Education

MD Schools Will Now Require ‘Environmental Literacy’ to Graduate High School

A state board of education in Maryland has bought into the green agenda. So much so that it just voted to require “environmental literacy” in order to graduate high school.

“This is a defining moment for education in Maryland,” Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said. “By approving this environmental graduation requirement, the Board of Education is ensuring that our young people graduate with a keen understanding of and connection to the natural world. Only through exposure to nature and education about our fragile ecosystem can we create the next generation of stewards. ”

“This is a momentous day not only for Maryland but for educators across the country who are watching what Maryland does, and hoping to increase outdoor learning in their states,” Don Baugh, director of the environmental advocacy group No Child Left Inside Coalition (NCLI), which pushed for the vote, said in a release. “Governor O’Malley and Dr. Grasmick deserve our profound gratitude. For years they have put Maryland at the forefront of the environmental education movement.”

The Washington Post reports on what the requirement means: “Under the graduation requirement, public schools will be required to infuse core subjects with lessons on conservation, smart growth and other environmental topics. School systems will be able to shape their programs, but they must align with state standards.”

“With today’s vote school districts must now move beyond standard science courses that provide minimal focus on the environment,” NCLI added in its release. “The Maryland State Department of Education has established two workgroups to begin revising and aligning Maryland environmental literacy standards, and developing guidelines to provide school systems with guidance and support for implementation.”

According to the Post, 48 other states are considering similar requirements.

“The No Child Left Inside Act would increase environmental education opportunities for students across the country,” Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland, author of the bill, said. “Such opportunities are essential to grow the next generation of scientists, promote environmental stewardship, and encourage Americans to live healthier lifestyles.”

As Jonah Goldberg over at NRO points out, Maryland is ranked last in personal freedom.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (148)

  • LilyWhite
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:39am

    My family has lived in Maryland since Colonial times. I left when it became the People’s Republic of Maryland.

    Report this comment

    LilyWhite  
  • boca_chica
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:32am

    Depends on who is teaching the class.

    Report this comment

    boca_chica  
  • number9
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:29am

    They are calling for a EDUCATION REVOLUTION re: global warming climate change -see WorldFuture 2011 link at the end
    http://www.evolve.org
    Barbara Marx Hubbard
    She is the author of six books communicating the new world view of conscious evolution
    A citizen diplomat in the former Soviet Union during the 1980’s she co-chaired a number of Soviet-American Citizen Summits, introducing a new form of conferencing called SYNCON to foster synergistic convergence. This model brings opposing groups and functions together to seek common goals and match needs and resources including the growing edge of human capacities, spiritual, social and scientific/technological of the whole system.

    Evolutionary EnvironmentAl Gore

    Register for WorldFuture 2011 http://www.wfs.org/content/reg… conference have included future U.S. President Gerald Ford, Tennessee’s then-senator and future U.S. Vice President Al Gore Jr., scientist and inventor Buckminster Fuller, Sen. Edward Kennedy, pioneering feminist author Betty Friedan, U.S. Comptroller General David. M. Walker, and scientist and inventor Ray Kurzweil.

    The Coming Revolution in Education
    for example, interviewing the top 40 leaders and opinion-formers of Egypt and Israel and receiving a Peace….

    Report this comment

    number9  
  • hunter1riley
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:26am

    Leftist indoctrination continues. It’s why I happily homeschool my children.

    Report this comment

    hunter1riley  
    • MonIIIcine
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:41am

      Teach them to put a finger to both ears whenver exposed to speech in public settings, (it works for me). LOL.

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:26am

    Really, environmental literacy??? That’s good; pile more crap on kids who haven’t mastered the 3 Rs, history, financial management or basic science.

    Too many detractors like this & we wonder why we not only have atrocious gradation rates but functionally illiterate grads for too many of those that do stick it out.

    Report this comment

    Ron_WA  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:40am

      Ron I thought the 3 R’s were
      Reading , w(R)iting, (a)Rithmatic

      Just kidding

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • Lamsmom1
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:23am

    Know what else is irritating? The ad at the top of the page in Spanish!

    NObama 2012

    Report this comment

    Lamsmom1  
  • eat-more-bacon-USA
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:23am

    “Environmental Literacy” = “Crazed Sex Poodleism”; Algore gets overly-excited just thinking about it.

    Report this comment

    eat-more-bacon-USA  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:22am

    Only through exposure to nature and education about our fragile ecosystem can we create the next generation of USEFUL IDIOTS!

    Report this comment

     
  • Buttercup
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:21am

    I just remember everything being coated in red iron dust when Bethlehem Steel at Sparrows Point (largest steel mill in the world back in the 60′s) was still functioning. But at least it was red iron dust on employed people. Wow, isn’t progress great? No Bethlehem Steel, jobs are gone overseas, but we’ve got great air quality and environmental studies standards. What more could we want?

    Report this comment

    Buttercup  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:20am

    Hey Maryland focus on the basics like breath control & proper trigger squeeze

    Report this comment

    Ron_WA  
  • GadsdenGurl
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:20am

    The UN once again rears its ugly head in our schools!

    http://www.ibo.org

    Report this comment

    GadsdenGurl  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:17am

    How about math, history and english literacy Maryland?

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
  • last frontier
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:14am

    Obama and his minions are putting on a fine game of WHACKAMOLE for us all to play.

    Report this comment

    last frontier  
  • momprayn
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:10am

    I have a better idea. How about mandatory FACTUAL liberalism/Marxism/Communism/Socialism/Progressiveism literacy”, “U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence”/Founders factual literacy, study of human nature literacy, “separation of church and state” literacy, definition of “religion” literacy…oh yeah — and don’t forget “reading, writing and arithmetic”………..novel ideas I know. Sheesh!!!!!!!!!!!!.

    Report this comment

    momprayn  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:09am

    UmmmmHmmmmmm, but can they write a check. read a statement. know which utilities to call for service, compare ins quotes, manage car care or anything having to do with real life living 101? Even get a job? Just one more way to be educated idiots. I am so tired of the stupid games educators play for the political flavor of the month!

    Report this comment

    Jenny Lind  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:07am

    .
    Do we really need Maryland?…..

    Report this comment

    SpankDaMonkey  
    • cloudsofwar
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:48am

      no surprise here, i used to live in the peoples republic of maryland. did you see the poll on drudge report, only 1 in 3 say they would vote for BO. maybe there is hope and change after all.

      Report this comment

      cloudsofwar  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Right up until the moment they have to pull the “R” lever, or Dechad the “R”, or write “R”. Then all bets are off.
      Anybody but Barry 2012

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • DirectlyUnPCman
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am

    More brain washing.

    Report this comment

    DirectlyUnPCman  
  • SREGN
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:05am

    How about just literacy? Ever see the way these kids spell?

    Report this comment

    SREGN  
  • nzkiwi
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:03am

    Watch Cessna’s link – which I’m sure he’ll post here. Matched to today’s events, it’s unnerving.

    Report this comment

    nzkiwi  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:35am

      How’s the earthquake repairs ?
      People Healing?

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
    • MonIIIcine
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:38am

      Lots of people are stealing ad space from the Blaze besides him, very honorable.

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:02pm

      Nice of you to ask. There have been almost 8000 earthquakes so far and about 10 yesterday. No deaths now, thank God, but every time people clean up the mess in their area, another jolt comes along and it’s back to square one again.

      Some are staying and some are walking away, and the hits just keep on coming.

      It’s got to end sometime, but people have stopped saying that now. Still, it does have to end sometime.

      I know some people who have stayed overnight in Christchurch just to feel some earthquakes. No-one has been disappointed yet.

      Report this comment

      nzkiwi  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:06pm

      “8000″ is not a typo, btw.

      Report this comment

      nzkiwi  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:25pm

      My family’s best to you. Just read about the Solomons campaign of WWII, the ANZAC , your people were and are great allies, Just give us a year and a half and we will right our ship. God Bless

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • JP4JOY
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:03am

    As long as the textbooks come from Texas conservatives I’d be ok with it. LOL

    Report this comment

    JP4JOY  
  • MorMice
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:02am

    This is very important because the future belongs to the educated and scientific

    Report this comment

    MONICNE  
    • Mannax
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:08am

      Man Made Global Warming (or Climate Change) is bogus science.

      Your ability to troll needs work my friend, please try again.

      Report this comment

      Mannax  
    • teddie888
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:22am

      This is a UN Agenda 21 / ICLEI connection which was signed by Bill Clinton and is to have UN be the global ruler.

      Report this comment

      teddie888  
    • MonIIIcine
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:32am

      Mannax it’s OK if you troll better than most — Bogus science needs to be exposed by having it taught next to real science, that is what the tech creationism and design theory in Maryland schools.

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:41pm

      Encinom, you mean like Piltdown Man? Eugenics?

      Actually, your last sentence made no sense (typical for you) so could you please try it again?

      Report this comment

      Sparky101  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:01am

    Progressives are winning in Maryland.

    Report this comment

    NOBALONEY  
  • drphil69
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:01am

    They wont be able to read or write or get a job, but they will support Cap & Tax!!!

    Report this comment

    drphil69  
    • MorMice
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:07am

      That will be the day – and quite ironic I would add.

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:24am

      Well, this woman explains, in great detail, how it will happen. Listen to her carefully as history is repeating itself:

      Halocaust survivor gives account of incremantal steps of Hitler… truly AMAZING! This administration are NOT Marxists they are National Socialists! Her story is unbelievable and shows how Hitler’s propaganda convinced the populace to vote for and trust him.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAvMHWhdEUU&feature=youtu.be

      Report this comment

      cessna152  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:32am

      Keep it coming flyboy
      Anybody but Barry 2012

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
  • spotster
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:01am

    defund d.o.e. now before we do

    Report this comment

    spotster  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 22, 2011 at 10:59am

    How about financial literacy or even knowing American history think those should be at the top of the list. If I lived there the U-haul would already be backed up to the door!

    Report this comment

    nomercy63  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:05am

      @NOMERCY63

      Right on … !

      TEA!

      Report this comment

      CatB  
    • MorMice
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:05am

      Maryland Rocks! Founded by Catholics, it is still a state where many persons believe in science and medicine. Maryland is the ancestral home to the National Institutes of Health and Science. Baltimore MD is home to the fabulous Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center.

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am

      What better way to educate the next generation on Environmentalism so that they can quickly identify a scam when they first see it. Brilliant.

      Report this comment

      poverty.sucks  
    • Mannax
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am

      *facepalm*

      Yes, way to go. You must be literate in unproven theories and political rhetoric/

      Report this comment

      Mannax  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am

      .
      ‘Environmental Literacy’ All you need to know is “Man does not have the power to alter the Earth’s Weather”…..

      If you believe in Man Made Global Warming please have yourself fixed so as not to polute the gene pool futher thank you……

      Report this comment

      SpankDaMonkey  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:11am

      How about Constitutional literacy? How about Parental literacy? How about English as the First language? How about Maryland just leave.

      Report this comment

      banjarmon  
    • sWampy
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:15am

      woo smart growth, only the rich can grow, now that’s change we can believe.

      Report this comment

      sWampy  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:16am

      Does this offend anyone?
      SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am Your comment is awaiting moderation.

      .
      ‘Environmental Literacy’ All you need to know is “Man does not have the power to alter the Earth’s Weather”…..

      If you believe in Man Made Global Warming please have yourself fixed so as not to polute the gene pool futher thank you……

      Please tell us why you are reporting this comment: C’mon man really everything i say is to the rises to the level of moderation

      Report this comment

      SpankDaMonkey  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:18am

      This is not the free speech Glenn talks about….Someone tell me what’s wrong with this post????????

      ..SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:06am Your comment is awaiting moderation.

      .
      ‘Environmental Literacy’ All you need to know is “Man does not have the power to alter the Earth’s Weather”…..

      If you believe in Man Made Global Warming please have yourself fixed so as not to polute the gene pool futher thank you……

      Please tell us why you are reporting this comment: C’mon man really everything i say is to the rises to the level of moderation

      Report this comment

      SpankDaMonkey  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:19am

      CLIMATEGATE2: NASA IN THE MIX

      According to NASA, they busted a scientist who has been using his celebrity status, and other things, to make an extra $1.2 million dollars on the side from environmentalists and global warming advocates. ( http://tiny.cc/gcuj5 )

      Report this comment

      fastfacts  
    • SoCal Patriot
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:19am

      10,000 years ago there were woolly mammoths roaming around LA. I blame them for the beginning of the global warming phenomenon. I mean, hello, it’s so obvious. And they were awfully smug walking around Beverly Hills in their thick fur coats, dripping in ivory jewelry dontcha think?

      Report this comment

      SoCal Patriot  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:23am

      Indoctrination… Please see this video below you will be “floored” . These people are doing the SAME thing

      Halocaust survivor gives account of incremantal steps of Hitler… truly AMAZING! This administration are NOT Marxists they are National Socialists! Her story is unbelievable and shows how Hitler’s propaganda convinced the populace to vote for and trust him.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAvMHWhdEUU&feature=youtu.be

      Report this comment

      cessna152  
    • sWampy
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:24am

      @Mannax@

      unproven, 99% of this crap has been dis-proven, yet they push it anyway. They know if they repeat a lie often enough eventually herds of idiots will start repeating it. They repeated the lie that homosexuality is normal for only 30 years, now 70% of the population believes that lie and over half want to see you beaten and locked up for telling them that what they believe is wrong.

      Report this comment

      sWampy  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:25am

      If Environmental Literacy was filled with Truths and Morals, wouldn’t have to force the agenda.

      Report this comment

      poverty.sucks  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:29am

      Maryland is a Gubbermint State . Every third person is a Gub worker, many in layers of Law enforcement. MD sucks off the teat of DC. Actual Taxpayers around the country create the milk.

      Report this comment

      13th Imam  
    • MonIIIcine
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:29am

      Cessana152 that video is getting more airplay than a paid commercial! Wow you are good – I wonder why everybody doesn’t steal time and ad space from the Blaze?

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • ILUVAMERICA
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:31am

      10 Signs That Nazis Run America!!!
      http://www.prisonplanet.com/10-signs-that-nazis-run-america.html

      Report this comment

      ILUVAMERICA  
    • drattastic
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:33am

      Green is the new Red. Get them young and brainwash them,commie bastards.

      Report this comment

      drattastic  
    • MonIIIcine
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:36am

      You Got To Support that Republican Governor

      Report this comment

      MONICNE  
    • sooner12
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:40am

      I sometimes wish that the U.S. would have a series of earthquakes which would cause the New England and west coast states to fall and sink into the oceans.

      Report this comment

      sooner12  
    • Eric_The_Red_State
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:41am

      It’s all about the POWER. (And I do not mean Electricity)
      Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power – Power and Money – Money and Power

      Report this comment

      Eric_The_Red_State  
    • Hula Calhoun
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:41am

      ILUVAMERICA: I went to prisonplanet.com once, saw an article supporting truthers, left right away. How valid are their other articles if they believe in the truther movement?

      Report this comment

      Hula Calhoun  
    • stifroc
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:44am

      That’s why I home school my kids.
      Besides reading, writing, math they learn finances, budgeting, responsibility, and capitalism by helping with the family business as well as running their own little enterprises.
      My 12, 10 and 9 year old kids have more academic, practical and applicable knowledge than any of their peers and many adults.

      Report this comment

      stifroc  
    • Lotus503
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 11:50am

      Can’t read, can’t write, can’t do basic math…but they do know junk science!

      Report this comment

      Lotus503  
    • mcfinch
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:08pm

      Waste of time and money.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report this comment

      mcfinch  
    • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:14pm

      This is STUPID. Johnny can’t read or know the truth about the founding of this nation and what it stands for but he can’t graduate until they teach him how to go out and sabotage companies that are providing NEEDED items such as gas and oil. Do they get an A if they prove that they know how to stand in the road and hold up a sign saying how evil oil companies are? Perhaps they will give them extra credit for going out and verbally attacking the conservatives who want to bring freedom back into this nation. While we may not be ready or willing right now to do so, these wackos can be glad that the founding fathers are not alive because they would be even more willing to stand up to these goons and thugs that are taking over this nation and the founding fathers would again fight to the death for the country that they love and want to protect.

      Report this comment

      Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
    • ILUVAMERICA
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:33pm

      @Hula Calhoun
      9/11 truthers???
      I doubt you would know the TRUTH if it slapped you in the face
      Keep believing the rhetoric and lies of the mainstream
      You read it once???
      That is good investigative work!!
      It’s people like you who got ‘O’mam in office to begin with
      The truth is set before your eyes but still you want to believe in lies!
      It is like ‘throwing pearls before swine”

      Report this comment

      ILUVAMERICA  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:30pm

      Environmental Literacy is the POLITE WAY of saying INDOCTRINATION.

      Report this comment

      Cobra Blue  
    • drbage
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 1:30pm

      But the REAL question should be, is it a requirement for these students actually to read, write, and do basic math at their grade level in order to graduate?

      Report this comment

      drbage  
    • Sparky101
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 2:30pm

      MonIIIcine says “You Got To Support that Republican Governor.” Trolls rarely check their “facts.” Owe’Malley is a democrat, just like MonIIIcine (aka encinom). You think they’d recognize the similarities, sloped forehead, dull, droopy eyes, fecal matter collected on the edges of their mouths, lack of common sense, lack of good sense, failure to be able to connect dots, in general, failures.

      Report this comment

      Sparky101  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:24pm

      Isn’t it interesting that “science” isn’t enough? Environmentalism is anti-science. It’s anti-empirical method. They don’t want children taught to “prove it out”. Just accept what we tell you, and then repeat it to others as the truth.

      Report this comment

      Jaycen  
    • NC1
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:30pm

      …and they wonder why American kids are not excelling in math and science when this crap is forced upon them.

      Report this comment

      NC1  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 3:52pm

      nomercy63
      Well said, but let’s remember, the school system is run by liberals and progressives, and all the liberals and progressives want to do is make our kids dumb so they are easier to enslave and program. Home school you kids, or at the very least get books on real AMERICAN HISTORY, and books that show the evil that lies at the heart of the liberal progressive agenda.

      Report this comment

      mikem1969  
    • avenger
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 4:55pm

      liberal brain washing…privatize the school system !

      Report this comment

      avenger  
    • Beckster2
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 5:50pm

      You’re exactly right

      Report this comment

      Beckster2  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 5:55pm

      If you listened to Glenn’s radio show today, you no doubt heard Gov. Chris Christy state that AFTER many months of research, etc., he has determined that “climate change” is partially caused by MAN and he is banning the opening of any new coal plants in Virginia! Can you believe this? Yep…it FIGURES…doesn’t it? Hey, even if the guy KINDA thinks there may be some “human” element to all this crap…why in G_d’s sake did he have to SAY IT? AND…WHY DID HE SAY IT “N O W”, OF ALL TIMES? What’s wrong with him?…He is emboldening the “enemies” of We The People and our Republic! Can you say, Cap and Tax? Sad…really poor judgment…really!

      Report this comment

      AzDebi  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 7:07pm

      My thoughts exactly! First US history (real, not rewritten), basic math and literacy (REAL literacy, not text message abbreviations), and REAL, non-controversial proven science. Ethics wouldn’t hurt but I guess we can forget about those.

      I think what they are doing now is giving them classes in avoiding reality, creative lying, global warming BS and panic, classes on how to embezzle, play the race card, how to be a victim, and most importantly, classes in hating and apologizing for America!

      Report this comment

      Cold War Vet  
    • dumboldcontractor
      Posted on June 22, 2011 at 9:37pm

      AGENDA 21 alert! 2005- 2015 is the decade of educating the mushbrains to be good tree huggers. UN taking contol!

      Report this comment

      dumboldcontractor  
    • nptden
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 8:02am

      See how the Commies do it. Time to retake our Dept of Education. Eliminate the EPA and all the socialist agencies we don’t really need.

      Report this comment

      nptden  
    • Red Bubba
      Posted on June 23, 2011 at 9:55am

      Why not just make the kids pay dues directly to the teacher’s union in exchange for a diploma?

      Report this comment

      Red Bubba  

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