'Metaverse Chateau' Hits Market In Metaverse As NFT And As Real Home Under Construction In Miami Shores

The founder of Alpha City, a social business lifestyle metaverse, has revealed “Reflection Manor,” a real world new construction home being built in Miami with a digital twin in the Metaverse. This is the second “MetaReal” spec home under development in Miami, the other is the recently launched Meta Residence which was the world’s first-ever revealed "MetaReal" home. The purchaser of one of these “MetaReal” homes would acquire both the real world home and its virtual replica in the Metaverse as an NFT.

“Reflection Manor” is a French chateau style home with architectural design by Sakora Design and is currently being constructed in Miami Shores. The residence will comprise 6,000.sq.ft. with six bedrooms and six and half bathrooms on a 12,975-sq.ft. lot. The virtual counterpart will live in the Metaverse of Alpha City. Features of the state include a grand double height foyer, Gaggenau appliances, wine room, sumptuous game room, private primary suite, boutique worthy closets, and a wellness wing with gym opening to a covered terrace and manicured backyard.

The seller is Jorge Guinovart, a real estate developer, entrepreneur, and cryptocurrency expert who created Alpha City. Dubbed the Social Business Lifestyle Metaverse, Alpha City was conceived to create a Metaverse with an economy, with VR visual experiences and broad reaching social and lifestyle opportunities to up the value of virtual properties.

“Reflection Manor” is located at 1275 NE 93rd Street in Miami Shores and is currently listed for $7.77 million by Juliet Silver with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

Renderings of the home and Alpha City via Reflection Manor/ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Sakora Design.

Take A First Look At 'MetaReal' Mansion To Be Sold Via NFT As Real Home And Digital Twin In Metaverse

Meta Residence has revealed a first look of the world’s first-ever "MetaReal" Mansion, a real world new construction home being built in Miami with a digital twin in the Metaverse. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Voxel Architects have aligned with general contractor and NFT collector Gabe Sierra to build and sell Meta Residence, the first real-world mansion being constructed in Miami with a virtual counterpart coming to life inside of The Sandbox metaverse. The purchaser of the NFT asset will also acquire ownership rights of the physical home.

Located on a 1+ acre within one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods, the 11,000 square-foot home will feature 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. The virtual version will be a mirror image of the property.

Kiki Rutten and Michael Martinez with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty are the exclusive sales agents for the project and plan to execute the transaction on the Ethereum blockchain. The metaverse mansion is expected to list for auction in early 2023 with a yet to be disclosed reserve price.

Interested bidders can register to be approved for the pre mint list here: https://www.premint.xyz/meta-residence-one/

Renderings via Meta Residence

FTX US Partners With Ultra-Luxury Single-Family Home Development AKAI Estates To Accept Crypto In Southwest Ranches

The developers of AKAI Estates have announced a partnership with FTX US, a leading U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency platform, as the sole platform handling cryptocurrency conversions for the residential transactions within their collection of 16 signature luxury homes in Southwest Ranches. This announcement represents FTX US’s first partnership with a single-family home developer, further establishing AKAI Estates as a trailblazer development in today’s real estate industry and FTX US as an innovator in the cryptocurrency financial services space.

This partnership indicates the velocity at which the single family home market is evolving amidst incredible demand and tight available inventory. With the frenzy the market is currently in, tied to the record low inventory, AKAI Estates is meeting that demand and filling the void now with the collection of these homes, in addition to spec homes.

“FTX continues to grow its presence in the real estate industry in Florida, we couldn’t think of a more ideal time to work with such a prestigious cryptocurrency exchange platform,” said Alex Yokana, Developer of AKAI Estates. “We foresee this partnership with FTX bringing increased demand and expanding our demographic of buyers.”

“Alongside FTX, cryptocurrency’s presence in the real estate industry only continues to grow, and this is just the latest development in that process. We are excited to add our first luxury single-family development to our roster of partners and increase consumer access to digital assets and digital asset-related services. At FTX, we believe that crypto has a big role in the future of finance and strive to do our part to make this future come to fruition,” said Avi Dabir, Vice President of Business Development at FTX US.

Surrounded by open spaces and dazzling South Florida sunsets, the quiet enclave of AKAI Estates is conceptually designed by internationally acclaimed architect Vasco Vieira, founder and head architect of Portugal-based firm Vasco Vieira Arquitectos. The scope of the firm’s past work has ranged from individual villas to large eco-resorts including hotels, restaurants, spas and commercial buildings. With notable projects throughout Europe, AKAI Estate marks Vieira's first residential project in the United States. The local architect for AKAI Estates is Florida-based firm FSMY Architect Planner.

At AKAI Estates, high-end living unfolds across open floor plans from 7,000-15,000 square feet and beyond, combining chic cutting-edge amenities, ultra-modern styling, and the serenity of a fully gated community and the unrivaled privacy of two acres of property with each residence. Each estate includes an aquatic entertainment area and is highly customizable with the ability to add on features including putting greens, tennis/pickle-ball courts, or even a basketball court of choice. AKAI Estates is a refreshingly different way to encounter the best of South Florida living. World-famous destinations for entertainment, shopping, nightlife, golf, and more are all just a short drive away. Southwest Ranches is located just west of Fort Lauderdale, northwest of Miami and south of Palm Beach, Florida. Nearby top-rated schools, parks, and cultural sites complete a world that is just as connected as it is exclusive.

AKAI Estates is being developed by Alex Yokana, Jairo Vela, and Amos and Michael Sochaczevski. Bento Queiroz Team under Compass is the exclusive sales team for the development. Prices at AKAI Estates start at $8 million.

First Commercial Property To Accept Crypto In Broward County Lists on RealOpen

The first commercial property to accept crypto in Broward County has hit the market for $6.11 million. Located at 3625 W Broward Blvd., the property is also the first commercial property to be listed on RealOpen. RealOpen was founded by the star of Netflix's Selling Sunset, Christine Quinn and Christian Dumontet, and serves to move digital assets directly into real estate. The building is currently the headquarters for 123 LumpSumand owned by Structured Asset Ventures II, LLC. The property is listed with Karley Chynces with ONE Sotheby's International Realty.

RealOpen, bridges the gap between digital assets and physical goods. Using secure, proprietary software, it allows anyone, anywhere to purchase or sell a home via crypto. The platform works with the entire MLS inventory, off-market homes, buyers, sellers and agents. The way it works is after finding your home, RealOpen will verify your crypto assets to prove you have access to the funds. This significantly streamlines the process as traditionally, buyers seeking to purchase in crypto would have to liquidate their cryptocurrency to get a proof-of-funds letter from the bank.

Images via Miami Lux Media

Leading Crypto Firm Blockchain.com Signs Lease At Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development's Cube Wynwd

Leading crypto firm Blockchain.com has finalized a lease to occupy the top two floors of Tricera Capital and LNDMRK Development’s Cube Wynwd as its new Miami office. The ~22,000-square-foot lease brings Cube Wynwd to full occupancy less than 10 months after Tricera and LNDMRK acquired the Class A, 100,000-square-foot office and retail building. The deal also gave Blockchain.com naming rights for the building. Blockchain.com, one of the most widely used consumer crypto products and the leading institutional solutions provider, will soon begin designing its permanent office on the seventh and eighth floors.

Danet Linares, Tere Blanca and David Valdez of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc. represented Blockchain.com in the Cube Wynwd lease. JLL’s Eric Groffman, Cameron Tallon and Edward Quinon represented Tricera and LNDMRK.

“We are thrilled to welcome Blockchain.com to Cube Wynwd and the Wynwood neighborhood,” said Tricera Co-Founder and Managing Principal Ben Mandell. “Blockchain.com’s leadership shares our long-term belief in Wynwood, which still has vast potential on top of the incredible growth and activity that has already occurred.”

In 2021, Blockchain.com announced its intentions to relocate its national headquarters from New York to Miami and aggressively hire throughout the local Miami job market. It also committed to make a significant investment to support the South Florida STEM community.

“As Miami solidifies its status as a mecca for crypto, we couldn’t be more excited to announce the location for planting our permanent roots in the city,” said Peter Smith, Blockchain.com CEO. “The speed at which our business is growing matches that of Wynwood and Miami itself, creating the perfect backdrop for us to continue scaling worldwide from our very own Blockchain.com building.”

Tricera and LNDMRK purchased Cube Wynwd, which also includes ground-floor retail space and a verdant rooftop terrace occupied by popular Japanese restaurant Kissaki, in an April 2021 off-market transaction. The 222 NW 24th St. Cube Wynwd, the neighborhood’s first boutique office-over-retail building, was just ~35% occupied at the time of Tricera and LNDMRK’s acquisition.

The joint venture partners rapidly stabilized the building with a compelling mix of tenants, including Ecuadorean fintech firm Kushki, Shaolin Capital Management, Brazilian footwear manufacturer Grendene, office supply and furniture online retailer Poppin, tech firm Transmit, and more.

Coworking operator Spaces occupies about 30% of the office space and about 1,700 square feet of the retail space in Cube Wynwd’s lobby. Renowned chef Gabriele Bonci’s Rome-based Bonci Pizza and Mini Market are among the existing retail tenants. The building features loft-style office space with expansive floorplates.

“Cube Wynwd is a case study for how we identify off-market opportunities and move quickly to execute our hands-on ownership approach,” Tricera Co-Founder and Managing Principal Scott Sherman. “We are proud of the building’s dynamic tenant roster, with Blockchain.com joining numerous new-to-market companies. Wynwood will continue to experience intense corporate relocation demand from the technology and finance sectors.”

Tricera and LNDMRK are frequent collaborators on real estate investments and developments. The companies are partnering with The Related Group to develop The Dorsey, a 12-story apartment building with a parking garage and nearly 95,000 square feet of office and retail space on a former Coca-Cola plant in Wynwood.

Image via Richard Novak

BLOCKCHAIN.COM MIAMI PADEL OPEN ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY LIFESTYLE EVENT

Miami-based investors, Boich Investment Group and 777 Partners, announced today that the World Padel Tour will begin its 2022 season in Miami, Florida.  ‘Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open,’ a six-day lifestyle and entertainment sporting event will take place at Island Gardens Miami, from February 22nd-27th. Bringing together the best within the sport of padel, first-class entertainment, premium dining and beverage programming, curated shopping experiences and exemplary luxuries, the Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open will offer guests the chance to be a part of what is poised to become South Florida’s premier luxury lifestyle sporting event. Also supporting the event is a team of padel enthusiasts including Grinda Investments and Dani Homedes, Owner of the Wynwood Padel Club. 

"Boich Investment Group, along with 777 Partners, are thrilled to bring the World Padel Tour to Miami this month," said Wayne Boich, Chairman and CEO of Boich Investment Group. "We, along with WPT, are committed to bringing a best-in-class experience to all of the players, fans, and partners that will take part in this inaugural event. Padel--the fastest growing sport in the world--has exploded in popularity right here in our backyard and this event is a fantastic opportunity to bring the best Padel players in the world to Miami. Fusing padel and entertainment, the experience will be a multi-faceted one for all in attendance."

Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open will transform Island Gardens into an experiential 2,000-person open-air entertainment venue, lending to the ultimate padel tournament experience. Spectators can anticipate a VIP experience presented by luxury Swiss watchmaking brand, Richard Mille. The Richard Mille Luxury Boxes will house 76 individual VIP Boxes coupled with a special boutique activation by culinary titan Major Food Group’s exclusive private membership destination, ZZ’s Club. In addition, luxury wine label La Fête du Rosé will feature a specialty pop-up bar serving its signature rosé. While, Pura Vida, South Florida’s beloved wellness-driven destination, will be serving guests within their own dedicated area on-site throughout the weeklong event. In true Miami fashion, attendees can expect daily/nightly live music programming and impromptu celeb performances, including a special performance by Ludacris, a multitude of dining options, concessions, and a not-to-be-missed selection of retail offerings, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.

The Honorary Chairperson for this year’s Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open is famed Miami Heat superstar and padel enthusiast, Jimmy Butler. An avid fan of the sport himself, the five-time NBA All-Star has been very supportive of Boich Investment Group’s efforts in bringing the World Padel Tour to Miami.

“Padel became an instant obsession for me back when my trainer first introduced me to the sport as a new conditioning workout. I love to compete - it really drives me, which ultimately drove my passion for padel to where I’ll play two to three hours a day when I can,” said Butler. 

A true first for the city of Miami and within World Padel Tour history, the Blockchain.com Miami Padel Open will feature both the male and female Circuit, a major step in establishing the professional competition on North American soil. The event will also mark the second time that the World Padel Tour will touch down in the United States in the last five years. 

Miami Sees Second Highest Priced Crypto Sale As Marquis Residences Condo Sells For $7.2 Million

The Downtown Miami market is on fire amidst a number of building launches and splashy sales. Now the City of Miami has seen its first crypto sale of the year as Unit 5306 in Marquis Residences has sold for $7.2 million in Ethereum that was transferred to USD Coin, a digital stablecoin that is pegged to the United States dollar, for the transaction. The sale is the second largest in Downtown Miami behind a $7.2 million sale at the nearby One Thousand Museum and the third highest in the Miami area ranking behind a $22.5 million deal at Arte in Surfside, both last year. Madison Roberts and Zach Oppenheim with Oppenheim Realty represented the buyer in the transaction, and Enzo Rosani of Barnes International Realty represented the seller, along with Ricardo Assaf with Unblock Capital, who helped mediate the crypto transfer. Coral Gables Title & Escrow handled the closing. Roberts and Oppenheim also represented the buyer in the One Thousand Museum deal last year.

Marquis Residences is located at 1100 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. The buyer is a business developer from Central America. The triplex spans 6 bedrooms 7 bathrooms and 6,952 square feet. The two-story residence offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire city and ocean, a movie room, designer kitchen, office, two laundry rooms. The lavish master bedroom features views of Biscayne Bay and a double shower, jacuzzi and sauna. The unit also features a full home automation system throughout and window treatment for efficient A/C and energy savings.

"I have been in the crypto industry since 2011, it is absolutely amazing to see where crypto is right now and where it is headed. The opportunities are endless and we have yet to begin," said Roberts.

Images via Barnes International Realty

First-Ever MetaReal Mansion Under Construction In Both Miami And The Sandbox Metaverse

The first ever MetaReal mansion is currently under construction in both Miami in real life and in the Metaverse and is expected to fetch millions when it goes to auction. Meta Residence, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Voxel Architects have aligned to build and sell the first real-world mansion using NFT technology. The luxury mansion is being constructed in Miami with a virtual counterpart coming to life inside of The Sandbox metaverse. The purchaser of the NFT asset will also acquire ownership rights of the physical home.

“We are building a rare lifestyle experience that blurs the lines between the metaverse and reality,” said Gabe Sierra, President of the joint venture. “Never before has a project like this been delivered, and we are proud to offer the buyer of this NFT a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the first MetaReal mansion ever created.”

Located on a 1+ acre within one of Miami’s most sought-after neighborhoods, the 11,000 square-foot home will feature 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. The virtual version will be a mirror image of the property. Michael Martinez with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is the exclusive sales agent for the project and plans to execute the transaction on the Ethereum blockchain. The metaverse mansion is expected to list for auction in 2022 with a yet to be disclosed reserve price.

“Being able to leverage my expertise to pair a homeowner with real and virtual property is something I never imagined being a part of, it’s exhilarating,” said Martinez, the top agent at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “We look forward to finding a buyer for this spectacular property and being involved in a momentous deal in this new era of homeownership.”

The joint venture has also acquired the equivalent of over 40 acres in the metaverse for future projects which may include homes, as well as commercial properties, marketing, and gaming endeavors.

“As a company we push boundaries and constantly evolve with the changing dynamics of the industry—always on the cutting-edge of real estate, art and technology. We believe that the metaverse will play a role in the future of real estate in one way or another,” said Daniel de la Vega, president of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “This deal represents a bold move to support our clientele where the real and virtual worlds converge, and we look forward to presenting the property to our unrivaled global network.”

The Sandbox is a virtual world where players can build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences on the Ethereum blockchain using $SAND, the main utility token of the platform. The Sandbox offers a wide range of exploration across its metaverse, consisting of 166,464 unique pieces of LAND, each belonging to a user. The Sandbox was founded in 2011 and has partnered with 60+ companies to develop content based on their IPs on the platform, including brands like Square Enix, ATARI, The Smurfs, Care Bears, and more.

Micah Johnson Debut's Aku World For Miami Art Week As Digital NFT Astronaut Enters Physical World In Partnership With FTX US

Aku, the digital explorer and crypto-native NFT IP created by artist and former MLB player Micah Johnson, will come to life for the first time since its inception with Aku World: Miami presented by FTX US from December 2-4, 2021 in the vibrant Wynwood Arts District. Aku World: Miami will be Aku's first introduction to the physical world, bringing friends and collaborators across art, music, fashion and technology together in one space. The visually-stunning, multilayered event will showcase the otherworldly dimension of Aku and allow guests to step out of reality and into the metaverse through carefully curated exhibits that blur the lines between NFT technology and IRL experiences.

“Aku World is a world built around dreams. It was imperative to incorporate talented artists and designers who have achieved their dreams into the world and it’s our mission to inspire everyone who walks through the door,” said Micah Johnson, creator of Aku. Through a partnership with leading cryptocurrency exchange FTX US, attendees will be able to sign up for their own crypto wallet, collect NFTs throughout the space via hidden QR codes, and purchase digital artworks by legendary 3D artist, Raf Grassetti, as well as unique Aku digital works. Top-tier ticket holders will have exclusive access to the Minting Room presented by FTX US, where they can create their own 4D-scanned avatar that lives within the Aku universe and mint them into NFTs, which they can later trade, sell or display in their digital wallets.

Attendees can shop on-site via the Merch Room, which will host three days of exclusive merch collaborations with VIP guest collaborators Pusha-T, Jerome LaMaar and Aleali May, with each day dedicated to a single limited time, limited edition collection, available for pre-order at the event and online.

Aku’s Collection, curated by Art Angels, will tell more of Aku’s story through an art installation for guests to explore and interact with. A special curation of young Black artists including Jade Yasmeen, Asiko, Floyd Strickland, and Solomon Omogboye will be exhibited alongside two new original paintings by Micah Johnson, as well as three screen prints by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase original artworks on-site.

Conceptualized by renowned creative and experiential studio MATTE Projects, the 30,000 square foot space will house a futuristic lifesize art installation of Aku’s Helmet, where guests can experience three otherworldly dimensions of Aku. The Blue Room will host exciting, informal panel conversations led by leaders in art, fashion, music and crypto, and The Patio will provide food and beverages for guests. Aku World: Miami will also host an invite-only VIP opening party on December 2nd with an intimate live musical performance by Kehlani.

Conceived by Micah Johnson in February 2021, Aku has since become the first NFT to be optioned for film and television projects and is the first NFT to travel to space. Aku is a conduit to empower the next generation of explorers and dreamers.

Aku World: Miami will be held at Wynwood Arts 29 (95 NW 29th St, Miami, FL 33127). The ticketed event will be open to the public on December 2-4 from 12pm-7pm daily. Tickets are on-sale now. Visit aku.world for more information.

Follow Aku on Instagram @aku.dreams, Twitter @AkuDreams and Discord.

Meet Aku:

• Digital explorer conceptualized by Micah Johnson in February 2021

• Created to empower the next generation of explorers and dreamers

• First NFT to be optioned for film and TV projects & to travel to space

Explore the Dimensions of Aku World:

• Aku’s Helmet: A futuristic lifesize installation of Aku’s Helmet will invite guests to experience and interact with multiple different worlds of Aku

• Curated Exhibitions: by young Black artists Jade Yasmeen, Asiko, Floyd Strickland, and Solomon Omogboye, alongside two original paintings by Micah Johnson, and screen prints by Jean-Michel Basquiat

• The Merch Room: will host exclusive merch collaborations with VIP guest collaborators Pusha-T, Jerome LaMaar, and Aleali May. Each day will be dedicated to a single limited time, limited edition collection, available for pre-order at the event and online

• The Blue Room: will host exciting, informal panel discussions with leaders in art, fashion, music & crypto; including: special sit downs between Micah Johnson and Aku's merch design collaborators Pusha-T, Aleali May and Jerome LaMaar

• The Minting Room: visitors can create their own 4D-scanned avatar that lives within the Aku universe and mint them into NFTs, which they can later trade, sell or display in their digital wallets

• Crypto Wallet: visitors can sign up for their own crypto wallet, collect NFTs and purchase digital artworks by legendary 3D artist, Raf Grassetti and unique Aku digital works

Event Information:  

WHAT: Aku World: Miami

WHO: Micah Johnson in collaboration with FTX US

WHEN: December 2-4, 2021 | 12PM-7PM

WHERE: Wynwood Arts 29, 95 NW 29th St, Miami, FL 33127

TICKETS: https://aku.world/ (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) 

Home Of Miami Heat AmericanAirlines Arena Renamed FTX Arena Following 19-Year $135 Million Naming Rights Deal

AmericanAirlines Arena, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat in Downtown Miami’s Park West neighborhood, has officially been renamed the FTX Arena. The American Airlines signage has now been removed following the Heat’s Round 1 playoff loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. The name change is part of a 19-year, $135 million naming rights deal with cryptocurrency exchange FTX which was approved by Miami-Dade County Commissioners in March 2021.

As per the agreement the Heat, who have 19-years remaining on their lease with the arena, will receive an annual payment of $2 million for the naming rights from Miami-Dade County. FTX branding will also be placed on the Miami Heat’s website and digital platforms, promotions, contests and community engagement. American Airlines will retain a marketing agreement with the Heat.

Miami-Dade County has also entered into a partnership with FTX to collaborate on technology and Fintech education and has committed an additional $5 million in contributions to the county. Miami-Dade County must also reserve a portion of the naming rights deal proceeds to help combat local gun violence and poverty.

The deal represents the first partnership between a cryptocurrency company and a major American professional sports franchise. The partnership further advances Miami quest to be a cryptocurrency and blockchain hub and the Cryptocity.

AmericanAirlines Arena is located at 601 Biscayne Blvd. and first opened on New Years 1999 after the Heat moved from the Miami Arena. The arena was designed by Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture and had a total construction cost of $213 million. The spectator capacity for a basketball game is 19,600. The Miami Heat have appeared in five NBA Finals since 2010 and have won three NBA Championship titles since they were founded in 1988.

FTX US is a US-regulated cryptocurrency exchange led by CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. FTX operates two different exchanges, FTX (ftx.com) and FTX US (ftx.us). FTX is an international cryptocurrency exchange that is does operate in the US and supports more cryptocurrencies than FTX US. FTX offers innovative products including industry-first derivatives, options, volatility products and leveraged tokens. FTX pursues its mission, led by philanthropic founder Sam Bankman-Fried, to turn revenue into charitable giving which led to the launch of the FTX Foundation in which 1% of all FTX net fees are donated to select charities. FTX US supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Sushi, Tron, Tether, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash and other cryptocurrencies.

Miami has quickly become the Cryptocity, and is becoming a cryptocurrency and blockchain hub led by Mayor Francis Suarez. Mayor Suarez’s goals include turning Miami into a Bitcoin mining hub by using the city’s nuclear power capability. He is also working towards allowing the use of Bitcoin to pay for tax and public services, as well as a salary option for city employees. Mayor Suarez set his focus on a Miami tech boom following the COVID-19 pandemic and has been working to attract the top tech and investment firms from San Francisco, Silicon Valley and New York City. The effort has paid off shown by taxable property values in Miami having doubled over the past decade as high-paying jobs have been attracted to the weather, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, low-tax and high-quality of life.

For a background on cryptocurrency and blockchain and its application to real estate check out the PROFILE Insider: The Crypto Revolution Versus The Evolution of Blockchain Part 1.

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