The Asylum

Being Human - Ok. i will give this a shot. i have, for the most part, been following my Recovery program; eating regularly and healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping well and so on. i have been doing really well. My moods have been stable and i mostly behave…you know. i came to a decision last week. My denomination has … Continue reading Being Human
Gardens Update…spring has sprung - Thought you might like an update. The Goddess is down south (London) for a golf tournament, wedding and children time, so i have a little time to spare when i am not exhausted. This is often the “spring situation”, as the growing window is shorter here than places down south. But we have longer … Continue reading Gardens Update…spring has sprung
Four Habits that Are Affecting Your Physical and Mental Health… Brad Krause…guest blogger - Four Habits that Are Affecting Your Physical and Mental Health The key to good health lies in habits — the things you regularly do on a daily basis will shape your long-term results. Unfortunately, according to research, you probably have some bad habits that are affecting your health in a negative way. … Continue reading Four Habits that Are Affecting Your Physical and Mental Health… Brad Krause…guest blogger
Find Your Tribe -
Cattle Drive Chili – A Cowboys Staple Food – American Cattle Drives 1865-1886 - Originally posted on Town & Country Gardening:
The first thing you must do is learn what life in the 19th Century [1865-1890] was like. You must understand what was and was not available to the average family or trail cook. In most cases a cowboy was really a boy. Many young boys some only 12…
My Gardens - i get so excited this time of year. Snow is finally melting and signs of growth abound. Ground feeding birds like Juncos and some reddish bird who’s name escapes me Here is a picture of the trailer we have for summer visitors. A lot of shade over there (great in the summer) so the snow … Continue reading My Gardens
Bulgur Bread - That is how some people look at me when i suggest they bake their own bread instead of buying that ultra-processed crap they sell at the store. i will grant that it takes some practice, but most of that is learning to feel the elasticity of the dough. For those of you who are startled … Continue reading Bulgur Bread
Perfection - i think high personal standards are a good thing. We see the effects of low personal standards in entertainment, politics and places we work or interact. We would not accomplish much of anything if we did not have some sort of healthy criteria for living our lives. Perfectionism, however, is a different matter. i am … Continue reading Perfection
A Cool Challenge from A Slapdash Talk - https://aslapdashtalk.wordpress.com/2018/03/28/2nd-week/ why not? the key word for the week was “mask” Discretion I wear a mask No one can see The pain and turmoil Living within me Take off the mask I hear them cry, With noble voices Raised so high We love you, my friend, Naught to fear from us you’ll find A … Continue reading A Cool Challenge from A Slapdash Talk
Forgiveness - i have been wrestling with a lot of issues since i became “healthy”. You likely know what i am talking about if you have a mental illness. i think a lot of “norms” deal with the same issue, but never having been a “normal” person, i do not really know that perspective. i was sick … Continue reading Forgiveness
Easter Saturday - seems appropriate:
Helpful link for parents - https://www.parent.com/mentally-strong-kids-have-parents-who-refuse-to-do-these-13-things/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Tough Times - i know a lot of people who get pets and then suddenly realize they know nothing about the pet. At this point, said individual either takes training, gets someone to train the pet (can you train an iguana?) or “frees” the pet. Look. i wish i could tell you i was a great role model … Continue reading Tough Times
Dog Days - So, before i left to head south for Christmas, holidays and such, i had an “incident”. To me, an “incident” is something which happens “to” me. There is no shortage of events in my life which are self-imposed. i refuse to read a map and so i get lost. i do not read instructions before … Continue reading Dog Days
Practical Wisdom -
Where to go from here? - Beginning to settle into a more routine existence here in London. Sarah and i will be going to Curacao in week or less. After, we are going up north for a week or so and then Sarah goes on a trip with her friend, Darcie. Then Sarah is home up north for about three weeks … Continue reading Where to go from here?
Very cool - Phenomenal Woman BY MAYA ANGELOU Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl … Continue reading Very cool
Well…that was just crazy - Hello, dear readers. i have spent the last couple of days stuck in a terrible state. caught me by surprise and knocked me right off the rails. Here we go… It started after i went to church on Sunday. i really was not sure how things would go, as i have a lot of ecclesiastical baggage … Continue reading Well…that was just crazy
Confidence? Um, ok. - Hey there, readers! If you have been keeping up with things, you know that Sarah and i have been working on our relationship and have made more progress than either of us could have hoped for. i kept my Recovery goals in sight and am now back in the North, where my routine and outdoor … Continue reading Confidence? Um, ok.
Heading home today - via Cochrane, Ontario 7 Day Weather Forecast – The Weather Network
New Year’s Resolution - You have not heard from me for a while. i like Christmas. i enjoy seeing family and friends while i am here in London. No apologies. i am having a terrific time reconnecting with Sarah and we have made great progress in our relationship. i know some of you have had difficult experiences this Christmas … Continue reading New Year’s Resolution
Psych meds 101: Sleep meds - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
This is the last in the psych meds 101 series; I’ve previously posted about antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety meds, drawing on my perspective as a mental health nurse, former pharmacist, and person with depression. While some of these meds are used primarily for sleep, many have other…
Holiday Blues - via 9 Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues
Cool…Buddhist teachings - via The closest enemy by Vilma Cupuano ‹ SeventhRay 2035 ‹ Reader — WordPress.com
8 Things that People with High Emotional Intelligence Simply Don’t Do by Justin Gammill - Originally posted on Care, Bliss and the Universe:
In life, emotions can be like the winds that blow us off track on the path to achieving whatever it is that we want to accomplish. That is why, in my opinion, of all of the life skill that a person can possess, emotional intelligence is as…
Tattoo; Yes or No? - Originally posted on DD's blog:
The first tattoo is a big decision for everyone, and if you choose wrong, you’ll need to look at your own “mistake” whole life. But if you have already decided for a tattoo, read these 5 tips that will surely help you when you’re going to paint your body. DECISION…
Energy Movement - Many of you can relate. i have been busy with a lot lately. That is not an apology for not writing more, it is just a fact. Writers on a lot of mental health sites apologize for not writing because they are feeling like crap. Not me. My site. My process. I was tired. Exhausted. … Continue reading Energy Movement
Psych meds 101: Anti-anxiety meds - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
This is part of a psych meds 101 series written from my perspective as mental health nurse, ex-pharmacist, and psych med users. Previous posts have covered antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Much of this post will focus on the benzodiazepine class of medications, but I’ll also cover other meds…
Exercise…very cool info - via The Best Exercise for Aging Muscles – The New York Times
Ode to Sarah#4 - Final one Poem #4 Sarah, My longing for you is unceasing. i busy myself lest my love for you overwhelms me and floods my soul so much goodness so much light so much kindness so much mercy is terrible for me to behold i feel so….awkward about it all it is frightening and liberating all … Continue reading Ode to Sarah#4
Ode to Sarah #3 - i have been swamped lately, but i have stuck to my Recovery Plan…daily exercise, gratitude exercises, taking my meds, eating healthy and so on…so i am doing well. When i am tired, my brain is also sluggish, so i will delight you with some poems i wrote to Sarah recently (with her permission, of course) … Continue reading Ode to Sarah #3
Ode to Sarah #2 - i have been swamped lately, but i have stuck to my Recovery Plan…daily exercise, gratitude exercises, taking my meds, eating healthy and so on…so i am doing well. When i am tired, my brain is also sluggish, so i will delight you with some poems i wrote to Sarah recently (with her permission, of course) … Continue reading Ode to Sarah #2
Ode to Sarah #1 - i have been swamped lately, but i have stuck to my Recovery Plan…daily exercise, gratitude exercises, taking my meds, eating healthy and so on…so i am doing well. When i am tired, my brain is also sluggish, so i will delight you with some poems i wrote to Sarah recently (with her permission, of course) … Continue reading Ode to Sarah #1
Liebster Award - Ashley Peterson from https://mentalhealthathome.wordpress.com/ nominated me for a Liebster Award. She has an excellent blog which is always packed with information. Ashleyleia shares openly fr0m the her unique perspective as a nurse and mental patient. An interesting, practical and helpful blog. What is the Liebster Award? The Liebster Award serves to bring new bloggers some … Continue reading Liebster Award
Tools for Recovery - no sense writing what has already been well written: via Tools for Recovery | Mental Health America
Recovery Strengths…Reflective - i know this is one of my flaws. Procrastination. No doubt about it. You have seen the pictures of our kitchen. i hope. ‘Cause that means you read other blogs of mine. i am touched. But back to the kitchen. Sometimes John has lapses in memory and these are exacerbated by any manner of distraction. … Continue reading Recovery Strengths…Reflective
Gobbledygook - I do not know what is happening in your country, but our country has a “roadmap”…it seems to have no real roads….only imaginary ones…future ones…tomorrow roads…vague tomorrow roads…here is the link if you like this sort of thing: mhcc_strategic_plan_2017_2022_eng Jaded John
Recovery Strengths…Determination - Ok…it has been a weird bunch of days lately. i have gone from panic attack to panic attack in every conceivable situation and have survived. i have had a lot of help from Tricia, Ed and Sarah, but i have survived. i am one determined person. i know there are some of you who would … Continue reading Recovery Strengths…Determination
Psych meds 101: Mood stabilizers - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
This is the 3rd in a series of primers on how psychiatric meds work. The previous posts were on antidepressants and antipsychotics. These are based on my professional knowledge as a mental health nurse and former pharmacist as well as my own experiencing taking these medications (although with a…
People of Faith - Imagine if we lived out faith…i love this commentary on Christmas greetings John
The Dark Night - “When I look back on the suffering in my life, this may sound really strange, but I see it now as a gift. I would have never asked for it for a second. I hated it while it was happening and I protested as loudly as I could, but suffering happened anyway. Now, in retrospect … Continue reading The Dark Night
30 Days of Gratitude -
Positive Distraction Ideas -
Why I Write About Mental Health - Originally posted on Happy Mentality:
I have been asked many times why I do this. Why do I write about mental health? I sat down and thought about it this week, and here is my answer. Because its what I know. Everyone is familiar to a certain extent with feeling down or anxious. I have…
Recovery Strengths…Humour - i’ve always made people laugh. i could make my dad laugh, and that was a toughie, let me tell you. War makes you serious, i suppose. Don’t get me wrong. My dad had a sense of humour and a lot of his buddies thought he was a funny guy, but it was the kind of … Continue reading Recovery Strengths…Humour
Never Seen this Before…Cool - It is sometime a difficult thing to find positive traits in the midst of Recovery. It has been an exhausting day already and i really needed something positive…this will do for now. You are welcome, John
Why do I love December? ❄️☃️ - Originally posted on DD's blog:
Like most people, my first thought of December is Christmas and holidays. A month of happiness, laughter, color and good intentions, at least in a large population. Individuals believe that Christmas is just another commercial trap for people to spend money. Though there is some truth in it, I,…
Eudaimonia - Originally posted on The Renegade Press:
I have always hated the idea of wearing shoes when I drive. Ever since I first learned how to navigate the quiet back streets close to my family home with my parents by my side, I have felt uncomfortable with the idea that my foot is separated from the…
Is store bought puff pastry really good enough? - Originally posted on Invisible-No-More:
How many times have you heard a chef on TV say that store bought puff pastry is just as good as making it yourself? Probably many times! I know I have and I have never seen a recipe that says “first make puff pastry”. No one makes puff pastry aside from…
Our Humble Kitchen…Pictures - You probably wonder about my kitchen. When i read other blogs about food, the first thing i wonder about is their kitchen. i used to dream of huge kitchens (my last one was big enough to feed our small army). We have a small home. The Asylum is a grand title for a small place, … Continue reading Our Humble Kitchen…Pictures
Sarah’s Perspective - John asked me to write something about living with him, and more specifically him and his conditions. And right there I start to feel awkward… yes he endures his bi polar, depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress. These are all things he shared with me on our first coffee date almost 12 years ago. I … Continue reading Sarah’s Perspective
BEGINNER BLOGGER: HOW TO GAIN EXPOSURE + INCREASE TRAFFIC ON YOUR BLOG! - Originally posted on RABIA RAMBLES:
Hi everyone! Today I am bringing to you the first post from my new series on my blog called Beginner Blogger; I am starting this series because I’ve had a lot of blog related questions from many people, on my blog, Instagram and Twitter so I thought what better way…
Psych meds 101: Antipsychotics - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
Welcome to the second post of my psych meds 101 series on how psychiatric medications work, this time focusing on antipsychotics. In these posts I’m bringing together my knowledge as a mental health nurse, ex-pharmacist, and gal with depression who’s tried a boatload of meds, and hopefully putting out…
Psych meds 101: Antidepressants - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
I can be a bit (okay more than just a bit) of a geek, and one of my big interests is how medications work. Throw in the fact that I’m a mental health nurse, former pharmacist, and person who has tried piles of different psychiatric medication, and you get…
Christmas Cocktail…yum - via Invisible-No-MoreMaking the most of your mid life crisisHoliday Cocktail: The Hot Apple Pie
Smoking: Pork Butt - i love the taste of meat. All kinds of meat. Pork, beef, chicken, turkey…all of them and a few others i have sampled up here, including bear and moose. I receive these other meats from friends who hunt. I like my meat dead. i do not enjoy hunting. The meat must come to me. And … Continue reading Smoking: Pork Butt
Loving Me - i love when i get to use a quote thingy more than once. Last time i wrote about how the experiences we have in life, particularly when we’re young, have an impact on how we view the world around us. For me, feeling like a victim comes naturally. It is a comfortable spot…a familiar place. … Continue reading Loving Me
Grace - When i was a young man, i was a thief. i stole stuff just to steal it. Dad would come home and i would pick up a couple of coins and perhaps some smokes, if i thought he would not miss them. Bastard smoked menthol, too. Yuck. One time my mom’s parents were in town … Continue reading Grace
Assuming the Worst - i am the worst. The ugliest. The stupidest. The most callous. Etc. i don’t really believe those things, but they are ever-present in the back of my mind. If something negative happens, i likely caused it or i deserve it. Maybe i watched Lost in Space too often. Every time i face a situation, i am convinced … Continue reading Assuming the Worst
Feels Familiar - via Depression: My Journey Through the Fog
Things People with Anxiety want others to Know…video - via “I analyze things constantly. I can’t turn my… – Mental Health on The Mighty
Integrity - I used to be one of those. When i first went on Facebook, i felt it was my duty, you know, being so smart and everything, to correct other people’s grammar. I was a teacher’s aide in university and marked first year papers. It was kind of my responsibility, right? Help society with their grammar. … Continue reading Integrity
Many of you know more than i about these issues…comments would be appreciated, but please read the article first - via Is there a path to redemption for any of the high-profile men accused of sexual misconduct? – CBC News | Opinion
Self-Discovery…Healthy Movement - i think when i last spoke to you, i was a mess. Emotional bleed out. In town, no less. Lots of fun for a guy who does not like to share emotion. i won’t bother with my gratuitous “F” word. i think you get the idea. It was one terrible day. i slept well. But … Continue reading Self-Discovery…Healthy Movement
Reblog of a terrific post on mindfulness - Good Afternoon to each one of you. Hope that most have you have survived the insanity of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. I did not partake in all the craziness of jammed parking lots, 20%-50% deals, and irate shoppers pushing and shoving their way at the Mall. In fact, I avoided it […] … Continue reading Reblog of a terrific post on mindfulness
The Drunken Sailor - Maybe you have heard this song: What Shall We Do With the Drunken Sailor? What shall we do with the drunken sailor? What shall we do with the drunken sailor? What shall we do with the drunken sailor Early in the morning? REFRAIN Hooray, up she rises! Hooray, up she rises! Hooray, up she rises! … Continue reading The Drunken Sailor
Self-Discovery…the Beginning - Memories. That’s what self-discovery means to me. And i have far too many painful memories to want to stay there for very long. So i go there once in a while to see if anything is too far out of place. Nope. Good. Move along. I am not unique in that way. We all have … Continue reading Self-Discovery…the Beginning
Momentum - God i love science jokes. And i don’t bother explaining them because you either get them or you don’t. Take my word for it: that cartoon is friggin hilarious. Momentum equals mass times the square root of velocity. I could not do the formula numerically because i cannot figure out how to make the 2 … Continue reading Momentum
My Privilege - i have been a thug most of my life. i have anger issues. Bet you never saw that one coming. i have used violence (physical, verbal, emotional, and spiritual) or the threat of violence to control my environment for most of my life. Maybe some people are born violent, but i doubt that very much. … Continue reading My Privilege
Smoking Ribs - i love living up north. The seasons generally follow one another in a sensible progression. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Like most things up here…constant, dependable. Not like down in southwestern Ontario. i love our home town of London, don’t get me wrong. It is a beautiful city and you can grow pretty much anything successfully … Continue reading Smoking Ribs
Men…please watch -
Enlightenment…WTF? - Yes. It is Sunday. So i am doing a post on spirituality. i used to pastor evangelical churches, which made me an Evangelical Christian. The label now makes me cringe. Don’t get me wrong…you know i am a Jesus guy and i really do love most of my fellow Christians and have a lot of … Continue reading Enlightenment…WTF?
overthinking - Yeah, i can relate totally. i over think. It is a consequence of something, i suppose. Mostly, i think, out of a fear of being wrong. The idea of being wrong crippled me for most of my life. There are plenty of people in this world who will take advantage of me if i … Continue reading overthinking
Let’s talk about sex (and mental illness) - Originally posted on Mental Health @ Home:
What do mental illness and sex have to do with each other? Quite a bit, actually, both in terms of the illness itself and the medications to treat it. Let’s start with meds. Antidepressants that affect serotonin (such as the SSRI class) can do a real number on sex…
Recovery Plan: Exercise…How - i’m not a trained gym jock. i was a goalie in hockey and a catcher in baseball, however, so i’m not a stranger to the gym. i was 42 when i got into my car accident. I rode my bike about 10k each way to work. i went to the gym for strength training three … Continue reading Recovery Plan: Exercise…How
Mindfulness - Self-Reported Long-Term Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Patients with Bipolar Disorder The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2016.0427Conclusions: Despite methodological limitations, this survey allowed documenting mindfulness practice and perceived sustained benefit from MBCT in patients with BD. Participants particularly valued increased awareness that they can influence their own health. Both informal and formal practices, when sustained … Continue reading Mindfulness
no sense reinventing this…terrific science-based article - via What Does Mindfulness Meditation Do to Your Brain? – Scientific American Blog Network
Recovery Plan: Exercise…Why - Ok…honeymoon is over. i’ve been kind and now it is time to be tough. No one wants to be told they need to exercise. If you like being told to exercise it is probably because you already engagein some sort of thing that helps your body. Me. i like food. i don’t eat a lot, … Continue reading Recovery Plan: Exercise…Why
Gratitude…just beautiful - https://give.gaia.com/cjaehz954004001mdw4kj9ke0
I’m Nuts…Medication - i am not a doctor. Please do not make the mistake of thinking i know more than a trained medical professional. i am sharing my experiences. That is all.Did you know there are so many psych meds in our waterways it is screwing up nature? Here is an intresting article, if you are interested in … Continue reading I’m Nuts…Medication
Opioids…be aware - via 5 Surprising Facts on Prescription Painkillers – Consumer Reports
Turning the Page - i turned 59 this year. i am aging. You are as well. i do not know if you relate, but aging can be an uncomfortable experience. For me it feels like i am watching an old friend walk down the road. Sniff. Talk among yourselves. Ok. i am fine now. i also have told you … Continue reading Turning the Page
Happy Thanksgiving! - Originally posted on Roadkill Crossing:
Standing strong. A straggly driftwood tree on a lonely beach might seem like a strange symbol with which to say “Happy Thanksgiving.” From my perspective, it’s just right. The stalwart tree, battered by wind and sea, still stands. To me, it serves as a reminder of all those in the…
Sorry…I’m Nuts - i gotta tell you something. i actually believe this statement, but it is tough sometimes, right? It is so easy to burn energy on fighting “enemies”. It is in quote marks for a reason. Enemies are often the constructs of our own minds. i’m talking to my crazy friends out there. If it rings … Continue reading Sorry…I’m Nuts
Old Testament Christians - This may be disturbing for some…be healthy please…and it is Jesus stuff, so if you do not like that sort of thing, resist the urge to correct and criticize, and just move along. These are personal things from my journey. That statement may raised your hackles a bit. I am not an Old Testament Christian. … Continue reading Old Testament Christians
Assumptions - Assumptions. We all make them. It is necessary for us to function properly as humans. Our brains- amazing things they may be- cannot be constantly analyzing the smaller things in life. It is not possible. With my memory deficits it is even more difficult. So our brains have this survival thing we do…we assume things. … Continue reading Assumptions
A New Kind of Hero…the Solution - Let’s start here. i am a man who has sucked up the messages society has handed me. I do not like that our seminar leader, Jonathan Zinck ruined how i look at superheroes and told women our “man secrets”. Just getting it off my chest, Jonathan. People try to tell me that perspective matters. All … Continue reading A New Kind of Hero…the Solution
A New Kind of Hero…The Problem of Entitlement - Go back and read the first post about A New Kind of Hero. Trying not to repeat myself too much. Hero pic just for Jonathan. Entitlement: “the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment”. There i am. Told you i was special. i got TONS of attention for being a boy. … Continue reading A New Kind of Hero…The Problem of Entitlement
A New Kind of Hero (warning…the “f” word) - Fuck. A New Kind of Hero. That is what the seminar was called. Fuck. i’m sorry… language…i know, but when i entered that room i began to sweat and that is what came to mind. All women. Great. All i know about women right now is that they are pissed off. Maybe not at me … Continue reading A New Kind of Hero (warning…the “f” word)
Heal Me - a beautiful tune…i sang with it this morning with tears streaming down my face via Melissa Etheridge – Heal Me – YouTube
Tricia’s Birthday Dinner…Dessert (Boston Cream Pie) - This is my butcher block. i bought it in London, Ontario and brought it all the way up here to be my main countertop. There is a constant changeover of restaurants in London. I think it is some kind of perfect test market for food products. Not sure why, but pretty sure i read it somewhere. … Continue reading Tricia’s Birthday Dinner…Dessert (Boston Cream Pie)
Tricia’s Birthday Dinner…Starter and Main Meal - Tricia is a cool lady. She and Ed are good friends who have been extremely supportive and helpful during this time of transition. i have mentioned Tricia’s site, Growing Your Gratitude, which has helped me to focus on positive aspects of my life and myself. That site is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GYGwithTB/ And they are pioneer people, … Continue reading Tricia’s Birthday Dinner…Starter and Main Meal
My Angel…Sarah - By now you likely realize “the crisis” is Sarah making a decision to leave. I have never felt so alone in all my life as i do now. And i have been through some pretty serious shit in my life. But she had no choice. This is the constant message i have been giving to … Continue reading My Angel…Sarah
cool…last one is a little weird for me, but whatever… - via 10 Rules for Being Human
My Mom - My mom thinks i am cool. Mothers. i love mine very much. Who’s mother would send their child a cake through mail, along with a little container of icing? Mine. For my birthday. Through Canada Post. The cake she used to make me every year for my birthday when i was a kid. Banana … Continue reading My Mom
This Is What A Panic Attack Physically Feels Like - via This Is What A Panic Attack Physically Feels Like
Beautiful! - via The Next Silence
The Gift of Silence - Warning. Spirituality stuff. Run if you must, but i invite you to stay if you are even remotely interested. If you have been following the blog, you know my brain woke up recently and i have anything but peace within. I have determination, focus (for the most part) and all kinds of tools to help. … Continue reading The Gift of Silence
Seriously? - Ok…time to get something out. i gotta do something or it will fester and burn. That is not good. Just letting you know i may spew some self-pity and other yucky stuff all over the place. There is snot pouring out of every pore of my being right now, so if you don’t like that … Continue reading Seriously?
The Cost and Benefits of Emotional Honesty | Psychology Today - terrific!…as a man who has seldom been open with my emotions, i am now learning…a tough walk, but has been worthwhile and healing via The Cost and Benefits of Emotional Honesty | Psychology Today

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