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Integral World: Exploring Theories of Everything
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Joe Firmage: Visionary, Villain or Both?The Millionaire Maecenas of Integral InstituteFrank Visser / NotebookLM
![]() Bloomberg Business published a large piece on Joe Firmage, who once donated $1.000.000 to Integral Institute, and is now sued by some integral students for fraud.[1] It paints a tragic picture of a highly successful youngster who started to believe his own fabrications—as others did as well, including Ken Wilber and some of his students.[2]
SummaryThe text describes the remarkable career of Joseph Firmage, a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur whose life took a drastic turn after an alleged extraterrestrial encounter. His belief in alien technology and his promises of revolutionary inventions (anti-gravity, unlimited energy), combined with his ability to persuade investors, led to the launch of various projects but ultimately resulted in a fraud lawsuit. The text outlines both Firmage's early success and later controversies, including allegations of elder abuse and his dealings with questionable figures. The central theme is the clash between Firmage's technological ambitions and his alleged deceptive practices, presenting multiple perspectives, including Firmage's own account of events. FAQ About Joseph Firmage and His Unconventional CareerWho is Joseph Firmage, and what is his background?Joseph Firmage was a successful Silicon Valley entrepreneur who made his fortune at a young age with software companies like Serius and USWeb. In 1998, he was recognized as one of the "Masters of the New Universe" and was known for his work ethic and business acumen. He is also the great-grandson of Mormon apostle Hugh Brown, and his father was a well-known law professor. Firmage was a teetotaler and not a flashy spender, aside from owning a red Corvette. His life took a dramatic turn when he claimed to have had contact with an extraterrestrial entity.
Who is Joseph Firmage
What led to the downfall of Firmage's career in Silicon Valley?In 1998, Firmage began claiming that he had an extraterrestrial encounter that inspired him to change the world with his knowledge of advanced technologies, including anti-gravity and unlimited energy. These claims, along with his plan to publish a controversial book titled The Truth, caused tensions with shareholders and led to his removal as CEO of USWeb. His deepening interest in alien-related topics ultimately ended his established career. What types of projects did Firmage pursue after leaving Silicon Valley?After his departure from USWeb, Firmage focused on alternative research projects. He founded organizations such as the International Space Sciences Organization and the California Institute for Physics & Astrophysics. He invested his money in UFO research, donations to scientific institutions, and attempts to develop anti-gravity technology. How did Firmage attempt to fund his projects?Firmage raised significant amounts of money from investors by promising them potentially massive returns on projects such as his anti-gravity device, which he claimed was based on a revolutionary theory. He leveraged his previous business successes to gain their trust. He also claimed that a $200 million government contract was in the works and that he would generate huge profits. What were some of the claims and technologies Firmage promoted?Firmage claimed to be developing anti-gravity devices, self-sustaining homes, and infinite clean energy sources, based on knowledge he alleged was of extraterrestrial origin. His devices, such as the "Accelerometer," which he showcased in videos, convinced some investors. He also claimed to have knowledge of reverse-engineering UFO technology and the ability to enable space travel. Why is Firmage now facing legal trouble?Firmage is facing a lawsuit from investors who accuse him of fraud. They claim he scammed them out of millions by making unrealistic promises and persuading them to invest in non-existent technologies. He is also accused of elder abuse in connection with his stay at the home of his late father's partner, allegedly exploiting her finances, including taking out loans in her name. What questionable figures seem to be associated with Firmage?Firmage surrounded himself with several dubious individuals, including a convicted sex offender who handled his legal affairs and a man who presented himself online as an intelligence officer—though his credibility was frequently questioned by UFO enthusiasts. He also associated with individuals who falsely claimed to be government officials. Additionally, he had a business partner with a history of drug-related issues and a suspended medical license. How does Firmage explain the accusations and his current situation?Firmage denies all allegations of financial fraud, claiming that he himself is the victim of a large financial scam orchestrated by a criminal network from Jamaica that deceived him. He believes that "Christopher" and others he associated with falsely represented themselves as government agents. He maintains that his inventions will be revolutionary and insists that all debts will eventually be repaid. Regarding the elder abuse case, he argues that it is based on misunderstandings and falsehoods. Key Themes and TakeawaysThe Rise and Fall of a Silicon Valley ProdigyFirmage founded successful tech companies at a young age, including Serius (sold to Novell for $22 million) and USWeb (which reached a $2.5 billion market value). He was once considered a "Master of the New Universe" and a potential "Steve Jobs." His success was undone by a combination of overconfidence, an obsession with extraterrestrials, and poor business judgment. The Extraterrestrial ObsessionIn 1998, Firmage claimed to have had an encounter with an alien being, leading to an all-consuming focus on UFOs, anti-gravity, and other unconventional science. He wrote The Truth, described as a "delusion-riddled tome," and devoted himself to seeking alien intelligence, which put him at odds with his corporate responsibilities. "He said, 'Why have you bothered me?'" Firmage recounted. "And I said, 'Because I want to travel in space.'” "He later said the being emitted a blue sphere that entered his body and caused 'the most unimaginable ecstasy I have ever experienced, a pleasure vastly beyond orgasm.'” Financial Missteps and Fraud AllegationsFirmage used his personal wealth to fund various projects and donate to questionable organizations. He was a generous contributor to the Carl Sagan Foundation and the Dalai Lama's Foundation. He founded multiple companies (OneCosmos, ManyOne Inc., Motion Sciences LLC, Science Invents LLC, ManyOne LLC), which ultimately failed and resembled a pyramid scheme, constantly needing new money to pay off previous investors.
ScienceInventsX - The Future
He promised high returns on anti-gravity technology that never materialized and promoted the idea of "reverse-engineering UFOs." "He was still young," Keala says. "I'm sure he thought, 'Oh, I can just go make another 10 or 20 million on my next venture.'” "It was just him constantly needing extra money to finish this one part or to get this one thing done," she remembers. "My dad died a broke man under the illusion that he was holding on to millions and millions of dollars in investments.” A "Hall of Mirrors" and Questionable AssociatesFirmage surrounded himself with shady individuals, including a convicted sex offender who acted as his legal representative and a former neurosurgeon with a history of drug abuse. He worked alongside Robert Richards, described as the “translator” of Firmage's eccentricity. He invoked the names of respected figures (General Wesley Clark, former Congressman David Daniel Marriott, Harvard Professor David Hestenes) to lure investors. The article describes a “hall of mirrors” and how “shady types encircle Firmage like space debris.” "They're asking the right questions,” Puthoff said. “Being on the track they're on, they're definitely going to nail down just exactly what this technology can do.” The Manipulated InvestorsInvestors were persuaded by Firmage's past success and the promise of groundbreaking technology. One investor, Marmer, trusted Firmage due to the involvement of figures from Integral Theory (Ken Wilber, Terry Patten). Firmage allegedly forged letters from FBI Director Christopher Wray and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reassure investors. Investors demanded a meeting with Firmage's supposed government contact, "Christopher," who had a Jamaican accent and claimed to be a "special" government official. A Victim of Fraud or a Fraudster Himself?Firmage claims he is the victim of an “AI-equipped Jamaican financial crime syndicate” and accuses "Christopher" and others of deceiving him. It remains unclear whether he was truly scammed or if the fraud was part of his own deception. "I cannot admit to a financial crime because I didn't commit one," he said, banging the metal table on his side of a glass divider. He referred to his experience as "a gang-rape by an AI-equipped Jamaican financial crime syndicate." The End: Arrest and Legal BattlesFirmage was arrested for elder abuse and is entangled in multiple lawsuits, including one from investors seeking $25 million in damages. He insists that all debts will eventually be repaid. ConclusionJoseph Firmage's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris, unrealistic ambitions, and the allure of extraordinary claims. He is a tragic figure who allowed himself to be blinded by fantasies of grandeur, ultimately losing his career and freedom. His story highlights how a combination of charisma, past success, and the promise of the impossible can mislead both investors and oneself. His current situation is a mix of self-destruction and possible self-deception. Key Quotes"I hope that I am remembered for having made a difference, a structural difference. I believe that the third millennium of our sacred world can be so much more than we think today.” "People are saying that anyone who sacrifices a chief executive officer career like yours and millions and millions of dollars must be crazy. Are you?" Firmage was unfazed. He smiled. “Well, it depends on the perspective you come from,” he said. “I will leave the answer to that question to the history books.” This document provides an overview of the key points from the article, serving as a foundation for understanding the complexity of Joseph Firmage's story. Firmage: Credibility & DeceptionCredibility and deception played a significant role in Joseph Firmage's approach to attracting investors, as he employed both genuine conviction and deliberate misrepresentation. Here are several ways these elements came into play: Credibility Through Past SuccessesFirmage's impressive early career in the internet boom, including founding and selling successful software companies like Serius and USWeb, gave him substantial credibility with potential investors. His inclusion in Forbes as one of the "Masters of the New Universe" further reinforced this image. This reputation made investors like Brandy Vega inclined to trust him, despite his eccentric beliefs about extraterrestrials and anti-gravity technology. Use of Respected NamesFirmage frequently invoked the support of well-known figures such as former Congressman David Daniel Marriott, physicist David Hestenes, and General Wesley Clark to lend credibility to his projects. While these individuals did have some level of contact with Firmage, their involvement was often superficial. The Promise of Revolutionary TechnologyFirmage presented his projects, such as anti-gravity propulsion, as groundbreaking and world-changing. He spoke of unlimited clean energy, self-sustaining homes, and anti-gravity systems. These promises, combined with his previous successes, attracted investors eager to be part of a potential breakthrough. Misleading RepresentationsAs his projects failed to deliver expected results, Firmage began employing deceptive tactics. He provided unrealistic deadlines and promised returns that never materialized. He repeatedly requested more money to "finish one last component" or "get one final thing done," but never delivered. Ponzi-Like PracticesThere is evidence that Firmage used new investments to pay off previous investors, suggesting he was operating a Ponzi-like scheme. This form of financial deception relies on attracting new investors to appease earlier ones rather than focusing on the company's actual performance. Forgery and Fabricated ContactsFirmage used forged letters, supposedly from government agencies, to support his claims of a $200 million Pentagon contract. He also created fake contacts with individuals posing as government officials, including a man impersonating Steven Mnuchin, to deceive investors. These individuals reportedly spoke with a Caribbean accent. Appeal to Spirituality and Conspiracy TheoriesFirmage leveraged elements of the New Age movement and conspiracy theories to influence investors. He capitalized on some investors' interest in spirituality, UFO theories, and government cover-ups. This was particularly evident in his connections with followers of Integral Theory. Denial of DeceptionDespite allegations of financial misconduct, Firmage repeatedly denied any form of fraud. He claimed to be the victim of a financial crime orchestrated by an "AI-equipped Jamaican financial crime syndicate". He insisted that he always honored his commitments and never abandoned anyone. ConclusionIn short, Firmage combined genuine credibility from his early career with deceptive tactics, such as fabricating government connections and making false promises, to attract investors. He presented himself as a visionary with extraordinary ideas, but his actions revealed a complex figure whose beliefs in extraterrestrial phenomena and advanced technologies were intertwined with clear acts of deception. Joseph Firmage: Lawsuits and AllegationsJoseph Firmage is currently facing a series of serious legal issues, including allegations of financial fraud, breach of trust, and elder abuse. These problems stem from his activities following his success with USWeb, during which he convinced investors to fund his projects—often based on unrealistic promises and far-fetched technologies. Below is an overview of Firmage's ongoing legal troubles: Civil Lawsuits for Fraud:Multiple civil lawsuits have been filed against Firmage, primarily by investors who claim they were defrauded. One of the most significant lawsuits was filed by Max Marmer and a group of investors, collectively seeking approximately $25 million in losses. These investors accuse Firmage of conning dozens of victims through various companies and schemes, in which he promised high returns on unrealistic inventions. Elder Abuse Allegations:Firmage has been charged with elder abuse involving Virginia Menlove, the partner of his deceased father. He is accused of withholding her Social Security checks, taking out loans in her name, and attempting to refinance her home. These charges led to his incarceration. The state has argued that if released, he would remain a threat to the victim. SEC and FBI Investigations:While the SEC investigation was closed without formal charges, both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the FBI have reportedly investigated Firmage. These investigations focused on his financial practices and workplace conditions within his companies. SEC interviews revealed a chaotic work environment where employees had no clear understanding of the company's goals. The FBI has not confirmed its investigation, but SEC documents suggest that one was conducted. Unpaid Salaries:A lawsuit has been filed by former employees of Firmage's Portland office, citing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. A judge ruled in favor of the employees, confirming that Firmage was legally required to pay them. It is important to note that most of these cases are still ongoing, and no final verdicts have been issued. Firmage denies all allegations of financial misconduct, claiming he is a victim of deception by a Jamaican criminal syndicate. He also insists that he did not run a Ponzi scheme and that he will repay all his debts. Firmage: Ambition, Deception, and BankruptcyAfter leaving USWeb, Joseph Firmage engaged in a series of financial ventures that ranged from ambitious enterprises to deceptive practices. He often leveraged his past successes to attract investors. Below is an overview of his key financial activities: Founding New CompaniesFollowing his time at USWeb, Firmage established several new companies, including OneCosmos, ManyOne Inc., ManyOne LLC, and Motion Sciences LLC. These ventures frequently revolved around his interests in space technology, anti-gravity research, and internet-based projects. OneCosmos: In collaboration with SoftBank, Firmage launched OneCosmos, a media company backed by a $23 million investment. He co-founded it alongside Ann Druyan, the widow of Carl Sagan, whom he had previously funded with millions for space-related projects. ManyOne Inc.: In 2002, Firmage founded ManyOne Inc. with $10 million in angel investments. The company aimed to develop an online portal featuring a 3D representation of the universe. However, it faced financial difficulties and ultimately went bankrupt in 2009.
Genesis of ManyOne
Motion Sciences LLC: In 2010, Firmage partnered with real estate developer Brandon Fugal to establish Motion Sciences LLC. Fugal invested in Firmage's anti-gravity research, but after questioning Firmage's claims and losing millions, the project was abandoned. ManyOne LLC: In 2011, after the failure of the original ManyOne, Firmage founded a second company under the same name, with offices in multiple cities. This new entity pursued two initiatives: "Black Logo" for anti-gravity research and "Blue Logo" for web services focused on domain sales and search engine optimization. However, this company also faced financial troubles, including unpaid wages and mounting debt. Attracting InvestorsFirmage continually sought investors for his projects, relying on his past achievements and the promise of groundbreaking technologies. He marketed concepts like anti-gravity propulsion as revolutionary and world-changing. Funding from His FatherFirmage also received substantial financial support from his father, Edwin Firmage. However, Edwin later accused his son of squandering millions of his savings. He claimed to have provided Joseph with "about $1,000 per day for several years," in addition to "millions" over 13 years to cover payroll expenses. Financial StrugglesMany of Firmage's ventures suffered from severe financial instability, leading to unpaid wages, escalating debt, and eventual bankruptcies. Former employees reported that he used new investment funds to pay off previous investors, a hallmark of Ponzi-like schemes. Deceptive PracticesFirmage engaged in fraudulent tactics to mislead investors, such as presenting forged government documents. He also created fake contacts, including individuals posing as government officials—one even impersonating former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin—to manipulate investors. Investigations by AuthoritiesHis financial dealings attracted scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the FBI, leading to official investigations. LawsuitsFirmage faced multiple lawsuits from disgruntled investors accusing him of fraud and massive financial losses. One lawsuit alleged that Firmage and his associates were responsible for approximately $25 million in losses. Elder Abuse AllegationBeyond financial issues, Firmage was also sued for elder abuse involving Virginia Menlove, his father's partner. ConclusionUltimately, Firmage's financial ventures after USWeb were marked by a mix of ambitious projects, financial instability, and increasingly deceptive practices to sustain his operations. His career trajectory shifted from that of an internet pioneer to a controversial figure entangled in legal and financial turmoil. Firmage's Companies: Success and FailureJoseph Firmage founded multiple companies, both before and after his obsession with extraterrestrials. Their success varied significantly. Below is an overview of the companies he established and their respective outcomes. Before His Obsession with ExtraterrestrialsSerius (1989): At just 17 years old, Firmage founded the software company Serius in Salt Lake City. The company was a success and was quickly acquired by Novell, a major networking technology firm, for more than $22 million. USWeb (1995): At 25, Firmage co-founded USWeb while holding an executive position at Novell. The company became highly successful, helping businesses establish an online presence in the early days of the internet. USWeb went public and reached a $2.5 billion market valuation, capturing an estimated 50% of the web design services market. Its clients included AOL, Apple, and 20th Century Fox. At the peak of the dot-com boom in 1998, Forbes named Firmage one of the “Masters of the New Universe”. After His Obsession with ExtraterrestrialsOneCosmos (2000s): This media company was launched in partnership with SoftBank, backed by a $23 million investment. It aimed to work on various space-related projects. Ann Druyan, the widow of Carl Sagan, was initially involved but quickly withdrew, stating that there was “no substance” to the company. While OneCosmos attracted funding and was Firmage's primary focus for a time, its actual success remains unclear. ManyOne Inc. (2002): Founded with $10 million in angel investments, this company developed an online portal featuring a 3D representation of the universe. However, the venture struggled financially and went bankrupt in 2009. Employees reported unpaid salaries and an unstable work environment. Motion Sciences LLC (2010): Firmage partnered with Brandon Fugal, a real estate investor, to create Motion Sciences LLC, focused on anti-gravity research. The company was a failure; Fugal ended the partnership within two years after doubting Firmage's claims. The project was discredited, and Fugal lost millions. ManyOne LLC (2011): Following the failure of the original ManyOne, Firmage launched a second version with offices in multiple cities. This company pursued two projects: "Black Logo": Anti-gravity research. "Blue Logo": Web services, focusing on domain sales and search engine optimization (SEO). Like its predecessor, this company also failed due to unpaid salaries and lawsuits from former employees. ConclusionFirmage's career began with notable successes in the software and internet industry through Serius and USWeb. However, after his obsession with extraterrestrials, his later ventures struggled or outright failed, plagued by financial issues, unpaid wages, and deceptive business practices. These later companies suffered from exaggerated claims, unrealistic projects, and his declining credibility. Firmage, Christopher, and the Jamaican Syndicate'Christopher' and others played a crucial role in Joseph Firmage's failures by deceiving him, defrauding his investors, and undermining his credibility. They were allegedly part of a Jamaican criminal syndicate that manipulated and exploited him. Key Aspects of Their Role: Deception and Identity Fraud:‘Christopher' and others posed as high-ranking U.S. government officials to convince Firmage of their legitimacy and the credibility of his projects. They presented forged letters featuring U.S. State Department logos and a fake letter from an alleged FBI director to enhance their credibility. One scammer even impersonated Steven Mnuchin, the former Secretary of the Treasury. Financial Exploitation:The syndicate took advantage of Firmage's access to investors by encouraging him to transfer large sums of money, under the false belief that the funds were for legitimate government contracts. Firmage claims to have wired $1.1 million to Christopher and his associates. Damage to Credibility:The fraudulent identities and deceptive actions of Christopher and his group severely damaged Firmage's credibility and that of his projects. Investors lost trust in him once they realized that the so-called government officials were impostors. Role in Legal Cases:Christopher and his group have been mentioned in lawsuits against Firmage. Although Firmage claims to be a victim of this syndicate, their actions have contributed to the fraud and deception allegations against him. Summary:Christopher and his group operated as a criminal syndicate, deceiving Firmage by impersonating U.S. government officials. They exploited his connections and financial resources, leading him to invest in their fraudulent scheme. Their actions significantly damaged Firmage's reputation, contributed to the financial collapse of his projects, and played a role in the lawsuits against him. Firmage insists he was a victim and that he only realized later that he had been scammed. He also claims that Virginia Menlove was deceived by Christopher, which has further contributed to his current legal troubles. Firmage's Unlikely RepaymentGiven Joseph Firmage's current situation and debts, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to fully repay the people he defrauded. Both available sources and our discussion indicate that Firmage is deeply in debt and has no reliable sources of income. Here are the key reasons why repayment is improbable: Massive Debts and Losses: Investors defrauded by Firmage are collectively seeking tens of millions of dollars in repayment. One lawsuit, filed by Max Marmer and other investors, claims losses of approximately $25 million. Additionally, there are other outstanding debts, including unpaid salaries and Firmage's personal liabilities. Lack of Resources: Firmage is currently in prison on elder abuse charges, meaning he has no way to generate income. His severely damaged reputation also makes it extremely difficult for him to attract future investors or financial backers. No Profitable Ventures: The projects Firmage promoted, such as his anti-gravity propulsion system, never yielded any profits or even practical results. His companies, including ManyOne Inc., went bankrupt. There is no evidence of a commercially viable product or technology. Belief in His Own Innocence: Firmage denies all allegations of financial wrongdoing and claims he is the victim of a “Jamaican criminal syndicate”. He insists that he will repay investors once his projects succeed and he is released from custody. Pattern of Delays and Empty Promises: Over the years, Firmage has repeatedly made unrealistic promises and given vague statements about future repayments. He frequently requested small amounts of money to complete projects but never delivered tangible results. Possible Ponzi-Like Tactics: There is evidence suggesting that Firmage may have used new investments to repay earlier investors, a hallmark of a Ponzi scheme. This makes it even more unlikely that he has the resources to repay everyone. Although Firmage claims to be “a man who always keeps his word” and intends to repay his investors, it is highly doubtful that he will ever have the financial means to do so, given his enormous debts, legal troubles, and lack of viable projects. Firmage: Victim or Visionary?Joseph Firmage portrays his situation and actions in a way that starkly contrasts with the accusations and legal troubles he faces. Rather than accepting responsibility for his actions, he paints himself as a victim of deception and conspiracy. Here are the key aspects of how Firmage describes his own situation and actions, based on available sources and our discussion: Victim of a Criminal Syndicate: Firmage claims he was “gang-raped” by an AI-driven Jamaican financial crime syndicate. He alleges that he was deceived by “Christopher” and other individuals who posed as U.S. government officials. According to him, they exploited his access to investors and convinced him to transfer them large sums of money—totaling approximately $1.1 million. Firmage insists that these individuals misled him into believing he was being appointed as the head of the U.S. Space Force. Denial of Financial Crimes: Firmage denies all allegations of fraud and financial misconduct. He claims he was not running a Ponzi scheme and that his projects were legitimate but simply difficult to fund. He argues that he works on “long-term projects that need to be done” and that “everyone will benefit” in the end. He insists that he always keeps his word and never abandons people. Misunderstandings and Misinterpretations: Firmage views his legal troubles as a series of “catastrophic misunderstandings”. He suggests that the elder abuse accusations against him regarding Virginia Menlove stem from her inability to accept that she, too, was deceived by the criminal syndicate. Instead of acknowledging her own misjudgment, she is blaming him for her financial losses. Visionary and Genius: Firmage sees himself as a visionary physicist attempting to break the laws of physics. He believes he is someone who will change the world with his inventions and innovations, comparing himself to Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. He regards his projects, such as anti-gravity propulsion, as groundbreaking and essential for humanity's progress. Presidential Aspirations: Despite his current legal troubles, Firmage emphasizes that he ran for President of the United States, referring to his campaign as “nigh-invisible”. This suggests a strong belief in his own importance and a desire for recognition and influence on a national level.
JOSEPH P FIRMAGE FOR PRESIDENT COMMENCES APRIL 15TH 2023
Lack of Motivation by Money: Firmage insists that money has never been his primary motivation. He claims he is not the kind of person who just wants to “sit on a yacht somewhere”. Instead, he sees himself as someone driven by a mission to create global change and leave a meaningful impact. Misunderstood and Ahead of His Time: Firmage believes he is ahead of his time and that his ideas and visions are simply misunderstood by those around him. He suggests that the accusations against him stem from a lack of understanding of the complex scientific and technological work he is pursuing. ConclusionFirmage describes himself as a victim of deception and misunderstanding while simultaneously emphasizing his own genius and importance. He denies financial crimes, sees himself as a visionary with presidential ambitions, and believes he is working on revolutionary scientific advancements. However, this self-perception stands in sharp contrast to the accusations of financial fraud, deception, and elder abuse that have been brought against him. NOTES![]() [1] Brent Crane, "Believing in Aliens Derailed This Internet Pioneer's Career. Now He's Facing Prison", www.bloomberg.com, February 5, 2025 (behind paywall). [2] See also:
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