If you live in Southwest Florida and fly a lot you are destined to become well acquainted with Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta. Since most of our road games require air travel, and we take around 20 people with us on each trip, we almost always book one-stop flights with stopovers in Atlanta to save money.

In the last few years Hartsfield-Jackson has become the busiest airport in the country surpassing O’Hare Airport in Chicago. However, the fact that so many people arrive and depart from the airport each day is not the biggest problem with flying through there.

You see Atlanta Airport is like fucking Versailles. I am not exaggerating when I say that the airport is like 8 miles long and getting from C Gates to D Gates is approximately a 20-minute walk. I mean for gosh sakes they have a freakin’ train that transports people all over the airport! Therefore, it is imperative when scheduling flights that connect in Atlanta that you have ample time to get from your arrival gate to your next flight.

On a recently trip to play Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia we played a rare afternoon game allowing us to fly home that evening instead of the next morning. After the game we quickly herded the players onto the bus and raced to the Charlotte Airport to board our flight to Atlanta. We were on time for our initial leg however, we knew once we arrived in Atlanta that we’d have to haul-ass to our second flight since we only had a 30-minute layover.

We touched down on time in Atlanta and sprinted to the board to see what gate our next flight would be leaving from only to discover that there was no longer a need to rush since our flight had been delayed 50-minutes from 10:00 pm to 10:50 pm.

Realizing we now had a comfortable hour and 20-minutes before our next flight we decided to make the walk from Gate D-7, where we had deplaned, to Gate C-1 before getting our guys some food.

After about a 20-minute walk we arrived at the beginning of the C Gates and most of our group decided to grab some food. I wasn’t really hungry, and just wanted to get some coffee, so I began walking toward our gate. As I strolled from C-16 to C-1 I chatted with my parents on the phone and grabbed some java from Seattle’s Best before finding an outlet in our gate area where I could charge my laptop.

After getting off the phone with my parents I was curious to see how much longer I had until the flight would be boarding. As I checked my watch I did a quick scan of the area before realizing, quite curiously, that it was 10:00 pm and there was nary a friendly face in sight.

It seemed strange to me that no one else from the team had made their way down to our new gate when we would be boarding in 20-minutes. So, I packed up my computer and starting looking for a departures board to check on our flight.

However, with no board in sight I opted to give another one of our assistant coaches a call and see where everyone was. The following is the conversation that ensued upon him answering my call:

Nick: “Hey Matt where are you?”

Me: “I’m at our Gate C-1. Where are you guys?”

Nick: “We are boarding man at Gate D-1. You gotta get over here right away.”

Me: “Holy shit Nick! I’m not gonna make it!”

Nick: “Well start moving and get here as quickly as you can.”

So, I did the only thing I could at that point and started running. Let me tell you it is not easy to run with a pair of bags on your shoulders but what could I do at that point besides suck is up and sprint.

I skipped my way up a set of escalators before hopping onto the moving walkway where I was able to make up some time. As I dashed down the long corridor I literally felt like I was the Road Runner being shot out of a cannon at the end of the moving sidewalk, which I have to admit was pretty fun.

As I hurried up another escalator I checked my watch to see that 10-minutes had passed and I had no idea whether the plane was still going to be there. At the top of the escalator I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel as I had reached Gate D-16.

Knowing my fate lie at the end of the hall I put my head down and continued running. D-14, 12, 9 the gates rolled by as I now slowed to a jog. Finally, as I passed D-5 I saw a few of our other coaches standing outside D-1 waving me in like a Marathon runner about to cross the finish line.

When I got within shouting distance they started walking toward me yelling that I had missed it and we all needed to run back to C-7 to make another flight. As I slowed to a walk I shouted back, “You guys better be fucking with me cause I’m not running back!”

We then all broke out laughing and boarded the plane to Fort Myers. However, the funniest part of the whole ordeal was that since there was so much confusion on the departure boards around the airport pertaining to when our flight was leaving, and from what gate, that we didn’t end up leaving until 10:50 pm!

After settling into my seat I was able to piece together the events leading up to my almost missing our flight. Apparently the team was eating when someone realized that the board had changed and our flight was in fact going to be leaving at 10:00 pm. In the ensuing frantic rush to get our players to the gate no one took the time to take a head count and therefore didn’t recognize that I wasn’t there.

In the end though there were no hard feelings and I really didn’t care that we left late or that I had to run across the airport to make the flight because of confusion. All that mattered was that I was safely onboard and therefore wouldn’t to have to spend the night in the airport because in the rush to make our connection the team accidentally left a man behind.

Christmas Morning at Boca Grande!

Well, we have made it to our Christmas destination celebrating our newest tradition of spending the Holiday on our boat at Boca Grande!  My husband and I have been doing this for two years now, and we love it!  After all, how many people get the chance to enjoy such a beautiful place like Southwest Florida during the holidays?  Waking up Christmas morning with the cool air and sun shining off the water is a spectacular sight, and it is one I hope to enjoy for many years to come.

Whether you observe Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or any other festive celebration, I hope you find cheer and joy this season.  Remember it is a time of hope for all of us, a time to be thankful for what we have in our lives, and a time for children to find happiness in wishes and dreams.  In fact, the holidays allow us to forget about reality, even if just for a few moments, and embrace the magic of the season.

No matter where you are spending your holiday, keep in mind that winter is a time of year to find comfort – in family, friends, good food, warmth by a fire, or even with coffee on the water like we will be doing.  Think of those less fortunate and extend a hand in the spirit of the season.  It will help you to express the love and kindness in your heart.   

I wish you and yours every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year!

It is amazing to me how reactive people and cities can be to dramatic climate changes. Now, I completely understand that it is not necessarily in a city or families best interests to invest money in hypothetical situations that may result from severe weather but that is not what I am referring to here.

I am not talking about the other day when Washington D.C. essentially closed down the Nation’s Capital during a snowstorm that most Midwesterners, such as myself, would not consider severe. I understand the city is not equipped to handle that type of situation at the drop of a dime the way Minneapolis or Boston might.

However, what I am talking about is how many people living in Southwest Florida appear to be somewhat up in arms over our recent temperature drop into the high-50’s and low-60’s during the day. I know that to people who live down here this might seem like the temperature plummeted since they are used to it being a balmy 80 degrees during the day, but in my opinion this hardly represents a “cold front.”

Growing up in Chicago I became very accustomed to fluctuating and severe weather, since one day it’s a beautiful 70-degrees and the next it’s snowing. Seriously, I am not exaggerating since I have lived through this type of unpredictable weather many times.

Therefore I have little sympathy for Floridians who are shivering because the temperature has dropped over the past few days. The fact that it’s 60-degrees outside a few days before Christmas, let alone 80, is incredible to me. The simple fact that I haven’t seen snow and no one who grew up down here has ever heard of the term “wind-chill” boggles my mind.

While many locals are lamenting the recent drop in temperature I honestly love it! Maybe this sounds ridiculous but living in the same 80-degree weather day after day becomes monotonous and I had been yearning for a break from the warmth of the sun and longing to feel a cool breeze as I walked out of my house in the morning Not to mention the fact that it has finally cooled off at night meaning I don’t have to sleep in the buff to keep from sweating.

Look, I think it’s great that there is a tropical part of the United States where people can spent a few months away during the harsh winter season. I can even understand why people would enjoy living here but that’s just not me. I need seasonality and the opportunity to experience the cold winter season.

I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who completely enjoys living in a place (from a climate perspective) where its inhabitants are thrown for a loop when the temperature in late December drops from 80 to 60.

Personally, I miss Chicago and the way the cold makes you feel invigorated and alive while simultaneously freezing your senses. I miss the first snow and waking up in the morning seeing everything covered in a blanket of white. I miss standing outside shivering before the sun peeks it’s head out from behind a cloud and provides me with a jolt of warmth.

It’s funny because when I was younger I used to always complain about winter, cold and especially snow. However, now that I have gone a few years without those things, after living in New Mexico and now Florida, I realize how those much I enjoyed those individual moments. I guess in a lot of ways I was fortunate to grow up in a place where I got to experience different types of weather since if I grew up somewhere without climate variation I might never know the subtle joys of winter that I was missing out on.

Haley and David made it official this December.  Their wedding ceremony took place in the Royal Palm Allee on the historic riverside property of Henry Ford at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida.  There were so many perfect little details that made this dream wedding a magical one.

Ceremony Location: Edison & Ford Winter Estates / 239.334.7419 / www.efwefla.org/wedding.asp / info@efwefla.org

Photography: Images Wedding Photography / 239.283.9811 / www.imagesweddingphotography.com / jdean0001@hotmail.com

Chairs & Columns: Creative Events & Rentals / 239.786.6393 / www.creativeevents1.com / info@creativeevents1.com

Flowers: Cape Coral Floral Design / 239.772.3377 / www.capeflorist.com / info@capeflorist.com

Transportation: Model T Chauffeur Services / 239.694.3969 / www.modeltchauffeur.com / info@modeltchauffeur.com

Music: Hugh the Bagpiper / 239.440.7257 / www.hughthebagpiper.com / info@hughthebagpiper.com

January at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with Sneak Peeks, Rain Barrel Workshop , the annual Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair as well as a variety of other special programs throughout the month.  The January schedule of programs and events include:

Edison & Ford Holiday Nights, Through – January 2, 5:30 PM – 9 PM

The Estates holiday tradition continues with “Edison & Ford Holiday Nights,” southwest Florida’s 34 year annual event.  The winter homes of the Edison and Ford families will be seasonally decorated with the “favorite things” of the Edison and Ford families.  The Edison Botanic Lab and Estates Museum will be open every evening with special exhibits as well as nightly holiday performances by area students and groups.  Group rates are available to groups of 20 or more people with advance reservations.  For more information call 239-334-7419. 

Home Schoolers: “Eager Engineers,” January 8, 1 PM – 3 PM

Home schooled students and their parents will be inspired by Henry Ford’s inventions and learn how simple machines become complex machines, as well as the science of building bridges.  The programs follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history and reading SOLS.  Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families.  Registration required. Estates Members $5; non members $15 (one adult, one child) additional $5 per child. 

Etiquette at the Estates:  Mina & Mimi’s Manners, January 9 & February 6, 11 AM

Mina Edison, wife of Thomas Edison, was a gracious hostess and interested in the well being of children and the community.  Following in this tradition, Etiquette at the Estates, includes one day (two hour) lessons in etiquette and social skills.  Children will learn proper introductions, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three course meal.  Class will be taught by Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes at the Ritz-Carlton hotels throughout the nation.  Registration is requires.  Estates Members $40; non members $50. 

Wild Wizard Lab Show, “Eager Engineers,”  January 10, 2 PM

The Estates Wild Wizards present a series of lab experiments exploring some of Mr. Edison’s and Mr. Ford’s illuminating inventions.  Join the Wizards and explore how simple machines become complex machines as well as the science of building bridges.  Fun for all ages.  Estates Members are FREE, non members: $10 adults, $5 children and includes Estates Lab and Museum admission.

New Volunteer Orientation,  January 12, 10 AM

Join Estates staff to learn about volunteer opportunities, Estates policies and general Museum information.  This is a mandatory training for all new Estates volunteers but potential volunteers are welcome.

Sneak Peek Tours for the Public, January 14, 21, & 28, 10:30 AM

This season a NEW behind-the-scenes tour inside the Edison and Ford homes open to the public and Estates members.   These unique tours are offered at no cost to Estates members and $40 for non members.  In addition, lunch will be served riverside by the Ford Estate following the tour for $15 per person.  Due to the intimate nature of “Sneak Peek Tours,” space is limited and registration is required.  To become an Estates member call the Estates Membership office to receive free admission to the Estates and hundreds of museums and gardens throughout the United States, discounts and an inside look into the homes of two of the nations greatest inventors and their families. 

Docent Training, January 21, 9 AM

New Estates volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch, Lab and Museum docents, or group tour docents of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.

Rain Barrel Workshop, January 23, 9 AM

Harvesting rainwater by using rain barrels has been around for thousands of years. Thomas Edison used cisterns and water tanks throughout his Fort Myers estate to help irrigate his gardens and to use for drinking water.   Join the Estates Horticulturist, Debbie Hughes and Tom Becker, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods for a unique approach on uses and construction of rain barrels and a tour of the Estates.  In addition southwest Florida artist, Marie Dyer will give a demonstration on painting your rain barrel to create a beautiful addition to your landscape.   Registration is required.  Estates Members $50; non members $55 and includes a rain barrel. 

Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair, January 24, 1 PM – 5 PM

The second annual Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Ford Estate, southwest Florida’s premier wedding location.  With breathtaking water views, historic gardens and romantic sunsets the Estates is a perfect location for your special day.  Over 40 wedding professionals will be available to assist you as well as a bridal fashion show, dancing demonstrations, catering showcase and much more.  Cost: $5, FREE to brides.  Event is sponsored by Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Creative Events/Taylor Rental, Fort Myers, and Studio Six Eleven.

photo courtesy of Jamie Lee Photography

Coming in February: 

“Brunch with Mrs. Edison:  Living with a Genius,” February 19 & 20, 11 AM

Storyteller, writer, playwright and professional actress, Nan Colton will bring to life the remarkable and charitable Mina Edison with unforgettable tales of “living with a genius.”  Brunch will be served in the beautiful Estates gardens and garden hats are encouraged.  Reservations required, seating is limited.  Estates Members $50; non members $60.  Group rates are available.

Take a look at these videos and you will see why I finally settled on a home based business to build mutiple streams of income, while acquiring assets.

Your money will be worthless:

THEN check it:

THEN see what I am doing about it. http://www.BuySilvernGold.com

I am very excited to pass along some uplifting news released this month by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) showing an increase in pending home sales for nine months in a row!  In fact, this is the first time this has ever happened since the inauguration of the Pending Home Index in 2001.

For those that aren’t familiar with the Index, it is based on a national sampling of pending sales for existing homes.  Research has proven that signed contracts mirror actual closings within a 30 to 60 days time frame, so reporting on pending sales as opposed to closed sales has been accepted as the standard.  They do report both month-to-month and year-to-date percentages, but in my opinion the year over year figures are much more telling of the actual trends that are occurring.  And, as of October 2009 there was a 31.8% increase over October 2008 representing the largest annual increase ever!

Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for NAR, has stated that while we may see a small dip month over month in closed sales as the “pendulum” swings back between now and Spring time, we should reach “self-sustaining housing conditions and firming home prices in most areas around the middle of 2010.”^₁ Is this good news or what?  The prediction is that we will see at least a 20% increase in home sales by the middle of 2010, with an increase in median home values somewhere between 2-4%.  Of course, the extension on the deadline for the tax credit for first-time home buyers will be beneficial for this as it enables an additional 2.6 million households to qualify for the credit on top of the 1.8 million already qualified through the fourth quarter of this year. 

With the increase in the numbers above coupled with the fact that interest rates on mortgages are certain to rise, those of us in the residential real estate profession should be gearing up for an exciting year!  There is no doubt that we have definitely been tested over the last few years, but we are finally beginning to see some relief and we need to be ready for it.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country here in Southwest Florida!

Stay tuned for the release of the November home sales coming out in the next few weeks followed by the release of the Index numbers for November in early January.

^₁www.realtor.org

I thought it was important to remind everyone about the Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade happening tonight!  This is yet another area holiday tradition celebrating Christmas on our beautiful waterways in Naples, FL.

This year will be the 20^th anniversary of this great event.  You can experience it at the Naples City Dock or other area waterfront restaurants and or on your boat relaxing in the water as beautifully lighted boats parade gracefully through the water.  You can even register your boat and be a part of the parade itself for free.  The parade begins at channel marker 32 located south of the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club and continues south to the Naples City Dock area ending at Pincher’s Crab Shack at Tin City and the Gordon River Bridge.

This year’s parade has a Caribbean theme which should be a lot of fun.  Most of us who have lived in Southwest Florida for awhile, especially those involved in boating and sailing, are very familiar with the Caribbean and have experienced its uniqueness and the exquisiteness of its waters.  It happens to be a home away from home for many of us since it doesn’t take long to get there by sea.  It has a truly laid back and casual atmosphere focused on having a good time.

Hopefully, everyone is looking forward to the parade as much as we are and plans on taking part in the festivities.  Enjoy!

Sometimes inspiration comes from the strangest places. Recently I had the pleasure of joining The News-Press editorial board on a private tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. As a citizen member of the board, this was a real treat because we got to see some things the general public doesn’t – I even got to walk in the houses!

What’s more, is we were told all the incredible labors of love and work that have been going on over the past 9 years on the sites. $12 million and thousands of work hours later, the homes are in excellent condition and the staff is working to make both sites a place of learning and growth, just as both men had originally planned them to be.

So, what can we take away from this? I left inspired by the horticulture and beauty of the Estates as well as the sheer genius that once lived and walked those same grounds.

Enjoy some of the photos I took and may they inspire you to do great things.

Wow, we really live in paradise here in Southwest Florida!  My husband and I attended the boat lighting and holiday festivities at the Naples Sailing and Yacht Club the last few days and you can’t help but be reminded about what a beautiful area we live in with events like this.  Not only are we lucky enough to live in an area with some of the best boating and waterways in the country, but we also have a climate here that lets us enjoy the water all year round including the holiday season – can it get any better than this?!

I am constantly thinking about all the sailing and power boating I did up on Cape Cod, which was great as well, but the weather down here is unmatched.  How many others get to celebrate holiday boat lightings in 70 degree weather?  There may be an incident or two that you can recall, but for the most part, this is only reserved for a few paradise locations in the world like Naples, FL.

Seeing all the different boats adorned with lights and decorations is simply amazing.  When you think about the unique and graceful elegance that each vessel has in its own construction, imagine how wonderfully they all look when they are gussied up for the holiday season.  It is definitely a sight to see!

Of course, while the boats were the main attraction at the event, spending time with our friends was just as enjoyable.  We truly take pleasure in every moment we get to spend with our boating friends and always come away with stories and memories that we will cherish.  There is a casual comfort and understanding out there between boaters and a satisfaction in plotting a course, setting sail, and reaching a destination that others can’t appreciate until they experience it. 

We are so thankful every day that we are healthy enough to enjoy occasions like this and spend time on our boat with our friends in the magnificent Florida waterways.  We are truly blessed!

Next Saturday night we get to participate in the Naples Boat Parade on one of Marine Max’s Sea Rays.

I couldn’t agree more with Public Relations Blogger more on this one… They recently posted an article on their blog about why PR is a better brand builder than advertising.

While I believe in advertising, as posted in other blog posts, there are some attributes only PR can claim. One such, is believability and trust. We’ve mentioned before that readers trust articles more than advertising. Perhaps we as consumers are just jaded, now knowing (to some extent) that advertising is just a ploy for money by retailers. Or, perhaps there’s a sense of word-of-mouth or recommendation when a journa list writes about a business or product. The end user or reader never knows if that article came from a press release or direct research and writing by the author.

Another big plus on the PR pro/con list is speed. If PR is done correctly (and the business or product is as cool as the CEO/Owner/Developer thinks it is) than PR can boost a product or business very quickly. Look at the Snuggie (I’m not saying this is a cool product AT ALL), but they did PR and experienced incredible, and fast success. There’s just no guarantee how long it will last…

Nevertheless, check out the Public Relations Blogger post for yourself. I’d love to hear your feedback. Which do you think is a stronger brand builder – PR or advertising?

Hello from Naples Florida,

I wanted to touch base and provide you with a brief update on the current real estate market in Naples, Florida.  A report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) shows another month of significant improvement in what is generally the slowest time of year.  Overall pending sales priced $2 million & under have increased 100% over last October’s total.

The $300,000 & under price range has accounted for a majority of the sales this summer.  This is common in a recovering market as low prices, low interest rates and the federal tax credit have driven investors, first time buyers, vacation home buyers & retirees back into the market.  The major price correction has given a whole new group of consumer’s the ability to purchase a home they once could not afford.  This segment is taking advantage of the current market & finding incredible homes at fantastic prices.    

The data from the report also points out the fact that there has been a recent increase in demand in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range.  The October report states pending sales have increased 150% compared to October 2008.  Another good sign is that inventory has decreased 14% when compared to October 08’ inventory levels.  With increasing sales and declining inventory across all geographic segments a number of buyers have decided that now is the time to buy and I agree

While many market indicators suggest we have rounded the corner, there is one that at first glance does not.  The median home price in Naples decreased 14% when compared to the median price of a home in October of 2008.  This should come as no surprise as the median price of homes generally trails behind increasing sales & decreasing inventory in a recovering market.  The higher concentration of sales in the $300,000 and under market tends to skew the median price downward.  As sales continue to even out among all price points and inventory continues to decline the median home price will stabilize.  Once that occurs sales should pick up at an even faster pace.

If you would like a more detailed analysis of the current market please email or call me to discuss.  Let me know the price range and the type of home you are looking for and I will send the best deals available.  Please let me know if it’s for investment, second home, retirement home or a mix of them all.  The services my staff and I offer will provide you with a great deal of knowledge regarding the market and the particular homes that interest you prior to you having seen them.  We provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision that leaves no doubt that you made the right choice.  Act today to get the home you want at a price you can’t resist.

UFO sited by approximate 40 people on the Big M Casino Ship. I have exclusive video!

UPDATE: Here is the video, and the mystery is solved!

At Hemingway’s, Coconut Point , Estero, Florida

Http://www.FrankTarino.com

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Dan and me with the High Tech North students and Mr. Hawk

Earlier this year,  I was asked to participate in High Tech North’s graphic design advisory committee. I specifically attended the breakfast and meeting at the school, learning about the incredible things the class is doing.

Under the leadership of Mr. Kevin Hawk, these students are being prepared to enter the work force, with a knowledge and understanding of graphic design and production. I was so pleased to see these young people (mostly high school students with a sprinkling of adults) engaging in the field and preparing to enter the work force.

While at the advisory meeting, the talk of a field trip came up and we offered to have them come visit our office, and tour the neighboring printing company, Presstige Printing, who happens to be in the same building. The day came today for us to give the tour and what a treat!

High Tech North Students, Mr. Hawk, Dan, Nick and I before the tour

A group of about 15 students came for the tour. We started off with the best of breakfast snacks – Dunkin Donuts Munchkins – before moving on to see the digital machines, large presses, bindery, finally heading up stairs to see the graphic design area.

Nick discussing the digital machines' capabilities

Dan talking about the presses and what graphic designers need to know about them

One of the Presstige pressmen getting a sample, hot off the press!

Dan reviewing graphic design tips, trade insights, etc.

So many questions were asked and I could see the students were really learning a lot from seeing how their work would eventually translate into printed materials, etc.

A big kudos goes to Nick Weidenmiller and Dan Venditti for being co-hosts for the tour. They provided so much information.

Dan and Nick, my fellow tour guides

Another big thanks goes to Derek Scott, my husband, who happens to run the digital printers, for taking our group photo and then printing copies for each student and Mr. Hawk before they left!

Wow! My daughter and I LOVE this! Many more pics coming tonight!

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Increase your Constitution IQ just by watching!

Singing Dynamo, Maurise Lo Manaco’s voice sounds as romantic as his name. Get your girl to this one, and you will be in for a hot night.

Told you he draws a crowd. LISTEN to those pipes loaded in the player below!

He packs Pagelli’s and Hemingway’s at Coconut Point, Estero, Florida every Wednesday.

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Garlic parmesan! Yesss!

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Gorgeous place, fantastic food in Punta Gorda. Laishley Crab House

Modulation at Hemingway’s every Saturday! Http://www.modulation1.com

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