Tuesday 30 June 2009

It's best to get these things sorted out early


Dundee Hosts the Cabinet



History was made yesterday when the Scottish cabinet met for the first time in Dundee.

First Minister Alex Salmond and education secretary Fiona Hyslop were at Dundee College to announce a £3 million package to support 100 new life sciences modern apprenticeships.

Finance secretary John Swinney visited Alliance Trust and later, with Mike Russell, saw Dundee's thriving computer games success at first hand on a visit to Realtime Worlds.

Kenny MacAskill met staff at Castle Huntly open prison and agricultural secretary Richard Lochhead was at a deer centre near Auchtermuchty. This was followed by last night's Homecoming event at the DCA.

Today deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon hosted a National Conversation event at Abertay University, during which members of the public had a chance to grill the ministers.

I hope a good time was had by all.

Secret Justice



Britain now has 85 sharia courts at least. The tribunals, working mainly from mosques, settle financial and family disputes according to religious principles. They lay down judgements which can be given full legal status if approved in national law courts.

Those who comment on the influence of sharia law often count only the five courts in London, Manchester, Bradford Birmingham and Nuneaton that are run by the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal, a body whose rulings are enforced through the state courts under the 1996 Arbitration Act, but the study by academic and Islamic specialist Denis MacEoin estimates there are at least 85 working tribunals. Mr MacEoin said, "among the rulings we find some that advise illegal actions and others that transgress human rights standards as applied by British courts."

The fact that so many sharia rulings in Britain relate to cases concerning divorce and custody of children is of particular concern, as women are not equal in sharia law and sharia contains no specific commitment to the best interests of the child that is fundamental to family law in the UK.

Under sharia, a male child belongs to the father after the age of seven, regardless of circumstances. A 2004 judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg said it was 'difficult to declare one's respect for democracy and human rights while at the same time supporting a regime based on sharia, which clearly diverges from Convention values.'

Justice must treat every individual equally and sharia does not do this. Women are treated as inferior to men. To think that we allow this type of 'justice' to be meted out here in UK is beyond belief. When are we going to waken up and smell the coffee?

Monday 29 June 2009

Gordon Brown is Considering Ditching Nuclear Weapons



Gordon Brown is considering ditching the new Trident nuclear deterrent to save money according to the Scottish edition of the Daily Mail. As ministers search for cuts in public services to plug soaring debts, the £20 billion replacements for the current nuclear arsenal could be scaled back, or the existing warheads made to last much longer.

The plans, which are being discussed by Cabinet ministers, emerged as the chancellor was accused of a cynical manoevre to hoodwink the public about how much money Labour will have to slash from front line services.

Ed Balls admitted yesterday that tough choices would be necessary and said, "I think if we are deft and we can get the economy right we can keep investing in schools, hospitals and our police at the front line." But in private ministers acknowledge that severe cuts will be necessary. 'Big Ticket' defence projects will be first in line.

Now MoD officials are actively considering a cheaper nuclear arsenal, which could see the UK reliant on missiles based in Britain or arming aircraft with nuclear bombs instead. Another proposal would see the lifespan of the current missiles extended to 2060.

An MoD source said, "All spending will be reviewed next year and that includes Trident." May I remind them to include safe equipment for the military. It is a disgrace that soldiers are being put at serious risk while politicians play games about who can lie the most.

Ah! So another urgent matter is to be delayed until after the general election. Of course it is part of the Comprehensive Spending Review which Alistair Darling kicked into the long grass last week. This Westminster government has no shame.

BBC's Glastonbury Extravaganza



The BBC has come under fire for sending 415 people to cover this weekend's Glastonbury Festival. The number, which included many senior executives such as the deputy director general and the chairman of the BBC Trust, is just 22 fewer than the corporation flew to film last year's Beijing Olympics.

The cost to the BBC of covering the event, excluding any fee paid to the organisers, is estimated to be £1.5 million.

The BBC confirmed that it had sent 27 television and radio presenters fronted by Roadio 1's Jo Whiley and Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe. They were supported by 68 strong editorial team and 160 technicians. A further 18 staff were sent to work on interactive content and employed 130 contractors to provide technical support and security. There were so many on the corporation's payroll that it had to block book hotels within a 10 mile radius of the event.

BBC chiefs attending the festival included Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the Trust: Mark Byford, the depute DG: Tim Davie, the director of audio and music: Andy Parfitt, the controller of Radio 1 and popular music: Bob Shennan the controller of Radio 2 and 6 music and Alan Yentob, the BBC's creative director. Mr Yentob once hosted a Glastonbury festival reception at his nearby country home, paid for by the licence fee.

Sir Michael, Mr Byford and Mr Yentob were all given free passes to attend the festival in a 'work capacity'.

Tory MP, Philip Davies, a member of the Commons Culture Committee said, "It's yet another example of how the BBC is bloated."

TV audiences for the festival on BBC2, BBC3 and BBC4 reach a fraction of the number achieved by Wimbledon. There were 111 hours of festival coverage across BBC TV channel. That compares with 3,050 hours coverage for Beijing. On radio there were more than 60 hours on 6 Music, Radio 1 and 3 Live.

If I remember rightly only last week the head of the BBC, Mark Thompson, said the corporation gave value for money. He should be the first head to roll.

Source: Scottish Daily Express


Grey is Good for You


I don't know if men or women get more anxious about grey hair but, if the latest science is to be believed, we all should welcome it. Hair goes grey when the number of stem cells in hair follicles declines. Now a scientist of Toyko Medical and Dental University in Japan and colleagues have found what causes this decline in mice.

When the researchers exposed mice to radiation and chemicals that harm DNA, damaged stem cells transformed permanently into melanocytes which produce the pigments that colour hair and their numbers are kept topped up by stem cells. This ultimately led to fewer melanocytes, as it meant there were fewer stem cells capable of topping up the melanocyte pool. The mice also went grey.

David Fisher, a cancer researcher at Harvard Medical School, suggests such processes may hep protect us from cancer, by discouraging the proliferation of stem cells with damaged DNA, which could pass on mutations. "One likely beneficial effect is the removal of potentially dangerous cells that may contain pre-cancerous capabilities," he says.

So don't think grey hair is all bad news. Yes it shows we're all getting older but it could be very good for you.

Sunday 28 June 2009

Britainnia Shrivels under Gordon Brown



Tucked away in the comments section of the Sunday Times is the above headline written by Martin Ivens, a serious tory I would think. Nevertheless his article does have a few points worth noting.

Apart from the Iranians, our other friends and enemies believe Britain is, at best, marking time while Gordon Brown concentrates all his resources on survival. At worst, they believe the country no longer counts. The problem is the prime minister can't articulate a vision of our place in the world. Perhaps he doesn't have one.

He continues by stating 'In America they fear we are coming "Europeanised": Britain shows less appetite for fighting wars than peacekeeping. The low point of our military reputation has unfortunately occurred on Brown's watch.'

Why unfortunately? It's Brown's competence that causes problems for military operations. He doesn't understand foreign policy and prefers the safety in numbers of the G20 summit where he can pose on the world stage.

Martin Ivens believes David Milliband is a competent minister. I disagree. He has no stature and seriously lacks conviction when expressing his 'sympathies'.

Mr Ivens also believes Mr Cameron will provide a trumpet blast as they are the traditional party of a forward foreign policy and robust defence spending.

I shall withhold judgement at present.

Japanese Water Powered Car



With thanks to Henry North London. Henry asks 'Why haven't we been told about this?' May I suggest it's because there are no massive taxes involved.


The Real David Cameron Speaks to Scots



BBC One Scotland are to broadcast 'The Search for Scotland's Soul' tonight at 10.20pm to mark the tenth anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

By accounts in today's papers it appears David Cameron is warning Alex Salmond not to interfere in Westminster plans for Britain's Scottish-based nuclear deterrent should he become Prime Minister. He points out that defence is a matter for the UK Government, not Holyrood.

Not exactly a comment which will gain friends and influence people for Mr Cameron and I doubt it will gain many votes in Scotland.

Alex Salmond intends to use environmental powers available to Holyrood to prevent the regular shipment of Trident warheads and components by road north of the border. He said it was "perfectly legitimate for the parliament to try to exert these powers to influence what happens in Scotland".

This could be a interesting programme tonight. After all the friendly talk about how he wants to work closer with the Scottish government, we may now see the real David Cameron. Little difference from those presently in government in Westminster by the sound of it.

Saturday 27 June 2009

Ebay - New Item


Click to enlarge

Do read the description.

My thanks to Faux Cul

Subrosa's Super Seven blogs



Daily Kos - Ban the burqa, not exactly


EU Referendum - a lack of focus


Joyce McMillan online - Calman report looks out of time in a post-unionist age


Our Scotland - A Scottish forum


Prodicus - Speaker Berk


Scots Voices - An Introduction


The Adam Smith Institute - promotes a publication about the recession by Dr David Simpson. The publication is a PDF and a worthwhile read



Fish Suppers to:


Harry's Place - Berks and Burqas


Should your MP Go - Cleaning up Westminster - interactive map (not really a blog but worth a click)


Tory Totty - It's official - immigration rises by 500% under labour


Armed Forces Day 27 June 2009



Today is the first Armed Forces Day and is an opportunity for all to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

No senior royals will attend any of the main ceremonies marking what used to be known as Veterans Day. Claims that the Queen and Prince Charles were both invited to Saturday's event at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham Kent, were denied by both royal sources and the MoD. The Queen will be in Edinburgh where she will present campaign medals to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The Prince of Wales will spend the weekend at Highgrove.

Various events are planned around the UK today and you can find those in your area here.

The Last of the Few has also posted about this event and I entirely agree with his sentiments.

Friday 26 June 2009

Tweet Extra


Tweet Extra

andy_murrayEating in tonight and trying to watch the big bro eviction. Really trying. See you all tomorrow.

Scotland's 'Soft Touch' Prisons

A prisoner enjoys his yoga lesson

We've been hearing quite a bit about Scotland's prisons recently and in particular the 'open estate'.

What we haven't heard so much about is the list of entertainment offered to prisoners, in addition to television, play stations and the rest. Yes I do mean entertainment because many of the courses and therapies offered free of charge to prisoners would be enjoyable for me too if I could afford them. Yoga, hand massage, head and neck massage, website design and pottery are some of the courses on offer. I'm jealous.

The classes, run by private practitioners, NHS staff, college lecturers and prison staff, are among more than 100 health, sporting and educational programmes offered by the Scottish Prison Service. None of the classes leads to a recognised qualification but are aimed at improving prisoners' wellbeing and preparing them for release. Prisoners serving sentences in open prisons are also offered hill walking and cycling.

Critics say the prison classes are symptomatic of a 'soft touch' justice system and should be reviewed. I entirely agree and I'm sure every victim of a criminal does too.

Seems like good old-fashioned work is out of the question for those who commit crimes. Isn't it time we installed the likes of Joe Arpaio? His re-offending rate is the lowest in the US.

Isn't this an ideal opportunity for the SNP to stop this soft touch system and introduce something similar to Joe Arpaio? No wonder the re-offending level is at around 85% in our criminal community when they're given all this, courtesy your and mine hard earned money. Yes I know the US doesn't come under the legislation of our Human Rights Act but what does this say about it? It was introduced, with great aplomb, to say it would make life fairer for victims.

Please, we really need to look very closely at what is happening in our country with regard to this legislation. We can't continue to ignore the damage this Act does to these victims and promoting the advantages shown to the criminals is showing how far the morals of our society have fallen.

A New King of the Castle



A Scottish Army Officer has been presented with the honour of being installed as the newest Governor of Edinburgh Castle in a ceremony which took place on 19 June.

Major General Andrew Mackay, who was promoted to the post of GOC of the Army's 2nd Division (comprising Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland), was installed as the Governor of Scotland's most iconic landmark by the Lord Lyon, Kind of Arms, which means that the Major General will be a member of Her Majesty the Queen's household in Scotland.

I wish MG Mackay well in his post.

Scotland being named part of the army's 2nd division still riles me. I have yet to hear of any benefit this has brought to the organisation of the army. Another wee story about the gradual stealth of Scottish regimental identities is here.

FMQs 25 June 2009



Owing to other commitments I've just watched yesterday's FMQs. Because it was the last one of this parliamentary session, I expected an 'end of term' atmosphere but was disappointed.

Iain Gray opened the proceedings in his usual pedestrian style and this set the tone of the event - bordering on boring. In characteristic monotone his three questions related to child protection services. The First Minister's responses included a request that the parliament wait for the result of the independent inquiry which is presently being undertaken by Peter Wilson, ex Chief Constable of Fife, before any changes are made to the present system which was agreed by the parliament in 2005 and implemented by the present government.

He also mentioned Scotland had the most systematic and strenuous system of inspection with 5 councils being reported as bad, 26 satisfactory or better and 5 very good indeed. The 5 councils were Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, West Lothian and Perth and Kinross. The follow up report for Aberdeen had shown a great improvement after a poor report some six months ago so the system was working. Scotland has a record number of social workers and also a record number in child protection plus the lowest number of vacancies for 6 years.

Ms Goldie criticised the broken promises of this government but Mr Salmond produced his own list of achievements and reminded Ms Goldie that there had been an election in Scotland just two weeks ago when the SNP came first. He believed this proved the people of Scotland were reasonably satisfied with the performance of the SNP government.

Tavish Scott picked the subject of the new national police board and he wanted assurance that it was not a slippery slope to a one nation police force. Don't be daft replied the FM (or words to that effect), this new board was necessary because certain areas of policing require co-ordination across the country. For Mr Scott's information the definition of internecine is here.

Thursday 25 June 2009

A Kingdom is run by a King, an Empire by an Emperor so are we living in a Queendom or a Country?



A Guest Post by Faux Cul

Just who is running this Country?

Brown’s ratings at the polls are so low that only the longterm unemployed and sickness benefit claimants and the seriously intellectually challenged are srill indicating they would vote for him.

He is despised openly and derided privately by other national leaders.

Standby for an initiative, sorry dynamic action!

First Brown brings Mandelson back from Bruxelles.

Then he gives him a peerage title of over 25 letters.

Trust in the integrity of The House of Commons and our very democracy is going down the U bend

Then when he is so down the grubber after the English local and UK Euro Elections, his cabinet is disintegrating around him he calls Mandelson on The Batphone

He put this unelected unaccountable shape-shifter in charge of half the bliddy Government.

Brown declares an new era of transparent Government

He announces a long awaited Iraq enquiry but, says it will be held in private!

Just who is at the helm of SS UK?

Click on this and maybe somethings will become clearer?

http://tinyurl.com/n8fu2o

We are all doomed ah tell ye, doomed!

Labour advert - David Cameron wants to cut public services



My thanks to Lobbydog who asks if this doesn't feel a little amateurish. Yes it does but it is essential to ensure equality and include each party's view. Wonder how the Libdems will respond.

ODD Facts



I learn something every day, though some days I wish I didn't and today is one of them.

Twelve year old Sonny Grainger (above with his mother) has been described as a 'one-boy wave of terror' by police and told he will be locked up if he continues with his criminal behaviour.

His mother insists that he needs medical help rather than prison because he suffers from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which causes him to be hostile to authority figures.

Sonny, from Hull, has stolen cars, started fires, assaulted neighbours with bottles, eggs, stones and sticks and even smashed the windows in his own home after being told off for bad behaviour. He tends to sleep for only two hours a night and has tablets to sedate him in the evening.

The neighbourhood beat officer said, "The boy does know the difference between right and wrong and this asbo is a last-ditch attempt to change his behaviour."

His mother said, "I am not saying I have not received help - I just don't think I have received the right help. I will not give up on him. I love him."

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a recognised psychiatric condition said to affect between one and 16% of school age children. They are consistently surly, with a pattern of unco-operative, defiant and hostile behaviour towards authority figures.

Perhaps it is the generation gap, but if this lad had been around in the 50s when I was his age, he would have been sorted out by one or all of the three policemen who lived within a close or two. No doubt about it.

Tweet of the Week


Tweet of the Week

andy_murraygot a nice letter from the queen saying well done for winning queen's. Put it in its own pile away from the bills. see you tomorrow.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Tory Advert - Don't let Brown take you for a fool


Conservative advert but much better than usual from them. Wonder if they have a new PR person.

Thanks to Tory Politico

What a Nippy Sweetie



Thanks to Iain Dale, who nails the characteristics a Speaker should have and those which Mr Bercow seems to lack.

Hopefully Mr Speaker will view this video and realise he must provide a more friendly public persona.

Note: I believe he flipped homes in the past but of course he's not going to do it again. His salary has increased to a figure many people can only dream of and he now has one of the most desirable grace and favour homes in London.

For those readers who don't know the meaning of 'nippy sweetie', in Scotland it is an irritable sharp-tongued person. The term is an extended use of the original meaning which was a sweetie which had a relatively sharp or tart flavour.

Disappointment for Scottish Reporters


Rather a non-story from Angus Macleod in the Times today. 'John Swinney and Jim Murphy: reporters had arrived hoping for a bust-up'.

Jim Murphy met the Scottish Cabinet yesterday as we all know. Of course the Scottish government had planned for it to go smoothly - no surprises there either.

But there's still bitterness in Mr Macleod's unionist mind. "After the meeting, the deadpan Mr Murphy emerged alongside the more jovial John Swinney, the Nationalist Finance Secretary ...". Oh dear Angus, where is your sense of equality? Mr Murphy wasn't described as the Labour Mr Murphy but the Secretary of State for Scotland in Her Majesty's Government. John Swinney is the Scottish government's Finance Secretary not the Nationalist Finance Secretary, do try to get it right next time, please.

And another thing Angus, surely you know John Swinney is a most amiable person who is used to dealing with acerbic personalities such as Jim Murphy. Your statement '...said Mr Murphy, whose charm offensive on the Nationalists appears to be limitless...' gave me the best laugh I've had all week!

For My English Friends

England, my England

Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend
Your days are numbered, being brought to an end
To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine
But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.

The French and the Germans may call themselves such
So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch
You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane
But don't say you're English ever again.

At Broadcasting House the word is taboo
In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too
Even schools are affected. Staff do as they're told
They must not teach children about England of old.

Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils don't learn about them any more
How about Agincourt, Hastings , Arnhem or Mons ?
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.

We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away, over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted - Shout it out loud!

Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack
Let the world know - WE WANT OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!

Sent to me by a very dear English friend.

Dundee's Shame



It's with embarrassment and some irritation that I read of the major deficiencies within Dundee's child protection services. How can a council allow a department to get into such a state where HMIE found 9 of the 19 quality indicators were either weak or unsatisfactory during an inspection? This is the council department which insisted, during the baby Brandon inquiry, that their handling of the case was proficient.

The answer is incompetent management combined with lack of independent supervision.

Alan Baird, Dundee's director of social work and recently appointed chairman of the committee overseeing child protection in the city says he can take the service forward yet his leadership was called weak in the report issued yesterday. Nevertheless, council administration leader Ken Guild pledged support for Mr Baird and said there were no plans to seek resignations from members of the social work department. "Alan is the right man to address the issues and responsibilities highlighted by the report and we are already working to improve the areas indicated in the report." Oh really!

This smacks of the days when labour ran Dundee. People in positions of power but lacking abilities. Protect the man at all costs syndrome.

One councillor, with 46 years experience, said the report left him wondering if the council's entire structure was at fault. He may well be right. "We held briefings and received assurances that things were being well managed." Not a good enough excuse Mr Borthwick. What head of department would admit to being useless at their job? Councillors should be making their own investigations and not solely relying upon council staff's reports.

I do hope the new SNP administration act swiftly to ensure this department is overhauled from top to bottom and the right people are doing the work. Here's their chance to prove they can make changes for the better and give the children of Dundee the quality of protection they deserve.

Tuesday 23 June 2009

Scotland's £25m Bill for Councillors



Scotland's taxpayers are footing a £25m bill for councillors. That's the combined amount claimed in salaries and expenses by the 1222 elected members across the country's 32 local authority areas. It's a 40% rise on the cost eight years ago and this figure doesn't include the benefits councillors accrue from their publicly subsidised pensions.

The revelations come just months after a hard-hitting report by Scotland's public spending watchdog criticised local authorities for failing to drive down costs and provide value for money.

Under local government allowances rules, which were radically overhauled in May 2007, councillors receive a basic salary of between £15,838 and £47,516, depending on seniority and council size. They are also entitled to claim for subsistence, phone calls and travel expenses, including a 40p per mile rate for using their own car on council business.

It must be said that several councillors across Scotland submitted no claim for expenses.

Without doing into detail I used to know of one councillor who certainly didn't earn their pay. They were in a full-time public service job but had time off from their publicly funded work for which they received the appropriate payment. The constant whine about the extraordinary 80 hour week they said they worked bored me silly because it was obvious, if they were working these hours between two responsible jobs, then neither job was receiving quality attention over the long term. That is the main reason I think nowadays councillors should be full-time and not in any other employment. You may prove me wrong if you wish. I should like to think that most councillors are full-time and ought to declare to their electorate if that isn't the case.

May I also say I know some excellent councillors who do great work and are completely dedicated to their communities but they know that stating they work 80 hours a week would not impress anyone, at least only a few.

These days in Scotland the job of councillor has become important. In an independent Scotland they will be vital. We need the best and councillors ought to have to go through the hoops MSPs do. I say that because I know my own councillor but I've never had any contact with her and she's never made any attempt to make contact with me. Not even a cheap flyer. Easy money?

May I also say I know some excellent councillors who do great work and are completely dedicated to their communities.

The source of this article was in the Sunday Post of 14 June but the link no longer appears to work. It seems DC Thomson does not have an online archive.

New Mass Suicide Cult - Guest Post by Faux Cul





In the late 20th Century there were a number of suicide cults, one of which, Heaven's Gate (aka Hale Bop Comet Cult), committed mass suicide in San Diego dressed identically and sporting bizarre haircuts.

This mutant sect was founded by two people, Marshall Applewhite and his "nurse" Bonnie Nettles.

They drew on The Book of Revelations, particularly 11:13 and they claimed to be the two “witnesses” so described.

Their philosophical, theological foundation was that of Christianity and they mixed this with ideas of travel to other dimensions and worlds, along with advancement by evolution.

As the group grew they eschewed their given names and added "ody" so, Subrosa became Subrosa-ody and Mxyzptik became Mxyzptil-ody. The latter I think, works wonderfully.

They were heavily involved in the IT industry and amongst their adherents were people who were able to use the medium to generate income and diffuse propaganda.

A characteristic of their culture was an obsessive attention to documenting in detail all that surrounded their immediate physical presence; labelling each and every thing they touched with their daily lives with details of what it was, what it contained and what it did. Their lives were devoted to following formulated and detailed pathways in all their deeds with a messianic bureaucratic verification process. So paranoid were they that their daily lives were monitored by numberous listening devices and any conversation by telephone was monitored by another member.

Eventually they imploded, not in a Fred Hoyle Big Bang way, but it a controlled choreographed, slow motion way.

They suicided together, after adopting similar clothing and footwear, during the passage of the Hale Bob comet, which they took to be the herald for personal recycling.

My question: is the Labour Party a mass suicide cult?

The evidence is in front of our eyes and I leave it to the readers to post their observations.

I leave you some thoughts -

Tony Blair is really Anthony Charles Lynton Blair

Cherie Blair is really Theresa Cara Blair

Gordon Brown is really James Gordon Brown

Peter Mandelson is really just Peter Benjamin Mandelson but, is he really a lizard?

I wonder, the way they are carrying on, if the Labour Party is going through the most public and long suicide ever. They, despite every evidence to the contrary, think we are all Sheeple, to be used as a sort of milk-you for their individual and collective benefit. They carry on regardless, thinking we can be lied to, ad nauseum. They just don't get it.

Has anyone checked to see if that Hale Bob comet is making a sneaky wee return?

Can anyone else shed further light on other similarities between the two mass-suicide cults?

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