July 2008 Archives
Barack Obama is completing his sojourn abroad and it looks like he may have come through without any major mishaps. The media has been scrutinizing every word and action as well as his Republican opponents with the audacity to hope he'd commit a major blunder that would be played on TV repeatedly during the throes of the campaign.
I wonder how they're going to explain the 200,000 in attendance in Germany during his speech. "They must all be delusional, he's acting like he already won the election, what do they know about our politics?", etc. Well, they know plenty.
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This letter addresses the government's possible selection of a new site for a national guard armory in Jackson Township. One consideration must be the distance that soldiers are asked to travel for meetings and drills. With the price of gasoline hovering around four dollars per gallon, requiring soldiers (men and women) to travel great distances from populated areas to the cornfield area seems ludicrous. Perhaps, the site selection committee should reconsider remodeling the existing facilty or considering another site closer to the city.
Robert O. Cochran
Springettsbury Township
In Mike Argento's Sunday July 27th Viewpoint, Mr. Argento becomes an expert on the Oil Crisis, where he gets his information from, and criticizes McCain for changing his mind on drilling. When crude oil is selling for $40 a barrel, and the pump price was around $150.9 there is not much need to drill for more oil. When the crude oil price goes about $130 a barrel, common sense would tell you that circumstances have changed.
He mentions that new drilling, would take "about a decade" to produce oil. If he would ask drilling companies about his forcast, he would find out, the timing would be two to three years. Then he goes on to say that action would not be enough to affect prices. He is wrong again. The effect would be almost immediate, as the speculators would know that we are serious about new drilling, and the futures market would take a dramatic drop. Mr. Argento, read up on the law of supply and demand.
John T. Tuleja
Spring Garden Township
I read the articles in the York Daily Record regarding the situation with the Red Lion Mile with some amount of dismay. As a member of the Red Lion Redevelopment Commission I was there when the idea of the Mile was first proposed. Using private money and donations of labor and products was an innovative idea as the other rail-trails in the area have relied on grants and other money from government. Scott Thompson, Sandy Graham and Ryan Sanders should be congratulated for their efforts; they were the driving force behind the Red Lion Mile. I have been on active duty with the Army since January and will return full time to Red Lion mid September but I see in my absence things with the Red Lion Mile have not gone well.
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In regards to your editorial about Camp Security, you have once again distorted facts. Your 'assumption' that bulldozers on the property caused the problem and cost to the taxpayers of York, you are misguided. The problem at Highpoint was caused by the pipe dream and shortsightedness of Lori Mitrick, Doug Kilgore and Mark Platts. They are responsible for the $17.5 million and more that we, the taxpayers of York County, will pay in increased taxes.
Scott Edward Snyder
Spring Garden Township
I am just amazed that anybody can believe that Homosexual Marriage is the most important issue in the coming presidential election. The latest offering came from Norman Fulkerson who agrees with Richard Ritchie.
People who believe that homosexuality is a choice are as dangerous as people who think that global warming is a hoax, Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and the holocaust was a myth. They passively sanction prejudice.
If Mr. Fulkerson wants to call me naive I would appreciate it if he would at least research the things he's going to use to illustrate his point.
First of all, the majority of states have laws saying that a marriage is between a man and a woman. Without laws requiring recognition of same sex marriages it's not as simple as going out of state, marrying and then returning home.
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Americans agree that we need a newer, cheaper, and more responsible energy plan. Yet some in Congress promote a pretend solution though offshore oil and gas drilling, which is dangerous and has little or no benefit for consumers. Unfortunately, there is far too little attention being paid to renewing federal clean energy tax incentives, which are critical to promoting solutions like wind and solar power and energy efficiency. But unless Sen. Specter and other Senate Republicans drop their opposition, these tax incentives will soon expire.
The clean energy solutions that these incentives support will cut global warming pollution, create jobs here in Pennsylvania, and save consumers billions on their electricity bills. However, the American Wind Energy Association estimates that letting these tax credits expire could result in 75,000 jobs being lost this year.
Sen. Arlen Specter voted on three separate occasions to block House-passed proposals to extend the tax incentives. With only a handful of scheduled days left in the Senate's calendar for 2008, time is running out for Sen. Specter and his Senate colleagues to stop their obstructionist efforts and allow these tax incentives to be renewed.
Brendan Stuart
PennEnvironment Organizer
Philadelphia
As a life long resident of York County and PA, I have been reading about the Harrisburg scandel this week. What wide spead corruption and misuse of tax dollars. It is really sickening. What kind of arrogant attitude flourishes in our state government that so many people think they can do whatever they want and apparently expect no consequences?
As this situation plays out in the courts, I would hope that any parties found guilty should be required to repay tax money and all costs to the state used to bring to trial and prosecute. I hope no deals are made and residents of this state will finally see ACCOUNTABILITY - NOW!.
Susan Grim
Red Lion
My son was in the Army reserves in 2003 and was sent to Iraq when Bush invaded. Out of the military now, he is going to college on the Montgomery Bill, so I closely follow any legislation dealing with military veterans. I was happy to see the passage of the new GI Bill that will give veterans better education benefits, and was very pleased that on May 22 Senator Obama voted with the overwhelming majority to pass this bill. I was disgusted that Senator McCain did not support this bill and that he did not vote on May 22.
In fact, on issues concerning veterans, the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) rate McCain's voting record "D" and Obama's "B+." Similarly, the group Disabled American Veterans rate McCain's voting record at 20% and Obama's 80% on issues concerning them. Senator Obama has shown by his votes that he cares about veterans and supports their issues. In addition, it now appears that Obama's plan to end our military occupation of Iraq is in line with the wishes of the Iraqi government and Iraqi people. By contrast, Senator McCain's voting record shows a lack of concern for the needs of our veterans and he seems out of touch with the reality in Iraq.
Pat Long
West Manchester Township
Where's the crime? Where's the ethical violation? Once again, the York Daily Record/Sunday News is trying to create news rather than report it. No where in its articles regarding Attorney General Tom Corbett's campaign activities was there one shred of evidence that there was any wrongdoing. Yet, the story made it into the headlines. Only later was it acknowledged by the editorial board that there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
So, why impugn the Attorney General's reputation through innuendo? Why drag his administrative assistant's name through the mud for legally being reimbursed $17? There is no good answer to these questions, except that the reporters and their management are Woodward and Berstein wannabes who are more concerned with circulation rates than basic decency.
Dave Zambito
Conewago Township
In the July 28th edition of the York Sunday News, on page 1C, there is an article reporting that a local nursing home was fined $7,250 for the negligent death of a resident.
On page 2C of the same issue, it is reported that PPL had to pay a fine of $77,500 for accidental fish kills in the Susquehanna River.
Both fatalties are certainly to be lamented but it seems as though the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania puts a tenfold higher value on the lives of fish than it does on human beings.
Michael Bahn
West Manchester Township
George Bush and his administration has said many times that there should be no time period for withdraw from Iraq , however now Prime Minister Maliki of Iraq wants us combat troops out of Iraq by the end of 2010, yet Obama has been critized many times for saying if he were president he would have our troops out in 16 months after being elected president, having now heard what Maliki wants it is clear that Obama has better judgement then John McCain and the Bush Administration, it is time for the country of Iraq to handle there own problem by themselves, it is a known fact, that many people look at the us military as occupiers of there country, hopefully now our government will honor the request of the Iraqi government and withdraw our military as requested by the end of 2010. After that is done we can focus more on the problem of Afghanistan where more troops are needed.
The Iraqi government has spoken and our government should honor there wish, kudos to Obama who has been right all along on this issue to bring the troops home soon, Obama has shown that common sense and the will of the Iraq and american people is what really counts, our troops have done there job, now the current administration should start making a plan to exit Iraq.
Stan Brenner
West Manchester Township
When will the United States government stop stealing money and resources from it's United States citizens and handing them out all over the world. The United States needs those same funds and resources right here within it's own borders for use by it¢s own citizens. America does not have to try to save each and every underpriviledged or developing country in the world. There are starving and homeless right here in our own back yards and city streets.
So here we read about the juror determined value of the "Highpoint" property at $17.25 MILLION Dollars. Reading on we find that our elected commissioners (those people that we elected to be the "responsible" stewards of OUR money) are now in scramble mode to figure out how to pay for it.
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At last night's council meeting in Red Lion a large number of people attended to find out about THE RED LION MILE rail trail project. Many donors to this project received a letter signed by Scott Thompson, Ryan Sanders, and Sandra Graham. The letter outlined difficulties with the Borough over completion of the project. Funds collected for the project may have been misapplied by the Borough. I was upset by this letter as our Red Lion Rotary Club had raised close to $4,000 for the project.
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We know very little about Senator Obama, but we do know that he is unwilling to take a firm stance on issues. Is this really a characteristic of a good president? Here are a small number of the issues he has flip-flopped on.
Campaign Financing - Stated he would accept public financing for the general election, and then later rejected it.
FISA - Voted in favor of the government's eavesdropping program and legal immunity for telecommunications companies after promising his supporters he would reject it.
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I am voicing my complaint about the judge that said it was okay to keep the juror that doesn't understand English. What is wrong with him? How could the woman do justice if she doesn't understand English? How would the judge like it if he was on trial for something and all the jurors couldn't understand what was up and they found him guilty?
Jacqueline Rowles
Thomasville
Barak Obama seems to have given George W. Bush a bit of a push.
Number One: Pres. Bush's State Department is now engaging in negotiations with Iran over nuclear energy development.
Number Two: Pres. Bush is talking with Iraqi President al-Maliki about "time horizons" for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.
Both of these foreign policy moves had been hysterically scoffed at by rightwing conservative Republicans, including columnists Bill O'Reilly and Cal Thomas, as "surrendering to the enemy" when proposed by Sen. Obama.
You never know what's next!
J. Edward Muhlbach
Shrewsbury Township,
Ben Timmins claims that citing Bible passages to argue against gay marriage is "poisonous" to our democracy. There's a real laugh. Sixty-one percent of voters in gay-friendly California voted to ban same-sex marriage, but gays convinced the California Supreme Court to overrule the will of the people. So I guess democracy is OK as long as your side wins, right Ben?
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I am writing to pass on the word about a fantastic program for kids in York County. My son, Hunter, just completed a week-long "Safety Town" camp at the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center. All week long, volunteers came in to talk to the kids about being safe. Some of the topics covered were fire safety, stranger danger, water safety, and bicycle safety among many others.
This was my first experience at the Byrnes Center, and I was so impressed by the facility, program, and the staff. Thank you so much to the firefighters, EMTs from White Rose, police officers and countless others who took the time to come in and talk to our kids about being safe. Thank you also to the Safety Town Directors, Emmy Sasala and Suzanne Noel for orgaizing a wonderful program. I highly recommend it to anyone with children.
Tracy Hollman
York
Cat owners; cat feeders; either owned, strays or ferals; the answer is the same. Spay and neuter your cats. Ideally all domesticated cats would be kept as inside house pets.Then eventually, there would be no feral cats. The outside risks are huge, including contracting rabies.. not to mention shot, hit by cars, chewed up by dogs. Rabies infections of cats are quite rare- typically found in wildlife- bats,raccoons- not in cats.
Cats do NOT have to go outside.That is a myth people believe or use as an excuse to let their cat roam,perhaps by someone too lazy to clean a litter box.
Our county officials need to come together and subsidize a low cost, full time spay /neuter clinic. Check out the prices at your local vet and you'll see they're so high no one witha modest income can afford to get their pets "done"- even the "low cost" is no longer low cost, especially in these "hard times".Of course, it also comes down to personal priorities as well. too, it comes down to personal priorities.
I've been receiving an average of 2-5 names a day from a casualty list since I started a few years back belonging to Vietnam Veterans talk list. This list really hit me, for heaven's sake look at their ages people!
"The Department of Defense announced the death of nine soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when their outpost was attacked by small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from enemy forces in Wanat, Afghanistan, on July 13. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.
Killed were: 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, of Hawaii; Sgt. Israel Garcia, 24, of Long Beach, Calif.; Cpl. Jonathan R. Ayers, 24, of Snellville, Ga.; Cpl. Jason M. Bogar, 25, of Seattle, Wash.; Cpl. Jason D. Hovater, 24, of Clinton, Tenn.; Cpl. Matthew B. Phillips, 27, of Jasper, Ga.; Cpl. Pruitt A. Rainey, 22, of Haw River, N.C.; Cpl. Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, of Florissant, Mo.; Pfc. Sergio S. Abad, 21, of Morganfield, Ky.
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Regarding the current economy, Phil Gramm, Former Texas Senator and Chief Economic Advisor to John McCain stated last week that we are in a mental recession and that America had become a nation of whiners. Presidential candidate John McCain had no choice but to distant himself from these insensitive and arrogant statements..
With so many people suffering through this recession, many worse than others, this is a most insensitive remark.
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Some think that statements from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) are overblown. THEY ARE NOT! Perhaps you have been very forturnate in that you haven't had to see a loved one go through the torture and agony of healing, what adjusting to the fact that they will never work again, to be able to do the things they loved or were able to do again; not even looking like the same person when they see themselves in the mirror. This not only affects the person who was injured in the accident, it involves the whole family. We, her parents, are very grateful that our daughter is alive.
What is the solution for stopping the drunk driver -- I truly don't know. There always seems to be a way to bypass any type of legislation or preventive measures. Anything has to be better then doing nothing at all.
Richard and Trudy Reichard
Parents of Gina Reichard
The article on Sunday July 13th titled "Beer still on cook-off menu" by Patty Post, regarding LCB violations and accusations of underage drinking at the Hanover Chili Cook-off included pictures from last year's event, of our team.
Since then we have received many calls from friends and associates inquiring as to our involvement in the situation. For the record Go Big BBQ's, Team Hot Stuff and Team Hot Stuff Too have never been involved in any of the activities in question at any of the many cook-off's in which we participate.
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Regarding YDR's editorial (Inequality of Victims) of July 3, 2008, I don't understand why Anthony Bryan Weitherow was given jail time of up to 3 years as opposed to extensive community service for spitting on a state trooper.
Why is our system of justice cluttering our jails with this badly behaving person who hasn't really physically hurt anyone or done anything seriously criminal?
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I'd like to comment on Stephen Frey's letter to the editor: In it, he made the following statement: churches are "getting a free ride as a non-profit business."
I've seen Mr. Frey's comments for more years than I care to think about. He is clearly not interested at this time in hearing about God and the good that churches provide in the community. I say, "at this time", because many people who profess to have no belief, suddenly re-think their outlook when faced with their impending death. Nevertheless, I offer the following for people who are not members of churches and might be influenced by his statements.
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Last Friday, July 11, 2008, Suzy Orman, the internationally acclaimed personal finance expert, was a guest on the Oprah Show. She offered several couples ideas and techniques on how to curb their spending habits and turn their gloomy financial existence into becoming debt-free lifestyles.
At the end of the program, she offered three statements to consider when making buying decisions. Sorry, but they made no sense. Ms. Orman said, "Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?" Huh? One out of three isn't bad, but what does "Kind" and "True" have to do with money? I don't mean to play Can You Top This? with Suzy Orman, but I would like to offer three alternative questions to always ask yourself when purchasing anything: "Do I need it? Is it necessary? Can I live without it?" Twelve simple words but sticking fervently to those three questions will save you a lot of money, starting today. Try it.
Pierre Allen Hill
York Township
In response to the letter on 7/12/08 "Misplaced Priorities," the writer does not have a clue about how war becomes legal. He states that the Iraq war is illegal. It is not. The war was authorized by a vote of congress to approve the use of military force in Iraq. This makes it legal since only congress can make a war legal.
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The self-righteous liberals, lobbyist's and politicians again congealed and passed the smoking ban. One more freedom of the individual and property owner has been infringed upon by our fabulous elected officials. Will they ever use any common sense?
A few months ago I took a friend for a boat ride. While driving home, I had to hit the brakes hard three times. The third time was real close. Had there been a vehicle in the middle lane of Rt.30, I would have hit her broadside, she never looked my direction. And remember I was pulling a boat. All three times the people were talking on cell phones. A month later a girl came around a curve and came into my lane. I headed for the ditch and barely missed an electric pole to get out of her way. She was yelling into phone as she approached.
In what appeared to be an attempt at levity, I believe the York Daily Record editorial board has unfairly presented basic requirements for becoming a volunteer Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents at least 21 years of age, and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants also must pass medical, vision, hearing, physical, strength and agility tests. And yes, as the Daily Record pointed out, "all teeth, normally visible, shall be present with evidence of healthy gums and teeth, or have adequate replacements." This is a standard law enforcement requirement that is similar to that for applicants to become a Pennsylvania State Police Cadet.
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Now that the state government has passed a budget that includes a 5.5 percent increase in public school funding with each district receiving at least a three percent increase, I will be watching my mailbax for my three percent tax refund from the West York Area School District.
Daniel Bradley
West Manchester Township
An important election is coming this fall in which Americans will decide who shall be their "chief magistrate." Do we want our elected, and otherwise, public officials to obey the law and the oathes they take when they are sworn in? Do we want our country to be in fact under the rule of law (the Constitution) or the rule of men (essentially dictatorship)?
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The sobriety checkpoints that took place in Lancaster and York counties over the Fourth of July weekend served to funnel limited state and federal grant money away from measures that have proven to be most effective in combating drunk driving ("Sobriety checkpoints being held this holiday weekend," July 2).
Because they are highly visible by design and publicized in advance, roadblocks are all too easily avoided by the chronic alcohol abusers who comprise the core of today's drunk driving problem.
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In the York Daily Record " OUR OPINION " dated July 8, 2008 you state that a 70 year old man was drowned last week and the state should seriously consider removing this dam as unsafe. Is not every dam in the country unsafe if you continue past the required posted DANGER signs?
Also was he a good strong swimmer, did he have on a life jacket? I always thought an unsafe dam was one that had a week breast with perhaps water seeping through and very old and not well maintained and not posted with danger signs.
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Josh Hobbs' seemed a bit upset, in his July 6th letter, with Robert Ritchies assertion that the most important issue in the upcoming elections is Homosexual Marriage. He argued poorly however when he said that "homosexuals marrying 3000 miles away" basically don't affect the rest of the country. This indicates either a gross naiveté or a refusal to see the reality which is engulfing our country.
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Propaganda is a great tool. Our "underpaid" teachers and their families have used it well. Fifty-five years ago a beginning teacher was normally paid less than $3000 per year. If that teacher chose (not all subscribed) the group health insurance plan, he paid the premiums (our district later offered to pay 25% of them). Male teachers wore jacket(dry cleaning) and tie while ladies wore nice dresses (unlike the "Coxie's Army" look of the striking teachers at our intermediate school). Upon retirement in 1982, a teacher earned a salary of about $22,000. He could continue with the group healthcare plan and pay the premiums as well as receive his pension. As a result of careful planning, investing and spending (no cable TV, etc.), he could enjoy a leisurely retirement.
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Amidst the stresses of high energy prices, wars and the upcoming elections, something else that is inevitable is happening... someone is dying. Not a dramatic, news-worthy death, but a normal, peaceful transition from this earth. And, if there is anyway I can help, she won't die alone.
I am a hospice vigil volunteer, and although some may think vigil is a strange way to volunteer, it is the most beautiful way I can serve. How can I help a total stranger leave the joys and worries of this earth? What can I offer her? Everything. I can sing to her, I can talk to her, I can brush her hair, I can pray for her. I can comfort her family. I can simply sit quietly and hold her hand. Even though she cannot respond to me, I know she knows I'm there, and she knows she is not alone.
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Just to be fair I vote we give Senator Arlen Specter a 10.6 percent pay cut. He won't need the money to pay his 20 percent copay at his next doctor's visit because his physician may no longer be able to afford to see patients who are the same age as Mr. Specter.
Nancy Berkheimer
York
Your recent editorial on energy infrastructure in York County recognized Spectra Energy for its sensitivity in meeting with residents on its natural gas pipeline project. This is an important part of the development of our project - providing information, identifying issues and working together to address concerns. Throughout the permitting stages through to construction and operations, we will continue these efforts to keep interested residents informed of the project.
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The report in the July 6, 2008 local section titled "EXPERT: LEAVE JUSTICE TO COPS" points out a desperate need in Pennsylvania. That would be the passing of a so-called "CASTLE DOCTRINE" law, which protects an innocent victim from both criminal and civil penalties when defending themselves or other innocent victims from criminal attack.
This morning I began my day as usual with a cup of coffee and the York Daily Record. The first article I read was My Name is Vonnie B. Grimes. I had reached the second paragraph on the second page when I quickly went back to the front page to see who had written it. I was not surprised that it was Mike Argento. I knew it would be. He doesn't write many articles in the paper but when he does I usually can pick them out and that's because of the quality of his writing, it's excellent. I do read his columns, I don't always agree with them or appreciate his sense of humor but I do like to read them. And I certainly don't need or want anyone to tell me I that I shouldn't read them. I have learned a lot from his columns. Whether you enjoy reading an article or not there is always an opportunity to learn something new, and I for one, am not willing to give that up.
Laura Roman
New Freedom
I'd like to thank the group that distributed flags to every home on my street. It was a nice surprise when I woke up . As the day went on, I couldn't help but notice how few flags were flown at individual homes. I seem to remember a time after 9-11, when almost every home, and car had a flag flying almost all year long. The country had so much pride and energy to show the world, we weren't going to be beaten.
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Go Ruben! Excellent write up in Mondays paper.
Its a sore subject but its oh so true, this generation is spoiled big time. I am a naturalized citizen and I remember chores had to be done before I went anywhere. My parents were determined that I would learn the values needed to make it on my own. I had to keep my grades up, do chores and in the summer have a job. If I wanted something special I had to earn it.
Back on May 22 2008, the Reps from Memorial Hospital asked West Manchester Township to consider changing the zoning to allow for hospital/medical clinic to be built on the old hawk lake GC. Several local residence attended and were told that the meeting was not the time to address concerns about traffic, entrances and exits, or construction. The Reps even said it was just the first step in a process that "may not even result in plans being submitted". 36 days later the Reps announce that they are going ahead with their plans. 36 DAYS!
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