Canning and Napoleon (BBB!) | Chickens in the Road

Jan
29

History tidbit: Preserving food in jars as we know it today originated with the military. Not the U.S. military–Napoleon’s! Napoleon Bonaparte ran a contest offering a cash prize to anyone who could invent a reliable long-term method for preserving food for his army. Yes, contests go way back, too! The winner, Nicholas Appert, came up with the concept of taking food to a high temperature then sealing it in jars. I’m not sure how much money he won, or if Napoleon paid up. It was decades later before Louis Pasteur actually explained why Appert’s method worked. Appert just figured out that it worked. Nobody knew why. It just did.

I do a lot of stuff like that. I don’t know why stuff works, it just does. A hundred years from now, somebody’ll explain. Meanwhile, I’ve got a BBB to give away today! (I feel so Napoleonic.)

***

It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Rose at Baskets by Rose–hand woven baskets, quilts, stitchery, and more all made by hand. Visit her here.

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (January 29). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (January 30). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 01/30/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #30, mom2girls. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.

More posts you might enjoy:

142 Responses
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1-29
1:35
am

I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that a military man came up with canning! I’m glad he did though, I love it and it’s such a good skill to know. Hope Napoleon paid him! Thanks for that bit of very important history. I’d love to be entered in the contest. BBB!

Lindsay

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1-29
2:00
am

Thanks for that bit of history. Please, BBB!

Blessings

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1-29
2:13
am

And here I was thinking it was the French Foriegn Legion!
BBB please!

Raeann

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1-29
2:46
am

That’s really interesting trivia! BBB please.

Mary

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1-29
3:30
am

Yes, BBB please!!

Richelle

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1-29
5:33
am

Viva la France. BBB s’il voux plait.

Barbara at AtLast

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1-29
5:58
am

Love your site — especially the goat tales
BBB

Jean - MN

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1-29
6:05
am

BBB, please.

patrice

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1-29
6:05
am

need a new bbb!!!!!!

Wanda

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1-29
6:10
am

I wonder how many jars failed before he figured out the right temperture and how long to cook it to seal it..and what product was canned….and I wonder which came first the Ball Jar or the canned beans….? I always thought the military used tin cans early on…or those heavy pottery storage jars…
Glad I didn’t have to taste the first canned bean…LOL
Also I hope it wasn’t like some experiments….mistakes were buried..LOL
BBB chance, please!

B. Ruth

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1-29
6:16
am

Very interesting. I admire people who invent things. BBB, please.

Kathy in FL

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1-29
6:34
am

BBB – the Bible of canning. I sure could use a new one.

Hugh

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1-29
6:34
am

Love the history and would love to win a BBB. Thanks for offering this prize to everyone!

GaPeach

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1-29
6:44
am

His taste tester was a brave soul, considering how quickly food spoiled back then….”it’s how old??”
Would love a chance to win the BBB!

justdeborah2002

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1-29
7:08
am

I’d love to win it!

Connie

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1-29
7:31
am

Im feeling very Napoleonic today – please pick me for the BBB!
Thank YOU!

Gem

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1-29
7:37
am

BBB please!

Connie

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1-29
7:39
am

What an interesting story. BBB would be nice.

Peggy

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1-29
7:45
am

BBB please!!!

Rachel

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1-29
7:54
am

BBB!

Hamp Girl

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1-29
7:59
am

I had no idea, thanks for that interesting tidbit. BBB pretty please.

Anke

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1-29
8:10
am

I love history – we learn so much! BBB please!

prayingpup

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1-29
8:14
am

I was wondering the same thing as B.Ruth. The mistakes must have been buried and I’m glad I wasn’t one of them. And Suzanne, I’m sure our mistakes aren’t as devastating. BBB PUUULLEEEEZZZ

Billy

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1-29
8:17
am

Thanks, Suzanne and Rose, for offering this. BBB please!

brookdale

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1-29
8:20
am

I would love to win a BBB!

Debbie

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1-29
8:25
am

Would love to learn how to can! Jelly and preserves would go great with the Grandmother bread and homemade butter I learned to make from your wonderful site! Please enter me for BBB Please! Thanks!

windspiritwhimsies

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1-29
8:26
am

You just never know who is interested in canning! Ha Ha. BBB

Glenie

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1-29
8:30
am

BBB Hurray for Nicholas Appert!!! And a big Thank You to Rose for another chance to win a BBB!

ladychef

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1-29
8:39
am

weee! besides you’re posts on canning, maybe this can get me started right too! BBB

summer

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1-29
8:47
am

i’d love some winter canning inspiration! BBB, please:)

mom2girls

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1-29
8:50
am

Me, too, please.

Rockyshore

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1-29
8:50
am

Wonderful tidbit of trivia for today! Would love to win the BBB-thanks!
Debbie

Debbie

Flag this comment
1-29
8:56
am

BBB

And I love stories like that. Actually I thought preserving went back farther, good story. I still don’t know why it works, but am glad it does.

lilac wolf

Flag this comment
1-29
9:01
am

I could sure use a BBB. I guess with the new snow you are house bound.

sam

sam

Flag this comment
1-29
9:03
am

BBB, please.

Bonnie

Flag this comment
1-29
9:11
am

I’ve just started canning about 2 yrs. ago never had a garden myself before then remember as a little girl my dad having a garden but they never canned. With times the way they are now and with all the stuff going into food you buy I am liking doing this for my family it even taste better. Love your blog. It is very interesting the military was the first to can things. Would love to have that book. (BBB)

Tammy

Flag this comment
1-29
9:13
am

BBB.. and thank you for the factoid.

Rhonda

Flag this comment
1-29
9:16
am

BBB Please

jim

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1-29
9:19
am

Really enjoy your animal tales. BBB

Donna

Flag this comment
1-29
9:23
am

I’d like the BBB please.

Amanda

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1-29
9:24
am

That was a neat historical tidbit. Thanks for sharing. :-) BBB

Jeannie

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1-29
9:25
am

Interesting how technological advances came about because of the needs of the military…….and today, because of space exploration. BBB, please!

joeyfulnoise

Flag this comment
1-29
9:26
am

would love to win a bbb!

Teri

Flag this comment
1-29
9:32
am

Pick me, please!!!!! BBB

TwistedStitcher

Flag this comment
1-29
9:38
am

enter me too please!

mygirls01

Flag this comment
1-29
9:39
am

I’d love a BBB!

Jana NC

Flag this comment
1-29
9:44
am

I could really use that BBB

marymac

Flag this comment
1-29
9:51
am

Thank you, Rose and thank you, CITR! Please enter my name into the drawing!

Lana

Flag this comment
1-29
9:58
am

Interesting fun fact. Thanks. BBB, Please.

Kathleen

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1-29
10:07
am

BBB please! Thanks Rose and Suzanne!

Linda T.

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1-29
10:16
am

Another chance to say how much I enjoy your blog and photos. I’m so happy that Sprite accepted the mommyhood challenge. BBB

hollygee

Flag this comment
1-29
10:17
am

Cool back story on canning! I would love to win a BBB!

Shelley

Flag this comment
1-29
10:26
am

I love knowing how things like this that we just take for granted began. Very interesting.
Would love to be entered for the BBB.

Chrisi

Flag this comment
1-29
10:32
am

I am reading a romance right now and the hero was in the Battle of Waterloo….I am surrounded by Napoleonic references…makes me think of, hmmmm, pastries maybe? Or canniing! BBB, please!

Amy Cook in WI

Flag this comment
1-29
10:32
am

I only started canning a year ago and I ask myself now what took me so long! BBB Please!!!

Katie

Flag this comment
1-29
10:32
am

Nice bit of history there. Bet most people didn’t know that!

BBB please!

patricialynn

Flag this comment
1-29
10:35
am

Hi- I’m a veggie gardener, have farm animals (goats and chickens) and big time canner and have many canning books but not this one so I would like to be entered into the BBB contest.

I love your blog and found it on Ricki’s Cheesemaking (yes I’m a budding cheesemaker as well) with your monthly cheesemaking challenge. Excellent! I too am intimated by some of the cheeses and you encourage me.

Hope you check out my blog about growing veggies and GIANT veggies at http://giantveggiegardener.com

giantveggiegardener

Flag this comment
1-29
10:41
am

I SO need to learn to can and preserve food. It’s at the top of my to-do list along with making cheese and soap. All of which you have checked off and blogged about…you are so ahead of the game!

I would love a BBB!

Sandy Henderson

Flag this comment
1-29
10:41
am

I’d love the BBB. Thanks.

Melanie

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1-29
10:41
am

BBB please!

amber

Flag this comment
1-29
10:43
am

What a fabulous bit of trivia. Healthier (maybe even as tasty) to think of this now when I hear “Napoleon”. BBB, please

EightPondFarm

Flag this comment
1-29
10:49
am

Interesting tidbit of history! Who knew? Well as usual I’d like to win the BBB contest for today. Wish me luck everyone…no, wait, you all want to win too. )

sal

Flag this comment
1-29
10:50
am

I would like the BBB please. And thanks on the food preservation tidbit. That rascal Napoleon…..I do know his horse was Marengo. (I’m full of worthless information).

iowacowgirl

Flag this comment
1-29
10:51
am

S’il vous plait, BBB! (That’s Napoleon for Count me in!)

Denise :)

Flag this comment
1-29
11:04
am

I would so love to have a BBB. Pick me! Pick me!

Susan Sink

Flag this comment
1-29
11:08
am

How interesting!! Great article, it’s so neat to find out the origin of canning!
BBB!! BBB!! BBB!! BBB!! BBB!!

Rose

Flag this comment
1-29
11:09
am

How interesting!!
BBB!!

Rose

Flag this comment
1-29
11:11
am

I wonder if I can win one for my neighbor…she would be thrilled!

GrammieEarth

Flag this comment
1-29
11:15
am

I would love to win a BBB! Yes please

Renee

Flag this comment
1-29
11:20
am

Yes, please, BBB for me!

Ruth C

Flag this comment
1-29
11:27
am

Interesting history tidbit
BBB please

LeAnn

Flag this comment
1-29
11:28
am

Thanks for the tibit. Its interesting to know the history. Need to fact check but I’m thinking that’s why we got the m&m, from the military. So it wouldn’t melt in your hand. BBB Please.

Barb W

Flag this comment
1-29
11:29
am

I would like to learn to can, BBB.

Diane

Flag this comment
1-29
11:34
am

Napoleon didn’t do any canning himself because he always had one hand in his shirt & we all know it’s “all hands on deck” when trying to get that hot stuff into the jars. BBB please!

Snow is melting in KC – up to 50 degrees today. Woohoo!

Martha in KS

Flag this comment
1-29
11:38
am

BBB PLEASE

NAOMI

Flag this comment
1-29
11:38
am

Love the history – signed me up for the BBB give away!!!!

patricia(ticka1)

Flag this comment
1-29
11:41
am

Boy, I could use a new BBB canning book. Mine is from the 1960s.

Jersey Lady

Flag this comment
1-29
11:42
am

Cool story about Napoleon’s contest. Thanks for this contest. I hope I win a BBB. Thanks for all you do!!

Patty

Flag this comment
1-29
11:43
am

thank you for sponsoring the giveaway Rose! And thank you Suzanne for that interesting historical fact about canning. I didn’t know. I guess the next time I can something I’ll think of Napoleon! BBB!

Miss Becky

Flag this comment
1-29
11:44
am

Would love to be entered in the BBB please!

Leslie

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1-29
11:46
am

BBB please?

Zusiqu

Flag this comment
1-29
11:50
am

I would love to have a new canning book mine is very old, but I love it….BBB Please

Dana

Flag this comment
1-29
12:08
pm

I love historical background information. And, I would love to win a BBB.

Sandra in Oklahoma

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1-29
12:09
pm

I have one from way back many many yrs ago and now would love to win one for my daughter and husband -who want to move back closer to Maine after service in the marines-and have a garden-and learn to can. He-my son-law-wants to do it with her because she tells him about how much her mom and dad canned together when she was little!- -It is easier when you have good help!!-I love hearing stories like this from my girls!!—BBB__BBB—BBB–BBB—BBB—fingers crossed!!!! BBB–BBB–BBB–BBB

rain

Flag this comment
1-29
12:11
pm

Being relatively new to canning, I would love this book.
BBB

Alison

Flag this comment
1-29
12:18
pm

I am hoping to start canning this year. I totally slacked off last year and didn’t even plant my garden. Well, I did have a baby in mid April and just wasn’t up to doing much else!! Anyway, its a new year to get back on track. Suzanne, you are such an inspiration. My family loves your recipes (especially the Tex Mex enchilada sauce and the Grandmother’s bread!) I’d love to be entered in the BBB contest! Thank you!

Kirsten S

Flag this comment
1-29
12:21
pm

Cool information. And now I have a good explanation–”I don’t know why it works, it just does!” BBB

Barbie

Flag this comment
1-29
12:21
pm

Give me (BBB) or give me dea…ok, not death, but I would like to be in the drawing! Thanks

aprilejoi

Flag this comment
1-29
12:24
pm

It’s always nice to learn something new. BBB for me also. Have a wonderful day. MN Mona

Ramona Slocum

Flag this comment
1-29
12:31
pm

I thought you were going to teach us how to can ICE CREAM!! HA I was all excited BBB Thanks!

Tanya Miller

Flag this comment
1-29
12:41
pm

Thanks for the history lesson…I wish it would have been that interesting in school!

Please add me to the list for the drawing.

thanks!

Kerrie

Flag this comment
1-29
12:50
pm

What a neat history lesson! Thanks for the chance to win the BBB.

Lynette

Flag this comment
1-29
12:55
pm

Hunh. A military man. Who’da thunk? Thank you for that. And thank you, Suzanne and Rose, for the chance to win a BBB (for my daughter).

Vicki in So. CA

Flag this comment
1-29
1:00
pm

That is so cool. Thanks for the knowledge. BBB please!

LisaAJB

Flag this comment
1-29
1:03
pm

I would love to win a BBB

geena22

Flag this comment
1-29
1:10
pm

I learn SO much reading your blog! Thanks! Please put me in for the BBB draw, too.

Lucy

Flag this comment
1-29
1:24
pm

Well who woulda thunk it! My son is like that too….”it doesn’t matter why, it just does, go with it!” My daughter and I, nope, why, why, why….. BBB

Nancy Stickler

Flag this comment
1-29
1:28
pm

Wow A history lesson & canning that’s whats amazing about this blog I LOVE IT
Oh yes please enter me into the Contest for the BLUE BALL BOOK.
Are Canadians eligible.
Have a great day. Ann

ann/alba

Flag this comment
1-29
1:31
pm

I would like this book! (BBB)

Lee in KY

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1-29
1:53
pm

BBB please!

BethAnn

Flag this comment
1-29
2:30
pm

Thanks for the interesting info Suzanne. I hope that mothers will continue to pass down canning and preserving techniques so they don’t become a “lost art”. BBB please!

Debbie S

Flag this comment
1-29
2:36
pm

Suzanne, how do you know this stuff? BBB,please and thanks to Rose.

lavenderblue

Flag this comment
1-29
2:40
pm

I would love to win! Love your site

Christine

Flag this comment
1-29
2:51
pm

I look forward to your blog every day. I love to can all my garden vegetables and the fruits we can get. Keep up the good work. BBB.

Betty

Flag this comment
1-29
2:51
pm

Napoleon eh??

BBB

joanne

Flag this comment
1-29
3:18
pm

Sounds like me on the computer, no idea how it works, it just does. I am just getting into pressure canning. een scared of it. I had better get into it, I now have 2 pressure canners. woudl love an up to date BBB.
At the risk of eing a suck up, I do love your site. I dont know how you have the time to do everything and do a website but I’m glas you do.

Ilene

Flag this comment
1-29
3:25
pm

BBB, please oh please

Pam

Flag this comment
1-29
3:40
pm

Count me in for a chance to win a BBB!

langela

Flag this comment
1-29
3:45
pm

Just so glad we live in the time we do so we can enjoy the pleasures of canning. BBB

Lynda Treen

Flag this comment
1-29
3:49
pm

Enter me, pls! BBB

Renee

Flag this comment
1-29
3:51
pm

Would love to win the book! BBB

Delanki

Flag this comment
1-29
3:53
pm

I would love that book!

Nadeanne

Flag this comment
1-29
4:13
pm

Thanks Suzanne for the nugget of trivia. And thank you to Rose for sponsoring this give away! BBB please.

Kristen A

Flag this comment
1-29
4:15
pm

Thanks for that tidbit of history!
BBB please.

Teresa in Ga

Flag this comment
1-29
4:17
pm

BBB – evenually you’ll HAVE TO PICK ME!!!

Tricia in TEXAS

Flag this comment
1-29
4:46
pm

That is a really cool fact. BBB please!

Kelly A

Flag this comment
1-29
4:47
pm

BBB Please! Also, I’m taking a cheese making class from a lady who has a small herd of goats and absolutely cannot wait! Thanks for all of the inspiration ! I’ll be referencing your site when I finally get the courage to try making hard cheeses! Also, I’m so happy for you that Sprite took to motherhood! That’s wonderful news!!

Jenny Sterling

Flag this comment
1-29
5:09
pm

please enter me for the BBB.
Janice

Janice Jewett

Flag this comment
1-29
5:27
pm

My Mom taught me to can, who knew there was a book!!!
Maybe my luck has changed and I will win a BBB!!!

annabel52

Flag this comment
1-29
5:37
pm

Still trying; thanks for another chance – and an interesting bit of history!

Michelle

Flag this comment
1-29
5:39
pm

BBB, please!!

cricketjett

Flag this comment
1-29
5:44
pm

I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks and I love it!! Love the way you post frequently and just enjoy all the farm stuff. My husband and I are starting our owm farm this year!

I would love to win the Ball Blue Book.

Brittany P.

Flag this comment
1-29
6:13
pm

Hi there, Yes, I will win Jeopardy one of these days.
Please enter me in the BBB
Mary

marylhall330

Flag this comment
1-29
6:17
pm

Sign me up – and thanks!

Leah's Mom

Flag this comment
1-29
6:21
pm

please, please! Can I get a bbb?

kindigo27

Flag this comment
1-29
6:26
pm

BBB please…it would be a great way to start 2011! Thanks!

Luann

Flag this comment
1-29
6:26
pm

BBB

Howard

Flag this comment
1-29
6:37
pm

BBB Please!

Theresa

Flag this comment
1-29
7:26
pm

BBB please, and thanks for all the goatie/cheesey information this month! I have two nubians expecting in a month, and I am very excited to try your recipes!

Taryn

Flag this comment
1-29
7:27
pm

Would love to win a book…I’ve just started converting my family over to slow food rather than fast food. We made pizza last night with hand-made dough, home-canned red sauce, and mozzarella cheese from our own goats that we milk. It was exciting to see the family devour it! Can’t wait to learn more about canning. Pick me for the BBB! Thanks!

edennranch

Flag this comment
1-29
8:42
pm

I’d love to win a BBB!

Jennifer S

Flag this comment
1-29
9:05
pm

Merci Monsieur Appert!

BBB me please!

farmershae

Flag this comment
1-29
10:16
pm

Wow! You learn something new everyday! Thanks for the bit of history and the chance to win.

Carol H

Flag this comment
1-29
10:44
pm

BBB please

TeresaJM

Flag this comment
1-29
10:55
pm

Please. Please. Please… BBB please.

ayenbe

Flag this comment
1-29
11:15
pm

Thanks for the information. Would like to practice up on my canning. BBB

Kathy Chaney

Flag this comment
1-29
11:55
pm

I would love to win bbb.

melody

Flag this comment
1-30
12:28
am

Thank you for a chance to win. I would love the BBB!

Lisa W

Flag this comment
1-30
12:47
am

BBB please and thank you

Ruth S

Flag this comment
1-30
1:44
am

BBB please!! Double please!!!

Willamette Valley Girl

Flag this comment
1-30
10:10
am

Thank you for the history lesson. I have learned my “something new every day”. I would like to be entered in the BBB contest. I am going in on a large garden with a friend and he wants to can everything. Thanks again, Suzanne,
T

Tea4too0

Flag this comment
1-30
10:17
am

This giveaway is closed to entry. The winning comment number is #30, mom2girls.

Suzanne McMinn

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