand, Chuckie, Colgate, Head and Shoulders, Dove Hair, Dove Body, and many more, Treat Yourself promises an enriching shopping experience with event-exclusive offers.

Pillar ambassadors are at the forefront of spreading the self-care movement during the Treat Yourself campaign. In the food category, we have professional chef Gerick Manalo and food enthusiast Bayaw Mike. For beauty, actress-vlogger Bea Borres and model Racy Oliva take the lead. In health, wellness advocates Dan and Danica will share tips for a balanced lifestyle. Together, they’re here to inspire and guide everyone to prioritize self-care.

Delightful Experiences Await

From skincare to wellness products and delectable treats, shoppers can immerse themselves in exclusive promotions both in-store and online at smmarkets.ph. The excitement extends beyond discounts with captivating activities and experiences at SM Supermarket and Savemore Market.

From May 3 to June 7, patrons can enjoy up to P40 off in all stores, along with exclusive offers at select branches. With enticing incentives such as up to 50 extra points, 5+1 promo bundles, and complimentary items in every pack, Treat Yourself ensures a delightful shopping experience.

Moreoever, exclusive to the Treat Yourself expo branches at SM Supermarket San Lazaro on May 3-5 and at SM Supermarket Dasmariñas on May 24-26, the first 50 shoppers will receive a free Treat Bag. Each bag is filled with self-care goodies worth over P1,000, and it’s all yours with a minimum purchase of P2,000 inclusive of any Treat Yourself items.

For those seeking even greater rewards, every purchase of P500 worth of Treat Yourself items during the aforementioned dates and locations, shoppers stand a chance to win an exhilarating P10,000 grocery shopping spree.

The excitement extends online as well, where shoppers can shop at smmarkets.ph from May 1-15 and get FREE Coles Malted Milk Biscuits with a minimum spend of P3,000 inclusive of any participating Treat Yourself items.

As we indulge in the Treat Yourself experience, let this celebration remind you that every day is a chance to prioritize your well-being, embrace self-care, and to love yourself.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Pope urges governments to tackle demographic crisis

MAZUR/CATHOLICNEWS.ORG.UK

ROME – Governments have to implement “serious and effective” policies in favor of families to tackle the issues of falling birth rates and aging populations, Pope Francis said on Friday, urging young people to have confidence in the future.

Speaking at a conference on the growing demographic crisis, Pope Francis said the number of births was the first indicator of “a people’s hope”, and Europe was increasingly turning into “an old, tired and resigned” continent.

“Effective policies are urgently needed, courageous, concrete and long-term choices … There is a need for greater commitment from all governments so that the young generations are put in a position to realize their legitimate dreams,” the Pope said.

Europe’s fertility rate has been stuck around 1.5 births per woman for the past decade. That is above the lows seen in East Asia, but far short of the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels.

“There is a fact that a demographics scholar told me. Right now the investments that give the most revenue are the arms factories and contraceptives. One destroys life, the other prevents life … What future do we have? It is ugly,” he said.

In Italy, births dropped to a record low in 2023, the 15th consecutive annual decline, national statistics institute ISTAT said in March. Successive governments have so far been unable to reverse the trend, despite repeated pledges.

“Homes are filled with objects and emptied of children, becoming very sad places. There is no shortage of little dogs, cats. These are not lacking. There is a lack of children,” the Pope said.

The Pope said policies should enable mothers not to have to choose between work and childcare, and give young couples a stable job and the possibility to buy an house.

“I know that for many of you the future may seem unsettling, and that amidst declining birth rate, wars, pandemics and climate change it is not easy to keep hope alive. But do not give up, have faith,” the Pope said, referring to young people. – Reuters

UK exits recession with fastest growth in nearly three years

SABRINA MAZZEO-UNSPLASH

LONDON – Britain’s economy grew by the most in nearly in three years in the first quarter of 2024, ending the shallow recession it entered in the second half of last year and delivering a boost to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ahead of an election.

The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product expanded by 0.6% in the three months to March, the strongest growth since the fourth quarter of 2021 when it rose by 1.5%.

The first-quarter growth exceeded all forecasts in a Reuters poll of 39 economists which had pointed to a 0.4% expansion of gross domestic product in the January-to-March period, after GDP shrank by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023.

Friday’s data was welcomed by Sunak who said the economy had “turned a corner”, although the opposition Labor Party, which has a large lead in opinion polls, accused Mr. Sunak and finance minister Jeremy Hunt of being out of touch.

“There is no doubt it has been a difficult few years, but today’s growth figures are proof that the economy is returning to full health for the first time since the pandemic,” Hunt said.

But the opposition Labor Party rejected those claims.

“This is no time for Conservative ministers to be doing a victory lap and telling the British people that they have never had it so good,” said Labor’s Rachel Reeves, who hopes to succeed Hunt as finance minister.

The Bank of England, which held interest rates at a 16-year high on Thursday, forecast quarterly growth of 0.4% for the first quarter of this year and a smaller 0.2% rise for the second quarter.

Sterling strengthened against the US dollar after Friday’s ONS figures were released.

 

TURNING A CORNER?

On a monthly basis, the economy grew by 0.4% in March, faster than the 0.1% growth forecast by economists in a Reuters poll, reflecting strength in retail, public transport, haulage and health – partly due to fewer public-sector strikes.

Car manufacturing also performed well, offset by continued weakness in construction, the ONS said.

Friday’s data also showed that GDP in March was 0.7% higher than a year earlier, and above all economists’ expectations of a 0.3% rise.

However, Britain has still had one of the slowest recoveries from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

At the end of the first quarter of 2024, the country’s economy was just 1.7% bigger than its level in late 2019, before the pandemic, with only Germany among the G7 faring worse.

“Despite the better near-term outlook, the improvement in GDP growth looks likely to be constrained by the ongoing weakness in productivity growth as well as reduced scope to increase employment levels,” Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, said.

GDP per head rose for the first time in two years in the first quarter, up 0.4%, but was 0.7% lower than a year earlier, highlighting the ongoing squeeze on living standards and Britain’s struggle to boost productivity.

“In per capita terms, it could be said that UK households have seen little meaningful improvement in living standards in the last two years,” Gora Suri, economist at PwC, said. – Reuters

Australian regulator says Musk’s X should not set limits of internet law

TWITTER.COM/ELONMUSK

SYDNEY – Elon Musk’s X has policies to take down harmful content when it chooses but should not be allowed to overrule Australian law in deciding what can be viewed there, a lawyer for the cyber regulator told a hearing into video of a bishop being stabbed.

X, formerly Twitter, is fighting an order by the eSafety Commissioner to remove 65 posts showing video of an Assyrian Christian bishop being knifed mid-sermon in Sydney last month, in what authorities called a terrorist attack.

“X says … global removal is reasonable when X does it, because X wants to do it, but it becomes unreasonable when X is told to do it by the laws of Australia,” Tim Begbie, the lawyer, told a hearing of the Federal Court, Australia’s second-highest.

Other platforms, such as Meta, took down the content quickly when asked, he said, adding that X had policies to remove very harmful content, as responsible services did.

But X’s opposition to global removal could not be right as it would determine the definition of “reasonable” within the terms of Australia’s Online Safety Act, he added.

The company Musk bought in 2022, with a declared mission to save free speech, says it has blocked Australia from seeing the posts but refuses to remove them globally on the grounds that one country’s rules should not control the internet.

Mr. Begbie said the dispute was not a debate about free speech but rather about the practicality of the Australian law that gives the regulator power to protect citizens from the most objectionable content.

Geo-blocking Australians, the solution X offered, was ineffective because a quarter of the population used virtual private networks that disguise their locations, he added.

“Global removal in these circumstances is a reasonable step,” he said. “It would achieve what parliament intended, which is no accessibility to end users in Australia.”

X’s lawyer, Bret Walker, said Australian laws left it open to interpretation what amounted to reasonable steps to protect the country from offensive content but the Musk-owned company had gone to reasonable lengths.

“The idea that it’s better for the whole world not to see this obviously newsworthy matter, presumably to form their own views, and to consider the views of others … is in our submission a startling one,” he told the court.

“There should be much more than a ripple of apprehension that this country would take the approach that if this is the only way we can control what’s available to end users in Australia, then it’s a reasonable step to deny it to everybody on earth.”

While the matter has been in court, Federal Court Judge Geoffrey Kennett has issued a temporary takedown order of the posts. On Friday he extended the temporary order to June 10 when he will give a final decision. – Reuters

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila to cease operations in July

SOFITELMANILA.COM

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila will cease operations starting July 1, according to the hospitality group Accor.

“The hotel has announced that it will close and cease operations starting July 1, 2024,” Accor told BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Friday.

“This decision comes as part of our ongoing commitment to providing our guests and colleagues with the best possible experience,” it added.

The hotel said it will honor engagements and reservations until the end of June and close its doors.

“We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support and patronage of our stakeholders, employees, and guests who have been instrumental in this long journey,” it said.

The hotel was built in 1973 and opened in 1976.

In 1980, Sofitel was purchased by Accor and joined the group’s hotel brands Novotel, Mercure, and Ibis. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Philippines calls for Chinese diplomats to be expelled for disinformation

PHILIPPINE STAR/GEREMY PINTOLO

MANILA – The Philippines’ national security adviser called on Friday for Chinese diplomats to be expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral in a significant escalation of a bitter row over the South China Sea.

China’s embassy in Manila had orchestrated “repeated acts of engaging and dissemination of disinformation, misinformation and malinformation”, with the objective of sowing discord, division and disunity, Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Those actions “should not be allowed to pass unsanctioned without serious penalty”, he said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the comments provocative and said Chinese diplomats in the Philippines had to be allowed to do their job.

“China solemnly requests the Philippine side to effectively safeguard the normal performance of duties by Chinese diplomatic personnel, stop infringing and provoking, and refrain from denying the facts,” Mr. Lin said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

The office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The two countries have been embroiled in a series of heated standoffs this past year in disputed areas of the South China Sea as the Philippines, emboldened by support from the United States and other allies, steps up activities in waters occupied by China’s vast coast guard.

China has accused the Philippines of trespassing and of treachery, while Manila has scolded Beijing for what it says is a policy of aggression and dangerous maneuvering inside its exclusive economic zone.

The expelling of diplomats could intensify a row that has so far seen heated exchanges, diplomatic protests and the ramming and water-cannoning of Philippine ships at two disputed shoals, the closest of which is more than 850 km (530 miles) away from mainland China.

Mr. Año was referring to a news report this week of an alleged leak of a call between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino admiral discussing a dispute over the South China Sea, which carried a transcript that showed the admiral agreeing to concessions with China.

According to the transcript published by the Manila Times, the admiral agreed to China’s proposal of a “new model”, where the Philippines would use fewer vessels in resupply trips to marines stationed at a grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, and notify Beijing about the missions in advance.

Reuters has not heard the reported phone conversation and could not verify the contents of the published transcript. The report said the conversation had taken place in January and the transcript was provided by a “ranking Chinese official”, which it did not name.

 

‘INTERFERENCE OPERATIONS’

Mr. Año said he backed the defense minister’s call for the foreign ministry to take appropriate action against embassy officials, who he claimed recorded an alleged phone conversation in violation of Philippine laws, including its anti-wire tapping act, as well as serious breaches of diplomatic protocols.

“Those individuals in the Chinese embassy … and those responsible for these malign influence and interference operations must be removed from the country immediately,” he said.

On Wednesday, Chinese spokesperson Lin said the embassy in Manila had released details about “relevant communications” between the two countries on managing the situation at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Mr. Lin, in comments shared by the embassy, did not elaborate on what details or communications were released, or when, but said “facts are clear and backed by hard evidence that cannot be denied.”

“The Philippines has insisted on denying these objective facts and seeks to mislead the international community,” Lin added.

China has long been vexed by the Philippines’ maintaining its small military presence aboard the Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal, where it has been since 1999 to try to prop up its territorial claim.

Beijing has repeatedly said the Philippines had agreed to tow that ship away, which Manila denies.

Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador said expelling diplomats should be part of the Philippines’ diplomatic tool kit and Chinese embassy officials had shown they did not value their working relationships with Filipino officials.

“Diplomacy is based on trust, yet China is trying to make it look like all meetings between its diplomats and Philippine government representatives are negotiations with binding results,” he said.

“It has no right to make demands on the Philippines on how the latter manages areas over which it has sovereign rights.” – Reuters

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