Our worries that a pandemic that had shut down commerce in Arkansas was a poor time to ask our populace where they liked to go out and spend their money on food, drink and hip threads, or what gym was their favorite, or which resort they liked to enjoy proved unfounded. The readers who took part in the Arkansas Times’ annual survey of what’s Best in Arkansas weren’t so pessimistic that they didn’t envision being able to return to their favorite watering holes and beauty parlors. In a nod to this extraordinary time of limited socializing and constant hand-washing, we also added a section seeking readers’ votes on the best in pandemic life, like booze-to-go, a development so pleasing we hope it continues after we’re all vaccinated and unmasked. So here, for the umpteenth year in row, are the Best of Arkansas winners, from curbside service to canoe routes, antiques to eyewear, salons to sporting goods.
Pandemic life
Curbside Restaurant Service
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Star of India
Finalists: Trio’s, The Pantry, Heights Taco & Tamale
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Restaurant Delivery
Trio’s
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Finalists: Pizza D’Action, Damgoode Pies, Fantastic China
Booze To-Go Business
Colonial WineS & Spirits
Finalists: Legacy Wine and Spirits, O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor, Sullivant’s Liquor
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Most Innovative Restaurant
The Root Cafe
Finalists: Trio’s, @ The Corner, Raduno Brick Oven & Barroom
Brian Chilson
Most Innovative Business
(excluding restaurants)
Jerry’s Barber Shop in the Heights
Finalists: Rocktown Distillery, Just Peachy, Bella Vita Jewelry
Grocery Store Amid the Pandemic
Kroger
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Local winner: Edwards Food Giant
Finalists: Trader Joe’s, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods
Online Fitness/Yoga Class
Jolly Bodies
Finalists: Blue Yoga Nyla, Bolte Fitness, ZenStudio Fitness
Livestreamed Local Concert/Event
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s “Bedtime with Bach”
Finalists: Cliff and Susan Erwin Prowse, Club Nevermore, Rodney Block
What restaurant are you going to visit first when you’re comfortable going out in the world?
Trio’s
Finalists: Four Quarter Bar, Local Lime, The Pantry
Local Entertainment
Artist
Michael Shaeffer
Finalists: Katherine Strause, Lisa Krannichfeld, Milkdadd
Author
Charles Portis
Finalists: Emily Roberson, Rhett Brinkley, Monica Clark-Robinson
Comedian
Andre “Big Dre” Price
Finalists: Chase Myska, Gene Berry, Angry Patrick
Country Band/Artist
Arkansauce
Finalists: Bonnie Montgomery, Mark Currey, Justin Moore
Dance Club
Club 27
Finalists: Club Sway, Club Nevermore, Discovery Nightclub
DJ
DJ Porterhouse
Finalists: Michael Shaeffer, Tom Wood, G-Force
Filmmaker
Daniel Campbell
Finalists: Graham Gordy, Jeff Nichols, Mark Theideman
Gay Bar
Club Sway
Finalists: Six Ten Center, Discovery Nightclub, Triniti Nightclub
Hip-Hop Artist
Big Piph
Finalists: 607, Dazz & Brie, Rah Howard
Jazz Band/Group
Rodney Block Collective
Finalists: Ted Ludwig Trio, Funkanites, Marquis Hunt
Late-Night Spot
Four Quarter Bar
Finalists: Midtown Billiards, White Water Tavern, Willy D’s Rock & Roll Piano Bar
Live Music Festival
King Biscuit Blues Festival
(Helena-West Helena)
Finalists: Yadaloo Music Festival, MusicFest (El Dorado), Hillberry (Eureka Springs)
Live Music Venue
Stickyz Rock n’ Roll Chicken Shack
Finalists: White Water Tavern, Rev Room, Four Quarter Bar
Local Actor/Actress
Barry Clifton
Finalists: Brittany Sparkles, Paul Prater, Mary Steenburgen
Local Theater
Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Finalists: The Studio Theatre, Argenta Community Theater, The Weekend Theater
Movie Theater
Riverdale 10 Cinema
Finalists: Movie Tavern, Regal UA Breckenridge, Cinemark Colonel Glenn 18
Museum
Museum of Discovery
Finalists: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville), Arkansas Arts Center, Historic Arkansas Museum
Neighborhood Festival
HarvestFest
Finalists: Arkansas Cornbread Festival, Main Street Food Truck Festival, Chili Fights in the Heights
Performing Arts Group
Ballet Arkansas
Finalists: Arkansas Circus Arts, Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre, Haunted Argenta Ghost Tours
Photographer
Amber Lane
Finalists: Katie Childs, Ben Martin, Ashley Murphy
Place for Karaoke
Town Pump
Finalists: Dust Bowl Lanes, Zack’s Place, Khalil’s Pub
Place for Trivia
Flyway Brewing
Finalists: Flying Saucer, Stone’s Throw Brewing, American Pie Pizza
Place to Gamble
Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff)
Finalists: Oaklawn Racing & Gaming (Hot Springs), Choctaw Casino & Resort (Oklahoma), Isle of Capri (Mississippi)
Poet
Kai Coggin
Finalists: Kara Bibb, Crystal C. Mercer, Rj Looney
Rock Band
Adam Faucett & The Tall Grass
Finalists: Go For Gold, DeFrance, Terminal Nation
Sports Bar
Brewski’s Pub & Grub
Finalists: Dugan’s Pub, JJ’s Grill, Prospect Bar & Grill
Food and Drink
Arkansas-brewed Beer
Lost Forty Brewing
Finalists: Flyway Brewing, Diamond Bear Brewing Co., East Sixth Street Brewing Co.
Baked Goods
Community Bakery
Finalists: Boulevard Bread Co., Mylo Coffee Co., Cinnamon Creme Bakery
Bread
Boulevard Bread Co.
Finalists: Community Bakery, Old Mill Bread Bakery & Cafe, Dempsey’s Bakery
Brunch
Oceans at Arthur’s
Finalists: Red Door, The Root Cafe, @ The Corner
Business Lunch
Samantha’s Tap Room & Wood Grill
Finalists: Capital Bar & Grill, Brave New Restaurant, Cache
Caterer
Trio’s
Finalists: Low Ivy Catering, Heritage Catering, Catering To You
Cheese Dip
La Hacienda
Finalists: Heights Taco & Tamale, Senor Tequila, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro
Cocktail
Capital Bar & Grill
Finalists: Big Orange, Heights Taco & Tamale, The Fold
Food Festival
International Greek Food Festival
Finalists: Arkansas Cornbread Festival, Main Street Food Truck Festival, World Cheese Dip Championship
French Fries
Big Orange
Finalists: David’s Burgers, McDonald’s, Five Guys
Happy Hour
The Pantry
Finalists: Petit & Keet, Sauced, Big Orange
Liquor Store
Colonial WineS & Spirits
Finalists: Legacy Wine and Spirits, O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor, 107 Liquor
Milkshake
Big Orange
Finalists: Purple Cow, Loblolly Creamery, Shake’s Frozen Custard
Onion Rings
Hubcap Burger Co.
Finalists: Big Orange, Sonic, Buffalo Grill
Outdoor Dining
U.S. Pizza Co.
Finalists: YaYa’s Euro Bistro, La Terraza, Brave New Restaurant
Ribs
Whole Hog Cafe
Finalists: Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, Sims Bar-B-Que, Lost Forty Brewing
Salad
ZAZA Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza Co.
Finalists: U.S. Pizza Co., Raduno, Big Orange
Sushi
Kemuri
Finalists: Sky Modern Japanese Restaurant, Ocean’s at Arthur’s, Sushi Cafe
Brian Chilson
Vegetarian
The Root Cafe
Finalists: Star of India, Ester’s, Newfangled Love Kitchen
Wine List
Crush Wine Bar
Finalists: Ciao Baci, Petit & Keet, The Pantry
Goods and services
Antiques
Midtown Vintage Market
Finalists: Sweet Home Furnishings, South Main Creative, Fabulous Finds Antique & Decorative Mall
Apartment Complex
Fitzroy Chenal
Finalists: The Pointe at Brodie Creek, Bowman Pointe Apartments, Argenta Flats
Artisan
Bang-Up Betty
Finalists: AR’T’s Arkansas T-Shirts, Bryant Phelan, Hannah Lawrence
Auto Dealer
Everett Buick GMC
Finalists: McLarty Automotive Group, Billy Wood Honda, Parker Automotive Group
Brian Chilson
Auto Service
Jett’s Gas & Service
Finalists: Foster’s Garage, Austin Brothers Tire & Service, Christian Brothers Automotive
Bank
Arvest Bank
Finalists: Simmons Bank, First Security Bank, Bank OZK
Barber Shop
Jerry’s Barber Shop in the Heights
Finalists: Dogtown Barber Lounge, Handle Barbershop, V’s Barbershop
Bicycle Shop
Angry Dave’s Bicycles
Finalists: Chainwheel, The Community Bicyclist, Arkansas Cycling & Fitness
Bookstore
WordsWorth Books
Finalists: Dickson Street Bookshop (Fayetteville), Barnes & Noble, Bookish (Fort Smith)
Car
Infiniti QX50
Finalists: 1972 Chevelle SS, Subaru Outback, Honda Accord
Children’s Clothing
The Toggery
Finalists: haute pare (Helena-West Helena), Dillard’s, Caroline’s Children’s Consignment Boutique
Chiropractor
John Vincent, Wellness Revolution
Finalists: Elite Chiropractic, Blackmon Chiropractic, Dr. Beverly Foster
Commercial Art Gallery
Boswell Mourot Fine Art Gallery
Finalists: M2 Gallery, The New Gallery, Gallery 26
Commercial Insurance Agency
Shelter Insurance
Finalists: State Farm, Farm Bureau, AAA
Commercial Real Estate Agency
Newmark Moses Tucker Partners
Finalists: McKimmey Associates, Keller Williams, Kelley Commercial
Company to Work for
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Finalists: Bank OZK, Southwest Power Pool, Legacy Termite & Pest Control
Cosmetic Dentist
DJ Dailey
Finalists: Jeff Garner, Richardson & Monroe, Little Rock Family Dental
Family Dentist
Arkansas Family Dental
Finalists: Little Rock Family Dental, Hatley Family Dentistry, Jolly Family Dentistry
Designer/Decorator
Jayme’s Interiors
Finalists: Garry Mertins, Larry West, Jill White Designs
Diet/Weight Loss Center
Arkansas Health & Nutrition
Finalists: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Weight Watchers, Roller Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery
Dry Cleaners
Schickel’s Cleaners
Finalists: Hangers, Moose Cleaners, Tide Cleaners
Eyewear
James Eyecare & Optics Gallery
Finalists: Success Vision, Kavanaugh Eye Care, Little Rock Eye Clinic
Farmers Market
Hillcrest Farmers Market
Finalists: Bernice Garden Farmers’ Market, Fayetteville Farmers Market (Fayetteville), River Market Farmers’ Market
Florist
Tipton & Hurst
Finalists: Petal to the Metal, Tanarah Luxe Floral, Frances Flower Shop
Funeral Home
North Little Rock Funeral Home
Finalists: Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, Ruebel Funeral Home, Smith Family Funeral Home
Furniture
Ashley Furniture
Local winner: Ferguson’s Furniture
Finalists: Hank’s Fine Furniture, Cleo’s Furniture, Galaxy Furniture
Garden Store
The Good Earth Garden Center
Finalists: Hocott’s Garden Center, Plantopia, Cantrell Gardens
Brian Chilson
Gift Shop
Box Turtle
Finalists: Stifft Station Gifts, Moxy Mercantile, Bella Vita Jewelry
Grocery Store
Trader Joe’s
Local winner: Edwards Food Giant
Finalists: Kroger, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods
Hair Salon
Suite 102 Salon
Finalists: Fringe Benefits, Jerry’s Barber Shop in the Heights, Southern Blonde and Co.
Hardware/Home Improvement
Fuller & Son Hardware
Finalists: The Home Depot, Kraftco Hardware, Lowe’s
Brian Chilson
Hip Clothing
Indigo
Finalists: Crying Weasel Vintage, Fringe, Scarlett
Hobby Shop
Argenta Bead Co.
Finalists: Art Outfitters, Michael’s, Rail & Sprue Hobbies (Jacksonville)
Home Entertainment
Control
Finalist: Arkansas Record and CD Exchange
Home, Life, Car insurance Salespeople
Brian Cress, Shelter Insurance
Finalists: Bev Hargraves, Arkansas Insurance Partners; Bruce James, State Farm; Joe Justus Insurance Agency
Hospital
Baptist Hospital
Finalists: Arkansas Children’s Hospital, CHI St. Vincent, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hotel
Capital Hotel
Finalists: 21c Museum Hotel (Bentonville), The Baker (North Little Rock), The Waters (Hot Springs)
HVAC Repair
Middleton Heat and Air
Finalists: Advantage Service Co., Airmasters Heating and Air Conditioning, Bob and Ed’s Heating and Air Conditioning
Internet Service Provider
AT&T
Local winner: Conway Corp.
Finalists: Hyperleap, Suddenlink, Xfinity
Investment Adviser
Kelly R. Journey, Edward Jones
Finalists: Sarah Catherine Gutierrez (Aptus Financial), Heath Harper (Morgan Stanley), April Pollard, Edward Jones
Jeweler
Sissy’s Log Cabin
Finalists: Bella Vita, Laura Stanley, Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
Landscaper/Landscape Design
Chris Olsen/Botanica Gardens
Finalists: The Good Earth, Hocott’s Garden Center, Schneider Lawn Care
Lawyer
Victoria Leigh, Lion Legal Services
Finalists: Erin Cassinelli (Lassiter and Cassinelli) David Slade (Carney Bates & Pulliam), Jenny Teeter (Gil Ragon Owen)
Lingerie Store
Cupid’s
Finalists: Angie Davis Lingerie Store and Boudoir Studio (Conway), Seductions, Victoria’s Secret
Massage Therapist
Ava Bella Day Spa
Finalists: Arkansas Healing Arts Massage and Wellness, Cora Crain, RD Sports Massage
Medical Marijuana Dispensary
Harvest House of Cannabis
Finalists: Green Springs Medical (Hot Springs), Harvest Cannabis (Conway), Native Green Wellness (Hensley)
Med Spa
Rejuvenation Clinic & Day Spa
Finalists: Flawless Med Spa (Bryant), Skin Fix Med Spa, Twilla MedSpa (Fort Smith)
Men’s Clothing
Baumans Fine Men’s Clothing
Finalists: Dillard’s, Domestic Domestic, Mr. Wick’s
Mental Health Facility
Methodist Family Health
Finalists: Alleviant Health Centers, Chenal Family Health, Riverstone Wellness
Mobile Phone Provider
Verizon
Finalists: Cricket, AT&T, Sprint
Motorcycle Dealer
Richards Honda-Yamaha
Finalists: Pig Trail Harley Davidson (Rogers), Riggs Outdoor, Rock City Harley Davidson
Mover
Two Men and a Truck (North Little Rock)
Finalists: All That Matters Moving, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (North Little Rock), Brandon Moving & Storage (North Little Rock)
Music Equipment
Renown Music
Finalists: Guitar Center, Quattlebaum Music (Searcy), Palmer Music Co. (Conway)
Nail Salon
Chic Nails and Spa
Finalists: Best Nails Salon and Spa, Ivy Nails and Spa (Bryant)
Outdoor Store
Ozark Outdoor Supply
Finalists: Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, Gene Lockwood’s
Pawn Shop
Braswell & Son Pawnbrokers
Finalists: A1 Gun and Pawn (Russellville), Big Bucks Pawn and Gun (El Dorado), Midland Pawn and Jewelry (Fort Smith)
Pest Control and Termite Service
Curry’s Termite and Pest Control
Finalists: Adams Pest Control, Legacy Termite and Pest Control, Terminix
Pharmacy
Rhea Drug Store
Cornerstone, Kavanaugh Pharmacy, The Pharmacy at Wellington
Physical Therapist
Advanced Physical Therapy
Finalists: McMaster Physical Therapy Clinic (Conway), Ortho Arkansas, Arkansas Pelvic Health
Plumber
Ray Lusk Plumbing
Finalists: Advantage Service Co. (North Little Rock), Associated Plumbers Inc., Mid-Town Mechanical Services
Private School
The Anthony School
Finalists: Episcopal Collegiate, Catholic High School for Boys, Pulaski Academy
Public School
Little Rock Central High School
Finalists: Forest Park STEM Academy, Parkview Magnet High School, Pulaski Heights Elementary
Residential Real Estate Agency
Aspire
Finalists: The Charlotte John Co., The Janet Jones Co., River Rock Realty
Retirement Community
Good Shepherd
Finalists: Brookdale Senior Living (Conway), Parkway Village, Woodland Heights
RV/Camper Dealer
Moix RV Supercenter (Conway)
Finalists: Camping World, Kiko’s Kountry RV (Sherwood), Wheels Motor and RV Dealership (Springdale)
Shoes
ROCK CITY KICKS
Finalists: Dillard’s, Fleet Feet, Warren’s Shoes
Spa
Ava Bella Day Spa
Finalists: Caracalla, Copper Well Retreat, Rejuvenation Clinic
Sporting Goods
Academy Sports + OUTDOORS
Local winner: Gene Lockwood’s
Finalists: Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ozark Outdoor Supply
Tattoos
7th Street Tattoo and Body Piercing
Finalists: Black Cobra, Love Spell, Lucky Bella Tattoos (Maumelle)
Toys
The Toggery
Finalists: Box Turtle, Knowledge Tree, Walmart
Travel Agency
Sue’s Travel
Finalists: Poe Travel, The Travel Shop, West Rock Travel
Vape Shop
Vapor World
Finalists: Bad Boyz Vaporz (Cabot), Mr. Smoke, Vape Stop
Veterinarian
Hillcrest Animal Hospital
Finalists: Pleasant Valley Veterinary Clinic, Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic, Town and Country Animal Hospital
Vintage Clothing
Crying Weasel Vintage
Finalists: Cheap Thrills (Fayetteville), South Main Creative, Thrift*pologie
Women’s Clothing
Beyond Cotton
Finalists: Dillard’s, E. Leigh’s, Tulips
Yoga Studio
Blue Yoga Nyla
Finalists: Arkansas Yoga Collective, Barefoot Studio, Floating Lotus
Local Media
Blog
Arkansas Blog
Finalists: Mighty Rib, MySaline.com, Rock City Eats
TV Meteorologist
Barry Brandt (KATV, Channel 7)
Finalists: Ed Buckner (KTHV, Channel 11), Melinda Mayo (KATV, Channel 7), Todd Yakoubian (KATV, Channel 7)
Newspaper Writer
Max Brantley
Finalists: John Brummett, Ernest Dumas, Stephanie Smittle
Radio Personality
Tommy Smith (KABZ-FM, 103.7 “The Buzz”)
Finalists: Bob Robbins (KMJX-FM, 105.1 “The Wolf”), Heather and Poolboy (KLAL-FM, 107.7 “Alice”), Tre’ Day (KIPR-FM,92.3 “Power 92”)
Radio Station
KABZ-FM, 103.7 “The Buzz”
Finalists: KLAL-FM, 107.7 “Alice”; KUAR-FM, 89.1; KKPT-FM, 94.1 “The Point”
TV Personality
Chris May (KATV, CHANNEL 7)
Finalists: Alyson Courtney (KATV, Channel 7), Craig O’Neill (KTHV, Channel 11), Alexis Wainwright (KARK, Channel 4)
TV Sportscaster
Steve Sullivan (KATV, CHANNEL 7)
Finalists: Hayden Balgavy (KTHV, Channel 11), Kyle Deckelbaum (KATV, Channel 4), Wes Moore (KLRT, Channel 16)
TV Station
KATV
Finalists: KLRT, KARK, KTHV
Website
arktimes.com
Finalists: bemightylittlerock.com, mysaline.com, rockcityeats.com
People and Politics
Athlete
Rakeem Boyd
Finalists: Hunter Henry, Mason Jones, Scottie Pippen
Best Arkansan
Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock)
Finalists: KTHV, Channel 11, anchor Craig O’Neill, Governor Hutchinson, Department of Health Director Dr. Nate Smith
Best Little Rock City Director
Kathy Webb
Finalist: Capi Peck
Best Little Rocker
Rick Fleetwood
Finalist: David Bazzel, Ali Noland, Mayor Frank Scott Jr.
THUG NASTY
Celebrity
David Bazzel
Finalists: Craig O’Neill, Mary Steenburgen, Thug Nasty
Charity
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance
Finalists: Arkansas Foodbank, Our House, The Van
Charity Event
Dinner on the Grounds (Our House)
Finalists: Eggshibition (Youth Home), Race for the Cure (Susan G. Komen), Soup Sunday (Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families)
Conservative
Governor Hutchinson
Finalists: Rep. Nate Bell (R-Mena), former Rep. Davy Carter, Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd (R-El Dorado)
Liberal
Sen. Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock)
Finalists: Sen. Will Bond (D-Little Rock), former Rep. Clarke Tucker, City Director Kathy Webb
Misuse of Taxpayer Funds/Property
Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s commercials
Finalists: I-30 expansion, Ten Commandments monument
Philanthropist
Rick Fleetwood
Finalists: John Burkhalter, Alice Walton, Windgate Foundation
Brian Chilson
Politician
Joyce Elliott
Finalists: Governor Hutchinson, Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Clarke Tucker
Worst Arkansan
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton
Finalists: Sen. Jason Rapert, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Recreation
Cheap date
Dave and Buster’s
Finalists: Big Dam Bridge, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Two Rivers Park
Golf Course
Rebsamen Golf Course
Finalists: Burns Park, Chenal Country Club, Pleasant Valley Country Club
Gym/Place to Work Out
Little Rock Athletic Club
Finalists: ClubHaus Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Planet Fitness
Hiking Trail
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Finalists: Allsopp Park, Petit Jean Mountain State Park, Rattlesnake Ridge
Marina
Mountain Harbor Resort (Mt. Ida)
Finalists: Eden Isle Marina (Heber Springs), Brady Mountain Resort & Marina (Royal), Lake Dardanelle State Park and Marina (Dardanelle)
Park
Two Rivers Park
Finalists: Burns Park (North Little Rock), Boyle Park, Allsopp Park
Place to Canoe/Kayak/Tube
Buffalo River National Park (North Arkansas)
Finalists: Spring River (North Central Arkansas), Two Rivers Park, Mulberry River
Place to Mountain Bike
Northwoods Trails (Hot Springs)
Finalists: Burns Park, Rattlesnake Ridge (Roland), Allsopp Park
Place to Swim
Lake Ouachita
Finalists: Little Rock Racquet Club, Wild River Country (North Little Rock), Greers Ferry Lake (Heber Springs)
Novo Studio
Resort
Mount Magazine (Logan County)
Finalists: Buffalo Outdoor Center (Ponca), Gaston’s White River Resort (Lakeview), Red Apple Inn & Country Club (Heber Springs)
Weekend Getaway
Hot Springs
Finalists: Eureka Springs, Mount Magazine, Buffalo National River
"best" - Google News
July 02, 2020 at 09:34PM
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Best of Arkansas 2020 - Arkansas Times
"best" - Google News
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