American English With Brent

Brent
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  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
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If you’re looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisguy4/subscribe

  1. 8H AGO

    Is WWIII Near? China’s "Special Envoy" Enters the Iran War

    🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/ybnQZubiC3o?si=yxoJ5kIafacEF00P1. Laying Out (explaining) * Definition: Explaining a plan, idea, or sequence of events clearly, step by step. * News Example: "The president is laying out his new plan to create more jobs."2. Unveiled * Definition: Showed or announced something new to the public for the first time. * News Example: "The tech company unveiled its newest smartphone at a big event in California."3. In the Backdrop * Definition: The situation or events happening in the background while something else is going on. * News Example: "The peaceful elections happened in the backdrop of a struggling economy."4. Mounting * Definition: Slowly increasing or growing larger. In the news, this is often used to describe problems or pressure. * News Example: "There is mounting pressure on the mayor to fix the city's broken water pipes."5. Epicenter * Definition: The exact center of an event, usually a crisis, disease, or earthquake. * News Example: "The large city quickly became the epicenter of the new health crisis."6. Take Into Consideration * Definition: To think carefully about something important before making a decision. * News Example: "The judge will take the man's young age into consideration before giving him a sentence."7. Domestic * Definition: Happening inside a person's own country, not foreign or international. * News Example: "The airport was very busy today because domestic travel has increased this year."8. Consumption * Definition: The act of using, buying, or eating something. * News Example: "The government wants to reduce the country's daily oil consumption to help the environment."9. Youth * Definition: Young people in general. * News Example: "The news program focused on how high housing prices are affecting the youth today."10. Reeling * Definition: Feeling shocked, confused, or very unsteady after a bad event. * News Example: "The small coastal town is still reeling from the terrible storm last week."11. Self-Reliance * Definition: Depending on your own abilities and resources, instead of needing help from other people or countries. * News Example: "The country is working toward energy self-reliance so it doesn't have to buy gas from its neighbors."12. Quantum Computing * Definition: A very advanced and new type of computer technology that can solve highly complex problems much faster than regular computers. * News Example: "Scientists believe quantum computing will completely change how we develop new medicines."13. Drags On * Definition: Continues for a very long time, often longer than expected or wanted. * News Example: "As the workers' strike drags on, many supermarkets are running out of fresh food."14. Obviously * Definition: In a way that is very easy to see or understand; clearly. * News Example: "The new tax policy obviously favors large, wealthy businesses."15. Imposed * Definition: Forced a new rule, tax, or punishment on a person or a country. * News Example: "The government imposed a heavy tax on imported cars."16. Disruptor * Definition: A person or company that changes the normal way an industry or market works, usually with a brand new idea. * News Example: "The cheap, electric car company is a major disruptor in the global auto industry."17. Sovereign (Note: Corrected spelling from your list!) * Definition: Having the highest power or authority; an independent country that rules itself. * News Example: "The peace treaty respects the borders of every sovereign nation."

    18 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Iran’s New Leader? Worse Than the Last Guy

    Learn the essential English news vocabulary you need to understand the latest headlines about Iran’s new leader. This lesson is perfect for intermediate learners who want to improve their fluency and follow world news with confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to News Clip: https://youtu.be/3Thu4w-8Fb4?si=ylfKdiVj_W1XhMC31. The Ayatollah * Definition: A high-ranking religious leader in Shia Islam. * Sentence: The Ayatollah is a very influential figure in the country’s government.2. State Funeral * Definition: A public ceremony to honor a high-ranking official after they die. * Sentence: Thousands of people gathered in the capital for the president's state funeral.3. Postponed * Definition: Delayed; moved to a later time or date. * Sentence: The meeting was postponed until next week because the manager was sick.4. Clerics * Definition: Religious leaders or members of the clergy. * Sentence: The council of clerics met to discuss the new religious laws.5. Successor * Definition: A person who takes over a job or position from someone else. * Sentence: The company is looking for a successor to the retiring CEO.6. 1979 Revolution * Definition: A major political change in Iran that replaced the monarchy with an Islamic republic. * Sentence: The 1979 Revolution completely changed the political landscape of the Middle East.7. Hereditary * Definition: Passed down from parent to child (like a title, money, or a medical condition). * Sentence: In a monarchy, the power is usually hereditary.8. Corps * Definition: A specialized group of people working together for a specific purpose. * Sentence: He joined the medical corps to help people during the natural disaster.9. Elite * Definition: The best, most powerful, or highest-ranking group in a society. * Sentence: Only the elite athletes are invited to compete in the Olympic Games.10. It was sidelined * Definition: To be pushed to the side or ignored; made less important. * Sentence: His suggestion was sidelined because the team wanted to focus on a different project.11. Prominent * Definition: Famous, important, or very easy to see. * Sentence: She is a prominent lawyer who has won many famous cases.12. Dynasty (Dynastic) * Definition: A series of rulers or powerful people from the same family. * Sentence: The Ming Dynasty ruled China for nearly 300 years.13. It’s a big deal * Definition: (Idiom) Something that is very important or significant. * Sentence: Getting a promotion is a big deal for her career.14. A lot at stake * Definition: (Idiom) A situation where there is a lot to win or lose. * Sentence: With the economy struggling, there is a lot at stake in this election.15. Interprets * Definition: To explain the meaning of something or translate it. * Sentence: A judge interprets the law to make a fair decision.16. Adversary * Definition: An opponent or enemy in a fight or competition. * Sentence: The two countries have been political adversaries for decades.17. Follow in his footsteps * Definition: (Idiom) To do the same thing as someone who came before you. * Sentence: She decided to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor.18. Pope * Definition: The leader of the Roman Catholic Church. * Sentence: The Pope lives in Vatican City and travels the world to meet followers.19. Revered * Definition: Deeply respected or admired. * Sentence: The late activist is revered for his work in human rights.

    15 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Speak English With the News 🗞️ It Doesn’t Get Worse Than This

    In this lesson, we analyze a significant news report regarding the tragic bombing of a girls' school to help you understand complex English in a real-world context. You will master advanced vocabulary and learn how to navigate sensitive global topics with clarity and confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List: Definitions and Examples * 1. Satellite * Definition: A machine sent into space to orbit the Earth, used for communication, GPS, or taking pictures. * Example: We use a satellite to get a signal for our television and internet. * 2. The Extent * Definition: The size, amount, or limit of something; how far something goes. * Example: It was too dark to see the extent of the damage to the car. * 3. Plumes of Smoke * Definition: Tall, thick clouds of smoke rising into the air from a fire. * Example: After the explosion, we could see dark plumes of smoke in the sky from miles away. * 4. Elementary School * Definition: A school for young children, usually starting around age 5 or 6. * Example: My little brother is learning how to read at his elementary school. * 5. Foreign Minister * Definition: A government official in charge of dealing with other countries. * Example: The Foreign Minister traveled to France to sign a new trade agreement. * 6. Secretary of State * Definition: In the United States, this is the top government official who deals with foreign affairs (similar to a Foreign Minister). * Example: The US Secretary of State met with leaders in Europe to discuss peace. * 7. Dozens * Definition: A lot of something. A "dozen" is 12, so "dozens" means many groups of 12. * Example: There were dozens of people waiting in line to buy concert tickets. * 8. Residential * Definition: An area where people live in houses or apartments, not where businesses or factories are. * Example: Please drive slowly because this is a residential neighborhood with playing children. * 9. A Stretch (of Road) * Definition: A continuous, straight section of a road or highway. * Example: Be careful driving at night on that dark stretch of road. * 10. Agricultural Land * Definition: Land that is used for farming, growing crops, or keeping animals. * Example: The farmer bought more agricultural land so he could grow more wheat. * 11. Military Installation * Definition: A base, camp, or building owned and used by the army, navy, or air force. * Example: Civilians are not allowed to enter the military installation without special permission. * 12. Retaliate * Definition: To attack or do something bad to someone because they did something bad to you first. * Example: If one country attacks another, the second country will usually retaliate. * 13. Interceptions * Definition: Stopping or catching someone or something before it reaches its destination (often used for flying objects like missiles or balls in sports). * Example: The city's air defense system made several successful missile interceptions last night. * 14. Have Been Taking Place * Definition: A phrase meaning something started happening in the past and is still happening right now. * Example: Loud protests have been taking place in the city center all week. * 15. Tension * Definition: A feeling of worry, anger, or lack of trust between people or countries. * Example: There is a lot of tension between the two teams right before the big championship game. * 16. Diplomacy * Definition: The skill of managing relationships and making agreements between different countries without fighting. * Example: The leaders used diplomacy and long talks to stop the war from starting.

    13 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Speak Better English With the News: Americans are Saddened

    In today’s lesson, we break down essential vocabulary used in news reports about military operations and emergency situations. These 17 terms will help you better understand high-stakes global headlines and improve your professional English fluency.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Command * Definition: To have power over a group of people or to give official orders. * Example: The general has command over all the soldiers at the military base.2. Operation (military) * Definition: A planned set of actions with a specific goal, often involving many people. * Example: The secret operation was designed to rescue people trapped in the city.3. Epic * Definition: Very large, impressive, or heroic in scale. * Example: The historical movie tells an epic story of a long journey across the ocean.4. Fury * Definition: Extreme, wild anger or great physical force. * Example: We watched the fury of the storm as it moved across the coast.5. Campaign (military) * Definition: A series of military operations intended to achieve a specific result in a war. * Example: The winter campaign lasted for three months in the mountains.6. Wounded * Definition: Injured or hurt, especially by a weapon during a fight. * Example: Doctors worked quickly to help the wounded people after the accident.7. Shrapnel * Definition: Small, sharp pieces of metal that fly through the air after an explosion. * Example: The soldiers wore heavy vests to protect themselves from flying shrapnel.8. Concussion * Definition: A temporary brain injury caused by a hard hit to the head. * Example: He had a mild concussion after falling off his bicycle, so he stayed in the hospital overnight.9. Recall * Definition: To officially order someone (like a soldier) to return to their place of duty. * Example: The government had to recall the troops from their vacation because of the emergency.10. Service Members * Definition: People who are currently serving in the army, navy, or air force. * Example: Many service members live on the military base with their families.11. Traumatic * Definition: Something very upsetting or painful that causes lasting emotional or physical damage. * Example: Experiencing a natural disaster can be a very traumatic event for anyone.12. Concussive Blast * Definition: A powerful wave of air pressure caused by a large explosion. * Example: The concussive blast was so strong that it broke windows three blocks away.13. Ballistic Missiles * Definition: Long-range weapons that are fired high into the air to hit a target far away. * Example: Modern defense systems are designed to stop ballistic missiles before they land.14. Shelters * Definition: Safe places built to protect people from danger, such as bombs or storms. * Example: People stayed in underground shelters until the air raid sirens stopped.15. Sheer Magnitude * Definition: The very large size, scale, or importance of something. * Example: No one expected the sheer magnitude of the crowd at the international festival.16. It’s Not Clear * Definition: Something is difficult to understand, or the facts are not certain yet. * Example: It's not clear when the new law will go into effect.17. Retaliate * Definition: To hurt someone or do something bad back to them because they hurt you first. * Example: If the enemy attacks our city, our army will likely retaliate.

    15 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Iran’s Leader is No More: Speak Better English With the News

    In this lesson, we examine the critical vocabulary used in breaking news reports to describe the sudden and significant political changes in Iran. These sixteen terms will equip you with the language needed to follow international developments and discuss complex global events with confidence.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join1. Insight * Definition: A deep or clear understanding of a complicated problem or situation. * Example: "The market research gave us great insight into what our customers actually want."2. Ayatollah * Definition: A high-ranking religious leader in the Shia branch of Islam, especially in Iran. * Example: "The news report discussed the influence of the Ayatollah on the country's laws."3. Was No Longer (dead) * Definition: A polite or formal way to say someone has died or something has ceased to exist. * Example: "After the long illness, the doctor told the family that their grandfather was no longer with them."4. Stops Shy * Definition: To nearly do something, but decide not to do the final part. * Example: "The company will increase its budget, but it stops shy of hiring new staff right now."5. A Compound * Definition: A large area of land containing several buildings, often surrounded by a fence or wall. * Example: "The workers live in a safe compound near the construction site."6. Tyrant * Definition: A ruler who has unlimited power and uses it in a cruel or unfair way. * Example: "History books describe the king as a tyrant because he punished anyone who disagreed with him."7. Have You Jump In * Definition: An informal way to ask someone to start participating or helping with a task immediately. * Example: "We are halfway through the meeting; I’ll have you jump in and share your ideas now."8. Confirmation * Definition: A statement or piece of evidence that proves something is true. * Example: "I am waiting for an email confirmation of my flight booking."9. It was Suspected * Definition: When people believe something is true or that someone did something wrong, but they don't have proof yet. * Example: "It was suspected that the fire started because of old electrical wires."10. Folks * Definition: An informal, friendly word for "people" or "family members." * Example: "I’m going to visit my folks back in my hometown this weekend."11. Our Sources * Definition: People or documents that provide information, often used by journalists or researchers. * Example: "Our sources at the capital say the government will announce a new tax law tomorrow."12. Pronounced Dead * Definition: An official or medical statement that someone is legally dead. * Example: "The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident."13. Bifurcation * Definition: The division of something into two separate branches or parts. * Example: "There is a clear bifurcation in the company between the young tech workers and the older management."14. Decapitation * Definition: The act of cutting off the head; in business, it can mean removing the top leaders of an organization. * Example: "The revolution led to the decapitation of the old government's leadership."15. Cleaning Out (destroying) * Definition: In this context, it means to completely remove or destroy everything inside a place. * Example: "The army was cleaning out the enemy's hidden bunkers in the mountains."16. Exacted * Definition: To demand and obtain something (like a payment, revenge, or a high price) from someone. * Example: "The long hours at work exacted a heavy toll on his health."

    16 min

  6. FEB 28

    The U.S. Just Bombed Iran: Speak Better English With the News

    As extraordinary combat operations unfold as we speak, the global landscape is facing a significant and ongoing shift. In today’s lesson, we’ll analyze these headlines to help you master advanced English vocabulary, from understanding a regime's actions to the complex coordination required by their international counterparts.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinCombat OperationsDefinition: Military fighting or organized attacks.Example: "The news reported that combat operations have started near the border."The ObjectiveDefinition: The main goal or purpose of an action.Example: "Their main objective is to take control of the airport."DefendDefinition: To protect someone or something from being attacked.Example: "The soldiers stayed behind to defend the city from the invading army."EliminatingDefinition: Removing or destroying something completely.Example: "The government is focused on eliminating the threat to the public."ImminentDefinition: Happening very soon (usually something dangerous or bad).Example: "The dark clouds and high winds show that a terrible storm is imminent."RegimeDefinition: A government, usually one that is very strict and not elected by the people.Example: "The country’s economy struggled for many years under the old regime."CalculationsDefinition: Careful thinking, planning, or math used to make a decision.Example: "Based on their calculations, the new bridge will take three years to build."It's Approaching NoonDefinition: It is almost 12:00 PM (midday). Reporters often use this to give a time update.Example: "We should finish this meeting soon because it's approaching noon."MassiveDefinition: Very large, heavy, or severe.Example: "There was a massive earthquake in the mountains yesterday."ThroughoutDefinition: In every part of a place, or during the whole time of an event.Example: "It rained heavily throughout the night."Let's get back to...Definition: A phrase used to return to an earlier topic of conversation.Example: "Let's get back to the main story we were discussing earlier."Pardon MeDefinition: A formal and polite way to say "excuse me" or to correct a mistake while speaking.Example: "Pardon me, I meant to say the meeting is on Tuesday, not Monday."ExtraordinaryDefinition: Very unusual, special, or surprising.Example: "The doctors made an extraordinary effort to save the patients."As We SpeakDefinition: Happening exactly at this moment.Example: "The rescue team is searching for survivors as we speak."OngoingDefinition: Continuing to happen or exist right now.Example: "The police have an ongoing investigation into the robbery."RespondingDefinition: Answering or reacting to something that has happened.Example: "Emergency workers are responding to the fire downtown."SignificantDefinition: Important, or large enough to be noticed.Example: "There was a significant change in the stock market this morning."CoordinationDefinition: Organizing people or groups so they work together successfully.Example: "The relief effort required careful coordination between several countries."SeveralDefinition: More than two, but not a very large number.Example: "I have visited several countries in Europe for work."CounterpartsDefinition: A person who has the same job or position as someone else, but in a different organization or country.Example: "The French President met with his German counterpart to discuss trade."

    13 min

  7. FEB 27

    Police Under Attack: Violent Crowd Pummels Officers With Snowballs.

    Stop feeling lost when watching the news and start understanding every word of today’s most "volatile" headlines. This lesson breaks down essential B1-B2 English vocabulary from real-world reports so you can follow breaking news like a native speaker.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2Vocabulary List: NYC Snowball Fight1. OutrageDefinition: A strong feeling of shock and anger.Example: There was public outrage when the library closed down.2. PeltedDefinition: To throw things at someone many times.Example: The rain pelted the window during the storm.3. TenseDefinition: A nervous feeling; a situation where people might get angry.Example: The meeting was very tense because nobody agreed on the plan.4. TauntingDefinition: Trying to make someone angry or upset by saying unkind things.Example: The older brother was taunting his sister about losing the game.5. RestraintDefinition: Control over your own actions; holding back.Example: She showed great restraint by staying calm when the customer yelled.6. ChunksDefinition: Thick, solid pieces of something.Example: The soup had large chunks of potato and carrots in it.7. De-escalateDefinition: To make a difficult situation calmer or less dangerous.Example: The police officer tried to de-escalate the argument before it turned into a fight.8. MassiveDefinition: Extremely big.Example: A massive crowd of people gathered to watch the concert.9. WarnedDefinition: To tell someone about a possible danger.Example: The sign warned us that the floor was wet.10. Common SenseDefinition: Good judgment in practical matters; thinking clearly.Example: Use your common sense and don’t walk alone in the dark alley.11. VolatileDefinition: Likely to change suddenly and become dangerous.Example: The chemicals are volatile and can explode if they get too hot.12. CommissionerDefinition: A high-ranking official in charge of a department (like the police).Example: The Police Commissioner promised to keep the city safe.13. CondemnedDefinition: To say strongly that something is bad or wrong.Example: The principal condemned bullying during the school assembly.(Note: Your image notes "disagreed," which is similar, but "condemned" is much stronger).14. DisgracefulDefinition: Shameful; very bad behavior that makes people lose respect.Example: It is disgraceful to leave so much trash in the park.15. UnacceptableDefinition: Not allowed; not good enough.Example: His rude language in class was unacceptable.16. OutrageousDefinition: Shocking or very unreasonable.Example: It is outrageous to charge $20 for a bottle of water!17. AssaultDefinition: A physical attack on someone.Example: Hitting someone is a crime called assault.18. Speak UpDefinition: To give your opinion bravely.Example: Please speak up if you have a good idea for the project.19. DespicableDefinition: Very unpleasant or evil; deserving hate.Example: It was despicable of him to steal the old lady's purse.20. HarmlessDefinition: Safe; not able to hurt anyone.Example: The dog barks loudly, but he is actually harmless.21. DeliberateDefinition: Done on purpose; not an accident.Example: That was a deliberate lie; he knew the truth but didn't say it.

    17 min

  8. FEB 24

    BREAKING: Trump Targeted Again! Gunman Enters Trump's Florida Home

    Stay up to date with the latest global headlines while expanding your news-related vocabulary in this interactive English lesson. Today, we dive into a breaking report regarding a security incident at Mar-a-Lago to define consequential terms like "consequential" in a real-world context.🛑 Change the way you read the news in English with this FREE news vocabulary guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f2💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinThe Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/jOpnJDIgpWQ?si=F-fCOk9E5mUNwofS1. Consequential * Definition: Very important; having big results. * Example: The president made a consequential decision that changed the country.2. Mar-a-Lago * Definition: A famous club and home in Florida owned by Donald Trump. * Example: The news reported that the meeting happened at Mar-a-Lago.3. Security breach * Definition: When someone breaks into a safe or protected place. * Example: The bank had a security breach when a hacker stole customer passwords.4. Perimeter * Definition: The outside edge or border of a place. * Example: The police put a fence around the perimeter of the building.5. Deputy * Definition: A police officer who assists the main leader (the sheriff). * Example: The sheriff asked his deputy to help look for the missing car.6. Secret Service * Definition: A special US police group that protects the president. * Example: The Secret Service walked next to the president's car to keep him safe.7. Opened Fire * Definition: Started shooting a gun. * Example: The soldiers opened fire when the enemy came too close.8. Affected * Definition: Changed or influenced by something. * Example: The heavy rain affected our travel plans, so we stayed home.9. Contemplating * Definition: Thinking deeply about something. * Example: She is contemplating moving to a new city for her new job.10. Mortality * Definition: The fact that all humans must eventually die. * Example: Surviving a dangerous car crash made him think about his own mortality.11. Honoring * Definition: Showing great respect for someone. * Example: The school is honoring the brave teachers at a special dinner tonight.12. Laken Riley * Definition: A person who was recently in the American news. * Example: The news reporter talked about the tragic story of Laken Riley.13. Gunning For Me * Definition: Trying to attack, defeat, or cause trouble for someone. * Example: He felt like his boss was gunning for him after he made a big mistake.14. Apparently * Definition: It seems to be true, based on what we see or hear. * Example: Apparently, it is going to snow tomorrow, so we should buy warm coats.15. Confronted * Definition: Faced someone directly to argue or ask a hard question. * Example: The teacher confronted the student about cheating on the math test.16. Gas Can * Definition: A container used to carry car fuel. * Example: We ran out of fuel, so we walked to the gas station with a gas can.17. Put Down (Drop) * Definition: To stop holding something and place it on a surface. * Example: The police officer told the man to put down the knife.18. Domestic * Definition: Happening inside your own country, or inside the home. * Example: The airport has a separate building for domestic flights within the United States.19. State of the Union * Definition: A big yearly speech given by the US President. * Example: Many families watch the State of the Union speech on television.20. Loaded Gun * Definition: A gun that has bullets inside and is ready to shoot. * Example: You should always treat a weapon as if it is a loaded gun.

    17 min
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If you’re looking to improve your English, this podcast is for you. An American who speaks English slowly, so you can understand. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thisguy4/subscribe

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