Spirituality

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12 Dec Update on our Move to the Philippines – Podcast – Book Discount!

Featured, Newsletter, So You Thought You Knew, Spirituality, Updates | joshua

IMG_6227

(Photo: Balboa Park – Celebrated Remy’s birthday in San Diego last month)

 

What’s up everyone!

 

I hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving celebration. I know I did. Do the math: family + amazing food = good times.

 

Anyway, I’m so happy to hear that my podcast (The Flipside) is helping people all over the world! Wow! I love reading your encouraging emails! Please keep sending them in!

 

We’ve had amazing guests on so far, and trust me, you don’t wanna miss this next one where I interview a well-known quantum physicist.

 

If you haven’t SUBSCRIBED yet, you can do so here: The Flipside Podcast

 

Also, as many of you know, Remy and I are moving to the Philippines next month! So to all our friends and family in the Philippines, we’re looking forward to reuniting soon! But … at the same time … we’re gonna miss all our friends and family here in the States, too. Man, it’s been an awesome (and interesting) 3 years here.

 

And lastly, it’s that time again.

 

For a LIMITED TIME, the kindle version of So You Thought You Knew (US & UK) will be discounted at 84% OFF the original price!! In other words, it’s only 99¢.

 

But this promotion won’t last long. In fact, you only have a few days to get this special offer!

 

Then the book will go back to its original price of $5.99.

 

So if you want to take advantage of this great deal, you need to act fast! Remember, there’s not much time left.

 

Now, if you already have the kindle version of the book, why not buy it for someone else? If you know someone whom you think might need (or want) it, Amazon gives you the option to give it as a gift (it’s near the purchasing button).

 

So there you go! Please help us get this book into the hands of as many people as possible during the next few days. Just SHARE, TWEET, LIKE, and all that other shhhtuff to help get the word out.

 

Also, let us know how the book has touched your life in any way by writing a review on Amazon. It only takes a few minutes. My wife and I love to hear your stories! Oh, it brings us joy!

 

And last, but not least, don’t forget that the book is now in 3 formats:

 

Paperback

Kindle

Audio

 
Much love to you all.

 

-Josh and Remy

 

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07 Dec Sharon Baker: Hell Revisited (Razing Hell, Executing God) The Flipside Podcast #014

Audio, Featured, Interviews, Miscellaneous Teaching, Religion and Theology (Hot Topics), Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates | joshua

Sharon Baker The Flipside

 

 

The idea of hell has haunted millions of people all over the world, and continues to do so.

 

But … what if the fiery image of an eternal torture chamber, which many religious people have been taught, isn’t true?

 

In this episode, I interview Sharon Baker. She’s an associate professor of theology and religion, and has written numerous articles on hell and nonviolent atonement. Sharon is the author of Razing Hell and Executing God. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE, SHARON ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

 

• When was the first time you found out you were going to hell?
• Is the idea of hell found in the Bible?
• Did any formal doctrine of hell exist in the early church?
• Where does the imagery of hell (fire, torture, screaming) come from? Did it develop over time?
• What does “fire” symbolize in the Bible?
• Doesn’t the Bible clearly teach ETERNAL punishment?
• Doesn’t the word “eternal” mean forever?
• Didn’t Jesus talk about hell more than heaven?
• Can there be a connection between a person’s understanding of the cross with hell?
• Did Jesus die to save people from hell?
• Why do so many Christians want to believe in hell?
• What does a person’s belief in eternal hell say about the kind of God they believe in?
• What about people like Hitler and Osama Bin Laden? Don’t they “deserve” an eternal hell?
• Can you go through some of the problems (“troubles”) surrounding the traditional view of hell?
• Does an eternal hell really solve the problem of evil?
• Respond to this: “God is love, but don’t forget that he’s also a God of wrath.”
• Respond to this: “God can send anyone to hell because everything God does is just and loving.”
• Respond to this: “It doesn’t matter how small your “sin” is, it’s who (God) you’re sinning against.”
• Respond to this: “God sends nobody to hell. People send themselves there.”
• What about the verse, “It’s appointed for a person to die once and then face judgment”?
• Doesn’t God allow people to suffer in hell so he won’t violate their free will?

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• Razing Hell book
• Executing God book
• Sharon on Facebook

 

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST TO HELP KEEP IT RUNNING!

 

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

Finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: Razing Hell book cover & Sharon Baker)

 

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21 Nov The Secret to Awesomeness Is Only 99 Cents For a Limited Time! (US & UK)

Featured, Healing, Self-help, Spirituality, The Secret to Awesomeness, Updates | joshua

awesome_670

 

Hey everyone, it’s that time again.

 

For a LIMITED TIME, the kindle version of The Secret to Awesomeness is on sale for only 99 cents!!

 

Starting from November 21 (US & UK) the kindle book will be priced at only $0.99.

 

Then the countdown begins.

 

After a few days the book will go back to its original price of $8.62.

 

So if you want to take advantage of this great deal, you need to act fast! Remember, it’s only for a few days.

 

Now, if you already have the kindle version of the book, why not buy it for someone else? If you know someone whom you think might need (or want) it, Amazon gives you the option to give it as a gift (it’s near the purchasing button).

 

So there you go! Please help us get this book into the hands of as many people as possible during the next few days. Just SHARE, TWEET, LIKE, and all that other shhhtuff to help get the word out.

 

Also, let us know how the book has touched your life in any way by writing a review on Amazon. It only takes a few minutes. My wife and I love to hear your stories! Oh, it brings us joy!

 

And last, but not least, don’t forget that the book is now in 3 formats:

 

Paperback

Kindle

Audio

 

Much love to you all.

-Josh and Remy

 

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08 Nov Nadia Khalil Bradley: Jesus Christ Appears and Speaks to a Muslim Woman | The Flipside #13

Audio, Featured, Interviews, Self-help, Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates | joshua

Nadia Khalil Bradley Flipside

 

 

If a Muslim told you that Christ appeared to her, what would you do?

 

In this episode, I interview Nadia Khalil Bradley. Nadia began her journey in a tight-knit Palestinian-American community located in a suburb of Chicago. A devout Muslim, she followed the traditions upheld in the community and within the culture, having very little knowledge of Christ.

 

She had been writing to God for years, until one day, he answered her. In 2002, while still a Muslim, Nadia had a vision of Christ that literally changed her life forever. Since then, she has been sharing her experiences and insights through her writing (3 books so far) and podcast show (Christisms). Her books include Little Wing, Origins of Truth, and her latest, Original Love.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, NADIA ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

 
• What did Christ look like? Was he ghostly figure? Floating in mid-air?
• What were you feeling at that moment when you saw Christ face to face?
• How has this experience changed your life?
• What did Christ sound like? Was it a voice in your head? A “knowing”? Audible?
• So how do you know it’s Christ you’re hearing and not just your ego?
• Why did Christ reveal himself to you this way? Are you special?
• What is the main message Christ came to bring you?
• What were some of the questions Christ asked you?
• Do you still hear Christ today the same way you heard him the first time?
• Do you still see Christ in a physical form?
• When you pray, do you make a distinction between God and Christ?
• Who is Christ to you? God? A messenger?
• Do you still consider yourself a Muslim? Or did you become a Christian?
• How do you know there is no hell?
• How do you handle the skeptics?
• Some Christians say your experience was demonic. What is your response?
• Has this experience affected your relationships with friends and family?
• What are some truths you’ve learned throughout the years?

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• Christisms Podcast
• Nadia’s new book Original Love
• Nadia on Youtube
• Nadia on Facebook
• Nadia on Twitter
• Nadia on Instagram

 

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST TO HELP KEEP IT RUNNING!

 

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

Finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: Original Love book cover & Nadia Khalil Bradley)

 

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02 Nov Brad Jersak: Asking the Toughest Questions About God and Jesus (A More Christlike God) | The Flipside Podcast #012

Audio, Featured, Interviews, Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates | joshua

Brad Jersak Flipside

 


 

What are some of the toughest questions you have ever asked about God and Jesus?

 

You see, if you grew up in the church like me, chances are, at some point in your life, you started asking some difficult questions about God that your friends and family couldn’t answer to your satisfaction. Did it matter? Well, maybe.

 

Here’s the thing: questions have the capacity to strengthen your faith, or possibly even destroy it.

 

In this episode, I interview Brad Jersak. Brad is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He’s on faculty at Westminster Theological Centre (Cheltenham, UK), where he teaches New Testament and Patristics. He serves as adjunct faculty with St. Stephen’s University (St. Stephen, NB). And he’s also the senior editor of the CWR (Christianity Without the Religion) Magazine, which is based in Pasadena, CA. Some of his books include Can You Hear Me?, Her Gates Will Never Be Shut, and A More Christlike God.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, BRAD ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

 

• Can you tell us a little bit about A More Christlike God and why you wrote it?
• Is there such a thing as “the God of the Bible”?
• Is it possible that we find the kind of God we want to find in the Bible (God of peace/grace/anger/war)?
• Humans have produced a vast pantheon of gods, how do we know what God is like?
• There seems to be as many versions of God as there are people. How is your God the right one?
• Are our ideas of God simply glorified projections of ourselves?
• Walter Wink said, “atheism is the first step toward true worship.” What exactly does that mean?
• In your opinion, what are some of the false images of God?
• Why does the “God of the Bible” seem so un-Christlike?
• Why did it take so long for God to reveal himself perfectly in Jesus?
• Mark Driscoll said he can’t worship a Jesus he can beat up. What is your response?
• How do we know your understanding of Jesus isn’t just an upgraded version of yourself?
• Did God punish Jesus for our sins on the cross?
• What does the cross demonstrate about the nature of God?
• How is the cross a response to the problem of suffering?
• Who or what is Jesus saving us from?
• In what sense do you believe Jesus died for us?
• Can Jesus truly identify with a person who has been married, divorced, molested, or raped?
• Isn’t it arrogant to talk about God’s nature? Who are we to say?
• Is God free to do whatever he pleases (even things considered to be evil in our eyes)?
• Why is God so violent? Didn’t he even command genocide in the Bible?
• If God is in control, then why is there so much chaos in this world?
• If God is such a loving Father, then why is there so much suffering?
• Why doesn’t God protect us from natural disasters?
• Desmond Tutu says that “God does nothing without a human partner”? Do you agree?
• You say that God operates in the world by consent. What do you mean by that?
• According to you, what is “The Beautiful Gospel”?
• What is “The Gospel in Chairs”?
• Hector Avalos argues, in The Bad Jesus, that Jesus is flawed. What is your response?

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• bradjersak.com
• Brad’s new book More Christlike God
• Brad Jersak on Youtube
• Brad Jersak on Facebook
• Brad Jersak on Twitter
• Brad Jersak on Instagram
• Clarion Journal of Spirituality and Justice

 

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST TO HELP KEEP IT RUNNING!

 

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

Finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: A More Christlike God book cover & Brad Jersak)

 

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25 Oct Wm. Paul Young: The Problem of Suffering and the Goodness of God (The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve) | The Flipside Podcast #011

Audio, Featured, Interviews, Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates | joshua

 

Wm Paul Young Flipside

 

 

Why does a GOOD God allow evil and suffering?

 

In 2007, an unknown author’s book was published, and it was like a bomb exploded in the Christian world. Not only did many well-known representatives of the faith embrace the content of the book, there were many others who vehemently criticized it as well, labeling it as heresy.

 

And boy, did it create a conversation (or should I say many conversations!).

 

In this episode, I interview Wm. Paul Young. Paul was born a Canadian and raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of Netherlands New Guinea. He is best known for his highly-praised and controversial book The Shack which has sold over 20 million copies to date. Since the success of his first publication, he has written two more books, one being Cross Roads, and most recently, Eve.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, PAUL ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING:

 

• Why did The Shack receive so much attention?
• Within Christianity, God is known as a loving Father. Why didn’t you portray God in a masculine form?
• Why is it so hard for many religious folks to accept the idea that God loves unconditionally?
• Is the God of The Shack too nice where “He” no longer matches the God of the Bible (especially the OT)?
• Why does a good God allow suffering?
• It seems like “God allows” EVERYTHING to happen. So is God even necessary?
• Does saying things like “God was with you during those horrible times” do more harm than good?
• In The Shack, what did Jesus mean when he said “I will travel any road to find you”?
• Does it matter what a person believes?
• What are some of the themes found in Eve?
• How is Eve different from your other two books? And what did you want people to take away from it?
• Why was Eve was your most difficult book to write?
• I heard The Shack is gonna be a movie. Can you tell us more about that? Who’ll be starring in it?
• Is there a book tour for Eve?

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• wmpaulyoung.com
• Eve (FREE AUDIOBOOK w/ 30-day trial membership on Audible [type title in search])
• Paul Young on Youtube
• Paul Young on Facebook
• Paul Young on Twitter

 

SUPPORT THIS PODCAST TO HELP KEEP IT RUNNING!

 

• Please Support This Podcast by Making a Donation (any amount helps!)

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

Finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: Eve, The Shack, and Cross Roads book covers & Paul Young)

 

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25 Sep I’m Here For You (Limited Time Offer For 1-On-1 Coaching/Spiritual Direction With Joshua Tongol)

Coaching, Featured, Self-help, Spirituality, Updates | joshua

coaching spiritual direction promo

 

Fall has just begun and I have some great news.

 

But before I get into that, ever since I released my new podcast The Flipside, (if you haven’t heard it yet, you’re missing out!), I’ve been receiving so many positive responses from people who can relate to the stories shared on the show.

 

That being said, I guess that’s good news, too. But wait, there’s more!

 

For a limited time, I’m offering my 1-hour coaching/spiritual direction services with a huge discount. Originally it was $200 per hour, but for now it’s only $150 per hour.

 

Do you need coaching/spiritual direction? Well, let me ask you a couple of things.

 

• Are you questioning your faith, not knowing what to believe anymore?

• Are you a pastor/minister experiencing a crisis of faith?

• Are you involved in ministry, but getting tired of it all?

• Are you struggling with loneliness ever since you left  the institutional church?

• Are you shedding religion, but not sure what the next step is?

 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions … let me just say this … I’m here for you.

 

Believe me, I’ve experienced all of the above, and then some. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this: life is so much better with a friend who listens and offers guidance.

 

So if you’re interested in a 1-one-1 session with me, here are the steps to take:

 

1) Go to the CONTACT section and title the subject “COACHING”

2) Explain the area (in detail) you’d like me to help you with

3) Wait for my reply and I’ll let you know if we are a good fit for each other
4) Once your payment is made, a day and time for the session will be scheduled

 

WHY CHARGE FOR COACHING?

 
• Keep Things Professional

• Adds Value to your Time Together

• Helps with your Motivation and Commitment

 

(*IMPORTANT: These sessions aren’t meant for seeking healing prayer or asking theological questions.)

 

Rates: $150 Per Hour (1 Session)

All sessions are confidential and will be conducted either via telephone or Skype

All payments are made through his PayPal Account (see SUPPORT or right side of homepage)

 

Hope to hear from you soon,

Josh

 

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05 Sep Limited Time Offer: The Secret to Awesomeness Is Only 99 Cents (US & UK)

Featured, Healing, Self-help, Spirituality, Updates | joshua

I have some awesome news.

 

For a LIMITED TIME, the kindle version of The Secret to Awesomeness is on sale for only 99 cents!!

 

Starting from September 5 (US & UK) the kindle book will be priced at only $0.99.

 

Then the countdown begins.

 

After a few days the book will go back to its original price of $8.62.

 

So if you want to take advantage of this great deal, you need to act fast! Remember, it’s only for a few days.

 

Now, if you already have the kindle version of the book, why not buy it for someone else? If you know someone whom you think might need (or want) it, Amazon gives you the option to give it as a gift (it’s near the purchasing button).

 

So there you go! Please help us get this book into the hands of as many people as possible during the next few days. Just SHARE, TWEET, LIKE, and all that other shhhtuff to help get the word out.

 

Also, let us know how the book has touched your life in any way by writing a review on Amazon. It only takes a few minutes. My wife and I love to hear your stories! Oh, it brings us joy!

 

And last, but not least, don’t forget that the book is now in 3 formats:

 

Paperback

Kindle

Audio

 

Much love to you all.

-Josh and Remy

 

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26 Aug The Real Reasons Why We Believe | The Flipside Podcast #004

Audio, Featured, Miscellaneous Teaching, Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates | joshua

 

Pope_Francis

 

 

What do you believe?

 

Wait a minute, let me ask that question again. What do you really believe?

 

In other words, have you ever claimed to “believe” in a particular idea or creed, yet in your heart, you really didn’t believe?

 

Or have you ever tried to believe in something because you were supposed to believe in it, yet in your mind, it didn’t make any sense to you at all?

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

 

• The senior project on “Christianity” that changed my life
• Some possible reasons why we believe
• Whether or not we choose our beliefs
• How to recognize our blind spots
• How our environment influences our beliefs?
• Two powerful factors that impact a person’s belief
• Is a God who demands you to “believe or burn” being unfair?

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• FREE audiobook download + 30 day free trial at Audible.com (any book of your choice!)

 • Become a Patron and help support this podcast to keep it going (any amount helps!)

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

Finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: Pope Francis among the people at St. Peter’s Square | Author: Edgar Jimenez)

 

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06 Aug Religious Passion Without ComPassion | The Flipside Podcast #002

Audio, Featured, Spirituality, The Flipside Podcast Episodes, Updates, Videos | joshua

WestboroFSthumbnail

 

 

Religion.

 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that word?

 

God?
Love?
Faith?

 

Have you ever had someone share their “religion” with you? If so, how was their approach?

 

Have you ever shared your ideas with someone else? If so, how was your approach?

 

Does a person’s approach even matter? Or is it all about a person’s content?

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

 

• The incident of the two passionate men to who tried converting me
• A discussion about passion, truth, and sincerity
• Examples of ineffective approaches to conversations
• Whether it’s “right” or “wrong” to make judgments
• If tolerance is always the answer to disagreements

 

Download this episode to your computer (right click and save)

 

LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

 

• Brendon James’ Artwork

• Russell Brand Interviews Westboro Baptist Church

 

Thanks for Listening!

 

Thanks for chillin’ with me again this week. Have a question or some feedback you’d like to share? Or you wanna just show some love? Leave a comment below!

 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post.

 

Also, I’d really appreciate it if you can leave me a REVIEW and RATING on iTunes by clicking here. It helps the podcast a lot and allows more people to discover it as well!

 

Then follow these steps:

 

1. Click “view in iTunes” button

2. Go to Ratings and Review.

 

And finally, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast on iTunes to get automatic updates so you’ll never miss a show!

 

Thanks again. Peace!

 

(Image Description: Members of the Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate at the Virginia Holocaust Museum on March 2, 2010 | Author: JCWilmore)

 

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