A long-awaited public inquiry into Britain’s role in the Iraq war opens Tuesday, with former civil servants first to appear in hearings set to climax with Tony Blair taking the stand.

One-time top officials from the foreign and defence ministries will outline Britain’s policy towards Baghdad in the early 2000s as a five-member committee begins investigating what lessons can be learned from the US-led war.

Inquiry chairman John Chilcot, a former civil servant, said he was confident of producing a “full and insightful” account of the decision-making that led Britain to join the 2003 invasion against strong opposition at home and abroad.

File photo of John Chilcot, the Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, outlining the terms of reference for the inquiry.

An appearance by former prime minister Blair, who took Britain into the conflict, is likely to be the highlight of the inquiry, although he and other Labour government figures are not due to give evidence until next year.

Chilcot has said that nobody is on trial in the inquiry, held at a conference centre near parliament in central London, but has also vowed not to shy away from any criticism if the findings warrant it.

He and his fellow committee members have already met with families of some of the 179 British troops who died during the six-year conflict, who raised issues about whether they were properly equipped and trained.

The inquiry will also be looking into the justification for the war, principally the claim that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. These weapons were never found.

In addition, anti-war campaigners — who will protest outside the inquiry Tuesday — want a ruling on the legality of the conflict, which was carried out without explicit approval by the United Nations Security Council.

The first few weeks are intended to establish “a reliable account” of the main features of British involvement in Iraq between 2001 and 2009, when the war ended with the withdrawal of all but a handful of British troops in July.

Among the first witnesses to be called Tuesday is Peter Ricketts, who chaired the government’s top intelligence committee between 2000 and 2001 before taking a senior post at the Foreign Office (FCO) in 2001-03.

William Patey, head of the FCO’s Middle East Department in 1999-02; Simon Webb, head of operational policy at the Ministry of Defence in 1999-2001 and MoD policy advisor in 2001-04; and Michael Wood, FCO legal advisor in 1999-06, will also give evidence.

There have already been two official probes into elements surrounding the run-up to the invasion, but ministers had refused to hold a full inquiry until after the military deployment had ended.

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Endlich! Ich habe es geschafft! Das Musikvideo (mein erstes) zu meinem neuen Song “Dance into Death” ist ENDLICH fertig. Ich habe bis spät in die Nacht geschuftet, aber ich hoffe, es hat sich gelohnt. Der Upload auf Youtube läuft noch. Ich geh jetzt pennen, werde aber morgen das Video endlich in mein Blog stellen.
Gute Nacht!

In two separate accidents on November 22, a bus and a truck collided with trains, killing nine people and injuring 10 others.

The bus BKS 30S-2371 is out of shape after colliding with the train TN1 in Hanoi November 22 (Photo: VnExpress)

In Hanoi’s Thuong Tin District, a 30-seat bus was hit by train TN1 going from the capital to Ho Chi Minh City, killing seven people on the bus and an unfortunate motorcyclist who happened to be in the vicinity of the accident.

The impact flung the bus on his motorcycle.

The railway authorities and local residents took the 10 injured people to Thuong Tin Hospital.

The Hanoi police said the bus driver carelessly crossed the track and caused the accident.

In the central province of Phu Yen, a truck crashed into train SE 7953, which was also traveling from Hanoi to HCMC. The truck was totaled and its 37-year-old driver was killed instantly.

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Titles:
1. The Vanishings
2. Second Chance
3. Through The Flames
4. Facing The Future
5. Nicolae High
6. The Underground
7. Busted!
8. Death Strike
9. The Search
10. On The Run
11. Into The Storm

Author: Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye
Condition: Good to Very Good. Only read them once
Price: $23.00 (includes shipping & handling)
Other Information:
“These books were written from 1998 to 2004 and are still in print today with over 11,000,000 sold in series. Unlike the adult series, Left Behind, they have no prequels or sequels, but are a set of 40 books focused on the Tribulation. The series was originally due to have 48 books but was cut to 40 as the huge 2 year jump in Ominous Choices cut out a lot of possible material. The Left Behind: The Kids series was originally written for teen and young adult readers. However, the audience has grown to include adults, too. Many adults read The Kids series between the release of new books in the Left Behind series. Most of the audience bought the books for the Judd and Vicki relationship storyline and many were outraged when Judd and Nada became a couple. However, the faithful readers continued and to their relief Judd and Vicki were back together, keeping the interest of the readers.”

The H1N1 Swine Flu virus knows no borders,has no boundaries, and has absolutely no respect for religious or cultural traditions.

This year at the annual Hajj to Mecca,  Four foreign pilgrims have died of swine flu, the Saudi Health Ministry announced on Saturday.

The Saudi Arabia Health Ministry  said none of the four foreign victims had been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, as has been recommended by The Health Ministry.

An official statement released by the ministry said all had underlying health problems, including cancer and respiratory illness, AFP news agency reported.

Three of the victims died in Medina and one in Mecca.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=128688&d=22&m=11&y=200Over

The BBC is reporting that….up to three million Muslims from around the world take part in the holy pilgrimage every year, but health officials have expressed fears that it could provide a breeding ground for the virus.

Authorities had tried to prepare for any outbreaks by installing thermal cameras at airports and sea terminals, deploying 15,000 additional health workers and ensuring hundreds of extra beds were available.

The Hajj (Arabic: حج‎ Ḥaǧǧ) is a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world,^[1] and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a moral obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to Allah (God).^[2] The pilgrimage occurs from the 7th to 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj)

The Health Minister has reported that there are 16 other people that have been diagnosed with swine flu and four remain in hospital in “critical condition”.

He added 12 others had recovered following treatment.

The Saudi government has recommended the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases and children skip the Hajj this year.

The Saudi government has said all pilgrims need a certificate of vaccination before they can apply for a visa.

This is real people, and this disease is spreading worldwide,at a rapid pace.

I encourage everyone to get a H1N1 swine flu shot as soon as you can.The reports of any side effects are exaggerated, and will cause millions of people to perish from the lack of the vaccine.

Any paranoia surrounding any alledged complications from the shot are totally unsubstantiated, and if those people out there insist on not receiving the vaccine, then we as a society should only expect more mounting mass casualties from the swine flu, as exhibited this weekend, unfortunately in Mecca.

If it can happen in Mecca, it can happen anywhere.

Please everyone, wash your hands, and go get the shot.

To follow the full story, click on the links for my sources below…

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iDApMAhUln5jw-ffhzIZCh0I_-bgD9C41MJ00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8372378.stm

http://www.saudiembassy.net/latest_news/news11210903.aspx

Chelsea fans might be celebrating being top of the Premier League but they are struggling to give smoking the red card…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: soccer cleats. The blog is also related to: soccer betting.

Sharks sink teeth into community progamsNovember 18, 2009

by Kelly Mullen || AHL On The Beat Archive

According to newspaper columnist George F. Will, “sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence.” An overtime goal, the thrill of a shootout save, helping an opponent off the ice after a hard hit, reading to children after school… One of these is not like the others. Or is it?

The Worcester Sharks develop and encourage excellence on the ice, with eight players already moving up to play for the NHL affiliate San Jose this season. Standing out and making plays when everyone is watching displays excellence, but what is done outside of the rink – when few are watching – is what cultivates it.

Since their establishment in Worcester four years ago, the Sharks have been dedicated to making their community a better place.

Sharks President and CEO Michael T. Lehr said, “We made a promise from day one that the Sharks would be a fixture in the Worcester community.”

With over 170,000 residents, Worcester certainly isn’t a small town. Reaching the community in a meaningful way while building a lasting relationship and creating a sudden impact was a large task to take on.

The Sharks are extremely involved in community programs that encourage the positive development of children. By reading in schools through the Reading is Cool program, making community appearances with players and mascot Finz, and reinforcing their commitment to service, the Sharks are making waves with the help of some other big players in the Worcester community.

The “Be a Leader” Community Service Day is the premier showcase of the leadership of the Sharks and the Law Firm of Abigail Williams and Associates. For the past two years, these organizations have joined together and made waves in Worcester.

This year, Consigli Construction teamed up with the “Be a Leader” troops and volunteered their equipment and services of ten project managers to revamp the Elm Park Community School in Worcester.

• Winning still top priority for Mink  

• Pistilli already an off-ice presence  

• Moose gearing up for Super Skills  

• AHL ON THE BEAT ARCHIVE  

The Elm Park Community School was chosen from several entries to the Sharks’ Web site as this year’s venue for a makeover. Some of the projects completed include the reconfiguration of the main entrance, painting of the basketball court and personalized artwork inside the school, construction of new benches, and refurbishing the outdoor walkway.

“The Sharks got everything accomplished today that would’ve taken us 20 years to complete. We cannot thank everyone enough,” said Rob Pelczarski, vice-principal of the Elm Park Community School.

Created during the 2007-08 season by the Sharks and the Law Firm of Abigail Williams and Associates, the “Be a Leader” program is designed to provide students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades with leadership tips to enrich their lives as well as others around them.

Sharks players, staff, Finz, and Abby Williams, the principal owner of the Law Firm of Abigail Williams and Associates, lead assemblies at the schools.

Some of the topics touched upon during these assemblies are injury prevention, school and community safety, peer/group leadership and healthy choices and lifestyles.

Last season, the organization marked the first annual “Be a Leader” Community Service Day. The Sharks players and staff and the Law Firm of Abigail Williams and Associates chose the Clark Street Community School in Worcester as the location for the debut of their community service initiative. Both organizations took a day off from work and donated their time and efforts toward creating a new hockey surface, re-doing the basketball court and baseball field, and developing a new service road for the school.

The Worcester Sharks players and staff are committed to setting a positive example for children in Worcester and the surrounding communities and are grateful that partner organizations such as the Law Firm of Abigail Williams and Associates and Consigli Construction are willing to offer their time for the cause.

The balance of community involvement and talent as athletes is what makes the Worcester Sharks stand out in the sea of AHL teams. Whether they’re swimming in the front of the pack or somewhere in the middle, the Sharks will forever be leaders in Worcester.

Pistilli already an off-ice presence in AlbanyAtletico rejected big-money bids

Heute sitze ich wieder am Musikvideo zu meinem neuen Song “Dance into Death”. Folgender Screenshot zeigt schon einmal, wie man sich das Musikvideo stilistisch in etwa vorzustellen hat:

Und die Musik dazu klingt so: Intro zu “Dance into Death”

Ich setze mich jetzt sofort wieder an die Arbeit.

European leaders gather Thursday in an effort to overcome political differences and unite behind a single candidate for the European Union’s first-ever president.

Graphic with photos of the leading candidates for EU president and information on the job and nomination procedure.

The leaders, meeting in Brussels for a working dinner from 1700 GMT, will also seek to name a foreign policy supremo, as part of a duo to represent the new-look EU on the world stage from next year.

But the task is far from simple, given the different visions among the 27 nations about what the role the new president should play over what could be a five year term.

On the eve of the talks, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the EU’s rotating presidency until the end of the year, appealed to the leaders to keep the horse-trading to a minimum.

“I need of course the collaboration of my colleagues to try to get this through,” he said, adding that the summit “might take a few hours, it might take all night.”

According to the dinner plan, the meeting is supposed to run three hours.

The secretive process has provided fodder for eurosceptics while exasperating supporters of the union who warn that it could sully the EU’s image as a beacon of democracy.Related article: EU under fire over secrecy

“This is the end of the Eurocracy doing it like this, electing one of their own in this manner. I don’t think they’ll be able to get away with this ever again,” Britain’s former Europe minister Denis MacShane was quoted as saying in the Guardian newspaper.

“These secret negotiations are distressing,” Daniel Cohn-Bendit, the deputy leader of the Greens at the European parliament, told the French daily Liberation.

“It is a caricature of democracy. We have the feeling that the 27, especially (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel and (French President) Nicolas Sarkozy are looking for people who won’t overshadow them,” he said.

Experts agree the president should be a technocrat who can build consensus among countries and the EU’s main institutions — the council of nations for the 27 member states, the European Commission and the European parliament.

Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy remains the favourite, but no candidate has emerged who strikes the delicate balance required for either of the key posts, created by the new Lisbon reform treaty.

In recent months a score of names has been raised, and many discarded, as EU leaders sought a personality with charisma yet modest enough not to hog the limelight.

Ahead of the dinner, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who have pledged to push for a common candidate, have planned a press conference for 1630 GMT.

“I’m optimistic that we will have an agreement (Thursday) evening,” Merkel said Wednesday.

Former British premier Tony Blair has been the most high-profile name floated, but his key role in the 2003 invasion of Iraq divided Europe and despite continued backing from London, his star has faded.

Typically, a number of candidates have emerged from mid-sized pro-European nations, such as Van Rompuy and Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Europe’s longest-serving leader, is also in the running, as is former Irish premier John Bruton.

Calls have mounted for women to be nominated, but only former Latvian president Vaira Vike-Freiberga has come forward, and analysts say she may be too pro-American and anti-Russian.

While it is not set in stone, it is widely accepted that the president should come from the centre-right, which dominates the European parliament, and the foreign affairs chief be a socialist, the second formation.

For the latter, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Miliband was widely touted, but he insists he is not available.

Former Italian premier Massimo D’Alema appears to have the right credentials, and Spain is pushing Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, while Britain’s EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton is another possibility.

After months of speculation, Swedish officials hope for real movement once the leaders are alone at dinner, away from the interest groups driving debate. If consensus proves elusive, the decisions could be made by qualified majority.

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The BBC’s Kevin Connolly looks at how former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is building up a solid fanbase…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: hurricane weather. The blog is also related to: hurricane list.

Beach House is an American dream pop and indie rock duo formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. Their self-titled debut, Beach House, was named the 16th best album of 2006 by Pitchfork Media The have released a new single titled “Norway” that is as melancholic as it is autumn-y. The track has some instrument manipulations that sound like anything we had heard before. Click here for a guilt-free download of the song.

A series of investment, economic, cultural, and educational events were on show at a program titled “Meet Vietnam” that was held in San Francisco, the US, on November 15.

The opening ceremony of the program “Meet Vietnam” is held at City Hall in San Francisco, the US, on November 15. (Photo :VNA)

A 300-strong Vietnamese delegation took part.

The inauguration was followed by a display at City Hall titled “Vietnamese space” which featured images and objects of Vietnamese culture, music, and other arts.

There were seminars on Vietnamese education and tourism-aviation on November 16.

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong, Ambassador to the US Le Cong Phung; Consul General in San Francisco Le Quoc Hung, officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Education and Training; Planning and Investment; Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Information and Communications; and leaders of Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho, and Da Nang cities.

The US side was represented by California State senator Loni Hancock; US Ambassador to Viet Nam, Michael Michalak; the mayor of Berkeley, Tom Bates; and San Francisco city officials.

Related article:
US show to offer glimpse of Vietnam culture

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With 1001hp at its disposal and a price tag well into the millions of dollars, the Bugatti Veyron certainly demands attention wherever it goes.

Unfortunately for one Veyron owner in the United States, this meant his most disastrous moment was caught on tape as his hypercar plunged into two feet of saltwater.

Earlier reports stated that the driver was startled by a low-flying pelican whilst talking on his mobile phone, although this latest video shows the Veyron casually leaving the road without prior incident.

No doubt this new evidence of the events leading up to the crash will wreak havoc on his insurance claim, resulting in one very expensive public service announcement about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone.

pregnancy herbal

A woman’s anatomy goes through abundant changes at the access of abundance and there are new affection everyday. Aboriginal abundance aback affliction is one of them and is actual accepted too. But the acceptable account is that if able affliction is taken this affliction subsides afterwards about weeks.

Causes And Remedies

Pregnancy aback affliction about occurs due to activity of hormone progesterone actuality appear in the woman’s body. It softens relaxes the ligaments and discs in the back which are amenable for acknowledging the high pregnancy herbal body.

Some times women acquaintance urinary infection during pregnancy which can additionally advance to aboriginal abundance aback pain. Additionally aback the anatomy weight rapidly increases in this appearance putting added burden on the spine it causes pain. As the abdomen grows advanced in a abundant woman’s body the centermost of force additionally changes consistent in backaches.

Posture is actual important as far as aback pains are anxious and during abundance it changes drastically so one Pregnancy Cures should booty affliction of it too. Having actual aspect helps to not alone abate but additionally anticipate lower aback affliction in aboriginal pregnancy. Aloof chase these rules

• While sitting or standing be upright button up
• Don’t angular advanced or astern while walking.
• Abstain sitting or continuing for a continued time.
• Try to about-face your weight from one bottom to the other if you accept to angle for continued time.
• If sitting for long aloof get up and airing a while from time to Pregnancy Herbal time.
• Blow your anxiety while sitting on a support.
• Never sit cantankerous legged.
• Abstain sleeping on your back.
• Use pillow to abutment your back/ thighs on bed.
• When accepting up from bed or armchair do it slowly don’t jerk your body.

Early abundance aback affliction may sometimes be accompanied by beef spasms or cramps in Cure For Infertility the lower back in such a bearings exercise is a actual acceptable remedy. Some acceptable contest for aback affliction abatement during aboriginal abundance are walking pelvic rocking bridging mini-crunches angle your knees and appropriation your head. These can be done Pregnancy Remedy at home and on your own.

One should additionally abstain arduous assignment as far as possible. Massages and sleeping in appropriate mattresses may additionally pregnancy herbal help. Along with these able blow and beddy-bye should not be alone at all. They are capital for abating aboriginal abundance aback pain.

As predicted by various speculators, U2 announced its 2010 United States tour dates today, hot on the heels of its live global webcast on YouTube. Having seen this show live on four different dates in three different venues, I can testify that, despite whatever detractors might say, the webcast worked on multiple levels to extend the communal stadium experience worldwide to create an instantaneous global connection and cohesion.

For many fans who have already seen the tour,  yesterday’s webcast and today’s announcement only further excited and enticed, prompting us to begin making summer travel arrangements to coincide with the next legs of the tour. –Andrew William Smith, Editor

U2 360 TOUR 2010

Presented by BlackBerry

NORTH AMERICAN ITINERARY

6-June        Anaheim, CA         Angel Stadium            On sale soon

12-June       Denver, CO          Invesco Field            On sale Nov. 6

16-June       Oakland, CA         Oakland-Alameda          On sale Nov. 2

County Coliseum

20-June       Seattle, WA         Qwest Field              On sale soon

23-June       Edmonton, AB        Commonwealth Stadium     On sale Nov. 2

30-June       East Lansing, MI    Spartan Stadium          On sale soon

03-July       Toronto, ON         Rogers Centre            On sale Nov. 2

06-July       Chicago, IL         Solider Field            On sale soon

09-July       Miami, FL           Land Shark Stadium       On sale soon

12-July       Philadelphia        Lincoln Financial Field  On sale soon

16-July       Montreal, QC        Venue to be announced    On sale soon

19-July       New York            New Meadowlands Stadium  On sale soon

EUROPEAN TOUR ITINERARY

10-August     Frankfurt, Germany  Commerzbank-Arena        On sale now

12-August     Hannover, Germany   AWD Arena                On sale now

15-August     Horsens, Denmark    Casa Arena               SOLD OUT

16-August     Horsens, Denmark    Casa Arena               SOLD OUT

20-August     Helsinki, Finland   Olympiastadion           SOLD OUT

21-August     Helsinki, Finland   Olympiastadion           SOLD OUT

25-August     Moscow, Russia      Luzhniki                 On sale soon

30-August     Vienna, Austria     Ernst Happel Stadium     SOLD OUT

03-September  Athens, Greece      Olympic Stadium          On sale Nov. 2

06-September  Istanbul, Turkey    Ataturk Olympic Stadium  On sale Nov. 2

15-September  Munich, Germany     Olympiastadion           On sale now

18-September  Paris, France       Stade de France          SOLD OUT

22-September  Brussels, Belgium   Stade Roi Baudouin       SOLD OUT

23-September  Brussels, Belgium   Stade Roi Baudouin       SOLD OUT

29-September  Seville, Spain      Estadio Olimpico         On sale now

De La Cartuja

02-October    Coimbra, Portugal   Estadio Cidade Coimbra   SOLD OUT

03-October    Coimbra Portugal    Estadio Cidade Coimbra   SOLD OUT

Additional dates and cities to be confirmed. Itinerary subject to change.

For complete tour and ticket information, fan club memberships, merchandise

and more, visit: www.mp3vita.net

Highway Football Club of Mutare must win at least two of its three remaining matches to avoid being relegated to Division One… From VOA. Full story

This site may contain information about: soccer predictions. The blog is also related to: soccer game.

turn into – обращаться, превращаться

Struggling carrier Japan Airlines reports $357m second-quarter loss as it negotiates a fourth financial bailout…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: japan art. The blog is also related to: japon.

Struggling carrier Japan Airlines reports $357m second-quarter loss as it negotiates a fourth financial bailout…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: advertising during a recession. The blog is also related to: recession statistics.

TOKYO, Nov 13, 2009 (AFP) – Japan Airlines (JAL) announced Friday a massive loss and sought breathing space from its creditors as Asia’s biggest carrier waits to see whether it will secure another public bailout.

This picture taken on November 6, 2009 shows a Japan Airlines passenger jet takes off from Tokyo’s Haneda airport. (AFP photo)

The airline scrapped its forecasts for the rest of the year due to uncertainty surrounding its turnaround efforts, which are expected to involve thousands of job cuts and drastic route reductions.

JAL reported a net loss of 131.2 billion yen (1.45 billion dollars) for the fiscal first half to September, against a year-earlier profit of 36.7 billion yen.

“Since the subprime crisis emerged, our business has been affected by drops in the number of business passengers as well as the emergence of the new type of influenza,” said JAL executive officer Yoshimasa Kanayama.

“The second half of the year is expected to remain severe.”

The cash-strapped carrier, which is seeking a financial lifeline from the government to keep flying, said it had applied for a debt restructuring scheme that could allow it to delay payments to creditors.

Japan Airlines president Haruka Nishimatsu hinted he could step down once the turnaround plan has been put together, apologising for the company’s troubles.

“I feel a lot of responsibility that it has come to this. But currently there are things to be done and we need to set up and put in place a restructuring plan as quickly as possible,” he told a news conference.

“Only when that has been done will I announce something” on possible management changes, he said, when asked about whether he might step down.

The carrier is seeking an injection of public funds to boost its capital as it restructures under the supervision of government-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. of Japan.

But the turnaround body appears unlikely to make a decision on whether to inject public funds into the company before early next year.

JAL is also set to receive an emergency loan from the state-backed Development Bank of Japan, the government said earlier this week, without disclosing the amount.

The loss-making airline is thought to urgently need about 200 billion yen in emergency financing.

JAL, the recipient of three government bailouts since 2001, has said it plans thousands of job cuts and a drastic reduction in routes, although its restructuring plan has not yet been finalised. The airline is also trying to reduce the burden of heavy pension obligations.

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