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Escape Artist Is One of Greenville’s Best Places for Fun and Mystery

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Do you think you can beat the clock at Escape Artist Greenville SC? Several years ago, some friends were visiting from out of town and wanted to meet up. When we asked them what they would like to do, they suggested that we meet up at one of Greenville’s top escape rooms, Escape Artist Greenville. We are very glad that we said yes. In fact, we had such a great time we can’t stop recommending Escape Artist to all of our friends in Greenville. Escape Artist Greenville was even voted one of the Best Escape Rooms in 2025 by Newsweek, how cool!

Escape Artist Greenville

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park

Looking for more fun things to do downtown? Check out the KA Guide to Downtown Greenville.

What is Escape Artist Greenville Like?

Upon arriving, we were energized immediately by owners Will and Kim Rutherford’s enthusiasm. It was impossible to not catch the excitement about trying to test our group’s wits against one of their escape rooms.

After a short explanation of rules such as “don’t tear apart the ceiling” followed by a creepy story intro we handed over our iPhones and headed into  “Dr. Fratelli’s cabin”. Inside the mad scientist’s cabin, we quickly got to work looking inside and under the many objects in order to start finding clues. These clues then led to puzzles that had to be solved in order to find the special locked exit and escape the room where Dr. Fratelli had trapped us. Of course, the primary entrance remained unlocked so we weren’t actually physically locked in. It is just a game!

We were given just one hour to escape the room, but we had the ability to ask for three clues during our hour. Will was watching us through his surveillance cameras and was quick to offer the exact help needed for each clue. The puzzles were challenging but still simple enough for a group to solve.

Did We Escape?

Of course, the first question everyone asks is “Did you escape?” Actually, Will told us that only 20-25% of the groups that try the room “get out”. We made it though with only a couple of minutes left to spare and we used all 3 hints.

Will greeted us after we finished and shared his own observations of how we solved the puzzle. We then were allowed to grab our phones again so that Kim could take a victory photo for us showcasing our time.

Objects and clues at Escape Artist Greenville SC
Photo Credit: Eli Warren, used by permission from Escape Artist Greenville

Is Escape Artist Greenville Worth the Money?

Escape Artist is a little bit more expensive than most of the attractions my husband and I visit, starting at around $30/person. It was worth every penny we spent. We had so much fun working together, laughing at our mistakes, and bragging about what we solved. The room was very well designed, all of the clues were clear and worked correctly, and Will & Kim executed everything wonderfully. It’s no wonder that they have received so many 5 star reviews.

Any hints?

Well, of course, I can’t give any hints on how to solve the puzzle because that would ruin the fun, but here are a couple tips to help you have the best chances of victory:

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for a clue when you are stuck. It’s better to use them up than not get out!
  2. Get started quickly. Don’t be shy about looking around the room when you enter it. The sooner you find your first clues the better.
  3. Don’t overthink your clues. None of the clues will require knowing weird facts and you won’t mess up your clues by touching or moving objects in the room.
  4. Playing an escape room game on your tablet or phone ahead of time will help give you an idea of the types of puzzles you might encounter.
  5. Have fun! Don’t get too stressed out. This activity is all about having a good time.

What About Kids?

I visited Escape Artist Greenville with 3 other adults and I thought that it was a great adult activity but older children and teens would definitely enjoy it as well. Children under 16 are allowed to attend with an adult, and Will told us that he had even recently hosted a party of 11-year-olds. Will did tell us that he adapts the clues as necessary for children and that the children who have come through really have enjoyed the puzzle. All of the content in the story and inside the room was appropriate for any age audience and there weren’t any thematic elements that would scare a child.

About Escape Artist: Greenville SC

Be sure to book your time ahead of time online. Due to the nature of the event, space is limited and 2 hours advanced reservation is required.

This attraction is completely unique to Greenville. While there are other “escape rooms” in Greenville and in other cities, Will & Kim specifically designed this room and story making it a one-of-a-kind adventure.

The attraction can fit 2-8 people at a time. Your group may get placed with another group if you don’t purchase the entire 8 tickets.

In addition to Dr. Fratelli’s Cabin, there are four other escape rooms including our current favorite Starlight Motel (a spooky, interactive room for adults). You can read about Starlight Motel in our review.

There is a second location of Escape Artist Greenville, located at Hampton Station. The Hampton Station location has fewer rooms (Help Wanted and Dark Lullaby), but the proximity to dining, breweries, and shopping makes it a great activity.

The Escape Artist Greenville: SC Has Two Locations!

209 East Stone Avenue, Greenville, SC
864-509-9305
info@escapeartistgreenville.com
www.escapeartistgreenville.com
Book the Downtown Greenville location

Hampton Station
1320 Hampton Avenue, Bay 11C, Greenville, SC
Book the Hampton Station location

Have you ever visited The Escape Artist or another Escape Room in Greenville? We would love to hear what you thought in the comments!

Guide to things to do indoors, Greenville, SC

There is still fun to have indoors!

KA Premier Guide to Things to Do Inside

Enjoy great food, breweries, activities, and more at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Things to do at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Make These “You Rock” Valentines

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Need an idea for school Valentines this year? The time-honored tradition of handing out small cards with a little candy, stickers, pencils or other small trinkets to the class is one school children look forward to year after year. Who doesn’t like receiving nearly 2 dozen little presents and notes? If you’re looking for something a little different this year, check out these homemade “You Rock” Valentines.

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Platinum Sitters: The Sitter & Nanny Solution in Greenville, SC

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Whether you need an on demand sitter, or a long term nanny, Platinum Sitters does it all! With a click of a few buttons, they provide you with super star vetted sitters that have been personally interviewed, background and referenced checked by their local Manager, Jessica. 

Platinum Sitters

Thank you to Platinum Sitters Greenville for sponsoring this article.

Tailored Sitter & Nanny Services

Platinum Sitters services are tailored to different needs, but their Superstar vetting standards and pricing are always the same. For their occasional on demand service, parents simply create their free parent profile, select the time and date they would like a sitter, and 3 to 5 sitters will pop up based on the families needs. Looking for the same sitter on a set schedule – like a part-time nanny? Try their Concierge Recurring Service!

There is no annual fee with signing up to book a sitter! The Platinum Sitter technology relies on an algorithm to match the perfect sitter to your family’s needs. And, payment is seamless with pre-fixed pricing that is transparent.

Rest Easy With Their Services

  • Homework help
  • Interactive play
  • Snack and meal preparation
  • Light housework
  • Driving the Kids
  • Pet friendly, animal loving sitter options happy to take out the dog and feed the cat
  • Special event and group sitting availabile

Find and book your perfect sitter in minutes!

Finding a sitter shouldn’t be a chore. Platinum Sitters requires all babysitters on their platform to have:

  • Clear background check and driving record
  • 3-5 years of babysitting experience
  • References who will vouch for your sitter’s character and babysitting abilities
  • Wiliness to love and nurture children
  • Work well with others

Jessica, your local Greenville Manager, is a Mom

Jessica, your local Greenville Manager helped establish Platinum Sitters in the Charlotte market before her family moved to Greenville, SC in 2019. Prior to joining the Platinum Sitters team, Jessica has worked in financial and community development for non-profits and independent schools. When returning to the workforce, Jessica experienced first-hand how hard it is to network and connect with genuine qualified childcare that she can trust and rely on, especially when you are new to a city. She truly values Platinum Sitters standards, and is thrilled to provide this wonderful safe service to the Greenville community. 

Jessica of Greenville's Platinum Sitters

Platinum Sitters offers one time, full-time or part-time placement. Please contact Jessica@platinumsitters.com (your Greenville Manager for more information) 

Don’t Miss Promoting Your Birthday Party!

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Be listed on the Upstate’s top Birthday Party Guides. Parents are looking ONLINE for birthday parties and Kidding Around is where they are landing. Try searching for birthday party options yourself to see what we mean.

See our Birthday Party Guide.

Why Our Guide is a BIG Deal!

In 2019, the Kidding Around Greenville Birthday Party Guide had 15,919 pageviews on the main birthday party page and over 1,000 additional pageviews on birthday party subpages and listings. The Spartanburg Birthday Party Guide had over 5,500 pageviews.

86% of these pageviews were from Google search from people looking for birthday party options in our area. 

People looking at the guide are people looking for birthday party options, not paging through a magazine or website randomly

In our recent Kidding Around survey, 40.5% of our readers said that they find our Birthday Party Guide to be one of our most useful guides!


Free and Paid Options Available

Need help making a decision? Fill out your name and email/phone number on the form or email Bethany@kiddingaroundgreenville.com.

Rates available in PDF format by request.

Take Your Kids on Magical Trick-or-Treating Adventure at Enchanted Forest

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In October, one of Greenville’s top events for safe trick-or-treating is the annual Enchanted Forest at the Pavilion. Our Kidding Around Greenville Facebook fans came to the rescue with lots of great information on why Enchanted Forest is one of the top spots for trick-or-treating in Upstate SC.

For even more safe trick-or-treating options, be sure to check out our Trick-or-Treating List for Greenville!

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My Heart’s Desire Photography

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We are excited to be featuring local photographers who specialize in family, children, maternity, and/or infant photography this fall. If you haven’t already done so already, be sure to check out our interactive Photography Guide where you can find this post’s sponsor My Heart’s Desire Photography gracing the cover. This is the perfect time of year to get photos taken, because you are going to want a great photo for that Christmas card coming out in December! ~Bethany

Thank you to My Heart’s Desire Photography for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this giveaway!

Giveaway: As part of our photography directory series, several of our photography sponsors have generously donated giveaway packages for our readers. Today, you can enter for a chance to win a photography session with My Heart’s Desire Photography! (terms and conditions apply, see below)

my hearts desire photography

My Heart’s Desire Photography offers family, children, maternity, and newborn sessions!

About My Heart’s Desire Photography

My Heart’s Desire Photography offers a full spectrum of photography packages for families in the Upstate. Specializing in newborn, maternity, and family photos, my sessions creatively include both traditional and fully styled settings. ~Meribeth

Website: www.myheartsdesirephotography.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/myheartsdesirephotography
Email: myheartsdesirephotography@gmail.com
Phone: 864.832.7628

Her clients say:

Crystal: “She is such an amazing photographer, so patient with the children, and has great style for capturing the best pictures she took her time with our family and got great pictures we absolutely love them, I can’t wait to have her take our pictures again, we highly recommend her.”

 Tiffany: “My Heart’s Desire was able to capture the joy, beauty and spunkiness of my family with ease and professionalism. Meribeth was easy to work with, flexible with times, and we were thrilled with the outcome of each of our sessions. Great pricing on images and packages, too. I would highly recommend using My Heart’s Desire for anything from family pictures to kids to couples.”

my hearts desire photography newborn

Go to My Heart’s Desire Photography’s Facebook page to see more adorable photos like this one!

Current Specials

September Newborn Special: $115 for 90 minute session. Includes 1, 11×14 and 2 5×7 portraits and 10% off any packages, prints or digital images.

Fall Family Mini Session: $85 for 30 minute session. Includes 30 minutes of shooting time, post-processing of images, 1-11×14 portrait and 2 digital images. In addition, there will be a 10% discount on any packages, prints, or digitals! Perfect for holiday cards!

Don’t miss your chance to book one of these specials with My Heart’s Desire Photography (Christmas will be here before you know it!). I personally, have been impressed by her creativity and wide-range of offerings. Remember that fall sessions are already starting book up for these photographers, so don’t wait. ~Bethany

Book your session now at myheartsdesirephotography@gmail.com or by calling 864.832.7628!

Carosel horse

I personally think that My Heart’s Desire Photography’s fully-styled sessions are so creative and unique.

Giveaway

Thanks to My Heart’s Desire Photography, one of you will win a free session (see details below)!

Prize: Fall Family/Children mini-session with 4 digital images or a Newborn 30 minute session with 4 digital images.  The winner will also receive a discount on any prints or products they wish to purchase in addition to the 4 digital images.

This giveaway opens at time of posting on September 17, 2014 and will close at midnight on September 23, 2014.

Our giveaway rules:

  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway. By entering this giveaway, you agree to allow the sponsor of this giveaway to use your email address to contact you about promotions. You may unsubscribe at anytime.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email.
  • The prize must be claimed during the time period specified.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.

We use a special giveaway widget to ensure accuracy and fair results, if it’s slow to load or doesn’t appear you can access it via this link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What type of photography offered by My Heart’s Desire Photography would you purchase if you could pick any package?

Are you planning to hiring a photographer this fall? Don’t forget to check our Fall Photography Guide!

Meet Bethany
IMG_0435_200px

Bethany is a local Greenville mom who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm about Greenville with other local families through her website Kidding Around Greenville. Her content is featured on Visit Greenville, iOnGreenville, and Greenville.fm. You can contact Bethany at Bethany.Winston@gmail.com.

Photography Spotlight: J. Wingreen Photography

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We are excited to be featuring local photographers who specialize in family, children, maternity, and/or infant photography this fall. If you haven’t already done so already, be sure to check out our interactive Photography Directory where you can find our fall 2014 photography sponsors. This is the perfect time of year to get photos taken, because you are going to want a great photo for that Christmas card coming out in December! ~Bethany

Thank you to J. Wingreen Photography for sponsoring this giveaway for our readers!

Giveaway: As part of our photography directory series, several of our photography sponsors have generously donated giveaway packages for our readers. Today, you can enter for a chance to win a Fall Family Session with J. Wingreen Photography! (terms and conditions apply, see below)

Family Photography in Greenville SC: three photos of families in outdoor settings

About J. Wingreen Photography

As you may have already noticed, Julie of J. Wingreen Photography is our KAG photography partner and has done an amazing job. While most of her photos for Kidding Around Greenville are of places (not people), she also is a wonderful family photographer. At a recent event, I met many of you who had signed up for Julie’s Back-to-School mini sessions, so I know that you will be excited to see that she is offering a Fall Family Session.

Fall Family Session:

  • 30 Minutes
  • 20 Edited, Digital Images
  • All for $80 when booked for the months of September and October
J Wingreen fall session: three photos of a family in outdoor setting

Julie says about her sessions, “Don’t fuss over what to wear! Choose something that fits your personality, makes you happy, isn’t too “matchy,” and add some accessories! Layering works wonders on a camera, so don’t be afraid to throw in an extra necklace, sweater, vest, whatever! If you’re not sure, no problem. Bring a few options and we’ll decide together!

Sessions are fun and relaxed–believe me when I say that tilting heads and positioning hands are not my thing. I want to capture you…being you! We’ll take some gorgeous posed pictures, but we’ll also capture the fun candid moments. The best part? You’ll come away with high-quality images that will last a lifetime.”

Don’t miss your chance for a Fall Session with J. Wingreen Photography. Julie will fill up quickly. You can see more of Julie’s work and connect with her on:

To book your Fall Session, contact her at 815.904.2899 or by email at jwingreen@gmail.com

J. Wingreen Giveaway

J. Wingreen Photography is sponsoring a giveaway package for one reader to win a Fall Family Session (details of prize listed above). Session subject to terms and conditions as listed above.

  • Fall Family Session includes 30 minutes and 20 edited, digital images, session must be booked in September or October.

This giveaway opens at time of posting on September 10, 2014 and will close at midnight on September 16, 2014.

Our giveaway rules:

  • You must be 18 or older and live in the USA to enter this giveaway.
  • You must use a valid email address to enter this giveaway. By entering this giveaway, you agree to allow the sponsor of this giveaway to use your email address to contact you about promotions. You may unsubscribe at anytime.
  • We will contact the winner via the email address provided within three [3] days of the giveaway ending. The winner will have three [3] days (72 hours) to respond via email. If the winner does not respond within the three [3] days (72 hours), the prize will be forfeited and another winner chosen. Directions for claiming the prize will be given via email.
  • The prize must be claimed during the time period specified.
  • For a complete list of Kidding Around Greenville SC’s giveaway policies and terms and conditions, see the Kidding Around Greenville SC policy page. By entering this giveaway, you agree to comply with Kidding Around Greenville SC’s terms and conditions.

If the Rafflecopter Widget is slow to load, you can access the giveaway using this link.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you planning to hiring a photographer this fall? Don’t forget to check our Fall Photography Guide!

Meet Bethany
IMG_0435_200px

Bethany is a local Greenville mom who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm about Greenville with other local families through her website Kidding Around Greenville. Her content is featured on Visit Greenville, iOnGreenville, and Greenville.fm. You can contact Bethany at Bethany.Winston@gmail.com.

Kidding Around Atlanta: World of Coca-Cola

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Curious about the World of Coke in Atlanta? Since Greenville is a short day trip from this popular Atlanta destination, Kidding Around contributors are telling you all about their visit.

What makes Coca-Cola’s secret formula so successful, and why is World of Coca-Cola such a popular destination for families visiting Atlanta, Georgia? Our team at Kidding Around Greenville decided to search for the answers to these two questions on our recent weekend trip to Atlanta. While I can’t promise to share the secret ingredients to Coke’s famous recipe, I think that we did figure out why families love visiting World of Coca-Cola.

Our trip to World of Coca-Cola was compliments of World of Coca-Cola. This post contains affiliate links.

Find a place to stay in Atlanta, GA. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.

The Quick Scoop on World of Coca-Cola

Ticket Prices (prices are subject to change):

$17 – Adults (13 – 64)
$15 – Seniors (65+)
$13 – Youths (3 – 12)
Free – Babies (2 and under)

Annual passes and a bundle deal for Atlanta attractions are also available.

Location: Pemberton Place in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia

Hours: Hours of operation range from 9 am to 8:30 pm, see the World of Coca-Cola website for each day’s specific hours of operation.

Time to Tour: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Ages: While the World of Coca-Cola accommodates all ages, in my opinion the museum would be best enjoyed by children elementary age through adults.

Parking: Parking is available in the World of Coca-Cola parking garage for $15 a day, two Marta stations are also located within 10 minute walking distances.

Nearby Attractions: The Georgia Aquarium, CNN Tower, and Centennial Olympic Park are all located within easy walking distance of World of Coca-Cola. Susan and I easily filled a day with just the World of Coca-Cola and The Georgia Aquarium, though with an earlier start it would be possible to tour the CNN Tower as well. (I personally think that all three attractions would be overwhelming for children). Atlanta has also opened a tall Ferris Wheel with a 15 minute ride within walking distance of Pemberton Place.

Nearby Hotels: Susan and I stayed at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel.

What to Expect at World of Coca-Cola

World of Coca-Cola is essentially a fast-paced multimedia museum about the history and production of the drink Coca-Cola. Families can expect a quick live presentation of the history of Coca-Cola when entering the museum, followed by a short animated movie in the Happiness Factory Theatre, and then a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits.

I did appreciate that all of World of Coca-Cola’s exhibits including the 4-D Movie Theatre are included in the cost of admission.

World of Coca-Cola Travel Tip: All visitors to World of Coca-Cola must listen to the introductory live presentation and movie which takes around 30 minutes total. Be prepared to entertain small children as the live presentation in particular requires standing in one place for several minutes.

Exhibits at World of Coca-Cola

I’ve toured World of Coca-Cola several times, and in my opinion Coca-Cola has kept the museum fresh and interesting. While some of the popular exhibits have remained unchanged, every visit brings new experiences too. You can find a complete list of exhibits and shows on the World of Coca-Cola website, but I’ll list a couple of my favorites.

 Vault of the Secret Formula

Kids will love the dramatic presentation of the exhibit Vault of the Secret Formula. The attendants keep even the line waiting lively, with a beach ball game. Upon entering the vault, visitors are crammed into a small room where a “security clearance” is performed.

Inside the vault, visitors learn about the history of Coca-Cola’s brand success against counterfeit brands while also being teased with a mixture of history and legend surrounding the secret formula.

The exhibit has a fun atmosphere with mirrored ceilings and mysterious voices. At the end the visitors experience a circular room with multi-media moving walls simulating the filling of a cup of Coke.  At the end of the multi-media presentation “the vault” is revealed.

World of Coca-Cola Travel Tip: Families especially with small children will want to be aware that touring the exhibit does involve being crammed into small rooms much like riding an elevator. Upon entering the exhibit, you must follow the timetable of the tour before exiting, so be sure to schedule that bathroom trip first.

Bottle Works

Personally, I would count Bottle Works as my favorite exhibit, a miniature real-bottling line that gives families a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Coca-Cola.

4-D Theatre

Moving seats, 3-D Glasses, and water mists make the 4-D Theatre a memorable experience. While the movie is a little corny in plot, it’s fast-paced search for the secret ingredient keeps visitors glued to their seats. For visitors wanting a less-active showing, non-moving seats are available and exits are clearly pointed out before the show.

World of Coca-Cola Funny Memory: While Susan and I enjoyed the 4-D movie, we were sitting by a couple women who really enjoyed the movie. From the first small jolt of our seat to the last mist of water, our neighbors screamed liberally throughout the entire show. I was even afraid at one point that the lady beside me was about to end up in my lap.

Taste It!

I think that I can safely say that the exhibit Taste It! is the favorite of children visiting World of Coca-Cola. With over 100 different flavors from around the world and unlimited visits to the soda fountain, Taste It! definitely is a sparkling end to the tour. Whether you discover a new flavor or stumble on the infamous Beverly, you won’t leave thirsty. (Though you may leave feeling a little sick.)

World of Coca-Cola Travel Tip: I was excited to see that World of Coca-Cola added several mix-your-own beverage machines. You may want to walk to the back of the exhibit to check them out before filling up on fruity beverages at the front.

Guest Services at World of Coca-Cola

You can find a complete list of World of Coca-Cola’s accessibility options for persons with disabilities on the World of Coca-Cola website under Guest Services. World of Coca-Cola is completely wheelchair and stroller accessible, though stroller usage may be restricted in some areas during peak times.

Free Wi-Fi is available both inside and outside World of Coca-Cola.

Family restrooms are available, and changing stations are located in all bathrooms. I didn’t notice any private spots that would be convenient for breast-feeding, though there was plenty of seating throughout the museum.

World of Coca-Cola does not have a restaurant, but Pemberton Cafe is located outside the museum.

Souvenirs: World of Coca-Cola provides a complimentary glass bottle of Coca-Cola to every guest. Guests can also get a photo taken with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear or on the vintage Coca-Cola couch by a professional photographer. While you can purchase a photo at the gift shop, the photographers also accommodated guests by taking photos with the visitors’ own cameras.

When planning your trip to Atlanta, be sure to also check out our Kidding Around review of:

The Georgia Aquarium

Find an affordable place to stay in Atlanta on Hotels.com

So, what makes the brand Coca-Cola so successful? I think that the World of Coca-Cola museum proves that Coca-Cola is more than just a beverage but a common experience associated with happiness and fun that we share with people across the globe. Similarly, World of Coca-Cola leaves you happy and full of great memories.

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