Brewers Debut Third Aaron Rodgers Spot

Right before Opening Day, we debuted our 2012 TV spots and let you know that there would be four additional sports featuring Packers MVP Quarterback Aaron Rodgers released throughout the season.

We released the second spot (“Glare“) at the end of April and today, we released our third spot, called “Bad Reception“:

 

The two remaining Rodgers spots will be released every few weeks–so look for a continuation of this story here on John and Cait…Plus 9! In the meantime, you can view the rest of the 2012 TV spots here.

Again, it was a fun TV shoot and we’re very proud of the finish product. Kudos to 2-Story Creative and Metaphystico for their great work! We hope you like the spots as much as we enjoyed working on them!

-Cait

johnandcait@brewers.com

20 Weeks To Go Until the Brewers Mini-Marathon!

Remember last month when we told you that we were signing up to run the Brewers Mini-Marathon in September?

Well, we’re signed up, we’ve started raising money for the MACC Fund,  the early-bird registration deadline has come and gone, and now, with just 20 weeks to go, it’s time to get serious about training!

So, we decided to sit down with one of the best runners we know, Trenni Kusnierek, current sports anchor on 620 WTMJ’s Wisconsin’s Afternoon News and co-host of Sports Central. Besides being one of the Brewers great partners, WTMJ is also a proud supporter of the Brewers Mini as well!

———

JOHN

I like to think I am in pretty good shape right now, but definitely not the kind of shape you need to be in to run a half-marathon.  I work out around five times a week and occasionally play other sports when I can.  I’m ready for the challenge of training and participating in this race.

I ran Cross Country at Marquette High School.  I wasn’t very good, but I learned a lot from my coach, James Kearney.  He put us in the mindset not only to train to be physically strong, but also mentally strong.  I still use a lot of those methods today when working out.  I really enjoyed running and look forward to getting back into it and to accomplish the goal of finishing this race.

Another part of this that is special to me is the tie in with the MACC Fund.  The MAAC Fund has been something that I have been pretty much been supporting one way or another my entire life.  The organization means a lot to me and to my family.  I’m very excited for what the training process will bring, we have a lot of great things planned for the blog that I think will be beneficial to everyone.

CAIT

As I mentioned in my first post about the Brewers Mini-Marathon, I did not run in high school (I played golf instead), but I have completed a few 5K’s and one half-marathon since then. I  like to challenge myself by setting new fitness goals, like climbing Camelback Mountain when we’re down at Spring Training, participating in a 60-mile walk for breast cancer, etc. I keep active by trying lots of different workouts (like Insanity, P90X) and regularly practicing yoga, but I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a hardcore runner. In fact, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: right now, I find running boring. Yes, that’s right. I said it. Most of my previous running has been done indoors, on a treadmill at a speed where I can still vaguely read a fashion magazine. When I admitted this to Trenni, I could tell this did not sit well with her, but she’s really nice and encouraging, so she politely challenged me to run outside.  I promised her I would, but I’m having trouble getting started. The rainy weather hasn’t exactly helped either. I know I need to get going if I want to do well in this race, so any words of encouragement or advice from our readers is much appreciated. I’m looking forward to getting some new gear and training alongside John and Trenni this summer as I think they’ll provide the motivation I need to finally start to like running!

[Note: I just shared this draft with Trenni and she already responded with some tips for me, so I thought I'd share them with you as well!

Trenni: Here's my advice for running outdoors. Do it first thing in the morning. Put your clothes out the night before as a reminder/motivator. I'm not a big fan of music, but I think an upbeat playlist will help. At the very least, if you make a new mix, you'll be excited about listening to some new music! Find a route you know will be pretty--maybe the Menomonee River Parkway, or through a cute neighborhood. Start small and shoot for 20 minutes-10 minutes out and 10 minutes back. By breaking it up into two, 10 minute segments, this should help as well. It's a good way to trick your mind!  Now...if it's REALLY hard to get outside, I then challenge you to begin by tossing aside the magazines and books and cranking up the speed on the treadmill. Start small, and set the speed at 5.2 or 5.3 if you were at 5.0 before. If you are running at 6.0, you are pacing at a ten minute mile, which I believe is VERY achievable for you!]

TRENNI

I am three weeks post Boston Marathon and my body is still rejecting the idea of running. It has been unbelievably frustrating to head out the door only to have my legs feel as if someone cut them open and poured sand into my quads.

Running is as much a part of my daily life as breathing. It has gotten to the point where easy runs feel natural, comfortable and even *gasp* enjoyable! But for some reason it is taking my body longer to recover after my most recent 26.2.

I’m not alone. I recently had dinner with my training “crew”-Bart and Stephanie- and we have all been feeling the same. Despite our high fitness level, we are slow and groggy when we hit the pavement these days, but the desire to get back out there is hard to ignore!

Unlike John and Cait, the September Brewers Mini-marathon will not be my only big race this summer, so I feel a little pressure to get back on the training track. My next race, the Summerfest Rock N’ Sole half marathon is just seven weeks away on Saturday, June 23rd. However, unlike past races, I’m approaching half-marathon number one A LOT differently than every other race in the past. I will not be wearing a watch. Yes, you read that correctly. No time keeping piece on my wrist allowing me to manage my splits every single mile. My hope is that by running my first race of the summer season “naked” I get a better idea of what my body is really capable of in terms of speed and endurance. It will also be a mental test to see if I can still run fast and control my pace, based on knowing my body rather than counting on numbers.

My long-term goals are still being formed. If my body and weather permits, I would really like to set a PR (personal record) on the half-marathon course in September. Right now I’ve been pretty consistent at crossing the finish line around 1:40, but I feel pretty confident I can get my time down around 1:35.

I’m also entertaining the idea of running a late fall marathon. Prior to Boston I said I was going to take a summer off from training, but I feel as though I’m at a point in my running career where I’m capable of racing my fastest. I’m playing with the idea of upping my mileage into the upper 50’s/low 60’s per week (in the past I’ve peaked at 45 miles per week) and paying more attention to speed work and strength training.

Right now, I’m in rest mode. I am restricted to just yoga and easy cycling until next Tuesday-one whole week without running. I’m cautiously optimistic the next time I check in, I’ll be up and running like normal!

—–

Stay tuned for our next Brewers Mini post! To join us, register for the race at brewersmini.com! Can’t race, but still want to support the MACC Fund? Make a donation to our team here!

-John and Cait (& Trenni!)

JohnandCait@Brewers.com

What John and Cait Ate: Fair Fare

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

-Yogi Berra

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it…and try these concessions!”

-John & Cait

This week in What John and Cait Ate:

Fair Fare

During each homestand, we will be meeting with John DiMartini, Executive Chef at Delaware North Sportservice/Miller Park to sample some of the latest and greatest Miller Park fare and review it here, for you.

Here in Wisconsin, we should be very proud because our state fair: The Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular–is indeed a great state fair (and the only state fair around)! It is one of the best in the country, well-known for the excellent entertainment, competitions, and probably most of all, the amazing array of delicious–and oftentimes, unique–food.

Each year, people across the state and even those outside of the state, flock to West Allis to take in the Fair and it’s fare. Well, now you can satisfy some of your cravings just a little bit earlier than August because Sportservice, which also provides a lot of the food service for the fair, has opened a State Fair-inspired food stand at Miller Park.

We’re really excited because, here at the Brewers, we have a wonderful relationship with the Wisconsin State Fair. In fact, our $13 Fair Fridays ticket package [a Terrace ticket to a Friday home game, plus a general admission ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair, good any day of the Fair, August 2-12--for just $13]  is among the top sellers year in and year out.  Thus, now when fans purchase this package, they’ll get to enjoy Wisconsin State Fair  treats at least twice this year!

So, this week, Chef John invited us to sample the variety of deep-fried items (plus margaritas!) from the new 1st Base Fry Bar, in the right-field corner on Field Level.

We tested some “Fried and True” State Fair favorites at the 1st Base Fry Bar!

Read on for a description, photos and reviews!

Gourmet Corn Brat-$6.00

This is just what it sounds like–a corn dog, but instead of a hot dog, Chef John’s crew has deep fried another Wisconsin favorite: a Klement’s brat!

John: Nothing says State Fair like food on a stick!  This is definitely not a full meal, but a pretty good snack.  Try it with the Secret Stadium Sauce.  The corn dogs and corn brats are dipped fresh with batter right at the stand, they are never frozen.

Cait: I cannot remember the last time I had a corn dog, but this corn brat brought back memories of grade school lunches. The brat added a new, unexpected dimension to the flavor and hey, who doesn’t love food on a stick?!

Rating:

(out of 5)

Next up…

Deep Fried Cheesecake- $7.50

New York-Style cheesecake, deep fried and the topped with powdered sugar and strawberry sauce.

John: I really didn’t know what to expect with this one, but I thought it was pretty good.  Not to go all gourmet on everyone, but it tasted like a strawberry blintz or a strawberry crepe.  I would share this with a friend, it was perfectly sized for two.

Cait: This dessert was definitely rich, to say the least! The cheesecake was warm and melted in my mouth. The effect kind of reminded me of a cannoli, or a crepe as John said. As with most of these items, I’m also going to recommend you share with friends–too rich for for me to eat the entire thing on my own! Chef John tells us they are going to experiment with this treat, trying a deep-friend bananas foster type treat, so stay tuned!

Rating:

(out of 5)

Funnel Fries- $4

Think funnel cake in fry form!

John: I can’t visit State Fair without a Funnel Cake, but I always find them messy.  You are picking them apart and tearing pieces off here and there.  It was almost like eating french toast sticks that I remember as a kid. This made the Funnel Cake experience cleaner and easier to eat.  A delicious sweet treat.

Cait: These funnel fries were very sweet and, like the cheesecake, melted in my mouth.

Rating:

(out of 5)

BBQ or Buffalo Boneless Chicken Wings- $9.50

State Fair style boneless chicken wings, served with BBQ or Buffalo sauce, and a side of french fries.

John: You could put Buffalo sauce on pretty much anything and I would enjoy it.  At the same time, the BBQ flavored wings were also excellent.  These were easy to eat–since they are boneless, you can just use a fork.  This could serve as a full meal for one as the order contained plenty of the boneless wings. In addition, the fresh-cut fries completed the plate.

Cait: These wings were probably my favorite item at the stand. Both the BBQ and Buffalo style were very good. The portion sizes were very generous and I think this would make a good meal, or again, a good snack to share with friends.

Rating:

(out of 5)

Deep Fried Bacon Strips- $7.50

The name says it all.  Deep. Fried. Bacon Strips.

John: Pretty hard to describe these.  If you are in for something unique, try this snack.  I don’t think I would eat an entire serving of these all by myself, but it would be fun to share as a group. Although, it is pretty hard to stop snacking on these.

Cait: ”Those are addicting,” Chef John warned us, as we dove into the basket of bacon strips. Yes, I can see what he means. It’s got the salty bacon-y taste, wrapped in a soft deep-fried outer shell. And the portion size here is also very generous, so once again, a good item to get with a group of friends, just to try something new.

Rating:

(out of 5)

Where To Satisfy Your Craving: All of these  items can be found at 1st Base Fry Bar, located in the right-field corner on the Field Level (near the Associated Bank Kids Zone). This stand also features a couple of the speciality french fries we featured last year, The Montreal and the Garlic Fries, as well as a variety of beverages. Note: If fried foods aren’t your thing, ham, turkey and veggie deli wraps are also available for just $6.50 at this stand as well!

Chef John also wanted us to try the Frozen Cocktails at the adjacent stand. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!  Plus, all that deep fried fare was making us thirsty…

Frozen Cocktails -$9.50

Strawberry, Blue Raspberry and Regular are the margarita flavors offered at the Frozen Cocktails stand, along with a special flavor that will change throughout the season. Today’s flavor was mango (pictured above, left).

John: I’m really not a huge fan of the sugary frozen drinks, but these cocktails were both pretty refreshing–perfect for washing down some salty fried food.  They both tasted like fruit smoothies, which could get a little dangerous. Drink responsibly! (Side note: I love the souvenir mug with the Barrel Man logo!)

Cait: Forget 5 o’clock. It’s game time and these frozen cocktails are delicious! They’ll instantly make you feel like you’re on vacation somewhere tropical. Very refreshing and a great choice during a hot summer day game!

Rating:

(out of 5)

Where To Satisfy Your Craving: All of these  items can be found at the Frozen Cocktails stand next to the 1st Base Fry Bar, located in the right-field corner on the Field Level. This stand also features wine and slushies.

What about you? Do you have a favorite ballpark snack? Want to dispute our reviews? A question about concessions? Something you’d like to see featured here? Post your comments below!

We’ll be back with another edition of What John and Cait Ate during the next homestand and until then, stay cool and…Bon Appetit!

-John and Cait

johnandcait@brewers.com

Social Media in Sports Night (#BrewersSMIS) Recap

Last night over 70 Brewers fans and social media aficionados joined us at Miller Park for our first Social Media in Sports Night.

John (@jstein1981) and Cait (@CMoyer) led a panel discussion in the Media Interview Room where a number of personalities with their feet in social media in the Wisconsin sports scene talked about how social media has changed the was they do business.

Brewers play-by-play radio voice Joe Block (@Joe_Block) kicked off the discussion with talking about how he integrates social media in his job. Block also expressed the important role Twitter played in helping him get to know Brewers fans.

Brewers pitcher Chris Narveson (@sleep_trick), who is recovering from surgery and is out for the year, also joined the discussion. He talked about how he was going to use Twitter to help him stay connected to fans during his rehab.

The main members of the panel included Jon Greenberg (@JonAdmirals) from the Milwaukee Admirals, Nick Monroe (@NMonroe) from the Milwaukee Bucks, Tina Wagner (@Tina_J_Wagner) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Garrison Cummings (@gwcummings) from the Green Bay Packers.

The group discussed what promotions have worked the best in the past, how they use social media to promote their brands, which social networks their organizations use, and who their favorite brands or people are that they follow on Twitter.

Following the discussion, the group watched the game from the ATI Club in right field.  Although the outcome of the game wasn’t great, the night was still a success.

Click below to view our slideshow from the evening:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

And here, we gathered all of the tweets surrounding the event on Storify!

[View the story "'Social Media in Sports Night' at Miller Park #BrewersSMIS" on Storify]

We’re hoping this is the first of many fun events like this, so we welcome any feedback or ideas you may have for the future!

Cheers!

-John and Cait

johnandcait@brewers.com

Chef’s Table for the Reds Series

This one might have been a bit predictable, but still quite delicious.  Cincinnati-style “Skyline” Chili for the three-game series against the Reds.

A healthy serving of chili served over spaghetti noodles with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream and red beans.  A very hearty meal for your visit to Miller Park tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday.

 

Cincinnati-style "Skyline" Chili Menu

Cincinnati-style “Skyline” Chili Menu

 

Chili meat piled on top of spaghetti noodles.

Chili meat piled on top of spaghetti noodles.

 

Finished product.

Finished product.

Visit the Chef’s table outside section 215 to try this from now through Wednesday.  I will be back with a new Chef’s table dish on Friday for the Cubs series.

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

 

 

Vote Brewers Arrives at Miller Park Tonight

Online voting for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game has been underway for about two weeks and now fans at Miller Park can join in the fun as in-stadium balloting begins tonight.  Paper ballots will be available at Miller Park for tonight’s game and for 22 games after tonight, ending Tuesday, June 19.  Fans filling out and turning in ballots to the All-Star Polling District will be eligible for some great Brewers prizes.

Brewers fans have the well-earned reputation for filling the ballot boxes with All-Star votes for Milwaukee Brewers players year in and year out. With at least one Brewers player elected to start in every All-Star Game since 2007, including three elected starters last season, Milwaukee fans demonstrated that it doesn’t take the largest market to be heard as they voted for their favorite Brewers in almost unheard of numbers.  The 83rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City and will air on FOX.

Ryan Braun at the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ryan Braun at the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona.

As announced in mid-April, Brewers players on this year’s All-Star ballot include C Jonathan Lucroy, 1B Mat Gamel, 2B Rickie Weeks, 3B Aramis Ramirez, SS Alex Gonzalez, OF Ryan Braun, OF Nyjer Morgan and OF Corey Hart.

Those visiting Miller Park are encouraged to vote early and often via paper ballot at the All-Star Polling District, set up during Brewers home games along the first base concourse beginning tonight and continuing through Tuesday, June 19. The Vote Brewers! campaign will feature event staff decked out at home games in promotional t-shirts as well as signage along the Miller Park fascia and behind the plate.

In addition, media partners FOX Sports Wisconsin and Newsradio 620 WTMJ will be promoting the initiative on broadcasts, and the World Famous Klement’s Racing Sausages will help distribute voting information around the city. There will also be voting parties staged during the balloting period including one tomorrow on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Corey Hart at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim, California.

Corey Hart at the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim, California.

With every 10 ballots turned in to the All-Star Polling District, fans will receive one raffle ticket that will enter them in a drawing for the opportunity to win a collector’s item daily, ranging from game-used memorabilia to player autographs. A drawing will be held during every home game through June 19 and the winning ticket will be announced during the game.  Rules will be available at the Polling District.

At brewers.com, all fans voting 21 or more times for their favorite Brewers will be entered into a drawing to win Ryan Braun’s Miller Park Suite for a night, complete with tickets, food and a personal visit from the 2011 National League MVP. There is a maximum of 25 votes per email address. More information and rules may be found at brewers.com. Additionally, fans voting online will be eligible to purchase Field Outfield and Terrace Reserved seats for select Brewers games at a savings of up to 50% (details available after voting at brewers.com).

Rickie Weeks was the National League starting second baseman at the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona.

Rickie Weeks was the National League starting second baseman at the 2011 MLB All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona.

Last season, Ryan Braun led National League outfielders in voting for the fourth straight season and led all NL players in voting for the first time (5,928,004). He is the only Brewers player to ever be elected to start in four consecutive All-Star Games (did not play in 2011 due to injury). Rickie Weeks was selected to his first All-Star Game as the NL’s starting second baseman and Prince Fielder started and made his third All-Star appearance in 2011. In 2010, Braun and Corey Hart started for the Brewers (Hart was named as a starter after an injury to Atlanta’s Jason Heyward).

In 2009, Braun and Fielder joined Trevor Hoffman as All-Stars. In addition to Braun in 2008, Hart was named that year to the National League All-Star team via the Monster All-Star Final Vote. In 2007, Fielder received the second-most votes in the National League en route to his first career All-Star team, becoming the first Brewers player to be voted to the All-Star Game since Paul Molitor was selected at third base in 1988. A complete list of All-Stars in franchise history can be found on page 283 of the 2012 Brewers media guide.

The 2012 American League and National League All-Star Teams will be unveiled on Sunday, July 1 on the 2012 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show on TBS. Both the National League and American League teams will have eight fan-elected starters. The pitchers and reserves for both will be determined through a combination of “Player Ballot” choices and selections made by the two All-Star managers.
Fans can vote for the Major League All-Stars online at brewers.com/allstar through Thursday, June 28 at 10:59 p.m. CT.

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

In Case You Missed it Last Night…

I tweeted a little while ago asking how many of you stayed up for the entire Brewers game last night.  While all of those who replied said they stayed up, in case you didn’t, let’s all enjoy Ryan Braun‘s three home runs again.  Even if you did stay up to midnight on a “school night,” it is worth watching the memorable performance again!

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

Early Entry for Brewers Mini Ends Tonight!

Are you planning to join John and me by running in the Brewers Mini-Marathon on Saturday, September 22?  Then don’t forget to register by midnight tonight (Monday, April 30) to save $10 with the Early Entry fee of just $65. [After tonight, the price increases to $75 until July 31.]

Register now and you’ll get:

  • To race on a scenic and unique course past, around and through many Milwaukee landmarks. The course will begin and end at Miller Park, including an opportunity to run inside, along the playing field warning track.
  • terrific on-course support with 10 Aid Stations serving water & Gatorade, Misting Stations, and entertainment along the route.
  • free Brewers ticket voucher for any remaining 2012 regular season game or a game in April/May of 2013.
  • A swag bag including a tech shirt, plus a medal and  awards for top performers in each male and female age category.
  • Access to a fantastic post-race tailgate party at Miller Park with live music, free beer and great food!
  • Fundraising opportunities to support the MACC Fund and amazing prizes for top individual and group fundraisers.

Don’t forget to follow us here all season long as we train for the race and raise money to support the MACC Fund! We’ll have tips on getting the proper gear, what to eat to compete, training logs and more! After you register, make sure you join Team John & Cait!

For more information on the Brewers Mini, visit www.brewersmini.com.

Hope to see you there!

-CAIT

johnandcait@brewers.com

“Brewers Win, You Win” Promotion To Conclude Tonight

A quick reminder to Brewers fans who plan on staying up late to watch tonight’s Brewers-Padres game that it is the final Brewers game in April which means an end to the “Brewers Win, You Win” promotion.

Every win in April has meant $1 off Terrace Level tickets for the May 7 – 9 series at Miller Park against the Cincinnati Reds.  So far, the Brewers have notched 10 wins and look for an 11th win tonight (9:05 p.m. Milwaukee time first pitch, there will be a lot of sleepy Brewers fans at work tomorrow!).

Will Terrace Level tickets be $10 off or $11 off for the Brewers-Reds series next week?

Will Terrace Level tickets be $10 off or $11 off for the Brewers-Reds series next week?

The regular ticket price for Terrace Box seats is $23 and Terrace Reserved seats are $16. With 10 wins so far this month for the Brewers, the price of a Terrace Box ticket is currently $13 and Terrace Reserved seats are currently $6.  If the Brewers beat the Padres tonight, Terrace Box tickets will be just $12 and Terrace Reserved seats will be just $5.

Tickets will go on sale at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning at the Brewers Box Office, by phone at (414) 902-4000 or by visiting brewers.com/winwin.  Please keep in mind that fans will be limited to eight (8) tickets per order and sales are expected to be brisk so you might want to set your alarm after a late night of watching the Brew Crew!

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

Timber Rattlers Make Annual Visit to Miller Park Friday

The Brewers will kick off a road trip in St. Louis on Friday, but there will still be some action at Miller Park that night.  The Brewers’ Class-A affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Dayton Dragons, an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, will square off in a Midwest League Matchup set for a 7:05 p.m. start.

Every ticket will sell for just $10 (all seats reserved) and are on sale at Brewers.com, the Miller Park Box Office or by calling the Brewers Ticket Office at (414) 902-4000 or 1-800-933-7890.  Parking for all lots is $9.  Did I mention $1 hot dogs and sodas as well?!

The Timber Rattlers play just up the road from Miller Park in Appleton, Wis. at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.  Wisconsin is 10-9 and tied for second place in the division.  The Timber Rattlers are led by Appleton native Matt Erickson who played 11 professional seasons and made his Major League debut with the Brewers in 2004.

The scheduled  starting pitcher for Wisconsin on Friday is RHP Drew Gagnon (gan-yo), who owns a 0.89 ERA (20.1ip, 2er)–the second lowest ERA in the Brewers Minor League system this season.  Gagnon was the Brewers third round draft pick last summer from Long Beach State University.  He pitched with Rookie Helena last season.

Ken Spindler, Brewers Media Relations Coordinator and my neighbor in the Media Relations Press Box offices, is our “Minor League Guru.”  Spindler puts together a daily Minor League Report for media and the front office.  In preparation of Friday’s game, I am posting today’s edition here for you all to enjoy.

Minor League Report – April 25

I will post the Minor League Report for you to all read here on a weekly basis.  it is full of Minor League stats and notes from every Brewers affiliate.  Until then, enjoy watching the future members of the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday at the current home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

–JOHN

johnandcait@brewers.com

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