| August 9, 2007 |
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Vol 4, Issue 20
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Jah Cure Released from Prison Before End of Term
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Bestowed by renowned reggae-great Capleton with the name Jah Cure, 28 year old Siccaturie Alcock has had a colourful past. In April 1999 on the eve of a burgeoning music career, he was prosecuted on gun possession, rape and robbery charges, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in a Kingston maximum-security prison. Throughout his prison term, the singer has consistently maintained his innocence amidst both widespread support and opposition. On Saturday, July 28, 2007 after serving 8 years of the sentence, Jah Cure was released from prison on parole. While in prison, Jah Cure's career blossomed. He released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped the Jamaican charts. His first album Free Jah's Cure was released in 2000 and was followed by Ghetto Life in 2003 and Freedom Blues in 2005. More recently Jah Cure has released the songs 'Love is', 'Longing For' and 'True Reflections', showing his unique voice and lyrical ability. On the day of his release, he released a single called 'My Life', a song narrating the struggles he has faced throughout his life. In an exclusive interview two days after his release, www.watchmi.com met up with the singer most people are touting will have one of the biggest careers in reggae/dancehall history. Watch the full, exclusive Jah Cure interview and the press conference (in 5 parts) that was held at the Hilton in Kingston on Saturday July 28, 2007 on www.watchmi.com.
VP Records has released TRUE REFLECTIONS.....A NEW BEGINNING featuring all of Jah Cure's recent hits such as "True Reflections, " Longing For" and "Dem Nuh Build Great Man" (in combination with Fantan Mojah) as well as a new tune "To Your Arms of Love, " which has begun to chart in Jamaica. Click here: True Reflections to listen to the new album at VP Records' website.
Jah Cure is slated to appear at a series of events known as "The Curefest" on the North Coast of Jamaica from October 12-15th in what is considerted to be one of the most anticipated and emotional stage shows in reggae history. The goals of this 3-Day event are to celebrate Jah Cure's freedom, give thanks for life and spread love and unity through is music. The bill will feature a number of cultural and dancehall artists as well as Jah Cure himself. This internationally-acclaimed singer and songwriter has one of the most compelling stories in reggae, and now upon his release a new chapter will begin.
Check out Patricia Meschino's revealing article on Jah Cure in the July 24th issue of Billboard magazine by clicking here: Freedom Songs-After Eight Years Bars, Could Jah Cure Be Reggae's Next Superstar?
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One Love: Jamaican Hymnal to Offer Reggae
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Songs by late reggae legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, both devout Rastafarians, will be included in a new collection of Anglican church hymnals in Jamaica.Marley's "One Love" and Tosh's"˜Psalm 27" will be the first reggae tunes to appear in songbooks alongside traditional worship music on the island that gave birth to reggae, said church leaders preparing a new collection of hymns. The Revd Ernle Gordon, a church spokesman, said Friday that members of the Anglican Church of Jamaica were enthusiastic about including the reggae musicians' music in the hymnals, despite their sometimes vocal opposition to Christianity. "They may have been antichurch, but they were not anti-God or antireligion," said Gordon, adding that the songs would help modernize Jamaica's hymnals. Marley and Tosh, who died in the 1980s after becoming international music stars, practiced Rastafarianism, a faith founded by descendants of slaves in response to black oppression.
Article by Associated Press.
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16th Annual Midwest Reggae Fest this Weekend!
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16th annual Mid West Reggae Fest
August 10, 11 & 12, 2007
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park (45 miles east of Cleveland, OH)
www.ClevelandReggae.com The Mid West Reggae Fest is one of the premier reggae festivals in the entire United States. Now, in its 16th year it has moved to a bigger location and is changing from a one day to a three day reggae festival. What makes the Mid West Reggae Fest so unique is that it is showcasing international reggae acts all three days. The site, Nelson Ledges Quarry Park offers camping and some of the best swimming and cliff diving north of Negril. The Mid West Reggae Festival has long prided itself on quality roots reggae where patrons get a lot of bang for the buck. Reggae fans can camp, swim, bring in whatever they want (no glass bottles) and enjoy 3 days of top shelf international reggae. The Mid West Reggae Fest is one of the longest running and best attended reggae festivals in the country.
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2007 Magazine is Now Available
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The 13th edition of the Reggae Festival Guide has been distributed to reggae and record stores, festivals, restaurants and at reggae shows all over North America.
We give thanks for all of our distribution people, our contributors and advertisers who helped to make the 2007 issue the best one ever! This year's magazine is full of interesting stories, festivals, radio information and more. Would you like a copy of the 2007 Reggae Festival Guide magazine delivered to your door?
Then simply send $7 with a written request to:
RBA/Reggae Festival Guide
P.O. Box 50635
Reno, NV 89513
Are you from outside of the U.S.?
Please send $12 with a written request for overseas shipping and handling.
Or you can order one online at: http://www.reggaefestivalguide.com/magazine/order.shtml
It will be shipped straight to your mailbox filled with reggae eye
candy, lifestyle features, reggae history, and more!
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MY SPACE!
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Link us on My Space! We are excited about this great marketing network. WE NOW HAVE OVER 1,800 FRIENDS! This is indeed a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide. Watch for concert footage postings, festival ticket giveaways, contests and more!
Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND!
Peace & Blessings
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Reggae Artists Join Peace Train in Sierra Leone
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(Lion Kings band launching their No Violence Election Campaign through Reggae Music) The Lion Kings comprises four different Reggae groups namely; KTC, Rasta Levi, Higher Heights and the Egalitarians, and they include popular artists such as Amza Links, Cherman-B and Sierra Leone's celebrated female reggae artist, Kadie Black. Also involved in this reggae campaign are groups such as, Reggae Union, Shain Foundation and several other local reggae artists. Disclosing the rationale for this Reggae No Violence initiative, Reggae buster, Ibrahim Jalloh a.k.a. Selassie of the Lion Kings group told Awareness Times that as reggae artists their target is the youth population, pointing out that during their campaign, which he disclosed will start on Friday, 3rd August 2007, they will be organizing a reggae music train, that will be visiting ghettos and other hanging spots of youths to give them the message of peace and to sensitize them on the need to ensure a no violent election in the country through reggae music. According to Bai Samu a.k.a. "Latimus" also of the Lion King group, their coalition has been engaged in no violence sensitization for some time now, disclosing that they have held series of musical concerts in night clubs and popular rendezvous around the city, with the message of peace and tolerance to the youths. Latimus disclosed further that they intend to use football also to send the similar messages to youth fans. He said they will be bringing together youths from the various political parties in a football gala as a way of ensuring peace and harmony among the youths. "We believe that by these activities, come August 11, our youth counterparts would have been adequately sensitized on the need for a no violent campaign during and after the August 11 elections," Latimus assured. Article courtesy of Awareness Times Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
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NWWRF THIS WEEKEND IN OREGON
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The Northwest World Reggae Festival 2007 is this weekend August 10, 11, 12. Gates open at 10 AM Friday. Only one more day until roots comes to the Mohawk Valley. Thanks to all of you who have bought tickets.. Tickets will be available at the gate starting at 10 AM Friday August 10th. Check the hotline 503-288-1310 for up to date ticket info.
Tickets are $110 for Three Days with camping $85 for Saturday/Sunday with camping. $35 for Sunday. Check the website www.nwworldreggae.com for all of the details. The camp site is going to be great. Its like a small Horning's/OCF with great shade and lots of water. See the site for new maps and photos. Remember NO DOGS, No Weapons, No open flames and No charcoal BBQ's.
For Directions go to http://nwworldreggae.com/maps-and-direction/ Also check out our list of vendors!! Remember we strive to be as green as possible. Pack In - Pack Out We have a real, new recycling center this year. These folks from Eugene know how to make it work, We are glad to have them with us this year. They love gifts!!! HOT SHOWERS will be available this year! $ 5.00 for a weekend pass or $ 2.00 per shower. BIG UP to the MASSIVE SEE YOU ALL THERE
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Diaspora: A Benefit for Integrative Clinics International
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Healing The World Through Music and Medicine
SATURDAY AUGUST 11
Live and direct, from St. Thomas, Jamaica: BUSHMAN backed by Detour Band
DJs Jeremy Sole's Musaics, Lady Sha, and Ambassador Jr. of the Livity Outernational Sound
Los Angeles Artshare
326 S. Hewitt Street Los Angeles
Doors: 8pm - $15 donation
myspace.com/integrativeclinicsint
www.bushman-music.com
About Integrative Clinics International:
Integrative Clinics International (ICI) is a registered non-profit organization 501(c)(3), dedicated to improving the healthcare of under-served communities worldwide. Using the full spectrum of medical knowledge available we are committed to providing healthcare services for communities by supporting the establishment and operation of long term, affordable clinics with strong community outreach.
ICI is involved in developing its own clinical projects, but also partners with established clinics to provide care. The first partnership project is the Falmouth Medical Clinic in Falmouth, Jamaica. This clinic was founded by an American doctor in coordination with the Methodist church in Falmouth to provide low cost medical treatment to the surrounding communities. The last figures have put the locally served community at approximately 14,000 patients.
The Falmouth Clinic, which has now been in operation for close to 20 years, is staffed by weeklong groups of health care practitioners who rotate through the clinic approximately once to twice a month . Each team is responsible for bringing its own supplies and medicines for its time in the clinic. Healthcare at this particular clinic is provided at low cost and medicines are given to the patients free of charge.
Our team has been traveling to this location for five years, each year seeing 400-500 patients of all ages. The illnesses seen most often in the clinic include, but are not limited, to Diabetes, Hypertension, Arthritis, Skin Conditions, Asthma, Allergies, Respiratory infections and lump removals.
ICI focuses its energy on bringing a team of providers from a variety of disciplines so that our teams often included doctors, nurses, dentists, acupuncturists, dietitians and osteopaths. There is an effort to reach more of the community with visits to the local orphanage, girls’ shelter, and nursing home. This is in addition to the rural health fair in Nine Miles and home visits which have become part of the community outreach as well.
As more and more teams become involved in this project the possibilities for preventative and public health measures become an increasingly more important and more possible part of this project. Future projects are currently being planned for Egypt and Ghana. In each location there will be cooperation with and support of local health care providers to allow continuity of care. Clinic sites are under consideration in Ethiopia and Mali.
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Reggae On The Rocks at Red Rocks in Colorado
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THIS SUNDAY! Jamaica My Weekend! TWINKLE BROTHERS!
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Time to enjoy sweet roots reggae outside on the lawn in Fresno, California! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, the family and come meet your friends for arts and crafts, food, drink and LIVE reggae music!
Come enjoy our 10th Annual JAMAICA MY WEEKEND!
August 12, Sunday, 5pm to 10pm, Fresno, California
From England, the legendary
TWINKLE BROTHERS
plus roots dawta
DELLA GRANT
Emcee Lady Irie
Homegrown latin ska from
LOS HOOLIGANS
plus DJ DOG PLASMA AND DJ DAVID spin in between!
*Come to the lawn at St. Therese Church,
Floradora & Maroa streets in Fresno
*All Ages !!!
*Crafts (more than any year past!) & Food Vendors.
*Our wild "Over 21 Garden"
*Artist CDs and stuff, freebies and reggae literature at our Reggae Booth.
www.towerdistrict.org
Business, Tickets, Press or Vendors; 559 497 8362
BUY TICKETS NOW
IN THE TOWER DISTRICT for $15.
or Day of Show/at the gate: $20.
Children under 9 free.
... and remember, these monies benefit our Tower District
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Read Across Jamaica Foundation Launches Book Drive
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Read Across Jamaica Foundation, a non-profit organization in Maryland is reaching out to the community asking for your help with our book drive. The Read Across Jamaica Literacy Project provides children in rural Jamaica with books that encourage, motivate and challenges them to dream.
From August 1 - Sept 8, 2007, visit our Wish List of Books and donate a book to the cause of literacy. Books will be shipped to Jamaica as a gift to the children and their school libraries as they recognize "International Literacy Day - Sept 8th".
Help make a difference by donating a new book today or contact us for your donation of gently used books.
Regards,
Ja'nice Wisdom
Read Across Jamaica Foundation, Inc. www.readacrossja.com
You can see Read Across Jamaica Foundation, Inc.'s entire Wish List at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/2H9WIDVUCTTRO
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Mark Wonder Performs Dates in Support of New Release
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Kingston city's secret weapon, Mark Wonder has put together a brilliant set of songs for his latest release entitled: VICTORY The Mystery Unfolds due out on the Jah Light Music label August 24th. He is performing a series of dates in the coming month in support of the release. On the heels of his powerful performance at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in June, Mark Wonder has been giving numerous interviews to radio DJ's during what is is first visit to the United States.
Chuck Foster, columnist from The Beat magazine and host of Reggae Central at Los Angeles station KPFK 90.7 FM had this to say about Mark Wonder's Victory The Mystery Unfolds: "A passionate singer and dedicated songwriter, Mark (Wonder) offers roots music with a modern edge and is looking to build the movements even stronger and spread the vibes and teh music worldwide on a more cultural and stronger vibration.... On this solid outing Wonder unfolds the mystery and declares victory at last, with solid backing, tight production and old-fashioned talent and drive, Mark Wonder helps bring nurturing sustenance to a needy world."
Upcoming shows include Saturday, August 11th at the Northwest World Reggae Festival, Saturday August 17th at Club 6 in San Francisco and Sunday August 18th at Mozambique in Laguna Beach, California.
Mark Wonder will head east to headline the Krucial Reggae Promotions Fall Fest at Bill's Bar in Boston on Sunday, September 2nd.
With so many songs and sessions in his history, who is this mysterious Mark Wonder?
This following is a piece that ran in the Jamaica Observer newspaper on the heels of his recent album BREAK THE ICE.
Since Wonder's first album Signs Of The Time was released in 1996 by Dutch label Zola & Zola, he has been heralded as one of the new crop of singers likely to fill the vacuum left by the sudden departure of Garnett Silk. But, even with two more albums under his belt, he is yet to win the acclaim his early career promised.
Now Wonder thinks that he has found the right formula with his fourth."This album reflects what I've learned since then and the lyrics come from those experiences," he says. "For example, I remember one afternoon prior to a summer tour of Europe, we were just jamming, the whole vibes for the song Kingston City came to me: Dutty tough a yard, some travel gone abroad, y'kno."
He says that his numerous visits to Europe, especially Switzerland and Holland, have opened up his mind to things he never knew before. "I found a lot of people there who are opposed to the system, just like we are opposed to the system. In Rome, I met people who just love when Rasta criticise the Pope," he explained.
Wonder says that for years roots reggae has been the favourite of the rebel types in Europe, or people who, he says, "share the same opinions as us". However, he admitted that with the advent of Shaggy and Sean Paul, the reggae net has been widened as there is now a large dancehall following. "Roots music is still dominant, but dancehall is making headway," he said. He says that Switzerland has become like a second home since he first travelled there in 1999, courtesy of Michael Burkhalter's Trinity Records.
Wonder, who originates from Kingston, but grew up in Albion, Manchester, started recording in the late 1980s. He had originally planned to become a jockey, but the jockey school intervened. He was unable to procure a school-leaving certificate, after dropping out of school, in order to get entry to the jockey school, so he decided to stick to music.
His career took off after he was introduced to producer Milton Moore (Soundproof), in the early 1990s, by dub poet DYCR. His first album, Signs Of The Times (Zola & Zola), was released in 1996. This was followed by a live album recorded in Switzerland, courtesy of Trinity Records in 2001. Then came Jeremiah for local label Soundproof, in 1999. Although those albums established him somewhat in the market, Wonder thinks that it is this new album that will actually break the ice for and make him a household name wherever roots reggae is enjoyed. The title track speaks to the issue of the problems facing Jamaican ghetto youths. "It is a message song I wrote with Albert Dias which asks the question: 'Heads of government, what you gonna do?' The livity no right, how dem dealing with poor people situation, especially the youths," he confirmed. One track, So Much War, was produced by Holland's Overdose Productions, but most of the tracks were done by Soundproof's Milton Moore.
In addition to the album, Wonder has recorded a number of singles which he expects to do well this year, including Spiritual Warriors, featuring Gentleman from Germany.
The above article and more including live footage of this compelling singer can be found at Mark Wonder's website: www.markwonder.com and to listen to tracks visit myspace.com/markwonder
The new release VictoryThe Mystery Unfolds will be available at Ernie B's Reggae and Amazon.com or wherever fine reggae music is sold.
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ON TOUR: Horace Andy with Sly & Robbie
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Horace Andy did not appear with Sly & Robbie as advertised at several locations including last weekend's Reggae Rising festival in Humboldt County, California and several dates in Colorado.
Horace Andy will fly from Kingston tomorrow, August 10th. There was a delay in his visa processing due to the Independence Day schedule at the embassy in Jamaica.
His first appearance will be at the Belly Up in San Diego on Saturday, August 11th and the following dates will also be honored. Horace Andy appears along with Cherine Anderson.
Sunday August 12, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, California (with Burning Spear and The Wailing Souls)
Tuesday August 14, Slim's, San Francisco, California
Wednesday August 15, Neumos, Seattle, Washington
Thursday August 16, Legends, Victoria, British Columbia
Friday August 17, Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, British Columbia
Saturday August 18, Cumberland Music Festival, Cumberland, British Columbia
Sunday August 19, Quincy's, Calgary, Alberta
Tuesday August 21, The Phoenix, Toronto, Ontario
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Prophet Garvey's Earthday!
Marcus Garvey born August 17, 1887
Beenie Man (born Moses Davis) August 22, 1973
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Reggae Festival Calendar!
CLICK ON THE FESTIVAL TITLE TO GO TO WEBSITE
PROMOTERS: GO TO http://www.reggaefestivalguide.com AND POST YOUR EVENT FOR 2007!
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Uppsala Reggae Festival
Thursday-Sunday, August 9-11, 2007
Uppsala, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lakesplash
Friday-Saturday, August 10-12, 2007
Twann, Bern, Switzerland
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Vermont International Reggae Music Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2007
Hotline: 413-367-0218
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Northwest World Reggae Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2007
Hotline: 503-288-1310
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16th Annual Midwest Reggae Fest
Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2007
Nelson, Ohio
Hotline: 216-241-3460
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13th Reggae Jam-Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2007
Bersenbruck, Germany
Hotline: +49(0)54 39 -90 21 21
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Reggae Sundance
Friday-Sunday, August 10-12, 2007
Eersel (Eindhoven), Netherlands
Hotline: 32-(0)40-2908564
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The SEEN Festival 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Berkeley, California
Hotline: 510-938-2463
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Night In The Caribbean
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Portage, Michigan
Hotline: 269-271-5219
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Loudoun Summer Music Fest
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Ashburn, Virginia
Hotline: 703-726-8867
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Calgary International Reggae Festival
Saturday-Saturday, August 11-18, 2007
Hotline: 403-355-5696
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Rootsbana
Saturday-Saturday, August 11-25, 2007
Toronto, Ontario
Hotline: 416-745-8514
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Jamaica My Weekend
Fresno, California
Hotline: 559-497-8362
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The weekly E-Guide is a wonderful resource for those who live, love and enjoy reggae and its vibrant culture. It encompasses the music, energy and spirituality that define this unique and diverse community worldwide. You can expect CD releases and industry news, band tours, inspirational pieces, reggae trivia and of course, upcoming reggae festivals.
The Reggae Festival Guide Magazine is an annual publication which comes out in May. RBA Publishing (also home of sister publication Blues Festival Guide) prints 100,000 copies of the magazine which spotlights festivals throughout the year, feature stories on festivals around the world, radio DJ listings and stories with messages of upliftment.
For years, the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on May 2, 2004, the webmaster of ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, Kristine Cummins partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing), and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.
The readership is now over 10,000 reggae fans and counting. Each week, The Reggae Festival E-Guide reaches members of the Reggae community around the world.
The E-Guide is currently edited by Reggae Festival Guide's Marketing Director, Justine Ketola. Click here to email Justine.
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