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There is this girl in my class who has quite a diluted form of pseudo-chinese. So yesterday I received this sms asking “what’s Foreign Affairs in chinese” (which I think is simply wai shi, or loosely translated as ‘outside matters’).
And I always thought that “Foreign Affairs” was always an amusing term. Like an entire governmental building filled with multi-racial fornicators and adulterers, discussing Japanus (which I mean to say: Japan US of course) relations and other intimate guanxis. Talk about bilateral ties and sometimes Multilateral. Strangely, no one has noticed this. Though the idea of diplomats going overseas and ending up with Foreign Affairs, for real, is quite a probable one. Maybe that’s the reason why everyone wants to work at the Tsungli Yamen — apart from the fact that most humanities students think they can’t do much else.
I have no idea why someone would want to know what foreign affairs is in chinese, but I didn’t bother replying — after all I was involved in my own Foreign Affairs then. (which I mean to say: I was reading about China’s Foreign Policy while lying in bed)
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Speaking of which, I just read that a political factor which led to Hitler’s rise was his use of ‘Back-Door Diplomacy” with von Papen and Hindenburg. So that’s how he became Chancellor.
As I am now, so once were you.
As you are now, so I shall be.
Words of historical respect, hinting at emulation and an underlying determination.
From another perspective, one could say there is a tone of resignation at an inevitable outcome which is not necessarily good.
****
What wise words from a Gravestone.
Carwatching is like bird watching. The more therepeutic and exhausting one is to wait from an overhead bridge and watch cars go by. By I refer to the one which involves waiting a-round with nothing much better to do, you stone and observe the cars go round.
Often The Cars are of a luxurious breed, if not of a large size (usually like the people they carried), just like a European. I have always preferred smaller and lighter Asian cars, by which I mean to say East-Asian and not South-East Asian. But recently I’ve changed my mind — I don’t want a car at all.
At times you look at the driver — usually it’s a middle-age woman with makeup on, the older ones usually have glasses and short hair. The most amusing would be to see a darker man and a lighter boy/girl — i used to wonder how that happened, until I was older and heard (from my dad no less) that if its a BMW, they’re thieves.
So after waiting at the roundabout with someone today, I’m starting to form this strong impression: SC girls jia li you chien.
Oh and now that I think about it, the SC girls I knew from secondary school were actually nothing like these, staying flats and all. Should be in Uni by now, once in a long while I sometimes do think back and wonder how they’re doing now.
(with the exception of one plump one -_-)
hen duo chien.
*******
This is not stereotyping, this is making a generalisation based on a trend. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Sorry, been writing prose commentary and reading Paddy Clarke.
See this, see this.( In line with all you people going on about all your work plans) Hear ye, hear ye. I work, and damn hardcore somemore, with no set schedule.
My initial quota was to go through the essay outlines for the three biggest bio topics 3 4 and 5. Finish two english essays, one prose commentary and one set text (6 pieces of paper in total).
I have surpassed that, got time to flip through my yellow and red econs books briefly and shall shortly move on to a set of math papers.
Still feels like damn little though. Gosh, isn’t that almost all the subjects already? To round things off i shall read hitler before i zzz.
That being said, I spent my last thursday and friday settling apps to the Engineerial Diversification Bureau and The Enterprise. I have no recollection of the weekend whatsoever apart from the fact that most of the work I did today are supposed to have been done over the weekend. And Monday was far-out. I expect tomorrow to be a waste because I’m meeting fatass.
I also got to surf two of senior’s blogs from today all the way back to two years ago >< One’s in local med now and had the DILEMMA of choosing between that and a tsungli yamen supported local law school. The other got arts and social science.
It is possible to get 43 points and not get lawfac and usa. Two conclusions — working harder is not worth it since it isn’t going to make a diff, or go try work your balls to get 45 with the remaining one week -_-
Food for thought: Incentives are about tying what you want with what you don’t want to do.
Forget about that historical thought of an Iron Backside from few years ago,
I have LAMBDA driver — now.
******
“False Axis Repulsive Field Generator System” which translates emotions and thoughts into physical power. (Sounds like Prayer)
I should make a list of things to watch and to do in my seven weeks of freedom — like the detailed exam study schedules that most people have. Most people will probably be applying for Overseas Monies for Schooling, mainly by the Tsungli-Yamen, but I’m not giving a toss about them.
“KASHIMMMMM”
I tend to forget I’m not what I used to be — when once upon a time I could jump both high and far and walk as fast as shaw. (even further than the sportsmen people in class, much to their wtf) Now there are things I must keep in mind not to do, no matter how tempting
1. Jumping from quite a height, taller than a table) as a short cut — particularly impactful even tho I’ve learnt how to land on both feet)
2. Holding something of weight for a period of time
3. Resting something of weight on my leg — that one’s plain not very smart la.
4. Walking quite fast for a long distance which includes multiple upslopes and downslopes and an overhead bridge worth of stairs.
As a result of all four yesterday…
I wake up and all I can say is
Ouchee.
****
Question is: how’s all these going to work out on 4th Jan 2010
There are three realms: what we think things are (Imagination), what we see things to be on the surface (Appearance) and what things really are (Oh What Else). In the context of your Overseas-Money-for-Schooling app, when you read the applicant’s brilliant statement that is ‘Imagination’, when you see him answering well at the interview that is ‘Appearance’, and when he is actually at work (with elements of cynicism and laziness) that is ‘Reality’.
In a cynical and inappropriate manner (regarding someone’s dream which I heard about and other things), our Imagination tends to inflate reality and Reality tends to deflate Appearance.
I’m really glad that for me, reality inflates imagination instead (:
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If I were studying econs instead of english, this post would be titled quite differently. And if i were studying biology…
Like A King
Empty spacious
home alone today,
I had the luxury of
a slab of white fish and plain
rice with soy sauce
all to myself.
I felt as rich as a King
and lonesome
like a King.
(Ah I’m starting to appreciate the purpose behind enjambment)
***
Royal Non sequitur:
you must understand that plain fish is actually quite good relative to tofu and veg. I spend the whole week looking forward to sausage day (literal, i assure you)
Non sequitur again:
I learnt from my brother that it is “hearty lunch” and “sumptuous dinner”.
I will assume that supper can be described to be “voluptuous supper”, though I prefer Breakfast to be — like the way all fasts should be broken.
I have a problem with people who have a problem with people who I have a problem with people who strongly believe that the intentions for worshiping God have to be entirely pure and devoid of self interest. In fact, I think it is impossible. Historically speaking, people worshiped god for harvests and victory against their enemies, in some cases it was so that the sun would rise the next day.
And I’m not even talking about praying for results yet (i’ve no problem with that), but the reason we worship god is simply so we won’t go to hell. Say hypothetically, there are two gods. One created us, the other will save us if we worship him. You, for some strange reason, can only worship either one. Both love you, but only the saviour can save you, the creator can’t save you from hell. Saviour or Creator — Pick One. (If got balls, offer your answer)
At the core, everything is rational. Even the purpose of religion is a pragmatic one.
***
Of course no organised religion will be stupid enough to create such a dilemma (right? Even polytheistic ones allow worshiping more than one)
But simple answer, isn’t it? Which will hopefully be a dustless reflection of your thoughts and beliefs, rather than holding onto these hypocritical proclamations without understanding their implications. And my mum is yet to answer which she’ll pick.
It is amazing how an msn conversation with izzy can go from my enlistment to my leg to this youtube video to safesurf that blocked the video and an entire conversation of Pwn0 industry, hos and usual talk about love-related values. Various questions appeared such as why, what happens after, selection process for the men (HAHAHA), whether they get paid and many other areas of random nonsense. She seems to know many details about the Industry whereas I barely know much.
*
I would Loosely post an Anal criticism or a Penetrative insight on the Damaging impact of such an industry on its Multiple sexploited workers at times BUT I was quite worried that I was going to become like a Moralist, that which i’ve been against in principle. As long as it is functioning within the realm of rational justifications and can be broken down into a question of “good and bad” rather than “right and wrong”, and I do not attempt to impose my values, I am still not yet a moralist.
To reveal a glimpse of my view:
1. There are some people whom you’ll never want to be sexually involved with even with your eyes closed.
2. What is initially consensual might not be consensual within a 156 minutes.
3. The quick b-ck might not be worth the quick f-ck especially if you’re only 14.
[Footnote: all statistical knowledge/information/data from izzy, who claims to have learnt it off a tyra banks show. The phrasing and sayings are original by KingofSiam though]
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It will be funny if safesurf blocked findmuck though -_-
I seem to have this very poor regard for plans. Honestly speaking, most of them don’t and won’t come to pass. Circumstances change, objectives change, limitations come into place. Especially abstract plans of plans (i plan to plan quite often). Yet I cannot be discouraging to the hopeful, and sometimes the desperate — because there is nothing more important than the Will.
Plans are however a good form of escapism from the present. Only that and nothing more.
I treat a whiteboard very differently from how i treat a ‘mindmap’. A mindmap to me, doesnt just show linkages between many ideas, it is more organised in showing how one thing leads to another. Or at least some sequence. It looks like a shopping list but this is a white board:
Paddy Clarke and Sinbad
Disillusionment and cynicism
Temporal nature of everything
Explanation and causation
Parental
World view
Nature and nurture
Long lasting
Role models
Behavioural explanations
Influence
Mental escapism
Seeking rational and constant rationalization
Lack of peace
Experience of others
Entrapment and misery
Learning to and not
Psychology
Future and repetition
Disdain and caution
Skeptical view of relationships
Reasons for not wanting children
History and the past
Deliberate ignoring
The way i think
Inevitability
You then join the pieces together with a marker– is there one thread of message or multiple? do the multiple threads go back together to weave a broader message? Where should the starting point of the yarn be?
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The above is of course a random small example with literary reference, I’m doing this nonsense to prepare two personal statements for Overseas Money for Schooling (probably by the end of today)
Some poems amuse me. This is one about a bird (:
O Nightingale! thou surely art
A creature of a “fiery heart”:–
These notes of thine–they pierce and pierce;
Tumultuous harmony and fierce!
Thou sing’st as if the god of wine
Had helped thee to a Valentine;
A song in mockery and despite
Of shades, and dews, and silent night;
And steady bliss, and all the loves
Now sleeping in these peaceful groves.
I heard a Stock-dove sing or say
His homely tale, this very day;
His voice was buried among trees,
Yet to be come at by the breeze:
He did not cease; but cooed–and cooed;
And somewhat pensively he wooed:
He sang of love, with quiet blending,
Slow to begin, and never ending;
Of serious faith, and inward glee;
That was the song – the song for me!
William Wordsworth
***
(Heh, note the use of the hyphens, i think they’re quite appropriately placed to convey something) This poem does remind me of an Ode to Sorrow by John Keats. I vaguely remember lines like “To sorrow I bade good morrow and thought to leave her far away behind” “But cheerly cheerly she loves me dearly, she is so constant to me and so kind”. Might have made a mistake. I realise that there is this very huge difference between my learning and understanding of poems in Year Four and Year Three.
Incidentally I think the setters made an error, Wordsworth’s The Nightingale is quite different from O Nightingale thou surely art.
And I am somewhat glad that i havent had the delusions to write poems ever since IOC ended. I think I will have a lot of time next year for about seven weeks though! Titles may include “The blessed left leg” “I.A I.A” “5 minutes before booking out” or ”A Ferryride Called Eternity”.
To: Con_tac@Conscription.ass-gee
RE: (this is a hard one, the only phrase on my mind is Smelly Girl’s Downstairs)
Dear Mind F,
My name is Hsu-ianjin L, with NRIC S9XXXXXX-X, and I am currently a student sitting for the Blue Ocean examination. My medical status is C9|3 due to a leg impairment. I have been designated to report to Alcatraz on the 4th of January 2010.This email is not so much a request for a change in conscription date, like most aristocrats with internships and examinations. We know the date doesn’t get pushed back for the whims and fancies of others. Rather, the purpose of this email is in seeking your advice for my given situation.
While you might not have factored this in earlier, my examination results are to be released on the 5th of January 2010. With some reference to a calender, you would realise that this is a day after the 4th of January where I have to report to the Island of Alcatraz. What this means is that I have to take a ferry ride to Alcatraz on the Monday and return to Mainland on the immediate second day of training to collect my results, before I have barely assimilated and bonded with my platoon.
O you who have been entrusted with the grand mandate and wisdom of heaven, may I seek your advice on this situation? Would I be allowed to return to collect my results like all the other graduating students — I understand that most people aren’t Listing a day right before their A level results due to the well scheduled and meticulous planned system of Mind F.
Or would Mind F consider a later Listment date that prevents such problems and pointless disruptions to your schedule. In my opinion, it makes no sense for one to go to Alcatraz for the first day of training, only to leave the next day to collect the results. Especially when it is the first few days that the most learning and bonding take place to equip me with the necessary skills to serve my country! This is not so much for my personal benefit as it is for the effectiveness and objectives of your Gun training.
While I understand that a change of Conscription dates barely happen, I hope that you will consider how the current Listment date is disruptive to your training program and that it might make more sense to have a date that does not involve returning a day immediately after training starts, perhaps even one day later like the 6th of January or a week later on the 11th of January would make more sense.
I am cynically prepared for a negative response while optimistically hoping in the organisational abilities of our bureacracy. I sincerely look forward to hearing your advice and view on this issue.
Regards,
******
Of course i’m not sending such a thing in. It’s as pointless as asking something from cheun-
At least it’s 7 weeks.
I admit-
For those who don’t already know…
but still think otherwise –
that I am in fact, not applying for Oxford philosophy and theology. For the reasons stated to more trivial ones like lazy to go for interview and didn’t have the time.
I am instead more keen on economic history at somewhere which does not require interview. Though I think it will be regarded as neither fish nor duck/whateverotheranimal.
I think the Engineering and Biomedical Developers won’t be too amused by it, and I’m still trying to find a way to interest the Jewrong Constructors of Towers (without city planning).
****
Looking back at a recent history essay, I was somewhat cheating — it did resemble more of an econs essay.
It would be awfully cool to be probably the only applicant from This Island to such a course though. Though I prefer the term “economic historian”.
Whoops, I let The Cat out of the bag today.
My mum has asked me a few times in the past year whether I’ve been smoking in my room. I have no idea why, but I haven’t. It’s too expensive — I am so cheapskate that I cannot commit to anything addictive, such that I’m still trying to find an affordable way to shoot arrow regularly.
I did casually say that there’s the Other Two Substances in the drawer and behind the shelf though.
I also wonder if she was joking — the least she could do was to raid my things and find my, uh.. panadol.
I recommend this reading on Japan preceding the Sino-Japanese War in Immanuel Hsu’s Rise of Modern China. Not only is it an informative read on Japan’s domestic chaos and assassinations in 1932 such that two of the May 09 questions can now be answered — it’s actually quite entertaining (in a mildly perverse way ><)
Then there’s this book called the Rise of Modern Japan, which is a lot more brief since it covers 130 years of Japanese History in less than a third of the number of pages in Hsu.
The difference in perspective is somewhat refreshing though — instead of the “Japan Problem”, it is termed the “China Problem”,
The reference to Okuma and the bomb attack mildly reminds me of this scene early in Rurouni Kenshin, a bit like how strawberry reminds me of strawberry shortcake. This I will read after exams.
I have mentioned before that Bible Interpretations are often subjective and because of how there can be a myriad of conflicting interpretations — logically, not everyone can be correct, meaning inevitably some interpretations are wrong. Wrong beliefs then translate into wrong doings. Hence I said that one should always read for themselves and evaluate views — though even that is subject to bias since we see and understand things not as they are but we are. At least we evaluate the reliability of other interpretations.
But what if the text itself has flaws — such as new things being added. The reliability of the text has been explored in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The views that follow are not necessarily mine — but they are possible views to consider at least.
There is a view below that asserts that some parts of the bible were added in later on for a political purpose. For instance, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Even the more conservative modern Christian (women at least) would be quite !!! at this, more so than the “wives submit” verse. There are claims that this was added only later on and contradicts the earlier part where women were allowed to pray and preach.
Then there are some for no apparent political purpose — people just cannot accept it. For instance, Pericope de Adultera (Story of the Adulteress) in John 7:53-8, the adulteress story where Jesus asks he who is without sin to throw the first stone. The same claim that it made no appearance in the earliest texts resurface. Personally, I did find it strange that the crowd of pharisees backed down just like this without argument or regard using the Law/legal precedence.
When people cannot deal with conflicting texts, it is most convenient to try to exclude it. Or, just get back to interpreting it in a way that fits your belief system. The typical Christian will dismiss any possibility that there are ungodly additions to the text (even though there is no reason to believe that it is Completely Impossible), and then just assume that we are interpreting things wrongly.
I think the things you do in the day and think about, the last thing you read about and the last thing you hear on the phone before you sleep can mess with your head.
I had a dream that I was a Chinese official in the Qing dynasty as a translator trying to skive yet embezzle funds from a large merchant firm– the complete package of being corrupt, idle and tea-loving! There was something about opium and the laziness to implement things but I can’t recall.
Then there was this chinese maid from earlier in the day (I prefer not to say who it is ><), who I assume didn’t play any role more significant, other than a servant girl whom I mistreat. Hell, I can’t remember if it was in english or chinese but I did describe white men to have funny hats.
(From Hsu, I think)
Clearly, I’m starting to overdose, with all these talk about the Tsungli Yamen metaphor and the possibility that I take up Chinese again. Some people’s mother might say that it was my Past-Life (as a corrupt lazy official?!) but nah.
Seems that “conservative opposition” might really just be “Slothful discarding and procrastination”
Looking back some years ago, there was this Iron Behind — and it gave me the drive to improve.
Now when I distantly hear of her Steel Posterior, in a more metaphorical sense, I am still inspired to work (in a manner similar to Alexei Stakhanov’s steel Anterior output.)
On hindsight — The literal, however, was not quite the same.
(As in the Upstairs)
The Upstairs, as in the Tsungli Yamen [1 - footnote downstairs] has issued their report about my Upstairs, as part of the Imperial Examination. I would say that the analysis based on filling up what you think about yourself is rather limited as it does not necessarily reflect who you are. Instead it reflects 1. what you think of yourself and/or 2. what you want the Yamen to think of you – lending itself to exaggeration and political correctness, at the expense of a realistic assessment. In particular, in a culture of filling the right answers (more so in some institutions than others), point 2 might be especially prevalent with the purpose of catering to what the recruiters want to hear.
Some overdo it, and expectedly get called a braggart (-_-). I was very honest though, even on my idleness — if i lie, i might pay for it later due to a mismatch. Unlike other people’s head-checks, I think that mine has less filth hidden under the folds!
In general, my headcheck is consistent with the values expressed in the content and form of Findmuck — which might explain certain contradictions in the report as it -to an extent- accurately reflects the present contradictions.
More amusingly, it has called me cunning and manipulative in a legitimate manner for the benefit of others at times. (I feel a bit flattered). But if you were to think about it, truly cunning people wouldn’t let themselves be known to be cunning right? (But the even more cunning will intentionally market it to the Yamen, though at a cost) It also said I have an appreciation of art, beauty, which I think would include linguistics. Thus saith my Head-check.
I think it would be amusing if the test could point out shocking things like a fortune teller: (All but ONE of the facts below can be attributed to me. Guess?)
- “you have a high inclination to be homosexual”
- “you practise poor hygiene habits and need to wash between the toes”
- “you have the sexual rage of a tiger on cocaine”
- “you ate red meat for supper several nights back”
- “you have a pain in the right knee”
- (and most probable) “you’re simply bullshitting me. Damn right, we know it.”
This however is a double-edged lightsaber (with the good edge sharper but still), so the other details I’m keeping to myself, probably not showing to anybody or any body.
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[1] Technically, the term Tsungli Yamen is misused as it is meant to refer to an organisation that oversaw diplomatic issues with foreigners. Otherwise, it is loosely translated as PreMier’s Office, which is actually quite fitting!
Have you checked your head — cos I think you need a good (brain) washing soon (:
To quote the annoying kid in the car, “Are we there yet?”
In the study of history, we often layout a timeline of events — one has to decide on which key events would mark the Starting Point and The End of the entire saga. It might be straightforward in some cases, but in others it becomes hard to define when exactly it has ended. In the study of World War Two, many would say that it started in 1939 upon the invasion of Poland, but others will argue that the two theatres are interlinked and it started on July 7th 1937. On a more micro level, one could further ask, did it start when there was a declaration, or did it start at the bridge incident or did it start when there was a full scale mobilisation, did it start when there were plans to invade? Likewise, does the war end when there is a surrender or when all the foreign troops have finally pulled out?
For now, perhaps it has ended, and gladly so. It might be a false end since some may still return for the remaining two weeks. It could be said that it is not entirely the end until 13 November (birthday!) and some would even consider the end to have only arrived upon full closure in january next year. There are hence four different points that can be said to be “The End”
Either way, no more waking up at inhumane hours, no more regimental ritualisms, no more wasting away of half the day with people I don’t give a toss about and will never talk to again.
****
Then there are other things which are ambiguous. Throw in September 6 and 10. I’m in the process of making a long timeline.
I think I have a problem with that which is overpopular and oversubscribed — be it institutions or even people, for instance, the Tsungli Yamen (1861) Overseas Money for Schooling. Or more specifically, the Ministerial-authority of Flying Abroad, which I view to have its grunt work over-glamourised, much like how the conservative Chinese thought its work to be dirty. This mindset seems to have undergone a large change!
The higher and inelastic demand from branding results in higher “price”, not just in the form of rationing but in terms of hidden costs. Think of it as a branded MP3 Player, it can afford to cut corners on quality if people are going to buy it anyway. (At this point in time, I’ll proudly boast that my Nationalist MP3 Player can last a plane ride from Singapore to Minneapolis and still not be dry yet, unlike A Certain Fruit.) Yet at the same time, a low price makes one wonder why so few people want it and what is the reason behind it — probably image, which i give less of a chingchongchang about.
I think it’s just my blue ocean mentality ingrained in me. I actually perceive the Maritime Customs Services (1861, and no pun on the word ocean intended) to be more appealing than the Tsungli Yamen overseas money for schooling.
And in the next two years, I might go learn something from a Tung-Wen Kuan (1862) — ironically, Chinese (because I can cheat and do well in it anyway).
****
Effectively, I have used three Qing institutions of diplomatic reforms as metaphors in one post and if it’s not enough, try Jardine and Matheson (183-), schooling money from the Opium Trade.
Heh, Ministerial Accelerated Procurement. (I have a funny feeling one day my itchy mouth will bite me in the ass…)
I have this bad storyline for a movie, where I can throw in non-fiction thoughts in a fictional storyline with character internal monologue during a sermon, or mention of “everything is temporal, this too shall pass.”
1. Man plans to escape his current relationship to elope with this hussy (biased stereotypical portrayal) childhood friend.
“You can’t be committing adultery if you’re ‘dead’, so called ‘dead’.”
“I can’t be slaughtered and fed my testicles if I’m ‘dead’, so called ‘dead’.”
2. So he fakes his death and attempts to leave the country for a rural land in Siam.
“Damn, it seemed so easy when Huck Finn was doing it.”
3. Almost becoming dead for real.
“Oh….shit.”
4. He regrets, leaves the new woman and decides to chase the previous under a different identity
“You remind me of someone…I used to know.”
(since he’ll be so dead if she found out what he’s done)
“I think she’ll be pissed if she found out…very pissed.”
5. Somehow he gets found out and one and/or the other woman attempts to slice his head off.
“That Bastard is SO DEAD when I find him!”
And the ending scene (of a trailer at least) has something like:
“Liars go to hell, honey. I told you, didn’t I?”
Ending either with 1. another escape under the guise of a Peruvian old man, or 2. death with flashback and moral-of-the-story spelt out or worst,3. it was all a hallucination. 4. He THINKS it is a hallucination..only to find out the hussy dies in a freak accident later
It could be called ‘Playing Dead’ or simply ‘Siam’. I think a vandalised coffin is a good icon.
“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t slaughter you and feed you your testicles.”
***
…….
No more eating durians before going to sleep =\
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