I have written 1200 blogs and am just getting started. This next few years are going to be good years for bloggers the world over who try to bring issues to the forefront and happiness through sharing ideas and events. Blogging is a discipline that requires one to be aware of what is going on in the environment, the political scene and the good everyday events that make life worth living.
I have been ever thankful that my oldest daughter Lynda started me off in this hobby.It has led me to write a book and I am completing two other books in the near future. Guess I just had to be motivated.
Monday, September 29, 2014
September 29,2014
As I sat down this day to write a blog I had so much on my mind I thought it appropriate to let my mind wander. I am in a state of anxiety about the world and all of it's problems and just how we as Canadians are reacting to the big picture. I know that some don't even know what is happening and could care less. There are those who watch TV and read the paper and say the world is in a mess. Then there are those who really care and wish for a solution . Some pray every day and get no or few answers. Some young people tweet and gravitate to their hero's for an answer.There is every type of response to the mess that faces them every day on the news.
It is no wonder that those who have been close to the action in the military and have seen and experienced all the ugliness that comes with their job of taking orders and see the results take the fast way out and kill themselves. People who are less involved take pills to calm their nerves or have a drink to avoid the reality of our mixed up horrific challenge to the reality of the conditions in many areas of our planet.
The medical crisis is possibly a fight that we will have a difficult time controlling until it hits our shores. It is an African problem most people believe but today with mass movements of people these little germs can travel quickly and quietly and land on our front step. Were this a problem in California, Florida or Ontario there would be a massive effort to get it solved. The amount of money needed to get this invasive problem controlled is tiny when compared to the money to be wasted in the war on the Radicals in the middle east. The planes using smart rockets from their multi million dollar frames cost millions every time they push a button. Some of the smart rockets are costing as much as $25,000,000 each.
We as a nation just spent nearly half a million dollars for a photo op of the European free trade agreement this week . WE wined and dined them and flew them home first class and they did not need the help but it was for a political reason.This year people are fundraising for a cure for cancer, MS and a multitude of other medical conditions. Where are our values ? Why would our governments not rage against these diseases and look for peaceful cures for the many thousands who suffer because our researchers do not have the funds or the facilities to reach a cure.
I have wandered but have not solved my problem of not understanding why we as a nation do not stand up for peace and humanity instead of big business, war and self interest.
It is no wonder that those who have been close to the action in the military and have seen and experienced all the ugliness that comes with their job of taking orders and see the results take the fast way out and kill themselves. People who are less involved take pills to calm their nerves or have a drink to avoid the reality of our mixed up horrific challenge to the reality of the conditions in many areas of our planet.
The medical crisis is possibly a fight that we will have a difficult time controlling until it hits our shores. It is an African problem most people believe but today with mass movements of people these little germs can travel quickly and quietly and land on our front step. Were this a problem in California, Florida or Ontario there would be a massive effort to get it solved. The amount of money needed to get this invasive problem controlled is tiny when compared to the money to be wasted in the war on the Radicals in the middle east. The planes using smart rockets from their multi million dollar frames cost millions every time they push a button. Some of the smart rockets are costing as much as $25,000,000 each.
We as a nation just spent nearly half a million dollars for a photo op of the European free trade agreement this week . WE wined and dined them and flew them home first class and they did not need the help but it was for a political reason.This year people are fundraising for a cure for cancer, MS and a multitude of other medical conditions. Where are our values ? Why would our governments not rage against these diseases and look for peaceful cures for the many thousands who suffer because our researchers do not have the funds or the facilities to reach a cure.
I have wandered but have not solved my problem of not understanding why we as a nation do not stand up for peace and humanity instead of big business, war and self interest.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Canadian Treasure
In Sydney Mines there is a small concrete shack down on Lockman's beach that holds a whole treasure of history. For years in the early days of the nineteenth century there was a influx of people from the Continent of Europe to Canada and the United States. The communication between the two continents was very slow as it took over a week for the fastest liner to cross the Atlantic and air travel was non existent.
Some men had a dream of crossing
the ocean with a cable that would be capable of carrying verbal and coded messages from the European Continent of Europe to Canada. Men of vision decided to manufacturing a cable that would cross the Atlantic and Sydney Mines was to be the Canadian landing site.
A great ship was built. It was called the Great Eastern and was specifically designed to hold cables of huge length and able to drop the cable in a manner so as to have it safe passage on the ocean floor.The cable was manufactured and the ship built and laying the cable was a huge task with very difficult problems to be overcome as the cable was being laid. There was no mapping of the ocean floor and the mountain ranges were unknown as were the extreme depths.
The men and their ship began the task and succeeded when many said it could not be done. The Great Eastern showed up on the shore of Cape Breton on time and anchored in the mouth of the harbour. A magnificent, standing tall out of the water as it's load had been deposited along the way across the ocean. The last piece of the cable was brought ashore and anchored in a small secure building. This feat was a wonder of the world at the time and shortly after the cable was put into service we had a secure, fast communication cable with Europe.
It caused a revolution in the communication industry but Cape Breton was by-passed as the cable was pushed forward on land to large centers and the landing site was only a shack on the beach. Years later the cable was not used and better ways of communication were ried. As a child I saw the destruction of this historic site and people dug up the huge cable for scrap . There was no thought of making this site a historic place. There is not even a plaque to remember the historic event.
My father and Grandfather lived not one hundred meters from this site and never spoke of the event to me as a child.
Some men had a dream of crossing
A great ship was built. It was called the Great Eastern and was specifically designed to hold cables of huge length and able to drop the cable in a manner so as to have it safe passage on the ocean floor.The cable was manufactured and the ship built and laying the cable was a huge task with very difficult problems to be overcome as the cable was being laid. There was no mapping of the ocean floor and the mountain ranges were unknown as were the extreme depths.
The men and their ship began the task and succeeded when many said it could not be done. The Great Eastern showed up on the shore of Cape Breton on time and anchored in the mouth of the harbour. A magnificent, standing tall out of the water as it's load had been deposited along the way across the ocean. The last piece of the cable was brought ashore and anchored in a small secure building. This feat was a wonder of the world at the time and shortly after the cable was put into service we had a secure, fast communication cable with Europe.
It caused a revolution in the communication industry but Cape Breton was by-passed as the cable was pushed forward on land to large centers and the landing site was only a shack on the beach. Years later the cable was not used and better ways of communication were ried. As a child I saw the destruction of this historic site and people dug up the huge cable for scrap . There was no thought of making this site a historic place. There is not even a plaque to remember the historic event.
My father and Grandfather lived not one hundred meters from this site and never spoke of the event to me as a child.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Camel's Nose is in the Tent
Canada is on the verge of being drawn into another conflict in the Middle East. Our Prime Minister is in New York acting like the President of the USA. He is offering all kinds of ideas concerning what Canada will or might do to fight terrorism. These speeches from the PM are fine but they should be made in the House of Commons.We as citizens are entitled to hear announcements about our involvement in war zones should have the support and confidence of the House.
Every other country which has a role to play has had the support of their respecting governments.Why Harper has to make this show of power while away from home soil boggles the mind but past history shows he loves to strut his assumed power.
It would be prudent for any PM to discuss such matters and speak on the world stage with the support of all parties in Parliament. I wonder if Canadian people wish to have boots on the ground again after the last years in the war zone where we lost 145 young men and women and had over a thousand injured. This along with the suicides and mental effects of combat mission on many of our most experienced military people has left most with a bad taste in their mouths .
Canada could be a world leader with it's experience in peace keeping and humanitarian aid were it not labeled as a military combat force. There has never been such a demand for peacekeeping as now where literally millions of people are forced from their homes and left to the ravages of evil gangs and poverty. Let us hope the PM will come home and come clean as to what is on his mind for the future of our armed forces. We have a right to know.
Every other country which has a role to play has had the support of their respecting governments.Why Harper has to make this show of power while away from home soil boggles the mind but past history shows he loves to strut his assumed power.
It would be prudent for any PM to discuss such matters and speak on the world stage with the support of all parties in Parliament. I wonder if Canadian people wish to have boots on the ground again after the last years in the war zone where we lost 145 young men and women and had over a thousand injured. This along with the suicides and mental effects of combat mission on many of our most experienced military people has left most with a bad taste in their mouths .
Canada could be a world leader with it's experience in peace keeping and humanitarian aid were it not labeled as a military combat force. There has never been such a demand for peacekeeping as now where literally millions of people are forced from their homes and left to the ravages of evil gangs and poverty. Let us hope the PM will come home and come clean as to what is on his mind for the future of our armed forces. We have a right to know.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Black Day For Canada Again
Today the 125 plus world leaders are meeting in New York to attack our greatest enemy ..global warming and environment controls. There are only four world leaders not attending and Harper is one of them. How we came to drop from a world leader to the bottom of the group in a few years boggles the mind. Our Prime Minister is the worst leader we have witnessed since Mulroney and he is again a total embarrassment on the world stage.
The whole world except India, China and Russia will be together with all the heads of government and what a wonderful gathering it will be. Even the smallest country realizes that they are in this together to solve the most dangerous problem . The leader of the UN said it in simple terms. He said that we must fix this problem now because there is no second chance because there is no second world.
Why do the back benchers not rebel and take charge and force this dictator to listen to the will of the people.I am shocked to see the members day after day become puppets reading scripted answers to questions and if there is a second question there is the same answer from the PMO's. Twenty five of the back benchers are not running in the next election and the main reason is the inability for them to be heard even in their own caucus. Holding on to power is the name of the game and it will work for one more year and then there will be a massive change in Ottawa.
I have been watching politics since a child and rarely do we see a government like this. I feel very sorry for the Old Progressive Conservatives as they were an honourable bunch....this crew are anything but..what a pity.
The whole world except India, China and Russia will be together with all the heads of government and what a wonderful gathering it will be. Even the smallest country realizes that they are in this together to solve the most dangerous problem . The leader of the UN said it in simple terms. He said that we must fix this problem now because there is no second chance because there is no second world.
Why do the back benchers not rebel and take charge and force this dictator to listen to the will of the people.I am shocked to see the members day after day become puppets reading scripted answers to questions and if there is a second question there is the same answer from the PMO's. Twenty five of the back benchers are not running in the next election and the main reason is the inability for them to be heard even in their own caucus. Holding on to power is the name of the game and it will work for one more year and then there will be a massive change in Ottawa.
I have been watching politics since a child and rarely do we see a government like this. I feel very sorry for the Old Progressive Conservatives as they were an honourable bunch....this crew are anything but..what a pity.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Foreign Aid
Canada has always been a generous and open policy country for people around the world who are in need. At the present time the world is in turmoil and there are many hot spots. Canada is contributing aid to several needy countries who are hosting refugees and are being overwhelmed by the numbers and needs.
Our leadership is also over it's head when it comes to foreign policy. First Canada embraced Israel as it's best friend and went overboard in its praise and politically motivated rhetoric. Then comes The Ukraine and with over a million Ukrainian people living here in Canada the government stumbles all over the leadership of that country for political advantage. We even pick many opportunities to lambaste Russia for its actions. Most people do not know enough about the complicated situation in that area of the world. , Suddenly Africa comes on the scene with a dramatic health issue which could be world impacting. The Situation about the kidnapped girls fell off the front pages of the news papers.
What I am saying is we have become a reactionary country when it comes to foreign policy. Our history clearly painted us as a peace loving and peace keeping nation. It seems at this point we have a right wing government that can't wait to get in the thick of world problems without a master plan. We are a small country with a very small military presence and with the latest news of retiring four of our Navy ships we will have to depend on others to supply any off shore activity.
It would be prudent for our government to take a deep breath and decide on a strategy that would suit our needs and ability to carry out our plans for our entry into world conflicts.There should be clear goals that can be supported by the general population and approved by our House of Commons and not a small group of cabinet. This is not America and our PM does not have the authority to the extent of the President.
It is a dangerous world out there and we can only wish for world co-operation to bring about a peaceful solution to the military problems so we as a caring world can get on with the job of making this world a safe and healthy community.
Our leadership is also over it's head when it comes to foreign policy. First Canada embraced Israel as it's best friend and went overboard in its praise and politically motivated rhetoric. Then comes The Ukraine and with over a million Ukrainian people living here in Canada the government stumbles all over the leadership of that country for political advantage. We even pick many opportunities to lambaste Russia for its actions. Most people do not know enough about the complicated situation in that area of the world. , Suddenly Africa comes on the scene with a dramatic health issue which could be world impacting. The Situation about the kidnapped girls fell off the front pages of the news papers.
What I am saying is we have become a reactionary country when it comes to foreign policy. Our history clearly painted us as a peace loving and peace keeping nation. It seems at this point we have a right wing government that can't wait to get in the thick of world problems without a master plan. We are a small country with a very small military presence and with the latest news of retiring four of our Navy ships we will have to depend on others to supply any off shore activity.
It would be prudent for our government to take a deep breath and decide on a strategy that would suit our needs and ability to carry out our plans for our entry into world conflicts.There should be clear goals that can be supported by the general population and approved by our House of Commons and not a small group of cabinet. This is not America and our PM does not have the authority to the extent of the President.
It is a dangerous world out there and we can only wish for world co-operation to bring about a peaceful solution to the military problems so we as a caring world can get on with the job of making this world a safe and healthy community.
Near North Visit
Theresa and I had been trying to unite with our good friends from Sudbury.Circumstances always made it impossible until this week. We decided to share a couple of days together at their summer camp on the West Arm of Lake Nipissing.. We owned a cottage way back in the sixties next to them so this was to be a special reunion. Our friends and ourselves also shared many years close by in Florida so there was some excitement as our journey ended up there in the early afternoon.
The trip up through some of the most beautiful countryside and rugged, rocky outcroppings brought back memories of years when our children were just that..children. As we completed our drive there was that special silence experienced only by people who are fortunate enough to share time at a cottage away from ighways and white noise.
Theresa and I were immediately rewarded by some hospitality provided by our friends and our conversations were noisy and joyful. While there we had some heavy rain so we travelled to the City of Sudbury and visited the University of Laurentian where I graduated so many years ago when it was in it's infent stage. It has grown and sits on a high ground looking out over lakes and the cityas well. A visit to Science North where we were treated to the documentary called Arctic Adventure became a highlight of our venture.
Time flies and as the bright sun rose on Thursday morning we set off for home having experienced what we came for...a wonderful sharing of time with special friends.
The trip up through some of the most beautiful countryside and rugged, rocky outcroppings brought back memories of years when our children were just that..children. As we completed our drive there was that special silence experienced only by people who are fortunate enough to share time at a cottage away from ighways and white noise.
Theresa and I were immediately rewarded by some hospitality provided by our friends and our conversations were noisy and joyful. While there we had some heavy rain so we travelled to the City of Sudbury and visited the University of Laurentian where I graduated so many years ago when it was in it's infent stage. It has grown and sits on a high ground looking out over lakes and the cityas well. A visit to Science North where we were treated to the documentary called Arctic Adventure became a highlight of our venture.
Time flies and as the bright sun rose on Thursday morning we set off for home having experienced what we came for...a wonderful sharing of time with special friends.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
September 14,2014
This morning I woke up at my usual time but expected to see the dreary weather we have been experiencing lately and was surprised, I saw a blue sky.I pick up my paper at 6am and see the streaks of sunshine just peeking above the horizon. Theresa surprises me as she is nor an early riser but today was different as we are having company. Shawna Lynn, our grand daughter is coming from Toronto for a visit before she heads for Australia. Theresa is already busy making ginger cookies for her as they are her favourites.
After a coffee the cookies are baking and the ginger sweet smell invades the whole house. I seek one of the hot ones as they come out of the oven but Theresa waits until every one is out of the cookie sheets before she offers me an imperfect one which is slightly overcooked. It tastes like another one but there is no way as these are for supper with ice cream.
I have contacted the other grand children to come over for a sendoff for Shawna. They all agree that a game of Monopoly would be the best way to get together and talk over the money board. I am sure others will come in to say good bye and wish her well on the journey Shawna Lynn has planned for some time with a friend.
Seeing the beautiful sunshine I go to the garden to clean up some of the produce. This am I see that the green grapes are still hanging on the vine. last year the birds captured every one so I started by picking these grapes. I had enough for grape jelly which I will make tomorrow.I finally picked the last of the yellow beans and more green pole beans. There is no end to the pole beans as we have been eating and supplying the neighbours with them for weeks. Cucumbers and a cabbage completed my picking but now I have the kitchen sink filled and I have to clear that before company comes.
For supper we will have spaghetti with our own sauce made from our own vegetables. Theresa"s cookies with ice cream and the grand children will make for a perfect day.What could better than that?
After a coffee the cookies are baking and the ginger sweet smell invades the whole house. I seek one of the hot ones as they come out of the oven but Theresa waits until every one is out of the cookie sheets before she offers me an imperfect one which is slightly overcooked. It tastes like another one but there is no way as these are for supper with ice cream.
I have contacted the other grand children to come over for a sendoff for Shawna. They all agree that a game of Monopoly would be the best way to get together and talk over the money board. I am sure others will come in to say good bye and wish her well on the journey Shawna Lynn has planned for some time with a friend.
Seeing the beautiful sunshine I go to the garden to clean up some of the produce. This am I see that the green grapes are still hanging on the vine. last year the birds captured every one so I started by picking these grapes. I had enough for grape jelly which I will make tomorrow.I finally picked the last of the yellow beans and more green pole beans. There is no end to the pole beans as we have been eating and supplying the neighbours with them for weeks. Cucumbers and a cabbage completed my picking but now I have the kitchen sink filled and I have to clear that before company comes.
For supper we will have spaghetti with our own sauce made from our own vegetables. Theresa"s cookies with ice cream and the grand children will make for a perfect day.What could better than that?
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Canada The Tail of The Dog
During the past weeks I have watching a tragic series of events that shock me into thinking that little or no good will happen from our governments action in the Middle East or Syria. We have always been a peace keeping nation who were proud of our independent decision making in world affairs. It seems at the present time when the United Stated gets involved in decisions on the international stage Canadians, mainly our PM and of course our unqualified external affairs minister Baird say...ME TOO.
This lack of a policy which should be strictly Canadian could send us into another unwanted situation where we put our service men in danger. The President of the USA had the support of Congress when he made his policy statement but Canada"s Prime Minister will not discuss these important matters with the people who should be making these decisions in concert with or PM. Our house of Commons is being sidetracked. Yes the PM invited the two opposition leaders to the meeting in Iraq but came up short when asked if he would have a discussion with Parliament if more plans of engagement are made after 30 days.
Everyone knows how many troops are going to Iraq from the USA but our foreign minister does not how many of our special forces are on the ground now or when the total has boots on the ground. This one or two man show does not auger well for this country as there is mistrust and uncertainty when answers are not given to people who should know.
Canadian sending advisors to the Kurds should ring a bell as advisors usually become involved in other ways. The thirty day review is troublesome as the USA is not going to remain uninvolved and they are going to ask Canada to to become more involved. I wonder if we really have a plan...a secret plan that will be shared after decisions are made.
Remember the promise by this PM and Conservative Government for open and honest government with transparency.
This lack of a policy which should be strictly Canadian could send us into another unwanted situation where we put our service men in danger. The President of the USA had the support of Congress when he made his policy statement but Canada"s Prime Minister will not discuss these important matters with the people who should be making these decisions in concert with or PM. Our house of Commons is being sidetracked. Yes the PM invited the two opposition leaders to the meeting in Iraq but came up short when asked if he would have a discussion with Parliament if more plans of engagement are made after 30 days.
Everyone knows how many troops are going to Iraq from the USA but our foreign minister does not how many of our special forces are on the ground now or when the total has boots on the ground. This one or two man show does not auger well for this country as there is mistrust and uncertainty when answers are not given to people who should know.
Canadian sending advisors to the Kurds should ring a bell as advisors usually become involved in other ways. The thirty day review is troublesome as the USA is not going to remain uninvolved and they are going to ask Canada to to become more involved. I wonder if we really have a plan...a secret plan that will be shared after decisions are made.
Remember the promise by this PM and Conservative Government for open and honest government with transparency.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Double Birthday Party
Last Monday we celebrated two very important birthdays. First there was the fifth years old for Glenda and ninety seven years for Doris.They both looked great for their age and as we celebrated the twenty people present gave them praise and gifts. They also received some humours comment from family and friends. Doris who loves a party was a good sport and had her picture taken in various comical poses. She never looked her age but rather a youthful lady enjoying and sharing her time with great nieces and nephews some 80 years younger.
Glenda who was remarking on her first fifty years joined Doris who announced she would be back for her 100 th in a few years.Glenda was also celebrating a recent promotion which was only official a few days ago. So we all had some good reasons to celebrate.
A turkey dinner was served and everyone pitched in to present a great feast.These dinners and celebrations are some of the stuff that keeps our family strong and united and with such a large group be have cause for a celebration every month for sure and more often during some months.We even have one day on Feb 9th where we have three b'days .
As we ended the day with some of our family travelling long distances we talked of the next fan-jam when we would all be together once more.
Glenda who was remarking on her first fifty years joined Doris who announced she would be back for her 100 th in a few years.Glenda was also celebrating a recent promotion which was only official a few days ago. So we all had some good reasons to celebrate.
A turkey dinner was served and everyone pitched in to present a great feast.These dinners and celebrations are some of the stuff that keeps our family strong and united and with such a large group be have cause for a celebration every month for sure and more often during some months.We even have one day on Feb 9th where we have three b'days .
Canadian Leadership
Canada as a country has a unique sense of being. Throughout its young history it has forged a international image of being a caring community of people blended together through common goals and needs.A diverse group of nationalities from every corner of the earth but once landed in this country of accepting multicultural sensibilities there emerges a common Canadianism.Over the years our leaders in the form of prime ministers understood this sensibility and espoused it through their policies and public international forages.
We now have a prime minister who either has not had the ability to understand this sensibility or as yet has not taken the time to discover that secret ability to represent the people of Canada in a respectful and healthy manner.Our prime minister has missed the mark miserably on the international stage by offending our Canadian image in the area of environmental responsibility. He has gone on his own and stated military positions which are directly opposite to most Canadians and has now fought publicly with the leadership of Russia, a country which will in the near future work with Canada to map out sovereignty for the polar region.
This is a small dog deal where Canada is speaking way out of his league.in an angry manner.Better that he speak softly and gain support for Canada's position of influence in world affairs which we lost during his watch. How could we lose a UN vote to sit on the security council to Belgium ? This is an indication for how far we dropped in world opinion because of this Prime Minister.
Our troops are just recovering from a horrific combat mission where our losses were not counted by the deaths alone but the casualties from from physical wounds and mental disorders. Our prime minister without the support of parliament has returned from NATO meetings with the news that we are sending troops back to Iraq. This is a slippery slope and where it ends nobody knows for sure.
On the domestic front our PM has missed the boat on the Aboriginal file , the pipeline debate and a democratic parliament. Overall I feel that our PM has tried to run the affairs of the country by himself and with a small group of yes men has overstepped his ability to be all things to all people. He could still be effective for his last year if he brings reasonable measures to the house and permits all members to have a share of the decision making process. Overall I give this PM low marks as a Canadian Leader and failing grades for his decisions. We are fortunate that his term of office is nearly over and we can once again bring civility and honour back to our democratic government.
We now have a prime minister who either has not had the ability to understand this sensibility or as yet has not taken the time to discover that secret ability to represent the people of Canada in a respectful and healthy manner.Our prime minister has missed the mark miserably on the international stage by offending our Canadian image in the area of environmental responsibility. He has gone on his own and stated military positions which are directly opposite to most Canadians and has now fought publicly with the leadership of Russia, a country which will in the near future work with Canada to map out sovereignty for the polar region.
This is a small dog deal where Canada is speaking way out of his league.in an angry manner.Better that he speak softly and gain support for Canada's position of influence in world affairs which we lost during his watch. How could we lose a UN vote to sit on the security council to Belgium ? This is an indication for how far we dropped in world opinion because of this Prime Minister.
Our troops are just recovering from a horrific combat mission where our losses were not counted by the deaths alone but the casualties from from physical wounds and mental disorders. Our prime minister without the support of parliament has returned from NATO meetings with the news that we are sending troops back to Iraq. This is a slippery slope and where it ends nobody knows for sure.
On the domestic front our PM has missed the boat on the Aboriginal file , the pipeline debate and a democratic parliament. Overall I feel that our PM has tried to run the affairs of the country by himself and with a small group of yes men has overstepped his ability to be all things to all people. He could still be effective for his last year if he brings reasonable measures to the house and permits all members to have a share of the decision making process. Overall I give this PM low marks as a Canadian Leader and failing grades for his decisions. We are fortunate that his term of office is nearly over and we can once again bring civility and honour back to our democratic government.
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