Comments on: Gaither and the “A List” http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/ Criticism and commentary on southern gospel music Tue, 22 May 2012 18:02:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3 By: James Verner http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-1508959 James Verner Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:27:04 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-1508959 I don't think the "A"list nit-picking has any merit. Gaither and his ministry has blessed a lot of people. You try doing this too and we will place you in the "A" list! Jim Verner I don’t think the “A”list nit-picking has any merit. Gaither and his ministry has blessed a lot of people. You try doing this too and we will place you in the “A” list! Jim Verner

]]> By: Jesse http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-22115 Jesse Sat, 19 May 2007 23:10:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-22115 The A list here is The Crabb Family, Mike Bowling Group (the closest thing to Kenny Hinson since Kenny Hinson) The Easters and the Freemans, those groups are on anybody's A-list, unless you're nuts. All the others can stay home, they're just good for advancing the cause of fast forward buttons. The A list here is The Crabb Family, Mike Bowling Group (the closest thing to Kenny Hinson since Kenny Hinson) The Easters and the Freemans, those groups are on anybody’s A-list, unless you’re nuts. All the others can stay home, they’re just good for advancing the cause of fast forward buttons.

]]> By: Susan E. Weatherford http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-6077 Susan E. Weatherford Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:50:43 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-6077 I was going to refrain from commenting again, but after looking up the scriptures that S. Earl Weatherford provided, I could not stop myself. Bear in mind, I am not doing this in an antagonistic spirit, but rather just to clarify. Here are the scriptures he listed, NIV translation: John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. 1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Sometimes, when we take verses out of context, we can interpret them to mean anything that we want. So, I looked up ministry in my Concordance (yes, I know how to use one) and found this: 2 Corinthians 4:1- Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. So, the bottom line is, we ALL have a ministry. Even though we are on the A-list or the Z-list, we are all part of the body of Christ. It is really pretty silly to sit around and debate who is the best or the worst. We should all give our very best because Christ gave his very best for us. And He is still doing it today. I was going to refrain from commenting again, but after looking up the scriptures that S. Earl Weatherford provided, I could not stop myself. Bear in mind, I am not doing this in an antagonistic spirit, but rather just to clarify.

Here are the scriptures he listed, NIV translation:

John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

1 Peter 1:7 These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Sometimes, when we take verses out of context, we can interpret them to mean anything that we want. So, I looked up ministry in my Concordance (yes, I know how to use one) and found this:

2 Corinthians 4:1-

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

So, the bottom line is, we ALL have a ministry. Even though we are on the A-list or the Z-list, we are all part of the body of Christ. It is really pretty silly to sit around and debate who is the best or the worst. We should all give our very best because Christ gave his very best for us. And He is still doing it today.

]]> By: smilekross http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5989 smilekross Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:01:45 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5989 OH, YES, STEVE WEATHERFORD. SORRY, I HAD NEVER HEARD YOU USE YOUR MIDDLE NAME IN THAT WAY. I HAVE HEARD THE WEATHERFORDS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT HADN'T HEARD YOU QUOTING BIBLE LIKE THAT. I THOUGHT MORE OF YOU BEING A WANNA-BE COMEDIAN. AND SINCE YOU MENTION BIBLE QUOTES, AND YOU SEEM TO BE SO SENSITIVE TO BEING CALLED ON EXAGGERATING; I TRIED TO THINK OF WHERE I COULD FIND THE WORD EXAGGERATION IN THE BIBLE. DON'T THINK IT'S THERE, INSTEAD, GOD SEEMS TO PREFER THE NASTY LITTLE WORD LIE, OR LIARS, OR LYING. AND SINCE IT MENTIONS WHAT HAPPENS TO LIARS IN REVELATION 21:8----I'M MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT THAN I AM THE "A-LIST" OF GOSPEL SINGERS. WHEN EACH OF US STAND BEFORE GOD TO GIVE ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES AND THE DEEDS WE HAVE DONE, I CAN'T IMAGINE GOD SAYING, "NOW, SING ME A GOOD OLD GOSPEL SONG, AND LET ME SEE IF YOU GET ON THE A OR B LIST" INCIDENTALLY, MR WEATHERFORD, YOU REALLY DO SING WELL, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, AND IF YOU COULD LET YOUR EGO, AND TONGUE BE SANCTIFIED, YOU COULD REALLY BE A BLESSING TO MANY. DON'T YOU THINK SO? OH, YES, STEVE WEATHERFORD. SORRY, I HAD NEVER HEARD YOU USE YOUR MIDDLE NAME IN THAT WAY. I HAVE HEARD THE WEATHERFORDS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT HADN’T HEARD YOU QUOTING BIBLE LIKE THAT. I THOUGHT MORE OF YOU BEING A WANNA-BE COMEDIAN.
AND SINCE YOU MENTION BIBLE QUOTES, AND YOU SEEM TO BE SO SENSITIVE TO BEING CALLED ON EXAGGERATING; I TRIED TO THINK OF WHERE I COULD FIND THE WORD EXAGGERATION IN THE BIBLE. DON’T THINK IT’S THERE, INSTEAD, GOD SEEMS TO PREFER THE NASTY LITTLE WORD LIE, OR LIARS, OR LYING. AND SINCE IT MENTIONS WHAT HAPPENS TO LIARS IN REVELATION 21:8—-I’M MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THAT THAN I AM THE “A-LIST” OF GOSPEL SINGERS.
WHEN EACH OF US STAND BEFORE GOD TO GIVE ACCOUNT OF OURSELVES AND THE DEEDS WE HAVE DONE, I CAN’T IMAGINE GOD SAYING, “NOW, SING ME A GOOD OLD GOSPEL SONG, AND LET ME SEE IF YOU GET ON THE A OR B LIST”
INCIDENTALLY, MR WEATHERFORD, YOU REALLY DO SING WELL, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, AND IF YOU COULD LET YOUR EGO, AND TONGUE BE SANCTIFIED, YOU COULD REALLY BE A BLESSING TO MANY.
DON’T YOU THINK SO?

]]> By: Megan L. Cunningham http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5985 Megan L. Cunningham Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:30:00 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5985 Sometimes people exaggerate because they don't have anything to show for. So they have to make something up. Megan Sometimes people exaggerate because they don’t have anything to show for. So they have to make something up.

Megan

]]> By: Steven E Weatherford http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5973 Steven E Weatherford Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:40:39 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5973 Lets see. I was at the first taping in Nashville, they called that one Reunion, and I missed the Ryman one because I had to drive the bus to Pittsburg so we could finish the tour. I think the last one I sat in on ended up being called Indiana Roof something. Someone said I was the first one who ever said any thing at a taping that was not scripted. I’m not real sure about that but I like the platinum video I got for being on that one. I have not made any of the live concert ones, except the first Texas one. I have yet to have been heard singing a song, but I was there and I was singing. I’m glad to have been setting here watching the history of Gospel music change right before my eyes. I would not have missed this last one but I went home to see my baby boy instead. I’m sure I made the right call on that one. Yes, I am fairly sure that I was at every one they ever did in the studio, except the very first one. I had a blast at all of them, Seems like 50 or so to me. Why don’t you count them and let me know? I may be wrong. It would not be the first time. I’m sure not second guessing Bill. He is on the top of my list and the old respect I have for him still works fine. I’m sure his reward in Heaven will be great. I have never known him to show malice toward any one, even when he very well could have. It’s a shame more of us can’t have that attribute these days. He has helped a lot of us more than we may realize. He really does love this thing we call Gospel Music and the people who sing it. Words can hurt him as they can hurt any of us. But to refer to the Ulmer scale to rank the ones who are on videos. Well John 17:16 still fits here, try reading it. Since I will not be writing any more on this subject let me make it clear. To use a worldly or Hollywood type standard, and the term A- List was not coined for, or is it about, or has it ever been about Gospel singers, and to judge others serving in the Kingdom is just wrong . . . Some that may have been called unimportant to a video shoot or the NQC or any thing else for that matter have made many a sacrifice to take the good news of the Gospel on the road long before any one even cared about such things. Who is to say that they are not important enough to be considered “A-List “? I know this is being used as a term to show who is considered to be hot right now. But let us consider what we do and say. We will always be different. We should be. We are in this together even if we like it or not. We will be stronger if we stay together as best we can and LIFT each other up and I know Bill Gaither knows this. I think he has proven this over and over again. I’m trying to learn this. I WILL try harder now. We can’t all be on the top of the heap and sell millions but we can all do something. The success of the videos proves that to me. Some of the notes these folks sing may not be as strong as they once were or the crowds may not cheer for these “b-list” folks but they are important and precious in the Lord’s eyes, we are indeed set apart. The best of us are nothing without him in our lives. We do not need an A list standard to be important to God. All we need is his forgiveness. Forgive me if I’m wrong again. It would not be the first time Lets see. I was at the first taping in Nashville, they called that one Reunion, and I missed the Ryman one because I had to drive the bus to Pittsburg so we could finish the tour. I think the last one I sat in on ended up being called Indiana Roof something. Someone said I was the first one who ever said any thing at a taping that was not scripted. I’m not real sure about that but I like the platinum video I got for being on that one. I have not made any of the live concert ones, except the first Texas one. I have yet to have been heard singing a song, but I was there and I was singing. I’m glad to have been setting here watching the history of Gospel music change right before my eyes.

I would not have missed this last one but I went home to see my baby boy instead. I’m sure I made the right call on that one. Yes, I am fairly sure that I was at every one they ever did in the studio, except the very first one. I had a blast at all of them, Seems like 50 or so to me. Why don’t you count them and let me know? I may be wrong. It would not be the first time.

I’m sure not second guessing Bill. He is on the top of my list and the old respect I have for him still works fine. I’m sure his reward in Heaven will be great. I have never known him to show malice toward any one, even when he very well could have. It’s a shame more of us can’t have that attribute these days. He has helped a lot of us more than we may realize. He really does love this thing we call Gospel Music and the people who sing it. Words can hurt him as they can hurt any of us.

But to refer to the Ulmer scale to rank the ones who are on videos. Well John 17:16 still fits here, try reading it. Since I will not be writing any more on this subject let me make it clear. To use a worldly or Hollywood type standard, and the term A- List was not coined for, or is it about, or has it ever been about Gospel singers, and to judge others serving in the Kingdom is just wrong . . . Some that may have been called unimportant to a video shoot or the NQC or any thing else for that matter have made many a sacrifice to take the good news of the Gospel on the road long before any one even cared about such things. Who is to say that they are not important enough to be considered “A-List “? I know this is being used as a term to show who is considered to be hot right now. But let us consider what we do and say. We will always be different. We should be. We are in this together even if we like it or not. We will be stronger if we stay together as best we can and LIFT each other up and I know Bill Gaither knows this. I think he has proven this over and over again. I’m trying to learn this. I WILL try harder now. We can’t all be on the top of the heap and sell millions but we can all do something. The success of the videos proves that to me.

Some of the notes these folks sing may not be as strong as they once were or the crowds may not cheer for these “b-list” folks but they are important and precious in the Lord’s eyes, we are indeed set apart. The best of us are nothing without him in our lives. We do not need an A list standard to be important to God. All we need is his forgiveness.

Forgive me if I’m wrong again. It would not be the first time

]]> By: smilekross http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5972 smilekross Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:14:01 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5972 I have been a big fan of the Homecoming Videos since they very first one came out. I think I've watched just about all of them. I remember Earl Weatherford and Lily Fern Weatherford on a few of the videos but for the life of me I can't figure out who this S. Earl Weatherford is who's supposed to have been on "at least 50 videos". Who is this person??? I am pretty familiar with everyone in those tapings but this person has escaped my notice. Can anyone help me understand? I have been a big fan of the Homecoming Videos since they very first one came out. I think I’ve watched just about all of them. I remember Earl Weatherford and Lily Fern Weatherford on a few of the videos but for the life of me I can’t figure out who this S. Earl Weatherford is who’s supposed to have been on “at least 50 videos”. Who is this person??? I am pretty familiar with everyone in those tapings but this person has escaped my notice. Can anyone help me understand?

]]> By: Megan L. Cunningham http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5958 Megan L. Cunningham Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:39:31 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5958 There is no such thing as the "A-List." There are people who wish they had a better career and who have suffered because they don't want to take the opportunity or lose control of their little empire, and then there's people who are truthful and geniunely exicted about the word of God and do all the right things for the right reasons. Remember that saying, "Good things happen to good people?" Simple as that. There is no such thing as the “A-List.”
There are people who wish they had a better career and who have suffered because they don’t want to take the opportunity or lose control of their little empire, and then there’s people who are truthful and geniunely exicted about the word of God and do all the right things for the right reasons.
Remember that saying, “Good things happen to good people?”
Simple as that.

]]> By: Susan E. Weatherford http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5955 Susan E. Weatherford Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:11:59 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5955 Come on, brother. A veteran of 50 videos? Isn't that exaggerating just a bit? The "a-list" is only an expression. It refers to people who are a part of something and have established standards for others. I think as Christians, we are all on THE A-LIST. I was at the Gaither taping, it was incredible. It gave me a whole new respect for Bill Gaither. I've read a few notes on here where people ask why doesn't Bill do this or why does he do that? Tell you what, when you have been as successful as he has been and have helped restart as many ministries as he has, then you have the right to second guess him and question what he does and why he does it. Any person who can get that many people, personalities, and EGOS on one stage is a genius. To quote Bill Gaither, he said this the night of the first taping, "There's nothing wrong with having an ego, you just have to get it sanctified." Truer words have never been said. I'm not sure many people actually processed what he said, but it made a lot of sense to me. Come on, brother. A veteran of 50 videos? Isn’t that exaggerating just a bit? The “a-list” is only an expression. It refers to people who are a part of something and have established standards for others. I think as Christians, we are all on THE A-LIST. I was at the Gaither taping, it was incredible. It gave me a whole new respect for Bill Gaither. I’ve read a few notes on here where people ask why doesn’t Bill do this or why does he do that? Tell you what, when you have been as successful as he has been and have helped restart as many ministries as he has, then you have the right to second guess him and question what he does and why he does it. Any person who can get that many people, personalities, and EGOS on one stage is a genius. To quote Bill Gaither, he said this the night of the first taping, “There’s nothing wrong with having an ego, you just have to get it sanctified.” Truer words have never been said. I’m not sure many people actually processed what he said, but it made a lot of sense to me.

]]> By: S. Earl Weatherford http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5902 S. Earl Weatherford Mon, 26 Feb 2007 14:50:58 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5902 As a veteran of at least 50 videos, I had to find out what it meant to be considered “A-list”. I challenge the reader to find out the real meaning of the term A-list according to the journalist, James Ulmer and what it applies to and then to re-think if there is a place for such a list in the kingdom of God. I think that if we go by his description of “A-List “ then Bill Gaither and every artist to have ever appeared do not even come close to this status. I did find references to a list at Rev.21: 27 and Luke 10:20. I also found out that if we try to use a term for what we do such as a list to make ourselves a little more important in this world, we will run right into John at 17:16.The only superstar in the Kingdom is the King himself. The rest of us, all of us that serve him in some way, be it through music or even have a web site of our own should be happy if we only smell like smoke, Ask 1 Peter at 1:7 As a veteran of at least 50 videos, I had to find out what it meant to be considered “A-list”. I challenge the reader to find out the real meaning of the term A-list according to the journalist, James Ulmer and what it applies to and then to re-think if there is a place for such a list in the kingdom of God. I think that if we go by his description of “A-List “ then Bill Gaither and every artist to have ever appeared do not even come close to this status. I did find references to a list at Rev.21: 27 and Luke 10:20. I also found out that if we try to use a term for what we do such as a list to make ourselves a little more important in this world, we will run right into John at 17:16.The only superstar in the Kingdom is the King himself. The rest of us, all of us that serve him in some way, be it through music or even have a web site of our own should be happy if we only smell like smoke, Ask 1 Peter at 1:7

]]> By: AD http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5255 AD Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:17:23 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5255 Hey Woodrow, weren't those two "almost about to make it" you and me???? AD Hey Woodrow, weren’t those two “almost about to make it” you and me????

AD

]]> By: Ken http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5229 Ken Sat, 10 Feb 2007 14:31:10 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5229 Wasn't the Blackwood Brothers on the list for the hymns part - I heard they were going to be there? Wasn’t the Blackwood Brothers on the list for the hymns part - I heard they were going to be there?

]]> By: Dale Steenhoven http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5192 Dale Steenhoven Fri, 09 Feb 2007 20:03:53 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-5192 According to emails that I've received from Gold City, and Greater Vision, both of these groups were at the Gaither Nashville Taping. Gerald Wolfe of GV writes: "After our Texas trip last weekend, we headed to Nashville for two days of taping with Bill & Gloria Gaither and The Homecoming Friends. It was a tiring, but awesome two days! It reminded me of the tapings we used to do in Alexandria, Indiana, complete with special moment after special moment, and the presence of the Lord was so real in the place it was real time of worship. I don't know the release dates for these new videos, but I can tell you, you'll want to own them. The first day of taping was a combination of old and new songs, featuring all the Homecoming Friends, as well as individual groups, including Greater Vision. The second day was dedicated to the great hymns of the faith, complete with Lari Goss conducting a live orchestra. We had church! There were lots of special guests and highlights, but I guess the special moment for us was when Andre' Crouch lead us in singing some of his great classics like "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" (which he wrote when he was only 14 years old!), "Bless The Lord O My Soul", and "Through It All". I can't tell you all about it in this space, but I can tell you it's going to be the best video Bill has produced in several years... in my opinion." According to emails that I’ve received from Gold City, and Greater Vision, both of these groups were at the Gaither Nashville Taping.

Gerald Wolfe of GV writes: “After our Texas trip last weekend, we headed to Nashville for two days of taping with Bill & Gloria Gaither and The Homecoming Friends. It was a tiring, but awesome two days! It reminded me of the tapings we used to do in Alexandria, Indiana, complete with special moment after special moment, and the presence of the Lord was so real in the place it was real time of worship.

I don’t know the release dates for these new videos, but I can tell you, you’ll want to own them. The first day of taping was a combination of old and new songs, featuring all the Homecoming Friends, as well as individual groups, including Greater Vision. The second day was dedicated to the great hymns of the faith, complete with Lari Goss conducting a live orchestra. We had church! There were lots of special guests and highlights, but I guess the special moment for us was when Andre’ Crouch lead us in singing some of his great classics like “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” (which he wrote when he was only 14 years old!), “Bless The Lord O My Soul”, and “Through It All”. I can’t tell you all about it in this space, but I can tell you it’s going to be the best video Bill has produced in several years… in my opinion.”

]]> By: Aaron Swain http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-4990 Aaron Swain Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:20:18 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-4990 I was at a Legacy Five concert yesterday, and the host pastor came out during intermission and announced: "I've forgotten to make a very important announcement. Bill Gaither has finally woken up. He has invited Legacy Five to his next video taping, which will begin next Tuesday." Sounds like Gaither's A-List has improved... I was at a Legacy Five concert yesterday, and the host pastor came out during intermission and announced: “I’ve forgotten to make a very important announcement. Bill Gaither has finally woken up. He has invited Legacy Five to his next video taping, which will begin next Tuesday.” Sounds like Gaither’s A-List has improved…

]]> By: Tom K. http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-4396 Tom K. Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:47:38 +0000 http://averyfineline.com/2007/01/13/gaither-and-the-a-list/#comment-4396 Why don't all you naysayers wait until the taping occurs before you start second guessing Mr. Gaither. Seems like he has always had quite a mix of the older and younger singers and groups for all of these type tapings and he will in February. He didn't ask me to pick them either and my feelings are not hurt. Praise The Lord!!!! Why don’t all you naysayers wait until the taping occurs before you start second guessing Mr. Gaither. Seems like he has always had quite a mix of the older and younger singers and groups for all of these type tapings and he will in February. He didn’t ask me to pick them either and my feelings are not hurt.

Praise The Lord!!!!

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