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Active Brad Active Brad The Stuff You Won't Find On Any Other Website or Blog! Your resource for Real Estate Technology, Marketing, Video, Blogging tips, Computer tricks and Social Media and Networking.. Articles
Active Rain "March 2008" Birthdays
2008-03-17 04:22:00 It's time to "Rain " down a little "love" for our Active Rain Birthday Bloggers! I've wanted to do this on Active Rain for a long time now. "The Active Rain Birthday Party Post!" I got the idea from Neal Bloom starting the Week In Review posts. Last month, I did a post which included BirthdayAlarm.com. I put it on the New Members - Start Here post, in hopes that I'd get more people to sign up. We currently have about 500 people, but if you'd like to celebrate your Birthday "Active Rain Style", then you need to go and ENTER YOUR BIRTHDAY HERE!!This month we want to recognize all the Birthdays of our fellow friends and members here on Active Rain!! March Birthday Blogger Babies include:: Hover Your Mouse Over Their Photo For Names and Links To Their Profiles! Please wish them all a Happy Birthday, or if you happen to be passing by their Blog, let's give them a "Special" Birthday wish! ... More About: March 2008
Making A Point - The Power Point Way!
2008-03-13 16:50:00 Today, I spoke on the phone with Margaret Rome from Baltimore. She shared with me that she was doing a presentation tomorrow for the WCR called "What's A Blog Anyway?" I decided to try something that has not been done yet here on our Active Rain Blogs. Margaret sent me a copy of her Power Point Presentation, I told her I would try to upload it to Google or YouTube as a video. Then we could post it in a Blog on Active Rain. Well I found out tonight that it's just not possible. Let me backup just a bit. Margaret actually called me today because I had made a comment in a post earlier that, "Time is precious and priceless, therefore it is the greatest gift we can give!" She was just calling me to say thanks. Little did she know, that phone call made my day! She could have just commented back, but she took the time and called me, and left a very nice message on my voice mail. So after we talked, and when I found that her presentation couldn't be uploaded to either of the video formats,... More About: Power Point
FHA Mortgage Limits - A Tool For You
2008-03-12 23:35:00 I want to start off by saying that I know and agree that this topic has literally been beat to death. It has been the topic of discussion across the Country for many months now. The stimulus package, the conforming loan rates and limits, FHA, VA, Nehemiah and yada yada ya! It can be so confusing, especially once you inter-twine the media and press. What are the FHA limits? Is it the same for me as it is for you? What are the guidelines and what do they mean to you, me, the consumer, and anyone else who is interested?Today I came across a site that I'm sure you are all already aware of, but did you know they had this little tool available? When I went to their site, I was thinking, "Ok.. Here we go, another web page that will give me some conflicting report with what I already know, have heard, or have read somewhere." I took a chance anyway and checked it out. It's legit! I don't normally post a... More About: Mortgage , Tool , Limits
5 Ways To Subscribe To Blogs
2008-03-07 16:52:00 Active Rain has many fantastic Blogs and Writers. They have also provided you with some useful tools to help you keep track and follow some of your favorite Bloggers and posts. Here are 5 ways you can "Subscribe " or "Track" your Favs. I will also cover how to "ADD" the subscribe link many of you have used to "Subscribe" to my Blog.The first way to subscribe to another members Blog is very simple. As you navigate through Active Rain and stumble upon posts and writers that have "value-added" content, or subject matter that you are particularly fond of, you can "Subscribe" to their Blog by scrolling to the top of your screen and clicking on the above their Active Rain Photo. This does not notify you when they post a new article to their Blog, it simply adds them to your "Dashboard." To see your dashboard, and all your Blog Subscriptions, click the link on your tool bar at the top ...
How To Set-Up Your Active Rain Profile
2008-03-03 18:07:00 Now that you were invited, or found and signed up on Active Rain , here are the "STEP-by-STEP" instructions on how to set-up your Profile . This is the First Step in maximizing the value and benefits of your FREE membership here! STEP 1 - BEFORE YOU BEGIN:You'll always want to be sure to "LOGIN" to Active Rain before you do anything. If it's been a while since you've been here, you may have forgotten your password. If so, here's what to do: 1. Click "Login" at the top right of your monitor. If it says LOGOUT, then you are already logged in. 2. If you have forgotten your password or login, just click on the link "Forgot Your Password" and the screen below appears:3. Enter your user name or email address, then click on "Email Me" and your password will be sent to you. STEP 2 - SETTING UP or EDITING YOUR PROFILE PAGE:1. Once logged in, from any screen in Active Rain, begin by clicking on the "MY HOME" link at the top of your screen.2. On the left side of your screen, you will see t...
How To Complete Your Active Rain Profile - Part II
2008-03-03 17:19:00 This tutorial is to help you complete your Profile Page. There are (3) three sections on your Profile Page that you'll want to utilize to maximize the value and benefits of your page. The areas are "About Us", "Areas of Expertise", and "Testimonials". It's good to have an idea of what you want your "Final" Profile page to look like when it's completed. I will breakdown the details of how all the tools and options work, but it will be up to you to be creative and decide how you want your final page to appear. Take a look at some of the samples provided in THIS POST! In my opinion, these sections are what can make your Profile Page your ULTIMATE MASTERPIECE!THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO ALL THREE AREAS ON YOUR PROFILE PAGE. EACH AREA HAS THE EXACT SAME FEATURES AND TOOLS TO WORK WITH, WE'LL USE THE "ABOUT US" SECTION FOR THIS TUTORIAL POST: First, always be sure you are logged into Active Rain .If you forgot your password "CLICK HERE" for directions. Once logged ... More About: Part , Complete
ActiveRain Reunites Lost Brothers After 41 Years - Unbelievable!!
2008-03-02 21:43:00 Today my wife asked me to take a walk with her in the back roads of Green Valley, CA. Just a peaceful two mile stroll to let off some stress and have some time alone together in the Country. When we returned home, I went upstairs to my office to check my email. When I opened up my Yahoo email, this is what I saw: ; &nbs p; &nb sp; Now at first glance, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, but when I saw the name Rick Andersohn (spelled with an "H" ) I just about fell off my chair. I couldn't open it quick enough!! I have not seen or heard from my Brother in over 40 years! He is the only other Andersohn from my real father! The last I remember ever seeing him was when I was 5 or 6 years old! Yes, that was over 40 years ago though I know many of you don't think I'm a day over 3... More About: Lost , Brothers , Years , Unbelievable
Active Rain Re-Unites Lost Brothers After 40+ Years - An Unbelievable Story
2008-03-02 21:43:00 Today my wife asked me to take a walk with her in the back roads of Green Valley, CA. Just a peaceful two mile stroll to let off some stress and have some time alone together in the Country. When we returned home, I went upstairs to my office to check my email. When I opened up my Yahoo email, this is what I saw: ; &nbs p; &nb sp; Now at first glance, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, but when I saw the name Rick Andersohn (spelled with an "H" ) I just about fell off my chair. I couldn't open it quick enough!! I have not seen or heard from my Brother in over 40 years! He is the only other Andersohn from my real father! The last I remember ever seeing him was when I was 5 or 6 years old! Yes, that was over 40 years ago though I know many of you don't think I'm a day over 3... More About: Lost , Story , Brothers , Rain , Years
40 People Who Want More $$$$ for Your Listing Than Your Seller Does..
2008-02-27 09:59:00 ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; When listing a sellers property, who do you think wants the home to sell for more than your seller does? Doesn't everyone always want to offer the least amount (low ball offer) and get the best deal? Is it remotely possible that there are people out there who actually want the home to sell for more than the owner desires or expects? I think yes!Whether you believe in this or not, there are most certainly at least 40 people I can think of that want your listing to sell for TOP DOLLAR! In fact, if they could have their way, the seller would probably get $50,000 - $100,000 more than the asking price! How is this possible? Who are these people? Where in the world could you fi... More About: People , Seller , Listing
Your Blog - Is it Unwritten?
2008-02-17 20:53:00 I have heard in my online travels that writers, authors and even Blog gers can get writers block. I have also noticed that thousands of Bloggers have joined us here in the "Rain" and have not written their first post. Can I ask why you joined? Was it to try and gain knowledge about the industry? Was it because of a compulsive (must join) behavior you might have? Maybe you are just afraid of what people will think when you write, so you're holding back and keeping your Blog Unwritten. Here's a video that addresses those writers and bloggers who either have a block, or are just afraid to write for fear of others opinions. I have included the words on this post. I wanted to see if I could inspire other writers to "dive into the rain" and get beyond their inhibitions or fears. There is always something to write about or an experience to share. In Blogging, it's ok to learn from your mistakes, it's the only way you can grow. Take a look at any Blogger here, and view their v...
Active Rain Dinner - Ends In Marriage Proposal
2008-02-14 16:28:00 Tuesday night of this week, a few of us AR members got the chance to meet up with Active Rain s very own Jonathan Washburn and Bob Stewart as they were passing through San Francisco, California. We met at a place called Cafe Tirimisu for some really good food, fun, and Vino. It was really cool getting to meet a few of the folks who showed up to enjoy and partake in the evening with us. I finally got to meet Bob Stewart and Ginger Wilcox who I feel like I've already known forever. We've talked on the phone at times, even commented to each other on our Blogs, but meeting in person is really the coolest part of the whole Active Rain experience. There's something special about finally meeting another AR member that I just can't put into words. It seems that every time I meet someone from AR in person, there's already an invisible bond or "code of respect" that exists, and then the relationship just gets stronger and now me... More About: Marriage , Proposal , Dinner , Ends
NEW MEMBERS - Start Here
2008-02-11 02:40:00 Welcome Active Rain New Members & Invited Guests - If you are looking to Active Rain as a place to get rich quick, or just score points, you're in the wrong spot. However, if you're looking to surround yourself with incredible knowledge, experienced professionals, worthy relationships, industry support, and marketing ideas to grow your business and better your Blogging skills, you've landed in the BEST spot on planet earth. For months now, I have been welcoming "New Members" by adding links in your comments, and a welcome message to your "Very First Post" here on Active Rain. Now, I still welcome you, and just include a link to this post. :-)As a new member to Active Rain, I'm inviting you to join me on a journey which will hopefully guide you through our Active Rain "Land and Community." I have spent numerous hours creating posts for other friends, members, and invited guests to help them speed up the "l... More About: Start
10,000 Blog Comments
2008-02-05 15:26:00 A picture tells a thousand stories. Well these pictures tell 10,000 stories. I was going to write each of you a personal thank you letter or an email, but when I realized how many of you read and comment on my Blog , I had second thoughts! LOL!~ Seriously though, My Blog hit 10,000 comments this week, and they were all made by you, my subscribers. I wanted to say "Thank You" to each of you for subscribing to my Blog, reading my posts, and taking the time to comment as you all have so faithfully this past year. (March will be my one year anniversary here at AR) I hope you'll look for your photo here, (I know you will...LOL), then come back and read these two words, again... THANK YOU!!! I look at my Blog much differently now, than when I started it. Active Rain is so much more than just my Social Network. All these members are my on-line family and friends. I have added each of your photos to this post in YOUR honor, yes YOU!! I wanted you to know that I sincerely appreciate... More About: Comments
Active Rain Inspires Member's New Book
2008-02-03 05:23:00 When I first started on Active Rain , I had just watched "The Secret" with my wife, sons, and co-workers. I had decided to start trying to implement the concepts, and begin visualizing my first book. I really wasn't sure which of the many ideas I was going to run with. A few days later, I discovered Active Rain, wondering if somehow, it might have had something to do with me being drawn here by the World's energy, forces and power. (WOW, That movie must have really had an impact on me) LOL! Little did I know that the first book I'd put into print would come from my own story of adversity, and that it would be about the help and support that came from other Active Rain Members, Associates, Clients and Friends.For those of you who don't know our story, (I think everyone already does) I had written a post called "Overcoming Adversity, Change, and Life's Challenges", a story about our personal journey the first t... More About: Book
Has The Market Bottomed Out? - The Crystal Ball Says...
2008-01-26 18:57:00 Buy Low-Sell High! We have been taught this for years and business people like Donald Trump, Robert Kiyasaki and many others have become masters at speculation. In our industry we are either continually asking or being asked how much lower values are going to go before the road to recovery begins. As a matter of fact, I am humored by those who think there is a magic formula, a scientific equation, or even a good way of guessing when the market will begin it’s upswing.Please understand this one thing…There Is No Crystal Ball . As a matter of fact, since there is no crystal ball there is also absolutely no way of speculating that we are at the bottom or not. That means that when the media announces things like “we are not at the bottom” or “we have another year of this”, please understand that there is no way of knowing this.Here is what we all must realize. We must realize that there is only one way to know that it was... More About: Market
FLOCK - The New "Social Web" Browser
2008-01-26 18:22:00 Microsoft has a great browser that most of you use for touring the Internet called Internet Explorer. Duh! Some of us have had issues with pages loading slowly, letters getting missed or skipped while typing, and screens locking up with no reasonable explanation. Many of us have to use Microsoft IE for MLS applications and other purposes which I totally understand.I have found that Mozilla and the Firefox Browser have eliminated most of the issues I have had interfacing with Active Rain and many other sites and social networks. Pages load faster, no typing glitches (other than my own mis-spellings), and I have never had a page lock up on me. I also like that if the browser is ever closed unexpectedly, it will restore itself and take you right back to where you left off. Also, if you ever hit the back button accidentally in the middle of a post, you won't lose everything you spent time creating.Now, there is FLOCK. I have been using it for about a week now and I am really enjo... More About: Social , Flock , Web Browser , Social Web
A Life Lesson - Don't Give Up
2008-01-12 21:36:00 Well, I'm finally back to update you on the post "Overcoming Adversity, Change, and Life 's Challenges" As most of you know, our family started off the New Year with quite a barrage of unfortunate events. When my wife told me that I should write a post on my Blog about the whole 3 day ordeal, being the stubborn Leo and mule that I am, I resisted! I was in too much shock and drowning in self pity to think anyone needed to know or would care. Man, was I wrong!After finishing the post, I did feel a bit better, but when I started reading the comments from a few of you, I totally lost it and just had to walk away! It took me a while to even come back to the post, and start reading them again. Every comment, every word, every response simply made me weep! I'm not ashamed, I've been humbled! I have never experienced so much love and support from so many people I have never even met! (at least not in person) I realize now, this is NOT just my social network, this is my family. ... More About: Give , Lesson , Give up
Overcoming Adversity, Change & Life's Challenges
2008-01-06 06:06:00 How do you deal with adversity? What about change? When are life's challenges enough to stop you in your tracks? When can you honestly say, the whole world has come crashing down on you? Here's a real life story that will hit home for many of you who have had a similar experience and weren't sure that somehow you'd get through it!On January 1st, 2008, A New Year Dawned! We were enjoying the day with our family just as many of you were. My youngest son Brandon asked if he could go to the skateboard park with a friend he hadn't seen in almost a year. My wife and I agreed to let him go as long as the friends mother would be there to supervise. That's when our "New Year" started to take a turn for the unexpected! Mid day, our phone rang, it was Phillips mother telling us Brandon had fallen off his board and was hurt really bad. She said it looked like his arm was broken for sure. Now when a mot... More About: Change , Adversity , Halle
2007 Year In Review - By: Brad Andersohn
2007-12-31 08:11:00 ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; WOW, what a year! Certainly one for the History and Record Books. I was asked to write this "Year In Review " by Jennifer Fivelsdal as a combined effort along with a few of our other Active Rain Members. A reflection of a year now past! Jennifer asked that I cover three areas: Title and Escrow, Technology, and my pick for the Top 12 Member Posts in 2007. I'll give it my best shot, but 2007 was one "INCREDIBLE" and life changing year! This will be a challenging task to try and cover in a single post! ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &... More About: Brad , Year in Review
Swicki - The Tag and Keyword Tool
2007-12-26 07:45:00 This past week, I was busy exploring the use of tags and keywords for the Real Estate 411 Directory Network, when I discovered a really powerful tool called a Swicki! When a visitor or member finds your Swicki, they can see the keywords or tag phrases used to find particular posts or videos. A Swicki allows you to add all the "Key Words" or "Tag Lines" you want to use, and that you want your visitors to see! I have copied the one to the left here from the RE 411 Main Dashboard. I love this tool because it allows your visitors, who may be searching for a certain topic, see keywords that may entice them to be interested in something they might not have thought of during their "keyword" or "tag line" search! Do you know what your visitors are typing into Google, Yahoo, and MSN to find you, your Blog, or your website? Now you can add them to your Swicki. If the keywords or tags they are looking for aren... More About: Keyword , Tool
Information Security - Spyware | Protect Yourself
2007-12-22 08:09:00 What the Heck is Spyware , Anyway? Is your computer slow? Trouble Connecting? Taking forever to load certain pages? (like mine) :-) Spyware is computer software that is installed on your computer to intercept and record your activity without your knowledge. These programs can collect various types of personal information, and can even control your Web-browsing experience by directing you to certain sites without your intent. While it is often used for advertising purposes, Spyware has also been exploited as a vehicle for privacy theft, such as the pilfering of credit card numbers, bank account credentials, and the like. Most Spyware is installed by piggybacking on other applications that often appear useful, such as Weatherbug or Kazaa. Machines infected with Spyware often have degradation in performance, difficulties when connecting to the Internet, accelerated CPU activity, and stability iss... More About: Security , Information , Information Security
SPAM and PHISHING - Your Email
2007-12-15 04:39:00 I remember a time, not long ago, when I was told that technology and email would save me time and be a more efficient, inexpensive and effective way of communication. Well, part of that is true. However, it seems the more people I meet, the more email I am receiving and sending. I don't know about you, but for me, it's an all day and evening endeavor. Something I use to do a few times a day, I am now doing all day long. In searching for a solution to filter out the many emails I receive, I was really looking for a way to reduce the SPAM. I hate SPAM! Phishing is another thing that drives me crazy! If it takes me 3 passwords to get into my secured network laptop, why is it so easy for them to get in? Phishing is when you get an email from the Bank (appearing to be your own) and they ask you to click on a bunch of different links, then enter private and personal information. DON'T DO IT! JUST DON&... More About: Spam , Email
SPAM and PHISHING - The Email Curse
2007-12-15 04:39:00 I remember a time, not long ago, when I was told that technology and email would save me time and be a more efficient, inexpensive and effective way of communication. Well, part of that is true. However, it seems the more people I meet, the more email I am receiving and sending. I don't know about you, but for me, it's an all day and evening endeavor. Something I use to do a few times a day, I am now doing all day long. In searching for a solution to filter out the many emails I receive, I was really looking for a way to reduce the SPAM. I hate SPAM! Phishing is another thing that drives me crazy! If it takes me 3 passwords to get into my secured network laptop, why is it so easy for them to get in? Phishing is when you get an email from the Bank (appearing to be your own) and they ask you to click on a bunch of different links, then enter private and personal information. DON'T DO IT! JUST DON&... More About: Spam , Email , Curse
The 12 Days of Christmas
2007-12-11 07:12:00 On the 1st day of Christmas , my true love gave to me.... OK, so maybe I'm not your true love, but here is my "12 Days of Christmas" gift to all of you! These will be fun, and it may help you to get into the Christmas Spirit this year! You BIG kids will love some of this stuff too. The Christmas Eve Party at the end will be the BEST of all! But.....ONLY 1 DAY AT A TIME!! Here's my theory. You can't resist can you?!? :-O (LOL!!) You have to wait for the appropriate day to click on the details of that gift! I can tell, it's killing you already! C'mon, you have to be honest and fair. You can't stand it can you? NO CLICKING AHEAD! I'll know if you go ahead, and Santa agreed that if you do..... It's Coal for YOU! :-) So don't go ahead, and don't click on the "Graphics" if it's something you're not interested in! This is the BIG WILL POWER TEST! You can't do it can you!?! Those are the rules!! :-) Just Click on each of the animated graphics to...
Do You Want Visitors Searching Your Blog?
2007-12-07 23:41:00 Last month I did a post regarding ways to search Active Rain using the built in "Search" option. I also shared how you can use the URL address bar above to search Tags or Keywords. Now you can have your very own search engine built into your Blog . Have you ever read a post by another member, book-marked it, then tried to find it in that list of the other 3000 posts you've book-marked? :-0 Here's a really cool tool that will allow you and your readers to search your Blog for any topic or keywords. NOT JUST TAGS either. This is great for your fellow AR members and for visitors to your Blog or Site. It's called BlogBar. NO, this is not a place where Bloggers gather to drink, agreed, the name is a bit deceiving. Sorry!! I know how much some of you like a good bar! LOL! It's a free search engine widget you can add to your own Blog or Website. I put this on my Blog a few weeks ago to see h... More About: Visitors , Searching
The Holidays and Our Soldiers
2007-12-04 09:09:00 If you are by chance reading this post, then it really isn't by chance at all. You were meant to read this for a reason, just don't question it! While I am sitting here posting this, an American Soldier is fighting a war. While you are reading this, an American Soldier is somewhere hiding in a hole. While you are starting to think about what to write, an American Soldier is wanting to come home tonight. Maybe even if just for the Holidays . &n bsp; & nbsp; ; &nbs p; Last month was the "Pink Ribbon Month" for Breast Cancer Awareness, in which many of us members participated by adding a pink ribbon to our Active Rain photos. With Christmas right around the corner, I'd like to propose this month as the Active Rain's &quo... More About: Soldiers , The Holidays
Video and Your Blog - Featuring Future Technology
2007-11-27 11:31:00 Ok my friends, I'm back to my old self, and off on another Technology and Marketing tangent! This is a three point post I think you'll really enjoy.1) A New Widget 2) Technology and Marketing 3) Video And Your Blog ! This is the new YouTube Widget that allows you to host multiple Videos via a single player. I have chosen ?Future Technology? as the feature for this Widget. Watch the videos in this YouTube Widget and discover a new and exciting world of technology, NOT for our future, it's here now! To access your own YouTube Video Widget, you must have a YouTube Account. Sign up, It's Free! You can pull from any of their existing Videos, or you may upload and feature your own. This is a great tool for use in any business, especially in the Real Estate Industry. It works great on your personal or public Websites or Blogs. The Widget below is completely customizable. You can change the size, color, videos and more. Try the YouTube Widget, and be sure to watch th... More About: Featuring
Active Rain - Motivating and Inspiring - Who'd a Thought...
2007-11-23 11:31:00 What an incredible year it has been. When I started on Active Rain earlier this year, I had no idea what an exciting adventure this would turn into, and the impact it would have on my Blogging experience. I have spent so many early and late night hours learning all about Blogging, the People, and the Power of Active Rain. There is so much to learn here, and so many willing people that will share. Most of all, I have learned about "paying it forward" by "giving it back." I have met some of the most wonderful people on the planet here, and have shared memories, laughter, tears, and very special times with many of you. Most of my posts here, were inspired and motivated by all of YOU. In looking back at the year, I now realize the importance of my time here, and the significance this place has had for me personally and professionally. I used to think, "Where will it all eventually lead?" I'm here to tell ... More About: Thought
Active Rain - The Rain Maker - Really Makes It Rain!!
2007-11-23 11:31:00 What an incredible year it has been. When I started on Active Rain earlier this year, I had no idea what an exciting adventure this would turn into, and the impact it would have on my Blogging experience. I have spent so many early and late night hours learning all about Blogging, the People, and the Power of Active Rain. There is so much to learn here, and so many willing people that will share. Most of all, I have learned about "paying it forward" by "giving it back." I have met some of the most wonderful people on the planet here, and have shared memories, laughter, tears, and very special times with many of you. Most of my posts here, were inspired and motivated by all of YOU. In looking back at the year, I now realize the importance of my time here, and the significance this place has had for me personally and professionally. I used to think, "Where will it all eventually lead?" I'm here to tell ... More About: Maker
Marketing and Farming Your Blog
More articles from this author:2007-11-18 02:22:00 Isn't it great when you write a post on a topic you're passionate about, and you get a string of intelligent and informative comments? This creates an awesome platform to educate, and share your knowledge and experience with your clients and other consumers. Are you waiting for them to come find your great post using Google? Do you hope they just find your post by coincidence, or from a keyword search? If you want to be proactive, and get this information out to readers and clients everywhere, they'll need to know that it's there. Are you "Farming Your Blog ?Many Active Rain members subscribe to each others Blogs, so we know when there's a new post. Many of our comments are made by those members. In fact, the majority of comments are from other members, but the public is still finding and reading them as well. They are probably a little less likely to subscribe or even comment, as they are not AR members. ... More About: Marketing , Armin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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