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Barry Bonds comes to teammate's defense
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bbn_bonds_amphetamines"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.ny15401111533.bonds_amphetamines_ny154.jpg?x=130&y=112&sig=meVtziRHQ_dLl8nbNSHlqQ--" align="left" height="112" width="130" alt="San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds rounds second base on his way to third on a Ray Durham double against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning of a baseball game in Washington, in this July 26, 2006 file photo.. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)" border="0" /></a>AP - Barry Bonds said he did not get amphetamines from teammate Mark Sweeney, but did not deny a report Thursday saying he tested positive for the drugs last season. According to a story in the New York Daily News, the San Francisco slugger failed an amphetamines test in 2006. The newspaper reported that when first informed of the positive result, Bonds attributed it to a substance he had taken from Sweeney's locker.</p><br clear="all"/>
Suns' Nash has historic assists night
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_cavaliers_suns"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070112/capt.azrs10501120507.cavaliers_suns_basketball_azrs105.jpg?x=109&y=130&sig=Xw.CoGVmRSxLX7D9DMoKRA--" align="left" height="130" width="109" alt="Phoenix Suns forward Shawn Marion dunks over Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during the second quarter of a basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 11. 2007, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)" border="0" /></a>AP - Steve Nash had a season-high 21 assists, becoming the first player in nine years with two 20-assist games in a season and leading the Phoenix Suns to their eighth straight victory, 109-90 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Boise State's Petersen wins Bryant Award
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_co_ne/fbc_bryant_award"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070112/capt.txdp10901120418.bear_bryant_award_football_txdp109.jpg?x=130&y=96&sig=0P4CqH5AweJ4qDYRg.rHzg--" align="left" height="96" width="130" alt="Boise State football coach Chris Petersen poses with the Paul Bear Bryant College Football Coach of the Year trophy Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, in Houston. Peterson was the winner of the award which is chosen by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association to honor the nation's top collegiate football coach. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)" border="0" /></a>AP - Boise State's Chris Petersen won the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award on Thursday night as the national coach of the year. Petersen led Boise State to a 13-0 record and the No. 5 spot in the final AP poll in his first season as the team's head coach. The Broncos finished the season with a 43-42 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.</p><br clear="all"/>
David Beckham to play for L.A. Galaxy
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_beckham_galaxy"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.ny16301111829.beckham_galaxy_soccer_ny163.jpg?x=99&y=130&sig=G5UMwr1G_kq7YmWoSWdxcA--" align="left" height="130" width="99" alt="England's David Beckham celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Round of 16 World Cup soccer match between England and Ecuador at the World Cup Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart, Germany, in this June 25, 2006 file photo. Beckham, the former England soccer captain known as much for his style as his play, has agreed to leave Real Madrid and join the Los Angeles Galaxy in a deal Major League Soccer hopes will boost the sport in the United States in a manner similar to Pele's arrival with the Cosmos in 1975. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)" border="0" /></a>AP - Bend this, TomKat and Brangelina: Becks 'n' Posh are coming to Hollywood. And David Beckham didn't even have to audition to become the next American Idol. The most recognized soccer player on the planet — fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant — announced a deal Thursday to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy.</p><br clear="all"/>
Defense: Duke accuser changes account
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_co_ne/duke_lacrosse"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.wxs10101111835.duke_lacrosse_wxs101.jpg?x=83&y=130&sig=PrtGDYcOCMfjACRWaZzIZQ--" align="left" height="130" width="83" alt="Former Duke lacrosse player Reade Seligmann faces reporters after a hearing at the Durham County Judicial Building in Durham, N.C., in a Friday, Dec. 15, 2006 photo. The accuser in the Duke lacrosse sexual assault case told prosecutors in December that one of the three players charged did not commit any sex act on her during the alleged attack, according to papers filed Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, by the defense. The attacker identified as Reade Seligmann was repeatedly urged to take part in the alleged attack, she told an investigator, but he said he could not because he was getting married, the papers said. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)" border="0" /></a>AP - The accuser in the Duke lacrosse sexual assault case told prosecutors in December that one of the three players charged did not commit any sex act on her during the alleged attack, according to papers filed Thursday by the defense.</p><br clear="all"/>
Pro Picks: QB experience to be a factor
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_playoff_picks"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.cali10201110306.chargers_rivers_football_cali102.jpg?x=115&y=130&sig=K3E_c16tbETjkF0iOg.4yw--" align="left" height="130" width="115" alt="San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, rolls out with back-up quarterback Billy Volek during football practice Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)" border="0" /></a>AP - Tom Brady is 11-1 in playoff games as a starting quarterback. Philip Rivers is starting his first.</p><br clear="all"/>
Kidd sparks Nets with 82nd triple-double
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_bk_ga_su/bkn_nets_bulls"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070112/capt.cxa10201120221.nets_bulls_basketball_cxa102.jpg?x=82&y=130&sig=MarZWtxQig.do69Lep0lvw--" align="left" height="130" width="82" alt="New Jersey Nets' Jason Kidd (5) goes up for a shot as Chicago Bulls' Chris Duhon, right, defends during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)" border="0" /></a>AP - Jason Kidd displayed all of his skills against the Bulls, on both ends of the floor. Kidd recorded his 82nd career triple-double, and the New Jersey Nets erased an 18-point deficit against Chicago for the second time in a week, beating the Bulls 86-83 on Thursday night.</p><br clear="all"/>
Pettitte picking up where he left off
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_ba_ne/bba_yankees_pettitte"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.nyy11301112019.yankees_baseball_pettitte_nyy113.jpg?x=107&y=130&sig=_nAW8IET3O5AILM6Js1Bcg--" align="left" height="130" width="107" alt="New York Yankees left-handed pitcher Andy Pettitte, smiles as he stands on the mound for a photo session following a news conference welcoming him back to the team he pitched for from 1995-2003 in New York, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007. Pettitte, who turned down a $12 million offer to stay with the Houston Astros, signed a one-year contract with the Yankees for $16 million. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)" border="0" /></a>AP - Andy Pettitte walked into Yankee Stadium, put the pinstripes and navy cap back on, stepped to the podium and picked up as if he had never left.</p><br clear="all"/>
Column: Can Becks spark soccer in U.S.?
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_jim_litke11107"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070111/capt.ny16101111829.beckham_galaxy_soccer_ny161.jpg?x=130&y=84&sig=8SXRCvwV7r6OTGcO7vqEQw--" align="left" height="84" width="130" alt="Real Madrid's David Beckham of Englamd celebrates after scoring against Real Socieded during a Spanish league soccer match at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, in this Sept. 17, 2006 file photo. Beckham, the former England soccer captain known as much for his style as his play, has agreed to leave Real Madrid and join the Los Angeles Galaxy in a deal Major League Soccer hopes will boost the sport in the United States in a manner similar to Pele's arrival with the Cosmos in 1975.(AP Photo/Paul White)" border="0" /></a>AP - People will read who's headed for Hollywood and assume they've seen this movie before.</p><br clear="all"/>
Holmstrom powers Wings past Coyotes
(AP)
<p><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/sports/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_sp_ho_ga_su/hkn_red_wings_coyotes"><img src="http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20070112/capt.pnj10801120452.red_wings_coyotes_hockey_pnj108.jpg?x=130&y=85&sig=14Y7S_hiMGZjqZm2iNkTww--" align="left" height="85" width="130" alt="Detroit Red Wings left winger Tomas Holmstrom, front right, of Sweden, is checked by Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Matt Jones, front left, but not before Holmstrom shoots the puck past Coyotes goalie Mikael Tellqvist of Sweden, rear, for a goal in the third period of a hockey game Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. Holmstrom scored three goals as the Red Wings defeated the Coyotes 5-1.(AP Photo/Paul Connors)" border="0" /></a>AP - Tomas Holmstrom helped the Detroit Red Wings finish their road trip with a second straight win.</p><br clear="all"/>
Jason Cole: Indy's sparkplug
The Colts need Bob Sanders' playmaking and energy if the defense is to pull off an encore of last weekend's impressive showing.
Giants fire defensive coordinator Lewis (AP)
Tim Lewis was fired as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator on Thursday, a move that will give embattled coach Tom Coughlin two new top assistants in a likely make-or-break season. The move came just a day after management gave the 60-year-old Coughlin a lukewarm one-year contract extension through 2008.
Bengals sign Geathers to lucrative deal (AP)
Defensive end Robert Geathers' breakout season earned him one of the biggest contract extensions in Cincinnati Bengals history. Geathers signed a six-year extension Thursday that will pay him $14 million next season in various bonuses and salary, making him one of the team's top-paid players. He can earn $32.5 million in salary and bonuses over the six-year deal.
Whisenhunt to interview with Cards again (AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt will get a second interview for the head coaching job of the Arizona Cardinals. Whisenhunt was scheduled to be in Tempe for the session Friday, joining former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman as the candidates to get a second meeting with Cardinals officials.
Seau being sued over incident at bar (AP)
Two women are suing New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, claiming he threw drinks at them in a bar. The women claim Seau was "obviously intoxicated" when he ruined their clothing by hurling two large glasses of red liquid at them at a downtown San Diego bar May 20. The suit seeks damages of at least $25,000 for each woman.
Titans' Jones can have charges dismissed (AP)
Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones can have public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges against him dismissed if he stays out of trouble over the next six months. Rutherford County General Sessions Court Judge David Loughry agreed Thursday to dismiss the charges stemming from a nightclub incident in Murfreesboro last August, if Jones meets the conditions.
Bengals WR Henry seeking plea agreements (AP)
Attorneys for Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry are trying to reach plea agreements on his two remaining criminal cases, which put him at risk of another suspension from the NFL. The second-year receiver was arrested four times in seven months in three states. The Bengals responded by benching him for two games, and the league suspended him for two games last season after the first two court...
Steelers to interview Chan Gailey (AP)
Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey will be interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching job, the fifth coach to meet with the team since Bill Cowher resigned last week. Team owner Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II plan to meet with Gailey on Saturday, and may hold a second round of interviews with the finalists next week.
Fassel interviews for Raiders' job (AP)
 Former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel interviewed Thursday for the Oakland Raiders' head coaching vacancy. Fassel, the Raiders' quarterbacks in 1995, met with officials at the team's headquarters to talk about replacing the fired Art Shell. Oakland fired Shell last week after a 2-14 season that was the worst season in the more than four decades that owner Al Davis has been with the franchise.
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Broncos begin rebuilding defensive staff (AP)
The Denver Broncos hired former Green Bay defensive coordinator Jim Bates as assistant head coach/defense Thursday, and promoted defensive backs coach Bob Slowik to defensive coordinator. Bates, 60, was defensive coordinator for the Packers in 2005 and for the Miami Dolphins from 2000-04, including seven games as interim head coach in 2004.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Webber headed back home
The Pistons are close to bringing Detroit native Chris Webber back to Michigan as a free-agent signee.
Nash's 21 assists too much for Cavs (AP)
Steve Nash had a season-high 21 assists, becoming the first player in nine years with two 20-assist games in a season and leading the Phoenix Suns to their eighth straight victory, 109-90 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. Nash, who had 20 assists against Sacramento on Dec. 5, joined Avery Johnson, now the Dallas coach, as the last two players to reach that total in the same season.
Kidd's triple-double rallies Nets to win (AP)
Jason Kidd displayed all of his skills against the Bulls, on both ends of the floor. Kidd recorded his 82nd career triple-double, and the New Jersey Nets erased an 18-point deficit against Chicago for the second time in a week, beating the Bulls 86-83 on Thursday night. Besides shutting down Chicago's Ben Gordon in the second half, Kidd had 23 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for his seventh...
With buyout complete, 76ers waive Webber (AP)
 The Philadelphia 76ers waived forward Chris Webber on Thursday, making the five-time All-Star eligible to sign with another team after clearing waivers. The Sixers completed the paperwork to buy out the remaining 1 1/2 seasons on Webber's contract Wednesday, ending two disappointing years in Philadelphia.
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Nuggets trade Boykins to Bucks (AP)
The Milwaukee Bucks are missing four starters because of injuries, but general manager Larry Harris wants to send the message that they aren't giving up on the season. Harris acquired point guard Earl Boykins in a three-player trade with Denver on Thursday, sending backup guard Steve Blake to the Nuggets for Boykins -- the second-shortest player in NBA history at 5-foot-5 -- and second-year...
Shaq returns to practice for Heat (AP)
Shaquille O'Neal practiced Thursday for the first time since tearing cartilage in his left knee Nov. 12, and forwards Antoine Walker and James Posey also rejoined the Miami Heat. Walker and Posey were placed on the inactive list Jan. 3 for failing to meet conditioning guidelines. The Heat are midway through a six-game trip.
Iverson gaining in All-Star voting (AP)
Allen Iverson is closing on Tracy McGrady for the second guard spot in the Western Conference All-Star lineup. McGrady had 1,331,511 votes in the totals released by the NBA on Thursday, just 31,263 ahead of Iverson in a battle of perennial starters. Iverson started for the East in the last seven All-Star games while playing for Philadelphia, and was the MVP in 2001 and '05.
Celtics lose G Tony Allen for season (AP)
Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen will miss the rest of the season with two torn ligaments in his left knee. Coach Doc Rivers said Thursday that Allen will be out at least six months. Allen hurt the knee when he landed awkwardly after an uncontested dunk in the final minutes of a 97-84 loss to Indiana on Wednesday.
Howard's 30 points, 25 boards lift Magic (AP)
 Dwight Howard's teammate told him he needed two more points for the first 30-point game of his career. Howard then hit two free throws in four tries over the final minute, much to the delight of Keith Bogans. Howard had a career-high 30 points and a season-high 25 rebounds and the Orlando Magic won their fifth straight game, 91-76 over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night to snap a...
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Nuggets get Smith back, lose to Spurs (AP)
 Allen Iverson snapped out of his shooting funk thanks to the return of J.R. Smith, yet a porous Denver defense kept him from celebrating. Tony Parker scored 26 points and Tim Duncan had 19 to help the San Antonio Spurs stave off the Nuggets 92-83 Wednesday night. "Moral victories don't mean anything to me at this point," Iverson said.
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Selanne has hat trick, Ducks rip Stars (AP)
Usually, two goals are enough to satisfy Teemu Selanne. But Thursday night was different for the Anaheim Ducks' top scorer. Selanne's had his 19th career three-goal game and Andy McDonald registered four assists to send the Ducks to a 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night. Earlier on Thursday, Selanne had a phone converstion with a close friend in Finland.
'Canes score six in third, beat Panthers (AP)
Two periods had passed, and the befuddled Carolina Hurricanes were in deep trouble. They trailed the Florida Panthers by three goals, benched their star goalie and could only hope for a late miracle. "The whole team was in here (during the second intermission) and we knew what we had to do," center Chad LaRose said.
Wings snap Coyotes' 7-game win streak (AP)
Tomas Holmstrom helped the Detroit Red Wings finish their road trip with a second straight win. Holmstrom scored three goals and had an assist to help the Detroit Red Wings beat the Phoenix Coyotes 5-1 on Thursday night. "We played hard and waited for openings," said Mike Babcock, the Detroit coach. "We're a veteran team, and we should be a patient team.
Marleau sets franchise mark, Sharks win (AP)
Patrick Marleau set a franchise record for career goals, Mark Bell and Milan Michalek scored the tying and go-ahead goals 4 1-2 minutes apart in the second period, and the San Jose Sharks beat the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 on Thursday night. Rookie Ryane Clowe also scored for the Sharks with an assist from Marleau, and Vesa Toskala posted his fourth straight victory with 22 saves, helping the Sharks...
Gaborik helps Wild end lengthy road skid (AP)
Marian Gaborik scored twice to help the Minnesota Wild snap an 11-game winless streak on the road with a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. The win also put an end to the Canucks' season-high seven game win streak. Gaborik, who added an assist, was playing just his third game since returning to the Minnesota lineup after missing 34 games with a serious groin injury.
O'Neill, Sundin lift Leafs over Sabres (AP)
Forget the six injured regulars the Toronto Maple Leafs were missing. So long as Mats Sundin and Jeff O'Neill remain healthy, the Maple Leafs can compete with anyone -- even the Eastern Conference-leading Buffalo Sabres. O'Neill scored twice, both goals set up by Sundin, in a 4-2 win over Buffalo on Tuesday night, a game Toronto coach Paul Maurice described as his team's best of the season.
Alfredsson, Sens hold off Rangers 6-4 (AP)
The Ottawa Senators enjoyed one five-goal third period this week, and nearly felt the sting of another. Daniel Alfredsson gave Ottawa a five-goal lead with less than a period to go before the New York Rangers staged a furious rally to fell just short. Dany Heatley's empty-net goal in the closing seconds wrapped up a 6-4 victory Thursday night that became much too difficult.
Lightning win third straight, edge Caps (AP)
Excuse Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella for not being overly impressed. The Tampa Bay Lightning climbed above .500 for the first time in more than a month and nudged ahead of Washington into eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings by beating the Capitals 5-4 on Thursday night. Considering there's still three months left in the season, Tortorella responded with a resounding so what.
Langkow, Flames roll by Avalanche 7-3 (AP)
The Calgary Flames had trouble with Colorado's power play. Then again, so did the Avalanche. Calgary gave up three power-play goals but scored two short-handed goals as the Flames had a season-high offensive output in a 7-3 win over Colorado on Thursday night. Daymond Langkow had two goals and two assists as the Flames won their fourth game in a row.
Isles rally to beat Bruins in shootout (AP)
A pair of power-play goals keyed a rare New York Islanders come-from-behind victory. Jason Blake and Miroslav Satan each scored goals in the shootout to lift the New York Islanders to a 5-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. "During our six-game losing streak our power play has struggled," Islanders coach Ted Nolan said.
Jerry Bonkowski: Strength tests
American Robby Gordon wins sixth stage of Dakar Rally (AP)
American Robby Gordon won the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally on Thursday. The Hummer driver completed the 245-mile stage in 2 hours, 58 minutes, 57 seconds, going from Tan-Tan, Morocco to Zouerat, Mauritania. Former Dakar winner and Schles-Ford-Raid driver Jean-Louis Schlesser trailed Gordon by 17 seconds.
Vatican newspaper criticizes Dakar Rally following latest death (AP)
The Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano criticized the Dakar Rally as "a bloody race of irresponsibility" after a motorcyclist died in a crash. Elmer Symons died Tuesday, the latest in a string of casualties that have plagued the race. The newspaper, which has criticized the race for years, said in Thursday editions that Symons was its 54th victim.
Biffle bounces back from scary offseason accident (AP)
Greg Biffle was cruising around Las Vegas Motor Speedway at 204 mph when his tire exploded, sending him crashing into the wall. Knocked unconscious, he dislocated his right shoulder and briefly had blurred vision.
Auto industry executives introduced to new racing series powered by hydrogen (AP)
The Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation was unveiled Wednesday, the first step toward on-track competition for hydrogen electric fuel cell-powered racing. HERF plans on beginning that on-track competition, dubbed the "Hydrogen 500," beginning in 2009, with additional races, including international events in 2010 and 2011.
Rudd just what Yates needed (AP)
Ricky Rudd might end up being exactly what Robert Yates needed to save his struggling race team.
Sponsorship woes delay IROC start (AP)
The all-star International Race of Champions will not run at Daytona next month, because series officials have not secured sponsorship. IROC pits 12 drivers from different auto-racing disciplines in equally prepared cars. The four-race series usually begins at Daytona International Speedway the Friday before NASCAR's season-opening Daytona 500.
South African motorcyclist dies at Dakar Rally (AP)
Motorcyclist Elmer Symons died Tuesday in a crash at the Dakar Rally, race organizers said. The 29-year-old South African was killed on the fourth stage from Er Rachidia to Ouarzazate in Morocco. Organizers said Symons crashed about 88 miles into the stage. A medical team rushed to his aid by helicopter, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hamilton remembered as honest racer who thrived on competition (AP)
Bobby Hamilton parked the car after practice in 2001, headed to the truck and started changing clothes. His crew chief followed him, wanting to know if he needed to change anything before the Talladega 500.
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