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Austin
is truly a city with heart and soul. It brims with both southern tradition
and quirky eccentricity. The area is politically charged and culturally
rich. A high-tech, big city meets a low-key, college town. A city far
from ordinary, it’s the kind of place where you check your worries at
the city limits sign, trade in suits for something a bit more casual
and prepare for experiences you’ll find only in Austin.
Texas
Factoids
State name: Texas, from the Native American word tejas,
meaning friends.
State nickname: “The Lone Star State”
State motto: “Friendship”
State song: “Texas, Our Texas”
State tree: Pecan
State flower: Bluebonnet (blooms from late March to
early April)
State dish: Chili
State bird: Mockingbird
Governor: Rick Perry, Republican
Population: About 23,904,380 million
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
6 National flags flown over Texas:
Spain (1519-1685; 1690-1821), France (1685-1690),
Mexico (1821-1836), Republic of Texas (1836-1845),
Confederate States of America (1861-1865), United
States of America (1865-present)
Austin
Factoids
Area code: 512
Time zone: Central
Founding Date: 1839
Original name:
Waterloo (Capital of the Republic of Texas)
City population: 1,598,161
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
Austin regional population:
Over 1.5 million (2008)
Total City of Austin land area:
298.03 sq. mi. (2006)
Mayor: Will Wynn
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County:
Travis
County Judge: Samuel T. Biscoe
Average days of sunshine per year: 300
Average temperature: 70° F
Elevation:
125 to 1000 ft. above sea level
Taxes: No corporate income tax, state or local
No personal income tax, state or local
Distance to the Border: It is 225 miles from the Mexican border. San
Antonio, Houston, and Dallas are all within 200 miles of Austin.
Dress: Spring, summer and fall are all suitable for
shorts, short sleeves and light dresses. In winter, a sweater or light
jacket may be needed. A few days of the year during the colder months
may require a heavy coat.
Official slogan: “Live Music Capital of the World”
Surrounding
Counties
Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco
A
Brief History of Austin
1838: Austin was recommended as
the site for the new capital by Mirabeau B. Lamar, Vice President of
the young Republic of Texas. Lamar dreamed that the beautiful area around
Waterloo, a city that once stood on the banks of the Colorado River,
would become “the seat of a future empire.”
As president of the Republic in 1839, Lamar recommended the site to
a congressional commission appointed to pick the new capital. Despite
Sam Houston’s objections, the commission chose Lamar’s site, now present-day
Austin.
1840: Austin population is 856.
1873: Gracy Title Company was established.
1881: Austin public schools admit their first classes.
1882: The cornerstone for Old Main, the first building
at UT, was dedicated Nov. 17. The following September, the first 221
UT students attended class.
1888: The Capitol building was dedicated on May 16.
1893: The Great Granite Dam on the Colorado River is
constructed. This dam would later be replaced by a series of government-funded
dams.
1917: Barton Springs Pool becomes part of the city
park, which would be later known as Zilker Park.
1941: Lake Travis is created by the impounding of the
Colorado River and the completion of Mansfield Dam.
1982: The 360 bridge is erected
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Climate
and Environment
Austin is located on the Colorado River where the stream crosses the
Balcones escarpment separating the Texas Hill Country from the Blackland
Prairies to the east. Within the City of Austin, elevations range from
400 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The climate is classified as “humid
subtropical” with hot summers, while mild weather prevails during most
of the winter. The coldest low was -2 on January 31, 1949. Luckily,
freezing temperatures occur only about 25 days per year. Cold spells
are short and seldom last more than two days. While summer days are
hot, summer nights are usually pleasant. Most of the time, the moderate
affects of the Gulf of Mexico limit daytime highs; however, they also
add higher humidity. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout
the year. The heaviest amounts of precipitation occur in May and September.
Local
up-to-date weather reports online:
www.news8austin.com/content/weather
www.fox7.com
www.kvue.com
www.keyetv.com/weather
www.kxan.com
www.weather.com
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Population
& Diversity
Austin boasts a diverse labor force in its young, growing and talented
population. 46,958 students were enrolled at the University in Texas
Austin in Spring of 2007. In fact, over one quarter of Austin holds
a Bachelor’s Degree. Almost half the region’s population is in peak
working age; 20-44, which lends itself to a strong entrepreneurial culture
with creative energy.
Population
by Age & Sex
(Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area 2006, Estimates by the US
Census Bureau)
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Emergency
Phone Numbers
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency / Animal Abuse: 311
Fire (non-emergency): 477.5784
Police (non-emergency): 974.5750
Travis County Sheriff (non-emergency): 854.9285
Fire Department Public Information Office: 974.0150
City
& State Organizations
City of Austin website
www.ci.austin.tx.us
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
www.austinchamber.org
/ 478.9383
Buda Area Chamber of Commerce
www.budachamber.com
/ 295.9999
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
www.cedarparkchamber.org
/ 260.7800
Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce
www.drippingspringstx.org
/ 858.4740
Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce
www.pfchamber.com
/ 251.7799
Round Rock Chamber of Commerce
www.roundrockchamber.org
/ 255.5805
Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce
www.laketravischamber.com
/ 263.5833
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
www.sanmarcostexas.com
/ 393.5900
Wimberley Chamber of Commerce
www.wimberley.org
/ 847.2201
Travis County
www.co.travis.tx.us
Austin Bergstrom International Airport
(Non airline-related)
www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport/
530.2242
Austin
Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.austintexas.org
474.5171 or 800.926.2282
Texas Workforce Commission
www.twc.state.tx.us
State of Texas
www.window.state.tx.us
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation
www.ci.austin.tx.us
/ 974.3100
News & Entertainment
Austin American-Statesman
The Austin Newspaper
www.statesman.com
The Austin Chronicle
Austin’s alternative weekly newspaper
www.austinchronicle.com
Austin City Search
Information about entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
www.austin.citysearch.com
Austin360.com
Information about entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, etc.
www.austin360.com
Austin Business Journal
www.austin.bizjournals.com
Austin City Links
www.austinlinks.com
News/Public Information Office
974.2220
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Buda
Buda is a relaxing, friendly town and a great place
to live, work, and visit.
Located just south of Austin on I35, this once quiet railroad community
is becoming one of the fastest growing communities in Central Texas.
However, Buda residents are working hard to retain that rural atmosphere
characteristic of our heritage. Main Street has retained its “old time”
look and Buda is well known for its antique downtown shopping in the
original buildings. With both a rich historical heritage and quality,
well planned growth, Buda combines the best of the past, the present,
and the future.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 5,595
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Bobby Lane
City Slogan: Outdoor capital of the world.
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Attractions
Antique Row
A collection of stores and businesses that run along the historic Main
Street in downtown Buda.
The Gazebo
The centerpiece of the greenbelt
Old
Stagecoach Property and Post Office
These late 1800’s structures sit along the 50 acre park that is a gathering
place for many of Buda’s residents.
Events
The Buda Fine Arts Festival
295.2022
BudaFest
Downtown Buda / 694.3413
Wiener Dog Races
www.budalionsclub.com
/ 295.3158
Red White and Buda
295.9999
Education
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
www.hayscisd.net
/ 268.2141
Important Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
City of Buda / 295.8845
Gas
Center Point Energy / 800.427.7142
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.4000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency / 393.7896
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 295.2232
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Cedar Park
Cedar Park, a popular place to live, work and raise
families.
Located only 17 miles from the heart of downtown Austin, Cedar Park
offers all the amenities of a major metropolitan area but is far enough
away to offer the relaxed life style that is in keeping with a family
oriented community. One of the advantages of living in Cedar Park and
central Texas is that there is just so much to do and so much to enjoy.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 58,099
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Bob Lemon
Attractions
Austin Steam Train
Escape from the 21st Century and relax with us on a ride through the
American railroading romantic past. Let the rivers and ranches of the
Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods and lush parks of Austin,
slip by your window as your family and friends share the delights of
an adventure on Central Texas’ very own vintage passenger train!
www.austinsteamtrain.org
/ 477.8468
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Avery
Ranch Golf Courses
www.averyranchgolf.com
/ 524.2442
Twin Creeks Country Club Golf Courses
http://www.twincreeksaustin.com/golf.asp
Events
Cave Day
www.texascaves.org
Education
Leander Independent School District
www.leanderisd.org
/ 434.5000
Summit Christian Academy
2121 Cypress Creek Road
www.summiteagles.org
/ 250.1369
Good Shepherd Elementary School
700 W. Whitestone Blvd.
258.7602
Hilltop Christian Academy
1150 South Bell Blvd
258.0080
Important
Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
City of Cedar Park / 258.6651
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency
259.3600
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency
401.5220
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Dripping Springs
A small, slow-paced and welcoming city with beautiful
scenery. Dripping Springs offers you a true blend of hill country living
with all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city at your doorstep. Dripping
Springs is home to numerous artists, skilled craftsmen, organic produce
and exotic animal farms. Still largely agricultural, Dripping Springs
is a fast-growing community that is attractive because of its top rated
schools, small town atmosphere and close proximity to both Austin and
San Antonio. Dripping Springs remains a close knit community where you
can create a lifestyle that promotes personal, professional and spiritual
growth
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 1,772
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Todd Purcell
City Slogan: “Gateway to the Texas Hill Country”
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Attractions
Dr. Pound
Pioneer Homestead Historical Museum
858.4547
Hamilton Pool
30 miles southwest of Austin
264-2740
Events
Founders Day
July, 7th
www.foundersdayfestival.com
Thirsty Thursdays
Free performances by area musicians, songwriters,
poets and storytellers.
New Life Lutheran Church / 894.0155
Harvest of the Arts
September 20th
Pound House Museum
Education
Dripping Springs ISD
www.dripping-springs.txed.net
/ 858.4905
Dripping Springs Christian Academy: K-12
www.drippingspringschristianacademy.com
/ 858.9738
Important
Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 858.5611
Water
DS Water Supply Corp. / 858.7897
LCRA / 397.6766
Trash Service
I.S.W. / 804.2984
Gas
Texas Gas Service / 800.700.2443
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.3000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.485.5555
Hays County Sheriff Dept.
Non-Emergency / 396.6166
North Hays County Fire Dept.
Non-Emergency / 858.4600
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Georgetown
Georgetown is considered one of the prettiest cities
in Williamson County. Located 26 miles north of the state’s capital,
Georgetown is a great place to enjoy a walk along the bank of the San
Gabriel River or play a round of golf on one of the five local courses.
Mountain biking trails around Lake Georgetown lead riders to the edge
of the famous Texas Hill Country. Georgetown’s annual food and arts
festivals, independently-owned restaurants, rodeo, and nearby wineries
are enough to keep residents close to home with plenty of fun things
to do.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 46,867
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Gary Nelon
Attractions
Williamson County Historical Museum
www.wchm-tx.org
/ 943.1670
Georgetown Firefighters Museum
930.3473
Historic Georgetown
101 W. Seventh St. / (800) 436.8696
Inner Space Cavern
Exit 259 off I-35 a half mile south of Downtown Georgetown
www.innerspace.com
/ 931.2283
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Events
Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival
April 13th
San Gabriel Park
www.texaswineandfood.org
/ 249.6300
2nd Saturday Market Days
Georgetown Square
www.downtowngeorgetownassociation.org
/ 868.8675
A Taste of Georgetown (October)
Embark on a culinary journey at A Taste of Georgetown. Local restaurants
and caterers along with regional wineries are all in the spotlight under
starry skies! Water Plaza, Wolf Ranch Town Center / 868.8675
Red Poppy Festival
April 26th - 27th
Downtown Square
www.redpoppyfestival.com
/ 930.3545
Williamson County Sheriff Posse Rodeo
San Gabriel Park
www.georgetownrodeo.com
/ 636.6477
Education
Southwestern University
www.southwestern.edu
/ 863.6511
Georgetown Independent School District
www.georgetownisd.org
/ 943.5000
Important
Phone Numbers
Electric
City of Georgetown Utility / 930.3640
Georgetown Utility Systems / 930.3555
Water
City of Georgetown Utility / 930.3640
Gas
TXU Electric & Gas / 800.460.3030
Telephone
Verizon / 868.1927
Cable & Internet
Suddenlink / 930.3085
Grande Communications / 220.4010
Police Non-Emergency
930.3510
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency
930.3473
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Kyle
A quaint, quickly growing community, vibrant with development.
Kyle has recently become a booming community and home to thousands of
citizens. Straddling I-35, eight miles north of San Marcos and 20 miles
south of Austin, Kyle is the second largest city in Hays County. Kyle
enjoys a south central location convenient to most major population
centers in Texas. With a strategic location close to major highways,
airports and rail, Kyle is a great community to live and conduct business.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 23,905
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Miguel Gonzalez
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Attractions
Claiborne Kyle Log House / 396.8489
Plum Creek Golf Course / 262.5555
The Kyle Hanging Tree
Highlighted in the book Famous Trees of Texas
Katherine Ann Porter House
Great American writer and Pulitzer Prize winner
The Blanco River
Events
Kyle Market Days
First Sat. of the Month April to November
Kyle Kite Fest
Gregg-Clark Park / Apr. 30th
Independence Day Celebration
Gregg-Clark Park / July 4th
Kyle Fair and Music Festival
Gregg-Clark Park / October 16th - 19th
Education
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
www.hayscisd.net
/ 268.2141
Important Phone
Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 262.2161
Water
Tecon / 335.7580
Goforth / 376.5695
Aquatexas / 670.7625
County Line Water / 398.4748
Gas
Center Point Energy / 392.6672
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 805.2555
Telephone
Verizon / 800.483.3000
Police Non-Emergency / 268.3232
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 268.3131
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Leander
An excellent school system, affordable living, progressive
government, and an array of recreational opportunities. Leander lies
within the heart of Central Texas and at the edge of the Texas Hill
Country. Beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and an exceptionally stunning
municipal golf course which is surrounded by the hills and nature, including
deer and turkey that run freely.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 23,523
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: John Cowman
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Attractions
Crystal
Falls Golf Course
www.crystalfallsgolf.com / 259.8555
Way Off Broadway
Live Theatre / 336.8966
Events
Leander Parks & Recreation operates several parks which
offer recreational activities for the entire family. The Parks
Department also hosts special events such as Concert
Series in the Park, Movies at the Park, Spring
Egg-Stravaganza, swimming lessons, softball leagues,
Liberty Fest and many other programs for fun family outings.
Contact the Parks Department for more info.: 528.9909
Education
Leander Independent School District
www.leanderisd.org
/ 434.5000
Cornerstone Christian School: Pre-K-12
259.4416
Lifesprings Academy: K-11
515.5591
Important Phone
Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 262.2161
Water
City of Leander / 943.1100
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
COX Communications / 930.3085
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Police Non-Emergency / 528.2800
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 528.2856
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Round Rock
Considered one of the best managed cities in Texas.
Only fifteen miles north of Austin in the Central Texas hill country,
Round Rock is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas. The city has
maintained high quality of life while becoming a major center for economic
development in Central Texas. Renowned for its award-winning master
plan, park system and school district, as well as for having some of
the lowest crime, property tax and utility rates in Texas, Round Rock
is a great place to live and work.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 96,992
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Williamson
Mayor: Nyle Maxwell
City Slogan: Purpose, Passion, Prosperity.
Attractions
Dell Diamond
This baseball diamond is home to the Houston Astros AA affiliate team,
the Round Rock Express.
www.roundrockexpress.com
/ 255.2255
Round Rock Ghost Tours
An informative walking tour through downtown.
www.roundrockghosts.com
/ 314.5070
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Teravista
Golf Club
www.teravistagolf.com
/ 651.9850
Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center
Old Settlers Park
671.2737
Round Rock Premium Outlets
Find great savings at your favorite stores all in one convenient outdoor
location.
www.premiumoutlets.com
/ 863.6688
The Chisholm Trail
San Bass Road South to RM 620
218.7094
Round Rock Roller Rink
15501 N. RM 620 / 218.0103
Events
Round Rock Express
Baseball games scheduled all season.
www.rrexpress.com
/ 255.2255
Education
Round Rock Independent School District
www.roundrockisd.org
/ 464.5010
Zion Lutheran School: PK-8
863.5345
St. Helen Catholic School: PK-5
868.0744
Round Rock Christian Academy: 6-12
255.4491
Important
Phone Numbers
Electric
TXU Energy / 800.242.9113
Water
City of Round Rock / 218.5460
Gas
ATMOS / 800.460.3030
Telephone
SBC / 800.464.7928
Cable & Internet
Time Warner Cable / 485.5555
Police Non-Emergency / 218.5500
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 218.5590
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San Marcos
San Marcos is filled with small town charm, big time
shopping and everything else under the sun. Located south of Austin,
San Marcos is a great place to live or attend school. The city has wonderful
places to stay, and some of the best shopping in Texas. The spring fed
San Marcos River provides a refreshing playground for swimming, canoeing,
and tubing. From a relaxing dip in the San Marcos River or a challenging
class load at Texas State University, San Marcos has something to offer
people of all walks of life.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 50,373
(2007 Estimate by the US Census Bureau)
County: Hays
Mayor: Susan Lea Clifford Narvaiz
City Slogan: A Texas Natural
Attractions
Historic Main Street
A development program designated to capitalize on the unique character
of the downtown commercial district.
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Prime
Outlets San Marcos
www.primeoutlets.com
/ 396.2200
Tanger Outlet Center
www.tangeroutlet.com
/ 396.7446
Aquarena Center
245.7570
Wonderworld
392.3760
www.wonderworldpark.com
LBJ Museum
www.lbjmuseum.com
/ 353.3300
Tubing on the San Marcos River
Education
Texas State University
www.txstate.edu
/ 245.2111
San Marcos Independent School District
www.san-marcos.isd.tenet.edu
/ 393.6700
Hill Country Christian School: PK-12
353.8976
San Marcos Baptist Academy: 7-12
753.8041
San Marcos Adventist Junior Academy: K-12
392.7475
San Marcos Center School: 6-12
396.8500
Important Phone
Numbers
Electric
City of San Marcos Electric Utility / 393.8301
Bluebonnet Electric / 800.949.4414
Pedernales Electric Co-op / 262.2161
Water
City of San Marcos Utility / 393.8301
Gas
Center Point Gas Company / 392.6672
Telephone / Cable & Internet
CenturyTel / 754.5699
Time Warner Cable / 805.2555
Grande Communications / 878.4880
Police Non-Emergency / 753.2108
Fire Dept. Non-Emergency / 393.8460
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Wimberley
A picturesque and friendly village surrounded by the
rolling hills of the Texas landscape. Established in 1848, the picturesque
village is a close knit community located on R.M.12 north of San Marcos.
Visitors are entranced by cool, shady pools beneath towering cypress
trees, frothy cascades on the Blanco River and sparkling Cypress Creek,
green meadows and majestic hills, and abundant white-tailed deer.
City
Factoids
Area Code: 512
Population: 3,797
County: Hays
Mayor: Tom Hayley
Attractions
Old Town Plaza
A big draw for shoppers
Corral Theatre
www.corraltheatre.com / 847.5994
7A Ranch Resort
www.7aresort.com / 847.2517
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Wimberley
Glass Works
www.wgw.com /
800.929.6686
Bella Vista Ranch
A commercially producing olive grove and olive mill
847.6514
Camping along the Blanco River
Events
Butterfly Festival
Third Saturday in April / Emily Ann Theatre
Wimberley EMS Annual Rubber Duck Race
May 17th / Blue Hole Park / 847.2526
Market Day
1st Sat. of every month April - Dec.
Lions Field
Education
Wimberley Independent School District
www.wimberley.txed.net
/ 847.2414
St. Stephens School: 6-12
www.sstx.org / 847.9857
Important
Phone Numbers
Electric
Pedernales Electric / 888.554.4732
Water
Wimberley Water Department / 847.2323
Aquasource Water Service / 847.2972
Gas
Center Point Energy / 392.6672
Telephone
Anvil Communications / 866.352.2693
Verizon / 800.483.4000
Cable & Internet
Time Warner / 800.418.8848
Hays County Sheriff Dept.
Non-Emergency / 393.7896
Fire Dept.
Non-Emergency / 847.2345
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