Archive for the Fans Category

My U2 360 Musical Journey ends in PITTSBURGH 7.26.11 – I finally Found What I Was Looking For

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Concerts, Fans, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , on December 17, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAYS 72&73 – JULY 24&25

I left Minneapolis just before 11am the morning after the U2 show. I was in a great mood because it was such a great show, but I was exhausted. I stopped one time in Wisconsin before stopping for the night at a Motel 6 in Joliet, Illinois. The next day I drove through Indiana and Ohio, again, and made it to Pittsburgh for my final show of the U2 360 tour. I had driven 16,888 miles since I left Memphis 73 days prior. Neil McCormick was showing Killing Bono that night in the Pittsburgh area, but I was too exhausted to go. Plus I had already seen it at the Seattle Film Festival in June.

U2 in Pittsburgh

DAY 74 – JULY 26 – U2 360 #16 – PITTSBURGH

My final U2 360 show (my 16th of that leg, my 24th of the tour, and my 75th U2 show overall) ended on amazing high note, more than I could have hoped for, more than I imagined – Larry hugged me on his way to the stage! So the first few songs on my last U2 360 show were pretty much a blur. It was a standard set list but then U2 ended the show with Bad, one of my favorite U2 songs – haven’t heard it since Chicago1 in 2009. So glad Bad was the last song I heard U2 perform. When Larry walked off the stage and toward the tunnel, he saw me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up – twice. So glad Larry smiling at me was the last image I have of the U2 360 tour.

U2 360 Pittsburgh 7.26.11

I began the day in Pittsburgh just as I had for the previous 15 U2 360 shows – walked the dogs, ate breakfast, watched tv, napped, ordered lunch and went to the stadium in the afternoon to wait for U2 to arrive. I met Abbey and Anisha in the lobby of my hotel the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, and we took the free shuttle over to the stadium at 2pm, even though it was close enough to walk. It was a beautiful day – 80s, sunny, breezy, and not humid. I saw many friends old and new, including Jennifer and Chris, Tyler and his dad, Tim, and Sarah. But the surprise was Matt, Melissa, her parents and Kim. I had no idea they were coming and very happy to see them – and it turned out to be very fortunate for me as well.

me, Abbey, Sarah waiting for the band

U2 arrived just around 5pm. Bono and Edge came out to greet the fans. I couldn’t get close enough to talk with them, but I did see Larry and Adam get out of their cars and walk inside. Matt and Melissa talked with Bono and selflessly told him about me and how I had driven to every US show and would like to meet Larry. Brian, Bono’s security guy, told them to wait there and he would see what he could do. Brian came out later and told me Larry was in a meeting, but he told Larry about me and Bono told Larry about me. Maybe Bono and Larry knew he was talking about me, since I talked with Bono in Seattle and Oakland about meeting Larry and Larry sometimes waved to me as he walked to the stage – and Brian said he had seen me at the shows. Brian took my phone number and said he would look for us inside. He also gave us wristbands for the soundboard and for the red zone.

Bono talks with fans in Pittsburgh

Although I had the credentials to go to the soundboard and the red zone, I went to my usual spot on Edge’s side of the inner circle to wait for U2 to enter. Abbey was with me and Deb and her husband and Melissa’s parents were also there. Brian came over and told me that he was still working on getting me to meet Larry. Interpol didn’t take the stage until about 7:45 and played their usual set.

inside Heinz Field waiting for U2 to walk in

I’m not sure when U2 came out, probably just about 9pm. When they walked out of the tunnel (on Adam’s side) I noticed that Larry wasn’t first as usual. Adam and Edge were first and Larry and Bono were behind them, so I kind of thought something was up. But then somehow Larry moved up front. As Larry walked up the ramp, he locked eyes with me and was smiling. He walked across the platform, jumped down to me, and hugged me. He didn’t say a word, he just put his arms around me. It felt like the hug lasted forever. He definitely pulled away first because I kept hanging on. I think I muttered a ‘thank you.’

Larry looking at me (photo by Deb Pruitt)

here he comes! (photo by Tony Chiapetta)

Larry jumping down to hug me (photo by Kari Moore)

Larry leaving me (photo by Izzy Ciszewski)

Congrats from my friends after Larry hugged me (photo by Tony Chiapetta)

Larry gave me the biggest, best hug ever and then went on stage. I burst into tears, as I am doing now while writing this. My friends around me congratulated me and hugged me, which made the moment even more special. I was so excited that I don’t really remember Even Better Than the Real Thing or The Fly. I don’t think I came to until Mysterious Ways when Larry’s drum kit turned around and faced me behind the stage. I never in a million years thought Larry would walk over to me and hug me on his way to the stage before the show. I have four videos (sort of) of Larry hugging me on his way to the stage in Pittsburgh.

This is the video I took as I usually do when U2′s entered the stadiums. I stopped the video when I saw Larry was walking toward me.

This is the video Deb’s husband took of Larry hugging me. He was 3 people down from me. It isn’t of the actual hug, but you can see Larry jumping down to me and then see him jumping up again.

In this video, you can see Larry jump down to me, but you can’t see me. And then you can hear Melissa’s dad say, “Deena got it!”

This is the only video of Larry hugging me. It’s hard to see so keep your eye on Larry, even when that woman’s head is blocking him. In the far right bottom corner beyond the pink squiggly lines, you can see Larry hugging me. This video is by Rick Long.

During Even Better Than the Real Thing Bono said, “Hot summer night in the Burgh!” Bono introduced The Fly saying, “Some crowd rock circa 1991! Achtung Ya’ll!” Instead of singing Until the End of the World, I kept singing “You were acting like it was the end of the tour.” During the band introductions, Bono said, “This is the last night of the 360 Tour in the United States. We’ve had some cool people come out of our town. Would you say behind me you might call this man the Charles Bronson of U2? Larry Mullen on the drums. Our very own movie star.” U2 again wore their LED jackets during Zooropa and City of Blinding Lights. I love Larry in that black, leather, 1950s Elvis looking jacket. He should always wear black! At the end of Vertigo, Bono sang a snippet of Two Hears Beat as One. During I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, Larry looked at me and I shouted ‘Thank you!’ What a dork I am. At the end of Where the Streets Have No Name Bono shouted, “Tuesday night in the old steel town!” I decided to go over to Adam’s side of the inner circle during Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me so I could watch U2 leave.

Larry's hot black jacket

Larry I'll Go Crazy

Matt & Melissa on stage with Bono during With or Without You

As With or Without You started, Bono brought my friends Matt and Melissa on stage and said, “60 shows. Matt and Melissa. Where love stories begin.” Matt and Melissa slow danced while U2 played. It was beautiful. After Moment of Surrender, U2 took their bows, huddled together and then played Bad with a little snippet of 40 at the end! It was fantastic! It lasted for almost nine minutes. Bono dedicated Bad to Andy Rowen who was at the show and whom the song was written about. Andy Rowen is the brother of Bono’s friend Guggi and the brother of Peter, who is on the cover of Boy.As U2 were walking off stage, I could have sworn I saw Larry looking for me on Edge’s side where I was when he hugged me at the beginning of the show. But when they were almost at the tunnel, Larry saw me, smiled and gave me a thumbs up – twice. It looked as if Larry was going to walk over to me, but then he was ushered toward the tunnel.

Goodbye Larry (photo by Julie Dixon who was right near me)

After the show I saw Chuck and Tasha and told them about Larry hugging me and then I met up with Beth and shared my story with her. I walked back to the hotel alone (with thousands of other happy U2 fans) across the bridge looking back at the claw for the last time. I got back to the hotel and talked with Patty and her husband. Then I took Elvis and Cilla outside where Abbey met us, and we chatted for a bit. Then I went back inside and wrote in my journal about my last night on the U2 360 tour. I barely slept that night, only 3 hours.

me and Beth

The set list of the U2 360 show in Pittsburgh was as follows: Even Better Than the Real Thing, The Fly, Mysterious Ways / Someone Somewhere in Summertime / Promised You a Miracle, Until the End of the World / Anthem, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, I Still Haven’t Found / The Promised Land, Stay, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Elevation, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo / Two Hearts Beat As One, Miss You / I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Psycho Killer / Life During Wartime / Please, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On, One, Hallelujah / Where The Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With Or Without You, Moment Of Surrender, Bad / In The Garden / Walk On The Wild Side / 40. My video of an overview of the U2 360 show in Pittsburgh, my last show.

My Musical Journey ended with Larry hugging me on his way to the stage of the last show in the US on U2′s 360 tour. I keep replaying it over and over in my head. Larry walking toward me, smiling, jumping down to me, putting his arms around me without saying a word, and hugging me. It seemed like it lasted forever, but after watching the videos, it was only a few seconds – but those were some magnificent few seconds! That was definitely my favorite moment of the tour and a perfect ending to my Musical Journey! I finally Found What I Was Looking For on the U2 360 Tour!

Goodbye U2 360 Tour

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U2 360 OAKLAND 6.7.11

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', 360 (2011), Bono, Fans, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , , , , , on November 3, 2011 by DeenasDays

DAYS 23&24 – June 5&6

We left Seattle just before 1pm the day after the U2 show in Seattle and after 800 miles we were in Oakland 2 days later. The first day we drove to Eugene, Oregon and spent the night at a Motel 6. It was the first time on my trip that I drove to another city the day after the U2 show, and I was exhausted – even though I only drove 5 hours. It was also the first time I drove and it didn’t rain.

The second day was Cilla’s 4th birthday, which she spent in the back of the car for 9 hours. We left Eugene just before 9am and arrived at La Quinta hotel in Oakland just after 6pm, stopping 3 times along the way. I was in such a good mood on the drive. I’m not sure if it was a good night’s sleep or the memory of Larry’s smile walking toward me at the end of the Seattle show that kept me happily on my way. Even the guy at the California inspection was in a good mood that day. He was a U2 fan. He said the U2 trucks came through a few days ago on their way to Oakland. I was really happy I was going to be in California for the next 13 days. I really loved traveling out west, especially the west coast – definitely my favorite part of my trip. What I didn’t like was having to backtrack routes. I drove north on route 5 from Reno to Portland, and then drove south on route 5 from Seattle to Oakland. But that was nothing compared to July when I would go back and forth across the Ohio and PA turnpikes over and over.

In Oakland I noticed that in addition to this being my U2 360 tour, this was also my tuna and pizza tour. I pretty much lived on tuna and pizza the entire 3 months – and sweet tea and sun chips. I had the best tuna melt I’ve ever had at the Hotel VQ in Denver, had an ok tuna melt at Carrow’s in Reno, and a great tuna salad sandwich at Pike Place Market in Seattle. In addition, I’ve had tuna subs from various Subways along the way. I had a yummy pizza in Kansas City my first night on the road. I had pizza from the hotel restaurants at the Ramada Reno, Vintage Plaza Portland, and Monaco Seattle. The best of these was the margherita pizza in Portland. I also had domino’s pizza in Eugene last night because I was too tired to look for anything else.

DAY 25 – JUNE 7 – U2 360 #4 – OAKLAND

The U2 360 show in Oakland had the same set list as the previous three shows in the US, but was a little different. First, the baseball infield was fenced off, so the GA area was smaller – as was the inner circle behind the stage. Second, there were two opening bands, so U2 didn’t come on until 9:30. Third, and most important to me, Larry sang!!!

U2 360 Oakland 6.7.11

I spent the first half of the day resting in my hotel room to conserve energy for the show, as I did before every show. My routine was stay in bed reading and watching tv until about 1, take Elvis and Cilla out, eat and shower, and then head over to the stadium around 2 or 3. I would wait out for U2 to arrive, then go into the show.

Even though my hotel was less than a mile from McAfee Coliseum, I took the free hotel shuttle over to the Coliseum just after 2:00. I walked around the stadium and arena and finally found my friends, Matt, Melissa and Kim waiting for U2 to arrive. Barb found us and then I met Paula, who brought me a cool pin and later sent me the review from the Oakland paper and pictures she took at the show. Bono arrived just after 5pm, stopped the car right in front of us and hopped out.

waiting for U2

As soon as Bono got out of the car, I pointed at him and then at my ‘Larry Mullen Band’ shirt and said, “Now Bono…” He put his hands in the air and said, “I tried.” Then he walked right over to us, and I said, “So he’s not coming (referring to Larry)?” Bono said, “I tried.” While he was signing autographs, I told him that it’s ok because I’ll be at other shows. Bono asked me, “What is your name, Deah?” I said, “Deena.” He said, “Yes, I remember.” He went on to talk to others. Bono looked tired, his voice was scratchy, and he said he was sick. Before he got back into the car to go inside, Bono looked over to me and shouted, “I’ll try again.” It was in Oakland that I realized my quest on the 360 tour, besides driving to every US show, was to meet Larry. I thought it would be easy, since Bono had come out to greet the fans the first four US shows and I had already talked with him twice about meeting Larry. Little did I know that was my last chance to speak with Bono. Please watch my video talking with Bono in Oakland.

Bono greets fans

Bono talks with Matt, Melissa and Kim

I went into the Coliseum in Oakland after 6pm and still got into the inner circle. It was a strange set up though. The baseball infield was fenced off, so the GA section was a lot smaller. And the back of the inner circle behind the stage where I usually stand was a bit narrower as well. Also, there was a wall of sky boxes behind the stage, which made for an echoing drum sound. Because the GA was smaller, the inner circle was more crowded. It was a very laid back crowd and very cold and windy that night.

the infield is off limits in Oakland

There were two opening bands for U2 in Oakland. Local band Moonalice played from 7:00 to 7:30. I was not impressed. The sound was bad and just not my cup of tea. Lenny Kravitz played from about 7:50 to 8:30. It was the same set list as Seattle. Lenny puts on a really great show.

I waited for U2 to enter the Coliseum. They were going to enter from directly behind the stage rather than come around from the side, so I could get great video and pictures of their entrance. As they walked to the stage, Larry looked at me and smiled and waved – and I was actually able to capture it on video!

The set list in Oakland was the same as the previous three shows in the US with one notable exception (and for me the highlight of the show) – Larry sang a part of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day. There were no band introductions at the Oakland show. Instead, Bono talked about the G3 Summit the night before with Greenday and Metallica and the possibility of doing a music festival with them. Edge spoke a bit about it and then Bono asked Larry what else was discussed. Larry said, “What goes on at that summit, stays at that summit.” Bono then asked Larry if any individuals names came up. Larry responded, “Lou Reed perhaps” and sang a bit of Lou Reed’s Perfect Day, then concluded by saying, “Lou, we love you man.” Lou Reed was at the show. I couldn’t believe Larry sang! I was SO excited! I haven’t seen Larry sing in concert since ZooTv!

 

Larry sings in Oakland!

Larry I'll Go Crazy

The set list for U2 360 in Oakland was as follows: Even Better Than The Real Thing, I Will Follow, Get On Your Boots, Magnificent, Mysterious Ways, Elevation, Until the End of the World / Anthem / Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Perfect Day / Happy Birthday, All I Want Is You, Stay, Beautiful Day / Space Oddity, Pride, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo, I’ll Go Crazy / Discotheque / Life During Wartime / Psycho Killer, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet, Walk On, One, Will You Love Me Tomorrow – Where the Streets Have No Name, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender.

Please watch my video of an overview of the U2 360 show in Oakland 6.7.11.

Bono and Larry Sunday Bloody Sunday

DAYS 26&27 – JUNE 8&9

The day after the U2 show in Oakland, I just stayed in my hotel room napping, reading, watching tv and relaxing. Luckily I had enough leftovers (pizza of course), so I didn’t have to go out for food – just to walk the dogs. My hotel here is nice because it has free breakfast, free shuttle to and from the concert, and they delivered a microwave and refrigerator, but the walls are very thin. Every time someone shuts a door or is talking in the hall, my dogs bark – even at 4am while I’m sleeping. So I didn’t sleep much in Oakland.

The next day I drove to Jack London Square in Oakland and took the 9:15am ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Unfortunately, there were about four large groups of children on field trips on the ferry and it was cloudy and cold when I arrived in San Francsico. Of course it was warming up and sunny as I was leaving to return back to Oakland.

waiting for the ferry

I spent my time in San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf, walking up and down and all around. I looked at the historical ships on Hyde Street Pier and had lunch at historic Boudin’s (sourdough since 1849). I could barely see the Golden Gate Bridge through the fog, but I could see Alcatraz and some good views of the San Francisco skyline and hilly streets. Luckily, I had been to San Francisco before, so I’ve seen all the sights. Please watch my video of  Day 27 in San Francisco.

Fisherman's Wharf

Hyde St Pier

Alcatraz

San Francisco

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U2001 Elevation recap

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Elevation, Fans, Larry Mullen, Tours, U2 with tags , , , , , on February 28, 2011 by DeenasDays

U2’s Elevation Tour was the most amazing experience of my life! Honestly, the two months I spent in Ireland and this Elevation tour were the two best experiences of my life! From March 24th in Ft. Lauderdale to December 2nd in Miami 27 U2 shows, three amazing moments with Larry, 17 cities, many great friends. My favorite show of the Elevation Tour and of any tour was Providence 2 – Larry’s 40th Birthday on October 31, 2001. Other special shows were Baltimore, the final shows in Miami, Jersey1, Boston4, Philly2, and Tampa. The entire Elevation tour was great, but these seven shows were stand outs.

Elevation Tour program

My Larry moments were more than I could have ever hoped for. I’ve been in love with him since I was 14. First Larry moment was on June 21, 2001 Jersey1 when Larry looked into my eyes and gave me his drumstick. Second Larry moment was on October 19, 2001 in Baltimore when Larry hugged me and smiled. This was the first and only time I have ever met Larry. Third Larry moment was Larry’s 40th Birthday on October 31, 2001 Providence2. Larry gave me his champagne bottle. This was cool because I didn’t ask for it like I had the drumstick or the hug, he just gave it to me. And then Larry came back to me so I could give him his birthday card and tee shirt. I thanked him for the champagne and wished him a Happy Birthday and he thanked me.

All the great friends I’ve made since March: Tasha, Jenny, Paola, Ayaz, Cathy, Kate, Jennifer, Claudia, Kathleen, Gabriella, Alice, Ruth, Khelia, Dan, Tim, Rob, Bill, Abbey, Frank and Matt. Because of U2 I met these great people and traveled to great cities.

We celebrated our great year of U2 with a New Year’s Eve party at my parents’ house because my apartment was too small and my parents were in Florida. I decorated the basement with U2 posters and photos. We watched U2 videos, discussed the tour and shared pictures.

me and Tasha

New Year's Eve 2001

 

A year later U2 played the Superbowl halftime show February 3, 2002. I had a little superbowl/U2 party at my apartment. It was an amazing performance, and Larry wore a see-threw shirt! Tasha and I were screaming as if we were at the U2 show, scaring all our non-U2 fan guests. But it would be three more years before I would actually be at another U2 show.

my Elevation University tee (front)

my Elevation University tee (back)

 

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MTV Video Music Awards – September 6, 2001

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Adam Clayton, Bono, Fans, Larry Mullen, The Edge, U2 with tags , , , , , , , on February 17, 2011 by DeenasDays

Friday September 7, 2001 VMAs New York City

Arguably the best night of my life last night. Tasha and I were in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera House right at the rope on the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards. We were diagonally behind the MTV News desk. We had signed up to be seat fillers for the VMAs, but we did not get into the award show, instead we were on the red carpet for the arrivals. Jennifer Lopez arrived first, but the first person I was excited for was Chris Kattan from Saturday Night Live. We kept shouting ‘Mango’ and he waved. Then we saw Will Ferrell from Saturday Night Live. We cheered at him and said we liked his pants – he interacted with us. We then saw Fatboy Slim and nobody else knew who he was. We wished him luck and he waved and thanked us. We then got VERY excited for Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. They smiled and waved at us.

It got to be 8:45pm and still no sign of U2, and we were getting a little worried. Then all of a sudden, I saw Larry down at the other end of the red carpet. I began SCREAMING! Then I saw Adam, and then Bono and Edge. Larry was the first to make it to us. I lost it! Blowing kisses, holding my heart, screaming, pretty much making a fool of myself. He smiled and waved at me. Edge then came over and smiled and waved. Then we saw Paul McGuinness on our side of the rope. We thanked him. He looked at us strangely, then he smiled. Tasha shook his hand, and I patted him on his back. Then all of a sudden, I see Adam on our side of the rope as well. He tripped on the red carpet. We shouted his name, so he turned around. I was holding his hand. He was kind of bent over as if he was limbo-ing. He had this goofy look on his face. He was acting like he was going to fall. Then Bono came over the rope to shake our hands. We will probably never again meet all four of them at once. It was absolutely amazing! We then watched as John Norris interviewed U2.

After the pre-show was over, we went to this bar called O’Connor’s (or something like that) on 64th Street and Columbus. We watched the VMAs there, ate chicken pot pie and drank iced tea. Then we took the train back to Jersey, then I drove home and was asleep by 5am

 

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ZooTV Outside Broadcast Opening Night – Giants Stadium

Posted in 'On the Road with U2', Bono, Concerts, Fans, Larry Mullen, U2, ZooTv with tags , , , , , on January 10, 2011 by DeenasDays

On August 11, 1992 three friends and I drove up to New Jersey for the official opening of the ZooTv Outside Broadcast tour at Giants Stadium. Opening night had been pushed back one night to August 12th. Mike and I went over to the stadium anyway and ended up sneaking in and getting up on the stage and touching the trabants, which were used to light the stage. We eventually got kicked out of the stadium. We tried to figure out where U2 was staying. Even though it was August, it was cold at night, so while waiting on the curb for U2 to show up at the hotel, we huddled next to a bus keeping warm from the fumes.

There were a bunch of fans standing outside Giants Stadium on the afternoon of August 12th waiting for U2 to arrive. Bono came out and went down the line talking with each of us, signing autographs and taking pictures. When Bono came to me, he noticed the tee shirt I had made with ‘One’ on it.

my one t shirt

I handed Bono my Outside It’s America book for him to autograph. I noticed he was taking a while, so I looked at what he was doing and saw he was misspelling my name. I said, “No, Deena is spelled with two e’s.” Bono kind of gave me this sly smile. In my book, he wrote, “A nice t-shirt Din…Deena Bono 92”

Bono's autograph to me

Then I threw my camera to Mike, so he could take a picture of me and Bono, both with our big sunglasses. Bono’s head is on my shoulder. It’s a great picture! He autographed it a few days later in DC.

me and Bono

And if that wasn’t enough, Larry drove by us on his motorcycle and waved. He didn’t stop unfortunately, but I did get a picture. Then I ran away screaming – he just has that affect on me. I wouldn’t meet Larry for another 9 years.

Larry rides at Giants Stadium

Our seats for opening night on August 12, 1992 were in the second section on the floor in the fifth row. Larry sang Dirty Old Town as only he can! I was so excited that Jonathan tried to hold me back, so I hit him causing him to fall off his chair. Lou Reed joined U2 on the b stage for Satellite of Love, and his performance was used for the rest of the tour via video.

my ticket ZooTv outside broadcast opening night 8.12.92

The next night on August 13th, we were in the front floor section in the 8th row. I remember running past security to get to the B Stage as Bono was walking down. I got a Zoo Dollar that night as they flew through the air during Desire.

my ticket ZooTv outside broadcast Giants Stadium 8.13.92

my Zoo dollar

 

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