RANT: Keeping people in poverty

Friday, January 7, 2011

http://reason.com/archives/2010/12/31/the-obamacare-fraud

The ObamaCare Fraud
The law will penalize doctors to pay patients and penalize patients to pay doctors.
Shikha Dalmia | December 31, 2010

*** begin quote ***

When the government hands out subsidies, it will use a household’s income in the previous year as the basis for guessing what the household is qualified to get in the current year. But if the household’s income grows midyear, the subsidy recapture provision will require it to repay anywhere from $600 to $3,500, compared to the $450 that the law originally called for.

This will make it very hazardous for poor working families to get ahead. In the original law, the loss of subsidy with rising income already meant absurdly high effective marginal tax rates—the implicit tax on every additional dollar of income earned. How high? The Cato Institute’s Michael Cannon puts them at 229 percent for families of four who increase their earnings by an amount equal to 5 percent of the federal poverty level or $1,100. In other words, a family that added this amount to an income of $44,700 would actually see its total income fall by $1,419 due to the loss of subsidies.

*** end quote ***

Yeah, I’m sure glad how these politicians and bureaucrats “care” for the poor!

Who needs a plantation, overseers, and the problems. Just trap the serfs in poverty and make it impossible for the poor to improve their situation. Where’s Robin Hood, Zorro, or V (for Vendetta; not the aliens on ABC) when you need them.

And, of course, we’ll need more bureaucrats to administer these programs.

Argh!

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POLITICAL: Obscuring the reality of secession

Thursday, January 6, 2011

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/01/05/reliving__and_denying__an_ugly_past/

Reliving — and denying — an ugly past
By Jeff Jacoby
Globe Columnist / January 5, 2011

*** begin quote ***

ON JAN. 16, 1861, delegates to a Georgia state convention gathered to consider whether to secede from the United States. Three days later, voting 208-89, the convention adopted an “Ordinance of Secession,’’ which “repealed, rescinded, and abrogated’’ Georgia’s ratification of the federal Constitution in 1788.

*** end quote ***

Looking past the stupidity of a bunch of people, who feel that salt in wounds, is a great idea. I think you miss five critical points:

① Voluntary exit from the Union was debated and assurances given when it was formed. Only to be abrogated when use of the “exit door” was attempted.

② Lincoln assure his place as the “worst President” with his war on civilian populations. And, the many violations of civil liberties. And, the insistence on “preserving the Union”. It wasn’t about slavery for him; Emancipation Proclamation only applied to the areas he didn’t control.

③ A lot of smart people didn’t see that “slavery” was an economically doomed institution. Only we had to kill people to figure that out. “A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war.” — apocryphal quote attributed to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto played by Mako in the movie ‘Pearl Harbor’

④ The structural change from “The United States of America” as a republic to the “USA” as an empire was begun with the North winning the War of Northern Aggression. No man or group of men—including any group of men calling themselves “the government”—is morally entitled to initiate (that is, to start) the use of physical force, the threat of force, or any substitute for force (such as fraud) against any other man or group of men. “The Market for Liberty” Linda & Morris Tannehill (1970)

⑤ Finally, secession is back. It is the ultimate relief from Washington DC’s corrupt oppression. The debt, deficit, and a 100 year devaluation of the currency assure that the American Empire will collapse just like the Soviet Union. The only question is which State will be the first to exit? My money is on Vermont. But Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, South Carolina, Montana, and New Hampshire are all in the running to be first out the door. And, will we, could we, have one ejection — California — with it’s impending bankruptcy?

So the SC Secession Ball begs the question will the Empire roll tanks into the first state to leave? And, what will “We, The Sheeple” do? Remember that great movie quote? “I fear all we have done is awakened a sleeping giant.” — apocryphal quote attributed to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto played by Mako in the movie ‘Pearl Harbor’

What will be the wake up call?

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TECHNOLOGY: 1AND1, a service provider, is on the RBL

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Thank you for contacting us.

We would like to inform you that our IP address is being blocked by Trend Micro. At the moment, we do not have an estimated time frame for the fix however rest assured that we are currently working on a resolution. Once we have the fix, it will be implemented to all affected customers. To ensure that your case will be taken cared of, I will be adding the details of your case to the list of affected customers. We understand that you might be anxious to have this resolved as soon as possible so thank you so much for your patience while we work on the resolution.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Benito Enopia
Technical Support
1&1 Internet

# – # – #

Argh! The “cure” is worse that the disease. If everyone would deploy IPv6, then everyone would have an “real” ipaddress. Argh!

# # # # # posted 2011-01-06 12:19


INTERESTING: Glen Beck radio dropped from WOR

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Heard, or read, that WOR was dropping the Glen Beck radio show as of 1/17.

The reason sited was “low ratings”. Is this a statement more about New York City, than the value of the Glen Beck show.

(I’m not a Beck fan boy. He’s a “conservative”; I’m a little L libertarian. So we disagree on aggression and “law”. But we do agree on fiscal issues. I listen from time to time and find him “interesting”.)

Frau Reinke said maybe they couldn’t get sponsors. That’s probably also true. To sponsor Beck, or in any way to be associated with him, is, in NYC, the kiss of death.

Sigh!

# # # # # posted 2011-01-06 08:31


MONEY: Capture all your medical or job search deductions NEXT year!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Here’s an idea of a “new year’s resolution”. First a little background. This year, my wife was diagnosed with a form of pre-leukemia. It’s been a mess in every dimension. As I sit here thinking about it, and tax time, I wish I had captured all the medical expenses. It’s just one more straw breaking my “camel’s back”. But this year, I have a strategy. I have a blank check register. I’m going to contemporaneously log every expense in the “check” register. I should be able to capture EVERY medical expense. I’ll let you know at the end of the year how I make out.

p.s., I think the same strategy would work for Job Seekers who also have deductible expenses. I shudder to think of all the expense deductions I have missed over the years. Argh! But new year, and self-granted amnesty for all mistakes in the prior year. But still, it gripes me to have missed the opportunity.

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TECHNOLOGY: Anti Spam RBL is … … worthless!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

I send an email. And, it’s blocked by the receiver’s email server because of RBL.

*** begin quote ***

Thank you for writing to the MAPS Realtime Blackhole List (RBL) Team.

This email address is used to submit RBL nominations, for RBL removal requests, and for other communication regarding the MAPS RBL.

Many providers do use MAPS lists but also employ more restrictive lists which they maintain themselves. If you have been blocked by those, you’ll need to contact them directly.

Your message has been assigned the ticket number shown in the Subject: header above. Please include that string in the Subject: header of any future correspondance with RBL staff about this issue.

*** end quote ***

So I get:

*** begin quote ***

Hello,

Thank you for contacting us about this IP address on RBL. 74.208.4.194 was listed because we received spam from this address and because no action was taken when we reported this to your ISP.

We first started to see spam from 74.208.4.194 in March 2007.

We continue to see spam attempts from this address recently. We need to hear from your ISP prior to removing any part of this listing.

Please secure your network and contact your ISP, and have your ISP contact us for removal.

Kind regards,
John Abello
Spam Investigations Team
Trend Micro Inc.

*** end quote ***

So I very nicely point out that it’s NOY my problem. Nor that of my ISP.

*** begin quote ***

John,

Not to quibble, but my ISP is Verizon. And, my email provider for my domain “reinke.cc” is 1AND1. The IP address that you’re citing is 1AND1. So, why would you tell me to contact my ISP? And, have you ever called any service provider? 1AND1 is probably one of the largest web, email, and domain service providers. So, you, via RBL, are penalizing me for the “sins” of someone else. You’re acting like I have ANY control over everyone who uses 1and1 or Verizon.

Further, with NAT, and IP address leasing, the whole concept that a spammer can be “pinpointed” by IP address is passe.

Am I misunderstanding something?

fjohn

*** end quote ***

And, I get this back.

*** begin quote ***

Hello,

Your IP address 74.208.4.194 owner is 1and1, please contact them regarding this issue and let them communicate us on your behalf regarding this issue,

Kind regards,
John Abello

Spam Investigations Team
Trend Micro Inc.

*** end quote ***

I don’t think very highly of RBL, Trend Micro, or “John Abello” (if there is such a person)

Argh!

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TECHNOLOGY: Diesel is a better answer than gas – electric hybrids

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig11/peters-e8.1.1.html

New Year’s Wish List
by Eric Peters
EricPetersAutos.com

*** begin quote ***

More diesels

And fewer $40,000 hybrids that barely outdo the mileage of an ’80s-era Plymouth Champ. Diesels, unlike hybrids, work – if “working” means they deliver very high gas mileage without a very high price tag. Gas-electric hybrids and electric cars are impressive as technology but crap as consumer products – if the point of the exercise is to produce economical transportation. If you have to pay $30,000 or $40,000 (or even $25,000) to get 35 or 40 MPGs then MPGs don’t really matter since whatever you “save” in fuel costs is negated by the cost of the car itself. But diesel engines can deliver 60 MPG in a subcompact car that costs less than $15,000. Just not here. They have such cars in Europe. Santa needs to bring a few of them to us. But first, he’ll need to put some coal in the stockings of the government bureaucrats who have made the American car market unfriendly for diesel vehicles by imposing one regulatory obstacle and expense after the next. It’s not that diesels are “dirty” – the Europeans are just as obsessed with saving the planet as we are. It’s simply that our bureaucrats and politicians aren’t as smart as those in Europe.

*** end quote ***

I loved the three diesels I’ve had in my life.

Once upon a time, diesel fuel was cheaper than gasoline.

Don’t understand why that is? It’s easier to refine.

We know that the taxes on petrol of all flavors is a significant cost component. And, a good way for the Gooferment to bury taxes. With the illusion that it’s all going to “roads”, which is “barbara streisand”!

So why don’t we exploit technology that works?

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WEBSITE: campaignforliberty site down

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

It’s not just you! http://campaignforliberty.com looks down from here.

# # # # # posted 2011-01-04 22:41


SERVICE: bye, bye some hotmail accounts and their data

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

http://tech.slashdot.org/story/11/01/02/0233231/Some-Hotmail-Accounts-Wiped

Technology: Some Hotmail Accounts Wiped
Posted by Soulskill on Sunday January 02, @08:21AM
from the you-didn’t-need-that,-right? dept.

*** begin quote ***

“PC Magazine reports that many Hotmail accounts have lost all their emails. Users’ entire email histories have apparently been lost. ‘Users can still log in sans issue. However, they arrive at empty inboxes: No custom folders, no messages in “Sent” or “Deleted,” nothing. As one might expect, the abruptness (and unexpectedness) of the purge has left some of Hotmail’s long-time users a bit in the dark.'”

*** end quote ***

You can’t trust vendors!

Have your own domain. Keep your own email archives. And, plan a backup strategy.

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MONEY: A real gold standard

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north201.html

Two Kinds of Gold Standards
by Gary North
August 26, 2003

*** begin quote ***

This is why the free market is the only reliable source for the re-establishment of a gold standard. Honest money begins with these steps: (1) the revocation of legal tender laws that require people to accept the State’s money; (2) the enforcement of contracts; (3) laws against fraud, which fractional reserve banking is. The free market can do the rest.

*** end quote ***

Clearly, we can NOT get the Gooferment back inside its Constitutional bounds while it has an unlimited line of credit.

The Gold Standard, a real one, not an ersatz Gooferment one, can restrict that Gooferment to only spend what it has or raises.

The debate over tariffs, taxes, and fees are a separate issue; once you close the “barn door”.

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PLATFORMS: My Verizon MIFI 2200 experience

Monday, January 3, 2011

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=273&products_id=2130

With tremendous trepidation, I purchased a used verizon mifi 2200 advertised as a refurb with no impact on the existing unlimited data Verizon contracts. My concerns were: (1) “Used car” syndrome; would it work? (2) Would the ESN swap screw up my unlimited data contract with Verizon? (3) Would it work? Period! (4) Would I wind up in finger pointing between me, Verizon, and any number of others?

I received it promptly and in relatively good order. The power cord looked like it had just be wadded up and thrown in the box. So I was regretting my decision after seeing that.

I gathered up everything and went to the Verizon store for the ordeal of the ESN swap. Everything done with Verizon is an ordeal. And, I was right. The swap was trivial. And I even got a piece of paper that says nothing changed but the ESN. I’ll frame that! Cause I still don’t believe it. Then, I went over to “technical support” to activate it. An HOUR later, it was still “unactivateable” with NO explanation why. Three “experts” later, the verdict was that it was defective and I should send it back to where I got it. (Despite that it was in a Verizon box and was a Verizon refurbishment.) They wanted to undo the ESN swap so I could use my old hardware. Something made me question the whole thing. They wiped out my VZACCESS software to put an older version on. So, I said leave everything and I’d get back to them.

Went home. Downloaded, installed, and fired up the LATEST version of VZACCESS. It griped that the MIFI2200 needed a firmware update. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did it again. It then needed an updated “national map”. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did that again. Then, it complained it needed to be “activated”. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did it again. Then, it said it needed to be power cycled. I did that.

Then it started working. I shut everything down and disconnected it. Brought everything backup and the MIFI2200 was “wifi-ing”. Connected various devices to it. And it kept working.

So, if you do get refurbished MIFI2200 and think it needs to being returned, then you know that it’s the Verizon support “help” that needs “return”.

# – # – #

The MIFI2200 is NOTRECOMMENDED. The Verizon Wireless Broad Band (which I call VWBBIE) is NOTRECOMMENDED.

The MIFI2200 is fine and might be RECOMMENDED if it was attached to an unlimited 3G service and if activation wasn’t an ordeal.

The vendor 3GSTORE is RECOMMENDED because it was correct in the MIFI2200 offering.

The VWBBIE is NOT RECOMMENDED because of the network caps and the stiff charges for overage. Additionally, the network performance they sell is faster than an old 9600 baud modem, but not much. I was so frustrated with using it on a regular basis down at the shore that I bought the cable company’s triple play just to not have to use it.

This is definitely a “proceed at your own risk” type product.

Disclosure, I get nothing from nobody for this review.

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POLITICAL: USPS, an idea who’s time has past

Monday, January 3, 2011

http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/usps

Privatizing the U.S. Postal Service
by Tad DeHaven
November 2010

*** begin quote ***

Although the law says that postal employees should receive wages and benefits comparable to what they could earn in the private sector, the majority of economic studies examining the issue have concluded that a postal pay premium of 20%– 25% exists if just wages are counted and about 35% if the Service’s very generous benefits are also included. {33}

*** and ***

The USPS is in a financial death spiral because of the myriad factors discussed. It faces a projected $238 billion in losses over the next 10 years under the status quo. To avoid a large and growing burden from being foisted on taxpayers in coming years, the USPS should be privatized and postal markets open for competition from FedEx, UPS, and upstart entrepreneurs.

*** and ***

Policymakers resistant to reform often depict the USPS as a “national asset” that “binds the nation together.” But these days, it’s the Internet and our telecommunications networks that bind families and businesses together across the nation. It’s time to let go of the nostalgia for the USPS and bring America’s postal services into the 21st century with privatization, open competition, and entrepreneurial innovation.

*** end quote ***

Of course, “Con”-gress gives itself free mail privileges. And, it is up to its “elbows” in local post office placement and such.

I can’t imagine what the free market will provide, but I’m sure it will.

Think about UPS and FEDEX released.

I’m sure they can do better.

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NEWJERSEY: “Double dipping” is a universal problem

Sunday, January 2, 2011

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16977109?source=most_viewed&nclick_check=1

Double-dipping is common for public-sector ‘retirees’ who take on additional work
By Karen de Sá
Posted: 12/30/2010 05:13:15 PM PST
Updated: 12/31/2010 07:15:00 AM PST

*** begin quote ***

Retirement is a loosely defined term for many Silicon Valley civil servants, who as young as age 50 can begin drawing their pensions even while performing other lucrative jobs on the taxpayer dime.

Newly retired Santa Clara County Fire Chief Kenneth Waldvogel becomes the latest example next week, when he returns to work as a contractor, earning up to $108,480 for the next six months — on top of his $200,000 annual state pension — while the county searches for his replacement.

He joins five other retired Santa Clara County officials who have recently been hired back and are benefiting from a practice critics call “double-dipping.” Meanwhile, the fire chief in the city of Santa Clara has been working under such an arrangement since 2004, when he retired at 53, then immediately returned to his old job, where he continues as a part-timer earning $100 an hour.

*** end quote ***

Story’s from CA, but, rest assured, NJ has the same problem.

Clearly, pensions have to be eliminated. Every private employer has converted to 401Ks.

NJ must do the same thing.

Besides, trusting politicians with one’s retirement money is foolish.

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POLITICAL: Why are we funding foreign banks?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/69728262-11ec-11e0-92d0-00144feabdc0.html#axzz19QtftOot

Non-US banks gain from Fed crisis fund
By Robin Harding in Washington, Bernard Simon in Toronto and Christian Oliver in Seoul
Published: December 27 2010 22:04 | Last updated: December 27 2010 22:04

*** begin quote ***

The Taf was set up in December 2007 to provide one-month loans to creditworthy banks as markets dried up for lending longer than overnight. In August 2008, it began offering three-month loans as well.

Rabobank of the Netherlands and Toronto-Dominion of Canada, two of the only banks in the world with triple A credit ratings, used more than $20bn in cumulative Taf loans.

*** end quote ***

One of the problems that have to be addressed is: “why is the US taxpayer funding foreign banks?”

Personally, I don’t think the taxpayer should be funding ANY bank. But certainly not foreign ones.

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POLITICAL: “Campaign FInance” “laws” are used to insure only the very very rich can participate

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/135387-odonnell-under-investigation-for-campaign-spending

Christine O’Donnell under investigation for campaign spending
By Jordan Fabian – 12/29/10 02:04 PM ET

*** begin quote ***

Federal officials have begun a criminal investigation of defeated Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell (R) regarding her alleged use of campaign funds for personal expenses.

*** end quote ***

Sure glad the “federal officials” are right on that “investigating opponents” stuff. They are sure Johnny – On – The Spot investigating Democratic corruption. Like in Sacramento!

Too bad CO’D isn’t a witch, she could turn them all into frogs.

And, “Campaign FInance” “laws” are (a) unconstitutional; (b) designed to ensure that only the wealthy can run for office; and (c) a “rigged game” so that lobbyists have the inside track to manipulate the political process for the benefit of all “the insiders”.

Argh!

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INTERESTING: Don’t be a “blocwart”!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://munchkinwrangler.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/the-snow-gestapo/

the snow gestapo.
By Marko Kloos

*** begin quote ***

In Germany, they have a derogatory name for people with such a mentality: Blockwart. The blockwart was the Nazi party member politically responsible for the city block, and usually also the local Gestapo denouncer, ratting out the people in his neighborhood if they were overheard talking critically about the regime. A Blockwart is the type of unpleasant fellow who will call the cops on neighbors whose hedges are untrimmed, or who park their car half an inch too far away from the curb.

*** end quote ***

I just like having a word for such folks. Now you do too.

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POLITICAL: Obamacare will make us worse off

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2010/12/24/beth_israel_deaconess_admits_mishandling_three_spine_operations/

Beth Israel erred in 3 spinal operations

Vertebrae mix-ups spur new procedures

By Liz Kowalczyk

Globe Staff / December 24, 2010

*** begin quote ***

Surgeons at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center operated on the wrong location on three patients who underwent spine surgery since September, despite taking recommended steps to prevent such errors, prompting federal and state health inspectors to cite the hospital for problems in its surgical service.

In all three cases, the surgeons apparently miscounted the patient’s vertebrae and operated on a vertebra directly above or below the diseased segment, said Dr. Kenneth Sands, senior vice president of health care quality at the Boston hospital.

*** end quote ***

Surprising. But mistakes do happen. While they didn’t kill anyone, clearly they “harmed” the patients involved.

I wonder with Obamacare: (1) How many good docs will stop working leaving us worse off. (2) I’d expect medical “blunders” to increase as the profit motive shifts. (3) And, now that the Gooferment is “in the game”, who will keep “honest stats”?

“We, The Sheeple” have been fooled again.

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LIBERTY: A Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolutions by Harry Browne

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://www.libertyforall.net/?p=5337

A Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolutions
Posted in LFA Flashback by R Lee Wrights on December 30th, 2010
by Harry Browne

1. I resolve to *sell* liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than *preaching* to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

3. I resolve to *listen* when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America’s defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government — not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first libertarian someone has encountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11. I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If *I* can grow, why can’t I help *him* grow?

12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.

Originally published by Harry Browne in 1998.

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