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John Kerry Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: John Forbes Kerry: Biography and Political Career

Cheat Sheet:
John Forbes Kerry: Biography and Political Career Study Guide

Early Life and Education

John Forbes Kerry was born in Denver, Colorado, at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Forbes Kerry was born on December 11, 1943, at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado, not Denver.

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John Kerry's father was a nurse and social activist, while his mother was a U.S. diplomat and lawyer.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that John Kerry's father, Richard John Kerry, was a U.S. diplomat and lawyer, and his mother, Rosemary Forbes, was a nurse and social activist.

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At St. Paul's School, John Kerry developed skills in public speaking and an interest in politics.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his time at St. Paul's School, John Kerry cultivated skills in public speaking and fostered an interest in politics.

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John Kerry graduated from Yale University with a cumulative average described as above average.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kerry's academic record at Yale University was described as below average, with a cumulative average of 76, and he never received an 'A' grade during his studies.

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Who is John Forbes Kerry, based on the provided information?

Answer: An American attorney, politician, diplomat, and former naval officer.

Explanation: John Forbes Kerry is an American attorney, politician, diplomat, and former naval officer who has served in various significant roles, including U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.

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Where was John Forbes Kerry born?

Answer: Aurora, Colorado

Explanation: John Forbes Kerry was born in Aurora, Colorado, at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center.

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What were the professions of John Kerry's parents?

Answer: Father: Diplomat and Lawyer, Mother: Nurse and Social Activist

Explanation: John Kerry's father, Richard John Kerry, was a U.S. diplomat and lawyer, while his mother, Rosemary Forbes, was a nurse and social activist.

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What was John Kerry's academic performance like at Yale University?

Answer: His academic record was described as below average, with no 'A' grades.

Explanation: Kerry's academic record at Yale University was described as below average, and he did not receive any 'A' grades during his studies.

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Military Service and Vietnam War

John Kerry enlisted in the Naval Reserve on February 18, 1966, and began active duty in August 1966.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on February 18, 1966, and commenced his active duty military service on August 19, 1966.

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During his tour in South Vietnam, John Kerry commanded a heavily armored destroyer.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that John Kerry commanded a Swift boat (Fast Patrol Craft), not a destroyer, during his tour in South Vietnam.

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John Kerry received three Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained in combat during his Vietnam service.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry was awarded three Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained during combat operations in Vietnam.

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After returning from Vietnam, John Kerry joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and became a spokesperson.

Answer: False

Explanation: After returning from Vietnam, John Kerry joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and became its spokesperson, not the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

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On April 22, 1971, John Kerry participated in a demonstration where veterans threw their medals over the U.S. Capitol building fence.

Answer: True

Explanation: On April 22, 1971, John Kerry participated in a protest where he and other veterans threw their military medals over the U.S. Capitol building fence.

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When did John Kerry enlist in the U.S. Navy?

Answer: February 18, 1966

Explanation: John Kerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on February 18, 1966.

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What type of vessel did John Kerry command during his service in Vietnam?

Answer: A Swift boat (Fast Patrol Craft)

Explanation: During his service in Vietnam, John Kerry commanded a Swift boat, officially known as a Fast Patrol Craft.

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Which military honor did John Kerry receive for wounds sustained in combat?

Answer: The Purple Heart medal

Explanation: John Kerry received three Purple Heart medals for wounds sustained during combat in Vietnam.

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What organization did John Kerry join and become a spokesperson for after returning from Vietnam?

Answer: Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW)

Explanation: After returning from Vietnam, John Kerry joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) and served as its spokesperson.

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What symbolic act of protest did John Kerry participate in on April 22, 1971?

Answer: Throwing his military medals over the fence of the U.S. Capitol building.

Explanation: On April 22, 1971, John Kerry participated in a protest where he and other veterans threw their military medals over the U.S. Capitol building fence.

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Early Political Career

John Kerry lost the 1972 general election for the U.S. House of Representatives to Republican Paul W. Cronin.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the 1972 U.S. House of Representatives election, John Kerry lost to Republican Paul W. Cronin.

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Following his 1972 election defeat, John Kerry worked as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office.

Answer: True

Explanation: After his 1972 election defeat, John Kerry worked as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office, eventually becoming First Assistant District Attorney.

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John Kerry served as Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 1983 to 1985 alongside Governor Michael Dukakis.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry served as the 66th Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from January 1983 to January 1985, working alongside Governor Michael Dukakis.

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Who did John Kerry lose to in the 1972 U.S. House of Representatives election?

Answer: Republican Paul W. Cronin

Explanation: In the 1972 U.S. House of Representatives election, John Kerry lost to Republican Paul W. Cronin.

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Which of the following roles did John Kerry hold in the decade after his 1972 election defeat?

Answer: Talk radio host and prosecutor

Explanation: In the decade following his 1972 election defeat, John Kerry worked as a talk radio host and served as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County District Attorney's office.

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Senate Career and Policy

John Kerry gained seniority in the U.S. Senate by winning a special election held after the official start of the new Senate term in 1985.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry was appointed by Governor Dukakis to fill a vacancy on January 2, 1985, just before the official start of the new Senate term, which granted him seniority over other newly elected senators.

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Kerry's Senate staff's investigation into the Iran-Contra affair found no links between Contra support and drug trafficking.

Answer: False

Explanation: The investigation conducted by John Kerry's staff found evidence of links between Contra support and drug traffickers.

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An investigation involving John Kerry's staff suggested that the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) facilitated Manuel Noriega's drug trafficking and money laundering.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kerry's staff's investigation into Manuel Noriega's activities suggested that the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) facilitated Noriega's drug trafficking and money laundering.

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John Kerry's voting record generally placed him on the right of the Senate Democratic caucus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Most analyses indicated that John Kerry's voting record placed him on the left of the Senate Democratic caucus.

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John Kerry voted against authorizing the use of force in Iraq in October 2002.

Answer: False

Explanation: In October 2002, John Kerry voted to grant the President authority to use force in Iraq if necessary.

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The Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, chaired by John Kerry, concluded that there was compelling evidence proving Americans remained alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, chaired by John Kerry, concluded that there was no compelling evidence proving Americans remained alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

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John Kerry opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during his Senate career.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during his Senate career.

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John Kerry voted to ratify the Kyoto Treaty in 1997.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry voted against ratifying the Kyoto Treaty in 1997 because it lacked greenhouse gas emission limits for developing nations like India and China.

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Which of the following issues did John Kerry generally support during his Senate career?

Answer: Same-sex marriage and abortion rights

Explanation: During his Senate career, John Kerry generally supported issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

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What was John Kerry's stance on the Iraq War authorization in 2002?

Answer: He voted to give the President authority to use force if necessary.

Explanation: In October 2002, John Kerry voted in favor of authorizing the use of force in Iraq if necessary.

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What was the conclusion of the Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA affairs, chaired by John Kerry?

Answer: The committee found no compelling evidence proving any American remained alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

Explanation: The Senate Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs, chaired by John Kerry, concluded that there was no compelling evidence proving any American remained alive in captivity in Southeast Asia.

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What was John Kerry's stance on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?

Answer: He supported NAFTA.

Explanation: John Kerry supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) during his Senate career.

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Why did John Kerry vote against the ratification of the Kyoto Treaty in 1997?

Answer: He felt the treaty lacked greenhouse gas emission limits for developing nations like India and China.

Explanation: John Kerry voted against the Kyoto Treaty's ratification in 1997 because it did not include greenhouse gas emission limits for developing nations such as India and China.

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2004 Presidential Campaign

The 'Swift Boat Veterans for Truth' group supported John Kerry's Vietnam War service record.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Swift Boat Veterans for Truth' was a group that actively campaigned against John Kerry's Vietnam War service record and military awards.

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In October 2006, John Kerry remarked that students who did not study hard would get stuck in Iraq, a statement he later apologized for.

Answer: True

Explanation: In October 2006, John Kerry made a remark suggesting that failure to study hard could lead to getting 'stuck in Iraq,' which drew significant criticism, and he later apologized for the misinterpretation.

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John Kerry's statement, 'I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it,' was used by the Bush campaign to label him a 'flip-flopper'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bush campaign effectively used Kerry's statement about his vote on the $87 billion funding for Iraq to portray him as inconsistent.

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In the 2004 presidential election, John Kerry won more electoral votes than incumbent President George W. Bush.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry lost the 2004 presidential election to George W. Bush, winning 251 electoral votes compared to Bush's 286.

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What was the 'Swiftboating' controversy primarily about?

Answer: Allegations questioning John Kerry's Vietnam War service record and military awards.

Explanation: The 'Swiftboating' controversy involved allegations that questioned the veracity of John Kerry's Vietnam War service record and the awards he received.

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What controversial remark did John Kerry make in October 2006 that drew widespread criticism?

Answer: He suggested that failure to study hard could lead to getting 'stuck in Iraq'.

Explanation: In October 2006, John Kerry made a remark suggesting that failure to study hard could lead to getting 'stuck in Iraq,' which drew significant criticism.

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What statement by John Kerry became a point of contention regarding the Iraq War during the 2004 presidential campaign?

Answer: 'I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.'

Explanation: The statement 'I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it' became a significant point of contention during the 2004 presidential campaign.

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Secretary of State and Diplomacy

John Forbes Kerry served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Forbes Kerry served as the 68th United States Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.

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John Kerry was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of State in late 2012.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of State on January 29, 2013.

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As Secretary of State, John Kerry initiated the 2013-2014 Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Answer: True

Explanation: As Secretary of State, John Kerry actively initiated and mediated the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks during 2013-2014.

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John Kerry earned a reputation within the State Department for delegating power effectively and reading all staff memos.

Answer: False

Explanation: Kerry developed a reputation within the State Department for being aloof, with power sometimes centralized, which could slow operations.

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The 2013 meeting between John Kerry and Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was the highest-level U.S.-Iran contact in six years.

Answer: True

Explanation: The meeting in September 2013 marked the highest-level direct contact between the U.S. and Iran in six years.

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John Kerry advocated exclusively for military action regarding the Syrian chemical weapons attack in August 2013.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Kerry advocated for military action, his remarks also initiated a diplomatic process that led to Syria relinquishing its chemical weapons.

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In November 2013, John Kerry declared that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was over, emphasizing equal partnership.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kerry stated that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was concluded, advocating for a new relationship based on equal partnership with Latin American countries.

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John Kerry played a key role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Answer: True

Explanation: As Secretary of State, John Kerry was instrumental in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran.

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John Kerry's visit to Antarctica in November 2016 was significant because he was the first Secretary of State to visit the continent.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kerry's visit to Antarctica in November 2016 was significant as he was the first Secretary of State and highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the continent.

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When was John Kerry confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Secretary of State?

Answer: January 29, 2013

Explanation: John Kerry was confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Secretary of State on January 29, 2013.

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Which of the following was a key foreign policy initiative pursued by John Kerry as Secretary of State?

Answer: Negotiating agreements restricting Iran's nuclear program.

Explanation: A key foreign policy initiative pursued by John Kerry as Secretary of State was negotiating agreements to restrict Iran's nuclear program.

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What reputation did John Kerry develop within the State Department during his tenure as Secretary of State?

Answer: Perceived as aloof, with power sometimes centralized, slowing operations.

Explanation: During his tenure as Secretary of State, John Kerry developed a reputation for being aloof, with power sometimes centralized, which could slow departmental operations.

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What was the significance of John Kerry's meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in September 2013?

Answer: It marked the highest-level direct contact between the U.S. and Iran in six years.

Explanation: The meeting between John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif in September 2013 was significant as it represented the highest-level direct contact between the U.S. and Iran in six years.

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What role did John Kerry play in addressing the Syrian chemical weapons attack in August 2013?

Answer: He advocated for military action and made a remark that initiated a diplomatic process.

Explanation: Following the Syrian chemical weapons attack, John Kerry advocated for military action and his remarks initiated a diplomatic process that led to Syria relinquishing its chemical weapons.

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What did John Kerry declare about the U.S. relationship with Latin American countries in November 2013?

Answer: The era of the Monroe Doctrine was over, emphasizing equal partnership.

Explanation: In November 2013, John Kerry declared that the era of the Monroe Doctrine was over, emphasizing a relationship of equal partnership with Latin American countries.

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What significant international climate agreement did John Kerry sign in 2016?

Answer: The Paris Agreement

Explanation: In 2016, John Kerry signed the Paris Agreement on behalf of the United States, a significant international climate accord.

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What was the significance of John Kerry's visit to Antarctica in November 2016?

Answer: He was the first Secretary of State and highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the continent.

Explanation: John Kerry's visit to Antarctica in November 2016 was significant as he became the first Secretary of State and highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the continent.

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Climate Envoy and Later Career

In 2017, John Kerry reversed his earlier opposition to nuclear technology, citing climate change concerns.

Answer: True

Explanation: Citing climate change concerns and advancements in nuclear technology, Kerry reversed his previous opposition to nuclear power.

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John Kerry resigned from his position as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on March 6, 2024.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry officially resigned from his role as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on March 6, 2024.

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John Kerry has consistently opposed international climate agreements throughout his career.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry has been a strong advocate for international climate agreements, notably signing the Paris Agreement.

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What change occurred in John Kerry's stance on nuclear power between 1994 and 2017?

Answer: He reversed his earlier opposition to nuclear technology, citing climate change.

Explanation: Between 1994 and 2017, John Kerry reversed his earlier opposition to nuclear technology, citing climate change concerns and technological advancements.

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When did John Kerry step down as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate?

Answer: March 6, 2024

Explanation: John Kerry stepped down from his role as U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on March 6, 2024.

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Personal Background and Honors

John Kerry and Julia Thorne were divorced in 1997, the same year their marriage was annulled.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Kerry and Julia Thorne were divorced in 1988; their marriage was annulled in 1997.

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In 2004, John Kerry was considered the wealthiest U.S. Senator, with his wife's net worth estimated at $750 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2004, Forbes estimated Teresa Heinz Kerry's net worth at $750 million, making John Kerry the wealthiest U.S. Senator at that time.

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John Kerry received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Yale University in 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry received several honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Laws from Yale University in 2017.

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John Kerry was scheduled to receive an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George from the UK in 2025.

Answer: True

Explanation: John Kerry is scheduled to receive an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George from the United Kingdom in 2025.

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What was the estimated net worth of Teresa Heinz Kerry in 2004?

Answer: 750 million

Explanation: The estimated net worth of Teresa Heinz Kerry in 2004 was $750 million.

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Which country awarded John Kerry the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit in 2016?

Answer: Germany

Explanation: In 2016, Germany awarded John Kerry the Grand Cross 1st class of the Order of Merit.

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