Book Description
Only people like that buy books like this...or write them."
So says Robert Mankoff—and he should know. As cartoon editor of
The New Yorker, and one of its most gifted contributors, he spends his life pursuing that elusive thing called creativity, and inspring it in others. If you've ever wondered where great ideas come from, or yearned to channel your creative energies, or just wanted some pointers on how to get those artisitic juices flowing—this book was written for you.
Along with some help from his well-known cartoonist friends, Mankoff takes you on an entertaining words-and-pictures journey through the art, craft, and zen of cartooning, along the way providing lots of personal anecdotes about his development as an artist, and about life at the world's most urbane magazine. But you don't have to be an aspiring cartoonist to appreciate
The Naked Cartoonist. Mankoff's wisdom, and his practical yet whimsical approach to the creative process, are designed to benefit anyone who has ever stared at a blank piece of paper or canvas and dreamed of transforming it into something truly original (and maybe even commercial).
What's so funny? Mankoff knows best. He also knows how you can find your own personal voice and mesage, how you can learn from the masters of the past, how you can transform a current event into a comic tour-de-force...even how you can incorporate telling lies and taking naps into your daily work routine—and justify it.
Customer Reviews:
"Not everything creative is funny,but everything funny is creative.".......2007-01-04
Although there are a lot of cartoons in this book;its purpose is not only to give a collection of cartoons.
Mankoff attempts to analyze cartoons and show what it takes to make a cartoon funny.He goes through the process he uses in developing a cartoon.Obviously creative thinking is fundamental in any cartoon.
An approach of showing a drawing without a caption;and letting others create a caption.This can be a lot of fun and I have often tried it.As a matter of fact,I like to put aside the caption and come up with another.You don't really need a cartoon drawing to do this. Any picture with people in it will sufice.
He also stresses that the cartoon should be viewed from left to right and the simpler the better.
I notice that there are mixed reviews on this book.I guess that is little wonder.Mankoff tries to disect a cartoon as one would using the scientific approach.He really proves that it is not possible ;because the human element takes over.No two humans are alike;therefore how different people see a cartoon will likewise vary.
Nonetheless,this is a good attempt by a professional cartoonist to show what makes a good,average,mediocre or excellent cartoon and after understanding what he talks about;you will be better equipped to enjoy a cartoon.
Wonderful Cartoon Collection.......2006-07-25
This book fails at the stated task -- showing a process of generating cartoon and general creative ideas -- but succeeds nonetheless. Although I read the book cover-to-cover, I didn't find it very educational about the process of creating new ideas or even evaluating existing ones. If you define comedy as `I'll know it when I see it,' this book doesn't do much to expand beyond that. There is a brief section near the end where the author describes (with examples) the order of punch lines, but that's about it.
Nonetheless, the book is chock-full of cartoons from the New Yorker that are exceptional in their breadth of humor and subtlety. You may learn only a few things from the text, but you'll get a lot of smiles from the cartoons.
If you want to create cartoons and don't know where to start, I would suggest picking up "The Cartoonist's Workbook: Drawing, Writing Gags, Selling" by Robin Hall. Hall's book is excellent at providing the mechanics of cartooning. Mankoff's book then acts as an excellent companion volume of real world examples that strike the funny bone.
Pure waffle.......2004-09-19
This book bored me to tears. Its not insightful - it doesnt really tell you ho wto be funny or how to come up with great cartoons. It just gives you a bunch of the authors cartoons and has the author waffle on about how good he is and what he was doing when he drew it etc. If you've ever read a book and thought - well did he actually say anything there then this is it. Terribel book. I was very disappointed. There are some great books on cartooning and this sure isnt one of them.
Forget the text. Enjoy the cartoons.......2003-06-02
Robert Mankoff, the Cartoon Editor of the NY Times has written the book purportedly as a learning guide for prospective cartoonists. Well, I don't want to be a cartoonist, but I do love cartoons, especially those found in the New Yorker. In leafing through the book I began having doubts that the text of the book would provide much help for a fledgling cartoonist. After awhile you simply become oblivious to the written material and hone in on the many delightful cartoons. As the book says there are 400 of them in this volume, and, to me, that justified the purchase price.
This book is certainly as good as any of the other books that form part of the New Yorker cartoon book library, and if you are a devotee of pictorial humor do pick up a copy.
Forget the text. Enjoy the cartoons.......2003-06-02
Robert Mankoff, the Cartoon Editor of the New Yorker has written the book purportedly as a learning guide for prospective cartoonists. Well, I don't want to be a cartoonist, but I do love cartoons, especially those found in the New Yorker. In leafing through the book I began having doubts that the text of the book would provide much help for a fledgling cartoonist. After awhile you simply become oblivious to the written material and hone in on the many delightful cartoons. As the book says there are 400 of them in this volume, and, to me, that justified the purchase price.
This book is certainly as good as any of the other books that form part of the New Yorker cartoon book library, and if you are a devotee of pictorial humor do pick up a copy.
Average customer rating:
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Alex Frances - Caligrafia
Lourdes Blasco
Manufacturer: Ediciones Universidad Salamanca
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 8478001158 |
Average customer rating:
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Single Image #22 (Single Image)
Workbook
Manufacturer: Scott & Daughters Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
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ASIN: 1887528237 |
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Single Image: Number 22
Manufacturer: Scott & Daughters Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 9997125320 |
Book Description
A young girl is born the heir to an alien religious dynasty. Possessing the power to destroy worlds with her mind, Liana is under an assassination order from the government of her father's home world. A foiled coup attempt results in a power vacuum that leaves the alien world without its treasure weapon. The aliens have no choice but to take Liana as their reluctant new Avatar. Only an angry slave and a small group of resistance fighters can free her - and the universe - from the dangers of her power.
Customer Reviews:
An amazing artist and a captivating story!.......2006-08-25
I've also been a fan of A Distant Soil since its inception at WaRP graphics in the 80s.
Colleen's artwork has always been extremely beautiful and moving. This time around the storyline has evolved to a level of exquisitness that it matches the poinancy of her visuals. I eagerly anticipate the 5th and final book in this series. And am hoping I can get my copies of the first four books back from my sister who is ALSO a huge fan....LOL!
WELL WORTH THE WAIT..........2006-03-17
I've loved this series from its inception, and have carefully preserved all of my single issue copies, as well as the (now) 4 graphic compilations. Colleen's imagination and her incredible artwork are breathtaking, and the ever-changing landscape and intricate subplots leave you always on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next and who's going to turn on whom. D'mer is my favorite character, and while I wasn't that crazy about him in the earlier versions, the redo and his complicated relationship with Seren are fantastic. From one Virginian to another, Colleen, hat's off to you and waiting breathlessly for the next installment!
Long-Waited Graphic Novel.......2006-03-13
I ordered this in February 2005, and finally got it in March 2006. That may seem long, but since I have been following "A Distant Soil" since the eighties, a year wait was almost inconsequential. In this fourth volume of the series, the storyline about the effort to overthrow the corrupt Hierarchy gathers momentum once again and builds up to the series finale that will be in the next volume. The main characters, Seren, D'mer and Lianna, are all transforming into their new roles. Jason, alas, is still out of the action. The villains, Lady Niniri and Emeris, almost steal the show with their unbridled sadistic nature in full display. As for the large group of supporting characters, only Kovar and Bast have a significant voice in this volume, while the others are heard from here and there. Hopefully, they will all get to play a role in the finale.
Overall the artwork is quite good and the whole-page montages in the latter half of the book are spectacular. The exposition and dialogues tend to get overly wordy but they manage to move the story along. The occasional humorous touches lighten up the rather precarious fates of the characters. All in all, a good effort with some flaws creeping in probably due to the fact Ms. Doran was juggling many other projects along this one. Now we may have to wait another four or five years for the final installment.
Book Description
A foiled coup attempt results in a power vacuum that leaves this alien world without its treasured weapon. The aliens have no choice but to take Liana as their reluctant new Avatar. Only an angry slave and a small group of resistance fighters can free her and the universe from the dangers of her power. Over a decade in the making, A Distant Soil: Coda is the fourth volume and penultimate chapter in this science fiction/fantasy saga.
Customer Reviews:
Series continues to improve........2004-08-02
Colleen Doran, A Distant Soil III: The Aria (Image, 2001)
A Distant Soil gets better as it gets older. The focus which was notably absent from the first book has gradually appeared, and the characters are getting more complex as time goes on. If you managed to forgive the first volume its errors of judgment, continuing on with the story of Jason and Liana is warranted.
In this episode, Jason, who's been brainwashed by the resistance, is about to kill Seren, the avatar, as we open-- except that Seren is also Rieken, the head of the resistance, and... oh, why bother? It's like trying to describe the plot of a soap opera. (In fact, it IS describing the plot of a soap opera.) Read the first two, you'll get up to speed. This one's a decent continuation of what came before. At this rate, Book Four, when it finally comes out, will be the best graphic novel of the year. ***
I LOVE this book!!!!!.......2001-10-11
I love this book. I LOVE this book. Did I tell you I love this book? Aside from the fact that the art gets more gorgeous every issue, the men are sexy, the women are believable as well as beautiful, the costumes and sets are amazing, the story blows me away as well! In A DISTANT SOIL: THE ARIA, the secret of the rebel leader Rieken is revealed to his companions and though they are very understandably displeased to have been deceived, they have no choice but to continue to follow him. The confrontation with the Hierarchy had a COMPLETELEY UNEXPECTED ending, and the quiet drama of the last few pages of this book is chilling. Best characterization I have ever seen drawn by a comic artist. Ever. Watch the scene with the bonzai tree at the end. It will freeze your blood. Can't WAIT for the next book!
An epic story masterfully told and beautifully illustrated........2001-09-10
For reasons completely unfathomable to me, the publisher has not posted a photo of the cover to A DISTANT SOIL: THE ARIA. More's the pity, since the full color wraparound cover that adorns this trade paperback is a beaut -- in fact, it's so striking that Ms. Doran has published it as an 18 x 24-inch full color art print, which speaks volumes about its visual appeal. Since you have not even a photo to look at, and, inexplicably, only one other review to date by which to judge it, let me tell you what you need to know about this epic story, its creator and, specifically, this book.
First, it's fair to say that "A Distant Soil" is Colleen Doran's best known, longest running work that has stood the test of time. Originally published as a comic book from another publisher, "A Distant Soil" is now published as a comic book from Image Comics and collected by Image in these graphic collections. Second, it's fair to say that "A Distant Soil" is Colleen Doran's THE LORD OF THE RINGS. That is to say, it's her epic fantasy that demanded to be told, in the same way that Tolkien's popular trilogy imposed its own demands on its creator, a tale that took years in the telling. That said, you should know that this book is the third in the series, with more in the works. The end, Colleen tells us, is in sight . . . but for now, here's the latest compilation: a sturdily bound, beautifully printed trade paperback with a synopsis to bring the new reader up to date -- though, in truth, it'll whet your appetite for the first and second volumes -- and pages and pages of beautiful pen-and-ink art that shows off Colleen's draftsmanship and fine line work, with occasional full-page illustrations drawn from the covers of the previously published comic books.
Graphic novels (now reviewed simply as "Comics" by PUBLISHERS WEEKLY) have come into their own, at a time when the public can, I think, fully appreciate them: We live in an increasingly visual world, so storytelling that combines words and art make perfect sense, as does the graphic novel format. In other words, graphic novels have come of age.
As a long-time comic book fan -- I cut my teeth on silver-age Marvels when they were originally published in the sixties -- I appreciate good draftsmanship, solid storytelling, and a commitment to a storyline that spans years; this is, clearly, the work of a creator with passion. If you haven't bought a graphic novel lately -- or, in fact, have never bought one -- you cannot go wrong in buying this third collection; it will almost certainly make you go back to the bookstore to buy the first and second, but it most certainly will show you that works of imagination and wonder are best produced by solitary creators with a vision, as Colleen Doran and A DISTANT SOIL amply prove.
Fulfilling Fantasy For The Mind & Eyes.......1999-01-21
I am just absolutely captivated by the A Distant Soil series. I own the original 1987 book and 1989's Knights of the Angel. Not only does Colleen feed your mind with the story, but your eyes with the illustrations!! For those who don't already own it, I highly suggest trying to find it. I already have Amazone.com searching for 1997's The Gathering.
Average customer rating:
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A Distant Soil Volume 4: Coda Library Edition
Colleen Doran
Manufacturer: Image Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
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General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
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Image Comics
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Science Fiction
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ASIN: 1582406510 |
Book Description
A foiled coup attempt results in a power vacuum that leaves this alien world without its treasured weapon. The aliens have no choice but to take Liana as their reluctant new Avatar. Only an angry slave and a small group of resistance fighters can free her and the universe from the dangers of her power. Over a decade in the making, A Distant Soil: Coda is the fourth volume and penultimate chapter in this science fiction/fantasy saga.
Customer Reviews:
So worth the money.......1999-08-17
My brother got me this book for my birthday two years ago. It is my bible and my life (kind of sad, actually!) Anyways, it's really good and like that other guy said, if you take a few months to memorize it, you'll the X-Files Genius and you can impress your friends with little tidbits of knowledge. For example, what's Scully's home phone number? I'm not telling.. get it and look it up yourself! Note: good book for diehard fans!
Fun trivia for true fans.......1998-04-26
If you think you know EVERYTHING about the best show on television, you're wrong. These guys pull up obscure info and quiz you on it, drawing not only from the episodes but from interviews, books, and magazines. This is a great book and a must for an X-Phile's library! My only complaint: after reading Phil Farrand's lighthearted Nitpicker's Guide, the authors of this book seem really critical. I mean, what's up with their review of "War of the Coprophages"? Lighten up! Other than that, of course, diehard fans will cherish this book.
Stumps the Best.......1997-10-05
I've always considered myself an X-pert. None of my online friends (or real life for that matter) has ever been able to stump me on X-Files trivia. I'm completely addicted to the show and have 15 books.
This one is definately one of the best, pointing out many of the nitpicks and netpicks we've philes have already discovered in addition to new ones that sent me back to look for them. The trivia is extremely difficult and interesting.
I recommend this book to all philes who think they know it all. Take a few months to memorize this book and then you will know it all.
Fun & Challenging.......1997-07-16
It seems everybody is doing an episode guide, but this book is different...it is all trivia, behind-the-scenes, and nitpicking. Loads of fun if THE X-FILES is your weekly fix. My son and I used it as a game to keep us occupied on a flight from NYC to San Diego as we tested each other's knowledge of our favorite TV show. I highly recommend this book...Must reading for X-Philes
An X-Phile's Treasury.......1997-02-18
Over 1,000 questions from the first three (3) seasons of my favorite TV show in a challenging format to test the gray cells of my brain. How would I describe this book: An X-Files version of JEOPARDY! More than just something to read...a book to play and damn well worth the $$$. I highly recommend it to any die-hard X-Phile
Book Description
From obscure facts to backstage scandals, The Everything TV and Movie Trivia Mini Book gives you a chance to prove your knowledge. Test yourself or stump your friends with dozens of quizzes, questions, and lists. This incredible little book makes the perfect gift for any TV or movie junkie!
Customer Reviews:
informative, but not too user friendly.......2006-11-10
This book has a lot of interesting trivia, however as far as finding the answers to the questions it is very confusing. I've been interested in trivia books for quite awhile and I found this one to be the most frustrating to work with. It's really a shame since there is really quite a bit of fun information and trivia.
A very complete reference book.......2006-03-22
I really liked this one. It is compact, the sections are quite complete and it is easy to use for any occasion.
Customer Reviews:
Sad, But True........2001-09-17
This book (as the subtitle says) is a humorous collections of cliches and un-truisms that can be gathered from watching movies. The book takes only about five minutes to read and some of the observations are hilarious, some are right on the money, and some just don't make sense outside of movies. Each statement has a picture from a movie beside it that illustrates what is said. For instance, "The village Idiot is a veritable font of wisdom" quote is next to a picture of Forrest Gump. Some of the observations many of my friends did not understand. Unfortunately, if you are like me and get most of them, you've probably seen too many movies.
A Humerous Peer Into Movie Reality.......2000-08-01
"No problem is so big that it can't be solved in 12 reels (or less)". This is a typical statement that one reads in large font opposite of a movie still that complements it. This book is funny and will make you laugh and maybe even says "Huh! Thats true!", or "Oh yeah!" The book is not really a read, so to speak, but a gander across some 200 pages which will take minutes to complete. The title itself is a play on Robert Fulghum's (forever parodied) popular self-help book "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten". Not something I would go out of my way for, however it has some insight into the world of movies and how there are some things that typify the cinematic lifestyle.
The BEST Book I've ever written -- JOHN JB WILSON........1996-02-06
I hope you have as much fun reading this humorous collection of film cliche's as I had writing it and collecting the movie stills which illustrate it. I know I wrote it, but I still laugh out loud at my favorite entries every time I pick it up. WHY NOT PICK UP A COPY YOURSELF
VERY Funny, terrific film stills, a GREAT Gift Idea!.......1996-02-06
A hilarious collection of movie cliches, each presented in its own apropos type font, and every one ilustrated with an aptly chosen film still (everything from the silent 10 COMMANDMENTS to SHOWGIRLS) The author is the creator of the infamous RAZZIE Awards, which dis-honor the WORST in Film in each year...How many more laughs could you expect at this price?
Product Description
Not just another book of scales and patterns, this is a method that trains the mind, the ears and the fingers to work in perfect synchronization to respond instantaneously to any given chord progression. This ability is of paramount importance to any musician who wants to improvise in the jazz idiom. Leading jazz players have used this method for years, but this is the first time it has been published in book form. The author offers a comprehensive guide to improvisation on any instrument through chord changes in any key. A great source book for dozens of scales from the traditional major and minor forms to the modal scales used by jazz musicians. Even scales from other cultures Arabian, Balinese, Iranian, Hungarian, can be found here. A must-have for any musician who aspires to improvise with authority.
Customer Reviews:
Here are Scales and Modes.......2007-05-07
This may be a helpful compendium for those who need a scale and mode reference. It is rather lacking in the area of melodic possibilities. The examples are, with a couple of useful exceptions, obvious entry level sequences. Disappointing.
Superb resource.......2006-03-07
Not much to add to the review below, except that I use this book as part of my daily study. To absorb all the wealth of information Arnie presents here will take months, if not years, but Arnie knows his stuff and presents it in a clear, understandable way with nothing missed out - and just as importantly, no padding. I have most of Arnie's books and every one is a gem. He has a knack of getting to the heart of the matter. Do yourself a favour and check them out. Thanks Arnie!
necessary fundamentals for improvisation.......2006-02-09
Arnie Berle knows his stuff. He gives a beautifully designed framework to capture the essence of improvisation. I have worked at several methods to learn improv. Practically all of them try to give you a shortcut with the use of play along disks with large gaps of the theoretical underpinnings necessary to internalize important fundamentals. Berle systematically develops these fundamentals and there are no shortcuts. You have to work hard,but the outcome is worth it.This is what I have looked for and enjoy the work he has
designed. Berle knows his subject.
Average customer rating:
- Star Authors:a star publication
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Star Authors: Literary Celebrity in America
Joe Moran
Manufacturer: Pluto Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
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| Sociology
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Culture
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| Nonfiction
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General
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20th Century
| History & Criticism
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ASIN: 0745315194 |
Customer Reviews:
Star Authors:a star publication.......2000-10-24
An important contribution to the debate on fame and the novelist-this book is already being snapped up by libraries in the States, the UK and Australia. Literary reviews suggest a work of innovative scholarship. Undergraduate courses in literature and American/cultural studies are using the text as source material.
Average customer rating:
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30 Years of Emmerdale
Lance Parkin
Manufacturer: Andre Deutsch Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Television
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Look Inside Entertainment Books
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ASIN: 023305068X |
Average customer rating:
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Alan Turner's "Emmerdale" Cookbook
Alan Turner
Manufacturer: David & Charles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
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Regional & International
| Cooking, Food & Wine
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| African
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ASIN: 0715303813 |
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Early Days At Emmerdale Farm
Lee Mackenzie
Manufacturer: Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
ASIN: 0352304340 |
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Emmerdale (Real Soap)
Deborah Tilley
Manufacturer: Generation Publications Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1903009065 |
Average customer rating:
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THE EMMERDALE COMPANION.
Manufacturer: Orion Publishing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Television
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 075281043X |
Customer Reviews:
Emmerdale!.......2000-03-30
The Emmerdale Companion is just as wonderful as the television show itself. The book takes the reader on a tour of Emmerdale's 25 year history, including tidbits of information about all of everyone's favorite characters. I highly recommend this great book to anyone who loves Emmerdale and all its hysterical characters!
Books:
- The New Scratchboard
- The Potter's Palette
- The Tears of Eros
- The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Graphic Design and Designers (World of Art)
- The Ultimate Watercolor Course: Simple Techniques to Paint Like the Pros
- Toon Art: The Graphic Art of Digital Cartooning
- Visual Culture: The Study of the Visual after the Cultural Turn
- Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A HANDBOOK FOR ART STUDENTS
- Willem de Kooning: Tracing the Figure
- Wooden Ships & Iron Men: The Maritime Art of Thomas Hoyne
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