The Chris Rock Show

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The Chris Rock Show
HBO Downtown Productions
Original release
NetworkHBO
ReleaseFebruary 7, 1997 (1997-02-07) –
November 25, 2000 (2000-11-25)

The Chris Rock Show was a weekly, Friday night,

Emmy
for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program in 1999. It ran for five seasons from February 7, 1997, to November 25, 2000.

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
Season premiere Season finale
1 5 February 7, 1997 March 7, 1997
2 12 September 12, 1997 December 12, 1997
3 13 August 21, 1998 November 6, 1998
4 12 September 17, 1999 December 17, 1999
5 13 August 19, 2000 November 25, 2000

Episodes

Season 1 (1997)

No. in
season
No. in
series
Interview Guest Musical (or other) Guest Original air date
11The Artist Formerly Known as PrinceFebruary 7, 1997 (1997-02-07)

22D'AngeloFebruary 14, 1997 (1997-02-14)

  • For the special Valentine's Day show, Chris reads an excerpt from the fictional book: Ike Turner's "The Rules", then shows an educational filmstrip, "Dating & Romance in the Modern World".
  • Jenifer and Chris have a flirty discussion about what women want.
  • An ad is shown for the law firm of Pervis, Pervis & Platt, who also specialize in nail and hair work.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris reunites with three of his ex-girlfriends and presents them with flowers, candy, and pigs' feet ... then reveals them in the audience.
  • D'Angelo performs "
    ?uestlove
    .
33CakeFebruary 21, 1997 (1997-02-21)

  • Black History Month Minute: special guest Bryant Gumbel presents an anecdote about George Washington.
  • A clip is shown of Louis Farrakhan (re-dubbed voice of Ali LeRoi) reaching out to the Jewish community.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris tracks a $5 bill through Harlem.
  • John Amos is greeted with a standing ovation (and a crying Wanda Sykes), and he and Chris talk about John's work on Good Times and the rest of his oeuvre to date.
  • Black History Month Minute: special guest Eartha Kitt presents an anecdote about Karen Black.
  • Chris talks via satellite to Donny Savoy (Ali LeRoi) and Richie Banks (Lance Crouther) about this year's Oscar-nominated black actors.
  • Black History Month Minute: special guest Stanley Crouch presents an anecdote about Ford cars being painted black.
  • Cake performs "The Distance" and "I Will Survive", while John Amos runs away from four hungry women.
44MaxwellFebruary 28, 1997 (1997-02-28)

  • In a PSA, Chris introduces the "Knives for Guns" exchange program.
  • Chris speaks via satellite to CRTV correspondents Marvin Blazer and Ali LeRoi about Chris's earlier decision to eat a cheeseburger in Times Square.
  • Chris presents a clip from his favorite new HBO reality show, True Stories of the Justice Squad.
  • Chris and Tyson talk about the reactions that Tyson gets on the street, then Chris announces the winner of the lottery for a date with Tyson.
  • A commercial is shown for "Video Mama", a babysitter substitute video series.
  • Chris has a confusing interview with Rev. Benjamin Thomas (Mario Joyner).
  • Maxwell performs "Somethin' Somethin'".
55Erykah BaduMarch 7, 1997 (1997-03-07)

  • Cold open: Chris and Stuart Scott give a sports-style recap of the most recent Def Comedy Jam.
  • An ad is shown for "Maximum Strength Siggorette", which supposedly helps one quit smoking (though not really).
  • Chris and Tracy talk about their roles on Saturday Night Live, then Chris gives Tracy his own SNL character: "The Loud But Wrong Guy".
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris goes on a spiritual journey.
  • Erykah Badu performs "On and On".
  • At the end of the show, Chris shows a "pre-enactment" clip from next week's episode with guest Oprah Winfrey -- with one of the writers as a stand-in for Oprah.


Season 2 (1997)

No. in
season
No. in
series
Interview Guest Musical (or other) Guest Original air date
16
Puff Daddy
September 12, 1997 (1997-09-12)
Cold open:
Ma$e perform "Been Around the World
".
27Wyclef JeanSeptember 19, 1997 (1997-09-19)
Cold open: Chris talks about auditioning for The Chris Rock Show (with a soundbite from
Gone Till November
" with the Urban Youth Symphony.
38K-Ci & JoJoSeptember 26, 1997 (1997-09-26)
In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people in Harlem about whether they like golf, and plays a game himself. Chris and Whoopi plug each other's books and make small talk. Chris interviews his special guest, Pootie Tang (Lance Crouther), who brings a clip from his new movie, Sine Your Pity on the Runny Kine. K-Ci & JoJo perform "Last Night's Letter".
49
Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott
October 3, 1997 (1997-10-03)
Jon Hayman gives a live report from Times Square for the
Rosh Hashannah ball dropping. Chris uses a photo montage to honor those noble Americans who perform oral sex, then shows a preview of an upcoming HBO documentary, The Darkness Chasers. Chris makes Vivica laugh as they talk about her film roles in Independence Day and Booty Call. Chris talks via satellite to Sophia James (Wanda Sykes), a stripper who is suing her customers for sexual harassment. Missy Elliott performs "Sock It 2 Me
", after which the Rosh Hashannah ball drops.
510LL Cool JOctober 10, 1997 (1997-10-10)
Chris Rock's monologue has its own sponsor: God. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people about jobs for school dropouts (with a cameo by Nipsey Russell). Chris and Bryant discuss race, controversy in journalism, sleep, and Bryant's charity work. An ad is shown for a new video: Dorf on Crack. Chris interviews Dr. Peter Johnson (Mario Joyner), who shows videos of his assisted suicide cases, then chases a sneezing man with a chainsaw. LL Cool J performs "Phenomenon", and the chase continues during the credits.
611
J.C. Watts
Busta RhymesOctober 17, 1997 (1997-10-17)
Cold open: A trailer is shown for the latest film from Ignent Pictures, "Soundtrack: The Movie", and its soundtrack. Chris plays a preview of a new
reality show, No One Called 911. Chris and J.C. Watts discuss race in politics. Busta Rhymes performs "Dangerous
". The public's reactions to "Soundtrack: The Movie" are shown during the credits.
712Bobby BrownOctober 24, 1997 (1997-10-24)
Chris plays a re-edited clip from the
The Roof is On Fire". A political ad is shown advising to vote no on Proposition 238 and read its fine print, with endorsement from Al Sharpton. Rock and Spencer talk about Spencer's former job on Vibe. In a pre-taped segment, Chris visits funeral homes and interviews people about death. For Halloween, Kiddie Kable News anchors Wanda Witch (Wanda Sykes) and Scoopo the Clown (Ali LeRoi
) grin as they report gruesome news items. Bobby Brown performs "Feeling Inside".
813RakimNovember 7, 1997 (1997-11-07)
Cold open: an ad is shown for The Church of Latter Day Gay Sex. Chris points out that the winner of the New York City Marathon (Chris) is in the audience. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews representatives of different political parties (with a few soundbites from Michael J. Fox). Chris and Jesse talk about the lack of motivation to keep the American dream alive. Rakim performs a medley including "Paid in Full", "I Ain't No Joke" and "Microphone Fiend". A voiceover gives instructions for obtaining a VHS copy of tonight's show: tape the rerun.
914Mary J. BligeNovember 21, 1997 (1997-11-21)
Chris presents a new segment, "Shame On You", where crimes against consumers are investigated. Chris and Al talk about what Al needs to do to become elected (mainly, change his hairdo). An ad is shown for LP Bob's Really Rare Records, where LP Bob (Lance Crouther) promotes controversial records that you can't have. Mary J. Blige performs "Seven Days".
1015
Usher
November 28, 1997 (1997-11-28)
Cold open: Footage of the
You Make Me Wanna
".
Note: The DVD release is edited to remove Maestro's "Table Dance" from the "hard liquor" segment.
1116
Salt-n-Pepa
December 5, 1997 (1997-12-05)
Cold open: an ad is shown for the "Dataport 2000T," a non-electric data device. In a pre-taped segment, we see what people on the street are listening to on their headphones. In another pre-taped segment, Chris asks people about how they are preparing for Y2K. Chris asks Roy about what it's like boxing. An ad is shown for the "Wavelink 2000". Chris talks via satellite to Dawn Wise (Wanda Sykes), who just gave birth to dec-octuplets (18 babies). Salt-n-Pepa perform "Gitty Up".
1217LSGDecember 12, 1997 (1997-12-12)
Cold open: Chris stars in a PSA about rickets. Chris shows some (fictitious) clips from previous episodes featuring different video backdrops. A trailer is shown for a new HBO special: When Animals Attack in High Speed Chases II. Chris and Jada talk about movie roles, the Million Woman March, and getting politically involved. Jada wins a bottle of wine for doing an interview without mentioning her husband's name. An animated short is shown: "Bad Phone Sex" (with audio from Chris's album Roll with the New). Chris's special guest, Pootie Tang, stops by to talk about his latest activity, and play an excerpt from his latest music video, Tippy Tye on my Cappatown. LSG performs "My Body".


Season 3 (1998)

No. in
season
No. in
series
Interview Guest Musical (or other) Guest Original air date
118
Tricky
August 21, 1998 (1998-08-21)
Cold open: A trailer is shown for "The
Monica Lewinsky scandal, then talks via satellite to White House mail room supervisor Sonia Brinson (Wanda Sykes
) about the role that race plays in the scandal. Another trailer for The Chris Mullin Show is shown. Tricky performs "Carriage for Two".
219Lenny KravitzAugust 28, 1998 (1998-08-28)
Cold open: A
Viagara has had on her horndog husband. Lenny Kravitz performs "Fly Away
".
320Melanie ComarchoSeptember 4, 1998 (1998-09-04)
Chris presents a clip from a press conference with
Princess Diana. Chris and Jayson talk about a basketball player's salary. Chris's special guest, Pootie Tang
, stops by to talk about his recent press conference. A trailer is shown for a new summer blockbuster, Explosions! Melanie Comarcho performs stand-up comedy.
421
DMX
September 11, 1998 (1998-09-11)
Chris shows a controversial clip from the Million Youth March, with
Khalid Muhammad glorifying his bald head. Chris introduces Jerry Springer, who rushes out and starts brawling with Chris, until bodyguards separate them. An ad is shown for "The Gum", which cures cravings for masturbation. Chris re-introduces Jerry Springer, who sits down for a chat about his show and his former position as Mayor of Cincinnati. Chris interviews marriage counselor Dr. Marlon Lucius King Jr. (Mario Joyner
), who talks about marriage issues. DMX performs "Fuckin' wit D" and "Ruff Ryders Anthem".
522EstheroSeptember 18, 1998 (1998-09-18)
Cold open: An ad is shown for "Thousand Dollar Beer", the official beer of
Nick DiPaolo
) about the NYPD's new programs to minimize police brutality against African-Americans. Esthero performs "Heaven Sent".
623Biz MarkieOctober 2, 1998 (1998-10-02)
Chris shows some title cards from recently-halted
doppelganger. Chris and Wynton talk about his (Wynton's) recent gig at the White House, jazz musicians, and maturity. Chris moderates a discussion between A Black Guy (Ali LeRoi), a Sista (Wanda Sykes) and a White Dude (Tom Agna) about The Starr Report. Biz Markie performs "Bennie and the Jets
".
724
D.L. Hughley
OutkastOctober 9, 1998 (1998-10-09)
Cold open: Attorney Kurtis Kopeland (Chris) will help you win in a wet paint lawsuit. Chris reads an article about
Monica Lewinsky scandal. Outkast perform "Rosa Parks
".
825Jay-ZOctober 16, 1998 (1998-10-16)
Chris engages in a debate with Larry about the
Monica Lewinsky scandal. Jay-Z performs "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)
".
926Faith EvansOctober 27, 1998 (1998-10-27)
Cold open: A political ad is shown for congressional candidate Roger Sykes (Chris), who will get you all the
condoms and oral sex. A political ad for congressional candidate Changa Tamp slanders Pootie Tang. Faith Evans performs "Love Like This
".
1027Don "D.C." CurryNovember 6, 1998 (1998-11-06)
Chris reads from the first draft of the Declaration of Independence, and presents Jesse Ventura's opinion on abortion. In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people on Fifth Avenue to see who's "buying black". Chris and Ward discuss affirmative action and racial equality. Don "D.C." Curry performs stand-up comedy.
1128Method ManNovember 13, 1998 (1998-11-13)
Cold open: A PSA is shown which begs for the basketball season to start, otherwise we'll have crackheads playing with balls of garbage. In a pre-taped segment, Chris raises money for the basketball players affected by the NBA strike. Magic Johnson talks to Chris about his involvement with things other than HIV. Chris interviews Mannie Trumble (Mario Joyner), president of Proud Black Man Industries, makers of malt liquor. Method Man performs "Tical 2000: Judgment Day".
1229Chaka KhanNovember 20, 1998 (1998-11-20)
Cold open: A commercial is shown for the "Watermelon Disguiser", which helps dignified African Americans enjoy watermelon in public. Chris displays some drawings by children with ideas for how to execute prisoners. Chris goes undercover with a spoof of "Taxicab Confessions". Chris and Ed talk about journalism, and Ed's experiences in the Vietnam War. More "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown. Chaka Khan performs "Spoon".
1330Beastie BoysNovember 27, 1998 (1998-11-27)
Cold open: HBO Sports presents Extreme Musical Chairs. Staff writer Chuck Sklar recalls an hilarious (to him) anecdote about a joke he made at a restaurant, and Chris challenges his sense of humor by going live via satellite to "there", where Ali LeRoi interviews people about whether Chuck's joke was funny. A pre-taped segment follows a day in the life of Chris Rock. Chris plays a clip from VH1's Behind the Music, profiling racist country singer Lionel X (Chris). Lisa shows the audience that her hair is not fake, then she and Chris cover such topics as dating, sex, and what women want. Chris plays a clip of his favorite comedian, Controversy LaRue (Chris), then introduces a new sponsor, Fly Sperling Hair Restoration Center. Beastie Boys perform "Body Movin'".


Season 4 (1999)

No. in
season
No. in
series
Interview Guest Musical (or other) Guest Original air date
131D'AngeloSeptember 17, 1999 (1999-09-17)
Cold open: CRTV news anchors
Confederate flag should stay up. Chris and Spike Lee talk about African-American films. Chris talks via satellite to Sonia Brinson (Wanda Sykes) about Hillary Clinton
's candidacy. D'Angelo performs "Chicken Grease". After the credits, Farai Chideya reports that the smacking-upside-the-head rampage has ended.
232Red Hot Chili PeppersSeptember 24, 1999 (1999-09-24)
Cold open: An ad for "Nigga Please" cereal is shown. Chris shows a clip from a UPN newscast, in which the anchors move like they're in an R&B video as they talk. Chris and Allen talk about his (Allen's) career. Chris converses via satellite with
Nick DiPaolo), and Esther Jones (Wanda Sykes) about the recent pardons of the FALN
. The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform "Around the World".
333Les NubiansOctober 1, 1999 (1999-10-01)
Cold open: An ad for the "Malcolm X Games" is shown. Chris displays some offensive art pieces in the Brooklyn Museum. Chris and Al Sharpton talk about Al's involvement with the National Action Network. Chris interviews Terrell Sparks (Mario Joyner), the founder of search engine whazzup.com. Les Nubians perform "Demain".
434Mobb DeepOctober 8, 1999 (1999-10-08)
Cold open: An ad is shown containing prisoners singing "Fuck tha Police", spoofing the ads for The Gap. A documentary segment features Chris looking for the next "Great White Hope". Chris and Iyanla talk about what women want. Mobb Deep perform "The Quiet Storm".
535
Me'shell Ndegeocello
October 22, 1999 (1999-10-22)
Cold open: An ad is shown for Niggatrol, which helps African-Americans relieve themselves from headaches caused by racism. Chris displays some lesser known magazines geared towards African-Americans. In a pre-taped segment, Chris asks the people of Harlem what they want to see on TV. Chris and Ken cover such topics as manners, Brooklyn vs. the militia, and the mass media. Chris moderates a discussion between authors Juanita Briggs (Wanda Sykes) and Morrison McMillan (Ali LeRoi) about romance novels. Me'shell Ndegeocello performs "Loyalty".
636
JB Smoove
October 29, 1999 (1999-10-29)
737
Don King
Dr. Dre, Snoop DoggNovember 5, 1999 (1999-11-05)
Chris plays a taxi cab audio recording of Danny Glover (voice of Ali LeRoi), lists unsuccessful defenses used in court, then shows some footage of unsuccessful gunmen on a rampage. Don King and Chris talk about boxing. An ad is shown for a sports drink, PowerPizz. Chris interviews activist Kevin Turretts (Mario Joyner) about racism, and Kevin displays a new invention of his, the "SteadiCup". Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform "Still D.R.E.", then perform "Bitch Please" with Xzibit during the credits.
838The RootsNovember 12, 1999 (1999-11-12)
Chris proposes some ad ideas for
taco bell chihuahua
). Chris goes undercover again with more "Taxi Driver Confessions". Chris and Taye talk about nudity in movies. Even more "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown. The Roots perform "What You Want".
939
Q-Tip
November 26, 1999 (1999-11-26)
Cold open: A trailer is shown for a new disaster movie, "Shitstorm!" Chris presents a look at some new (fake) game shows. Chris and MC Hammer talk about who the MC Hammer of today could be. An ad is shown for "Happy Together", a series of sexual instructional videos to masturbate to. Chris moderates a debate between a black guy (Ali LeRoi), a sista (Wanda Sykes) and a white dude (Tom Agna) about whether 13-year-old Nathaniel Abraham should be convicted. Q-Tip performs "Breathe and Stop" and "Vivrant Thing".
1040NasDecember 3, 1999 (1999-12-03)
Cold open: An ad is shown for ketchup, the all-purpose condiment. Chris displays some counterfeit Pokémon trading cards, then stars in a documentary segment where he investigates a militant hate group called the HKs, led by a guy named Kevin (Mario Joyner) who hates himself. Chris and Cedric chit-chat about their lives. Nas performs "Come Get Me".
1141KelisDecember 10, 1999 (1999-12-10)
Cold open: An angry old man (Chris) gives an anti-HBO editorial. Chris displays some
BET. A sponsor ad is shown for Make You Wait Hair Salon, which lives up to its name. A presidential ad for Bill Bradley
is used as a counter-attack against Tree Rollins. Kelis performs "Caught Out There".
1242Jay-ZDecember 17, 1999 (1999-12-17)


Season 5 (2000)

No. in
season
No. in
series
Interview Guest Musical (or other) Guest Original air date
143Jill ScottAugust 19, 2000 (2000-08-19)

  • Cold open: CRTV News Correspondent Curl Jackson (Ali LeRoi) reports from Harlem, where the annual Running of the Cops begins.
  • Chris uses video clips to compare activities between the Republican and Democratic conventions, then shows his audition tape for Monday Night Football.
  • In a documentary segment, "Twelve Hours to Freedom", Chris starts an awareness campaign to free Bobby Brown from prison.
  • Chris and Bernie talk about his (Bernie's) lack of a TV show (though he would eventually gain one in 2001), along with such topics as racial profiling and police brutality.
  • Jill Scott performs "Getting in the Way".
244Lucy PearlAugust 26, 2000 (2000-08-26)

  • Chris shows a teaser for the
    Survivor
    .
  • Chris stars in his own reality show, "Halle Berry 911".
  • Chris and his Nurse Betty co-star Morgan Freeman talk about on-screen personalities.
  • Chris discusses Al Gore's popularity among African-Americans with political analyst A Black Guy (Ali LeRoi).
  • Lucy Pearl performs "Don't Mess With My Man".
345CommonSeptember 2, 2000 (2000-09-02)

  • Cold open: An ad is shown for The Chiefs of Comedy, the Native American answer to The Original Kings of Comedy.
  • Chris displays a recalled talking doll of Richard Williams.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people on the street about reparations.
  • Chris and Mablean discuss issues relating to divorce.
  • In another ad, the Asian-Americans are next to jump on the bandwagon with The Emperors of Comedy.
  • Common performs "The Light".
446Boyz II MenSeptember 9, 2000 (2000-09-09)

547De La Soul, RedmanSeptember 23, 2000 (2000-09-23)

648Lil' KimSeptember 30, 2000 (2000-09-30)

749MystikalOctober 7, 2000 (2000-10-07)

  • Cold open: A presidential campaign ad for Mike Tyson is shown.
  • Chris shows previews of upcoming gay-themed programming, followed by a second presidential campaign ad for Mike Tyson.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris interviews people at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.
  • Chris and Pamela cover such topics as career moves and superficiality.
  • A third presidential campaign ad for Mike Tyson is shown.
  • Mystikal performs "Shake Ya Ass".
850Saul WilliamsOctober 14, 2000 (2000-10-14)

  • Chris displays some racist toys such as "Mr. Sweet Potato Head", "Pin the Evidence on the Brother", and the "Harass Me Pedro" doll.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris asks people whether they'll be attending the Million Family March.
  • Chris and Bill talk about Al Gore's presidential campaign, and Bill Clinton's legacy.
  • A commercial is shown for the "Dashboard Jesus Computerized Navigation System."
  • Saul Williams performs a poem.
951
Sade
October 21, 2000 (2000-10-21)

  • Marvin Shopwell (Tom Agna) reports live from the Middle East, where tensions are supposedly caused by the heat.
  • Chris hosts a training video, "How Not to Get Your Ass Kicked by the Police."
  • Martin talks to Chris about his recent recovery from a coma.
  • Chris moderates a debate between Reverend Rhonda Taylor (Wanda Sykes) and felon Larry X (Ali LeRoi) about violence in urban music.
  • Sade performs "By Your Side".
1052
Jesse Jackson Jr.
OutkastNovember 4, 2000 (2000-11-04)

  • Ali LeRoi reports on the whereabouts of the ODB.
  • In a pre-taped segment, Chris asks people in the South Bronx whether they're benefiting from the recent economic boom.
  • Jesse Jackson Jr. talks to Chris about why people don't vote, and the possible outcome of the 2000 Presidential Election.
  • Outkast performs "
    Bombs Over Baghdad
    ".
1153Adam SandlerNovember 11, 2000 (2000-11-11)

1254Jay-ZNovember 18, 2000 (2000-11-18)

  • Chris shows a clip from a UPN news report about the 2000 Presidential Election, in which the anchors move like they're in an R&B video as they talk.
  • An ad is shown for the Grown Man Man, who will rid your house of "pesky grown men who just won't leave home!"
  • Chris and Al Sharpton talk about the
    Florida election recount
    .
  • Savina Delvina (Wanda Sykes) stars in an infomercial for her hits, all of which have "My Man" in the title.
  • Jay-Z performs "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)".
1355Nikka CostaNovember 25, 2000 (2000-11-25)

  • Chris speaks via satellite to president-elect Pootie Tang, then presents a third installment of "Taxi Driver Confessions".
  • Chris and his New Jack City co-star Ice-T talk about censorship, violence and Ice's career on Law and Order.
  • More "Taxi Driver Confessions" are shown.
  • Nikka Costa performs "Like a Feather" (and later reveals a sequined top that reads "Chris Rock for President").


Home media

There have been four DVD releases of The Chris Rock Show in Region 1. The two "Best of" DVDs that were released were later repackaged into a single compilation in 2005. Seasons 1 and 2 were released as a DVD set in 2006. Most of the episodes were released uncut, however for contractual reasons the segment featuring (The Artist Formerly Known as) Prince has been removed from the first episode of Season 1. The Seasons 1 and 2 DVD features a Chris Rock commentary on episodes 1 and 12.

DVD Name Length Release Date
The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volume One 59 minutes August 31, 1999
The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volume Two 55 minutes August 7, 2001
The Best of the Chris Rock Show Volumes 1 & 2 120 minutes October 11, 2005
The Chris Rock Show Seasons 1 & 2 510 minutes September 19, 2006

As of 2023, the complete series is available to stream on Tubi.[2]

References

  1. ^ "The Chris Rock Show | TV Guide". TV Guide. Retrieved 2019-06-12.
  2. ^ "The Chris Rock Show". Tubi. Retrieved 2023-06-27.

External links