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Shania's Hometown To Build A Shrine To Country
Music's Sex Goddess
USA Today reporter, Brian Mansfield reported details of the latest court
filing, in the long running family feud involving the famous singer's
family. According to the copyrighted story, LeAnn's father, Wilbur Rimes
made a number of claims in his lawsuit. Among other things, he charges she
became romantically involved with country singer, Bryan White at a time when
she was only 15 and Bryan was in his 20's. He alleges that in spite of a
court order which prohibited her living with unrelated adult males, she
moved in with the well known actor, Andrew Keegan. The filing says she paid
Keegan's mother as much as $10,000 per time to style her hair. It goes on to
charge that Keegan and his friend, Robert Lavetta tried gain control of
LeAnn's finances and accuses LeAnn of wrecking a $350, 000 Bentley
automobile.
Ain't it amazing what a lot of money, greed, and anger can create when they
are all in the same place, at the same time.
Shania Twain's hometown (Timmins, Ontario) will be the site of a new
$7,000,000 Shania Twain Centre. The hope appears to be it will draw lots of
eager devotees and plenty of cash to the Canadian town.
Satellite Radio Hires Program Director For Upcoming
Country Artists Channel
This newsletter was the first to predict serious changes would be created in
our industry , by the emergence of satellite radio in our cars. We went on
record predicting they could not and would be able to charge monthly
subscriber fees to deliver the same programming regular broadcast radio is
delivering free.
Jessie Scott will be the program director of a special channel devoted to
upcoming country music artists. As predicted doors are beginning to open for
serious independent singers. I'll go farther out on the limb and predict
that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The internet is breaking the near
monopoly control the major labels have had on distribution. Satellite radio
in our cars is breaking the near monopoly control they have had on radio
play. The next few years will be remembered as a golden age, for serious
independent singers.
I am not predicting that low budget crap productions and the cheapest
promotion available will suddenly start dominating the airwaves. If you
don't believe in yourself enough to make serious investments of time,
effort, and money in your own talent and career, success will not hunt you
down and force you to accept it. However; for those talented people who are
willing to work at their art, develop their talent, and invest in their
careers doors are opening. We are coming into an era when hard work,
dedication, and real investment will be rewarded.
Well Known Danish D. J. Has Passed Away
Henning Eg, better known to the country music world as
"Oakie" has lost his long battle with A. I. D. S. At the beginning of the A.
I. D. S. epidemic, Oakie was one of about 100 Danish citizens, who were
being treated for hemophila. The Danish Ministry of Health was importing
blood products, from a German supplier. Not much was known about the diease.
The virus now known to the entire world as H. I. V. had not been
identified. Doctors were beginning to suspect the disease was being
tramsmitted through the transfusion of blood and blood products. The German
supplier had begun a special process which involved heat treating to kill
any virus, which might be present. The new process had increased the cost of
blood products.
The Danish Minster of Health called to order blood products and was told of
the higher costs and the reason for them. She asked if she could purchase
all of the old untreated blood products, at a discounted price. She released
the supplier from all blame and bought their entire supply of untreated
blood products, and saved her department a few thousand dollars.
Every hemophilliac in Denmark was given the untreated blood products. Each
of them became infected with H. I. V. Most died before the advanced
treatment methods were developed. Oakie was stronger than the others and
lived long enough for the cocktail of anti-viral agents to be developed, in
America.
I had sent CDs to Oakie for several months, before I met him. He came to
Nashville, in 1997. He called and asked if we could meet. When I agreed, he
briefly told me his story, in case I might object to meeting somebody who
was infected. We met and became good friends. He was a kind and gentle
person with no bitterness towards the woman whose desire to save her
government's money had sealed his fate. The world is a sadder place without
him.
Millennium Records Of Nashville Has Another Hot Album In The
Works
We were able to obtain an unfinished copy of the new hard country
album all of Nashville is talking about these days. Millennium Records has
discovered another first class talent. Dave Caley took his first shot at a
career, in 1990. He was the first independent artist to have his videos
played on CMT. A series of misfortunes including the death of his first
manager seemed to have forever stopped his shot, at the big time. My guess
is his career was only delayed. He signed a contract with Millennium
records. If his recent trip to the studio is an indication of what the
finished album will be, his career is about ready to re-launch.
He still needs material and songwriters are asked to their best to, Jessica
Culpepper Music, BMI, POB 271656, Nashville, TN 37227
How To Spot Fraudulent Compilation CD Deals
In the United States, spotting shady operators and their phony compilation
CD promises is as simple as asking two questions. If the answer to either
question is "No" , it should serve as a caution light.
1. Are you a member of your local Better Business Bureau?
2. Will you give me a complete copy of the mailing list?
One Of Several Responses To Our Explanation Of
Compilation CD Scams
We received several responses to the article in our November Newsletter
about con artists and their phony compilation CD deals. This one goes into
great detail and is well written. We have chosen it as being generally
representative of the responses we have received. Stuart Cameron is the
general manager of Hotdisc. The company is located in the United Kingdom, so
all of his prices are quoted in their currency. The exact exchange rate
between the British pound sterling and the U. S. dollar varies from one
hour, to the next. You can usually figure that one British pound equals
about $2, in American currency. Notice his honesty about where
his compilation is released. He plainly states it is mostly restricted to
the European Union with a few in Australia & New Zealand. He does not
claim more than he can deliver. Also; notice his honesty concerning labor,
office expenses, and profit.
The simple fact of the matter is a company which does not earn a profit will
not be there when you need follow up advice or services. If a company
doesn't earn a profit it will go bankrupt and out of business. Anybody who
claims to be doing business at cost is either a fool, a liar, or both.
It has been my observation that most liars are fools. You have to be a fool
to believe you are so slick and so smart you can base a business on fraud
and deception. The truth will eventually come out. It always does! When
people catch on to these shady business methods, they tell everybody they
can. With today's email technology, one click of the mouse and everybody in
their email address books will know the truth! In one day, the truth can
circle the globe several times. As a friend of mine said, "liars are similar
to cockroaches. They run for the dark corners, when the bright light of
truth hits them".
Stuart states, "I agree, we could not stay in business at $100 US Dollars".
Postage from England to other parts of the European Union is much less than
postage from the United States to Europe. If Stuart could not stay in
business at $100 U. S. dollars and still deliver the services he promises,
how could somebody based in the United States? The answer is simple, they
lie! They make claims and promises they have no intention of following
through. The only exceptions are those few such as Southern Star Records who
promise a more limited release and therefore have enough funds to do what
they promise.
From, StuartCameron: to. intlcma@aol.com
Hi There,
I have just received your details about the conning that goes on from some
people, who produce compilation albums.You are absolutely right to pinpoint
these conmen - it cannot be done at $100 a track.These amateurs also produce
pathetic artwork and horrible reference CDs instead of the real thing. We
produce a CD called Hotdisc which is a very honest and award-winning
compilation.We charge £225 British pounds.for Overseas acts and this is our
breakdown of costs...
A. COSTS OF 1000 CDs - £1000
B.POSTAGE OF 500 UK CDs @ 25p per disc including packing - £125
C. POSTAGE OF 250 EUROPE CDs @ 65p per disc inc. packing - £162.50D.
D. POSTAGE OF 050 OVERSEAS CDs @ £1.20 per disc inc. packing - £60
E. OTHER POSTAGE TO CLIENTS - £25 approx
F. ARTWORK FOR SLEEVES/WALLETS - £100
G. TOTAL COSTS FOR SENDING CDs OUT - £1447.50
We have other costs as well of course to MCPS, phone bills,stationery, etc,
so we spend about £1500 per Hotdisc. That still leaves room for a good
profit margin for us to set against the long hours in doing it. I agree we
could not stay in business at $100 US Dollars.
I only deal with Europe although we have a few DJs in Australia and New
Zealand. Could you let me have your full details in case any of my clients
wish to venture into America. I am always happy to help other bona fide
compilation albums who are better suited to America than me.I know Europe
well and can therefore offer a service, but I don't have experience in
America. I can therefore pass any enquiries on to people like yourself who
are experts in this field.
Best Wishes,
Stuart Cameron, General Manager, Country Hotdisc
Want A Referral To An Honest Compilation
Deal?
If you are interested in the services Stuart Cameron details, contact us and
we'll put you in touch with him. If you are interested in a broader release
including 200+ European, 100+ Australian and New Zealand, 150+ Canadian, and
100+ in the United States, we'll put in touch with an honest American
promoter. He will give you a complete copy of his mailing list, so you
can send the DJs thank you notes or autographed photos (if you choose) and
you'll know the CDs were actually mailed. You might even want to
consider being on both, for the broadest possible release to
radio.
Children's Rights Council Appoints Hadassah As Their
Child Spokesperson
Any of you who have attended the King Eagle event in Nashville over the last
few years will remember a young dynamo named Hadassah. When she first
appeared she was only 8 or 9 years old. Her talent has always been
amazing. Her dedication to long hours of vocal training and dance lessons is
amazing. The yearly improvement in her stage presence and delivery is even
more amazing. No wonder the 180, 000 member organization has chosen this 12
year old, as their child spokesperson.
Three or four years ago, when Ambassador Charlie Ray and Colonel Keith
Bradford first introduced her to the industry, they predicted great things
for her. I remember that first showcase at the King Eagle event three or
four years ago. Keith and Charlie were telling everybody Hadassah would go
places. That year, Charlie showcased her at both the Nebraska Country Music
Foundation and the Lone Star State C. M. A. shows. She was very well
received, but so were several other child acts. The difference is the follow
up by Keith and Charlie and her dedication to endure long hours of well
tutored rehearsal and practice. The difference is in the entire
approach.
It is in her parents willingness to understand a simple truism.
"Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy" ! If you want it bad enough to work for
it and invest in it, with good advice and guidance you can make it happen.
If you sit around waiting for somebody to hand it to you on a silver
platter, chances are you'll never get it. Success requires work and
investment. The road to failure is littered with highly talented failures,
who thought talent alone would carry the day.
Keith and Charlie both say this is not the end of the road, for Hadassah.
They say it is just another milestone on her long road to a highly
successful career. As long as she continues to have the determination and
willingness to work she will continue piling up such milestones.
Sarah Evans Joins 4th. Annual George Strait
Festival
The announcement was made at a celebration thrown, by MCA Records to
commemorate the selling of more than 55,000,000 of George's records.
George donated one of his stage costumes and a saddle to the Country Music
Hall Of Fame
She started her career as a little girl less than 10 years old. Jason
Hawkins started her down the long road to success and fame, when he produced
her first record. He teamed up with Marti Salyer to custom write a song just
for her. His production got her a lot of attention from radio and the major
labels. It was entitled, "I want To Be A Female Fiddle Player, In
Charlie Daniels' Band".
Does Anybody Else Remember Christmas Of 1972?
That was the Christmas when Nashville buzzed with the news that Porter
Wagoner had given Dolly Parton a new custom made Cadillac
Eldorado.
Independent Country Singer Gets Great Review, In
"Washington Post"
Independent Country singer, Candace Asher receive a glowing review from
"Washington Post" writer, Buzz Mc Clain. He said, "Candace brings to her
music the authenticity lacking in most- - - heck all of today's country
pop."
Our Web Site radiocountry.org Is Streaming
Video
We have always believe that if you're going do something you should be sure
to get it right the first time. We have followed that principle to the
letter, by selecting Penny Jo Pullus to provide our first two videos for
streaming, from our web site. This lady hails from the Austin, Texas area.
Austin has given us a host of great entertainers in a wide variety of music
types, including the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Stevie Ray Vaughn. You can
add Penny Jo to that long list of dynamic performers. We invite each of you
to visit our web site and view her two full length videos. We believe
you will be as impressed, as we are.
We know streaming video is the wave of the future. It gives independent
artists in any type of music a chance to show booking agents and venue
owners, what you have to offer. As a leader in our field we must stay at the
forefront of technology. Our sister site, www.holylandmusic.org, is capable
of streaming Christian music. We would like to do a monthly Christian
music newsletter. If anybody you know is a good writer and interested in
doing a monthly article, on Christian music, please have them contact us.
We need several writers, each doing a monthly article. This will
spread the workload to a more managable level.
We are planning a rock video site, as well. We have registered the domain,
www.rockvideos.org but it is not yet developed. If you have a good video and
would like it streamed from one of these sites, email us at
intlcma@aol.com
Billy Ray Cyrus Touched A Life And For A Brief Time
Made It Better
A small
child born with severe birth defects was in a deep coma. She came out of it,
when she heard Billy Ray singing his signature song, "Achy Breaky Heart" I'm
sure he shared our sadness on learning of her recent death.
Founding Member, Rein Wortelboer Needs Your CDs For
His Radio Shows
Rein Wortelboer has three radio programs broadcasted from Dutch radio. He
has one each in the country, gospel, and bluegrass music formats. In
addition to these, he has a country music program streaming from our web
site at www.radiocountry.org. He loves discovering unknown artists and
giving them radio play.He is in constant need of independent albums. Send
your CDs to him at, Rein Wortelboer, Akelei 10, 5803 CA Venray, The
Netherlands
Our Circulation Approaches 40,000 Or More Total
Readers
Last month's issue was sent to about 7,000 subscribers. This
issue will be sent to nearly 8,000 subscribers, in about 50 nations.
Research studies vary in their estimates, but most agree topic related
email newsletters are forwarded to between 5 and 10 other readers, by each
subscriber. We prefer to use the more conservative lower number. We do know
one of our subscribers forwards the newsletter to his entire
email address book, of more than 250 people. We also know some
subscribers don't forward it to anybody. Anyway you figure, it is still a
bunch of readers.
Nashville Music Festival Just Keeps Getting
Better
The first annual Nashville Music Festival (to be held Memorial Day
Weekend) has added even more great things for everybody involved in any
aspect of independent country, gospel, or bluegrass music. It is up to at
least 7 stages and the number of reasons to be there just keep growing.
Hundreds of singers from several countries will be taking advantage of the
open microphones and the chance to showcase their talents in front of the
Nashville music industry. They will be making contacts with record
companies, booking agents, photographers, press agents, and promoters.
Several companies will be doing professional videos of the artists'
showcases. One Nashville television program has already committed to taping
the entire three days. Other television programs from various parts of the
nation are expected to follow suit. A radio station from Nebraska is trying
to put together a remote broadcast, from the festival.
Songwriters and songwriting associations will be there pitching their songs
to all of the singers, record companies, producers, publishing companies and
so forth. Where else could songwriters go and find hundreds of
recording artists gathered in one place? The open air venue and the three
day term of the festival is designed to encourage people to meet, mingle,
and get acquainted. In addition to a lot of people gathered around the
various stages and seminars, you'll have plenty of chances to take your flat
top guitar and sit under a shade tree. While you are sitting under one of
the many trees, you can pitch your latest song to the singer you've just
met. For more information, visit our web site and click on festivals. It's
first, on the list. Or; call 615-252-8202.
N. C. M. O. President Honored By Tennessee's
Governor
Hank Svennson of Sweden (President of the Nordic Country Music Organization
and a Founding Member of the I. C. M. A.) has been honored by Governor Don
Sundquist of Tennessee, for his many years of dedicated service to and
promotion of country music. Governor Sundquist appointed Hank Svennson of
Sweden as "Ambassador Of Goodwill From The State Of Tennessee, To The World
At Large". This appointment is the highest honor the Governor of Tennessee
can bestow on somebody who is not a resident of the state.
Hank has been President of the Nordic Country Music Organization for many
years. During those years, he has booked numerous American artists onto a
wide variety of festivals all across Europe. The NCMO owns and operates the
only 24 hours per day country music radio station, in Europe.
In September, Hank and his lovely lady, Marie were in Nashville as the house
guests of Ambassador Charlie Ray. They attended the 8th. Annual King Eagle
Awards Show, where Hank received another prestigious award. On October 15th,
Hank and Marie made it official. They were married during a beautiful
country music ceremony, in Branson, Missouri. Marie works as a disc jockey,
at their full time country music radio station. Hank is a great guy, but in
my humble opinion he got the better end of the deal. Marie is a real
sweetheart of a lady and as pretty as she is charming.
They will be returning to Nashville, next May. Hank plans to bring several
European artists to showcase at the Nashville Music Festival. If you are an
European country singer who wishes to be part of Hank's European Country
Music Showcase at the festival, if you are a country music singer who wants
your music played on their radio station, or if you just want to
congratulate Hank and Marie on their marriage, write them at; Hank &
Marie Svennson, Post Office Box 53, S 240 30, Marieholm, Sweden.
The radio
station's computer was recently stolen and they are temporarily unable to
receive email. Crime happens in Sweden too folks, and they have extremely
harsh gun control laws.
As a observation, it is interesting to note many studies have established
the fewer armed citizens a nation has the more crime they have. Switzerland
requires their adult male citizens to be a part of their reserve military
forces. They keep their military weapons at home, so they can rally to their
nation's defense at a moment's notice. Perhaps; this explains why
Switzerland has almost no street crime or household burglaries. Only a real
idiot would break into a house knowing the owner had a fully automatic
weapon and several grenades handy! Perhaps; this also explains why street
crime and hot burglaries (committed while the owner is at home) have
increased in Canada and Australia, since their new gun control laws were
enacted.
What restrictive gun laws have to do with country music is, in my opinion
obvious. Country music came from the rural parts of our nation. Its creators
were poor sharecroppers both black and white in Virginia, East Tennessee,
Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas god fearing, law abiding, family and
nation loving rednecks. Many of those folks didn't own much and couldn't
afford to lose the little they had. Their old shotgun was used to put
rabbits, squirrels, and an occasional venison roast on the table
to feed their wives and children. It was used to shoot the wild varmints
that ate their chickens or killed their livestock. If a neighbor or a
stranger was hungry they would share what little they had to offer, but if
some two legged varmint tried to steal their meager possessions the
anti-social parasite saw the wrong end of that old shotgun. If he was stupid
enough to push the matter, he got to see what came out of that old shotgun.
Those are our roots. Country Music grew from that fertile soil. As the lines
from one of Hank Williams, Jr's songs explained the country boy's response
to street crime, "I'd love to spit some Beechnut in that dude's eyes and
shoot him with my old .45. A country boy can survive! I can skin a buck. I
can run a trotline, and a country boy can survive". Folks, I'm here to tell
you, a country girl can survive, but if I ever get stupid enough to
let some slick talking politician pass laws that prevent me from owning a
gun, I won't have a chance against well armed criminals.
The definition of a criminal is one who breaks the law. Criminals will not
obey gun laws. The full weight of British law, authority, and power
attempted to prevent people in Northern Ireland, from having guns. They even
sent the British army to search homes, stop vehicles, and arrest
people. Since the 1920's, private gum ownership has been severely restricted
in Northern Ireland. Yet, violent crime increased at geometric rates.
Today, it is a well known fact both the I. R. A. and the Irish Provos
have enough weapons to fight a war. The only people who don't have guns in
Northern Ireland are the law abiding citizens who have no desire to shoot or
blow up their neighbors.
If the British army and marital law can't keep guns away from Irish
criminals, why does anybody believe our policemen can keep guns away from
American criminals? Gun ownership restriction only takes guns and the
ability to defend themselves away from honest law abiding citizens such as
you and I. If you really believe the government can protect you against
armed criminals put a sign in your window that says "The owner of this house
is not armed and is unable to shoot back!". If anybody out there is stupid
enough to try that, be sure to study yoga. You'll need to be real limber,
when some well armed thug decides to bend you over.
I started to delete my comments and observations on the silliness of America
wanting to outlaw or farther restrict and reduce private gun ownership. Some
people will be very opposed to my views and others will agree. I welcome
your comments agreeing or disagreeing with my views. Part of any good
publication's duty is to stimulate thought by bringing differing views in
front of its readers. I know, I'll get a lot of email both supporting and
opposing my views.
I fully expect to receive some very emotional story about the gun that
crawled out of the closet and killed some poor innocent person, all by
itself. Remember the guy in Atlanta who lost thousands of dollars day
trading, in the stock market? He used a hammer to kill his wife and both of
his children. Afterwards, he went to an office building and started shooting
folks.
I've heard at least a dozen people use that story to justify outlawing
private gun ownership. It seems strange that nobody wants to use it as
justification to outlaw private hammer ownership. I guess hammers don't
crawl out of closets all by themselves and kill folks. Only guns do those
things. He bore full responsibility for murder by hammer, but the gun was
responsible for the shootings I promise to print some of the comments,
from both sides.
Children's Rights Council To Use Independent Country Album As
Fundraiser
The 180, 000 member organization has agreed to help market an independent
country music compilation album. The album will be entitled, "Ernie Ashworth
& Friends". It will feature songs by the Grand Ole Opry star and
several independent recording artists. Each album sold will generate
$5 for the CRC.
Jean Massengale, is President of the Tri-State chapter of the CRC (TN,
AL, & GA). She was instrumental in developing the concept. To be
considered for this project, mail your CD to us. We'll get it to
them.
New Yorker Honored By Kentucky's Governor
Rubin Everidge of Ithaca, NY was awarded Kentucky's highest
honor, when Governor Paul E. Patton commissioned him as a Kentucky Colonel.
Rubin was awarded the honor for his excellence in the field of
entertainment. His first album, "More Haggard Than Merle" went on sale in
July of this year. It has been so successful a second album is nearing
completion and songs are being selected for his third album. Rubin is well
known in the upstate area for his country vocals and he serves on the Board
of Directors of the New York Country Music Hall of Fame.
Kentucky's tradition began during the 18th. century at a time when
Kentucky maintained a militia. The field grade officers were appointed by
the state's Governors. Such an appointment was the highest honor a governor
could bestow. The resolution of the Indian conflicts and the War Between The
States ended the practice of each state maintaining its own militia,
but the practice of using such commissions as a way of bestowing
great honor has continued in Kentucky.
John Glenn was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, while he was orbiting the
earth. Alan Shepard was honored similarly, while he was walking on the face
of the moon. Various Governors of Kentucky have used these commissions to
honor businessmen, inventors, and entertainers, who excelled in their chosen
fields. Among the well known entertainers who have been commissioned as
Kentucky Colonels are Bob Hope, Bing Cosby, and Frank Sinitra.
Songs are being selected for his new album. At Rubin's request,
songwriters are encouraged to send their songs for review. Each
package should be limited to no more than three songs. Mail them to,
GraceLand Entertainment, POB 290123, Nashville, TN 37229
Music Reviews
The demands of the holiday season have piled up on us. In addition to the
normal family and friends' demands, there have been a lot of social
gatherings in Nashville's music community. Our staff has been circulating on
the office party scene. We gathered valuable inside information, which we
will continue to share with our readers. We couldn't spend both the time
required to do through reviews and the time required to attend a dozen or so
office parties. The CDs will be here next month. The office parties will
not. We want to give each review all of the time and attention it deserves.
Reviewing 30 or so CDs requires about 15 hours of listening time and more
time to write up each review. The Music Review section will return, in next
month's issue.
We welcome your music and will review each and every submission. Please be
sure to mail your music to the proper address. It is I. C. M. A. Music
Review, POB 271238, Nashville, TN 37227.
There are still many problems that need dealing with, both here and in other
countries. But as this year draws to a close the world has much to
celebrate. More people live under free and democratically elected
governments than at any time in history. Peace and prosperity are not yet
universal, but they are more widespread than ever. The rape, torture,
and ethnic cleansing has almost stopped in the former Yugoslavia. Catholics
and protestants are not blowing each other up, in Northern Ireland. The mass
slaughter in Africa has slowed. The violence in India and Indonesia has
subsided. At least one out of every five people on Earth live in China and
even there freedom and basic human rights are gradually increasing.
Here, in the United States we have just passed through a very divisive post
election period. Law suits and accusations filled the front page of every
newspaper. But the wisdom of our founding fathers has proven itself once
again, and we are making another peaceful transition of power. No tanks or
troops were called out to control angry mobs.
Our new President elect is reaching out and building bridges of
cooperation. Americans have once again proven that those shared values
and dreams which unite us are stronger and more plentiful than the things
which divide us.
The power of technology is making it ever easier for people to communicate
with people. It allows people to share their experiences and knowledge. It
shines a bright light of truth into the dark corners of deception.
It is breaking the monopoly on radio and distribution channels a few rich
and powerful record companies have controlled, for far too long. I won't say
that everything is coming up roses, but roses are growing and blooming in a
lot of new places.
We thank you for your Christmas cards sent by regular mail and by email. All
of us here at the International Country Music Association wish each of our
readers a holiday season filled with friends, family, good music and
all the joy such a mixture can create. May peace, love, joy, and good music
fill our lives. May all of us achieve our personal definitions of success.
May your new year be sweet and prosperous.
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