One
of the world’s most famous college dropouts is telling young people not
to follow in his footsteps when it comes to higher education. Bill
Gates says every student needs a meaningful credential beyond high
school, whether it’s college or a technical degree, to find a
well-paying job that you’ll enjoy. Gates says parents, teachers and
entire communities need to help make those opportunities available.
Source Link
The
smart phone is a new tool in the battle against some of war’s
most-lingering wounds. The Pentagon has developed applications that can
help coach soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder on how to ease
the symptoms as they occur. The apps do not take the place of
professional counseling, but do offer a treatment option that’s
available at the touch of a finger. Source Link
The
first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season to make landfall in the
United States is taking aim on the Texas Gulf coast. Tropical Storm Don
could bring damaging rains to the cotton belt area midway between
Houston and Brownsville just as the harvest is about to begin. Some oil
production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut down ahead of the
storm’s arrival. Source Link
July 28, 2011
Wall
Street is getting the jitters about whether the U.S. government’s
credit rating will be downgraded as a deadline looms in the debt ceiling
debate on Capitol Hill. Stock prices were broadly lower on fears that a
credit downgrade and interest rate hike would further slow an economy
that’s already been weakening this summer. Source Link
The nation’s biggest retailer is upping the ante to get a bigger share of the market for streaming videos. Walmart.Com is now offering many movies for online rental or purchase on the same day the titles are released on DVD. Walmart joins the likes of Apple and Amazon in the online pay-per-view market, but is not offering subscription plans for instant viewing like Netflix. Source Link
Does putting calorie counts on fast food menus lead to people eating less? A new study says it does, but only if you read the numbers. Researchers say about one in six fast food diners in New York City ordered smaller meals after checking the calories. In 2008, New York was the first city in the nation to require chain restaurants to post calorie counts on menus. Source Link
The nation’s biggest retailer is upping the ante to get a bigger share of the market for streaming videos. Walmart.Com is now offering many movies for online rental or purchase on the same day the titles are released on DVD. Walmart joins the likes of Apple and Amazon in the online pay-per-view market, but is not offering subscription plans for instant viewing like Netflix. Source Link
Does putting calorie counts on fast food menus lead to people eating less? A new study says it does, but only if you read the numbers. Researchers say about one in six fast food diners in New York City ordered smaller meals after checking the calories. In 2008, New York was the first city in the nation to require chain restaurants to post calorie counts on menus. Source Link
July 27, 2011
Will
your local post office be closing its doors and moving into a community
center, town hall or other business? That’s a proposal for over 3,000
locations as the U.S. Postal Service looks for ways to save money after
losing $8 billion last year. The new plan comes after the Postal Service
got a cool response from Congress on a request to cut delivery to five
days a week to save money. Source Link
An unexpected tax break on airfares will be no break for passengers as U.S. air carriers have boosted their ticket prices to absorb any savings. A federal tax that expired last week can’t be collected until Congress acts on the FAA budget. But airlines have raised their prices to make up the the lower tax, so the bottom-line cost of a ticket is the same. Source Link
Two of America’s biggest fast food chains are taking steps to downsize the calories in their kid’s meals. Burger King will no longer make fries and soda the default choice for their kid’s meals, and is offering apple slices, fat-free milk or juice. McDonald’s says it will cut in half the portion size of it’s children's french fries and add apple slices to their Happy Meal. Source Link
An unexpected tax break on airfares will be no break for passengers as U.S. air carriers have boosted their ticket prices to absorb any savings. A federal tax that expired last week can’t be collected until Congress acts on the FAA budget. But airlines have raised their prices to make up the the lower tax, so the bottom-line cost of a ticket is the same. Source Link
Two of America’s biggest fast food chains are taking steps to downsize the calories in their kid’s meals. Burger King will no longer make fries and soda the default choice for their kid’s meals, and is offering apple slices, fat-free milk or juice. McDonald’s says it will cut in half the portion size of it’s children's french fries and add apple slices to their Happy Meal. Source Link
July 26, 2011
Should
a plan to cut government spending and raise the debt ceiling be a
short-term fix or a longer-term solution? That’s the question between
dueling Democratic and Republican-backed proposals. President Obama says
he wants to see a compromise to prevent a possible government debt
default as the clock ticks down to a deadline on August 2nd. Source Link
NFL players and owners have a deal to end the lockout that put the 2011 season on hold. The new agreement gives owners a slightly bigger share of revenues over the next decade and imposes a salary system to cut spending on first-round draft picks. Training camps could begin opening tomorrow with the first pre-season game less than two weeks away. Source Link
After cancer, Alzheimer’s is the world’s most-feared disease, and many people say they would want themselves or a loved one to be tested for it, even if they did not have symptoms. An international survey showed that many don’t know there isn’t any effective treatment to slow the progress of the disease. It’s believed that Alzheimer’s can begin developing up to 10 years before symptoms appear. Source Link
NFL players and owners have a deal to end the lockout that put the 2011 season on hold. The new agreement gives owners a slightly bigger share of revenues over the next decade and imposes a salary system to cut spending on first-round draft picks. Training camps could begin opening tomorrow with the first pre-season game less than two weeks away. Source Link
After cancer, Alzheimer’s is the world’s most-feared disease, and many people say they would want themselves or a loved one to be tested for it, even if they did not have symptoms. An international survey showed that many don’t know there isn’t any effective treatment to slow the progress of the disease. It’s believed that Alzheimer’s can begin developing up to 10 years before symptoms appear. Source Link
July 25, 2011
With
about one week until the federal government’s borrowing limit is
reached, House Republicans and Senate Democrats say they each have
fallback plans to cut spending and raise the debt ceiling to avoid the
first-ever U.S. Treasury default. It will take days to move legislation
through Congress to prevent a debt default that could lead to higher
interest rates and slow the economy. Source Link
The Better Business Bureau is out with a list of the top scams that are circulating online. Be on the lookout for bogus job finder services or debt relief and settlement services that ask for your bank account or social security number. And avoid work-at-home schemes that involve reselling items because you could actually be fencing stolen goods. Source Link
Want to have a dog or cat as a pet but you’re worried that your children will become allergic? In fact, a new study says that pet might be good for their health. Children who were exposed to dogs and cats as youngsters had fewer nasal allergies as teenagers. The effect could also reduce the risk for asthma and other allergic diseases in the future. Source Link
The Better Business Bureau is out with a list of the top scams that are circulating online. Be on the lookout for bogus job finder services or debt relief and settlement services that ask for your bank account or social security number. And avoid work-at-home schemes that involve reselling items because you could actually be fencing stolen goods. Source Link
Want to have a dog or cat as a pet but you’re worried that your children will become allergic? In fact, a new study says that pet might be good for their health. Children who were exposed to dogs and cats as youngsters had fewer nasal allergies as teenagers. The effect could also reduce the risk for asthma and other allergic diseases in the future. Source Link
July 22, 2011
The
sweltering weather in much of the nation isn’t fit for man or beast.
The heat wave that has baked parts of the Plains and the Midwest all
week has killed livestock, stunted crops and is blamed for dozens of
deaths. Some relief may be in sight for the nation’s midsection by the
weekend, but the East Coast will suffer as the heat dome brings misery
up and down the Atlantic Seaboard. Source Link
NFL team owners have approved a labor deal and 10-year revenue-sharing agreement with players that could end a four-month lockout and allow training camps to open. The next step is for players to re-certify their union so a vote can take place on the collective bargaining agreement. The first NFL pre-season game is scheduled for August 7th. Source Link
NFL team owners have approved a labor deal and 10-year revenue-sharing agreement with players that could end a four-month lockout and allow training camps to open. The next step is for players to re-certify their union so a vote can take place on the collective bargaining agreement. The first NFL pre-season game is scheduled for August 7th. Source Link
Want to make better food choices at the supermarket? Drop that basket and push a shopping cart. Researchers who study the psychology of shopping say people who carry a basket tend to choose smaller, easy-to-carry convenience food that’s not so healthy. Pushing a cart triggers emotions that encourage a full shopping experience and better food choices. Source Link
July 21, 2011
Excessive
heat warnings and watches have been issued from the Mid-Atlantic into
the Plains as nearly half of the United States suffers through the
hottest week of weather in years. Tens of millions of people from
Washington, D.C. to St. Louis, Minneapolis and Chicago are being warmed
to stay cool as the heat dome spreads toward the East coast. Source Link
Parents who smoke should listen up -- your child’s hearing may be effected by the habit. A new study found that teens who have been exposed to secondhand smoke were at a higher risk for mild to moderate hearing loss. Researchers speculate that tobacco smoke might have an effect on the blood flow in the inner ear, which is important for hearing. Source Link
Parents who smoke should listen up -- your child’s hearing may be effected by the habit. A new study found that teens who have been exposed to secondhand smoke were at a higher risk for mild to moderate hearing loss. Researchers speculate that tobacco smoke might have an effect on the blood flow in the inner ear, which is important for hearing. Source Link
Are you considering buying a new smartphone, e-reader, or tablet computer? You’re not alone. In fact, so many people are in the market for touchscreen and mobile devices that it will to lead record sales for consumer electronics this year. At the same time, TV sales are falling as nearly nine out of ten households say they already have at least one digital television. Source Link
July 20, 2011
If
Congress and the White House can’t agree on how to raise the federal
government’s debt ceiling, why not just remove it? That’s the suggestion
from one of the nation’s biggest bond rating agencies. Moody’s says
United States is one of the few countries where lawmakers set a ceiling
on government debt. The agency could downgrade the nation’s credit
rating in the face of uncertainty about the debt ceiling. Source Link
The experts say it can be Christmas in July when you’re shopping for bargains in the middle of summer. Now is the time when deeper discounts are available on items like clothing, shoes, sports equipment and even airfares. But summer is not the best time to buy a new TV or laptop, as electronics tend to be priced lower for the holiday shopping season. Source Link
Atlantis is on its way back to earth after completing the final mission of the 30-year Space Shuttle program. After the last shuttle touches down early Thursday in Florida, American astronauts will fly as passengers aboard Russian spacecraft to reach the International Space Station. It could be more than five years before NASA launches its next manned space flight. Source Link
July 19, 2011
The
nation’s second-largest chain of bookstores will be shuttered for good.
Borders faces liquidation after a plan fell through to sell the
bankrupt bookseller to a buyer who would keep it open. The closing of
all 399 Borders locations will cost over 10,000 people their jobs and
leave Barnes and Noble as America’s only national chain of bookstores.
Source Link
The battle over budget cuts and raising the government debt ceiling has been the Midas touch for gold prices. The precious metal is trading near $1600 an ounce on fears about a possible U.S. debt default next month. And it’s not peaked yet, as some analysts see prices for gold rising to $2,000 an ounce within the year. Source Link
For the first time, a national poll shows a majority of Americans are in favor of a public ban on smoking. The Gallup poll found that 59% of those surveyed want to prohibit smoking in public places. But only 19% are in favor of a complete ban on smoking. The same survey showed about one-in-five Americans are smokers -- a figure that’s been unchanged for the past five years. Source Link
July 18, 2011
The
worst summer heat wave in years is settling in on much of the eastern
half of the United States. Temperatures well into the 90s will combine
with humidity to make it feel like over 100 degrees in cities from the
Mississippi River to the Atlantic coast as the steamy weather system
slowly moves eastward. The scorching conditions will continue through
the week. Source Link
Instead of “Carmageddon” it was “Carmaheaven” in Los Angeles over the weekend as drivers heeded public pleas to stay home while a major north-south expressway was closed to all traffic. Traffic did not not back up on surface streets along the 10 mile stretch of Interstate 405. The planned two-day shutdown was shortened by nearly 12 hours when crews completed their work ahead of schedule. Source Link
The young wizard has conjured up some box office magic during the opening weekend for the final film in the Harry Potter series. Premium prices for 3D showings helped generate $168 million in U.S. ticket sales for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” That beats the previous opening weekend record set in 2008 by Batman blockbuster, “The Dark Knight.” Source Link
Instead of “Carmageddon” it was “Carmaheaven” in Los Angeles over the weekend as drivers heeded public pleas to stay home while a major north-south expressway was closed to all traffic. Traffic did not not back up on surface streets along the 10 mile stretch of Interstate 405. The planned two-day shutdown was shortened by nearly 12 hours when crews completed their work ahead of schedule. Source Link
The young wizard has conjured up some box office magic during the opening weekend for the final film in the Harry Potter series. Premium prices for 3D showings helped generate $168 million in U.S. ticket sales for “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” That beats the previous opening weekend record set in 2008 by Batman blockbuster, “The Dark Knight.” Source Link
July 15, 2011
Some
of America’s biggest Internet service providers will take steps to slow
the information superhighway to a crawl if customers appear to be using
their connection to pirate movies or music. Verizon, Comcast, Time
Warner Cable and AT&T say the program would send email warnings
before slowing or temporarily stopping service for customers using
excessive bandwidth for downloads. Source Link
Using a smaller plate is one way to take smaller portions and eat less, but does the size of the silverware matter? A new study says it does. Researchers found that restaurant diners who used a larger fork ate less. One theory is that the bigger forkfuls slow down the eating process and give the body more time to recognize that sense of fullness. Source Link
JetBlue is offering a high-flying alternative for some lucky Los Angeles residents who need to get across town this weekend while LA’s major north-south expressway is completely closed for construction. The airline has sold out four flights that will travel the short hop from Burbank Airport in the north to Long Beach Airport in the south. Tickets were priced at $4 apiece. Source Link
Using a smaller plate is one way to take smaller portions and eat less, but does the size of the silverware matter? A new study says it does. Researchers found that restaurant diners who used a larger fork ate less. One theory is that the bigger forkfuls slow down the eating process and give the body more time to recognize that sense of fullness. Source Link
JetBlue is offering a high-flying alternative for some lucky Los Angeles residents who need to get across town this weekend while LA’s major north-south expressway is completely closed for construction. The airline has sold out four flights that will travel the short hop from Burbank Airport in the north to Long Beach Airport in the south. Tickets were priced at $4 apiece. Source Link
July 14, 2011
A
debt default by the federal government could hike the interest rate on
your credit card, loan or mortgage. Moody’s Investors Service says it
may lower the government’s perfect Triple-A credit rating unless the
debt ceiling debate is resolved soon. A lower rating would mean higher
interest rates on Treasury bonds, and many consumer loans are tied to
that rate. Source Link
New mobile and web video technologies were supposed to be the death knell for TV viewing, but a new report says we’re now watching more, not less TV. Timeshifting with DVRs is helping people to watch more television per month. And younger people who traditionally watched less TV are doing a lot more of it now with new streaming video services. Source Link
A new study points up what’s known by many a repeat dieter -- the techniques that help people lose weight, and those that help you keep it off don’t overlap much. Weight loss focuses on finding a program, eating healthy snacks, limiting sugar and planning three meals a day. Weight maintenance has less visible rewards and it can be difficult to find the right balance of exercise and moderate eating. Source Link
New mobile and web video technologies were supposed to be the death knell for TV viewing, but a new report says we’re now watching more, not less TV. Timeshifting with DVRs is helping people to watch more television per month. And younger people who traditionally watched less TV are doing a lot more of it now with new streaming video services. Source Link
A new study points up what’s known by many a repeat dieter -- the techniques that help people lose weight, and those that help you keep it off don’t overlap much. Weight loss focuses on finding a program, eating healthy snacks, limiting sugar and planning three meals a day. Weight maintenance has less visible rewards and it can be difficult to find the right balance of exercise and moderate eating. Source Link
July 13, 2011
President
Obama is warning that Social Security checks may not go out next month
if lawmakers fail to reach an agreement on how to reduce the federal
debt. In an interview with CBS News, Obama said he could not guarantee
the government could afford to distribute some 70 million payment checks
for retirees, veterans and the disabled without an agreement to raise
the debt ceiling by August 2nd. Source Link
The second Congressional Medal of Honor to go to a living recipient from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has been awarded to an Army Ranger. Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry won the nation’s highest honor for tossing away a grenade and saving the lives of two fellow soldiers. Petry lost his right hand in the blast and a prosthetic hand includes a small plaque carrying the names of fallen comrades from his regiment. Source Link
The second Congressional Medal of Honor to go to a living recipient from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has been awarded to an Army Ranger. Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry won the nation’s highest honor for tossing away a grenade and saving the lives of two fellow soldiers. Petry lost his right hand in the blast and a prosthetic hand includes a small plaque carrying the names of fallen comrades from his regiment. Source Link
After a decade of music piracy ate away at their bottom line, here’s some good news for the music industry -- sales were up for the first half of this year. That’s the first increase since 2004. Digital music sales increased 20% over last year, led by strong showings for new releases by pop stars Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and the British singer Adele. Source Link
July 12, 2011
The
heat is on for much of the eastern half of the United States as
temperatures ranging 15 degrees above normal are making it feel like 100
or higher in many areas. To add misery to the heat there’s also a
threat of severe storms like the ones that struck in Chicago on Monday,
knocking out power to more than 700,000 customers in the Windy City.
Source Link
There’s new evidence that less sleep can mean more weight gain. A new study shows that people burned fewer calories on days when they got less sleep. Scientists believe a lack of sleep can effect hormones that govern your metabolism. Those who are sleep-derived can also make poor choices about what to eat and how much to indulge. Source Link
They say everything’s bigger in Texas and that goes for newborn babies too. A Longview, Texas woman has given birth to a 16-pound baby boy who measured 24 inches in length. That’s more than twice the normal size. The mother suffered from gestational diabetes, which may have contributed to the large size of the baby. Source Link
There’s new evidence that less sleep can mean more weight gain. A new study shows that people burned fewer calories on days when they got less sleep. Scientists believe a lack of sleep can effect hormones that govern your metabolism. Those who are sleep-derived can also make poor choices about what to eat and how much to indulge. Source Link
They say everything’s bigger in Texas and that goes for newborn babies too. A Longview, Texas woman has given birth to a 16-pound baby boy who measured 24 inches in length. That’s more than twice the normal size. The mother suffered from gestational diabetes, which may have contributed to the large size of the baby. Source Link
July 11, 2011
The
final Space Shuttle mission now underway brings an end to a 30-year
program that sent a generation of American astronauts into orbit after
the Apollo era. A crew of four is aboard Atlantis for a cargo run to the
International Space Station. Plans now call for the last shuttle flight
to return to Earth on July 20th, on the 42nd anniversary of Neil
Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Source Link
First it was talking on the cell phone while driving, then texting that was considered most dangerous. Now smart phones have upped the ante for driving distractions. A survey of college students showed that about one-third of them admit using mobile applications on their iPhones and Androids to connect to social media sites, play games or watch videos while driving. Source Link
America’s obesity epidemic is growing in the latest state-by-state figures. Adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any state. Twelve states are above 30% obesity and 10 states have doubled their rate of diabetes in the past 15 years. The leanest adult populations are in Connecticut, Washington D.C. and Colorado. Source Link
First it was talking on the cell phone while driving, then texting that was considered most dangerous. Now smart phones have upped the ante for driving distractions. A survey of college students showed that about one-third of them admit using mobile applications on their iPhones and Androids to connect to social media sites, play games or watch videos while driving. Source Link
America’s obesity epidemic is growing in the latest state-by-state figures. Adult obesity rates increased in 16 states in the past year and did not decline in any state. Twelve states are above 30% obesity and 10 states have doubled their rate of diabetes in the past 15 years. The leanest adult populations are in Connecticut, Washington D.C. and Colorado. Source Link
July 7, 2011
The
government has a license to print money, but it’s doing less of it
these days. With the rise of debit card use, the Treasury Department is
printing the fewest $1, $5 and $10 bills in at least 30 years. The $100
bill is the exception, as more are being printed each year because the
C-note is a popular way for people in foreign countries to hold American
money. Source Link
America’s biggest cell phone carrier is slapping the meter on data use for new smart phone customers. Verizon’s new pricing means that two of the nation’s three biggest providers have scrapped their unlimited data plans for millions of customers who are switching to smart phones with applications that use plenty of data for streaming audio and video. Source Link
Here’s a different measure of the health of the economy -- about half of the people questioned in a recent survey say they might cancel their vacation plans to save money. But the poll conducted for glassdoor.com also showed that two out of three people say they can unplug completely from work while off, but more men than women say they’re expected to work on vacation. Source Link
July 6, 2011
The
questions will definitely be short -- if not sweet -- when President
Obama holds a national town hall meeting on the economy today. The
questions will come from Twitter messages that are limited to 140
characters each, but the president isn’t limited in his answers. The
first-ever Twitter town hall meeting for the White House will be
presented online as a webcast. Source Link
If you wear glasses or contacts for nearsightedness, you may want to look into more-frequent eye exams to detect a more-serious problem that could lead to blindness. A new study says nearsighted people may be nearly twice as likely to also develop glaucoma. Early detection of glaucoma can limit the damage that can cause permanent loss of vision. Source Link
If you wear glasses or contacts for nearsightedness, you may want to look into more-frequent eye exams to detect a more-serious problem that could lead to blindness. A new study says nearsighted people may be nearly twice as likely to also develop glaucoma. Early detection of glaucoma can limit the damage that can cause permanent loss of vision. Source Link
The next generation of Internet users may have no idea what “dot-com” means as the managers of the world’s information superhighway have opened the door to all kinds of new domain names. Those seeking a unique suffix will have to pay a hefty application fee, and big corporations should be among the first to register to get domain names ending in brands like dot-honda, dot-microsoft or dot-pepsi. Source Link
July 5, 2011
If
a portable pool is part of your plans for backyard summer fun, don’t
forget to take the proper safety precautions. A new report says a child
dies in a portable pool once every five days. Researchers say say the
some portable pool owners don’t add safety features such as fencing,
pool alarms or removable ladders that are often found on permanent
pools. Source Link
The season has finally ended for one Utah ski resort that rode an avalanche of snowfall this year to a record-breaking run. Skiers were enjoying the slopes on July 4th to mark the longest season ever at the Snowbird, Utah resort where over 65 feet of snow fell this year. Blue skies and temperatures in the 70s greeted skiers and snowboarders for the final day of operation. Source Link
Think you ate a lot over the holiday weekend? How about a week’s worth of calories in a matter of minutes? That’s what it took to win a July 4th hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. Four-time champion Joey Chestnut made it five wins in a row after downing 62 hot dogs and buns - or about 20,000 calories - in the Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Source Link
The season has finally ended for one Utah ski resort that rode an avalanche of snowfall this year to a record-breaking run. Skiers were enjoying the slopes on July 4th to mark the longest season ever at the Snowbird, Utah resort where over 65 feet of snow fell this year. Blue skies and temperatures in the 70s greeted skiers and snowboarders for the final day of operation. Source Link
Think you ate a lot over the holiday weekend? How about a week’s worth of calories in a matter of minutes? That’s what it took to win a July 4th hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. Four-time champion Joey Chestnut made it five wins in a row after downing 62 hot dogs and buns - or about 20,000 calories - in the Nathan’s International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Source Link
July 1, 2011
Senators
are giving up their July 4th vacation week in order to stay on the job
and work toward a compromise to raise the debt ceiling and agree on
federal spending cuts. President Obama said time is running out to raise
debt ceiling before the U.S. could face its first default in history
that in turn could throw world financial markets into turmoil. Source Link
Citing the need for safety over convenience, federal regulators have instituted a ban on the manufacture and sale of drop-side rail cribs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the popular cribs played a part in the suffocation or strangulation deaths of dozens of infants over the past decade. Day care centers can continue to use the cribs until the end of next year. Source Link
Owning a home may not be the great investment that it was before the great Recession, but it’s still an important part of the American dream. That’s according to nine out of ten Americans questioned in a new poll. But only about half now think that home ownership is a safe investment, and the same number believe the government should be doing more to improve the housing market. Source Link
Citing the need for safety over convenience, federal regulators have instituted a ban on the manufacture and sale of drop-side rail cribs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the popular cribs played a part in the suffocation or strangulation deaths of dozens of infants over the past decade. Day care centers can continue to use the cribs until the end of next year. Source Link
Owning a home may not be the great investment that it was before the great Recession, but it’s still an important part of the American dream. That’s according to nine out of ten Americans questioned in a new poll. But only about half now think that home ownership is a safe investment, and the same number believe the government should be doing more to improve the housing market. Source Link
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