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Thursday 17 October 2024

How to Schedule Your Day

The best way to make a daily plan and stick to it

Whether you’re a student, employee, or stay-at-home parent, keeping a schedule can help you manage your time and be productive. Thankfully, making and keeping a schedule isn’t hard to do! With a few scribbles in your planner or tabs on your screen, you can have an efficient plan for the day in no time. Keep reading to learn how to schedule your day and be as productive as possible.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

  • Write down everything you must do for the day on a piece of paper or in a notes app before making your schedule.
  • Schedule your day using time slots to stay on task. Plan each hour of your day to get started, allowing extra time for tasks so you don't fall behind.
  • Prioritize tasks or events that have deadlines or fixed times. For instance, schedule your day around work meetings, homework assignments, or appointments.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making a Daily Schedule

  1. Pick a calendar or planner to use that meets your daily needs. There are plenty of calendars or planners on the market for you to choose from! Opt for one with a daily to-do spread if you want to focus more on daily tasks, or pick one with monthly and weekly spreads to help you plan ahead. Ultimately, choose whatever best suits your needs and lifestyle.[1]
    Schedule Your Day Step 1 Version 6.jpg
    • If physical planners and calendars aren’t your thing, there are a ton of scheduling apps you can use on your phone. Stick with your phone’s calendar or notes app, or try one like TimeTree or Any.do.
    • Consider using a bullet journal to create your own calendar and to-do list spread to perfectly match your needs.
  2. Write down everything you need to accomplish for the day. Think about what you need to do today (or even for the whole week). Put every task or goal on a piece of paper or in a notes app on your phone. Now, you can see everything you need to do for the day in front of you.[2]
    Schedule Your Day Step 2 Version 10.jpg
    • Your list make look similar to this:
      • Laundry
      • Finish module 3
      • Stretching and jogging
      • Zoom meeting
  3. Color-code your tasks so your schedule is easier to read at a glance. Look at your list of things you need to do. Then, categorize each type of task to a color. For instance, daily chores may be green, exercise yellow, and homework or work assignments orange. This way, you can easily look at your daily (or evenly weekly) schedule and see what’s on the agenda.
    Schedule Your Day Step 3 Version 9.jpg
    • Use a colored pen, marker, or highlighter to help organize your tasks in a physical calendar or planner.
    • Type in different text colors on a digital calendar or create each task with a different colored label.
  4. Prioritize each task on a number scale to determine what’s important. It’s more effective if you know what needs to be done first when making a daily schedule. So, number your tasks from what needs to be done first to what doesn’t have to get done today. This way, you can easily look at your schedule and know what you must do.[3]
    Schedule Your Day Step 4 Version 9.jpg
    • Try asking yourself these questions to determine what task(s) are of the highest priority:
      • Which task is due first or has a deadline?
      • Which task takes the longest time to complete?
      • Is one task more important than the others?
      • Which task will be the most challenging?
  5. Note if any tasks are time-sensitive. If you have a homework assignment due, a work meeting, or a yoga class at a specific time, write that down as well. The last thing you want to do is complete a task too late or miss an event! Noting when a task is or needs to be finished will help you as you continue planning your day.[4]
    Schedule Your Day Step 5 Version 10.jpg
  6. Schedule a time for each task based on importance and relevance. Now it’s time to transfer your notes into your calendar or planner. Make a timetable of your day, and give each time slot a task. Fill in tasks or events with time constraints first, then squeeze in the most important remaining ones. Write how long you expect to spend on each task, too.[5]
    Schedule Your Day Step 6 Version 9.jpg
    • For example, you may schedule time to study (2 hours), work out (1 hour), write emails (30 minutes), and walk the dog (30 minutes).
    • Remember to incorporate travel time into your scheduling. For example, do you need to drive to the gym from the library where you're studying? If so, it may take an hour and a half of your time rather than just an hour.
      • Always overestimate how long something will take by a few minutes. Add 25% to the time you allot for tasks in your schedule (for instance, schedule something that takes an hour for an hour and 15 minutes0. This extra time add up and provides a cushion to help you avoid being late or falling behind.
    • There may be some overlap with tasks of high importance and time restraints, and that’s okay! More often than not, the tasks that need to get done have a designated time they must be completed by.
  7. Leave space in your schedule for flexibility. Try to avoid fully booking up your day when you can. Keeping some free space in your schedule can help you relax or schedule unexpected, low-priority tasks throughout the day. Plus, how can you stay motivated without taking a break every now and then?[6]
    Schedule Your Day Step 7 Version 9.jpg
    • For example, you could schedule 2 hours of free time between dinner and bedtime to chat with friends, catch a movie, or read a book.

[Edit]Keeping to Your Schedule

  1. Check your calendar or planner throughout the day. Make it a habit to check your calendar every morning and night to stay on task and prepare for the day ahead. This way, you can always be on top of the game and know what’s to come—it’s a great way to stay motivated![7]
    Schedule Your Day Step 8 Version 6.jpg
    • Schedule in a few minutes in the morning each day or evening to write out your schedule or to-do list. This way, you can go into the day knowing what’s on the agenda.[8]
    • Schedule alarms on your phone or computer to remind you of certain tasks or appointments. This way, you won’t miss a thing (even if your physical planner isn’t on hand).
  2. Cross off tasks as you complete them. When you complete a task or event, cross it off your to-do list with a pen or pencil. Not only is this super motivating, but it also helps you stay on schedule.
    Schedule Your Day Step 11 Version 5.jpg
    • If you’re using a digital planner or calendar, use a text strikethrough or italic formatting option to show you’ve completed a task.
    • If you don’t complete a task on time, don’t sweat it! If it’s low priority, you can always schedule it for tomorrow. If it’s high priority, try to squeeze it in somewhere else on your schedule.
  3. Adjust your schedule as needed. Although you should try sticking to your schedule as much as possible, things happen, and adjustments may be needed. Don’t hesitate to move flexible or low-priority items to other time slots or days. Not everything has to get done in one day—you’re only human! Focus on high-priority or timely items, and worry about the rest later.[9]
    Schedule Your Day Step 13 Version 5.jpg
    • Even so, be careful not to let your tasks pile up and spill over into the next day too frequently. If you find this happening a lot, try giving yourself more time for each task rather than rearranging the next few days.
  4. Reward yourself when you’ve completed your tasks. Who says you have to be strict all of the time? If you’ve completed all your tasks for the day, don’t hesitate to reward yourself! Not only is this positive reinforcement to keep you motivated, but it also gives you time to rest and recharge (especially after a busy day).[10]
    Schedule Your Day Step 12 Version 5.jpg
    • Reward yourself by soaking in the tub, watching your favorite TV show, or splurging on a sweet treat.

[Edit]Daily Schedule Examples

  1. {endbold} In this example, a college student is scheduling their day around a math exam and Spanish study group, which have fixed times. They want to make sure they still have time to hang out with friends, do their homework, and take care of their daily needs:
    Schedule Your Day Step 12 Version 6.jpg
    • 8 AM: Wake up
    • 8:30 AM: Have breakfast
    • 9 AM: Feed and walk the dog
    • 10 AM: Get dressed
    • 11 AM: Math exam
    • 12 PM: Lunch with friends
    • 1 PM: Work on sociology essay
    • 3 PM: Spanish study group
    • 5 PM: Pilates
    • 7 PM: Dinner
    • 9 PM: Journal before bed
  2. {endbold} Take a look at this example of a 9 to 5 commuter. Their day revolves around making it to the office on time and completing work tasks outside of the home. While they have a few tasks that are time sensitive, they also want to make sure they take enough breaks throughout the work day to stay alert:
    Schedule Your Day Step 13 Version 9.jpg
    • 7 AM: Wake up
    • 7:30 AM: Eat breakfast
    • 8 AM: Get dressed
    • 8:30 AM: Commute to office
    • 9 AM: Emails and admin work
    • 10 AM: Coffee break
    • 10:30 AM: Schedule interview with expert candidate
    • 12:30 PM: Lunch break
    • 1:30 PM: Team meeting
    • 3 PM: Work on administrative project
    • 5:30 PM: Commute home
    • 6 PM: Exercise
    • 7PM: Eat dinner
    • 9:30 PM: Take a bath
  3. {endbold} Here’s an example featuring a remote worker’s ideal day. They have a team meeting and work tasks that need to get done at a timely manner, but they also want to make sure they tidy up the house and indulge in some self care:
    Schedule Your Day Step 14 Version 4.jpg
    • MORNING (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
      • Stretch
      • Have breakfast
      • Make bed
      • Walk dog
      • Answer emails
    • AFTERNOON (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
      • Make work phone calls
      • Team meeting 12:30 p.m.
      • Have lunch
      • Write 500 words
      • Finish team project
    • EVENING (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
      • Make dinner
      • Watch TV show
      • Clean kitchen
      • Do laundry
      • Read chapter of a book

[Edit]Daily Schedule Template

[Edit]Video

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[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about planning, check out our in-depth with [v161237_b01].

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How to Drink Wine

You don’t need to know all of the technical terms and different types of wine to become a wine drinker. All you need is some curiosity and a willingness to try new things! We’ve put together some helpful tips for beginners, like how to choose wine, taste wine, and serve wine, so you can feel more confident as you begin to navigate the world of wine.


[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Tasting the Wine

  1. Get a recommendation. If you're a new wine drinker, go to a store that specializes in wine to ask for help in selecting the wine that is right for you. If there isn't a specialty wine store near you, don't panic. Most liquor and grocery stores have a large variety of wine, so you should have no problem finding the right wine for you.
    Drink Wine Step 1 Version 6.jpg
    • Explain to the wine expert or store employee what flavors you enjoy so that they can help you choose the best wine.
    • If you're planning to have wine with food, tell them what food that will be on the menu so that they can help you pick the right wine.
  2. Choose a wine. Knowing what qualities you're looking for in a wine is very important, as there are numerous types of wine. Do you want a full-bodied or light-bodied wine? Body equates to how heavy the wine actually feels in your mouth. Or do you prefer a dry or sweet wine? In wine-speak, dry is the opposite of sweet. Do you want a crisp or soft wine? A wine with refreshing acidity is crisp, whereas a wine that feels smoother is considered soft.[1]
    Drink Wine Step 2 Version 5.jpg
    • The most popular red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.[2]
    • Try a white wine. Popular white wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.[3]
  3. Pour 1-2 ounces of wine into your glass to taste it before deciding on a full glass. It's common to try a few sips of wine before committing to a glass. Proper wine tasting is a great way to determine whether or not you like the overall flavor of the wine.

  4. Experience the aroma. Swirl the wine in your glass to expose it to a larger surface area. This increases wine’s contact with air and intensifies its aroma. Swirl your wine by holding the glass by the base or by the stem. Smell your wine as you swirl it to take in the aromas. Common aromas include different fruits, spices, herbs and flowers.

    • Be sure to smell the wine several times, swirling before each smell. A complex wine will offer multiples scents, and taking in each scent will intensify the wines flavor.
    • The overall taste of a wine is a combination of smells and flavors, so it's important that you don't skip the smelling stage. [4]
  5. Taste the wine. Taste your wine in small sips. Roll the wine across your taste buds by lightly swishing it around your mouth. Hold the wine in your mouth for 5-10 seconds before swallowing to really absorb the flavor. After swallowing, notice the aftertaste, or finish. High quality wines tend to have a more defined the finish. A good finish will linger on your palate for quite some time.[5]

[Edit]Drinking the Wine

  1. Sip your wine. Wine is best when sipped and savored, as opposed to being gulped down. Take a small-to-medium sized sips of wine, and hold the wine in the center of your tongue before swallowing. This will allow you to taste the complex flavors of the wine.

    • Red wine is typically rich in flavor and is much better when sipped and savored. It can be served with dinner or dessert, or be sipped on its own. Drink your wine slowly so that you can truly appreciate its flavor. Swirl your wine before taking every sip, this will allow your wine to oxidize even more.
    • White wine can be sipped on its own, but also goes well with a variety of meals and desserts. White wines tend to be more refreshing than reds, so they balance out rich flavors nicely. Take one small sip of wine at a time, and let the flavor of the wine settle on your tastebuds before swallowing.
  2. Pair your wine with the proper food. There are a few factors to consider when pairing your wine with food – it's easiest to think of pairing as a balancing act. For example, sparkling wines go perfectly with salty, fried foods. The carbonation and acids emulate beer and clean the salt from your palate with each sip.
    Drink Wine Step 7 Version 6.jpg
    • Choose silky white wines with foods like fatty fish or cream sauces. Chardonnays, for example, are delicious with fish like salmon or any kind of seafood in a lush sauce.
    • Pair a dry Rosé with rich, cheesy dishes. Some cheeses usually go better with white wine, and some are best with red. However, almost all cheeses pair well with dry rosé, which has the acidity of white wine and the fruitiness of a red.
    • Red wines such as Cabernet and Bordeaux are terrific with red meats like steaks and chops. They refresh the palate after each bit of meat.[6]
    • With desserts, make sure that the wine tastes as sweet, or sweeter, than the dessert. For example, pair a bitter, dark chocolate and a red wine with some sweetness, such as a late harvest Zinfandel.[7]
  3. Switch wines. When drinking and tasting wine, it is common to try a variety of reds or whites. You should move from lighter, sweeter wines to fuller, drier wines. If you want to try both reds and whites, start with white wines and work your way to the reds. If you're drinking wine with a meal, drink a chardonnay with your dinner, and move to a red wine for your after dinner drink. You could also choose a sweet red wine to have with dessert.

[Edit]Serving the Wine

  1. Open your wine. There are a few different types of wine bottles – most have corks or screw caps. Wines with screw caps are easy to open, you simply open them like a regular bottle. Corked bottles are a bit trickier.
    Drink Wine Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • You'll need a simple corkscrew to open a corked bottle of wine. Start by removing the foil on top of the cork. Next, twist the spiral of your corkscrew into the cork. Once half of the corkscrew is in the cork, lift the handle of the corkscrew to remove the cork from the bottle.[8]
    • If you don't have a corkscrew, you can use a sommelier knife or even a shoe to open your wine bottle.
  2. Serve your wine at the proper temperature. To get the best taste out of your wine, make sure you serve it at the ideal temperature. Red wines should be served closer to room temperature, whereas white wines are much better when chilled.
    Drink Wine Step 10 Version 5.jpg
    • Most red wines taste best between 55 and 65 degrees fahrenheit; which is just a bit cooler than room temperature. To get your wine this temperature, cool room-temp reds in an ice bucket or the freezer for 10 minutes right before serving.[9]
    • White wines typically taste best between 41 degrees and 48 degrees fahrenheit. For this reason, you should normally store white wines in the fridge. To get your white wine to reach these temperatures, remove chilled whites from the fridge 20 minutes before serving.[10]
  3. Use the right wine glass. White wine glasses tend to be smaller than red wine glasses. This is because white wines do not need to oxidize like reds do. When drinking white wine, choose glasses that have narrower bowls with a tapered top. This will allow for greater aromatic concentration, making the intensity of the smells and flavors of your wine last longer.[11] Red wine needs to oxidize in order for its flavor to fully develop, which is why red wine glasses are typically larger than white wine glasses. Because of their bowl shape, red wine glasses allow more of the wine to come into contact with the air. As the red wine breathes, the character of the wine becomes richer and more pronounced.[12]
    Drink Wine Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • When drinking wine, always hold the wine glass by its stem and never by the bowl. Holding a wine glass by the bowl will warm it too quickly.
  4. Pour your wine into your wine glass. Red and white wines are served slightly differently. Be sure to pour the proper amount of wine into your glass to get the best possible wine experience.

    • When drinking red wine, bring the bottle to the glass and gently pour your red wine until your glass is half way full. This should be roughly 4 ounces of wine. To stop your pour, slowly twist the bottle upward over the glass to avoid drops and spills.[13]
    • When serving white wine, wrap a napkin around the neck of the bottle for insulation before pouring. This will keep your hands from warming the bottle. Then, slowly pour your wine until the glass is one-third full – roughly 3 ounces. To stop pouring, slightly twist the bottle upwards to avoid any spills.[14]

[Edit]Types of Wine, Qs to Ask Wine Sellers, and Wine Terminology


[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary



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How to Write a Diary

Diaries are wonderful objects that allow you to discuss your emotions, record dreams or ideas, and reflect on daily life in a safe, private space. While there's no single, definitive way to write a diary, there are some basic tricks you can use to get the most out of your writing. If you aren't sure what to write about, using prompts like inspirational quotes can help get started on new entries.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Sample Diary Entries

[Edit]Brainstorming Topics

  1. Write about the events of your day. Think about everything that happened that day and record any highlights or feelings that stand out to you. Even if you had a pretty standard day, you might be surprised by deeper thoughts and feelings that come up as you write down details about your day.[1]
    Write a Diary Step 1 Version 7.jpg
    • Feel free to veer off into any topic you want as you're writing about the day's events.
    • For example, you could write about the English exam you took at school that day. Are you feeling good about the exam? Do you wish you had studied more? Are you nervous to receive your grade?
  2. Contemplate your goals for the future and how to achieve them. Make a list of your short-term and long-term goals. Then, go through each item on the list and write in detail about your plan to accomplish the goal. Breaking each goal up into smaller tasks that you can work on can make your goals feel less overwhelming.[2]
    Write a Diary Step 2 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you could write about short-term goals like studying for your algebra exam or hitting the gym for a cardio session.
    • Long-term goals would be stuff like choosing and applying to colleges or saving up money to buy a car.
  3. Jot down your current feelings or mood. Don't worry about providing any context for your emotions, just focus on accurately describing what they are.[3] You can then use those feelings and thoughts as prompts for creating detailed diary entries. Work on one thought or emotion at a time and explore it as fully as you can.
    Write a Diary Step 3 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, if you're feeling sad, you can write a diary entry about why you feel that way and any events that may have contributed.
    • You can add a line from the lyrics of a song you are often listening to in your entry to preserve the current mood.
  4. Write down inspirational quotes and what they mean to you. Inspirational quotes can come from anywhere—a famous person, your favorite book or movie, or even a friend or a family member. Any quote you find inspiring is a great starting point. Record the quote in your diary and note where it came from. Then, explain what it means to you in your own words.[4]
    Write a Diary Step 4 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you might write down a quote like, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started," which came from Mark Twain. Write a diary entry about what this means to you and what things you need to get started on to achieve certain goals.
  5. Explore your favorite subjects or hobbies in-depth. Make a list of topics that you love or your favorite hobbies. You might love movies, sports, food, travel, art, or fashion. The subjects can be anything you want, as long as they interest and inspire you. Then, choose one item from the list and create a diary entry about it.[5]
    Write a Diary Step 5 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, if you love sports, write about why you love a certain sport, your favorite teams, and personal goals you have if you play any sports yourself.
    • If you love painting, you could write about your favorite painters, the painting styles that speak to you the most, recent paintings you've made, and ideas for future paintings.

[Edit]Creating Personal Entries

  1. Write the date in the corner or on the first line. You may not write in your diary every day, so dating your entries can help you keep track of when things happened. Since you'll be writing in your diary over a long period of time, dates will also help you stay organized and provide context when you look back on your entries in the future.[6]
    Write a Diary Step 7 Version 5.jpg
    • If you like, you can also put the time, day of the week, and your location alongside the date.
  2. Begin each entry with a topic in mind. Most people reach for their diary when they have something they want to get down on paper or think about. This could be anything—something that happened that day, a dream you had, future plans, an event, an idea, or strong emotion or mood you're feeling.[7]
    Write a Diary Step 8 Version 5.jpg
    • Once you start writing, you're free to veer off into any subject you like! But having something in mind when you start the entry can help kickstart the writing process.
  3. Open with "Dear Diary" if you want to. This is a completely personal choice, so go with what works best and feels right for you. At first, addressing the "Diary" can feel almost like reaching out to a friend rather than simply writing or talking to yourself. You may find this helpful if you're new to journaling.
    Write a Diary Step 9 Version 5.jpg
  4. Write in the first person by using "I" statements. Diaries are very personal items, and they typically work best when you speak in the first person. In your diary, you are free to make everything about you! Many people find this aspect extremely cathartic, especially when it comes to exploring personal thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
    Write a Diary Step 10 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you might write something like, "I'm worried about volleyball tryouts this week. I've practiced a lot and I feel ready, but I'm so nervous I can hardly eat."
  5. Be honest in your entries. Many people find diary writing cathartic because they can let go of inhibitions on the page and truly be themselves. Feel free to record your emotions, both positive and negative, in their entirety in your diary. Remember that no one will ever see what you've written, so you can write honestly about anything. This is for your eyes only.
    Write a Diary Step 11 Version 6.jpg
    • For example, you might write, "I feel jealous of Shaun's new car. I'm happy for him, but it seems really unfair that his parents bought him a brand new car. I'm working every day after school just to save up for a used car."
    • If you're afraid someone will find and read your diary, there are things you can do to prevent this. Physical diaries with locks and password-protected digital diaries are two of the most popular ways to control privacy.
    • Many people have epiphanies about themselves and their relationships through honest diary writing. Be open to learning about yourself as you write.
  6. Don't worry too much about grammar and spelling. Your diary is a safe space for you to vent and share without the pressures of external judgment. Write freely and without inhibition. Being grammatically correct, proper spelling, and writing perfect phrases are not nearly as important as getting your thoughts and feelings down on the page. Jot down the first things that come to mind when considering your day, current mood, and any feelings you're struggling with.[8]
    Write a Diary Step 12 Version 6.jpg
    • For some people, it helps to take a few minutes at the beginning of each entry to simply free write.
  7. Use lots of details to preserve moments in time. Diaries help you preserve thoughts and feelings as they're happening. You're also able to record events immediately after they happen when details are still fresh in your mind. Since memories can become unreliable, especially as time passes, recording precise details vividly can help you preserve moments in time exactly as they occurred.[9]
    Write a Diary Step 13 Version 4.jpg
    • Detailed writing isn't for everyone, so don't feel like you have to write long, wordy sentences. If you find it easier to express your emotions in short bursts or even bullet points, feel free to do that.

[Edit]Getting into a Routine

  1. Choose a specific time each day to write in your diary. Many people struggle to find the time to write in their diary. Others simply forget to write. It helps to choose a specific time each day for diary writing so that you can develop the habit. Eventually, it will become second nature, but it can help to set a daily reminder on your phone until then![10]
    Write a Diary Step 14 Version 4.jpg
    • For example, you might choose to write in your diary every night right before bed.
    • Don't set an unrealistic schedule for yourself. If writing every day seems out of reach, plan on writing entry 3 times a week instead.
  2. Keep your writing sessions short in the beginning. You don't have to set aside a huge chunk of time every day for writing in your diary! 10-15 minutes per session is a great goal when you're just starting out. Jot down your most pressing and immediate feelings and thoughts. You can always write more later in the week when you have time![11]
    Write a Diary Step 15 Version 4.jpg
    • For example, you could write a few key bullet points in your diary when you're pressed for time.
    • Setting an intimidating schedule for yourself could be counterproductive. You want journaling to be an outlet, not a chore, so go easy on yourself.
    • Pick a time to write when you don't have other obligations or time constraints.
  3. Use illustrations if you prefer drawing to writing. Some people find if easier to convey their thoughts and emotions through drawing rather than writing. If you're more likely to stick to a schedule when drawing or sketching is involved, feel free to use that approach![12]
    Write a Diary Step 17 Version 4.jpg
    • Quick drawings may also help you get down something that you want to remember but don't have time to write about.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Writing a diary should be a cathartic experience and not a chore. Allow yourself to enjoy your writing!
  • To camouflage your diary, write "Algebra Notes" or "School Notebook" on the cover.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary



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