Closing of Pontiac High School urged by Great Lakes Education Project - theoaklandpress.com:
"A nonprofit agency for quality education is urging closure of 20 chronically failing schools in Michigan, including Pontiac High School."
Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Secret wind farm report into house price blight
Secret wind farm report into house price blight - Telegraph:
"Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, has commissioned a consultancy to investigate whether renewable technologies – including wind turbines – lower house prices in the countryside.
Coalition sources said the report is being blocked by officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), run by Ed Davey, a Liberal Democrat, amid fears it will conclude that turbines harm property prices."
"Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, has commissioned a consultancy to investigate whether renewable technologies – including wind turbines – lower house prices in the countryside.
Coalition sources said the report is being blocked by officials at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), run by Ed Davey, a Liberal Democrat, amid fears it will conclude that turbines harm property prices."
Union protestors clash with Republicans over state Sen. Goeff Hansen's stance on Medicare (video)
Union protestors clash with Republicans over state Sen. Goeff Hansen's stance on Medicare (video) | MLive.com:
"The Muskegon County Republican Party recently passed a resolution admonishing Hansen and other Senate Republicans to stand firm against Medicare.
Hansen’s last statement on the issue didn’t rule out the possibility that he would actually vote in favor of Medicaid expansion, which already passed the Michigan House of Representatives and has the blessing of Gov. Rick Snyder.
“(Hansen) is a Republican, and we’d like to support him,” Fink said. “Right now, he’s uncommitted (on Medicaid).”
Hansen’s cheif of staff declined to comment on the protest."
"The Muskegon County Republican Party recently passed a resolution admonishing Hansen and other Senate Republicans to stand firm against Medicare.
Hansen’s last statement on the issue didn’t rule out the possibility that he would actually vote in favor of Medicaid expansion, which already passed the Michigan House of Representatives and has the blessing of Gov. Rick Snyder.
“(Hansen) is a Republican, and we’d like to support him,” Fink said. “Right now, he’s uncommitted (on Medicaid).”
Hansen’s cheif of staff declined to comment on the protest."
How Adding Iodine to Salt Boosted Americans' IQ
How Adding Iodine to Salt Boosted Americans' IQ - The Crux | DiscoverMagazine.com:
The economists found that in the lowest-iodine areas—the bottom quarter of the study population—the introduction of iodized salt had stark effects. Men from these regions born in 1924 or later were significantly more likely to get into the Air Force and had an average IQ that was 15 points higher than their predecessors."
The economists found that in the lowest-iodine areas—the bottom quarter of the study population—the introduction of iodized salt had stark effects. Men from these regions born in 1924 or later were significantly more likely to get into the Air Force and had an average IQ that was 15 points higher than their predecessors."
Why there will be many more Detroits – in one chart
Why there will be many more Detroits – in one chart |:
"But the reality is the Federal Reserve is artificially suppressing interest rates because of the Godzilla-sized national debt of $16.9 trillion.
That’s the official figure, according to our feral gummint.
The real figure, according to a U.C. San Diego economics professor, is $70 trillion.
If the Federal Reserve lets interest rates go up, then our gargantuan national debt will balloon even quicker."
"But the reality is the Federal Reserve is artificially suppressing interest rates because of the Godzilla-sized national debt of $16.9 trillion.
That’s the official figure, according to our feral gummint.
The real figure, according to a U.C. San Diego economics professor, is $70 trillion.
If the Federal Reserve lets interest rates go up, then our gargantuan national debt will balloon even quicker."
Packard plant could go on auction block, sell for $21,000, if latest development deal falls through
Packard plant could go on auction block, sell for $21,000, if latest development deal falls through | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"If the latest proposal to buy Detroit’s old Packard plant falls through, the crumbling 35-acre complex would head to its first public auction and under one scenario could go for as little as $21,000 this fall."
"If the latest proposal to buy Detroit’s old Packard plant falls through, the crumbling 35-acre complex would head to its first public auction and under one scenario could go for as little as $21,000 this fall."
Egelston Township returning to voters with two millage requests they defeated earlier
Egelston Township returning to voters with two millage requests they defeated earlier | MLive.com:
EGELSTON TOWNSHIP, MI – The same two millage requests that Egelston Township voters defeated earlier this month will be back on the ballot in November.
The township board voted unanimously Monday night to return to voters with a renewal of 1 mill of tax for fire department operations and a 0.8-mill request for street lights, which includes a renewal of 0.5 mill plus a 0.3-mill increase."
EGELSTON TOWNSHIP, MI – The same two millage requests that Egelston Township voters defeated earlier this month will be back on the ballot in November.
The township board voted unanimously Monday night to return to voters with a renewal of 1 mill of tax for fire department operations and a 0.8-mill request for street lights, which includes a renewal of 0.5 mill plus a 0.3-mill increase."
ACT Report: Only 21% Of Michigan High School Grads Academically Ready For College
ACT Report: Only 21% Of Michigan High School Grads Academically Ready For College | FOX17online.com:
"Only 21 percent of Michigan high school graduates are ready for college in English, reading, mathematics, and science, according to a new ACT report titled “The Condition Of College Career Readiness.”
When the four subject areas are separated out, the numbers look a little better: 57 percent are prepared in English, 37 percent are ready in reading, 35 percent make standards in math readiness, and 33 percent meet benchmarks in science.
In all four academic areas, Michigan high school graduations ranked lower than national averages.
It may be too late for students to get serious about academics in high school."
"Only 21 percent of Michigan high school graduates are ready for college in English, reading, mathematics, and science, according to a new ACT report titled “The Condition Of College Career Readiness.”
When the four subject areas are separated out, the numbers look a little better: 57 percent are prepared in English, 37 percent are ready in reading, 35 percent make standards in math readiness, and 33 percent meet benchmarks in science.
In all four academic areas, Michigan high school graduations ranked lower than national averages.
It may be too late for students to get serious about academics in high school."
Muskegon County set to hire Grand Rapids lawyer as lead public defender
Muskegon County set to hire Grand Rapids lawyer as lead public defender | MLive.com:
“This is something that is clearly needed,” said Jackie Darnell on behalf of the NAACP Muskegon branch. “Over the years NAACP has received numerous complaints from indigents ... claiming they are not receiving due process of the law....
“We in the NAACP are looking forward to those changes,” Darnell said."
“This is something that is clearly needed,” said Jackie Darnell on behalf of the NAACP Muskegon branch. “Over the years NAACP has received numerous complaints from indigents ... claiming they are not receiving due process of the law....
“We in the NAACP are looking forward to those changes,” Darnell said."
New Yorkers Fleeing The State Took $46 Billion With Them
New Yorkers Fleeing The State Took $46 Billion With Them | The Lonely Conservative:
"A new study by the Tax Foundation shows that New York leads the nation in the amount of money those who flee the state take with them.
New Yorkers who have fled over the past decade have taken almost $46 billion with them, topping even California where the loss was a comparatively paltry $29.4 billion.
But our loss is Florida and other red states’ gain, as you can see from this map."
Michigan ain't doin' too well either.
"A new study by the Tax Foundation shows that New York leads the nation in the amount of money those who flee the state take with them.
New Yorkers who have fled over the past decade have taken almost $46 billion with them, topping even California where the loss was a comparatively paltry $29.4 billion.
But our loss is Florida and other red states’ gain, as you can see from this map."
Michigan ain't doin' too well either.
“How to know that Syria is, in fact, using chemical weapons on its people:
Instapundit » Blog Archive » KEN FROM POPEHAT: “How to know that Syria is, in fact, using chemical weapons on its people:
“How to know that Syria is, in fact, using chemical weapons on its people: They did it on the one year anniversary of the ‘red line’ warning. Anniversaries mean things.
I don’t support a Syrian intervention.
I’m not sure a fascist Iranian-Russian puppet is any worse for America than the Al Qaeda superstate that would follow it.
In fact it’s probably ‘better.’
But if you’re going to give ‘red line’ warnings, you should kick ass when the line’s crossed.
We’re just taking names.
We’ve gone from the world’s policeman to the world’s hall monitor.”
Speaks loudly. No stick. Obama acted stupidly by issuing that warning. Now he’s in a box of his own making."
“How to know that Syria is, in fact, using chemical weapons on its people: They did it on the one year anniversary of the ‘red line’ warning. Anniversaries mean things.
I don’t support a Syrian intervention.
I’m not sure a fascist Iranian-Russian puppet is any worse for America than the Al Qaeda superstate that would follow it.
In fact it’s probably ‘better.’
But if you’re going to give ‘red line’ warnings, you should kick ass when the line’s crossed.
We’re just taking names.
We’ve gone from the world’s policeman to the world’s hall monitor.”
Speaks loudly. No stick. Obama acted stupidly by issuing that warning. Now he’s in a box of his own making."
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Voters to consider $24 million Muskegon Community College request with downtown location
Voters to consider $24 million Muskegon Community College request with downtown location | MLive.com:
"It's official: Muskegon County voters in November will decide on a $24 million plan to improve Muskegon Community College facilities, including developing a downtown location.
The college board of trustees on Wednesday approved a Nov. 5 ballot proposal seeking additions to the science wing and health education facility, a new creative arts facility and an undefined college facility located downtown."
"It's official: Muskegon County voters in November will decide on a $24 million plan to improve Muskegon Community College facilities, including developing a downtown location.
The college board of trustees on Wednesday approved a Nov. 5 ballot proposal seeking additions to the science wing and health education facility, a new creative arts facility and an undefined college facility located downtown."
NASA warns of solar storm racing toward Earth this week
NASA warns of solar storm racing toward Earth this week - Computerworld:
"NASA issued a warning Tuesday that a coronal mass ejection may reach Earth this week, possibly affecting satellites and electronic systems on the ground.
On Tuesday, at 4:24 a.m. ET, the sun erupted with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection, which is a huge burst of solar wind and magnetic fields shooting into space, NASA reported.
This solar phenomenon can launch billions of tons of particles into space, reaching Earth one to three days later.
With that time frame, the particles could reach Earth between today and Friday.
The solar particles won't harm humans, but they can affect satellites and electronic systems, breaking up communication signals and causing electrical surges in power grids."
"NASA issued a warning Tuesday that a coronal mass ejection may reach Earth this week, possibly affecting satellites and electronic systems on the ground.
On Tuesday, at 4:24 a.m. ET, the sun erupted with an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection, which is a huge burst of solar wind and magnetic fields shooting into space, NASA reported.
This solar phenomenon can launch billions of tons of particles into space, reaching Earth one to three days later.
With that time frame, the particles could reach Earth between today and Friday.
The solar particles won't harm humans, but they can affect satellites and electronic systems, breaking up communication signals and causing electrical surges in power grids."
D.C. government program to subsidize marijuana for poor patients
D.C. government program to subsidize marijuana for poor patients - Washington Times:
"An unprecedented D.C. government program will require medical marijuana dispensaries to put aside 2 percent of their profits in order to subsidize pot purchases for poor patients."
"An unprecedented D.C. government program will require medical marijuana dispensaries to put aside 2 percent of their profits in order to subsidize pot purchases for poor patients."
Obamacare penalty: Your family could pay more for insurance
Obamacare penalty: Your family could pay more for insurance:
"Those credits are available to households whose incomes fall below 400 percent of federal poverty levels, which for a family of four is $94,200."
"Those credits are available to households whose incomes fall below 400 percent of federal poverty levels, which for a family of four is $94,200."
Abandoned Dogs Roam Detroit in Packs as Humans Dwindle
Abandoned Dogs Roam Detroit in Packs as Humans Dwindle - Bloomberg:
"Dens of as many as 20 canines have been found in boarded-up homes in the community of about 700,000 that once pulsed with 1.8 million people.
One officer in the Police Department's skeleton animal-control unit recalled a pack splashing away in a basement that flooded when thieves ripped out water pipes.
“The dogs were having a pool party,” said Lapez Moore, 30.
“We went in and fished them out."
SLIDESHOW: Detroit's Abandoned Dogs
"Dens of as many as 20 canines have been found in boarded-up homes in the community of about 700,000 that once pulsed with 1.8 million people.
One officer in the Police Department's skeleton animal-control unit recalled a pack splashing away in a basement that flooded when thieves ripped out water pipes.
“The dogs were having a pool party,” said Lapez Moore, 30.
“We went in and fished them out."
SLIDESHOW: Detroit's Abandoned Dogs
Sea lamprey larva poisoned in White River
Sea lamprey larva poisoned in White River | wzzm13.com:
"Sea lamprey larvae that aren't killed in the treatment will eventually grow teeth and eyes and swim out into Lake Michigan.
Each one can kill 40 pounds of fish during its lifetime.
Then they'll return to the river to spawn.
Each female is capable of laying 80,000 eggs."
"Sea lamprey larvae that aren't killed in the treatment will eventually grow teeth and eyes and swim out into Lake Michigan.
Each one can kill 40 pounds of fish during its lifetime.
Then they'll return to the river to spawn.
Each female is capable of laying 80,000 eggs."
After withdrawing invitation, UM apologizes, re-invites Alice Walker to campus
After withdrawing invitation, UM apologizes, re-invites Alice Walker to campus | Crain's Detroit Business:
"The University of Michigan is re-inviting Alice Walker to speak at a future campus event, with apologies, after a previous speaking engagement for the Pulitzer Prize-winning author was reportedly cancelled amid donor concerns over her statements critical of Israel.
Walker, poet-novelist and author of "The Color Purple" and "We are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For," reported via her blog that UM's Center for the Education of Women recently withdrew its invitation to speak at the center's 50th anniversary celebration next year.
That decision followed donors withdrawing support for the Center's celebration, based on Walker's "comments regarding Israel," according to an agent's letter she quotes in the blog entry.
A university leader insisted the decision did not hinge on donor support."
"The University of Michigan is re-inviting Alice Walker to speak at a future campus event, with apologies, after a previous speaking engagement for the Pulitzer Prize-winning author was reportedly cancelled amid donor concerns over her statements critical of Israel.
Walker, poet-novelist and author of "The Color Purple" and "We are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For," reported via her blog that UM's Center for the Education of Women recently withdrew its invitation to speak at the center's 50th anniversary celebration next year.
That decision followed donors withdrawing support for the Center's celebration, based on Walker's "comments regarding Israel," according to an agent's letter she quotes in the blog entry.
A university leader insisted the decision did not hinge on donor support."
State report cards: See how your high school ranks against those statewide
State report cards: See how your high school ranks against those statewide | MLive.com:
"The rankings are based on student performance in math, reading, writing, science and social studies, and, in the case of high schools, on graduation rate data.
Student performance included student achievement, improvement and achievement gaps."
"The rankings are based on student performance in math, reading, writing, science and social studies, and, in the case of high schools, on graduation rate data.
Student performance included student achievement, improvement and achievement gaps."
HIGH SCHOOL RANKINGS
Listed here are area high schools according to state's "top-to-bottom" school performance list, and the schools' percentile rankings:
• Spring Lake High, 88th percentile
• Coopersville High, 77th percentile
• Grand Haven High, 71st percentile
• Mona Shores High, 70th percentile
• Oakridge High, 70th percentile
• Ravenna High, 67th percentile
• Montague High, 60th percentile
• North Muskegon High, 56th percentile
• Reeths-Puffer High, 43rd percentile
• Muskegon High, 27th percentile
• Orchard View High, 24th percentile
• Fruitport High, 19th percentile
• Holton High, 19th percentile
• Whitehall High, 17th percentile
• Muskegon Heights High, 3rd percentile
Color coding school performance could give a kid an inferiority complex
Tim Skubick: Color coding school performance could give a kid an inferiority complex | MLive.com:
"There could be real consequences using the color code instead of letter grades.
Apparently somebody did not consider the fact that if you stick a child with the stigma of an ugly color, such as lime green, (ugh) imagine the impact that will have on the kid’s self- concept, which everyone knows must be nurtured.
Test scores will plummet as they labor under the “label” that will follow them the rest of their lives."
"There could be real consequences using the color code instead of letter grades.
Apparently somebody did not consider the fact that if you stick a child with the stigma of an ugly color, such as lime green, (ugh) imagine the impact that will have on the kid’s self- concept, which everyone knows must be nurtured.
Test scores will plummet as they labor under the “label” that will follow them the rest of their lives."
Man who dobbed in suspects accused of murdering Melbourne baseball player Chris Lane says his son was next
Man who dobbed in suspects accused of murdering Melbourne baseball player Chris Lane says his son was next | Herald Sun:
"Stephens County Courthouse heard how one of the boys accused of murdering Lane, 22, danced and laughed as he was taken into a police station to be charged after the killing on Friday.
James Edwards, 15, was treating the murder as a joke, Mr Hicks told the hearing.
Mr Hicks told the court that Edwards has previously been in contact with police, and that he had "an attitude of total disregard for law enforcement" when he was being charged over Lane's death."
"Stephens County Courthouse heard how one of the boys accused of murdering Lane, 22, danced and laughed as he was taken into a police station to be charged after the killing on Friday.
James Edwards, 15, was treating the murder as a joke, Mr Hicks told the hearing.
Mr Hicks told the court that Edwards has previously been in contact with police, and that he had "an attitude of total disregard for law enforcement" when he was being charged over Lane's death."
Each vote cast in Detroit primary counts, so recount them to get tally right
Stephen Henderson: Each vote cast in Detroit primary counts, so recount them to get tally right | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"Somewhere, a banana republic’s strong man is dumbfounded.
Dumbfounded because in Detroit, you couldn’t fictionalize the election drama that unfolded Tuesday, two weeks after voters cast ballots in the Aug. 6 mayoral primary.
Dumbfounded, because a county election board, acting on the last day before a deadline to certify that election, nearly voted to disqualify 20,000 votes because they may have been incorrectly marked by poll workers.
Dumbfounded because only in Detroit could you whipsaw from one election outcome to another, and from certainty to doubt to limbo in an afternoon."
"Somewhere, a banana republic’s strong man is dumbfounded.
Dumbfounded because in Detroit, you couldn’t fictionalize the election drama that unfolded Tuesday, two weeks after voters cast ballots in the Aug. 6 mayoral primary.
Dumbfounded, because a county election board, acting on the last day before a deadline to certify that election, nearly voted to disqualify 20,000 votes because they may have been incorrectly marked by poll workers.
Dumbfounded because only in Detroit could you whipsaw from one election outcome to another, and from certainty to doubt to limbo in an afternoon."
Detroit mayor count in chaos as Wayne County refuses to certify primary results
Detroit mayor count in chaos as Wayne County refuses to certify primary results | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
"A state election panel will have to decide who really won the Detroit mayoral primary after Wayne County election officials on Tuesday refused to certify shocking new election results, which would have invalidated about 20,000 votes and handed the primary win to Benny Napoleon instead of Mike Duggan."
"A state election panel will have to decide who really won the Detroit mayoral primary after Wayne County election officials on Tuesday refused to certify shocking new election results, which would have invalidated about 20,000 votes and handed the primary win to Benny Napoleon instead of Mike Duggan."
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Dangerous trend of increasing militarization of U.S. police
Dangerous trend of increasing militarization of U.S. police |:
"On August 15, 2013, at 5:30 a.m., a young woman was punched in the face at Kings Highway and Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn and robbed of her iPhone.
A witness followed the robber to a two-story brick building where the Alcis family lives in a basement apartment and called the cops.
So cops stormed the Alcis apartment, which led to Carlos collapsing in a heart attack.
It took the ambulance 30 minutes to arrive although the apartment was only blocks away from Brookdale University Hospital.
By the time the ambulance arrived, however, Carlos had died.
All this over a stolen iPhone.
It turns out the robber suspect was not a member of Alcis family and was not in their apartment. "
"On August 15, 2013, at 5:30 a.m., a young woman was punched in the face at Kings Highway and Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn and robbed of her iPhone.
A witness followed the robber to a two-story brick building where the Alcis family lives in a basement apartment and called the cops.
So cops stormed the Alcis apartment, which led to Carlos collapsing in a heart attack.
It took the ambulance 30 minutes to arrive although the apartment was only blocks away from Brookdale University Hospital.
By the time the ambulance arrived, however, Carlos had died.
All this over a stolen iPhone.
It turns out the robber suspect was not a member of Alcis family and was not in their apartment. "
Study: welfare pays more than work in most states
Study: welfare pays more than work in most states | The Daily Caller:
"Looking for a good paying job?
Well, look no further.
No, really, stop looking. In 35 states, welfare benefits pay more than a minimum wage job, according to a new study by the libertarian Cato Institute, and in 13 states welfare pays more than $15 per hour."
"Looking for a good paying job?
Well, look no further.
No, really, stop looking. In 35 states, welfare benefits pay more than a minimum wage job, according to a new study by the libertarian Cato Institute, and in 13 states welfare pays more than $15 per hour."
Illegal Aliens Demand Free Organ Transplants
Illegal Aliens Demand Free Organ Transplants | Judicial Watch:
"Illegal immigrants have boldly demanded everything from civil rights in the U.S. to driver’s licenses and government benefits such as welfare and discounted tuition at public universities, so why stop there?
Now they want American taxpayers to finance their organ transplants!
This is even more brazen than the discrimination lawsuits illegal aliens have filed against law enforcement agencies—both federal and local—in the U.S. over the years.
To make their point, the illegal immigrants have gone on a hunger strike outside an Illinois hospital demanding free organ transplants for themselves and their fellow undocumented comrades.
This insanity is taking place outside a prestigious Chicago-area hospital, according to news reports, but it’s only a matter of time before it spreads nationwide."
"Illegal immigrants have boldly demanded everything from civil rights in the U.S. to driver’s licenses and government benefits such as welfare and discounted tuition at public universities, so why stop there?
Now they want American taxpayers to finance their organ transplants!
This is even more brazen than the discrimination lawsuits illegal aliens have filed against law enforcement agencies—both federal and local—in the U.S. over the years.
To make their point, the illegal immigrants have gone on a hunger strike outside an Illinois hospital demanding free organ transplants for themselves and their fellow undocumented comrades.
This insanity is taking place outside a prestigious Chicago-area hospital, according to news reports, but it’s only a matter of time before it spreads nationwide."
Federal Spending by the Numbers 2013
Federal Spending by the Numbers 2013:
"Where Did All the Money Go?
31 cents of every dollar Washington spent in 2012 was borrowed, resulting in a $1.1 trillion deficit.
45 percent, or almost half of all spending ,went toward paying for Social Security and health care entitlements (primarily Medicare and Medicaid).
In 2002, that was only 25 percent.
Without reform of these massive and growing programs, Washington will have to borrow increasing amounts of money, piling debt onto younger generations and putting the nation on a dangerous economic course.
Social Security is the largest federal spending program and has held this position since surpassing defense in 1993.
Medicare is one of the largest and fastest-growing programs in the entire federal budget.
The U.S. Postal Service has been losing money for several years and is drawing down reserves to cover losses. Congress should allow the USPS to restructure and meet the needs of today’s marketplace.
Otherwise, taxpayers will be on the hook when reserves run out.
Energy spending has exploded, yet the increases in oil and gas production have happened on state and private lands."
"Where Did All the Money Go?
31 cents of every dollar Washington spent in 2012 was borrowed, resulting in a $1.1 trillion deficit.
45 percent, or almost half of all spending ,went toward paying for Social Security and health care entitlements (primarily Medicare and Medicaid).
In 2002, that was only 25 percent.
Without reform of these massive and growing programs, Washington will have to borrow increasing amounts of money, piling debt onto younger generations and putting the nation on a dangerous economic course.
Social Security is the largest federal spending program and has held this position since surpassing defense in 1993.
Medicare is one of the largest and fastest-growing programs in the entire federal budget.
The U.S. Postal Service has been losing money for several years and is drawing down reserves to cover losses. Congress should allow the USPS to restructure and meet the needs of today’s marketplace.
Otherwise, taxpayers will be on the hook when reserves run out.
Energy spending has exploded, yet the increases in oil and gas production have happened on state and private lands."
Bank of America to Dissolve Merrill Lynch
Bank of America to Dissolve Merrill Lynch:
"Now, according to an August 2nd filing, Bank of America plans to dissolve the subsidiary while keeping the Merrill Lynch brand for its retail brokerage and investment bank."
"Now, according to an August 2nd filing, Bank of America plans to dissolve the subsidiary while keeping the Merrill Lynch brand for its retail brokerage and investment bank."
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