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BLAINESWORLD
#593
2.11.2008 ***** see Section 12D for FREE CONTEST GIVEAWAY ***** In this issue: 1. Reflections 2. FYI 3. Proper grammar 4. Reviews . . . THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, etc. 5. TV alert 6. To be young again 7. Websites 8. Computer tip 9. Wash and curl 10. A quote I like 11. Thought for the day 12. Advance planning department _________________________________________________________ 1. Reflections A. Cynthia, my beautiful bride, and I continued what has become a twice-a-year tradition for us . . . when it is her sister's birthday in February, we take her sister and brother-in-law out for dinner . . . they then return the favor on Cynthia's birthday in October. So on Saturday, we all first caught a movie (see Section 4A) and then went to Taj Palace--an Indian restaurant--in Montclair, NJ . . . keep in mind that I'm typically not a big fan of Indian food; in fact, this was only my second visit to such an eatery. This time, I must admit to being pleasantly surprised . . . I had chicken tikka, which is a relatively plain dish that was excellent . . . Cynthia enjoyed her tandoori chicken, which was marinated in yogurt and mild spices . . . in addition, we both very much liked papadom--a thin and crusty bread. We also liked the decor . . . for more information, please click: http://www.tajpalacerestaurant.com/ B. On Sunday, we went with several friends to an old favorite: Duck Sauce (215.860.8879) in Newtown, PA . . . I hadn't been there for far too long a time, so it was good to again receive owner Tony Huang's friendly greeting. We all shared a bunch of items . . . though they were all superb, I feel compelled to comment on the barb-b-q pecan ribs . . . these remain the ABSOLUTE BEST I have ever had anywhere else . . . the orange beef dish were equally delicious. C. We had been in the area, earlier in the day, looking at homes in a 55-and-over community (Traditions) in Washington Crossing, PA . . . Cynthia and I both liked what we saw, largely because the area has always been one of our favorites . . . in fact, I had previously lived right around the corner in the Heritage Hills development. I'm not sure where we will eventually wind up, but all of a sudden, the above has become a distinct possibility--probably even surpassing The Villages in Florida . . . our realtor and friend, Sue Russeck (215.354.1001; cell, 215.688.1381), has been given the go ahead to keep looking for us in this and surrounding developments. And wouldn't that be a kick if we wound up back in Bucks County, only a few minutes away from the College? Yet while that remains a viable option, we'll resume our quest to explore other areas of the country this coming weekend with a visit to Raleigh, NC . . . so if you don't see us online and/or around for a bit, you'll know why . . . details on that trip to follow next week. D. My Tuesday night Marketing class is going well . . . last week, the students visited their client: Zebra Striped Whale (215.205.2227, also in Newtown . . . they met with Tom Donahue, one of the owners, and heard about how he with his wife Shari have made their store "the place" to go for ice cream in the area. With that background and some taste testing of the product, the students were then told about their semester-long project; i.e., to come up with ideas to increase the catering of ice cream events to the local community. ***** BLAINESWORLD BEST AWARD ***** This week, it goes to Joseph Delbo--a 4 star CSR at my local Blockbuster in Hillsborough, NJ. As many readers know, I've become a big fan of blockbuster.com . . . you get any movie you want delivered to your home, then get another movie at a local store every time you return your original film . . . you can also make your return via mail; however, you don't get an extra rental that way. I've gotten to know Joseph by virtue of the fact that I always go to the Hillsborough location to make my exchanges . . . it is the locale closest to my home, but equally important, I get the chance to have Joseph help me out. He is both friendly and knowledgeable . . . consequently, I believe that Blockbuster is lucky to have him work for the company . . . and that said, I should mention that just about every other employee at the Hillsborough store is equally helpful. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 2. FYI David Novak with John Boswell in THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL CEO (see also Sections 4C, 10 and 11) wrote about the following technique that methinks can be used in many other businesses, too: All our "above-store" people now go through customer-mania training as well. Among the lessons we teach them is "turn left first," which means that whenever they walk into a restaurant, they should first turn left and go talk to customers, rather than turning right to go to the back of the store. This is a great way to make customers feel appreciated and to find out all sorts of information-how new products are being received, whether they feel like they're getting good value for their money, what they think we're doing right, and what they think we could do better. FYI, part 2 * Annmarie in New Jersey: First off it's nice to keep up with you and Cynthia through the weekly newsletter. You have certainly each found your perfect match. I always have to smile at all the different things you are doing. I can see that you are a different and happier person since I first met you in your previous life. Please tell Cynthia I said hello and that I think of her as I read of your adventures. Regarding duct cleaning . . . yes, you should have it done. The regularity of that need however is well disputed. A professional would be best to tell you how often your system needs to be done . . . some factors include: age of system, type of system, how you run the system, pets in the home, etc. My rehab property desperately needed service so I went researching. There are two basic types of duct cleaning companies. First are the "pretenders" who come in with a portable vac system and clean out each register and return. Not much power behind these systems. The "real deal" companies come with a panel truck filled with what looks like the world's largest vacuum cleaner. It is only with the power of this professional system that you get a thorough cleaning. Now besides cleaning out, you may wish to have them spray a product through that kills any growth and bacteria. I have a recommendation for you for the duct cleaning. Although they are located in Hainesport, I believe they travel all over. He probably wouldn't remember my name because someone I had working with me on the last property made the arrangements with them. The property he worked on was on Mayapple Lane in Willingboro in case he asks. Here is their information: Induct Air Duct Cleaning Hainesport, NJ 08036 TEL: 800.211.0034; 609.265.0775 http://www.inductclean.com * Sue in Pennsylvania: I would highly recommend it [duct cleaning] being done. I used someone in Bucks County at my old house and do not remember whom it was. But it should be done around every three years. It is not very expensive. I think it cost around $120. It really helps allergy sufferers. I would not recommend being home during the process. * [a different] Sue in Pennsylvania: I am really surprised you liked MICHAEL CLAYTON as much as you did. I thought it might have been one of the worst movies I have ever seen, largely because I did not understand what was happening from the beginning to the end. * Barbara in Pennsylvania: I'm a bit disappointed with your moral decision on the ending of THE BRAVE ONE. I was surprised with the ending, but agreed nevertheless. I also enjoyed seeing the two "animals" on the train blown away. I won't ride the subway or elevated anymore. (Too many animals on there.) I enjoyed seeing the moron who shot his wife killed. I also enjoyed her getting her just reward by killing the animals who destroyed her life and took her "love" from her. I'm for the good guy winning! Vigilantes don't bother me; attackers do. I'm tired of seeing the same faces doing the same crime, and their families crying fowl. If I sound prejudiced, I guess I am. I hope you don't think less of me for being honest. I just don't want to end up a statistic. * Donna in New Jersey: SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is one of my favorite movies! I've seen it at least ten times! I've been to Piccolo Trattoria in Hopewell . . . pretty good. The Pasta Fagiole (soup) is very good. It’s very sad that many of my favorite Italian restaurants have left Chambersburg. So I'm looking for some new ones. There’s a new one in Pennington, Barone’s Tuscany Grill, that I still have to try. Sal DeForte’s moved from Trenton to Parkway Ave in Ewing. Food is still good, but the atmosphere is not the same. Hope all is well. Thank you for resending #590, I don't know how you find the time to do everything you do! OFFERS AND/OR REQUESTS FROM READERS: * Greg in New York (my cousin's son): Everyone has been touched in one way or another by cancer. It is the 2nd largest killer in the United States and finding a cure has become the goal of my athletic hero Lance Armstrong. Despite his seven Tour de France victories, Lance Armstrong is only now taking on his biggest challenge, eradicating this horrid disease. Through the Lance Armstrong Foundation, I have been accepted to run the Boston Marathon on April 21st, 2008. This is both an honor to have been selected as well as a great cause. Anyone who knows me should be aware that I am an endurance athlete, having completed countless events including marathons, two full Ironmans, cycling the Tour de France route as well as cycling across the United States. Running and biking have been a great source of pride and joy in my life, and now I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to give something back through what I love to do. The Boston marathon is one of the most famous 26.2-mile races in the United States. If you are not familiar with the race, it is one of the hardest races to qualify for due to the high demand for entry. The Lance Armstrong Foundation has granted me one of their coveted entry slots and in return, I have agreed to help raise money for their cause. I would greatly appreciate your support in my run by helping those who are dedicated to eradicating cancer. The Lance Armstrong Foundation has set-up a website where you can make donations toward my goal. Any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated. The website is: http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2008/gregland
Thank you in advance for all of your help, and it is my sincerest hope that in the very near future no money will need to be raised to find a cure for this disease. * Sandra Barnhardt, member of first Bucks County Community College graduating class of 1967 and retiree from BCCC in 2000, has designed a unique exercise program for the benefit of the senior population in Central PA. Now residing in Mifflintown, PA her classes are conducted in Juniata County and Snyder County. Her dream is to donate her program to BCCC for the benefit of the faculty, staff and students through Continuing Education. For more information, please click: http://www.angelfire.com/pa5/sandrabeeman/index.html * Bonnie in Pennsylvania: Your newsletters are all informative and interesting to read. I wanted to ask if you would list something fun, in that I thought some of your readers may be interested: A Country Rockin' Band "Mudcat Moan" will be performing . . . and offering line dance lessons by Instructor Harry of "Country Dancing Feet." So come out and learn something new! The music is what you hear on 92.5 WXTU today. You can see view a list of songs and pics listed on this website: http://www.mudcatmoan.com
Everyone who attends has a wonderful time dancing and listening to the music. Mudcat Moan February 28, 2008 7 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. Line dance lessons start at 7 p.m. 31 E. Cleveland Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067 We will provide soda, ice tea, water, ice and snacks available with admission; $7 per person. Anything else you must supply yourself. Any other information or to get on our mailing list, email:mudcatmoan@gmail.com. For tickets, call 267.987.5433. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 3. Proper grammar Teacher: Millie, give me a sentence starting with "I." Millie: I is . . . Teacher: No, Millie. Always say, "I am." Millie: All right. "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 4. Reviews A. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY is a biopic based on the best-selling memoir of the same name . . . it is about the world-renowned editor of France's ELLE magazine, who suffered a stroke and was paralyzed at the age of 43 . . . by blinking one eye and with the assistance of several dedicated helpers, he manages to communicate with the outside world . . . his story is both amazing and heartbreaking, and the cinematography is breathtaking . . . don't be alarmed if the opening scenes seem to be fuzzy; they are intentionally done that way . . . this film might be considered by some to be depressing . . . I see it more as thought-provoking, in that it got me thinking about how I would handle a similar situation . . . rated PG-13. B. NO RESERVATIONS is now out in DVD format . . . my review from BLAINESWORLD #567 follows: Remakes of films are rarely as good as the originals . . . an exception is NO RESERVATIONS, a romantic comedy based on a German film (MOSTLY MARTHA) . . . I enjoyed both. This latter version is the tale of an uptight chef in New York City whose life is turned upside down when her sister dies . . . when faced with having to raise her niece, she is forced to learn that there's more to life than just what takes place in the kitchen . . . Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart make for a winning combination as the two leading characters, aided by Abigail Breslin (so fine in LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE) as the child who also must be worked into their lives. The accompanying soundtrack is great, which is no surprise considering it was scored by Philip Glass . . . and much of his music is in it, too . . . rated PG, and it is truly a flick that everybody in the family will like. C. I hadn't known too much about David Novak, chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, the home to KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver's, and A& W All American Food . . . that's no longer the case, though, since I've devoured THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL CEO (see also Sections 2, 10 and 11), the inspirational book he wrote with John Boswell. Almost every page had an idea that could be implemented not just in the food industry, but in my teaching and/or in just about any other walk of life . . . as Novak notes: * When I read business books or motivational books I find that if there is one thing I can take away with me, and more important, if it is something that stays with me, then it is well worth the price of admission. Obviously, that "one thing" differs from person to person, but if there is anything I have said within these pages that helps you define your dreams and then go after them, then it is well worth the effort it has taken to write this book and see it through publication. Whatever field you have chosen, whatever your aspirations may be, and however you choose to make them come true, I hope one day you achieve more than you can even imagine. My problem, and it's a nice one to have I must admit, is that I took away many ideas . . . I regret that I can't share them all with you, but to cite just two: * I fancied myself a writer, but under Tom I would rewrite test-market analyses six or seven times until I learned how to put forth a recommendation, explain the rationale for that recommendation, and summarize it all in a single page. I try to force myself to use this same discipline today. Limiting myself to a single page not only helps concentrate my mind, it almost guarantees clarity. * The second thing I learned is that all the answers are in the building. Every company is filled with experts. If you want to learn the company's history, have a meeting with a twenty-five-year veteran. If you want to know what customers are thinking, talk to the people who answer the 800-number calls. If you want to know why the trucks aren't getting out on time, a route salesman who's trucks who's been at the job for a while is likely to know the answer. THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDNETAL CEO had me laughing at spots, too . . . for example, when Novak showed how a floppy rubber chicken often had more value than a gold watch . . . it might not sound possible, but if you read this book, you'll see that it well could be the case where you work too. D. I've read many of James Michener's books, but for some reason, RECESSIONAL had never crossed my path . . . perhaps it had been because of the subject manager; i.e., life in a Florida retirement community. Yet now that I find myself contemplating such a possibility, I was fortunate to come across a book on tape version of this tale when in my local library . . . though it was written in 1994, I still found it very contemporary based on my visits to several such locales. RECESSIONAL follows the story of a doctor who becomes the manager of the Palms . . . I quickly became interested in his life, as well as in the lives of the memorable characters he serves who have no intention of "going gracefully" . . . the subplot, involving a woman whose life seems over when she is in a terrible accident, was touching . . . that said, I won't tell you any more for fear I'll ruin the joy you'll have in finding out for yourself what happens. The ending is just right, including this line: "We're all passing--honorably--away" . . . it was delivered with eloquence by Len Cariou, who did a marvelous job with the entire narration. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 5. TV alert A. MODERN MARVELS profiles George Washington Carver, the 20th century scientist who developed more than 300 products with the surprisingly versatile peanut . . . even more surprising is the fact that never sough a profit from his discoveries . . . Wednesday at 9 p.m. on HISTORY; repeated at midnight. B. CELENE DION: THAT'S JUST THE WOMAN IN ME features the singer in an hourlong concert that has her make time for two duets, one with Josh Groban and the other with Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am . . . Friday at 9 p.m. on CBS. C. In Part 1 of a two-part season finale, Monk is framed for murder and then goes on the run . . . this tribute to THE FUGITIVE even features a six-fingered killer (instead of the other show's one-armed man) . . . Friday at 9 p.m. on MONK on USA; part 2 runs next Friday, 2/15, at the same time and on the same station. D. Tired of the snow and cold weather? Join the crowd and, also, make sure to watch SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT 2008, the look at the annual SI photo shoot . . . Saturday at 11 p.m. on TNT. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 6. To be young again Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: "Slim, I'm 83 years old now and, I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?" Slim says, "I feel just like a newborn baby." "Really? Like a newborn baby?" "Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants." Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 7. Websites A. If you are a high school student (or know of one) that is trying to find the perfect college, please click: http://www.cappex.com Instead of searching for colleges that you want to go to, cappex.com gives information on colleges that want you. In addition, there's a FREE option to apply for scholarships. B. If you would like to put a smile on your face, please click here for an upbeat video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omIrLgQO9O0&eurl Put your sound on and make sure you're alone because you'll most probably want to sing along! C. BLAINESWORLD, the website, remains up and running . . . to view it, please click: http://www.blainesworld.net I'll keep sending BLAINESWORLD to your present email address on record, but did you know that I can send a second or even third copy of this missive to some other address; e.g., work or home . . . should you want to take advantage of this option, just go to Newsletter on the left and then Subscribe. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 8. Computer tip NEVER select the "Remember Me" option when entering a password on a public computer; e.g., in checking your mail from a library, at a Kinko's, etc. . . . doing so will enable all those following to get into your account(s). Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 9. Wash and curl A woman stuck her head into a hair salon and asked, "How long before I can get a wash and curl?" The beautician looked around the salon full of customers and said, "About two hours." The woman left. A few days later, the same woman stuck her head in the door and asked, "How long before I can get a wash and curl?' The beautician looked around at the salon and said, "About three hours." The woman left. A week later, the same woman stuck her head in the salon and asked, "How long before I can get a wash and curl?" The beautician looked around the salon and said, "About an hour and a half." The woman left. The beautician turned to her girlfriend and said, 'Hey Juanita, do me a favor. Follow that woman and see where she goes. She keeps asking how long she has to wait for a wash and curl, but then she doesn't ever come back." A little while later, Juanita returned to the salon, laughing hysterically. The beautician asked, "So, where does that woman go when she leaves?" Juanita looked up, wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "Your man's house!" Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 10. A quote I like All of us are going to experience highs and lows on the emotional bell curve, but the truth lies somewhere in the middle. So don't believe your press notices, especially if they say you just came in first or last.--David Novak, chairman & CEO of YUM! Brands, in THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL CEO (see also Sections 2, 4C and 11)--a book he wrote with John Boswell Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 11. Thought for the day I REALLY liked THE EDUCATION OF AN ACCIDENTAL CEO (see also Sections 2, 4C and 10) by David Novak with John Boswell, as evidenced by the fact that this is now the fourth time that I have cited it in this week's newsletter: I asked him [Magic Johnson] if he had always been a superstar, if he was always that much better than everyone else growing up. "You know," Magic said, "I learned a lot back when I was in the junior leagues. My team would win, like, eighty to twenty every time, and I would score maybe seventy of those points. But at the end of the game, everyone was always angry. Not just the other team, but my teammates and their parents. I monopolized the ball so much that nobody else got to shoot, so no one was having any fun. "I realized that I was going to have to get more people involved or no one was ever going to like me. That was when I decided I was going to learn how to become a great passer. We still won eighty to twenty, but I'd only score maybe twenty points and the rest of the team would score the rest. The parents liked me, my teammates were happy, everyone was working together. I had learned how to go from 'me' to 'we.' "Later," Magic continued, "when I got to the Lakers, I told my teammate Byron Scott that I was going to help take him to another level, that he was going to make the All-Star team, and he did. I told Kareem Abdul-Jabbar that he was going to score more points than anyone in NBA history because I was going to throw him the passes that would get him there. When Kareem broke the record in 1984 by scoring point number 31,420, the first thing he did was come over and give me a hug and tell me, 'I owe this to you.'" That really drove home to me this whole idea of synergy, of one plus one equaling three. If everyone knew his role and fulfilled it to the best of his abilities, then the whole would invariably be greater than the sum of its parts. Back to Top _________________________________________________________ 12. Advance planning department A. Be my guest when I present on the following topic: "Positioning: How to Differentiate Yourself From the Competition" . . . the rescheduled date is Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Room Penn 410 at Bucks County Community College. ADDED BONUS: By attending, you'll learn the difference between a left-handed and a right-handed pencil . . . I kid you NOT! The presentation is FREE . . . however, please email me to let me know if you'll be coming so I can notify you if there's any change of plans. B. Natalie in Pennsylvania with news about the BCCC Women's Center: * On Wednesday, February 20, there will be a screening of “Standing on my Sisters’ Shoulders,” the award-winning documentary about women during the civil-rights movement in Mississippi, including a presentation by producer Joan Sadoff and Beneath Brown, an eyewitness to the period at 11 a.m. in the Library Auditorium, Newtown campus. Also taking place at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, at the Lower Bucks Campus, 1304 Veterans Highway/New Rodgers Rd., Bristol, and at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, February 28, at the Upper Bucks Campus, One Hillendale Dr., Perkasie. FREE to all. * Dr. Emil Matarese will be speaking on "The Power To End Stroke." This will take place on Tuesday, February 26, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in Founders 141 at the main Newtown campus. According to Dr. Matarese, "This will be a presentation on the high risk of stroke that faces all African-Americans, regardless of their age. Between the ages of 35-54, an African-American male has a four times greater risk of stroke when compared to a white male. Even young women are at risk, especially if they smoke or take birth control pills. We must learn to recognize the signs of stroke so that emergency treatment can be offered in an attempt to reverse the devastation of this disease." C. Lorraine in New Jersey: On February 29, , The NJ Small Business Development Center(SBDC) at the College of New Jersey will host BOOMERS and BEYOND: Work Matters Over 60. Co-sponsored by the Mercer County Office on Aging, Experience Works, Senior Living Institute, and the Mercer County Office for the Disabled, the program will include networking and panel discussions showcasing the turnabout of retirement for economic benefits. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase not only our center's efforts in developing a Center of Learning for Senior Entrepreneurs but also all the phenomenal resource programs available for seniors and employers", shares Lorraine Allen, SBDC Regional Director. The morning program will include a panel discussion of resource providers as well as a panel discussion of seniors working it . . . both in companies they started after 60 or employment they have sustained or secured. seniors interested in business, businesses interested in seniors and service providers for both seniors and business should attend for networking. A SPECIAL RECOGNITION Award will be given to East Windsor's Lisa Gable, LG Accessories, 85, Featured in Inc’s “8 Over 80”, FoxNews New Jersey for Outstanding Older Worker Award Winner by Experience Works, Washington, DC. To register, please contact: sbdc@tcnj.edu; 609-771-2947 or click: http://www.tcnj.edu/sbdc D. FREE CONTEST GIVEAWAY: Due to the popularity of past contests, I'd again like to extend an invitation to some lucky reader(s) to be my guest at the "Meet the Author" Business Seminar on March 12, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. in the Library Auditorium at Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA. Best-selling author Lisa Ford is the featured speaker of the 5th annual "Meet the Author" Business Seminar at Bucks County Community College. Her presentation, Exceptional Customer Service--Going Beyond Your Good Service to Exceed the Customer's Expectation, is based on Lisa's best-selling video training program. At this seminar, you will discover how to: * create a positive first--and lasting--impression on customers; * improve your communication skills so you can stay in touch with your customers; * make sure that new technology gives customers what they need; * find new ways to keep your existing customers, while recruiting new ones; and * eliminate the gap between current and world-class service.For more information about Lisa, visit her website: http://www.lisaford.com/index.html To be eligible for the FREE TICKETS, submit your name by February 25 via email to my assistant: hughesbr@bucks.edu . . . in the subject line, put these words: FREE TICKETS . . . in the body of your email, include this information: your name, how many tickets you would want (1 or 2), email address, snail mail address, and phone number . . . I'll then let you know if you're a winner on or before March 5. Should you want to guarantee a seat or have your company purchase ticket(s) for you, here's the information that you will need: Individual tickets: $50 or take advantage of a $495 corporate sponsorship and receive 10 tickets, reserved seating and the opportunity to promote your organization. To reserve your seats today for this engaging seminar, call 215.968.8224 or to order tickets safely and securely online, please click: https://www.bucks.edu/meettheauthor.php _________________________________________________________ PS. Here's hope that you have a Happy Valentine's Day and that you're as lucky as I am to be able to celebrate it with a loved one . . . also, please join me in praying that we soon get our remaining soldiers . . . peace resumes in Israel . . . and that you make it a great week! Back to Top ---------------------------------------------------------- SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBCRIBE INFORMATION To subscribe to this publication, please send an email to: bginbc@aol.com and put SUBSCRIBE in subject line . . . if you wish to unsubscribe, just send an email to same address and put UNSUBSCRIBE in subject line.
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