3.5

Ken Alexander

Art History - Los Medanos College

3.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
38%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
3.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.5
Clarity

38%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

34

4

16

3

14

2

8

1

12

What Students Say

very condescending, asks a lot of rhetorical questions, uses shame tactics with students, not patient or helpful "figure it out", doesn't take responsibility, commands respect but doesn't give it, talks at students not to students, hard to have input in discussions, uses sarcasm and putdowns to engage students but really just damages self esteem

HUMANITIES - 1.0 rating

He expects way too much out of you

ART0062 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (7)
A (6)
B (5)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(5)C(4)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 29 reported grades
A+: 7
A: 6
B: 5
B+: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (14)
Participation matters (8)
Lecture heavy (8)
Lots of homework (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (5)
Group projects (4)
Tough grader (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.68 avg change
Sep
Dec
Jan
Mar
Jun
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ART6LSHISTORY

5.0

(1)

HUMANITIESART

5.0

(1)

ART1012

5.0

(1)

HUMST20ART7

5.0

(1)

AA

5.0

(1)
+33 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ART11

5.0

HUMAN120

5.0

ART0062

5.0

ART

4.5

ART007

4.3

Reviews (84)
5.0
3.0
ART6LSHISTORY
Jan 16, 2005

Excellent teacher and really goes out of his way to make the class interesting. Occasionally he may ramble a bit, but its no biggie. He really teaches the lecture well and strikes up good conversations. If you are ever stuck in a jam with him, he will see what he can do to help you out in the class.

5.0
3.0
HUMANITIESART
May 11, 2005

One of the best teachers I've ever had. Smart, funny, really makes a class interesting. I get the feeling he could lecture on any subject and make it fascinating. LOVE HIM.

2.0
3.0
ART10
May 23, 2005

This class wasn't terribly hard, but he spent entirely too much time trying to analyze my personality & trying to make me fit some mold he wanted me to fit into - others also took note of this. This made the class really uncomfortable & unenjoyable for me.

5.0
1.0
ARTHISTORY
Aug 24, 2005

No Comments

3.0
1.0
WORLDARTHIST
Aug 30, 2005

You will die of continual boredom!

3.0
3.0
THEVISUALARTS
Aug 30, 2005

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ART
Aug 30, 2005

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ART10
Sep 1, 2005

love the class. great professor. really likes to see his students succeed.

4.0
3.0
ARTHISTORY
Grade: A
Sep 2, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ART1012
Grade: B
Sep 2, 2005

Very cool teacher. Still atttending his class now in art 10

4.0
3.0
ARTHISTORY1
Sep 3, 2005

a fabulous teacher! he makes the subject interesting; even if you are not in love with art by the end of the course you will be. he is funny and intelligent and very laid back!

4.0
3.0
ARTSTUFF
Sep 4, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ARTHISTORY
Sep 16, 2005

Mr. Alexander is one of the better teachers at LMC, his class was a nice break from the usual boring lectures I got in other classes.

5.0
2.0
ARTHISTORY
Sep 28, 2005

good teacher. will work with students if necessary. always appropriate and occassionally funny

5.0
3.0
HUMST20ART7
Oct 28, 2005

Best Professor at LMC. Lectures organized, in depth. The work load can seem heavy at times but it is all in good preperation for a transfer.

5.0
2.0
ART10
Jun 29, 2006

Ken is the best! He actually cares about his students, and expects them to try, and susceed. If you need his help he's always there.

5.0
4.0
AA
Feb 4, 2009

Ken Alexander is by far the best professor at L.M.C. He is absolutely marvelous! His lectures were always interesting. Students take a lot from his class. I highly recommend Professor Alexander. He really knows what he's lecturing about.

5.0
4.0
ART6
Jun 5, 2009

Ken is a walking text book. He knows more than anyone I have ever encountered. He is a wonderful Professor. His class was interesting and challenging. You've gotta do the work or he will not be pleased. You need to participate or he will assign extra work to the entire class. So, let your voices be heard in class!

4.0
5.0
ART11
Dec 15, 2009

hes ok

1.0
5.0
HUMAN120
Jan 21, 2010

Once he starts picking on you, he will not leave you alone. If he doesn't like your opinion about something, he will try to make you look like a fool and won't leave you alone for the rest of the semester. Too many essays and journals. Group presentation required at the end of semester as the final and class very time consuming.

5.0
4.0
ART10
Mar 2, 2010

I enjoyed his sense of humor and found his lectures to be quite enjoyable.

5.0
3.0
HUMAN022
Apr 29, 2010

I loved Ken's class. I learned SO much and was interested the whole time he was teaching. I plan to take his art history class soon.

4.0
1.0
HUMAN20
Sep 21, 2010

Good teacher and really easy

3.0
2.0
HUMAN022
Nov 18, 2010

hes interesting. makes you read a couple of novels and flims that you write papers for, all papers should be profound critical thing. and movies will be discussed in class by a group. he likes people to talk in class and will pick people if no one participates. overall a pretty good teacher.

4.0
3.0
ART07
Dec 9, 2010

Ken definitely knows his subject, probably too well.Overall, his class is incredibly demanding, he gives a ton of work.Make sure you put a lot of time into your project because that's the mjority of the grade.His lectures are annoying because he will ask questions that only he knows the answer to, and when no one responds he gets really cranky!

4.0
3.0
ART008
Jan 13, 2011

He grades a little tough but really it is on stuff that he expects to be done that most people just blow off. Just follow his directions and if you dont understand ask questions because he is always there to help. He knows A LOT about art and if you are interested in this field he is definitely a teacher to take.

3.0
4.0
ART006
May 17, 2011

not easy. You need to do a lot of homework. If you are not familiar with western art, don't take this class

2.0
3.0
HUMAN19
Jun 29, 2011

Tons of reading and writing. Be prepared to critically think and write about 5-9 papers on the novels. Class was utterly boring and, at times, did not relate to the subject matter. Debate (final) was ridiculous. It lacked thought and a clear objective. I would not take any future classes with him.

2.0
4.0
HUMAN19
Jul 31, 2011

I woundn't take this guys class. I had to read 4-5 novals and write 4-5 essays on it. The final is a debate and its ridiculus.Save your time and money and dont take this class. If you have to take it, take it with another teacher.

5.0
3.0
ART008
Aug 16, 2011

One thing I loved about being in his class is that he actually keeps the class awake. He makes you speak-out and be part of the class discussions. The work isn't hard. It's only hard if you don't pay attention and don't put your mind to it. I really enjoyed it and I'm actually taking another one of his classes. I definitely recommend this teacher.

2.0
4.0
HISY6
Dec 3, 2011

He has a terrible attitude. He's rude & frequently curses in class, which is completely unprofessional. Flips students off for smart remarks. Often uses the F word. He is precise about homework but if he changes the due date on an assignment, he becomes unorganized & difficult about it. Very organized & gives work back the next class. Expects students to bring more to the discussion. He is very knowledgable but doesn't take into consideration that we're not as knowledgeable as he is.

2.0
5.0
HUMAN024
Feb 19, 2012

Demanded handwritten cornell notes on reading assignments up to 300 pages per week. Instructor was particularly unhelpful about how to take these notes, or how voluminous they needed to be. I could read fast enough to cover the assignments, but couldn't write notes fast enough to keep up with my other full time course load. Dropped the cl

5.0
3.0
ARTHI007
May 5, 2012

Mr. Alexander really knows his stuff. At first I didn't like him but as the semester went on I really enjoyed his class. The homework is easy and the midterm, you just have to think critically. He does give extra points for good papers. I would recommend him if you aren't afraid to think. He is a very smart person and easy going.

5.0
3.0
HUMAN19
Jul 12, 2012

As long as you are willing to participate in the discussions and do the work, you'll find that Ken is one of the best teachers around. He's passionate about his work, knows his stuff and is adept at getting across the information in a relevant and captivating manner. He expects a lot from you, but he's one of the best professors I've ever had.

5.0
2.0
ART12
Sep 4, 2012

I'm happy I got to take Alexander at least once before I graduated and thoroughly enjoyed having him as a teacher. I love how real he is, whether he's cussing or just saying it how it is rather than cookie cutting everything. I'd gladly take his class again.

1.0
5.0
ART0062
Nov 21, 2012

He expects way too much out of you. Cornell notes are pointless, he says he does them to make sure we actually read the book.Not to mention he makes you feel like an idiot for either not talking in class or saying the wrong thing.Also the instructions he gives in class conflict with the syllabus, then he blames you for not understanding.

1.0
4.0
ART008
Nov 26, 2012

Does not have a rubric, gets a "feel" of the essays and grades them accordingly. therefore, you don't know what you're doing wrong. learn more from the actual book than from this Raging narcissist, stay clear of his classes.

3.0
3.0
ART6
Nov 27, 2012

Don't take his class, especially if you're someone who doesn't like to contribute to class discussions. He makes you feel like a complete idiot and he expects too much from his students. Terrible teacher in terms of personality. He really knows his art history, but gets pissed off if no one gets involved in the discussion. Beware.

3.0
4.0
ART08
Dec 6, 2012

Also had him for Human-019; enjoyed both courses, for the most part. Always tries to get students involved during lectures and discussions. Course wise: Not recommended for students who don't like to participate in class discussions/voice opinions. Cool guy, though firm/strict when it comes to course work. Do work, participate, and you'll be good.

5.0
3.0
HUMANITIES19
May 17, 2013

Ken is a great teacher! He is willing to help if you ask for it. He knows his subject, so don't give any BS, he will call you out. You must participate in class and do the work to get a good grade. Don't take his classes if you want to sit in the back and just get by, he will ask you direct questions and make you participate.

4.0
5.0
ART006
May 30, 2013

ken is an amazing person, he's practically a genius. This is not an easy class though tons of book work, and essays assigned, if your willing to be pushed mentally this is the class for you.

4.0
5.0
ART007
May 30, 2013

Knows his stuff, very passionate about his area of study. Totally different person outside of class. Tons of homework given 7 page notes due weekly along with 5-6 pages essays about every couple weeks. Lots of tedious work

5.0
3.0
ART07
Jun 4, 2013

Had a good time in the class. A lot of work to do though. It's not impossible to get an A but it does take effort on your part. See him in his office hours for help. He carries his teacher persona in class very well but is a lot nicer one on one. Wise man.

5.0
1.0
HUMAN0200016
Grade: B
Aug 15, 2013

He teaches the way teachers should teach. If you expect a discussion-less, busywork, typical test-taking class, you'll be severely disappointed, or severely happy! Ken (he wants us students to call him that) has a discussion-based class, debate-style exams, critical thinking essays & cornell notes,and pushes you to participate. He genuinely cares.

5.0
4.0
ART7
Nov 24, 2013

This was my second class with Ken. He is a great person, loves his subject and wants you to enjoy it too. If you have questions, he will always email back and willing to meet in office hours. Lots of time consuming, but not difficult work. Not an easy A with him, it will take work. But, wonderful teacher and I would definitely recommend his class!

3.0
5.0
HUMAN0229528
Dec 5, 2013

This guy is rude. He drives me insane. All he does is talk, talk, and talk! He does nothing visual to spice up the class and expects the class to be excited. Uh, i don't think so. Not to mention he goes of and tangents about things that don't even matter to the class. Just avoid this teacher at all costs!

5.0
1.0
HUMAN0229528
Grade: A+
Dec 13, 2013

I definitely thought this class would be my hardest class but it wasn't too difficult at all. It wasn't the easiest but it was the most easy going. I think he's one of the most passionate teachers and his lectures are always great. You can always be sure to leave the class with a different perspective!

4.0
2.0
HUMANITIES019
Jan 24, 2014

When I 1st read Ken's reviews I was very worried to say the least, but found that his poor reviews were far from his character. He has high standards and assigns a lot of work, but he's fair and nice! Very passionate and gets you thinking. I think all the poor reviews before were just lazy students on a tangent! I suggest taking him! :)

5.0
4.0
HUMAN20
Mar 5, 2014

Alexander is one of(if not thee)best Professors at LMC. He has complete and through knowledge of the course material and made each and every class interesting and thought provoking. I highly recommend him to all student with the desire to learn and are not too feeble minded to do the reading and the work. The benefits will far out weigh the labor.

4.0
3.0
ART006
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2014

Not the easiest class, but not the most difficult. He's intimidating at first but that gets better as the semester progresses. Tells you what he expects. The only thing I don't like is the cornell notes. But still a good class

5.0
4.0
ARTHISTORY
Grade: A+
Oct 20, 2014

Hands down one of the best teacher that LMC has to offer. I never talkparticipated in two of his art history classes discussions but never once did i get chastised or humiliated by this man. Really all you have to do to earn and A in this class is to show up and do your work diligently, properly and on-time an you will get through this class.

5.0
1.0
HUMANITIES20
Oct 23, 2014

Best professor at LMC.

3.0
3.0
ART17
Jan 13, 2015

Lots of notes. Not too hard but wouldn't take a class with him if given the choice.

1.0
3.0
HUMANITIES
Feb 24, 2015

very condescending, asks a lot of rhetorical questions, uses shame tactics with students, not patient or helpful "figure it out", doesn't take responsibility, commands respect but doesn't give it, talks at students not to students, hard to have input in discussions, uses sarcasm and putdowns to engage students but really just damages self esteem

5.0
4.0
ART008
May 27, 2015

Ken Alexander is a very, very good professor. His lectures are very engaging and interesting and he really knows what he's talking about. He goes very in depth and makes you think about things you hadn't thought about before. However, the classes he teaches require a lot of work, and long, critical thinking essays. Do not take if you are lazy.

3.0
3.0
HUMAN019
Grade: B+
Dec 29, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Professor Alexander is a decent teacher, but his biggest downfall is that he's condescending. Avoid taking classes longer than an hour and twenty minutes because you'll be falling asleep thirty minutes in. Take with confidence.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
ART006
Grade: A+
Jan 23, 2017
Would take again

Wont lie, he seems really intimidating at first, but after taking his course last semester I have to say I really miss it. He's very passionate and I learnt a lot about art history. The class is really easy to pass as long as you do the cornell notes and participate in class.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Participation matters
3.0
4.0
HUMAN024
Grade: B+
Nov 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Extremely knowledgeable. He can be condescending, in fact, you can even feel it in his prompts and emails. He does take it personally if you do not show up to class. A good teacher. His biggest downfall, to me, is how unclear his prompts are. Also, essay assignments unrelated to the class or the slos.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
5.0
HUMAN022
Grade: A
May 22, 2018
Would take again

I loved this class and will miss professor Alexander. He is not an easy teacher but does care about his students . We had fun in our class although some of the movies made me cry and a lot of the history is painful to learn about. Overall hes one of the best teachers Ive ever had !

Gives good feedback
Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
HUMAN20
Grade: A
Sep 10, 2018
Would take again

This is THE instructor for art history you want to take. Not interested in humanities? It won't matter, his classes are some of the best on campus. He asks you take responsibility for yourself, but is more than willing to offer assistance. His grading may be a little tough, but he's man of words so it should be expected.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
ART006
Grade: C+
Oct 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

My fellow people dont take his class Im already half way through the semester and Im regretting it he rude he forgets to remind us on the exams he one time got mad at me because he thought I wasnt in his class when I was he called me out when I was on my phone beware to work harder than you should and his prompts are complicated to understand

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
HUMAN19
Grade: B
Nov 28, 2018
Would take again

Professor Alexander is a knowledgable and great teacher. You have to read a lot and do a lot of critical thinking in this class, so be prepared for that. There is a reading conversation after every book we read. No tests, just reading conversations. My only problem with his class was that he was little unclear on some due dates. He's a good guy.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
HUMAN024
Grade: A+
Dec 29, 2018
Would take again

Great teacher for introducing Shakespeare. Cornell notes are the annoying factor but overall the class is fun and enjoyable. Professor Alexander makes you develop strong critical thinking skills and is helpful if you need access outside of class. His sarcasm is hilarious so if your too sensitive and a whiner dont take him.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
HUMANITIES019
Grade: C-
Apr 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

It's been over a year and a half since I took a class with him, he is still my least favorite professor ever. He openly made fun of me and picked on me in class and I still don't know why. My peers would read everything before I turned it in and he gave me F's or C's on everything. If you don't agree with him he will openly yell and berate you.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
So many papers
4.0
3.0
HUMAN020
Grade: B+
May 24, 2019
Would take again

What to expect? Typically class time consists only of informative lectures or occasionally reading conversations that require thought out answers. The same goes for the homework. The amount of reading may seem daunting, but if you are clever enough and use your time right, you will be okay. Overall he is a great professor for Humanities-20.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
HUMAN120
Aug 31, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Group projects are a major part of the class, lots and lots of reading. i cannot emphasize that enough. set aside like at least 2 or 3 hours a day to just read. then you also have to do notes. plus side is no matter how much you read, its only 3 pages of cornell notes total. dont fall behind! drop if you dont think you can pass, drop!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HUMAN19
Sep 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Rude. Not helpful. No warnings. Lecture long/boring. All textbook work

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
5.0
ART10
Grade: B+
Nov 5, 2019
Would take again

He's harsh but if you come to class and pay attention and do your work you'll pass.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
3.0
3.0
ART006
Grade: B
Feb 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Being honest, I would not recommend taking his art history classes if you don't have much experience with art, since he teaches the class like you already understand the material. His sarcasm is borderline condescending and he'll call you out for being awkward or quiet. On the bright side, he gives out extra credit on every assignment. :/

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
HUMAN022
Grade: B
Feb 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class is boring, he uses the same material to teach as he does his other art history classes. I wouldn't take this class if I didn't have to. Get ready to called on randomly and be prepared for sitting through a repetitive class of long lectures of nothing. Homework includes: notes, annotations, movies, critical thinking tests, books (5 total)

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
ART007
Dec 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He was honestly very rude, gives A LOT of busy work but I didn't learn a single thing. Around 8 assignments per week, made a couple projects and writing assignment due the same day. Too much stress for a class that really had nothing to offer. Never taking an Art History class again because of him.

Lots of homework
4.0
4.0
ART007
Dec 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This instructor was more than lenient for the fall 2020 semester. Yes, there is a considerable amount of work, and there are times when 3 units really felt more like 4, but Professor Alexander is not out to get you.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
2.0
HUMAN20
Grade: A+
Jan 23, 2021
Would take again

I took his class as a summer class. Yes there was an abundance of homework, papers, reading and Cornell notes, and a ton of videos but it wasn't rocket science. If you can write decently you can earn an A. Ken can be harsh with words but mainly he cares about his subject and wants you to care too. He was my toughest teacher and I EARNED my A+.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
2.0
2.0
ART008
Grade: A
May 4, 2021
Would take again

professor ken can come across as rude and scary with the things he says, but sometimes its funny and he's not always serious either. his grading is super easy, I normally got 7/5 on discussion posts just for being "interesting," the group tests are more fun than the written ones because all you do is discuss the prompt&record. lots of hw but easy

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
ART008
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took this class my first semester of college and would never take his class again! He is super rude to students especially if you do not know what is happening. I only recommend this class for art majors or those creative. He does assign an art project due at the end of the year and if I knew that I would not have taken the class.

Lots of homework
Group projects
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
ART008
Grade: C
Sep 10, 2022

Worst Professor you will ever encounter

1.0
4.0
HUMAN0229528
Sep 10, 2022

I dare you to take this class LOL

5.0
2.0
HUMANITIES
Grade: A+
Sep 22, 2022
Would take again

The class wasn't too hard and the lectures were entertaining.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
ARTHISTORY
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2023

Overall an easy class but he is so blunt and his responses make you feel dumb if you are unsure of something. I thought he had no legs, for a while I never seen him stand up.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
1.0
4.0
ART008
Grade: C+
Dec 7, 2023

The class is quite challenging. It becomes even tougher due, to the teaching style of the instructor. Be prepared, for a lot of reading taking notes watching videos with accompanying questions and completing four exams that involve both speaking and writing. Additionally there's an art project that consists of 1-3 phases which adds to the workload.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
2.0
HUMAN019
Grade: A
Jan 28, 2025
Would take again

I had Ken for nine classes while I was a student. The current class I am taking with him suggested a look here so let me be frank: he's awesome. Just TRY!

Group projects
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
ART12
Mar 16, 2025

He is a nice person and laid back, but he is very old school and does not give very clear instruction sometimes. Seems a little passive aggressive when asked questions about due dates, project details, etc. Passionate but is very critical on assignments. 50/50 end up watching his lecture videos in class rather than him teaching directly.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
ART008
Grade: D+
Jun 26, 2025

Ken is not respectful at all, whenever he emails all of us for updates or upcoming projects, he gets so hostile and only cares about your grades doesn't care about what you say about a specific topic and tries to give a little lecture advice in the near future in life. any students that are going to lmc this fall don't take him, needs to retire NOW

Tough grader
Group projects
So many papers
1.0
5.0
ART
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 1, 2025

Extremely rude, will call you out in class. He was supposed to retire but didn't for some reason.

Tough grader
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (7)
A (6)
B (5)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(5)C(4)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 29 reported grades
A+: 7
A: 6
B: 5
B+: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (14)
Participation matters (8)
Lecture heavy (8)
Lots of homework (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (5)
Group projects (4)
Tough grader (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.68 avg change
Sep
Dec
Jan
Mar
Jun
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ART6LSHISTORY

5.0

(1)

HUMANITIESART

5.0

(1)

ART1012

5.0

(1)

HUMST20ART7

5.0

(1)

AA

5.0

(1)
+33 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ART11

5.0

HUMAN120

5.0

ART0062

5.0

ART

4.5

ART007

4.3

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