OCTOBER
ISSUE
OCTOBER 2011
Randryia Speaks on her purpose in helping others globally
WEAR AWARENESS:
RED MEANS GO
Support breast cancer efforts with our top products
THIS FALL
PLAY THE LOVERS GAME WITH DOMINIQUE
WHAT IS COMPROMISE
W W W . T H E B A R M A G . C O M
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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BAR Mag
contents 5 Letters
7 Editor’s Letter
8 Behind the Cover
CULTURE 11 Inspiration of Hope ENTERTAINMENT
11 The Bar Mag 1 Yr. Anniversary 16 Her Lovers Game
FASHION
18 Leather So Soft 20 Red Means GO
BEAUTY
22 Pink Awareness
LIFESTYLE
23 When Compromise Becoming Compromising
COVER STORY
27 The Project With A Purpose
Chrystallynn Block Editor–of–Chief Pearl Block Manager/COO
THE BAR MAG.COM Corneleon Block Web Designer
Crystal Smiley Graphic Designer
CONTRIBUTORS
Joe Boykin Photographer/Videographer Jeanique LaCour Photographer Jennifer Russell Executive Assistant Lawrence Sullivan Writer
FASHION
Edward Zenon Senior Stylist Salma Ekambi Hair Stylist Christian Edgehill Make-up Artist Jacquita Brown Hair Stylist Tosin Eyikogbe Hair Stylist
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EDITOR’S LETTER
From Me to You
I
t’s so nice to see so many of our young people stepping up and claiming their place in society. Things are steadily evolving, and there are new opportunities readily available. Many of my close peers are beginning [OLPY V^U I\ZPULZZLZ UV^ 0 ÄUK P[ PU[LYLZ[PUN OV^ a large number of them come about. Some are launching catering businesses, online stores, PR ÄYTZ IV\[PX\LZ HUK TVYL >OPSL [OPUNZ TH` ZLLT H IP[ V]LY^OLSTPUN H[ ÄYZ[ know that trouble wont last forever. You have to be sure within yourself. I’ve learned that some of the most prestigious publications didn’t rise to success overnight. I have to constantly remind myself, ‘you have to crawl before you walk’. Here are a few tips in being wise when starting your new venture: 1.) Consistency is key-Make it apart of your everyday goal to do something towards developing your business whether it’s branding through social media, or keeping things updated. 2.) Prioritize-There are things in life that will pull you in different directions, but you must keep your focus and put things in order of which they should go. That party may seem like fun now, but you’re losing out on time to work towards your craft. Make sure to focus on what’s more important. 3.) Take Note-There is and always be someone who’s done what you’re doing before you. Ask them questions. Be open to constructive criticism. 4.) Keep Healthy Friendships-Be sure to surround yourself with positive peers. Keep the people who are alike or better in mind and future goals near you at all times. There positivity will rub off on you even in your worst times.
must remain knowledgable and up-to-date on everything within your business. Attend seminars, read books and articles online. Also try to obtain internships. They are the best teachers. 6.) Stay in your lane-Often times people tend to be unsure of themselves, so they try a little bit of everything with nothing YLHSS` ILPUN ºZ\JJLZZM\S» (ZR `V\YZLSM JHU `V\ Ä[ HSS of your professions on one business card? Choose wisely, and stick to what you know. 7.) Set Goals-Although new businesses can be exciting, you have to be realistic. Set goals for the future of your company. Some things should be short term and easy to attain, others should be long term and take a little more effort. 8.) You are not an exception to the rules-Yes, there are ways to get to success faster, but you are no exception to the rules. You have to work for it! Nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. The important thing is that you try. In the recent passing of Steve Jobs, I’m sure he never imagined he’d get to where he is with his product. It takes great courage to step out on faith, and nourishment to keep things HÅVZ[ 0U HSS [OH[ `V\ KV THRL Z\YL [OH[ P[ PZ ^OH[ `V\ want to do and always“Set the BAR”!
9LZLHYJO +V HSS `V\ JHU [V ÄUK V\[ [OL TVZ[ information on your new venture. Once you get in, your colleages will pry you for your knowledge. You
Want to talk? Follow me on Twitter
Chrystallynn S. Block
Editor-in-Chief
@MsCBlock email me
cblock@thebarmag.com
BEHIND THE COVER
BEHIND THE COVER We went behind the scenes at our latest photo shoot for our October Women Breast Cancer Issue.
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C U LT U R E
An Inspiration By: Tina D. Johnson, BA,MPH
O
ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and pink ribbons are so often quite visible in communities during this time. The wearing of these ribbons symbolizes one’s personal expression of moral support for women with breast cancer. For the breast cancer survivor, not only do we wear our pink ribbons on our clothing, but we wear them in our heart. As survivors, we will always be aware of a disease that devastates communities and families and that changed our lives forever. My journey with breast cancer began just days before my 34th birthday on March 11, 1994. So many things went through my mind when the doctor gave me the news. Immediately, I thought it was my death sentence. I asked my mother, “Why Me?” and her reply, “Why Not You?” She later went on to explain that this was the perfect opportunity MVY .VK»Z .SVY` [V IL THNUPÄLK PU T` SPML 0 KPK not understand at that time, but at age 51, I understand perfectly what it means. Since that day, my life has not been the same. Living with the diagnosis has not been easy, but by staying focused on the things that I feel are important to me, I am able to make the emotional roller coaster ride a little more tolerable. /H]PUN H ZTHSS JOPSK H[ [OL [PTL T` ÄYZ[ concern was “Will I be around to see him grow and graduate from high school?” I felt that if I
of Hope could stay around at least until then, he would be okay. So, that night I prayed and made one request, “Lord, please heal me so that I will live to see that day”. From that day forward, I focused on living, and not thinking about dying. I had faith to believe that if it was God’s will, it would come to pass. This month, my son will be 25 years old. Soon after my diagnosis, I called one of my cousins who received her diagnosis several years before me. We talked about so many
concern was Will I be around to see him grow and graduate from high school? things during that conversation, but the one thing she told me was “Tomorrow does not belong to anyone.” The person in good health today may face a crisis tomorrow. Of course, I was aware of that fact, but it somehow took VU H TVYL ZPNUPÄJHU[ TLHUPUN (M[LY OH]PUN to go back to surgery 6 weeks after I had a mastectomy, I was concerned about what the KVJ[VY ^HZ NVPUN [V ÄUK 0 ^HZ ZOHYPUN T` concerns with a friend, at the wake service for the son of one of my colleagues, and a total stranger overheard my conversation. She said, “It’s not how long we live, but that God wants us to live an abundant life while we live.” By the grace of God I have survived breast cancer for 17 years. The memories of those I have loved and lost along the way keeps me humble. I don’t know about tomorrow, but as for today, I am grateful.
11 OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
EVENTS
WALE “AMBITION” Controversial Hip-Hop artist Wale will be releasing his second album on November 11. Wale, who is a part of the Maybach Music Group, took it to his twitter page to inform his fans of the completion of Ambition. “I’m just trying to make a classic album, something that you can put up there with “Reasonable Doubt” and all the stuff that’s blasphemous to compare your work to now,” Wale told XXL magazine while comparing his music to Jay-Z’s.
KIERRA SHEARD “FREE” Gospel recording artist Kierra Sheard will be releasing her fourth album on October 18. This will be OLY ÄYZ[ HSI\T THKL \UKLY OLY MHTPSPLZ NVZWLS SHILS ;OL HSI\T PZ WYVK\JLK I` OLY IYV[OLY 1 +YL^ :OLHYK 00 HUK PZ H TP_[\YL VM \W [LTWV \YIHU NYVV]LZ HUK PZ H YLÅLJ[PVU VM 2PLYYH HJJLW[PUN [OL [Y\L freedom Christ has to offer. The album was originally set to release in July 2011 but was leaked, so Kierra and her team went back in the studio, pushed backed the debut date, and put together a new playlist.You go Kierra!!.
TELEVISION FIVE (LIFETIME ORIGINAL MOVIE) ;OL 3PML[PTL VYPNPUHS TV]PL ¸-P]L¹ ^PSS IL WYLTPLYLK VU 6J[ H[ WT ,:; ;OL TV]PL JVUZPZ[ VM Ä]L ZOVY[ ÄSTZ [OH[ L_WSVYL [OL PTWHJ[ VM IYLHZ[ JHUJLY VU PUKP]PK\HSZ HUK MHTPSPLZ -P]L PZ Z[HYYPUN ;YHJLL ,SSSPZ 9VZZ and Rosario Dawson and is produced by R&B singer and new mother Alicia Keys.
REED BETWEEN THE LINES (BET NETWORK) Tracee Ellis Ross and former “Cosby Show” kid Malcolm Jamal Warner, will be co-starring together in a new BET sitcom “Reed Between the Lines.” A sitcom about what it truly means to be happily married. The two co-stars are described to have great on screen chemistry together. The sitcom will debut on BET Oct. 11.
MOVIES PUSS IN BOOTS 9LTLTILY 7\ZZ MYVT [OL RPK ÅPJR :OYLR& >LSS 4Y 7\ZZ KLJPKLK OL ^HU[LK OPZ V^U ZOPUL (SS OL needs is his boots. And DreamWorks will take you on an adventure of nine lifetimes. The movie is set to debut in theaters November 4.
12
TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN Twilight fans won’t have to wait too much longer for the series next movie. You have been cordially invited to the event that will change everything, but you will have to be in attendance VU 5V]LTILY [V ÄUK V\[ Q\Z[ ^OH[ P[ PZ 0[»Z VUS` [OL ILNPUUPUN VM [OL LUK VM [OL ZLYPLZ ;OL TV]PL [OH[ KLI\[Z PU 5V]LTILY ^PSS IL [OL ÄYZ[ WHY[ VM [OL [^V WHY[ LUKPUN MVY [OL TV]PL
OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
EVENTS
OCTOBER
10-16 28 22
Audi Presents: Houston Fashion Week @ Wortham Theater
14 30
Chris Tucker @ Verizon Theater Marsha Ambrosius & Miguel @ Arena Theater
Women Thou Art Loosed @ Lakewood Church (www. tdjakesconferences. org)
NOVEMBER
7
5
Taylor Swift @ Minute Maid
Brilliant Lecture Series w/ Sydney Poitier
12-13
Annual Childrens Festival @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion
17
Aretha Franklin @ Arena Theater
13 OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
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OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
BLACK IS IN
1 ANNIVERSARY ST
PARTY
EXCLUSIVE
HER LOVERS GAME” G ETTING
16
UP - CLOSE
&
PERSONAL WITH
OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
D OMINIQUE
EXCLUSIVE
How long have you been in the music industry? I have been singing all my life but pursuing it professionally since about 2009 when I YLSLHZLK T` ÄYZ[ ,7 .VVK .PYS Blues.
Are you signed to any label? No I am unsigned.
Who do you admire in the music industry? Past or present. If we are referring to artists Id have to say I really admire Tina Turner because of her stage show, and presence. I also really admire 50 Cent because of his business savvy. As far as producers/ songwriters I admire Babyface. Babyface writes the songs that the whole world sings. He is so talented.
If you could collaborate with any two artists, who would you pick? I would collaborate with Brandy because her voice is amazing and I realized I could sing by singing one of her songs and Ludacris because I feel like he murders features.
What words would you use to identify your sound? My sound is soulful R&B. I’d say it was a fresh take on a classic sound. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I just want to be know as a singer who actually sings.
Talk about the Lovers Game EP. What was your inspiration? Lover’s Game is the 1st EP in a relationship series. I KLÄUP[LS` SPRL [V ^YP[L HUK ZPUN HIV\[ [OL JVTWSL_P[PLZ of love lost and found so this EP was born out of that. Vol 1 is more about going through the rough times. When I wrote those songs, my love life was going through it. Vol 2 may be a little bit happier.
How do you want people to receive your music? I just want people to relate and enjoy.
What have been some of the biggest highlights of your career as a singer? 7\[[PUN V\[ T` ÄYZ[ ,7 NL[[PUN UVTPUH[LK MVY H /V\Z[VU Press Award, meeting Andre Harrell, selling 1000 copies of my single “Pretender” in a month with no promo, no budget & no label were awesome but hearing a supporter sing my songs back to me at a show had to be the best.
How do you think people will describe you as a person? Emotional. I’m the girl who will go hard on your momma make everyone laugh then when you say something back I cry (she laughs). I’m loyal. I ride hard for my family, friends and those who support me. Most of all they would say I am about business.
What motivates you? My family.
Describe your personal style. I have a classic style. More Charlotte from Sex in the City. I’m into vintage fashion pieces that are timeless.
Are you a shoe fanatic or more into clothing? Accessories. I love handbags and nice jewelry. I like designers like Kate Spade.
What are things that you enjoy most when you re not working in music? Spending time with my family, watching boxing, or my real guilty pleasure is reality shows like real housewives of everything and basketball wives.
What s next for you? Finishing up my next EP and writing for other artists.
Will we get an album soon? Vol 2 of Lover’s Game will be coming in 2012.
H I S FA S H I O N
LEATHER By: Sulli
SO SOFT
One of most key essentials to preparing for Jack Frost is remembering “quality over quantity.” Sure, that leather jacket at your local go to hot spot is a must have, but how sure are you on its durability and its rarity. Purchasing leather can be very tricky. Ever wondered why you’re continuously spending your hard earned money year around on new jackets because your favorite winter time jacket barely made it through the season? Being advocates of investing, we at TBM encourage our readers to research your wants and not shy away from purchasing those luxury leather goods to accommodate your winter needs. Remember fashion fades, style is eternal-recycle!
18 OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
Understanding how sometimes most don’t enjoy the overwhelming warmth of leather, try prepping your units with little accents of leather in its variety of colors to keep that warm yet keeping your incomparable style, which happens to set men apart from the boys. Dsquared2 is in a league of their own. Yes, this line of goods may exceed most of our monthly or even yearly budgets, yet it still sets an example of how leather can be manipulated and constructed into a completely different outlook. Peep this two wool/leather driven concept. What better way is there to sport leather other than as a statement piece?Hermes is the answer. This olive green zipper jumpsuit is a prime example of how leather can be worn in a clever gesture. Most men wouldn’t know what to do with a pair of leather pants. Leather pants have genuinely been known as a style for the “rocker image” touché, but now times have changed. Managed properly, leather pants can now be worn in a more conservative, modern, and urban format. Accessories, we meet again. Reassure yourself that these garments can and shall be recycled from the spring/summer collections to brighten you winter appearance. And if the last four suggestions haven’t given you an insight of how to wear your leather looks, take a moderate approach with a solid pair of shoes, a nice pair of denim jeans and of course, a leather jacket. With the double breasted, military and motorcyclist theme cuts this ZLHZVU P[ ^VU»[ IL OHYK ÄUKPUN H ÅH[[LYPUN QHJRL[ that gains its own attention before noticing the man wearing it. **All photos courtesy of Getty Images, photographer not given
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OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
FA S H I O N
We heard through the grapevine that blue and Houston for Fashion We
Joshua Johnson Houston, TX Fashion Producer
20
OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
Shelia Gostlin Senior Revenue Acoountan Houston, TX
FA S H I O N
es and reds overloaded the runways in New York eek. So we decided to give it a go.
nt
Jasmine Floyd Pre-School Teacher Reside in Houston, TX
Reggie Collier Event Producer Houston, TX
Pink BEAUTY
W 2
AWARENESS
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
1.The Citizen watch company is offering a beautiful Susan G. Komen edition Economy Drive watch. The watch has 20 diamonds, stainless steel, sapphire glass.The watch is listed at $395.
2.Betsy Johnson, being a breast cancer survivor herself, has created her own line for breast cancer. Betsy Johnson’s collection consists of cute socks, charm bracelets, a tank, and gloves.
3.Visit the nearest Forever 21 and check out “The Courage Collection”, between September 1st to November 1st, the clothing items will be available. From sweatshirts to blazers, ten percent of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
4. Shiseido has launched a shimmering rouge all-day lipstick in support of breast cancer awareness. The lipstick is priced at $25 and Shiseido donates $5 from every sale to the CEW’s Cancer and Careers, an organization that helps ^VTLU ^OV HYL ÄNO[PUN JHUJLY HUK HSZV HYL PU [OL ^VYRMVYJL
5. ULTA Exclusive Limited Edition Philosophy body moisturizer ($20-$38; ULTA)
6. Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Purse Brush Set ($12.99; Target)
5
6 22
OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
4
3
1
LIFESTYLE
When
Compromise
Becomes
Compromising
by: Edward Cenon
L
earning to compromise can help you in business as well as your relationship. No relationship is perfect, meaning there are arguments and disagreements. I know most young women expect to have the love life of a romance movie, but I hate to say that this is real life. In order for any relationship to work, there has to be some common ground from both parties to build and have the type of healthy relationship that’s always dreamed of. Compromise is a great way to build a strong YLSH[PVUZOPW ILJH\ZL P[ PZ ZOV^PUN `V\Y ZPNUPÄJHU[ other that you actually care about their feelings and thoughts. It’s okay to put your pride aside and make things work for the both of you. An easy compromise for example may be choosing where to eat for your 6 month anniversary. Most of the time men don’t really care where they eat just as long as they have a variety to choose from so they will not be completely disappointed. Typically, a man would let the woman choose anyway so there really shouldn’t be any compromise. And ladies if your man wants to argue with you about where to have dinner, then you have a long bumpy road ahead of you. In any relationship there are circumstances that should never be compromised. My view on dating
and cheating is that if you do it once then you have a JOHUJL H[ YLKLLTPUN `V\YZLSM I\[ PM `V\Y ZPNUPÄJHU[ other is constantly cheating and you allow it then you have gone past the point of compromise to being desperate. No one should ever have to settle MVY HU`VUL :V PM `V\ JHUUV[ ÄUK ZVTLVUL ^OV PZ faithful, then as simply as I say this, move on! Another circumstance that many people may not see as compromise is abuse. Believe it or not, abuse goes both ways. There are women who actually physically assault their men and the men sit and take it, just as some women do. In abusive relationships you’re compromising your health, well-being and your life. So ask yourself, “Is it really worth it?” Not all compromise is bad, but you must make wise decisions when it comes to compromising in a relationship. No relationship can work when one person is giving 100 percent while the other is only giving 50 percent. Keep in mind your morals and ethics when making decisions of compromise because you are not only deciding for yourself but your partner as well.
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OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
A D V E R T I S
thehaut JOCAS HANDBAGS
S E M E N T
tehide
Interview by:
Chrystallynn Block Photography by:
Jeanique LaCour
COVER STORY
A PROJECT WITH A PURPOSE
R
andryia Houston is nothing short of an extraordinary woman. In discovering her project which reaches out beyond the US, the thought of our future being as bright as the ones she’s helping to create for the children of Africa became crystal clear. In order to HJOPL]L NYLH[ULZZ PU V\Y JVTT\UP[` ^L T\Z[ ÄYZ[ Z[LW V\[ HUK ÄUK V\Y ZVSL W\YWVZL PU SPML 4Z /V\Z[VU ^OV is a graduate student at the University of Houston wears many hats. Her biggest contribution yet, The Pencil Project also known as Pencils for Ghana has received countless recognition from school boards and more. In her busy schedule, we were able to catch up with her HUK ÄUK V\[ Q\Z[ ^O` ZOL JOVZL [V W\YZ\L Z\JO H NYHUK effort to travel to and from Ghana to help the children in need by simply giving them a pencil in hopes that they may write out their future. What made you want to start the Pencil Project? My best friend Hannah McConn and I started The Pencil Project and the Pencils 4 Ghana Initiative after visiting a rural Ghanaian school and orphanage and seeing the dire need for school supplies. We spoke with school administrators and teachers that really shed light on the impact that school supplies had on the likelihood of students remaining in school during elementary years. Why did you choose to reach out to Ghana? .OHUH ^HZ [OL ÄYZ[ (MYPJHU JV\U[Y` 0 ^HZ HISL [V ]PZP[ via a study abroad opportunity. Ghanaian people and culture shaped my impression and experience with Africa. It is because of Ghana that I fell in love with Africa and found much of myself. Some people may think that a simple pencil isn’t a very big thing to donate? What made you choose to donate pencils? Initially, Hannah and I didn’t know where to start, we brained stormed with friends and decided that pencils were lightweight, could be transported easily, and the students in Ghana really needed them.
It is important that people know that the Ghanaian people are proud, hard working and value family. My contribution just provides a little help for a people who value education but have the responsibility to feed their families before purchasing school supplies.
What was it like collecting pencil donations for the with you? (M[LY KLJPKPUN [V JVSSLJ[ WLUJPSZ [OL ÅVVKNH[LZ started to open. People were so generous and couldn’t believe that all we wanted were pencils. Organizations all over the University of Houston campus held pencil KYP]LZ MVY \Z PUJS\KPUN! [OL 5VUWYVÄ[ 3LHKLYZOPW (SSPHUJL of which I am an alumni, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, a chemistry professor at UH, Dr. Bott collected pencils in his classes for extra credit and donated 30,000 pencils and also organizations in the community: Tha B Side via Jackie Thomas Jr. held a pencil drive event and donated to The Pencil Project, Klein Forest High school donated 20,000 pencils, Prairie View A&M University held a campus wide community service project and collected over 7,000 pencils. Also Houston Community College- Coleman Campus donated 6,000 pencils.
How many times have you traveled to Ghana? I have traveled to Ghana four times and donated pencils to schools three of those times.
What s next for The Pencil Project? Short term goals include hosting a fundraiser not only to raise funds for the organization but also to educate people about how to aid in our efforts to alleviate educational disparities in Ghana and to gain more community support.
27
OCTOBER 2011 | THEBARMAG.COM
How is it juggling school, work, The Pencil Project and being a full-time mother? 0[ PZ KLÄUP[LS` H JOHSSLUNL ILPUN H *,6 NYHK\H[L Z[\KLU[ and mom. Navigating from one responsibility to another is hard work. Luckily, I have family and friends that have supported me through all of my crazy endeavors. Hannah has been there picking up the slack where I have lacked so I am blessed.
What is your motivation for your philanthropic efforts? 0 OH]L HS^H`Z ILLU PU[LYLZ[LK PU [OL UVUWYVÄ[ ZLJ[VY 0 ^LU[ [OYV\NO H UVUWYVÄ[ THUHNLTLU[ HUK SLHKLYZOPW WYVNYHT PU \UKLYNYHK [OH[ L_WVZLK TL [V UVUWYVÄ[Z both locally and nationally. The Pencil Project, I think is an obligation. When I saw the children in Ghana, I saw my own daughter’s face and had an instant connection.
What are you guilty pleasures?
What makes Randryia smile? My daughter Ryann always brings a smile to my face and fuels the motivation I have to make a tangible difference in the world.
What is the goal you have for the Pencil Project? I would like to see The Pencil Project in many African countries and globally, as a service learning project at universities around the US and developed into curriculum at elementary, secondary and high schools.
How do you think we can get people to do more things like the Pencil Project? I would encourage other young people to allow themselves to dream out loud. It is okay to think crazy ideas and fumble in the process of executing them. The most PTWVY[HU[ [OPUN PZ [V ÄYZ[ KHYL [V [Y`
It is important that people know that the Ghanaian people are proud, hard working and value family.
Reality TV, especially Jersey Shore and any of the Housewives. I also love the travel channel and anything on the Food Network.
I am a huge fan of Soledad O’Brien and Anderson Cooper. I admire they way the used of CNN as a platform to educate and advocate for various humanitarian and social justice causes.
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