Shannon Ables's Blog, page 319

Au Courant Weekly: On Hiatus

My sincerest of apologies, as the Au Courant Weekly as been put on hiatus for the time being until I get my two new schedules to coordinate.

I feel spoiled for the riches that life has bestowed on me, and I want to make sure that what I do complete and share is top quality both here on TSLL and in my classroom. After the first week back teaching at my new school, I am busy front-loading and putting into place a foundation that will hopefully allow more free time, but until then, the Au Courant Weekly is the only post that is being put on pause.

This was not an easy decision for me as this particular weekly post has quickly become one of my favorites (and listeners’ as well), so be sure I will be doing my best to bring it back as soon as I can.

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This & That: No. 175

Beauty
~Harry Josh Pro Dryer 2000

As someone who immediately noticed a difference in my hair when I began using an ionic blow-dryer (smoother hair, quicker and less drying to the hair), when I heard about Harry Josh’s blow-dryer as recommended in a handful of fashion magazines, I wanted to take a look. This tool is excessively expensive, however, Josh’s editorial style expertise is respected throughout the fashion industry and so I wanted to share with you this product as it will last for years and be a quality product to use. You may be wondering, what dryer do I use? I couldn’t live without my T3 Tourmaline Infused blow-dryer. I have had mine for eight years and it is still going strong. Highly recommend.

Book
~Everybody Rise by Stephanie Clifford

Still needing one more comfort novel to wrap up the final weeks of summer? Stephanie Clifford’s tale of navigating the social elite cliques on the Upper East Side in NYC finds 26-year-old protagonist Evelyn Beegan, who while wanting to carve her own path, finds the temptations well . . . far too tempting. People magazine has been raving about this title and it looks like a quick, enjoyable read.

~My Last Supper: 50 Great Chefs and Their Final Meals; Portraits, Interviews and Recipes by Melanie Dunea

After listening to a recent interview with award-winning photographer Melanie Dunea, I wanted to take a look at her coffee table book My Last Supper. After all, there are some amazing coffee table books available, but few involve food. Part of the reason I love cookbooks is for the images they contain, so why not share the last meal preferences of famous chefs, paired with creative imagery to cultivate interesting conversation with your guests? Dunea is currently working on a second edition of this book to spotlight a new group of beloved chefs, so do stay tuned.

~The Mystery of the Lost Cezanne: A Verlaque and Bonnet Mystery by M.L. Longworth

Ah, yes, a cozy mystery series continues. The fourth book in M.L. Longworth’s Verlaque and Bonnet capers, set in Provence, the captivating couple attempt to unravel a mystery that involves a painting found at an apartment once occupied by the artist himself, Cezanne. Set to be released on Tuesday (September 15th), this book is on pre-order as I always enjoy having an enjoyable read on hand after a long day at work.

~Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World by Linda Hirshman

My students will not be surprised by this admission, and perhaps you won’t be either, but I am intrigued infinitely by the workings and rulings of the United States Supreme Court. And therefore, it should come as less of a surprise that the women, beginning with the first woman on the court, Sandra Day O’Connor, and the second Ruth Bader Ginsburg (who is still serving), intrigue me to no end. Thus, this book is on my wish list. Just released on September 1st, the book is already a best-seller. Do be sure to have a look.

~Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Sharing her ongoing journey in pursuit of “contentment and excitement” in her adult life, best-selling author, Mindy Kaling’s new book (set to be released on Tuesday – September 15), presents the idea and her tenacity to pursue the path of her dreams even if she doesn’t “look the part”. Always inspiring with her über intelligence and crafty wit, I look forward to reading this book, and I think you might too.

~recipe for ~

Halston Heritage’s Spring 2016 collection has me captivated to say the least (view one image from their upcoming line above), even though it won’t be for six months that I will want to wear such clothes, but still. New York Fashion Week officially kicked off this week, and I am eager to see what designers have in store for the spring season. However, I am throughly enjoying the time to finally enjoy the few new items in my fall wardrobe.

With school beginning, as you can see from today’s This & That, reading and books are on my mind. And while academically, I am having to stay on top of non-fiction, analytical articles, I always make sure to have an easy read next to my bed to enjoy before I turn in. Hopefully today’s list will provide a good balance to choose from.

I do hope you had a wonderful week. I thoroughly enjoyed the many comments and life experiences readers shared on yesterday’s post about settling in to a new home town. Thank you for sharing, and if you stop by, feel free to share your experience. It is amazing how we can inspiring others with our stories and life experience without evening knowing it.

Whatever your weekend holds, I hope it is lovely. My weekend will be simple: watching the US Tennis Open finals, taking a good long walk and relaxing. Bon Vendredi!

~A few intriguing thoughts on which type of work cultivates the most satisfaction

~A beautiful reminder of more quality time with those we love and the benefits of making it a priority.

~Are you an introverted? Trying to stay balanced in an extroverted world? Read this.

~Forbes shares a handful of ways to become a more irresistible you.

~Wanting to step off the social media train? A few ideas on hot to have a social media detox.

~7 Ways to Protect Yourself from Other People’s Negative Energy . . . having a plan will reduce your stress. Be sure to take a look.

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Thoughts from the Editor: Settling In

As Saturday began this past weekend, I found myself waking up early, craving a bit of fresh air before the neighborhood woke up and deciding to take my boys on a walk down the street to the local bakery. Upon returning with a tarte aux pommes au caramel, I made myself a pot of tea from Palais des Thé and took note of a few weekend happenings as I perused the paper that I might check out.

With a pilates class later that morning, I quickly jaunted down the street for a morning class of stretching and toning and then returned to enjoy the weekend in such a way that I would follow whatever tickled my curiosity. Perhaps a used book sale, picking up a fresh vegetables for the coming week at the farmer’s market, watching a few matches of the US Open, who knows?

And then I reminded myself, fewer than two months ago, Bend was not my home.

Could it possibly be true that I have only lived in central Oregon for little over six weeks? Yes, it could be and it is, and it already feels like home.

For some readers it may be frustrating to hear someone settling into a new place so quickly, and for others who know the fear and then the exhilaration when it all eventually works out, your support has meant the world. I share my experience these past few weeks to offer evidence that taking a risk is worth the leap.

I can honestly say, I had no idea how events, living arrangements, relationships with new colleagues and so many other variables would work out, but the universe has a way of providing for what we need once we show we truly desire something.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I did my homework. I visited more than a handful of times and on two occasions stayed for more than a few days to get a feel for the environment, the people and the culture I might have the opportunity to move to should I be so lucky. It got to a point where I ached to move here, but knew nothing was certain. As I mentioned in a post years ago, often the fear we feel at this point, after we’ve done extensive investigating, is the fear of not being able to attain what we so dearly desire. If nothing else, your fear at this stage should be a welcomed sign. A sign that you are moving in the correct direction.

As I took my dogs for a second walk on Saturday in the afternoon blue sky and stunning sunshine, I found myself smiling incessantly for what may have appeared to been no reason at all. If someone were to see me, they may assume I had lost my mind, but the funny thing is, so many people here look just as I describe — genuinely happy. I don’t know most of them from Adam, but I have no doubt many of them have a similar story to tell. They are tickled to be somewhere they have chosen to be.

While my two life’s passions converge in a few short days, my workload feels like the image of Nigella in her library, overwhelming, but offering so much of what I love to do. Therefore, I feel fortunate to have such a dilemma.

My nudging to you today is to choose your path. Gather up your gumption and find a way to land where you want to live. I have no doubt you will be just as elated and content as I already am feeling, and I wish that each of you reading this post finds such a simple, yet extraordinary bliss. Bon jour née.

 ~a glimpse at my Saturday morning after taking a walk to pick up a tarte aux pommes au caramel at The Village Baker~

image: source

 

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Decor Inspiration: A Notting Hill Grand Sanctuary

While most of us don’t have a Lucien Freud painting hanging above our breakfast table (as seen above), what we do have is the ability to be inspired by the signature touches that interior designer Peter Mikic and Sebastian Scott have included in their London townhouse situated in Notting Hill. Captured by Elle Decor in 2012, Kate Martin’s photographer reveals a passion for art, inclusion of antique market finds (check out the master bathtub), and talent for blending original ideas with classic touches. Enjoy the tour.

 

~DECOR INSPIRATION POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~A Victorian School Turned London Flat

~London Chic

~Clooney’s English Sanctuary

Images via Elle Decor

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Word of the Week: No. 16

Click below for pronunciation:

http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/antediluvian.m4a

 

WORDS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:

~No. 15: modicum

~No. 14: sangfroid

~No. 13: propinquity

 

Image: Harper’s Bazaar UK October 2015

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Outfit of the Week: The Ankle Boot

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~MM6 Maison Margiela hidden wedge ankle boot or ECCO sculptured 45 ankle boot or Franco Sarto Lucita booties (tan, black & gray available) or Vince Camuto Franell wild mushroom ankle boots (other colors available)~

~Equipment Margaux cotton shirt~

~J.Brand The Maria high-rise skinny jean~

~Halogen navy Lapis blazer (50% off)~

~Coach Stanton carryall~

SHOP MORE ANKLE BOOTS:

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~OUTFITS OF THE WEEK from the Archives:

~Pants to Love

~The Blazer

~The Classic White Shirt

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Style Inspiration: A Preview of Fall

The fall trends will be seen on the streets of New York, Milan, Paris and London starting Wednesday and into the next four weeks as Fashion Month begins in the ensembles that the models, editors, bloggers, designers and other fashion elite don as they make their way to the many fashion shows and presentations. I unabashedly love this time of year by far the most when it comes to style because so many signature statements are made with merely the clothing. However, what I will be wearing will be seemingly different, but what I tend to pick up and implement into my own style are the small subtle touches, noticing that two seemingly unpairable colors actually work together if the hues are chosen wisely or the textures are different or why not wear an item I already have in my closet a different way than I would have initially chosen to wear it.

In other words, inspiration is everywhere if only we chose to look more closely and see the creative ideas that abound. In today’s Style Inspiration, you will notice many of the trends worthy of splurging on as were shared in last week’s TSLL Fall Shopping Guide: ankle boots, caramel, winter white, suede, flared jeans, maritime (which includes ample navy) and much more. Enjoy the new season!

 

~STYLE INSPIRATION FROM THE ARCHIVES:

~Paris FW & Layers of Fall

~Fall Classics

~Cozy Fall Ideas

 

Images: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

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25 Must-Haves for the Efficient Office Desk

“I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name,” wrote Tom Hanks to Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail 
~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #60

Every year the quote uttered above by Tom Hanks’ character in Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail dances across my memory, and while seemingly simple, the precision of sharpened pencil organized in bulk ready to be offered to the writer to produce any sort of work that is asked of them reminds me of the beauty of a pencil: the opportunity to try, correct and try again next time. Much like each new school year or the coming fall season at work, after the long summer getaways have been taken and enjoyed, when we return I find that most of us, students as well as seasoned veterans in their profession, want to do it better, want to make it simpler and most of all want to enjoy their time at work all the while feeling productive by the time the end of the work day arrives.

The summer offers us all, no matter what our profession, a breather. A chance to correct, re-assess and try to do it better the next time. Each year I walk back into my classroom and devise new habits and rituals that will better allow me to perform at my best and feel the most comfortable no matter what the day may bring. Whether it is making sure my favorite tea is stocked for my afternoon break to rejuvenate me just enough to finish the day strong, or recognizing a way to cease the steady loss of pens throughout the year, if I can solve these basic hiccups that when solved allow the day to run more smoothly, I feel primed and polished to be a better version of myself.

So today, as I know many of TSLL readers are teachers, as well as for anyone going back to work or getting back into the regular schedule after what may have been a looser schedule during the summer, I wanted to share a list of items to have on hand at your desk to ensure the three main objectives when we go to work:

Objectives:

allowing you to feel and perform at your best
efficient
clutter-free

1.Moisture

Whether you live in a dry climate like myself or in an office area where the air conditioner or heat dries out your skin, keep lip balm, hand lotion, and drinking water on hand. There are many products available now that have multi-uses such as One Love Organics Wonder Balm which acts as a lip balm and lotion for your hands. A great way to reduce the stuff in your desk, but still ensure you have everything you need.

2. Contact lens solution & extra case
3. Lunch utensils (fork, spoon, knives, etc)
4. Emergency stash

~feminine products, band-aids, safety-pins, Tylenol extra-strength, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, breath mints,

5. Tide-to-Go

To stop a bad day in its tracks: as soon as you spill your coffee on your blouse, bring out your Tide-to-Go and in five minutes the stain will be gone and the spot will be dry. Trust me, I’ve had to use it too many times.

6. Tech chargers

Prevent the dreaded dead-phone event by having a charger in your desk. Senbowe just released a 4 in 1 USB adapter charging cable connector that is fit to work with Apple and Samsung products and a few other tech gadgets besides smart phones.

7. Tea or coffee
8. Healthy snacks
9. Hair supplies
10. Organizer for the cords

Keep-a-Cable keeps the cables of the many devices tidy and out of the way. For under $15, receive 3 (5-cord) organizers that attach with adhesive.

11. Laptop stand

If your work situation requires you to work at a laptop, consider investing in a laptop stand such as the Griffin Elevator stand. Why? Not only will it bring your gaze up but it will also help your neck and posture.

12. Keep the cup of tea or coffee warm

~Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

~Electric Tea Kettle from Breville or the crystal clear version

13. Pens & pencils

Create signature pens or pencils so they never wander away. An idea I am using is to use floral tape and attach a simple silk flower to each of my pens. Now, if anyone accidentally keeps it, they will know exactly where it came from. Supplies needed: green floral tape, silk flowers of your choosing, pens and wire cutters.

14. Lint roller
15. Nail file and clippers
16. Water bottle

~Stainless Steel Straws from Schoolhouse Electric (4 for $12)

17. Desk lamp
18. Access to Mother Nature

Having direct sight of the outdoors can be a powerful mood enhancer, but if your office doesn’t have windows, bring Mother Nature indoors. Whether with fresh flowers, plants or even silk flowers, bring in the beauty of nature. It will be subtle, but it will make a difference.

19. Organize your tunes and/or radio stations
20. Organize frequently used files/papers/notepads, etc
21. To-Do List system

Post-its, or a notepad like Garance Dore’s “To-Do” list

22. Favorite coffee mugs

~Anthropologie Monogram Mug

~Scrabble Mug

23. Calendar or weekly agenda
24. Organize your virtual desktop

Make easily accessible: email, word documents, internet (frequently visited pages, etc). Choose a wallpaper that makes you smile, calms you down or sets the mood you need to do your job.

25. Establish norms for your daily routine

How and when are you going to check your email? When will you respond to email and voicemail? When and how often do you update your website, calendar, visual boards, etc. Be clear about your availability, communicate clearly with staff, students, parents, etc.

~SIMILAR POSTS FROM THE ARCHIVES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

~Why Not . . . Create a Productive Office?

~Why Not . . . Style a Desktop? (podcast)

~8 Ways to Be the CEO of Your Own Life (podcast)

Petit Plaisir

Last Love (2013)

 

Images: (1)

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Happy Labor Day Weekend & Enjoy the Sales!

Sales To Enjoy & the Promo Codes

For your weekend shopping pleasure, I wanted to share with you a long list of sites to visit that are offering steep discounts along with any promo codes that will help you save at checkout. Also, notice a few travel sites are offering discounts as well as you may be planning some upcoming fall getaways. Enjoy!

Ann Taylor 

// 50% off select full price and all sale styles

Code: HAPPY50

Date: 9/3-9/6

Anthropologie

// 30% off sale

Code: EXTRA30

Banana Republic

// 40% off your entire purchase

Code: BRFALL

Ends: 9/8

BaubleBar 

// 50-60% off select styles

Date: Ends 9/7

Bebe 

// 50% off sale items

Bloomingdales

// save 20-70% on select items

Date: Through 9/7

Bluefly

// over 5,000 styles up to 90% off

Brooks Brothers

// up to 60% off clearance

Date: now – 9/7

Club Monaco 

// 40% off sale and clearance

Code: NOTOVERYET

Date: Ends 9/7

DVF

// Up to 50% off Wear Now Styles

Gap

// 40% off everything

Gilt Group

// designer accessories up to 80% off

Date: 9/3-9/7

Hotels.com 

// $50 off when you spend $300 or more (book by 9/7/15, travel by 9/30/15)

Code: labor50

J.Crew

// 30% off your order of $125+

Code: GETSHOPPING

Date: Ends 9/9

JCPenney

// 20% off with a JCPenney credit card

Date: now – 9/7

Kate Spade

// 25% off all sale items

Code: Delight

Date: Through 9/7

L.K. Bennett 

// extra 40% off all sale styles

Code: LD40

Date: Ends 9/7

LOFT 

// 30% off fall arrivals plus and extra 50% off summer styles

Madewell

// take 30% off fall essentials and an extra 30% off all sale styles

Date: Ends 9/7

Nasty Gal

// extra 30% off entire sale selection

Date: 9/3 – 9/7

Nordstrom

// save up to 40% on sale items

Date: until 9/13

Old Navy

// up to 60% off everything

Pottery Barn

// 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more 25 off $1000 or more

Code: SAVEMORE

Date: Ends 9/7

Priceline

// book by 9/16 and save up to 25% off select hotels. Save an extra 10% of already discounted express deals hotels when you book a hotel on Florida’s west coast

Code: WFLBEACH1

Saks Fifth Avenue

// up to 75% off the summer sunset sale

Date: Ends 9/7

UGG

// 30% off all fall fashion

Victoria’s Secret

// $15 off $100 order, $25 off $150 order, $50 off  $250 order

Code: fall 2015

West Elm 

// 10% off 100$ or more 15% off $250 or more 20% off $500 or more

Code: SAVEMORE

Date: Ends 9/7

Image: (source)

 

 

 

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Au Courant Weekly: September 5, 2015

The Simple Sophisticate, episode #59

International

~Eurostar trains were turned back to Paris and Britain late Tuesday and early  Wednesday due to migrants climbing onto the tracks and some even onto the top of the trains. Migrants at the port city in France of Calais are attempting to flee to England as France has far more stringent immigration expectations. Two trains were sent back, three were delayed and one was stopped at Calais as migrants are trying to sneak through the tunnel which is 31.4 miles in length.

~China announced they will be decreasing their military by 300,000 personnel. On Thursday, China’s President Xi Jinping announced that the 2.3 million man military would be reduced in size. Due to modern military demands and an on-going anti-corruption probe into certain military individuals, the need for revamping was deemed necessary by the government.

National: United States

The 20, 237 ft. mount is now officially named Mount Denali as it was originally named by Alaska Natives prior to the renaming to honor President William McKinley who never visited the area known now as the state of Alaska. The White House’s official statement as to why the change occurred is to “recognize the sacred status of Denali to generations of Alaska Natives.” While the official order was signed last Friday by the President (August 28th), it was announced publicly on Monday when President Obama arrived for his three day visit.

The struggle to change the name has been ongoing since 1975 as Alaska Natives have, until now, run up against a bipartisan effort by a Ohio congressional delegation introducing bills to block the change as McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, and is buried in Canton.

~A Kentucky county clerk in Rowan County, Kim Davis, was ordered to jail by a federal judge on Thursday for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples, for being in contempt of court. The 49-year-old Democrat who was elected to her post last year, took a stand along with two other county clerks (of of 120 in the state) against the Supreme Court ruling this summer stating same sex marriage is constitutional “contend[ing] that [her] religious beliefs keep [her] from recognizing same-sex nuptials”. Federal Judge David J. Bunning’s decision exceeded “the wishes of the couples who sued the clerk this summer; their lawyers had asked that she be fined,” as reported by The New York Times. 

Politics

~Enough votes have been established to secure the Iran Nuclear agreement in the U.S. Senate. Confirmed on Wednesday, President Obama now has the 34 Democratic votes needed in the Senate to override a filibuster attempt and allow the Iran Nuclear deal to be passed. Now you may be wondering, doesn’t he need a majority? No. Remember, back in May the Senate passed the precise language that allows the agreement to go forth even if a majority of the Senate disagrees. At this point the President can veto, and so long as there are enough no votes in the Senate (34) to avoid a filibuster, the deal is secured. Why would the Senate agree to such a deal? Elections! Such an agreement allows politicians to be on the record as standing against the deal all the while allowing it to pass.

Science

~Bottled water wasteful? The Washington Post reported that nearly 35 million gallons of bottled water are consumed in the United States over the course of one year. Compared to 15 years ago the amount has doubled. The good news is more people are consuming bottled water rather than soda, but the bad news is only one third of bottles are being recycled.

~The world’s tree population, as reported by a recent Yale study, reached 3.04 trillion trees. The good news, 3 trillion trees is seven times more than was originally estimated, but experts believe the earth’s tree population has been cut in half since human civilization began due to drought, insects and deforestation.

Arts & Entertainment

~A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte opened yesterday. As discussed on yesterday’s This & That, the duo walked much, but not all of the 2000 mile Appalachian trail as they adapted Bill Bryson’s best-selling memoir for the screen.

~Dirty Weekend starring Matthew Broderick opens in limited release this weekend. Broderick and Alice Eve star as co-workers stuck in Albuquerque on a lay-over. A Nate LaBute film, it is part comedy, part mystery as the duo sets out to solve a mystery prompted by a note Broderick’s character is carrying around in his pocket which only contains the word “Zorro”. With Eve’s brains and beauty along with Broderick’s wicked charm and witty humor, it looks to be worth an evening of viewing.

~Stephen Colbert begins his reign as the host of CBS’ The Late Show on Tuesday September 8th with guest George Clooney and Jeb Bush. Future guests throughout the week are Scarlet Johansson, Joe Biden and Amy Schumer.

Bendite Event of the Week

~The annual Friends of the Library Book Sale takes place this weekend at the Sunriver Library. As it kicked off yesterday, you can still stop by today from 10 am to 5pm.

~Singer Ben Harper comes to Bend this Sunday with his original band the Innocent Criminals. It has been seven years since they have toured together and tickets are still available for their Les Schwab Amphitheater performance at 6pm. $45 for tickets, doors open at 5pm and the opening act will be Benjy Ferree.

French Word of the Week

La rentrée

Bonjour, this is Géraldine from Comme une Française.com. I’m here to share the latest French Word of the Week: a simple very French word for your Simply Luxurious Life in France.

September in France is synonymous with “la rentrée des classes” (the start of the school year). “Rentrer”, the verb, literally to “re-enter” means “to go back”.

You will see “les élèves” the students with “des cartables”, going back to school, happy or crying, holding hands with their parents or, for the older ones, going on their own.

On this first day, “le professeur” that we just call “le prof” will present himself or herself to “les élèves”. “La rentrée” to each school : “la maternelle” for the small ones, “l’école primaire” then “le collège” and “le lycée”, is a very important day in the life of a child in France.

And on this first day, the only thing they’re ALL looking forward to is “les vacances” : the next school holidays.

If you want to add more French in your Simply Luxurious Life, join me on Comme une Française.com for weekly video tips to sound French, even to the French! And it’s free.

Thought to Ponder

~Link to the film A Five Star Life~

lib

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