FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR MARCH/APRIL 2009: "SWEET RELIEF"
Sweet Relief provides assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.
Music's most precious resource -- the artist -- sometimes needs protection.
Established in 1994, Sweet Relief has helped preserve our most profound art by becoming music's most compassionate and generous charity. Chances are, we have touched the life of someone you know.
Sweet Relief provides financial assistance to musicians of all kinds for medical expenses, alternative therapies, prescriptions, and living expenses if the artist is unable to work. Sweet Relief also provides grants for retired or semi-retired older musicians, which helps pay living expenses. For further information or to read eligibility criteria, please see How to Apply.
Sweet Relief was founded by Victoria Williams, and is guided by a board of directors comprised of members of the music industry. It is funded by the music community and a variety of individual donors, as well as through benefit concerts, auctions and albums.
When Victoria was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992, she, like most musicians, had no health insurance to help defray the mounting cost of her illness. Consequently, she faced the possibility of not getting adequate treatment. to maintain her health. Her predicament did not go unnoticed however, and as word of her condition spread, the music community responded with an unprecedented flow of support.
An impressive array of Victoria's friends and fans volunteered their talents and performed at benefit concerts in New York and Los Angeles. The concerts raised over $20,000 and inspired Williams' admirers to assemble the Sweet Relief album, which features fourteen versions of Victoria's compositions.
Encouraged by the overwhelming support of the music community, Williams founded Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, to which a portion of the album's proceeds are donated. The fund was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and its first grants were paid out in late 1994. Since then, we have steadily helped support artists in need.
The second Sweet Relief album (though the first to wholly benefit the Fund), Sweet Relief II: Gravity of the Situation, The Songs of Vic Chesnutt, features performances by Garbage, R.E.M., Nanci Griffith and Hootie & the Blowfish, Soul Asylum, dog's eye view, LIVE, The Smashing Pumpkins and Red, Red, Meat, Sparklehorse, Joe Henry and Madonna, Kristen Hersh, Cracker, Indigo Girls, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Vic Chesnutt and Victoria Williams. For more information about SWEET RELIEF, check out our top friends & add them as a friend and visit their website http://www.sweetrelief.org
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR FEB/MARCH 2009: ROCK AGAINST CHILD PORNOGRAPHY***
WHO are we?!
We are an awareness campaign group, simply put, we are the same as you only we are shouting out to make heard the silenced and silent topic of child pornography. The risk to children both in cyberspace and the real world from the evil of paedophiles and paedophilia in whatever form or context it may arise.
WHAT are we doing?
We are organising concerts, primarily within the Rock genre, to combine live performance with the strong message that any form of child abuse is not acceptable and that we demand changes that favour the victims of such crimes and more resources to be made available in the field of prevention. Through the medium of music, we can reach out to the thousands who want to see reform for our children in the modern world.
HOW? do we do this?
First of all we need a suitable venue, and then we seek sponsorship to cover any costs that may be incurred. We then invite bands to play in support of out cause, and waive all fees. They play beneath our banner, and spread the word to the crowds who turn up and enjoy a great night of live music. We contact all local media and invite them to attend the event, and also promote the event on local radio, thus making sure we reach as many people as possible with our message.
WHY are we doing this?
The concept was created in Germany in 2006 when a group of students became frustrated with continually reading horrific stories of abuse in the media and felt that they needed to do something active. So, these young and brilliant minds, spoke, planned, slept very little and after many hours of work, liaising and pulling teeth they pulled off their first Concert to raise awareness. It was a huge success and further concerts have now been help across Europe by our ever growing family of International Teams and more are in the planning stages! But we want to take this even further, and find likeminded people in all the countries who will set up…For more information go to www.myspace.com/rockagainstchildporno
*In the videoS below, Founder of WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE Singer/Songwriter Denise Vasquez on KCLA 99.3 FM TALKS ABOUT WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE, her PURPOSE, causes she supports & more...WATCH...
"PURPOSE"
WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE
"UNDERSTANDING STUPID CANCER"
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR JAN/FEB 2009: NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS***
The Mission of their MySpace:
1) To serve as a portal to all nonprofit organizations on MySpace.
2) To persuade nonprofit organizations to start a MySpace and teach them how to use it effectively.
3) To build a community of individuals who support nonprofit organizations and their presence on MySpace. They have wonderful information on their site! Go to www.myspace.com/nonprofitorganizations to learn more about this fantastic organization!
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR DECEMBER 2008: PROJECT MAIN STREET***
About Project Main St:
Our Mission
Project Main St. strives to improve the quality of life for individuals afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families by lessening the financial burden associated with this dreadful disease.
Project Main St. at a glance:
- Issues grants directly to ALS patients in need
- Organizes unique Fundraising events that bring friends, families and neighbors together
- Eliminates red tape whenever possible
Works with healthcare professionals to identify those in need
Our Founder, Architect & Inspiration: Tim Sheehy
Project Main St and its mission were conceived entirely by Tim Sheehy during his own courageous battle with ALS. Tim never stopped working on Project Main St. and his desire to help others grew stronger, even as his illness progressed. On April 23, 2007 Tim Sheehy, 38, succumbed to ALS, but not before seeing his vision of a support system for families struggling with this debilitating neurological disease become a reality.
Tim will forever be loved and missed - it is in his honor that Project Main St. continues.
CANCER AND CREATIVITY
i2y COMPILATION BENEFIT CD COMING SOON...2009
FOUNDER OF WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE DENISE VASQUEZ IS ONE OF THE ARTISTS FEATURED ON THIS CD!
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR NOVEMBER 2008: The John Lennon Educational Bus***
The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus is a non-profit 501(c)(3) mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility. Since 1998, the Bus has provided free hands-on programs to hundreds of high schools, colleges, Boys and Girls Clubs, music festivals, concerts, conventions and community organizations. Working together with some of the biggest names in music, the Lennon Bus encourages students to play music, write songs, engineer recording sessions and produce video projects using the latest audio, video, and live sound equipment.
The interior is divided into three separate studio environments that can be opened to create one large studio. The front studio is a cutting-edge audio and video production room. The rear studio offers pro-level recording and mixing at the highest possible resolution, as well as an iso booth for acoustic recordings, and a chromate (green screen) booth. Powered by Apple computers, the studios feature traditional musical instruments and the latest Sony HD products and solutions. Also on-board is a Mackie P.A. system enabling performances on the side of the Bus. For more information, visit their myspace page http://www.myspace.com/johnlennontourbus
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR OCTOBER: DO SOMETHING***
What we're all about
Do Something believes you have the power to make a difference. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. At DoSomething.org we provide the tools and resources for you to convert your ideas and energy into positive action. Be part of a generation of doers.
Five guidelines we live by:
Believe in teenagers. Teenagers can lead today. We don't require adults.
Trust teenagers. We provide reliable, easy to access information and activation strategies, but teens decide for themselves what to do.
Celebrate teenagers. We think all measurable contributions from teens are valuable.
Respect teenagers. We understand that teenagers have diverse abilities and
constraints.
Value teenagers. Our programs and products are free. We're not after teens'
money; we want their passion, time and creativity.
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2008: OUR PLANET***
The science is clear: our climate is changing at an alarming rate and human actions are the cause. the hard truth: you may be part of the problem but here at Our PLanet, you can also be a part of the solution. Find out what YOU can do in your day to day life to make a difference. To find out more, check out our top friend "OUR PLANET"
MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE FEATURES WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE 2/18/08-3/2/08
THANK YOU DAISY ROCK GUITARS FOR SPONSORING FOUNDER DENISE VASQUEZ & WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE EVENTS!
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR AUGUST 2008: CURE DIABETES***
In honor of my family (Diabetes runs in my family), Stephanie Rios & her mom, I decided to FEATURE a site that focuses on Diabetes for the month of August. I was looking for a site on myspace that would share valuable information, and I found Kristen's site "CURE DIABETES" & her dedication to the cause informative & beyond commendable!!! Why did Kristen create this site? Kristen says: "In 2004 my older brother Rob was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 26. Since that day I wanted to learn more and more about diabetes and find out how I could help find a cure for my brother and everyone else diagnosed! I knew myspace was a great site for networking and spreading great information. My page is entirely dedicated to supplying information for people who are newly diagnosed, families of diagnosed and anyone else trying to find a cure. Just by reading through the Cure Diabetes page you can learn a great deal. If I can help one person that comes to my page then all my efforts are worth while. I donate money to both the JDRF (juvenile diabetes research foundation) and the ADA (american diabetes association). The JDRF puts 100% of their money to reasearching for a cure. I also put together a walk team with the JDRF each fall and raise money towards a cure. Both sites offer great ways to get involved and help make a difference. Being a teacher and watching my young students being diagnosed at a rapid rate just breaks my heart. We are so close to finding a cure. And it takes just one person to help make a difference, that is what I am trying to do." For more information, go to "CURE DIABETES" see my top friends.
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR JULY 2008: ROCK THE VOTE***
Rock the Vote’s mission is to engage and build the political power of young people in order to achieve progressive change in our country.
Rock the Vote uses music, popular culture and new technologies to engage and incite young people to register and vote in every election. And we give young people the tools to identify, learn about, and take action on the issues that affect their lives, and leverage their power in the political process.
We are creative, effective, and controlled by nobody’s agenda but our own – we tell it like it is and pride ourselves on being a trusted source for information on politics. We empower the 45 million young people in America who want to step up, claim their voice in the political process, and change the way politics is done.
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR JUNE 2008: i2Y***
"A TIME Magazine Best 50 Website for 2007, the I'm Too Young For This! Cancer
Foundation, i[2]y, is one of the first and largest national advocacy,
research and support organizations exclusively for survivors in their 20s
and 30s. Our mission is to end isolation and improve quality of life for
young adults affected by cancer through education and by using music, the
arts and social media to organize, mobilize and activate young adults to the
cause of "cancer under 40".
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR MAY 2008: VOICES LOVE MUSIC***
"Voices Love Music" is a global cause-related concert tour featuring major music artists coming together with their hearts and uniting as 1VOICE. The inaugural concert is being planned for Spring or Summer ‘09 in Los Angeles, California in support of victims of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and ABUSE.
In collaboration with the Nicole Brown Foundation and Grammy Award-Winning Artist, Jim Warren, the first event to launch the multi-media project will be the “Beautiful Wonder Book, Art Show & Music Benefit” at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA on 08.08.08.
VOICES = living beings that are crying out, whether it be a child, woman, man or even an animal… every voice gets love from music.
LOVE = that intangible, yet tangible feeling of being wanted, needed and desired that is given to voices unconditionally whatever the cause may be via the “universal language” of music.
MUSIC = words and musical notes united together with harmony, rhythm and meaning giving love to voices in need of finding their “beautiful wonder” within when nobody else or nothing else can.
This never-ending, 4ever-changing book, CD and music project will spread awareness and help infinite broken hearts find that beautiful wonder within to escape, survive and heal from abuse.
For more details, to support, sponsor, donate or get tickets to attend, please visit:
www. voiceslovemusic. com
www. nicolebrown. org
www. myspace. com/voiceslovemusic
www. myspace. com/beautifulwonderwithin
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FOR APRIL 2008: Childrens Cancer Community***
Join me in supporting Children diagnosed with Cancer! Visit Children's Cancer Community's website at: www.hopeforcancerkids.org
Children's Cancer Community (formerly Sonoma Children's Cancer Foundation) is an organization dedicated to providing a support network of information, companionship and hope to children and families living with cancer. Our focus is in the North Bay Area with support extending throughout Sonoma, Marin, Napa and Solano Counties. Our work is carried out through support groups, information and resource referrals, and family assistance programs. There is no charge for any service or program for children with cancer and their families.
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION MARCH 2008: Sound Aid***
Sound Aid is fundraising project devoted to help cure world hunger through music. Our Independent Artists from around the world have kindly donated their songs to Sound Aid. You can download all our music for free. 100% of all donations to this site are given to Heifer International, who have been saving lives for 60 years. These donations will allow less fortunate people the means to feed themselves, and build better communities together in countries like Peru, Rwanda, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nepal and many others globally.
Heifer's mission is to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. They do that by working with communities. Heifer provides families with training and a livestock gift which gives them a sustainable source of food and income rather than a short term fix. Families are also provided training in farming and community development. The family then has hope for a sustainable future and they in turn become donors by passing on the gift of the animal's offspring to another family in need.
***FEATURED ORGANIZATION FEBRUARY 2008: Peace Thru Music ***
About Peace Thru Music
MISSION:
Peace Thru Music is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing access to music education, music appreciation, and musical instruments.
WHY WE CARE:
The power of music to touch the soul, inspire the mind, and soothe the body is unparalleled. It is directly linked to academic achievement, and its power to inspire is legendary. Every generation throughout history has found a way to create music and has reconized its great impact.
In many schools and communities throughout the United States, and indeed throughout the world, the teaching of music has been deemed a luxury which they cannot afford. Schools have been forced to cut music programs, thereby putting it "out of reach" for millions of children.
Music helps improve language skills, math skills, social skills, and self-esteem in our children. Thought processes and creativity levels are enhanced when music is implemented into a child's life. Learning to play an instrument sets the tone for accomplishment and responsibility. Music opens up the mind in the form of expresion and improves listening skills.
Our children need music.
WHAT WE DO AND HOW:
Peace Thru Music partners with school districts, communities, Boys and Girls Clubs, other nonprofits, and similar organizations to identify their needs. We obtain the resources necessary to provide the children in these programs with musical instruments and music education.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Assistance in the development of a local Visual and Performing Arts Center
- Scholarship funds
- Resources to build orchestras and bands
- Music mentors from local colleges, high schools, and community music programs
- Network of support from professional musicians, and other caring individuals
- Development of music education materials
- After-school programs
- Tools for conflict resolution
Funding to fulfill our mission is obtained by utilizing:
- Private donations
- Grants
- Corporate sponsorships
- Fundraisers, music events, and auctions
- Merchandise sales
If you would like to learn more about Peace Thru Music and what it can do for you, or how you can help, please email us. We would love to hear from you!
We will be FEATURING a different organization for a full month, every month. As we started off a little late, we will have this organization FEATURED through Feb. If you are interested in being FEATURED, read our blogs to find out how.
PAST WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
Founder Denise Vasquez, Marina V, Anzu, Lahna Turner, Cassie Burns, Sarah Cloud, Kat Lague, Mara, Colleen Grace, Kelda, Deborah Bishop, Lora Cain, Debbie Hennessey, Stacy & Chris Golden, Grace Holmes, Angela Ueber, Dawn Grabowski, Tacky Jacky, Amanda Turner Manning, Charlie White, Et Spera, PE (The Wish), Jung E Park, Judy Dixon, Debbie Lockhart, Christina Walkinshaw, Christy Miller, Carrie Wade, T-Bird, Gregg Jones, Tom Leiner & Rebecca, Melissa Rey, Greta, Sarah Jane, Ryan Balthrop, Gina, Rob & Maria Eich (Magical Child), Kyra Walker, Hatch, Swan, Wanda Burgos, Stepho, Adriana, Eddie Bruce, Electric blues, Treading Water, Linda, Marigold St. Prix, Barbie & Michael, Saving Grace, What's Her Name, Vernon, Amy, James, Ron Keel, Katherine, Liza, Jennifer Vazquez, Amy Clarke, Genevieve, Sarah VAnell, Amber Norgard, Sacha Sacket, and more to come!
Influences
AWAKEN...
SHARE THE LOVE...
BE INSPIRED...
World Peace, The ocean, the trees, the sky, the mountains, the rain, the snow, plants, animals, life, Mother Nature, Mother Earth, My mom, The Dali Lama
Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Carl Jung, The Red Cross, OvarianCancer.org, i2Y, Relay For Life, Operation gratitude, Toys For Tots, The Pink Project, The American Cancer Society, Rock 4 Orphans, Sound Aid, Peace Fest, Unity.org, EuroRock, Greenpeace, ONE, (RED), Artists For Autism, Hep C Coalition, G.I.N.A., ASPCA, Wildlife Foundation, Unicef, Bono, Make A Wish, Seacology, Adopt A Dolphin, Save The Whales, World Peace, One Earth, Easter Seals, Save The Rain Forrest, RAINN, Peace Thru Music, Children of our future...
Join me in supporting Children diagnosed with Cancer!
Welcome to WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE. Our mission is to build a GLOBAL COMMUNITY where we can empower eachother by becoming informed, educating ourselves, sharing information, and utilizing our knowledge to help those in need. WO+MEN FOR A CAUSE will promote and feature different organizations that cover topics ranging from PEACE, CANCER, THE ENVIRONMENT, to AUTISM, ABUSE, POVERTY, THE HOMELESS, GANGS AND MORE. We are a GROWING COMMUNITY of artists, mothers, daughters, sisters, fathers, brothers, sons, survivors...who strive to make a difference through our experiences, our music, art, photography, film and the theatre. We have found a way where we can educate ourselves and share what we've learned, by building a COMMUNITY together to make a difference. Let your voice be heard!
"WE ARE CRAYONS IN THE BOX, DIFFERENT COLORS, BUT ALL MADE THE SAME, FOR ONE PURPOSE, TO COLOR THE PICTURE..."-From the song "CRAYONS" by Denise Vasquez
Founder Denise Vasquez says "TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I feel WE ALL have a purpose in this life! As an artist, I truly believe that my gifts as an artist are only part of my purpose and everything I have experienced has led me to become the woman I am today.
Years ago, I worked at "Camp Lee Mar" (in Lackawaxen, PA), a summer camp for children who had Autism, Down Syndrome and more...these children were seen as being "Handicapped" I saw them as my teachers...They taught me soooo much!!! Aside from my mom, these children were my best teachers! I believe that is their purpose...they are here to teach us!!! They taught me patience, appreciation, understanding and I personally believe that many autistic children are borderline genuis...their minds move so quickly, and their hearts are sooo open! They may not speak our language well, but some of the things I saw these children do & create artistically were pretty spectacular...talk about inspiration!!! I myself have had some obstacles in my life and I feel many of the obstacles I have gotten through are also a part of a my purpose. Through my personal experiences, I've gained courage and also the strength I need to help others who now experience the same challenges.
In the past I have volunteered my time to create, produce, host, promote & perform in 10+ hour music festivals (LADIES NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL, LADIES IN THE COURTYARD, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY NIGHT, WOMEN WITH A CAUSE...so far 8 successful festivals & more to come). With the help of my sponsors and fellow Artists with a cause, our community helped bring awareness to organizations like THE RED CROSS, OVARIANCANCER.ORG, GREENPEACE, HEPC, THE WISH & more. I also wrote a One AcT play which was presented, and received rave reviews at "The St. John School Of The Arts" called "SISTERHOOD" which is about female gangs. If you are an artist interested in performing, a sponsor interested in being a part of an event, a venue interested in hosting an event, an organization who needs to be recognized, message me. If you are someone who wants to be the change, please send us a friends request & help spread the word about the cause.
What inspired me to create these events??? Without going to deeply into everything right now...I'm thinking about writing a book- My Life...Art and Music, being a strong woman, and having a strong foundation around me, saved my life, my entire life, leading me to where I am today! i left home at 17 years of age and have been working and traveling since! I lived in Scotland, London, New York City, The Virgin Islands and now Los Angeles. I've always been really good at acting, dancing, singing, playing music, casting, producing & promoting and always enjoyed working behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera... When I moved to The Virgin Islands, amongst many things lacking in paradise, I noticed the lack of female performers on the music scene, and there were too many amazing female performers not being given the chance to showcase their talents. I also noticed a lack of support with certain schools, and lack of awareness for people in need. I came up with an idea that would help bring awareness, that would showcase great unknown talent, and a way to donate proceeds to help those in need, and bring the community together. It took some convincing, but I managed to convince my boss at the time to loan me his bar/restaurant which is on the beach for the night as an audition to my idea & I guaranteed he would not regret it...
The first event took me a few of months to plan as I was volunteering my time and was doing everything on my own. With careful planning, For This first event I organized 6 hours straight of music. I went around and found businesses to sponsor the event, found an amazing sound man, equipment, I invited talented female artists who I heard jamming at parties and I searched for one unknown artist, someone that no one had any idea that she was a performer & I found her...the first unknown I am so happy I discovered to date, her name is Rebecca...she is one of the most mesmerizing voices I've ever heard!!! She was terrified, but I held her hand and had her close her eyes, and as soon as she opened her mouth, the angel sang & WOW!!!! The entire event went off really well, people wanted more, it was praised by the press & so I was asked to do another one.
The next event I decided to bring awareness to a different cause, and I featured more unknown female artists that now came to me from different islands waiting to be discovered. With more artists on the bill, the event grew to 10 hours. It was amazing to watch the event grow...PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER...All ages, all races, men & women, from many islands listening from their boats, camping out on the beach, hanging out in the trees, just to experience the music, the love, purpose, COMMUNITY...I can't even find the words to describe the energy, but the second event drew hundreds of people & it was unlike anything anyone on that small 9 mile long, 2 mile wide island had ever seen! Not to mention I was organizing these events on my own...I was part of something way bigger than me!
Due to the fact that the event was growing each time we had one, I had to move locations after the third on the Beach. I began moving the event to different locations each time we had one which helped the businesses as well! By the time I left the islands, I had organized 6 very successful "Ladies Night Music Festivals". When I moved to Los Angeles, I organized a Social Butterfly Night to see what it would be like here. I was immediately inspired having artists like Cassie Burns, Kat Lague & Sarah Cloud on the bill!!! I organized another event called "WOMEN WITH A CAUSE" on a larger scale- 26 musical artists, 10 comedians, 10+ hours...artists, sponsors, music, laughter, for a cause...it was amazing!!! So now that calling continues..."
Hey thanks for adding the Andrew Benne Studio and being our Friend. Feel free to visit us in person in L.A, or on the net @ www.ActingStudio.us Stay in touch and let us know whats up with you. We are here to help.
Just stopping by to say hello. I want you make you aware of 2 womans issues. Ovarian Cancer and Fibromyalgia (that effects mostly women). I stop to remind every once in a while. Thank you from Judy
Happy New Year! Thanks for being our friend. Please accept our comment so you can educate your visitors! If any of your friends want to help educate their community about hepatitis C have them send us a message.
Hep C Aware - ARE YOU?
Hepatitis C is a systemic blood borne virus that primarily attacks the liver. It is spread by blood to blood contact 1 in 50 Americans have HCV - 2 out of 3 do not know it. THERE IS NO VACCINE FOR HEPATITIS C
Risk factors! Have you: >received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992? >ever shared drug paraphernalia? injecting or snorting >ever been stuck by a used blood needle? >been on kidney dialysis? >had a tattoo or body piercing? >had sexual activity that involves contact with blood? >shared personal cars items(razors, toothbrushes, etc.) with other people? >been incarcerated >been in combat (especially vietnam veterans)
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus GET TESTED!
PLEASE VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR INFO AND SUPPORT www. HepCChallenge. org www. HepCAdvocate. org
HepCAware. org will be at the MusiCares booth at NAMM in Anaheim this week. Message me for more details.
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