AOL = America Online host - BillAG
CHURCH = SK & MWP
KA = Keith at Arista
MWP = Marty Willson-Piper
SK = Steve Kilbey
Tue, 24-May-94, 10:00 PM
CHURCH:
Hello, Question please!
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AOL: Here is an audience question: What are the chances of a full tour in support of the album?
CHURCH:
Depends on how the album goes, possible fall tour.
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AOL: What was your relation to the project Curious Yellow and was it ever released?
SK: I produced it, co-wrote many songs, played instruments and paid for it. It was released in Australia in 1989.
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AOL:
Any upcoming solo albums or future Hex or Jack Frost projects?
SK: No longer involved in Hex, but new Jack Frost towards end of year, already finished titled Snow Job.
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AOL: Were the Soft Boys an influence on your music? Perhaps its just me, but I've always noticed a slight similarity between your early song writing style to that of Robyn Hitchcock.
SK:
No.
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AOL:
When did Darby Crash die??
CHURCH:
Late 1970's, but who cares anyway f$#@?
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AOL: Yes, I'm interested in the business side of your group. Would you identify who manages you?
CHURCH:
Jeff Jacquin of God Send management.
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AOL:
Are any of the members still working on solo projects?
SK: Yes, Marty working on a band called Never Swallow Stars with two ex-members of All About Eve.
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AOL: Are there plans for a tour of the United States in the near future?
CHURCH:
Depend on the success of the record, possibly fall tour.
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AOL: Most people ask you what your favorite singers or bands are. What are some bands that you guys really despise?
CHURCH: Richard Marx, Peter Murphy, Soul Asylum, Ace Of Base, AC/DC, and Michael Bolton.
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AOL: You guys seem to like Hoboken, New Jersey-- how come, and any plans on living there?
CHURCH:
No to both counts.
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AOL:
Is your new stuff anything like the Starfish album?
CHURCH:
Nope.
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AOL:
Would you consider playing any all acoustic shows?
CHURCH:
See you tomorrow night in New Brunswick, NJ.
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AOL:
What bands are you guys listening to lately?
CHURCH:
Aphex Twin, Underground Lovers, Rose Chronicles.
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AOL:
Who's the man behind the curtain?
CHURCH:
Iron (Ian?) McCulloch.
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AOL: Do you differentiate between solo and band songs when writing or use what's available at the time?
CHURCH: If we write together, it is a band song. If we write on our own it is a solo song.
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AOL: What influence has computer mediated communication had on your music in recent years?
CHURCH:
None yet.
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AOL:
How important are drugs in the creative process to you?
CHURCH:
Exceedingly.
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AOL:
Who else plays on the new album?
CHURCH:
A drummer called Tim (Powell) and a violinist called Linda (?).
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AOL: What is the greatest joy you have ever experienced being together as a music group?
CHURCH:
Stumped Us.
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AOL:
Any new videos for us to look out for?
CHURCH:
Yes, Two Places At Once debuted last night 120 Minutes.
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AOL:
Are any members of the band Jewish?
CHURCH:
No, we are both uncircumcised.
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AOL: What was the inspiration behind "The Disillusionist?' It reminded me of the film "Warlock."
SK: Nothing to do with Warlock... more influenced by Something Wicked This Way Comes.
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AOL:
Will you be playing small halls? Acoustic?
CHURCH:
Yes, we are doing a three week promotional tour starting tomorrow, all acoustic. In case you do not know this, it is only Steve and Marty in the band, now.
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AOL:
Have you ever considered doing any work with the Cure?
CHURCH:
No.
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AOL: Will the songs on the Sing-Song EP ever be released on CD? My record was stolen and I only have a cruddy tape of it.
CHURCH:
Probably not.
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AOL: Are there plans for a CD retrospective with all those "rare" tracks like Busdriver, the stuff from Sing Songs, Unsubstantiated, acoustic stuff, etc?
CHURCH: BusDriver will never, never come out; however there are two Austr. albums of rare material 86 Hindsight (double album on EMI), and 91 A Quick Smoke At Spots (CD on Mushroom).
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AOL:
Will there be any U.S. TV appearances in the coming weeks?
CHURCH:
No one has asked us.
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AOL: Steve: Have you published any more writings other than the Earthed book and the poem in Starfish? Do you plan to publish any more?
SK:
I have not as yet, but two half finished novels lying around.
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AOL: What is the title of your new CD and are you going to be in Charleston, SC anytime soon?
CHURCH:
Sometime Anywhere, Charleston no :(
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AOL:
Steve: Why did you shave off the beard?
SK:
Because everybody else had it and that's just the women.
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AOL:
How did you get started and what was your inspiration?
CHURCH:
Next.
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AOL: Will you and Ann (Carlberger) being doing any more work together in the future?
MWP:
Yes.
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AOL: How is the relationship between the band and Peter Koppes? What do you think of his solo EP?
CHURCH:
Who??
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AOL: Was hitting the American Top 40 charts a good thing for the band or do you feel it hindered the progress and focus of the band?
CHURCH:
Yes and no, in that order.
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AOL:
Would you ever open for the Dead?
SK:
Open what?
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AOL:
Did you ever finish your second book and publish it?
SK:
No.
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AOL: Are there any plans to follow the musical directions hinted at in "Nightmare" and "Fog"?
SK:
Are you kidding... Marty does not even remember the songs.
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AOL:
How did you find Jeff Jacquin??
CHURCH:
In a gentleman's toilet on Santa Monica Blvd.
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AOL: Who was the girl carrying the picture frame around in the video you had out in 1988? I think I met her at a party once. By the way, I liked what you guys were doing then , but I've been out of touch. I will pick up your new release.
CHURCH:
Video director's daughter... and gee thanks.
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AOL:
What happened to JayDee Dougherty - did he quit or was he fired?
CHURCH:
He was just a hired gun.
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AOL:
Which ex-members of All About Eve?
MWP:
Andy (Cousin, bass) and Mark (Price, drums).
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AOL: What Australian bands should we know about? Ever hear of a band called Clouds?
MWP:
Yea, Clouds are ok... but Kilbey loves Underground Lovers.
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AOL: With the drudgery and dullness of pop music today, how do you stay so fresh and original? What do you think sets you apart?
CHURCH:
Mom, is that you.
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AOL: How many albums do you have now? I love your music!... was Starfish your biggest success?
CHURCH:
Nine, yes.
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AOL: Could you give us more info about the project with Shayne Carter of Straitjacket Fits? I recall hearing that their last album had a big influence on Priest=Aura.
SK: Carter's a flake and do you really think (Straitjacket Fits) had an influence on us?
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AOL:
When might we get a singles collection from you guys?
CHURCH:
Unlikely... seeing that we only had one hit.
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AOL: Do you think "Ace of Base" being called the "Abba" of the 90's is a sad comment on our generation?
CHURCH:
We don't like them because one of them was a skinhead.
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AOL: Ok. Does your despise for Peter Murphy carry over to Bauhaus also or just his solo stuff?
CHURCH:
We met him.
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AOL:
Do you get a lot of girls?
CHURCH:
Steve has got two daughters and Marty has one.
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AOL: Heyday is still one of my favorite records. How do you feel about it after 10 years?
CHURCH:
It was eight years actually... but we still like it.
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AOL: STARFISH was hugely successful here in the US, but the subsequent albums haven't been received here quite as well. What are some of (your) literary influences?
CHURCH:
Camus, Sartre, Fournier, Gide and Enid Blyton.
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AOL: I'm a journalist in San Diego who was supposed to interview The Church today for the Union-Tribune, but that was postponed - maybe because of this??!! My question is, after this online experience, will the band ever go back to doing regular press?
KA:
Of course...
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AOL:
Are you guys friends with Midnight Oil?
CHURCH:
No... Peter Garrett stole my shampoo.
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AOL:
Where in New Brunswick are you playing? Is It a public show?
CHURCH:
Melody Bar at 9 PM, call WHTG or storm the dressing room.
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AOL: I love the song, "Reptile" have you ever put out any sheet music on it?
CHURCH:
Yes.
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AOL:
Any dates set for Austin, TX.
CHURCH:
Not yet.
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AOL: How many more lyrics are there to "The Disillusionist" that are faded out into the distance?
CHURCH:
About four lines.
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AOL:
Do you guys sense a big label PUSH on the new album?
CHURCH:
There better be... is that you Clive?
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AOL:
Narcosis was a long time ago. How about a new solo album?
SK:
Yea, ok.
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AOL:
Why can you not create without drugs?
CHURCH:
We have no talent.
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AOL:
Hey Marty - break any amps lately? (Scott--Kevin William's friend)
MWP:
What?
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AOL:
My favorite Church album is the Blurred Crusade. What is yours?
CHURCH:
The next one.
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AOL: Marty has worked with Andy Mason before, but how was he as a producer for this record?
CHURCH:
Very very good... changed his name to Dare.
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AOL: What type of people would you like to enjoy your music? Lyric people or music people?
CHURCH:
People with high disposable incomes.
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AOL:
Any chance of the 'Sing Songs' EP ever being released on CD?
CHURCH:
We answered that, no.
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AOL:
Is the violinist the Linda from California?
CHURCH:
No.
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AOL: What do you think about "Alternative" becoming the norm... so to speak?
MWP:
I think that is a good thing.
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AOL: Any chance of any more solo acoustic show? We have lots of requests.
SK:
Anything's possible.
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AOL:
What is your worst concert experience?
CHURCH:
Toronto... every time.
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AOL:
How do you react to the death of Nirvana vocalist Kurt Cobain?
CHURCH:
Sadly.
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AOL:
Do you play other instrument?
CHURCH:
Tibetan Nose Flute and 13 String Gorp Lute.
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AOL: Which of you said, "something wicked this way comes"? Who's the Ray Bradbury fan?
SK:
Kilbey.
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AOL: How would you describe your music to someone who has not experienced your group? What message does your music give our youth?
CHURCH:
Listen. Who's youth?
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AOL:
Can you give us dates and places for the promo shows?
KA:
They will be available after this conference.
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AOL:
Any chance you'll be doing an on-air show at 99X in Atlanta?
CHURCH:
See you next week.
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AOL: Really enjoy the Mae Moore album you produced. Anything else from her in future?
SK:
No... we had a nasty falling out.
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AOL:
Are any members of the church gay or bisexual?
CHURCH:
No.
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AOL: Excuse me, but what in the heck happened to your new drummer and Peter (Koppes)?
CHURCH:
Excuse Me.
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AOL:
Will you actually release your demos of Church songs at some time?
SK:
Nope.
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AOL:
What is Russel (Kilbey) doing these days?
SK:
About three grams a day.
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AOL: Are you interested in ancient cultures? Your music reflects that you might be.
SK: Yes, I was Queen Guinevere three life times ago... and Marty eats old yogurt.
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AOL:
How was your DC concert this afternoon?
CHURCH:
Are you living in the future, that is this Wed.
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AOL: I've heard there's a 2nd Jack Frost album waiting to be released. Is that true?
SK:
Yes.
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AOL:
Have you ever played at Roskilde Festival?
CHURCH:
Yes, 88.
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AOL:
Was there a conscious attempt for commercial success in Starfish?
CHURCH:
Are you kidding?
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AOL:
Will Marty do more solo music?
MWP:
Yes.
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AOL: With just the two of you on tour, any chance you'll do Field of Mars?
CHURCH:
Just might do it.
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AOL:
What inspired the thought "Sometime Anywhere?"
CHURCH:
Thought of it over capuccino.
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AOL:
Are you religious?
CHURCH:
God knows.
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AOL: Did you ever catch the guy that stole your Rickenbacker way back in 1990 or so???
MWP:
No.
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AOL:
Where is the worst dump that you've ever played at?
CHURCH:
Toronto.
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AOL: What was or are your goals with the band and was the departure of Peter and Richard a friendly one?
SK:
No goals... Ploog no, Koppes yes.
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AOL:
When/Why did you decide to release two CD's worth of stuff now?
CHURCH:
How soon is now?
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AOL:
Can you explain the song "Grind"?
CHURCH:
Yes.
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AOL:
Was there an actual film behind the "Dome" on Pirest=Aura?
CHURCH: Yes, it is a true story, but as I say in the song, I fell asleep and don't know what it was called.
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AOL:
What's an "unguarded moment"?
CHURCH:
No condom.
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AOL:
Can you recommend a good Australian beer?
CHURCH:
Coopers from Adelaide.
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AOL: Does The Crystal Set still exist? If not - what is your brother doing now?
SK:
No... he is running my studio.
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AOL: On "Heydey," there's a line that refers to "the reptile part of our brain." What's that about?
CHURCH: The human brain is made up of various brains evolving one on top of the other.
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AOL: Will you be doing the singing with the new band with ex-All About Eve?
MWP:
Yes.
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AOL:
What words of wisdom do you have to today's up and coming bands?
CHURCH:
Forget it.
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AOL:
What are some of your other interests besides music?
CHURCH:
Dancing and Mah Jong.
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AOL: Who directed the video for Ripple and will he be doing any more of your videos?
CHURCH:
Can't remember, and no.
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AOL: I saw you in Sacramento when Metropolis was a hit. You had someone else playing drums, Is he a permanent replacement?
CHURCH:
I saw you too.
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AOL:
What do you guys think of Morrissey?
CHURCH:
I'd crawl over Morrissey to get to Brett.
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AOL: Are you guys going to continue as The Church after this album or will you call it quits?
CHURCH:
What do you think?
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AOL: Did you ever meet Kurt Cobain and (do) you like Nirvana? Why do you think he did it?
CHURCH:
No, Yes, don't know.
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AOL: I am curious if the new album is more like Priest = Aura or starfish.
CHURCH:
Neither.
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AOL:
What would you have etched as your epitaph?
CHURCH:
See you tomorrow.
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AOL: Obviously, from your comments, you're just as intelligent and witty in 'person' as you are on record. Being so wise, how do you cope with the oft unbearable insanity of the world?
SK:
I don't cope.
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AOL: If you were sent into space and only allowed to bring one CD, which one would it be? You can't include your own.
MWP:
Matching Moles first album.
SK:
Beard Of Stars.
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AOL:
Time is up for this event!
CHURCH:
Buy!
AOL:
We would like to thank CHURCH for joining us! Good night all!
CHURCH:
Good night!
AOL: Our thanks to THE CHURCH for a brief look into the history of the band. Thank You and good night!
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