[quote=Buck05;83785]I don't understand where people are coming from claiming the Brad and Landon Duel was "fixed." Landon broke the rules. I don't really know what rule Brad broke by messing with the ring. I found it to be great strategy since the rules state he couldn't tackle Landon now that he had his hook (the rule Landon clearly broke in Round 1).[/quote]
Brad "broke" the rules by not going for the opponent's ring, the same violation that Landon was penalized for. However, imo, that is not as relevant as Landon not being to attach his hook to the ring while Brad runs a considerable distance and attach his hook to the ring. So yes, i contend that this duel was "fixed" and perhaps due to Landon's injury.
Nevertheless, he clearly manhandled Brad in all 3 rounds, and after watching the dallies, TJ blew the horn signaling Landon had won, while Brad was supposedly making a miracoulous hook attachment.
I'm glad Evan won because Brad should not have been there, and Mark isn't as strong as people alleged him to be. He barely beat Rachel to the first checkpoint.
As for Mr. Lueck (msp)........... he has officially gained my respect as the best competitor in the history of these challenges. I truly believe he could take down a CT, Wes, or Alton and perhaps the Miz in just about any elimination type activity.
Have to say congrats to both Evan and Rachel on winning the final challenge. They earned it. It was definitely a good idea to have them run through all the games of the Duel and it definitely was intense as a final should be. You could tell it was intense because Evan was mildly more red than usual haha As for the Landon/Brad Duel I'll hold off commenting on that until later. Bottom line is that Brad won officially so there is no reason to dwell too much on it. And Aneesa did display a good losing attitude even though she really really lost but guess the money helped with that.
Regarding Landon getting chosen for the last Duel: If he really thought the decision should be performance based, he should have fought harder for that to be the case, I think. As it was he seemed to ultimately say he was down for whatever way the others agreed to, and left himself more open.
It probably would make no difference to the outcome, but I think at least he might have been a bit more savvy to the others' intentions if the three of them were quick to discount that idea.
Also he never should have volunteered to get the hat and paper scraps. He could have kept an eye out for trickery.
But I guess these are lessons learned for the next time and he might see something like this coming in the future, if he does another challenge.
[QUOTE=Sleepy I;83825]Regarding Landon getting chosen for the last Duel: If he really thought the decision should be performance based, he should have fought harder for that to be the case, I think. As it was he seemed to ultimately say he was down for whatever way the others agreed to, and left himself more open.
It probably would make no difference to the outcome, but I think at least he might have been a bit more savvy to the others' intentions if the three of them were quick to discount that idea.
Also he never should have volunteered to get the hat and paper scraps. He could have kept an eye out for trickery.
But I guess these are lessons learned for the next time and he might see something like this coming in the future, if he does another challenge.[/QUOTE]
I don't think the outcome would have been different in any other scenario Evan, Brad and Mark would still have aligned themselves together against Landon.
This was deffinetly my favorite episode this season editing wise, I liked how they did flashbacks of everyone's time on the challenge when they were going home.
MJ vs. Brad - It was like Brad flew up that pole. I have no idea how he was able to keep his balance on the small hand/foot holds while MJ was trying to pull him down. Sounded to me like MJ made another one of his "donkey noises" when Brad knocked him off lol.
Landon was right, TJ really did run in there and take them all by surprise lol. I kind of liked the way they did the picking for the final duel and we finally saw the alliance with Brad, Evan, and Mark when Landon went to go get paper. I would've liked it better if they did it more openly like the girls did. But I kind liked that Diem didn't just go and tell the girls who she was going to pick and kind of left it a surprise, though I wouldn't have really cared if she just told them right away like Landon.
Diem vs. Brittini - I loved Diem's stratgey of taking Britt by surprise not just running at her. But I kind of knew that once she tried to do it twice she was done for and Brittini saw it coming. The rain deffinetly added something to the duel this time, because it did look like they were sliding around a little.
Landon vs. Brad - This was deffinetly my favorite duel of the season and I wish they had more of these physical duels between the guys. I think Landon would have had a much better chance at winning if he didn't try to wrestle Brad and tire him out in the first round, maybe it's just me but I feel like he got a little "flustered"(lack of a better word) after that. As for Brad, I never would have thought of hitting Landon's ring to try to buy myself some time.
The final challenge - I loved how Mark was being nice to Aneesa and trying to encourage her instead of yelling at her. I have to say though, Evan yelling at Brittini did kind of make me laugh at first even though I didn't like it, but what I didn't like was just his choice of words. Just the thought of being Brittini halfway down the mountain and hearing someone screaming at you from the top (lol after writing this and re-reading it I realized that I probably have a different sense of humour than most people).
Brad, Brad, Brad... The boy really is going to make me rip all of my hair out of my head. I sort of spoiled this for myself a while ago (just by reading the spoiler discussion thread so I kind of had the idea of what was going to happen) but I didn't realize that he was only going to lose by A FEW SECONDS! :hysteric: That's so much worse than the whole soccer kickoff thing on the first Duel! He really must have bad luck. I like Evan and all, but I really just want Brad to win already, at least he got some money this time though.
There actually were a few times on this episode where Brad kind of scared me, it was like there was a different and way more competitive side to him. He always just seems so mellow and laid back but I don't know there was something different about him this time (I think it was mostly the way he was screaming at Diem during her duel with Brittini lol).
[quote=Darock1713;83801]Brad "broke" the rules by not going for the opponent's ring, the same violation that Landon was penalized for. However, imo, that is not as relevant as Landon not being to attach his hook to the ring while Brad runs a considerable distance and attach his hook to the ring. So yes, i contend that this duel was "fixed" and perhaps due to Landon's injury.
Nevertheless, he clearly manhandled Brad in all 3 rounds, and after watching the dallies, TJ blew the horn signaling Landon had won, while Brad was supposedly making a miracoulous hook attachment.
I'm glad Evan won because Brad should not have been there, and Mark isn't as strong as people alleged him to be. He barely beat Rachel to the first checkpoint.
As for Mr. Lueck (msp)........... he has officially gained my respect as the best competitor in the history of these challenges. I truly believe he could take down a CT, Wes, or Alton and perhaps the Miz in just about any elimination type activity.[/quote]
I thought Landon kind of got slighted as well. In the Challenge Daily that they have up of the Landon/Brad duel, Britt says to Landon after "It's like they wanted..." and then you can't hear what she says, but I bet she was saying it's like they wanted Brad to win.
[quote=Element;83837]i know that this has probably been brought up before, but does anyone know when the reunion is?[/quote]
The reunion will air next week on Wesnesday June 17 at 10 pm.
Thoughts:
1. The voting process was a joke. Big 3 secret alliance versus Britt-Rach-Aneesa alliance. I must say, the oscar goes to Brad, Mark, and Evan looking all "worried" like they didn't know who they were going to vote in. Amazing acting skills. The second TJ announced a vote in, it was cha-ching in all of their heads. All they had to worry about was who Lando took into the duel. Landon seemed the most honorable, cl***iest cast member. He told Brad ahead of time he was picking him, Brad was able to prepare. Landon handled everything like a champ.
2. Lando vs Brad duel - Are you kidding me? Lando manhandled Brad the entire time. Why was the horn blown and then Brad was able to get the ring and stick it on? Okay..Lando DQ. Fair. Second round, all Landon. Third round, all Landon until Brad, like a sissy ([I]Brad had Landon's hook, why was Brad still holding onto Landon as Landon got up and back pedaled toward his ring? Why was Brad still touching him? It was obvious Landon's ring was closer - and then to slam the ring in the air and run to your own? "Brad go for the ring Brad, go for the ring" says TJ as Brad is still attached to Landon. How is flinging Landon's ring so it becomes a pendilium and then running for your life towards your ring in the rule book? HOW is that okay?)[/I] Got that rant done with. While the rulebook will count this as a Brad victory, we all know different. How was Brad not DQed for the Third Round? It will never cease to amaze me. I am sure only CT will be able to feel Landon's pissed off grief. But happy win for Brad, yet again. Landon injury not even mentioned, sa-weet editing.
Also, in before all the anti-Landon people claim to move on, it happened or that Landon played it stupid. I should be able to discuss my thoughts just as everybody else did before me.
3. I am not saying all of these things as a fan of Landon, but rather an avid fan of the show. I think it is hysterical that Brad gets by on these silly "DQs" or technicalities every time. He is clearly outmatched and easily beaten by the "top dogs" of the challenges such as Landon and CT. Why hasn't he won a challenge yet? [I]Because he isn't good enough[/I]. He gets to the end by any way possible (and good for him, have fun collecting the lower amount of money and never calling yourself a challenge winner)- by superior opponent DQs, alliances, being everybody's best friend. It's no coicidence he hasn't won a challenge yet. I can't ever see him winning one in the future, either. He is just not good enough competitively or physically. The only show he might of been matched in skills was Duel I.
4. Diem-Britt duel was enjoyable. I really like Diem, and felt bad for her. She tried...and I hope she wins one of these soon. Britt showed her strength for some who doubt her. This duel was wierd for me. I am a Britt fan, but I felt truly sad for Diem as she was teary and upset. I kind of wish Britt lost it, and I wish Diem was in the finals..
It is a shame Aneesa is so good at the duels. If she lost some, then maybe the final challenges for these things would be closer and more intense. The final is really Britt versus Rachel. *Yawn*. And the final would of been kick *** for Landon and D to play. Just sayin'.
For me, it was the worst finale ever. Then again, I am biased. Thanks for letting me rant and get my thoughts out. Hopefully, nobody tears me apart for it. I don't expect anybody to share my opinion, but I see many of you definitely agree in [I]certain areas/people[/I]. It's good that Brad is so darn likeable and is good at portraying this person he wants to be on camera. Otherwise, I would hate him for all of eternity by only knowing his existence on MTV. Instead, I just pity and dislike him. Again, my opinions only.
Ah well. Challenge over with...time to wait and get excited for the next one.
Edit: Darock, I agree with everything you said. I would of just quoted you but I wanted my own post to rant. ;)
[quote=LCbaby;83840]Thoughts:
[/quote]
I agree with everything you say about the Brad/Landon duel. Everybody knows about Landon's wrestling background. People were allowed to wrestle in that duel all season even when they had the hooks. Brad was allowed to do it to Landon, but when Landon did it, it was all of the sudden against the rules. What Brad did to Landon's hook was the exact opposite of what is in the rules as far as going straight for your own hook after you get your opponent's ring. That was a bigger and more blatant rule violation than what Landon did in the first round if you ask me. After seeing how much biking was involved in the final, it wouldn't shock me one bit if something about that duel was fixed to keep Landon out just to make the final more exciting with more evenly matched people.
[quote=Rambo;83843]I agree with everything you say about the Brad/Landon duel. Everybody knows about Landon's wrestling background. People were allowed to wrestle in that duel all season even when they had the hooks. Brad was allowed to do it to Landon, but when Landon did it, it was all of the sudden against the rules. What Brad did to Landon's hook was the exact opposite of what is in the rules as far as going straight for your own hook after you get your opponent's ring. That was a bigger and more blatant rule violation than what Landon did in the first round if you ask me. After seeing how much biking was involved in the final, it wouldn't shock me one bit if something about that duel was fixed to keep Landon out just to make the final more exciting with more evenly matched people.[/quote]
Indeed, I completely agree and nothing anybody says will change my mind about that, even if Landon himself said that Brad won fair and square. "Underdog duel victory" seems to be Brad's new title that MTV is marketing. Fact is, Landon was an underdog of this challenge the entire time. Socially, he didn't fit in. He had a few friends, sure, and he saved them time and time again. However, an alliance was in place since Day 1 against Landon. He is the strongest guy physically in the house in terms of competition, and they wanted him out. Obviously that is understandable, but it would of happened a lot sooner if Landon wasn't proving how good he was or winning all season long. I doubt he will do another challenge, but he needs to take a page - a lot of pages, actually - out of Rachel's book.
Brad's heroic duel against CT and Landon is much more interesting for viewers than the better competitor winning. Maybe for the final too, who knows. Sadly, he will never get the W for the whole shebang because he just isn't [I]that good [/I]of a competitor. Actor though, he is quite impressive.
I am done discussing the duel. No use crying over spilled milk even if that milk is the sexy yummyness of Landon. Glad Evan won though. Definitely happy about that. Anyone but Brad at this point.
[QUOTE=LCbaby;83847]Indeed, I completely agree and nothing anybody says will change my mind about that, even if Landon himself said that Brad won fair and square. "Underdog duel victory" seems to be Brad's new title that MTV is marketing. Fact is, Landon was an underdog of this challenge the entire time. Socially, he didn't fit in. He had a few friends, sure, and he saved them time and time again. However, an alliance was in place since Day 1 against Landon. He is the strongest guy physically in the house in terms of competition, and they wanted him out. Obviously that is understandable, but it would of happened a lot sooner if Landon wasn't proving how good he was or winning all season long. I doubt he will do another challenge, but he needs to take a page - a lot of pages, actually - out of Rachel's book.
Brad's heroic duel against CT and Landon is much more interesting for viewers than the better competitor winning. Maybe for the final too, who knows. Sadly, he will never get the W for the whole shebang because he just isn't [I]that good [/I]of a competitor. Actor though, he is quite impressive.
I am done discussing the duel. No use crying over spilled milk even if that milk is the sexy yummyness of Landon. Glad Evan won though. Definitely happy about that. [B]Anyone but Brad at this point[/B].[/QUOTE]
I'm sure Tori appreciates the absence of your competition for him. :biggrin:
[quote=LCbaby;83847]I am done discussing the duel. No use crying over spilled milk even if that milk is the sexy yummyness of Landon. Glad Evan won though. Definitely happy about that. Anyone but Brad at this point.[/quote]
I don't quite understand why you hate Brad so much. I mean, you're definitely welcomed to but I just don't get it. Yeah, maybe he hasn't won a challenge yet, and he isn't the BEST performer, and he won against CT and Landon by controversial calls, but he still seems to be a cool guy. He doesn't put anyone down and he just isn't an ***. It's been said here before that he knows when to say the right things when the camera's are around, but that doesn't mean he's a complete tool when he isn't on the show. Or at least I think so.
[quote=V1man;83850]I'm sure Tori appreciates the absence of your competition for him. :biggrin:[/quote]
LOL! That made me giggle and definitely lightened my mood. I also have to admit, I didn't expect that when I saw the thread update.
Thanks V1Man! :)
[quote=faceless;83851]I don't quite understand why you hate Brad so much. I mean, you're definitely welcomed to but I just don't get it. Yeah, maybe he hasn't won a challenge yet, and he isn't the BEST performer, and he won against CT and Landon by controversial calls, but he still seems to be a cool guy. He doesn't put anyone down and he just isn't an ***. It's been said here before that he knows when to say the right things when the camera's are around, but that doesn't mean he's a complete tool when he isn't on the show. Or at least I think so.[/quote]
I know, I make no sense, right? I ask myself these questions! He isn't a jerk from what I see, he is mellow and calm, collected, thoughtful. I have no idea, and your absolutely right. For some reason, Brad in any type of elimination where he skates by or wins by fault or DQ or a rule or something starts this fire in me.
I have to admit, once I cool off and get over the fact that Landon loses my one sided relationship with Brad even though he has no idea I exist will return to indifference. Thank you all though for bearing with LC's many ways of hating Brad for no good reason at all ;)
I can't speak for LCbaby, but I'm not against Brad as a person either. He seems like a cool guy & one of the genuine, non fake people there. It's just the fact of a hardworking competitor like Landon possibly being slighted out of his just reward of $100,000 just for the sake of them having a more evenly matched finale. It's not really Brad's fault at all.
[quote=Rambo;83857]I can't speak for LCbaby, but I'm not against Brad as a person either. He seems like a cool guy & one of the genuine, non fake people there. It's just the fact of a hardworking competitor like Landon possibly being slighted out of his just reward of $100,000 just for the sake of them having a more evenly matched finale. It's not really Brad's fault at all.[/quote]
Yeah. It's like he is the "chosen one", the underdog who should be and is slaughtered in these duels but wins by a rule, or disqualification, etc. Third round, when he wasn't going for ring but holding onto Landon even though he had the hook and then swinging Lando's ring, that should of been a DQ. But it wasn't. Can't blame Brad since he wasn't the rule maker or the all mighty decider in these things, but since the people at fault sit behind the camera, there is no one but Brad to get angry with.
Whatever production's fascination with Brad in that coveted role is, I hope I catch the fever. All this hate is doing no good for me.
[quote=Rambo;83857]I can't speak for LCbaby, but I'm not against Brad as a person either. He seems like a cool guy & one of the genuine, non fake people there. It's just the fact of a hardworking competitor like Landon possibly being slighted out of his just reward of $100,000 just for the sake of them having a more evenly matched finale. It's not really Brad's fault at all.[/quote]
I don't think Landon losing was planned to happen by production. I would say I could be wrong, but I really don't think I am. But, it does suck Landon lost. Out of those remaining four guys, I'd have to say that Brad didn't prove his spot like the other 3 did. (Landon winning over half the missions, Mark winning a little less, Evan winning two missions and 3 Duels compared to Brad's one win to MJ) <--That is before the Landon/Brad Duel. But, because I don't think it matters how much you've proven or done, if you made it to the end, you made it to the end and that is a challenge of itself, so Brad got to that spot and he worked for it, maybe not as much, but he did, so congrats to him, and to Evan for winning.
Indeed, face.
On a happier note, I was really impressed with Rachel on the final. I am by no means a fan of her at all, but watching her in the endurance race I couldn't help but be impressed especially by her beating the men at times. Kudos to her!
Anyone annoyed by Aneesa making it to the finals and it being obvious she won't win in a million years if endurance has anything to do with it? Just curious =) Aneesa in the water, first four seconds of challenge, made me LOL.
Funny notes: Evan climbing Duel Pole Dance with his bike on his shoulder, Mark saying he can take a nap waiting for Aneesa, LOL
Boat ride seemed fun! Wow, New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL!
[quote=V1man;83830]I don't think the outcome would have been different in any other scenario Evan, Brad and Mark would still have aligned themselves together against Landon.[/quote]
Oh I agree and I said as much in my post. Regardless of his opinion Mark, Brad and Evan were going to put him in the Duel. But for Land 'o' lakes to just tell these guys "However you want to do it, I'm cool with" and then assume that they would base their decisions based on performance and get upset because they didn't is kinda at best naive.
He was the dominant guy physically throughout the whole show and up to $100 000 is up for grabs; why would it not occur to him that these guys might take the chance to at least try and get rid of him to improve their own chances?
To me it seems Landon fell victim to a sense of entitlement due to his record, but at the end of the day I guess he did not have eyes in the back of his head.
His situation just reinforces to me the point that physicality is not the ultimate factor in these challenges, but cunning is as well, for better or worse.
V1Man, do you know if Landon knew about the Brad/Evan/Mark alliance?
[QUOTE=Sleepy I;83881]Oh I agree and I said as much in my post. Regardless of his opinion Mark, Brad and Evan were going to put him in the Duel. But for Land 'o' lakes to just tell these guys "However you want to do it, I'm cool with" and then assume that they would base their decisions based on performance and get upset because they didn't is kinda at best naive.
He was the dominant guy physically throughout the whole show and up to $100 000 is up for grabs; why would it not occur to him that these guys might take the chance to at least try and get rid of him to improve their own chances?
To me it seems Landon fell victim to a sense of entitlement due to his record, but at the end of the day I guess he did not have eyes in the back of his head.
His situation just reinforces to me the point that physicality is not the ultimate factor in these challenges, but cunning is as well, for better or worse.
[B]
V1Man, do you know if Landon knew about the Brad/Evan/Mark alliance?[/B][/QUOTE]
I don't believe that either Landon or production knew about the alliance, and unless either reads vevmo, they still will not know.
[quote=LCbaby;83874]Indeed, face.
On a happier note, I was really impressed with Rachel on the final. I am by no means a fan of her at all, but watching her in the endurance race I couldn't help but be impressed especially by her beating the men at times. Kudos to her!
Anyone annoyed by Aneesa making it to the finals and it being obvious she won't win in a million years if endurance has anything to do with it? Just curious =) Aneesa in the water, first four seconds of challenge, made me LOL.
Funny notes: Evan climbing Duel Pole Dance with his bike on his shoulder, Mark saying he can take a nap waiting for Aneesa, LOL
Boat ride seemed fun! Wow, New Zealand is BEAUTIFUL![/quote]
With how close the end was with Evan and Brad, just imagine if the tables had been turned and it was Brad who won by that small of a margin. Evan would be kicking himself to this day for carrying that bike up the pole with him!
[quote=V1man;83883]I don't believe that either Landon or production knew about the alliance, and unless either reads vevmo, they still will not know.[/quote]
Wow, that is surprising! Thanks V. Landon considered Mark a close friend or so I have read, as well as Brad. I wonder if there are ill feelings for them two aligning with Evan over Lando.
I really have to commend Mark for the way he handled the final challenge. Once he knew Aneesa was his partner for the binding leg of the race, he could of gotten mad but he handled it so well. Helping Aneesa every step of the way shows so much of a person's character -[I] it seems[/I] from a viewer's perspective. V1, do you know if, in fact, that is how Mark is generally or was he trying to play good sport for the cameras? If I asked for your opinion of Mark, would you tell me? ;)
[quote=Rambo;83884]With how close the end was with Evan and Brad, just imagine if the tables had been turned and it was Brad who won by that small of a margin. Evan would be kicking himself to this day for carrying that bike up the pole with him![/quote]
Hehe, I know! Watching it, I was shocked that Evan ended up winning and it was seconds between the two because Brad had Rachel for a partner, and they seemed to get such a lead from the bike to ring leg of race. From the edit, it seems Brad slowed the duo down.
[quote=V1man;83883]I don't believe that either Landon or production knew about the alliance, and unless either reads vevmo, they still will not know.[/quote]
OK. Maybe then I can see where more of his frustration came from. If it was me in that situation, I just think I would be extra careful to watch the moves of those around me. Especially if one of them is Evan lol.
[QUOTE=LCbaby;83886]Wow, that is surprising! Thanks V. Landon considered Mark a close friend or so I have read, as well as Brad. I wonder if there are ill feelings for them two aligning with Evan over Lando.
I really have to commend Mark for the way he handled the final challenge. Once he knew Aneesa was his partner for the binding leg of the race, he could of gotten mad but he handled it so well. Helping Aneesa every step of the way shows so much of a person's character -[I] it seems[/I] from a viewer's perspective. V1, do you know if, in fact, that is how Mark is generally or was he trying to play good sport for the cameras? If I asked for your opinion of Mark, would you tell me? ;)[/QUOTE]
Personally, I like Mark. A couple of RW/RR cast people tell me I should not be so open to him, but i do think the edit is mostly who he really is. That said, he is 100% aware during every waking moment that he is making a TV show. You also have to remember that he and Aneesa were HOURS behind Evan, Brittini, Rachel, and Brad in crossing the finish line. There was nothing to be gained by being *****y. I fully expect that production would have told him when the 2nd place finishers had crossed the finish line. I don't actually know if Aneesa completed all of the tasks. I hope she did.
[quote=V1man;83891]Personally, I like Mark. [B]A couple of RW/RR cast people tell me I should not be so open to him[/B], but i do think the edit is mostly who he really is. That said, he is 100% aware during every waking moment that he is making a TV show. You also have to remember that he and Aneesa were HOURS behind Evan, Brittini, Rachel, and Brad in crossing the finish line. There was nothing to be gained by being *****y. I fully expect that production would have told him when the 2nd place finishers had crossed the finish line. I don't actually know if Aneesa completed all of the tasks. I hope she did.[/quote]
That surprises me because I thought he was someone everyone liked and got along with. Kinda like Timmy.
[quote=V1man;83891]Personally, I like Mark. A couple of RW/RR cast people tell me I should not be so open to him, but i do think the edit is mostly who he really is. That said, he is 100% aware during every waking moment that he is making a TV show. You also have to remember that he and Aneesa were HOURS behind Evan, Brittini, Rachel, and Brad in crossing the finish line. There was nothing to be gained by being *****y. I fully expect that production would have told him when the 2nd place finishers had crossed the finish line. I don't actually know if Aneesa completed all of the tasks. I hope she did.[/quote]
Wow. That's really sad for Aneesa, I am sure she is ashamed. Nobody likes to lose or let down a partner - but she was having trouble in the water a minute outside of the boat! And I do agree Mark had nothing to gain by being a jerk, but he must of felt disappointed. The fact that he did come in third though up to the ring challenge makes me wonder and doubt my opinion based on ability and endurance as a finale competitor; is he as strong and fit as I think he is? It was nice to see him be there for Aneesa as she struggled to even walk.
That being said, I would of loved to see the finale with Rachel, Tori, Diem versus Evan, Landon, Brad/Mark. The final challenge looked like an endurance blast. Watching it made me want to go do another triathalon or something, haha.
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