Category: Preparedness

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My Never-Ending Search for Knowledge

Knowledge

The more I learn, the more I realize that I don’t know what I don’t know!

I’ve always been curious, hungry for knowledge, ever since I was a kid poking around, trying to figure out how the world ticks. My favorite resource back then was my full set of the 1968 World Book Encyclopedias, complete with dictionaries and an atlas. I wanted to know how things worked, why people acted the way they did, and what made everything run. That curiosity didn’t just fade as I got older. It grew, turning into this lifelong quest to keep learning.

Back then, learning felt like stumbling onto buried treasure. Every time I picked up a new fact or heard a wild story, it was like someone handed me a key to a secret door. Even little questions, like why the sky’s blue or how airplanes actually stay up, sent me hunting for answers. Books, teachers, random conversations, you name it. I started to see learning as way bigger than homework or grades. It was about getting out there and figuring things out for myself.

As I got older, I became more deliberate in my search for knowledge. I started diving into more books, consuming documentaries, and asking bigger questions. I wanted to get history, science, tech, and why people do what they do. Every subject peeled back another layer. The wild part? The more I learned, the more I realized just how much I didn’t know. That’s humbling.

One thing I figured out: there’s no finish line with knowledge.

You don’t reach a point where you’ve got it all. There’s always another angle to check out, something new to pick up, a skill you could get better at. Once I understood that, I stopped stressing about “knowing everything” and just tried to stay curious and open to new stuff.

A huge part of this journey? People. Books are great, but sometimes a good conversation with a friend, a mentor, or even a total stranger teaches you things you’d never find on a page. Everyone’s got their own story, their own way of seeing things. Listening to those perspectives opens your mind and reminds you that learning isn’t just for classrooms or libraries. There is opportunity if one is willing to seize it.

And honestly, technology changed the game. Now, you can find answers in seconds, on any topic, at any time. Online courses, articles, podcasts, endless videos. If you’re willing to put in the time, you can learn almost anything. But there’s a catch. Not everything online is true, and that’s where critical thinking comes in. You’ve gotta know how to sort good info from bad, question what you read, and double-check the facts. Real learning takes patience and a sharp eye.

You must question everything.

All this searching has taught me to keep my ego in check. The deeper I dig, the more I see how much is out there, constantly shifting. Even the experts are still learning, overturning old ideas, finding new ways to look at the world. It’s a good reminder that no one’s ever done learning. I figure the day I stop learning is the day I start dying.

But here’s what matters most: this endless hunt for knowledge makes life richer. It keeps my mind buzzing, fires up my creativity, and helps me grow. Every new thing I learn adds another layer to how I see the world and my place in it.

Now, I don’t see learning as something I have to do. It’s an adventure that never really ends, and that’s what keeps it interesting. There’s always another question, another idea, another lesson waiting. For me, that’s one of the best parts of being alive.

As Always, Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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What Will Your Next Inconvenience Look Like?

What Will Your Next Inconvenience Look Like

Life rarely barges in with flashing lights or dramatic warnings.

Most of the time, it’s those little annoyances sneaking up on you—the kind that chip away at your mood and leave you tired without really knowing why. There’s always another hassle lining up, too. Nothing huge, just the usual stuff that, in theory, shouldn’t be a big deal but still manages to wear you down. February 2026 has a sharper edge to it—prices keep climbing, tech acts up at the worst times, and the daily grind just won’t let up.

Take prices, for example

Groceries, gas, utilities, it all costs more now. You find yourself in the store, staring at the price tag on something you always buy, now a couple of bucks higher. Suddenly, you’re doing math in your head: Do you switch brands? Buy less? Just sigh and pay? Reports keep pointing out how these rising bills carve into what you take home, turning a simple shopping trip into another low-key stress test. In Beaverton, where suburbia meets the tech world, you add traffic jams on 217 or 26 to the mix. That quick store run turns into a drawn-out ordeal.

And then there’s tech

Apps freeze right when you need them, notifications pile up and hide the important stuff, and digital membership cards, like Costco’s, refuse to play nice with Apple Wallet. Suddenly, a routine checkout feels like it’s stuck in the past. People grumble that these tiny hiccups add up, making something simple feel frustratingly complicated. Maybe your movie buffers during your one free night, or a crucial email ends up in spam. It’s never just one thing, and by the end of the day, you’re more irritated than you’d admit.

It’s not just outside stuff, either

You hit snooze too many times, and the morning becomes a race. Leave your charger behind, forget your lunch, now you’re scrambling. Maybe your neighbor blocks the driveway, or roadwork pops up out of nowhere. And if it’s raining in Oregon, which it probably is, you’re dealing with wet socks, foggy windows, or getting caught in a downpour with no umbrella. Little problems pile up: you spill your coffee, catch every red light, or someone in your family needs something at the last minute. Before you know it, your patience is shot.

All these tiny delays actually have a cost. A 2026 study even says that piling up small frustrations can drag down your happiness just as much as the bigger stuff. You start feeling behind, and that frustration blows up fast.

But here’s the thing

Being ready helps. Keep snacks in the car, carry a backup charger, and give yourself some wiggle room in your schedule. And sometimes, just pause. Take a breath and figure out if it actually matters as much as it feels like it does. Most of the time, the thing itself isn’t the problem—it’s all the energy you pour into fighting it.

The next inconvenience? You’ll recognize it. Higher prices at checkout, some app freezing, a messed-up schedule, or the sky opening up just as you step outside. It won’t make the news, but it’ll push your patience. So meet it head-on. Adjust what you can, let the rest slide, and keep going. These moments never really stop coming. What matters is how you handle them; either they drain you, or they just roll off your back.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

Will Your Neighborhood Really Be Prepared For The Next Disaster?

The honest answer is: probably not as prepared as people think.

Here’s how to tell whether your neighborhood is truly ready for the next disaster (whether it’s wildfire, hurricane, flood, earthquake, severe storm, or extended power outage).

Do Your Neighbors Know Each Other?

In real disasters, neighbors are always the first responders.

Ask yourself:

  • Do you know the names of at least 5–10 households in the area?
  • Do you know who is older, disabled, or medically dependent?
  • Is there a group chat, email list, or phone tree?

If people mostly keep to themselves, response time and coordination suffer.

Is There a Community Plan?

Prepared neighborhoods often have:

  • A shared emergency contact list
  • A designated meeting point
  • Evacuation routes, everyone understands
  • A communication backup plan if cell service fails

If no one’s ever talked about it, there probably isn’t one.

Are People Personally Prepared?

Most households lack:

  • 3–7 days of food and water
  • Flashlights + batteries
  • Backup power
  • First aid supplies
  • Fire extinguishers

Prepared individuals = resilient neighborhood.

Infrastructure Reality Check

Consider:

  • How quickly does your area flood after heavy rain?
  • Are power outages common?
  • Is there only one road in/out?
  • Are trees poorly maintained near power lines?
  • Are there bridges or culverts that could impact your travel?

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about supplies — it’s about structural risk.

Does Your Local Government Communicate Well?

  • Are there emergency text alerts?
  • Has the community done drills?
  • Are shelters clearly identified?

If information is hard to find, the response will likely be chaotic.

The Hard Truth: Most communities are reactive rather than proactive.
Preparedness usually improves after a disaster, not before.

But here’s the good news:

Even one motivated person can significantly increase neighborhood resilience.

You can:

  • Start a simple emergency contact list.
  • Host a short preparedness meeting.
  • Create a neighborhood group chat.
  • Share basic preparedness checklists.
  • Coordinate bulk purchases of supplies.

Preparedness spreads socially.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Cascadia Subduction Zone – Are You Prepared For This Mammoth Nightmare

Cascadia Subduction Zone

Out past the beaches and forests of the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California all the way up through British Columbia, there’s a giant fault line lurking offshore: the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Most days, you don’t hear much about it. But scientists keep saying the same thing: when this thing finally moves, it won’t be a minor event. We’re talking about one of the biggest earthquakes North America will ever see. The question isn’t whether it’ll happen. It’s just a matter of when. Are you and your family ready?

Here’s what’s going on. The Cascadia Subduction Zone stretches for about 700 miles. The Juan de Fuca plate continues to slide beneath the North American plate, inch by inch, year after year. All that slow grinding builds up significant pressure beneath our feet. And every 300 to 600 years, that pressure blows off in a monster earthquake, what scientists call a megathrust. The last time it happened was way back on January 26, 1700. That quake had an estimated magnitude of 9.0. We know this not just from local geology, but from tsunami records in Japan, half a world away.

When Cascadia finally slips again, the shaking will last four or five minutes. That’s forever compared to most earthquakes. Power, water, cell service, and roads could be out for weeks, maybe even longer. If you’re on the coast, the tsunami could arrive in minutes, so you’d need to move fast. But even folks inland shouldn’t relax. Expect landslides, buckled roads, and damaged buildings, not to mention the ripple effects that follow.

Yeah, it sounds scary. It is. But getting ready now makes a huge difference. Start simple: make a plan. Every family member should know what to do, where to meet, and how to get through those first hours and days. Identify the safest spots in your house. Under a sturdy table is usually a good place to be, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” If you live near the coast, know your tsunami evacuation route and walk it a few times. Don’t expect to think clearly in the chaos. Let muscle memory take over.

Next, put together an emergency kit that’ll last you at least a week, ideally two. Stock up on water (a gallon per person per day), food that doesn’t spoil, a flashlight and batteries, first aid supplies, any meds you need, sturdy shoes, copies of your important documents, and some cash. Forgetting cash is surprisingly common; cards and ATMs might not work when you need them most. If you have pets, remember their food and gear as well.

Look around your home. Secure your heavy furniture to prevent tipping. Strap down the water heater. Move breakable stuff to lower shelves. If you live in an older house, consider a seismic retrofit; it’s not cheap, but it can save significant headaches and expense later.

Most importantly, talk about all this. Earthquake prep isn’t about scaring yourself or your kids. It’s about feeling ready and in control. Kids especially pick up on your mood, so keep it calm and practical. The goal is to help everyone feel empowered, not anxious. The Cascadia quake is coming sooner or later. That’s out of our hands. But being prepared, that’s on us. The families who plan ahead aren’t just more likely to make it through; they’ll come out stronger on the other side.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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It Is Not Virtuous To Be Harmless, Peace Is Virtuous

Wolves

You cannot claim to be peaceful if you are merely harmless, because peace requires the conscious ability to act otherwise.

Many of you recoil at the thought of violence.

You believe you are morally superior to nature.

That is delusional, not virtuous.

Civilization doesn’t replace the natural order.

It outsources the violence.

You sleep safely because the state implements violence on your behalf.

The police. The military. The prison system.

These are the teeth you pay to keep hidden.

The conflict pattern hasn’t vanished.

It’s been abstracted from the individual to the institution.

To deny the dynamic is not virtuous.

It is moral blindness.

You are the beneficiary of violence.

If you refuse to see the wolves, it is because you are living in the land of sheep.

True peace is not a passive absence of conflict but an intentional choice made from a position of strength. If you cannot use violence, even in self-defense, you are not choosing peace; you are simply unable to do otherwise.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Anarcho-tyranny: Its Rise In The World And The Coming Fall!

Anarcho-tyranny

Back in the 1990s, Samuel T. Francis, a paleoconservative writer, came up with the term “anarcho-tyranny.” What he meant was pretty simple: It’s when the government turns a blind eye to real criminals, letting chaos spread, but cracks down hard on regular folks just trying to follow the rules. The end result? The people causing trouble get a free pass, while the law-abiding ones feel the squeeze. Francis warned that this flips everything upside down, wrecks trust, and pulls apart the fabric that holds society together.

Lately, this idea’s caught on as crime climbs and governments seem pickier about which laws they actually enforce, especially in Western countries. Critics on the right love to point at places like San Francisco. There, shoplifting under $950 basically went unpunished for a while. Stores got hit with constant theft, and many just closed up shop.

Other cities, like Chicago and New York, saw progressive prosecutors dial back charges for violent crimes. After 2020, crime shot up. People noticed.

Over in the UK, folks see the same thing.

Police get slammed for going easy on knife crime or grooming gangs, but they’re quick to arrest people for so-called hate speech or for things they post online. In 2025, headlines focused on mass arrests over online comments during riots, while street violence seemed to go unchecked. Ireland and Canada share similar stories—fights over immigration and free speech are wrapped up in complaints about who the law really targets.

Why’s this happening? A lot of it traces back to shifts in how people think about justice. Since the 1960s, progressive reforms, “defund the police” pushes, and a new class of managers have placed greater emphasis on equity than on order. Urban decay and growing inequality make crime worse, while government red tape slows everything down. The left, meanwhile, brushes off “anarcho-tyranny” as just a scare tactic, saying it’s an excuse to crack down harder on already marginalized people.

But there’s pushback.

In California, voters got fed up and passed Proposition 36 in 2024, stiffening theft laws again. Tough-on-crime candidates started winning races in 2024 and 2025. In Britain, public anger over “two-tier” policing spilled into street protests and shaped politics.

People want justice that actually feels fair. If they keep pushing, you’ll see reforms—stronger law enforcement, less nitpicking over what people say or do in daily life. History’s full of moments when order made a comeback because the public demanded it. Maybe we’re watching the high point of anarcho-tyranny fade, as leaders finally start to listen.

In the end, the whole idea is a warning about governments going too far in either direction. The way forward? Bring back the true rule of law, protect everyone, punish real wrongdoers, and stop making life harder for people just living their lives.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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SHTF – It Won’t Be Like You See In The Movies!

SHTF - It Wont Be Like You See In The Movies

We often use SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) to describe a major collapse: economic meltdown, natural disaster, pandemic, or societal breakdown. The movies turn these into adrenaline-filled sensations: zombie hordes, lone heroes fighting marauders, or instant chaos with epic battles. Truth hits differently. Genuine SHTF scenarios drag on with boredom, bureaucracy, and quiet desperation. Survivors from hurricanes, economic crises, and blackouts reveal a far less glamorous truth: endurance tests of patience, community, and basic needs.

Movies show you constant threats, immediate violence, and courageous stands. Actual disasters unfold slowly. Hurricane survivors described days of waiting on rooftops for rescue, not fighting off invaders. One survivor shared the terror of rising water and isolation, followed by weeks of mud cleanup and supply shortages. No dramatic chases; just endless lines for water, food, and ice.

Empty store shelves become the nightmare, not bandit raids.

We debunk the “lone wolf” myth. Movies celebrate solo survival, but real accounts underscore community, neighbors sharing generators, food, and labor.

After storms, communities organize cleanups and aid distribution. Seclusion kills faster than threats; mental strain from loss, uncertainty, and monotony dominates. Survivors report depression, guilt over surviving while others suffer, and the endless grind of rebuilding without power or clean water.

Violence? Infrequent compared to movies. Most danger comes from lack of clean water, disease, poor sanitation, or accidents. In prolonged crises like Venezuela’s economic collapse, hyperinflation, and shortages, malnutrition and emigration resulted, not widespread looting. We warn against imagining “bugging out” with arsenals. Facts demand that we have access to sustainable food, clean water, and medical care.

The biggest shock: tedium.

Days blend into one another, waiting for help, power restoration, or supply trucks. No epic soundtracks; just insects, heat, thirst, hunger, and worry.

Smart preparedness focuses on reality: stockpile basics for at least 2 weeks, build local networks, and learn skills such as animal husbandry, gardening, and advanced first aid. Mental resilience matters most; practice stress management now.

SHTF won’t deliver movie thrills. It will test your patience, relationships, and resourcefulness in quiet, grinding ways. Prepare for the mundane marathon, not the action movie.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Knowledge and Skills Are Your Most Important Tools!

knowledge and skills

Tools come and go

They fail, you lose them, run out of power, or are not within reach when you need them most. Knowledge and skills are different. You carry them everywhere. They work in any environment. They remain functional when conditions are poor, and options are limited.

In everyday life, most problems are not solved by having the perfect piece of equipment. They are solved by understanding what matters first and knowing how to act. When an unexpected situation unfolds, your response depends less on what you own and more on what you know.

Knowledge gives you clarity

It helps you recognize what is actually happening instead of reacting to surface details. In stressful moments, confusion wastes time. A trained mind cuts through that confusion by prioritizing. You know which problems demand immediate attention and which ones can wait. That awareness alone can prevent minor issues from becoming serious ones.

Skills turn knowledge into action

Knowing what to do is only helpful if you can do it under pressure. Skills are built through repetition and practical use. They allow you to move with purpose rather than hesitation. Whether it is providing basic medical care, navigating safely, or communicating clearly, skills reduce dependence on outside help. Possession is not equal to Competence!

Consider common situations

Someone gets injured at home. A vehicle breaks down far from town. Weather disrupts power and communication. In each case, tools may help, but skills carry the situation forward. The ability to stay calm, assess conditions, and take measured steps often matters more than any item you could have.

Knowledge and skills also support good decision-making

Many mistakes happen not because people lack tools, but because they act too quickly or focus on the wrong problem. Training builds habits. You pause. Assess safety. Address the most serious risk first. These habits are transferable across situations, which makes them reliable.

Another advantage is adaptability

Tools are designed for specific uses. Skills adapt to events. When supplies are limited, you improvise. When plans fail, you adjust. Understanding principles allows you to apply them in new ways. This flexibility is what keeps people moving forward when conditions change.

Building these tools does not require you to be extreme

It starts with practical learning. Focus on skills you can use where you live and work. Practice them in realistic ways. Review them often enough to keep them familiar. Teaching others reinforces your own understanding and strengthens group readiness.

Knowledge and skills also build confidence

Not the kind that leads to risk-taking, but the kind that supports steady action. You trust your ability to respond. Notice issues sooner. Recover faster when things go wrong. This confidence carries into daily life, improving judgment and reducing stress.

The most reliable tools are the ones you never set down. Knowledge and skills do not depend on circumstances. They are always available, always relevant, and always worth developing.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Wilderness First Aid, Just For Help In The Wilderness?

Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness First Aid isn’t just for remote adventures. It’s a skill set that helps anytime you can’t get help right away.

The risks you face at home, at work, or on the road aren’t all that different from what you’d find on a trail. The real game-changer is how long it takes for help to arrive. When you’re on your own, what you do next really counts.

So, when does wilderness first aid matter?

Anytime you’re stuck waiting for help, and supplies run low. Or when you realize you’ll need to handle an injury much longer than you’d like.

Picture it: A snowstorm blocks the roads. The power goes out, and you can’t call anyone. Your car breaks down miles from anywhere. Ever found yourself in a spot like that?

The key is to shift your thinking. You’re not just waiting for someone to rescue you—you’re in charge of the problem. That means you’re keeping someone stable, stopping minor issues from turning into big ones, and making decisions when things get stressful. And this way of thinking works just as well in your living room as it does in the woods.

First things first: control the scene. Don’t just rush in. Take a breath. Look around for anything dangerous. Only move if you have to. Let’s say someone slips in the garage and there’s fuel spilled everywhere. You clear out the danger before you help. You have to protect yourself first, or you’re no good to anyone else.

Now, zero in on what matters most: bleeding, breathing, and consciousness. Is someone losing blood fast? Are they breathing? Are they awake? These checks take just a few seconds, but they steer everything you do next.

You don’t need fancy gear. Clean towels can stop bleeding. Tape can hold a splint in place. A jacket keeps someone warm. Maybe you use a towel to press on a cut or a hiking pole to stabilize an ankle. You make do with what you’ve got.

Keep an eye on the time. Keep checking for changes. Be ready to adjust if things shift. Waiting a long time for help can make things worse—pain gets worse, people get colder, and everyone gets tired. Your job is steady care, not a quick fix.

Practice all this at home. Run through “what if” scenarios. Build a kit for your car and stash supplies at home. Train with your family. Ask yourself: Could you handle an injury overnight? Do you know where your stuff is?

Wilderness first aid is really about being ready, not about where you are. If you can adapt, pay attention, and act with purpose, you’re already putting it to use.

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

You play a critical role in your preparedness. By preparing yourself for the unexpected, you will become more self-reliant and a valuable asset to your community.

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Winter Solstice – A Miracle Of Preparedness

Winter Solstice - Our Journey Around The Sun

The winter solstice came wrapped in silence, the kind that presses gently against the ears and makes every small sound feel important. Snow lay thick across the valley, smoothing sharp edges and sealing the ground in white. The sun rose reluctantly, hovering low as if conserving its strength, then began its brief arc across the sky.

The land had been ready for this day long before it arrived.

Tall pines stood firm along the ridgeline, their needles waxed and narrow, built to shed snow instead of carrying its weight. Each tree bore the evidence of planning measured not in weeks, but in years. Roots reached deep beneath frozen soil, tapping reserves stored during brighter seasons. Nothing about their survival was rushed. It was deliberate.

Along the forest floor, the signs of foresight were everywhere. Fallen leaves layered the earth, forming a natural blanket that trapped warmth and moisture. Beneath it, seeds waited—not dormant, but paused—protected from the cold by design older than memory. Life had learned that winter was not an emergency to be fought, but a reality to be anticipated.

Near the creek, now rimmed with ice, a beaver lodge rose from the bank like a low, earthen dome. Mud and branches were frozen solid, reinforced months earlier when water still flowed freely and daylight lingered. Inside, warmth held. Food stores remained accessible beneath the ice. The beavers did not fear the solstice; they had accounted for it.

As daylight reached its peak—brief and pale—the valley seemed to acknowledge the moment. Shadows stretched long across the snow. Frost glittered on grass stems like quiet signals. This was the longest night of the year, the point of deepest cold and shortest light, yet there was no panic in the land. Only readiness.

Even the river, slowed and narrowed, had prepared. Ice formed along the edges first, protecting the current beneath. Flow continued unseen, steady and patient, ensuring that when thaw returned, life downstream would not be cut off from what it needed.

When darkness arrived early, it brought clarity rather than fear. The sky sharpened with stars. The cold deepened, but so did the certainty that nothing essential had been overlooked. Every living thing had made adjustments—some visible, some hidden—each one a quiet decision to endure.

And then, without spectacle, the miracle occurred.

The sun, having reached its farthest retreat, turned back. The change was almost immeasurable, but it was real. From this night forward, light would return, one careful moment at a time. The land did not celebrate. It trusted the process it had prepared for all along.

The winter solstice passed not as a test of survival, but as proof of it. A reminder that resilience is built in advance, that foresight turns hardship into passage, and that preparedness—patient, intentional, and grounded—can carry life through even the longest night.

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