And it’s Wednesday, so please remember to pray for Gambia and those working there as well. 🙂
Psalm 121:1-5
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
First, the self-imposed media blackout of the Kermit Gosnell trial continues. From TheWashingtonTimes
“The trial details are nothing short of sensational: A doctor accused of killing seven newborns and a young woman at a filthy Philadelphia clinic strewn with body parts and described as a “slaughterhouse.”
It’s big news in Philadelphia, but nationally, not so much. The lack of coverage is a problem for a growing chorus of conservative and media critics, who allege that the scant national media attention can be attributed not to the courtroom drama but the politics of abortion.”
“MRC also reports that there has been no network coverage on ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, NPR or PBS, and just one brief mention on CNN.”
“Forbes columnist Mike Ozanian said that the controversy surrounding Rutgers University basketball coach Mike Rice, who was shown on video abusing players and using vulgar language during practice, had received far more national attention than the Gosnell trial.”
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Next, a question. Educating or indoctrinating? From FoxNewsRadio
“Boibeaux’s son is an eighth grader at Northeast Middle School. On Monday his social studies teacher gave students a worksheet titled, ‘The Second Amendment Today.’
“The courts have consistently determined that the Second Amendment does not ensure each individual the right to bear arms,” the worksheet states. “The courts have never found a law regulating the private ownership of weapons unconstitutional.
The worksheet, published by Instructional Fair, goes on to say that the Second Amendment is not incorporated against the states.
“This means that the rights of this amendment are not extended to the individual citizens of the states,” the worksheet reads. “So a person has no right to complain about a Second Amendment violation by state laws.”
According to the document, the Second Amendment “only provides the right of a state to keep an armed National Guard.”
Wow. Lies and misinformation sold as education.
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And we have another as well. This one’s not just for indoctrinating, it’s also got personal benefit for the “educator”. From CampusReform
“A professor at a public university in Texas is under investigation from school administrators for allegedly forcing students in her graphic design class to create anti-gun posters for a personal anti-gun campaign she had launched.
Midwestern State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Betty Stewart confirmed to Campus Reform Friday the school has launched an investigation into professor Jennifer Yucus’ conduct after a student filed an official complaint on Thursday.
According to the complaint, obtained by Campus Reform, the professor compelled students in her graphic design class to create artwork opposing firearms on campus and opposing pro-gun legislation currently pending before the Texas state legislature.
The professor then used the artwork students created online to publicize an anti-gun petition entitled “MSU is anti-Concealed Carry on Campus” and on a now deleted Facebook page opposing firearms, says the complaint.
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Meanwhile, 15,000 people whose opinion should matter in the gun debate have responded to the proposed gun legislation. From DirectorBlue
“A March 2013 survey of 15,000 police officers covering proposed gun control legislation and attitudes about concealed carry laws had some surprising results:
The survey, which was conducted in early March 2013, received 15,000 responses from law enforcement professionals. It found that the overall attitude of law enforcement is strongly anti-gun legislation and pro-gun rights, with the belief that an armed citizenry is effective in stopping crime. Response percentages varied only slightly when analyzed by rank and department size. Among the results:
• 86 percent feel the currently proposed legislation would have no effect or a negative effect on improving officer safety
• Similarly, 92 percent feel that banning semi-automatic firearms, or “assault weapons,” would have no effect or a negative effect on reducing violent crime.
And 91% support concealed carry among non-felons. Now you know why Obama only uses the police for props, and doesn’t ask them to speak at his anti-gun events.
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The First Lady, who has no clue on such matters, takes her husband’s gun control show to the murder capital of the US. Yes, Chicago, the town her husband helped make what it is today with his failed democrat policies. From TheWashingtonTimes
“First Lady Michelle Obama will take the White House’s legislative push for gun control to her hometown of Chicago Wednesday where she will address a luncheon on youth violence.
Mrs. Obama’s remarks will focus on urging Chicago business leaders to invest in opportunities for youth across Chicago’s neighborhoods.”
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Our govt continues it’s not so thrifty, actually mostly wasteful spending.
From HotAir
“Those $85 billion in sequester cuts over which the Obama administration has been trying their darndest to whip everyone into a national freakout, insisting that employees will need to be furloughed, air traffic control towers are going to be shut down, and the White House can’t afford historical tours? Practically peanuts compared to the amount of money the federal government drops on redundant and wasteful spending according to the third annual installment of a Government Accountability Office report, says Sen. Tom Coburn:
These are among the findings in a new Government Accountability Office report that found 162 areas where services are duplicated or money is being wasted in the federal government. The annual cost of duplicative or wasteful programs is estimated at roughly $250 billion, according to fiscal hawk Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla. …
“That’s 250 billion dollars a year, that’s three times what the sequester was,” Coburn said. “Just in waste, in duplication, in stupidity, and lack of efficiency and effectiveness by the federal government. (It) makes you want to pull your hair out.” …
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Since we’re on the subject of how taxpayer money is spent/wasted……..
Sequester? Sure. The Blue Angels are the next symbolic victim. From USAToday
“The Navy announced Tuesday that it was canceling the remaining Blue Angels 2013 performances, citing “budget realities.”
Blue Angels canceled. But don’t worry, the pretty people still get their 10th party on your dime. And it least us commoners get to watch this one. From WhiteHouseDossier
“Tonight’s special White House “celebration” of Memphis soul music marks the tenth time President and Mrs. Obama have been treated to an exclusive East Room “command performance” of American music featuring major stars, past and present.
While the performances are televised and celebrate the nation’s culture, some may wonder whether during an era of soaring deficits it is wise to stage what are also in effect private parties for the first couple.
And with this evening’s event, the performances are officially part of the “sequester-free zone” at the White House. As is well known, the daily White House tours did not make the cut.”
Like I keep saying, priorities.
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This one will make you go Hmmmm…… From TheWeeklyStandard
“The top Republican in the Senate, Mitch McConnell, is asking the feds to investigate whether a closed campaign meeting was illegally wiretapped by his political opponents. The issue arises after the liberal outlet Mother Jones published “A recording of a private meeting between the Senate GOP leader and campaign aides.”
In a statement to the press, McConnell’s campaign manager, Jesse Benton, says the feds are getting involved. “Senator McConnell’s campaign is working with the FBI and has notified the local U.S. Attorney in Louisville, per FBI request, about these recordings,” says Benton. “Obviously a recording device of some kind was placed in Senator McConnell’s campaign office without consent. By whom and how that was accomplished will presumably be the subject of a criminal investigation.”
The federal wiretapping law thought to have been violated reads, “It shall not be unlawful under this chapter for a person acting under color of law to intercept a wire, oral, or electronic communication, where such person is a party to the communication or one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to such interception.”
And surreptitious recording also violates Kentucky law, where this meeting took place:”
More from Politico
““Senator McConnell’s campaign is working with the FBI and has notified the local U.S. Attorney in Louisville, per FBI request, about these recordings,” McConnell campaign manager Jesse Benton said in a statement. “Obviously a recording device of some kind was placed in Senator McConnell’s campaign office without consent. By whom and how that was accomplished presumably will be the subject of a criminal investigation.””
“On Tuesday morning, Mother Jones, a liberal magazine, published an audio recording of McConnell staffers discussing opposition research they could use against actress Ashley Judd, who was considering running against veteran senator in the 2014 Senate race. Judd announced last week that she would not make the race.”
“Someone on the tape is heard saying:
“She’s clearly, this sounds extreme, but she is emotionally unbalanced. I mean it’s been documented. Jesse can go in chapter and verse from her autobiography about, you know, she’s suffered some suicidal tendencies. She was hospitalized for 42 days when she had a mental breakdown in the ’90s.””
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On this day in 1865 at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in the parlor of Wilmer McClean’s home. Grant allowed Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permitted soldiers to keep their horses and mules. Though there were still Confederate armies in the field, the war was officially over.
In 1866 the Civil Rights Bill passed over U.S. President Andrew Johnson’s veto.
In 1867 the U.S. Senate ratified the treaty with Russia that purchased the territory of Alaska.
In 1912 the first exhibition baseball game was held at Fenway Park in Boston between the Red Sox and Harvard.
In 1942 at the Battle of Bataan, American and Filipino forces were overwhelmed by the Japanese Army.
And in 1959 NASA announced the selection of America’s first seven astronauts.
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Quotes of the Day
“Although a soldier by profession, I have never felt any sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, except as a means of peace.”
Ulysses S. Grant
_____________
“The war… was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forbearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.”
Robert E. Lee
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This one is fun. And somewhat accurate. 😯 Let’s see if you can get all the references. 🙂
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Does anyone have a Question of the Day for us?
Psalm 116:1-7
1 I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
3 The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
4 Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
6 The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Open Thread, as always.
I guess we start with the sorry treatment from the left at the news of Margaret Thatcher’s death. Respected by conservatives, vilified by the left. Just a horrible display by the intolerant left.
How bad does it have to get for this to happen? Pretty bad I imagine.
From WeaselZippers
“UK’s Daily Telegraph Shuts Down Comments On Every Margaret Thatcher Story After Libs Flood Comments Section With Abuse…”
Even the online tributes. Disgusting.
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More on these horrible displays here, from TheGuardianUK
“Several hundred people gathered in south London on Monday evening to celebrate Margaret Thatcher’s death with cans of beer, pints of milk and an impromptu street disco playing the soundtrack to her years in power.
Young and old descended on Brixton, a suburb which weathered two outbreaks of rioting during the Thatcher years. Many expressed jubilation that the leader they loved to hate was no more; others spoke of frustration that her legacy lived on.
To cheers of “Maggie Maggie Maggie, dead dead dead,” posters of Thatcher were held aloft as reggae basslines pounded.
Clive Barger, a 62-year-old adult education tutor, said he had turned out to mark the passing of “one of the vilest abominations of social and economic history”.”
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If you have the stomach for it, more here from Twitchy
But CONTENT WARNING!!! big time.
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For how the AP treated news of her death compared to Hugo Chavez, it’s back to WeaselZippers
“Compare And Contrast: AP Equivocates On Margaret Thatcher, Lionizes Huge Chavez…
Yes, liberal media bias is a myth.”
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Now here’s a look at how the left has ensured another Thatcher never gets a chance again. Boy, this is starting to sound familiar too. From NationalReview
“Margaret Thatcher couldn’t be elected today. It’s not just that she was a great woman and such people don’t come along every day. Rather, the British Left made sure of it by altering the electorate through mass immigration.
This isn’t conspiracy mongering. Andrew Neather, a former Labour-party speechwriter, admitted in 2009 that the immigration boom engineered after 2000 was specifically intended to import a new people:
The huge increases in migrants over the last decade were partly due to a politically motivated attempt by ministers to radically change the country and “rub the Right’s nose in diversity”, according to Andrew Neather, a former adviser to Tony Blair, Jack Straw and David Blunkett.
He said Labour’s relaxation of controls was a deliberate plan to “open up the UK to mass migration” but that ministers were nervous and reluctant to discuss such a move publicly for fear it would alienate its “core working class vote”.”
Hmmm……. Now where else did I see this being attempted?
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This one you’ll love. It appears we have millions for university studies on snail and duck sex, but not for less important matters like this. Priorities people, as always. From Bloomberg
“A Manhattan federal judge said it was “extremely troublesome” that the terrorism trial of Osama Bin Laden’s son-in-law could be delayed by across-the-board federal budget cuts.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan made the comment during a hearing today in the case of Sulaiman Abu Ghayth, Bin Laden’s former chief spokesman. Abu Ghayth is charged with conspiring to kill Americans before and after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He pleaded not guilty last month.
Lawyers for both sides suggested trial be delayed until 2014, in part because federal public defenders said they don’t have the ability to properly defend their client in such an international case given budget cuts and mandatory furloughs under so-called sequestration.”
The judge found it “stunning”. I don’t. They’re intentionally making decisions like this. Just like the decision to release criminal illegals.
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This one I find amusing. In fact, if PETA is successful, I may take up hunting again. 🙂
From USNews
“People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is actively shopping for a drone that would “stalk hunters,” the organization said Monday.”
“The group says it will “soon have some impressive new weapons at its disposal to combat those who gun down deer and doves” and that it is “shopping for one or more drone aircraft with which to monitor those who are out in the woods with death on their minds.”
The group says it will not weaponize the drones, but will use them to film potentially illegal hunting activity and turn it over to law enforcement.”
Hey Bob, did you get a buck this morning?
Nope. But I did get me 2 PETA drones, so it wasn’t a total wash. 🙂
You know I’m right.
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Speaking of shooting aerial targets……..
The Navy has introduced it’s newest high-tech weapon system. No, not the Rail gun, but a close relative. No projectile in this one. Interesting too considering Israel says it will only be weeks before Iran faces consequences for it’s nuke program. But the Pentagon insists it won’t be operational until next year. Things that make you say Hmmmmm…. indeed! From TheNYTimes
“The Navy is going to sea for the first time with a laser attack weapon that has been shown in tests to disable patrol boats and blind or destroy surveillance drones.
A prototype shipboard laser will be deployed on a converted amphibious transport and docking ship in the Persian Gulf, where Iranian fast-attack boats have harassed American warships and where the government in Tehran is building remotely piloted aircraft carrying surveillance pods and, someday potentially, rockets.
The laser will not be operational until next year, but the announcement on Monday by Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, the chief of naval operations, seemed meant as a warning to Iran not to step up activity in the gulf in the next few months if tensions increase because of sanctions and the impasse in negotiations over the Iranian nuclear program. The Navy released video and still images of the laser weapon burning through a drone during a test firing.”
And here is that video.
All for the price of a pack of gum. More here from USNews
“The Navy’s top officer unveiled new technology Monday that allows ships to shoot down drones or other vehicles for about the cost of a pack of gum.”
“The USS Dewey tested an onboard laser weapons system in July 2012, in which it successfully shot down a test drone. Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert, the chief of Naval Operations, screened video of the event while speaking at the Sea-Air-Space expo.
The Laser Weapon System or LaWS only costs roughly $1 per shot and could be employed against fast attack ships or even be used in the future for missile defense.”
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And the Louisville Cardinals are your NCAA Tournament winners, defeating the Michigan Wolverines 82-76.
A good night for Coach Pitino and his team. From FoxSports
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On this day in 1789 the U.S. House of Representatives held its first meeting.
In 1913 the Seventeenth Amendment was ratified, requiring direct election of Senators.
In 1947 the first illustrated insurance policy was issued by the Allstate Insurance Company.
And in 1974 Hank Aaron hits 715th home run breaking Babe Ruth’s record.
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Quote of the Day
“Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”
Martin Luther
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The music today is my favorite rendition of this song.
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Who has a QoD for us?
Or share a praise or update if you prefer. 🙂
And today is my day to devote to praying for Cynthia as she continues her treatments for cancer. So if you’d like to join me in lifting her up to the Lord, please do. Thanks. 🙂
Psalm 113:1-4
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord.
2 Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.
4 The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Open Thread.
I guess we’ll start with the Obama budget.
And of course, more class envy. From TheHill
“President Obama’s budget, to be released next week, will limit how much wealthy individuals – like Mitt Romney – can keep in IRAs and other retirement accounts.
The proposal would save around $9 billion over a decade, a senior administration official said, while also bringing more fairness to the tax code.
The senior administration official said that wealthy taxpayers can currently “accumulate many millions of dollars in these accounts, substantially more than is needed to fund reasonable levels of retirement saving.”
Under the plan, a taxpayer’s tax-preferred retirement account, like an IRA, could not finance more than $205,000 per year of retirement – or right around $3 million this year.”
Once again, punishing success.
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ObamaCare is taking friendly fire. From TheHill
“Delays in implementing popular pieces of ObamaCare are hurting it with Democrats.
Ahead of an election year in which Republicans promise to make healthcare an issue again, Democrats are criticizing the White House for delaying policies that could help build support for the unpopular law.
“Senate Republicans will have the opportunity to campaign against Obamacare’s rising health care costs, burdensome paperwork and broken promises and could use it to motivate voters against Democrat candidates, especially vulnerable ones in red states,” Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said.”
This is all on them. Point it out repeatedly.
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And remember folks, this is who our govt is supporting and funding.
From TheTimesofIsrael
“A mob threw rocks and fired birdshot Sunday at several hundred Christians marching in a protest against Egypt’s Islamist government after the funeral of four Christians killed in sectarian clashes over the weekend.
The Christians were chanting slogans against Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, just as several thousand did earlier during the funeral service nearby in the Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Cairo.
Riot police later arrived, firing tear gas at the Christians and the mob. Several tear gas canisters landed inside the cathedral’s grounds, causing a panic among women and children who attended the funeral.”
Central Security Forces are being accused of allowing the attack to continue.
Tweeted by Alastair Beach on site……
“Csf doing absolutely nothing to stop the fighting. Standing around as the rocks and molotovs continue to fly over the wall”
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Meanwhile a group of 700 retired special forces members are asking the House to investigate Benghazi. From Breitbart
“Seven hundred retired Military Special Operations professionals from the organization “Special Operations Speaks” sent a letter to the House of Representatives urging members to support H.Res 36, which will create a House Select Committee to investigate last September’s deadly terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya.
“It appears that many of the facts and details surrounding the terrorist attack which resulted in four American deaths and an undetermined number of American casualties have not yet been ascertained by previous hearings and inquiries,” the letter states. It continues further, “Additional information is now slowly surfacing in the media, which makes a comprehensive bipartisan inquiry an imperative. Many questions have not been answered thus far.” The letter puts forth over twenty unanswered questions the select committee should address.
Congressman Frank Wolf, a sub-committee chairman on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a resolution for a House Select Committee to investigate issues surrounding the Benghazi Attack last November in the 112th Congress. He re-issued his resolution for the select committee when the 113th Congress began. The resolution currently has over 60 co–sponsors.”
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The mother of one of the victims is speaking out against the White House handling of the situation. From Mediaite
“On Friday, Sean Hannity brought Pat Smith, mother of the late Sean Smith, on his radio program. The 34-year-old information management officer was one of four Americans murdered in the Benghazi embassy attack on September 11, 2012.
In the chilling interview, a distraught Ms. Smith, in tears, pleaded for answers and spoke of the efforts to silence her.
Ms. Smith first relayed how her son, prior to the attack, requested additional security in advance and warned the State Department:
He did tell them, ahead of time, he typed it into his little typewriter over there, that they were going to be attacked, ‘please they needed more security,’ and they were ignored. And I don’t appreciate everybody going to bed and going to sleep and not taking care of the guys that they put in harm’s way, one of them being my son.”
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We talked a little last week about the love Hollywood and the left have with terrorists and radicals. It’s a new week, new celebrity, and new radical, but it’s the same old story. Greg Gutfeld has noticed too. And while he may be a bit abrasive, I don’t see where he’s wrong. He seems to have nailed it if you ask me.
From TheFive on Fox with a content warning for extreme sarcasm.
“Gutfeld: Why The Left Embraces Armed Radicals, Mocks Law-Abiding Gun Owners”
Take the time to watch the video.
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The weekend has arrived! 🙂
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On this day in 1789 the first U.S. Congress began regular sessions at the Federal Hall in New York City.
In 1909 Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson claimed to be the first men to reach the North Pole.
In 1917 the U.S. Congress approved a declaration of war on Germany and entered World War I on the Allied side.
And in 1987 Sugar Ray Leonard took the middleweight title from Marvin Hagler.
And I still think Hagler was robbed.
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Quote of the Day
“Hollywood lost touch with their audience a long time ago.”
John Ratzenberger
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Today is Mr. Haggard’s birthday. And I must say, the impressions are good.
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Who has a QoD for us today?
Psalm 111:1-3
1 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
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