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  • Happy Thanksgiving!

    —Vivian J. Paige

    I started cooking Wednesday and finished up this afternoon. The menu was pretty much unchanged from last year, except this year I cooked a whole turkey (my cats are going to love that!) instead of just a breast. A couple of my sisters stopped by just after dinner and we got [...]
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    Posted: November 26, 2009, 9:55pm EST
    by vjp

  • Who is Rosemary Wilson?

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 5
    I guess I haven’t paid nearly as much attention to the Virginia Beach City Council as I probably should have. A quick search on my blog reveals very little about the second candidate for the Republican nomination for Senate in the 8th district, Virginia Beach councilwoman Rosemary Wilson. Not a [...]
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    Posted: November 25, 2009, 8:30am EST
    by vjp

  • Speaker releases House Ethics Panel report

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 4
    Speaker Bill Howell has released the report of the House Ethics Panel inquiry into Newport News Delegate Phil Hamilton. The report (pdf) is, as expected, brief: since Hamilton has resigned, the panel says it lacks jurisdiction to proceed. In an email, Speaker Howell says: While I regret that their fact-finding inquiry did [...]
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    Posted: November 24, 2009, 12:01pm EST
    by vjp

  • VA-01 candidate Ball on MSNBC

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    What a way to spend your birthday! Krystal Ball, one of two Democrats seeking to take on Republican incumbent Rob Wittman, appeared this morning on MSNBC’s “Morning Meeting.” Happy birthday, Krystal! [...]
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    Posted: November 24, 2009, 11:35am EST
    by vjp

  • Who is Jeff McWaters?

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 6
    Back in 2007, then AMERIGROUP CEO Jeffrey McWaters wrote an article about health care, which I opined on here.  Today McWaters is one of two Republican candidates seeking to represent the 8th Senate District in Virginia Beach. Due to a conflict, McWaters was unable to make our interview, which had [...]
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    Posted: November 24, 2009, 8:30am EST
    by vjp

  • Mathieson statement on vote certification

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 6
    The Electoral Board today certified the results in the November 3 election. This afternoon, the campaign of Bobby Mathieson released the following statement: There are still open questions in this race, and it is in the best interest of the voters of the 21st District for Bobby Mathieson to seek a [...]
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    Posted: November 23, 2009, 3:38pm EST
    by vjp

  • Upcoming: a look at the candidates in the 8th

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    Beginning Tuesday, I’ll be taking a look at the two candidates who will be facing off in the Republican canvass in the 8th Senate district: Jeff McWaters and Rosemary Wilson.  The seat is being vacated by Ken Stolle, who was elected sheriff of Virginia Beach. The canvass will be held [...]
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    Posted: November 23, 2009, 3:09pm EST
    by vjp

  • Blogs United wrapup

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 8
    It has been two years since bloggers from around the Commonwealth gathered. This past Saturday, Blogs United held another conference. The number of bloggers was much smaller than in years past but the number of non-bloggers in attendance was larger. Most of the non-bloggers in attendance held positions within the [...]
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    Posted: November 23, 2009, 8:42am EST
    by vjp

  • Opinion, please: “Black Fur-iday”

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 18
    It seems that animal shelters find black cats and dogs difficult to be adopted. In a play on words, the Norfolk Animal Care Center is holding a “sale” on the animals, to coincide with Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. The “sale” provides for adoption fees [...]
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    Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:46am EST
    by vjp

  • How we did in Hampton Roads in November

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 1
    The Virginia Public Access Project today updated their website with the party performance data for statewide candidates for the House of Delegates and Senate districts. A lot of red on that house map to the left (click to enlarge). I took a look at the contested races in Hampton Roads where [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 8:56pm EST
    by vjp

  • Nye community discussion Saturday

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 7
    I won’t be able to make this (because I’ll be at the Blogs United conference) but here’s your chance to talk to Rep. Glenn Nye. [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:34am EST
    by vjp

  • Reminder: Blogs United Saturday

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    Just a quick reminder that the Blogs United conference is coming up this Saturday, November 21. The event will be held from 9am-4pm at the David Student Union Center on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Among the media personnel scheduled to attend are Anita Kumar of [...]
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    Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:25am EST
    by vjp

  • Hamilton latest: subpoenas, ethics rules overhaul

    —Vivian J. Paige

    The Virginian-Pilot has been all over the latest information on the Phil Hamilton situation. In an article on the front page of Tuesday’s paper (strangely buried on the website here), the cancellation of the ethics probe is causing concern. Frustrated by the halt to the inquiry, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, [...]
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    Posted: November 18, 2009, 6:01pm EST
    by vjp

  • Democracy in action in Norfolk

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” — Margaret Mead The quote above is one of my favorites. And Tuesday, we got an opportunity to see it happen. It started with a phone call that I received [...]
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    Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:45am EST
    by vjp

  • Council backs off charter changes

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 1
    I’m sitting in the Norfolk City Council meeting. After the informal session, council had already decided to vote down the charter changes. Thanks to all who called, emailed and otherwise contacted our council members. This is Democracy in action, folks! [...]
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    Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:25pm EST
    by vjp

  • Powerful testimony on equality

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 16
    h/t Left of the Hill [...]
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    Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:40am EST
    by vjp

  • NORFOLK ALERT: Proposed charter changes

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 13
    City Council will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, November 17, at 2:30pm. The council agenda is here. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on charter changes, which have to be approved by the General Assembly. You can read the proposed changes in this pdf. Of particular concern to me is the [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 11:53am EST
    by vjp

  • Hamilton resigns, what of probe?

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 6
    I have just received confirmation that Phil Hamilton did indeed resign effective midnight last night, as reported by Bearing Drift.  The question now is what happens to the ethics probe. Some are saying that as a part of the deal, the probe will cease. I don’t know that such action is [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 11:15am EST
    by vjp

  • Monday this and that: open thread

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    Seems both the Democrats and the Republicans kept their House leadership intact, with the exception of the addition of David Englin as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus. Funniest thing: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell spoke at the meeting of the Democrats but not the Republicans. ~ The Norfolk Council races are starting to [...]
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    Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:01am EST
    by vjp

  • Redskins win

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 4
    It’s been a long time since the last one but today the Denver Broncos played worse than the Washington Redskins. A win is a win – I’ll take it. Still think Dan Snyder needs to go, though. [...]
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    Posted: November 15, 2009, 4:06pm EST
    by vjp

  • Let there be light!

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 4
    The storm came through Hampton Roads Thursday and I had no problem with my power. Overnight, the power went out (not sure for how long) but it was working again when I got up this morning. Then around 10:30am, it blinked a couple of times and then went out for [...]
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    Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:48pm EST
    by vjp

  • Register for Blogs United

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 3
    It’s that time again. Bloggers from all over the Commonwealth will be coming together on Saturday, November 21, for Blogs United, a day of fun, food, and, of course, a little politics The event this year is being held at the David Student Union on the campus of  Christopher Newport [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 4:03pm EST
    by vjp

  • First thoughts on VB special election

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 17
    For months now, Republicans in Virginia Beach have been campaigning for the seat currently occupied by now Sheriff-elect Ken Stolle. Jeff McWaters jumped out early: he’s been all over the place (I’ve run into him a number of times) and a drive through Virginia Beach prior to the November election [...]
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    Posted: November 12, 2009, 1:14pm EST
    by vjp

  • Mathieson statement on election

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 10
    By now, you’ve probably heard that the votes in the 21st House of Delegates district have been counted and that Republican Ron Villanueva has been declared the winner by a scant 13 votes. I received the following statement from the campaign of Bobby Mathieson: Yesterday, more votes got counted in the 21st [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 7:07pm EST
    by vjp

  • Veterans Day 2009

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 3
    As our nation is engaged in two wars, I was saddened to see that the front page of our local paper paid more attention to the death of a sniper than to those who serve and who have served. There was a single front page story – and it was [...]
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    Posted: November 11, 2009, 10:24am EST
    by vjp

  • Sniper to be executed tonight

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 14
    John Allen Muhammad, known as the Beltway sniper, will be put to death tonight. The only one who can save him is Governor Tim Kaine. I will be surprised if the governor steps in. I have to admit: I don’t hold a very strong stance on the death penalty. I find [...]
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    Posted: November 10, 2009, 11:02am EST
    by vjp

  • The high cost of VA’s tax expenditures

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 24
    The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis released a report (pdf) this morning which assesses the cost of Virginia’s tax expenditures. Calling it a $2.5 billion drain on revenue, the Institute says that these expenditures – tax exemptions, exclusions, deferrals, credits, or preferential rates in the tax code – are implemented [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 12:23pm EST
    by vjp

  • Nye voted no on healthcare

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 31
    The emails from Saturday night’s votes are flowing into my inbox. Most of them are congratulatory ones – for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Congressman Tom Perriello (D-5th), Congressman Jim Moran (D-8th) and Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th) – thanking them for their support of healthcare reform. Some of them are critical of [...]
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    Posted: November 09, 2009, 8:37am EST
    by vjp

  • A sober look at Deeds’ pollster Petts

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 24
    In my earlier post, I mentioned some consultants who should never work in politics again. I’m not generally one to name names, but since he’s been outed, David Petts is one of those guys. Told by Petts that his convincing primary win positioned him well with the Democratic base – core [...]
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    Posted: November 07, 2009, 1:14pm EST
    by vjp

  • Choo Choo!

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 1
    Get’em John UPDATE: The video has been removed. Below the fold is a transcript that I’ve seen in a number of places around the internet. JAMES BROWN: John, you have been pretty doggone outspoken on the Washington Redskins and what is not working. Maybe it is an obvious question, but why [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 12:15pm EST
    by vjp

  • Friday fun: I’m sweet potatoes

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 1
    Probably my all-time favorite food You Are Sweet Potatoes You love comfort foods, and for you, there’s nothing more comforting than Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, you’ve been known to have Thanksgiving favorites all fall… and possibly all year. You’ve got to have your sweet potatoes. There’s no one who cooked as well as [...]
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    Posted: November 06, 2009, 9:58am EST
    by vjp

  • Potential challenger for Bobby Scott

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 27
    The Virginian-Pilot political blog posted a blurb yesterday about a potential challenger for Congressman Bobby Scott (D-3rd).  Seems the original tip came from United Conservatives that Coby Dillard, who worked on the McDonnell for Governor campaign as Deputy Coalition Director (Veterans/African Americans), is considering a run. Dillard runs a blog [...]
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    Posted: November 05, 2009, 12:42pm EST
    by vjp

  • A bloodbath

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 23
    The map to the left, which I got from The Washington Post, pretty much says it all: yesterday was a bloodbath. While the map only shows the gubernatorial race, the other two statewide races maps don’t look much different. The added loss of a net of six House of Delegates [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 2:25pm EST
    by vjp

  • Congratulations and condolences

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 21
    The margin was greater than I expected, the result being the loss the number of House seats at the top of the range I anticipated. My congratulations to Gov-elect Bo McDonnell, LG Bill Bolling, and AG-elect Ken Cuccinelli. My condolences to Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon. Congratulations to new Democratic [...]
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    Posted: November 04, 2009, 9:01am EST
    by vjp

  • Vote today

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 5
    The polls are open from 6am to 7pm. If you are unsure of your voting place, you can check it here. Unlike prior elections, I will be casting my ballot at the polls today. I will be voting for the people who most closely represent my best interests, even though there [...]
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    Posted: November 03, 2009, 12:05am EST
    by vjp

  • 32% increase in health insurance premiums

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 16
    Just opened up my premium increase notice from Anthem. Mind you, I’ve got a sizable deductible with a health savings account. With virtually no costs to my insurance company this year (heck – I’ve not met my deductible yet – only $803 out of pocket), I’m facing a 32% increase [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 2:00pm EST
    by vjp

  • New governor to face at least $1bil shortfall

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 13
    While the conversation in this gubernatorial election has been focused on transportation and social issues, little attention has been paid to the looming budget deficit that the new governor is likely to face. According to a Virginian-Pilot article today, the budget deficit is expected to be $1 billion – and [...]
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    Posted: November 02, 2009, 11:08am EST
    by vjp

  • For the Redskins fans among us

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 2
    In honor of the Redskins’ bye week (wait for the image to change) The original pdf is here. h/t to Maria for emailing it to me. [...]
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    Posted: November 01, 2009, 9:33am EST
    by vjp

  • Norfolk Commissioner taken to task by Treasurer

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 11
    The front page, below the fold story in Saturday’s Virginian-Pilot is a classic example of the inside baseball that Norfolk politics has become. Here we have two ticketmates – the Democratic candidates for Commissioner of the Revenue and Treasurer – engaging in what amounts to a he said/she said argument. [...]
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    Posted: October 31, 2009, 5:52pm EDT
    by vjp

  • VA Beach Sheriff’s Candidates

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    Recently, the two candidates for sheriff in Virginia Beach were interviewed on WAVY TV 10. Go John Bell! [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 9:28pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Villanueva: “I need your vote … in New Jersey!”

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 8
    Ron Villanueva wants the residents of District 21 to vote for him – in New Jersey! (click to enlarge) Ha! And no, I didn’t make this up. You can see it for yourself here. (UPDATE: Not any more. The state info has been corrected on the website at that link.) To voters [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 7:57pm EDT
    by vjp

  • “Mr. Cuccinelli’s bigotry”

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 1
    So says The Washington Post editorial board. Putting aside what Mr. Cuccinelli has to say about homosexuals when he’s not trying so hard to be polite, let’s call his comments what they are: bigotry. Bigotry is as pernicious today, applied to homosexuals, as it was a century ago or less, when [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 3:06pm EDT
    by vjp

  • LBGT Phonebanking for Bobby & Joe Monday

    —Vivian J. Paige

    The LBGT community is coming together this Monday, November 2, from 6-8pm to phone bank for Delegates Bobby Mathieson and Joe Bouchard. The event will be held at the Coordinated Campaign Headquarters located at 5101 Cleveland St., 3rd Floor. Of course, you don’t have to be LBGT to participate. Come on [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 2:36pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Friday fun: are you black or orange?

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    In the spirit of Halloween, how about this quiz? You Are Black You are a serious and thoughtful person. You spend a lot of time in quiet reflection. You are a friend of the honesty, and you don’t sugar coat anything. You prefer the truth in all its complexity. While you may relate [...]
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    Posted: October 30, 2009, 10:39am EDT
    by vjp

  • Videos today

    —Vivian J. Paige

    A number of new videos in the last couple of days for Democratic candidates. From Creigh Deeds: From Jody Wagner: From Steve Shannon: [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:54pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Predictions on Pilot endorsements – local races

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 2
    There are so many localities in this region with local races, mainly constitutional officers, that I can’t begin to keep up. There are a couple of Virginia Beach races that I’ve been aware of – sheriff and Commonwealth’s attorney – but that’s about it. As it turns out, I was [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:45pm EDT
    by vjp

  • Healthcare, medicare bills online

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Enclosure: [download]
    Number of comments: 4
    The healthcare bills as introduced in the House of Representatives are now available online in pdf format. H.R. 3962 – Affordable Health Care for America Act – is available  here and H.R. 3961 – Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009 – is available here. While I consider healthcare a real [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 11:11am EDT
    by vjp

  • “Endorsing corruption”

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 14
    Yeah, I stole that headline from Norman Leahy. Placing a higher value on incumbency than on ethics, the Daily Press and the Virginia Gazette have both endorsed Del. Phil Hamilton for re-election. In other words, he may be a crook but he’s our crook. Honestly, I’m not surprised. As a senior member of [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 10:47am EDT
    by vjp

  • “The future of our party demands that Mr. Cuccinelli be defeated”

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 9
    Ken Cuccinelli has run the most disciplined campaign of all the candidates, keeping teh crazy – his own and that of his supporters – under wraps. If you don’t follow politics closely – and let’s face it, few do – then you’d have no idea just how far out he [...]
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    Posted: October 29, 2009, 7:30am EDT
    by vjp

  • GOTV swing with Kaine, Deeds, Shannon, Wagner

    —Vivian J. Paige

    Number of comments: 5
    Click to enlarge. Print out and distribute. On the Peninsula Hampton Meet & Greet 5pm YH Thomas Youth Center 1300 Thomas St Hampton, VA Newport News Event 6pm Newport News Campaign Office 11838 Cannon Blvd, Suite 100 [...]
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    Posted: October 28, 2009, 8:50pm EDT
    by vjp

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