The Connected Table Live
by Talk 4 Radio
Food and beverage industry insiders Melanie Young and David Ransom connect you to leaders and legends in wine, spirits, food and hospitality as they travel the world. Hear from vintners, restaurateurs, chefs, distillers, educators, authors, farmers and more. Melanie and David are the insatiably curious culinary couple who are always in search of a great story to share with their listeners. They bring a fresh approach to spotlighting industry movers and shakers and exploring the pleasures of the palate. Connect and visit www.theconnectedtable.com Instagram@theconnectedtable Like on Facebook@connectedtable The Connected Table is among Feedspot’s top 20 food and beverage podcasts <a href="https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJFN5%2BlJF%2BJI2swXy%2BcUxeNfHBQXR%2BcXFdzOF%2FzfRvjlZCHlGkYS4Ujaxxr75Q7A9Y9S8PYa5uEe3ccaxdtQ%2BfiiJvMeWSUhWN7EFQkeRvfhoV3hHEoWFVgUBFrHElEBr5RYIhpEEh9JA%2FdLDxRU9eeTSCMlSRQSWBgIFdgVR%2Fnkl03w6xXm4Rbczgz4IlT3vZQaEhxKEiVaFvpK%2BBRP9emaFd8qXiEWIuT7VQUbUQv1ng%3
Episodes
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Serving "Unreasonable Hospitality" New Orleans-Style: Restaurant Pros Weigh In
Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans presented Serving Up Unreasonable Hospitality at Cochon Restaurant October 26, 2026. Panelists Brandon Groh, G.M., Emeril’s (Michelin 2-Star); Ti Martin, Co-Proprietor, Commander’s Palace; Dr. Afua “Effie” Richardson, Co-Owner, Dakar NOLA (Michelin 1-Star) and…
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Gaetana Jacono, Valle Dell'Acate, 6th Generation Vintner in Sicily
Gaetana Jacono is the 6th generation family member overseeing Valle Dell’Acate, a wine estate in southern Sicily's Ragusa province. Valle Dell'Acate produces organic wines made from local varieties including Frappato di Vittorio DOC and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Nero D'Avola, Grillo and...
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Inside New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)
New Orleans is a renowned dining destination. But did you know that the city is home to an outstanding culinary school? New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers 100-day certificate programs in culinary arts and baking arts that cover…
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Rethinking Pink: Gastronomic Dark Rosés
When the leaves start to turn color at the onset of autumn, our palettes turn to dusky dark rosé wines. These are gastronomic rosés with depth and structure that offer ripe red berry and floral notes and pleasant herbal, savory characteristics. Pair with charcuterie and cheese boards…
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Chef Alon Shaya and June Hersh Preserve Food Memories from WWII Survivors & Heroes
What does the memory of a family meal mean to you? For survivors of World War II and the Holocaust, food memories provided an important emotional connection to families lost and traditions preserved. Chef/Restaurateur Alon Shaya and Culinary Historian/Author June Hersh, co-authored "Memories of a...
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Fischer & Wieser: How a Texas Family Farmstand Became an Award-Winning Specialty Foods Co.
The Fischer & Wieser Farmstead originated in 1928 when German immigrant J.B. Wieser planted a peach orchard in Fredericksburg, Texas. His son, Mark, cared for the orchard during school breaks. In 1969, Mark founded Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus to sell the family’s Hill Country peaches and...
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Celebrating Vintage Port with Adrian Bridge, CEO, Taylor Fladgate
Established in 1692 by English wine merchant, Job Bearsley, the venerable Port house, Taylor Fladgate, has remained 100% independent and family-run throughout its history. Today its holdings include Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca and Croft. In 2026 all three historic houses declared 2024 as a Vintage...
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Gruet: How a French Champagne Family Achieved Sparkling Success in New Mexico
Laurent Gruet grew up working in the vineyards with his father, Gilbert Gruet, founder of the family's Champagne house. In the 1980s Gilbert planted vineyards in New Mexico and sent Laurent and his sister, Nathalie, to the U.S. to oversee the family’s new winemaking venture. Gruet Winery achieved...
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Dr. Marion Nestle-A Leading Voice of Public Health, Food Policy & Nutrition
Dr. Marion Nestle, is one of the world’s most influential voices on food policy and nutrition and a sought-after speaker. Her Food Politics newsletter is a must-read on these topics. She is the Paulette Goddard Professor Emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health at New York University...
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From the Mountains to the Sea: Visiting Rouvalis Winery, Peloponnese, Greece
On the PGI Slopes of Aigialeia in the northern Peloponnese, Rouvalis Winery cultivates both native and international grape varieties on steep, isolated vineyards overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Founded in 1990 by Angelos Rouvalis, a pioneer in Greece’s modern winemaking, Rouvalis Winery is...
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A Seat at the Table with Rick Blount, Fifth Generation Family Owner, Antoine’s Restaurant, New O
Established in 1840, Antoine’s is New Orleans' oldest restaurant and the nation's oldest continually family-owned restaurant. Beloved by locals and visitors, Antoine's is known for its impeccable service and French Creole cuisine including original dishes such as Oysters Rockefeller, Eggs Sardou...
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Chef Nina Compton Embraces Her Caribbean Roots at Top-Rated Compère Lapin in New Orleans
Chef Nina Compton is owner of Compère Lapin, a top-rated restaurant in New Orleans and the USA. Located at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, Compère Lapin blends the flavors of Compton's youth growing up on the island of St Lucia with her love for French and Italian cuisine and Gulf Coast and...
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Heroic Viticulture in Greece’s Northern Peloponnese
In Greece’s northern Peloponnese about two hours’ drive from Athens, steep mountains intersect with the waters of the vast Corinthian Gulf, providing an ideal microclimate for cultivating grapevines. Known as the PGI Slopes of Aigialeia, this visually striking area is distinctive for its “heroic...
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Explore Mesogaia in East Attica, Greece, Near Athens
Mesogaia (“Middle Earth”) in the region of East Attica near Athens, Greece and its main airport is a rural area of vineyards, olive and fig groves and seaside villages. Marina Kavallieraki, Founder of Voύryia, creates culinary tours to experience Mesogaia and what she calls “Ligo Akoma Ellada” (a...
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Tasting Sagrantino di Montefalco with Az. Bocale Vini
Azienda Agricola Bocale Valentini was founded by Giuseppe Valentini in the 1950s in Montefalco (Umbria). For many years, Valentini sold his wine in two-liter demi-johns, locally called “Bocale.” In the 1990s, Bocale replanted its vines and began bottling its wines. Today it produces the signature...
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A Visit To the Birdhouse- Fattoria Uccelliera in the Pisan Hills
Fattoria Uccelliera is a winery and agritourism in Tuscany’s Pisan Hills. Antonio Bullieri and Maria Elena Poggianti acquired Uccelliera's land in the 1960s. The property is surrounded by 200 hectares of dense forests, vineyards, and olive groves. Fattoria Uccelliera produces wines from both the...
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Vernaccia di San Gimignano Marks 750 Years as Tuscany's "White Queen"
The hilltop village of San Gimignano with its many stone towers is a popular destination in Tuscany. The surrounding countryside is home to Tuscany’s- and one of Italy’s- most renowned white wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG. Crisp with refreshing salinity and notes of tropical and stone...
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Rocca Di Frassinello: A Collaboration of Fine Wine and Design
Rocca di Frassinello in Tuscany's Maremma is a joint venture between Paolo Panerai, Owner of Domini Castellare di Castellina, Chianti Classico, and Baron Eric de Rothschild of Domaine Lafite, the legendary Bordeaux first growth property. The winery, known for its Super Tuscans, is a masterpiece…
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Brigtsen’s Restaurant in New Orleans: A Timeless Creole Classic
New Orleans Chef Frank Brigtsen is recognized for revitalizing Creole Acadian cooking. In 2026 his namesake restaurant, Brigtsen’s, marks 40 years since opening in 1986 with his wife, Marna, and support from his mentor, Chef Paul Prudhomme. Located in a Victorian cottage in the Uptown Riverbend...
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Suis Generis, New Orleans Restaurant with a Farm Dedicated to Zero Waste
Suis Generis in New Orleans' Bywater neighborhood embraces the philosophy of Kansha, a respect for ingredients and waste nothing. Serving dinner Friday-Sunday, Suis Generis' weekly changing menu is based on what's available at its Tiki Farm in Pearlington, Mississippi. Both Tiki Farm and Suis...
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Tuscany’s Wild West Coast: From Heroic Viticulture to a Designer Winery
Tuscany’s western region delivers wild natural beauty and the scent of the sea, passionate, independent winemakers and many tastes to savor. This episode travels the "Strada del Vino, Olio and Sapori” to meet local wine and food producers in Massa Carrara and the Candia Hills, Bolgheri, Maremma…
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Tuscany Wines, Food, Travel: Terre di Pisa, Colline Lucchese & Montecarlo
Eat, Sip and Taste the flavors of western Tuscany, its wines and cuisine with The Connected Table. This episode visits Terre di Pisa DOC, Colline Lucchese and Montecarlo DOC. Meet family-run wineries, Pecorino cheese, olive oil and pasticcini producers dating back generations. Visit the village...
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Texas Wine & Food Journalist Jessica Dupuy Dips Her Boots in Italy
Jessica Dupuy is an award-winning wine, food, spirits, and travel journalist and author of six cookbooks, including "United Tastes of the South" and "Tex-Mex Traditions, Innovations and Comfort Foods from Both Sides of the Border." She is author of "The Wines of Southwest U.S.A." which explores...
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Eat, Drink, Explore Fredericksburg, Texas- A Small Town with Big Charm
Texas wines, seasonal peaches, fields of wildflowers and authentic Hill Country cooking are among the many delights to experience on a visit to Fredericksburg, Texas. Settled by German immigrants in 1846, you’ll find history, foodways and other traditions from the old country blended with a chic,...
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Café Reconcile, New Orleans, Transforms the Lives of At-Risk Youths
In New Orleans, Café Reconcile serves more than soulful Louisiana cooking. Founded in 1996 by Rev. Harry Tompson, Café Reconcile transforms the lives of at-risk youths ages 16 to 24 through workforce development and job training, giving them skills and confidence to carry into their futures. Café...
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Lively, Crisp & Refreshing: Rosés for Every Day
Lively, crisp and refreshing, rosé wines continue to gain momentum with more quality and variety than ever. Rosé is a large category of wines with few rules, two key methods of production and many styles, from bone dry to fruity, pale pink to deep strawberry in hue. While French rosés remain a...
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Victor Owen Schwartz, VOS Selections, Takes Action To Protect Free Trade
Victor Owen Schwartz founded family-run VOS Selections in 1987 to bring artisanal wines from around world to the U.S.A. Passion for fine wines fueled his business success. Purpose to protect free trade and advocate for businesses impacted by the 2025 Trump administration tariffs imposed under the...
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Explore the Diverse, Unique Wines of France's Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is the third largest wine region in France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends west to east from the Atlantic Ocean to the peaks of the Massif Central. This diverse landscape along France's longest river produces many world-class wines, including whites Muscadet, Vouvray,...
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Dr. Liz Thach MW: Bringing Data and Direction to the Wine Industry
The 7th woman in the USA, and first in California, to become a Master of Wine (MW), Dr. Liz Thach serves as President of the nonprofit Wine Market Council (WMC) which produces heavy hitting research data of interest to anyone in the role of producing, buying and selling wine and building and...
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New Orleans' P&J Oyster Co. Celebrates 150 Years in 2026
New Orleans is renowned for its oysters and signature dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and Oyster Po-Boys. Established in 1876 in the historic French Quarter, P&J Oyster Co. is the nation's oldest oyster processor, cultivating the finest oysters throughout Louisiana. P&J Oyster Co was started by…
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Spanish Red Grapes Beyond Tempranillo- Five to Know
Spain is the world's third largest wine producer after Italy and France. With more than 100 wine appellations and over 200 grape varieties, Spain offers a diverse range of wines to taste. Tempranillo is Spain’s most renowned red grape, widely planted in Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and other areas.…
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Virginia’s Barboursville Vineyards Celebrates Fifty Years in 2026
Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia was the 18th century estate of statesman, James Barbour. In 1976 Italian vintner, Gianni Zonin, acquired the estate to establish Barboursville Vineyards, the Zonin family's only winery outside Italy. Barboursville celebrates 50 years in 2026, now with new…
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Tuscan Wine Regions to Explore Close to Florence- Anteprime Toscana Edition
The fifth largest region in Italy, Tuscany is renowned for its wines, notably its Sangiovese-based reds, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Melanie and David explore a few wine production subzones close enough to Florence for either a day...
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Sette Ponte in Valdarno di Sopra DOC- Home To Some of Italy’s First Super Tuscans
The Moretti Cuseri family achieved success producing luxury goods in Italy. Hand-crafted luxury is also their approach to making wines at their five wine estates in Tuscany and Sicily. Export director and third generation, Alberto Moretti Cuseri, discusses each estate and wines starting with...
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Tujague's New Orleans Celebrates 170 Years
Tujague's in the French Quarter was established 1856 by French immigrants, Guillaume and Marie Abadie Tujague, making it New Orleans' second oldest restaurant. Tujague’s is where the iconic Grasshopper cocktail and Bourbon Milk Punch were created. It also conceived the first "brunch," originally…
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Francesco Ricasoli, owner, Barone Ricasoli, Chianti Classico- Italy's Oldest Winery
Castello Brolio in the hills of Chianti Classico's Gaiole subzone, is home to Barone Ricasoli, documented as the oldest winery in Italy (est 1141) and the fourth oldest family business in the world. Francesco Ricasoli, family steward and company president since 1993, discusses the Ricasoli…
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A Visit with Carla Tiago, Winemaker, Kopke, Portugal’s Oldest Port House
A trip to Portugal would not be complete without a visit to Porto and the Douro Valle, home to the world’s production of Port wines and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Kopke, established in 1638, is Portugal’s oldest Port houses and now has a stunning, art-filled hotel in Villa…
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At Penner-Ash, Winemaker Kate Ayres Embraces Her Oregon Roots
At Penner-Ash located in the Northern Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Winemaker Kate Ayres crafts several expressions of single estate Pinot Noir as well as Chardonnay, Viognier and Riesling. Penner Ash was established in 1998 by Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash with a vision to producer lush,...
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Yannick Benjamin, Co-Founder, Wine on Wheels, Keeps Moving Forward
Working in wine and traveling the world to visit wine regions and producers can be invigorating and exhausting. But that doesn’t Yannick Benjamin, a respected New York-based sommelier and co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits. What sets him apart is that manages this all from a wheelchair…
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Stefano Chiarlo, Winemaker & Family Owner, Michele Chiarlo Winery in Piemonte
Michele Chiarlo in Italy’s Piedmont region is a world-class producer of single vineyard wines. The family-run winery has vineyards in the Langhe, Monferrato and Gavi. Patriarch Michele Chiarlo helped to establish standards of quality for DOC Piedmont and was among the first to introduce green...
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Chef Peter Merriman, a Pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Is Still Making Waves
Peter Merriman is one of 12 chef-pioneers of Hawaii regional cuisine, a movement which emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fisherman throughout the islands and elevated the local dining scene. In 1988 he opened his signature restaurant, Merriman’s, in Waimea (Big Island). This...
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Bon Apetite! Eat, Drink, Explore Lisbon, Portugal with The Connected Table
Lisbon, Portugal, is a feast for palate. Portuguese cuisine brings flavors of Africa, Brazil, Iberia and the Far East to its dishes. Examples include piri piri chicken, roast pork in red wine, sopa de mariscos, grilled sardines, Bacalhau (dried salted cod) with potatoes and Lisbon’s sweet gift to...
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Bon Apetite! Eat, Drink, Explore Lisbon, Portugal with The Connected Table
Lisbon, Portugal, is a feast for palate. Portuguese cuisine brings flavors of Africa, Brazil, Iberia and the Far East to its dishes. Examples include piri piri chicken, roast pork in red wine, sopa de mariscos, grilled sardines, Bacalhau (dried salted cod) with potatoes and Lisbon’s sweet gift to...
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Frost in Walla Walla: Doug Frost's New Chapter as CoFounder of Echolands Winery
Doug Frost's storied career in wine and hospitality began a new chapter in 2018 when he cofounded Echolands Winery in Washington's Walla Walla Valley AVA with fellow Kansan Brad Bergman. Frost is the first individual to attain both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certification, He…
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Sipping Lambrusco di Sorbara with Cantina Paltrinieri.
Established in 1926 by Achille Paltrinieri, family-run Cantina Paltrinieri is located in the heart of Lambrusco di Sorbara D.O.C. in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. One of numerous varieties of the Lambrusco grape variety, Lambrusco di Sorbara produces a crisp, elegant, lighter wine similar…
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Cantina Alfredo Bertolani Celebrates 100 Years
Alfredo Bertolani founded his namesake winery on April 27, 1925, in Italy’s Reggio Emilia. 2025 marks the winery's centennial. In Scandiano where Bertolani is located, the family helped establish the D.O.C. Bianco di Scandiano in 1976 to protect Spergola, an ancient native white grape variety…
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Sparkling Wines for the Holidays & Every Day
Travel the world with Melanie and David to discover sparkling wines for the holidays and every day from price points starting at $18.99 (SRP). With a focus on classic sparkling wines made in the traditional method, discover their recommendations from France, Italy, Spain, Austria, England, South...
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New York's First Family of Sparkling Wine- Dr. Konstantin Frank
Founded in 1962, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery's namesake founder planted the first vinifera vines in the Eastern United States, forever changing the course of winemaking in New York. In 1985, Dr. Konstantin Frank became the first winery in the eastern U.S. to release a traditional method sparkling...
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Roots in Clay- A Visit To Argillae Winery, Orvieto
Giulia Di Cosimo oversees Argillae, her family’s winery located in the northwest of Orvieto in Umbria. Argillae was established in 1993 by Giulia’s grandfather who initially found success making distilled spirits and grappa. Argillae is the Latin word for “clay,” which also reflects the link...
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Restaurant Impresario Drew Nieporent Shares a Delicious Memoir
For over 40 years, Drew Nieporent conceived many hit dining concepts under his Myriad Restaurant Group including Nobu, Tribeca Grill, Rubicon, Montrachet, Corton, Bâtard. In his 2025 memoir, “I’m Not Trying To Be Difficult,” Nieporent shares how a kid from New York’s East Side pursues his dream…
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About this show
Food and beverage industry insiders Melanie Young and David Ransom connect you to leaders and legends in wine, spirits, food and hospitality as they travel the world. Hear from vintners, restaurateurs, chefs, distillers, educators, authors, farmers and more. Melanie and David are the insatiably curious culinary couple who are always in search of a great story to share with their listeners. They bring a fresh approach to spotlighting industry movers and shakers and exploring the pleasures of the palate. Connect and visit www.theconnectedtable.com Instagram@theconnectedtable Like on Facebook@connectedtable
The Connected Table is among Feedspot’s top 20 food and beverage podcasts <a href="https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJFN5%2BlJF%2BJI2swXy%2BcUxeNfHBQXR%2BcXFdzOF%2FzfRvjlZCHlGkYS4Ujaxxr75Q7A9Y9S8PYa5uEe3ccaxdtQ%2BfiiJvMeWSUhWN7EFQkeRvfhoV3hHEoWFVgUBFrHElEBr5RYIhpEEh9JA%2FdLDxRU9eeTSCMlSRQSWBgIFdgVR%2Fnkl03w6xXm4Rbczgz4IlT3vZQaEhxKEiVaFvpK%2BBRP9emaFd8qXiEWIuT7VQUbUQv1ng%3
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