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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
His name was Forrest Lamar.
As a kid his Father was in the service and they moved around often. Thus, the boy‘s school career was constantly being interrupted. One day, when he was in high school, a teacher asked the class to write about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Forrest did not hesitate a minute and wrote several pages about his aim to be the owner of a large cattle ranch, he wrote many details, drew pictures of the cattle and barn, and even included a detailed house plan. A few days later he received his paper back with the grade “F“on the front page. After class he went to the teacher and asked, “Why did I receive an F?“. The teacher responded with, “This dream is so unrealistic for a boy like you, who has no money, no resources and who comes from a wandering family. “It would be impossible to reach such a goal.“ Then the teacher asked him to rewrite the paper with a more realistic attitude. The young boy went home and talked to his Father. “What should I do he asked? The father answered: “I can tell that this decision is very important to you. So you will have to make up your own mind on this“. After several days the boy brought the same paper to his teacher….. No changes were made to the paper…… He said: “Keep the F and I will keep my dream“. Today, many years later….. Forrest owns a very beautiful house, a large red barn, with a nice cattle herd…. All sitting in the middle of a 200-acre cattle ranch. Oh, and the school paper with the big ‘F’ is framed and hanging over the fireplace. Remember, you have to follow your heart and never let anyone steal your dreams. Take care and stay inspired, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Mark Boody Illusionist Inner circle 1366 Posts |
Thank you Tom, another gem!
Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible. Frank L. Gaines
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charliecheckers Inner circle 1969 Posts |
This story is based upon what is shared as a true encounter by Monty Robert, who is a very accomplished horse trainer. The link provided shares his account of the story. Quite a fascinating person.
http://www.montyrobertsuniversity.com/q_and_a#2119595570 |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Yes the Monty Robert story is a good one. Thanks for the link.
Lot of good ‘F’ stories out there simply because teachers actions are often remembered a lifetime. They plant seeds of success in many ways. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
This is a story of a young college kid going around to spectators at a school football game, asking each person for a fifty-cent donation in order to fund a basketball team for the school.
Approaching a very distinguished gentleman, he makes his pitch. The older man says, "What you're doing is great. Did you realize, however, that I am an alumnus of this school?" "Yes, sir," said the young man, "still and all, the school won't pay for the team, so we're asking each spectator today to donate fifty cents each so we can purchase the equipment and uniforms we require." "Aren't certain courtesies extended to alumni of our institution?" asked the older gentleman. The young man came back with something along the lines of, "Certainly, sir, I just don't see it necessarily applying to our raising money for a basketball team. May I ask you for a fifty-cent donation?" Pulling himself up to his fullest height, the alumnus asked, "Do you realize that I am a former President of the United States?" To which the brave student, all of 18 years of age, politely replied, "Of course I recognize you, Sir. That being said, may I ask you again for a fifty-cent donation?" The retired President promptly reached into his pocket, gave the student a dollar and told him to feel free to keep the change. "Oh, no, sir, that wouldn't be fair. We're only asking for fifty cents per person," as he gave two quarters back to the former U.S. President. The older gentleman continued. "Young man, I am firmly impressed not only by your sense of fair play but as well by your remarkable persistence. Tell me, what is your name?" To which the student replied, "Calvin, sir. My name is Calvin Coolidge." An interesting side note and pertinent to this story, that young man did successfully raise enough money for a school basketball team, yet when he himself tried out for the team, he didn't make the cut. But that never slowed him down. His persistence remained with him and he both asked for help and gave his help. This is how he went from zero to hero, from a merely friendly neighbor to President of the United States. I'm sure you knew that Calvin Coolidge became President, but there's probably little else that most of us do in fact know about this interesting man. His Presidency had no great monuments to it, although he certainly did leave something vital behind. It was a statement he made towards the end of his life. (A favorite quote of mine.) He said, "Nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, for nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Education will not, for the world is filled with educated derelicts. Genius will not, for unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Determination and persistence alone are omnipotent." Stay inspired and keep at it, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
When you ‘wait’ for a waiter in a restaurant, aren’t you the waiter?
There was once a man who lived by the side of the road who decided to sell hot dogs. He put up signs on the highway telling everyone how good they were, he also stood on the side of the road and cried out to all that past by 'buy a hot dog, they are the best in town'. The old man was hard of hearing so he had no radio - he had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers and of course he didn't watch television. But he sold very good hot dogs. As people bought his hot dogs he increased his meat and bun orders. He also bought a bigger stove to take care of all the extra business. With all the new business, he finally got his son to come and help him out with his booming business. But then something happened, his son who had been well educated said . . . ' Father, haven't you been listening to the radio or reading the newspapers or watching television? There's a big recession happening right now. The current business situation is terrible in this country - we have problems with unemployment, high living costs, strikes, pollution, the influence of minorities and majorities, the rich, the poor, drugs, alcohol, capitalism and communism '. This caused the father to think, ' well my son's been well educated, he reads the papers, listens to the radio and watches television, so he ought to know '. So his father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down all his advertising signs and no longer bothered to stand by the side of the road to promote and sell his hot dogs, . . . . and his hot dog sales fell almost overnight. 'You're right, son' the father said 'we certainly are in the middle of a recession' Lesson: Be careful who you get your business advice from. Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside can change along with it. The good news is, we can choose our attitude and emotions. It’s important to begin each day with a good mindset because how the day will go is often decided before you even leave home. Stay inspired and keep positive, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
It was worth reading that interesting story, Tom. That is why I always take suggestions from you on this forum, and not the ones giving negative advice. You have really inspired all of us inside and out.
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Thanks Mike.
Speaker/Author Jeffrey Gitomer often tells a story of how to be your own Santa Claus. I think he has it in one of his books. He credits my friend Glenn W. Turner with the story. I worked with Glenn back in the 70’s. I still touch base with him from time to time today. Every year around Christmas I can’t help but think about the Santa Claus story that Glenn would tell. He told it something like this: “I remember I wrote to Santa Claus when I was nine years old. My cousin wrote to Santa Claus and I wrote my letter exactly like his. I asked for a new pony because that’s what he asked for and he was pretty smart and I decided to follow him. Christmas morning I didn’t have no new pony but he had a new pony. I knew Santa Claus must have made a mistake because I was just as good as he was so I didn’t bother worrying about it. Next year I wrote to Santa Claus and I asked him for a bicycle because that’s what my cousin asked for. I looked at his letter and I spelled it exactly right and got the right address because I wasn’t too bright in school. The next morning no bicycle but he had the most beautiful red and white bike with the bebop birds on it and the flaps and the whole works. I went out behind the barn and I cried most of that day. He wouldn’t even let me play with his bicycle. The next year I wrote and I asked for a new rifle, and he asked for a new rifle and the same story. All I got was apples and oranges. Again, I went out behind the barn and I said, (with tear filled eyes and a closed fist pointing up to the sky Glenn would say) “Okay Santa, if that’s the way you want to play it.” From that day on I made up my mind to become my own Santa Claus. I challenge you to become your own Santa Claus. I challenge you to get out of life what you and your family deserve.” Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Tom Now go out and buy yourself something, you deserve it.
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
I have always tried my best, and went out of my way, to be on time to business meeting or events.
Hopefully you the reader do the same. But believe it or not, for some, being on time is only something they think about when they are late. Here is a fun story about how important it is to always be on time. After 25 years in the same parish down in Louisiana, Father Johnson was to say his farewells at his retirement dinner. A well-known member in the congregation, a leading politician, had been scheduled to give a short speech but he was running late. So the priest took it upon himself to fill the time and walked up to the microphone and started talking. He said: “I remember the first confession I heard here 25 years ago and it worried me so much, I didn’t know if this was going to be the right place for me or not. That confession is still the worst I ever heard. This man had confessed that he had stolen money from his parents and employer, had cheated on his wife, and that he had taken many drugs, committed many violent acts and never told the truth to anyone. You can just imagine what I though. However I am pleased to say that as time went on I soon realized that this man was an exception and that this parish was a great place and was filled with wonderful people.” At this point during the talk the politician arrived and quickly apologized for being late and took the stage. He immediately stepped up to the microphone, pulled his speech from his pocket and said: “I’ll always remember when Father Johnson first came to our parish. In fact, I’m pretty sure that I was the first person in the parish that he heard in confession.” Moral of the story: It’s very important to be on time. You never know what you might miss. Take care, stay inspired, see you next Sunday and be on time. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I will surely be on time. Especially because it is worth reading your business motivation stories.
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Mark Boody Illusionist Inner circle 1366 Posts |
Good message Tom.
I remember visiting Duane Laflin at his Montana Wonder Theater, and him telling me that very few people were at the show on time when he first opened. However, he ALWAYS started the show on time, it didn't take long for the word to get around "to show up on time or you will miss out on the fun". Mark PS I do have a "thing" about being on time, it's part of my OCD or as I like to call it CDO (because the letters need to be in alphabetical order!) I'm always early to a show, which helped me when I forgot an important prop, luckily there was enough TIME to run back to the house to get it!!!
Only he who can see the invisible can do the impossible. Frank L. Gaines
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DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
There was a time that I was completely dependent on public transportation. When you’re catching a bus, if you’re even a minute late, you’re 20 minutes late. No apologies, no forgiveness, no condolences; you wait for the next bus or you walk. It’s good training for life!
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Once upon a time a crow was flying around on an unusually hot summer day looking for water. He comes across a pitcher of water on the back
porch of a house, but when he tries to stick his beak in he can't reach the water. He tries and tries, slowly getting more dehydrated. He is about to give up and accept his fate when he has an idea: he begins dropping small pebbles in the pitcher until the water level rises to the point where he can now reach it. The Lesson: Where there's a will, there's a way. Persistence is the key to solving any problem you have because eventually, even if the situation seems horrible, you will find a solution. Your new idea might not be as bad as you think it is. Just keep plugging away. Now let us move on out to the other side of the farm for another one of my favorite stories about persistence. It is an ole one but well worth repeating. Once upon another time.... there was a donkey.... a simple, stupid, stubborn old donkey and even the farmer who owned it didn’t really like him. The farmer owned a large farm and one day he heard in the distance the loud, distinctive braying of the donkey. He wondered what the stupid donkey had done now, so he looked all over his farm until at last he found the animal at the bottom of an old abandoned well. The angry farmer called his neighbors and asked them each to bring a shovel. He’d had enough of the stupid donkey, so he had decided to bury it in the well. All of his friends came over and together they started to shovel dirt into the hole. At first, the donkey protested loudly, braying with all of his might, but after about 10 minutes, he stopped.... The farmers kept shoveling…… After a while, someone decided to have a look into the well to see what had happened to the donkey. What he saw astonished him. Instead of being buried, the donkey would shake the incoming dirt off his back and then step up on the new mound. Now the mission changed and the farmers went from trying to bury the donkey to trying to save him, shoveling more and more dirt into the abandoned well until the donkey reached the top and stepped out. Upon his release, the farmers all dropped their shovels and applauded the old stubborn donkey with a newfound admiration. The Lesson: There are times in life/business when it seems as though we are that donkey. Trapped and feeling as though life is trying to bury us. Don’t go under, shake it off and continue to find a way to overcome your challenges one at a time until you too emerge successful. Take care, stay inspired, and keep at it. Lords willing and the creek don’t rise (as they say) I’ll see you right here next Sunday. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I don't know where I would be at right now if it wasn't for you, Tom. Probably homeless.
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Mike, thanks, you are much to kind.
But hey, all I do is talk, you did all the work. But seriously, I am proud of you. I have watched you grow over the years and you have come a long way. Most will never know all the struggles you overcame to get to where you are. Be proud of yourself, you are a winner and I know that you will keep winning. Thanks, Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Six frogs are sitting on a log.
One frog decides to jump off. How many frogs are left? No the answer is not five, I will explain later….. But first a donkey story…..I love donkey stories…. The story goes that Noah was taking the animals into the ark in pairs as he had been commanded by God. He took in elephants, giraffes, cows, bears, monkeys and all the animals. Finally he tried to take in a donkey. He told the donkey to go in but the donkey would not go in. Again, he told the donkey to go in but the donkey would not go in. He tried pushing the donkey in but the donkey would not move. He tried pulling the donkey in but the donkey still would not move. About as frustrated as he could get, Noah said to the donkey, "Get in there you devil." After many more attempts he succeeded in getting the donkey into the ark. However when Noah was inside in the ark he also noticed that there was a devil in the ark. He asked the devil how did you get in here and he replied, "You told me to get in". The lesson: Be careful with what you say when you are angry. You never know who is listening in on you. Ok back to the frogs. Six frogs are sitting on a log; one frog decides to jump off. How many frogs are left? No the answer is NOT five The answer is SIX…... Yes six frogs are still on the log. You see, one frog only ‘decided’ to jump. But there is a difference in deciding and ‘doing.’ Until you ‘DO” you are still sitting on the log. Making plans is good, having goals is good, making decisions is good, but until you take some action, you are still sitting. We all have failed at things simply because we failed to make that leap. I have and I know you have too. But friend, the point is this and I am laying it on the line here. You can’t sit on the log when you needing to get work done. When you make a decision you must act. Dreaming is good, wishing is good, but when you decide to do something, you need to make that jump. You can’t just sit there; you have to take the leap. Remember, goals are only dreams until you take action. Ok, got time for one more…. and you know how much I love donkey stories…. A Louisiana Cajun drove over into Mississippi to buy a donkey. He bought one from an old farmer for $100.00. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day. The next day the farmer shows up at the Cajuns house and said, "Sorry, but I got some bad news. The donkey died on the way here." "Well then, just give me my money back said the Cajun man." "Can’t do that. I went and spent it already" said the old farmer. "OK then, just unload the donkey." "What ya gonna do with em asked the farmer?" "I'm gonna raffle him off said the Cajun man" "Ya can’t raffle off a dead donkey" replied the ole farmer. "Sure I can. Watch me. I just won't tell anyone he is dead" A month later the farmer met up with the Cajun and asked, "What happened with the dead donkey?" "I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at $2.00 apiece and made a profit of $898.00." "Didn't nobody complain" asked the farmer? "Just the guy who won…..but I gave him his $2.00 back." Take care, stay inspired, and I’ll see you next Sunday. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Gary stepped outside and knew at once that it was going to be one of those terrible days. Everything was dark and gloomy, like a thunderstorm was only moments away.
But it was strange – the weather reporter had said the day would be sunny. Gary continued on to his favorite coffee shop. Inside the coffee shop, the lights were dim, as if some bulbs had burned out. He thought, “What kind of lousy restaurant doesn’t change the light bulbs when they go out?” Gary sat down and looked at the menu, but the dim lighting was making him more and more depressed. When the waitress came by to take his order, Gary ordered his food, but he stopped her as she started walking back to the kitchen. “Why don’t you guys fix some of these light bulbs? It’s so dark in here. Do you think your customers like to eat in the dark?” Gary, whose mood had gotten progressively worse since he left the house, spoke angrily and a little too loudly. “But sir,” the waitress said, looking confused, “No bulbs are burned out here. You’re wearing sunglasses.” Gary pulled his glasses off. It was true! He had grabbed the wrong pair of glasses out of his dresser drawer. He apologized to her and made sure to leave a big tip. What an eye opener! Isn’t it true that the fault we find in the world around us can often be traced back to what’s inside ourselves? It’s so easy to project our problems onto others when taking ownership of the issues would actually help us solve them much more quickly. How often do we try to make a spouse or a roommate change behaviors, to no avail? We all know we can’t change others! We can encourage and persuade, but we can’t make people do anything we wish. Knowing this truth, we ought to be able to see how counterproductive it is to get irritated by things going on around us. We automatically think those problems are someone else’s responsibility when we already have the power to stop the irritation! Just like Gary in the story, when we think problems belong to someone else, we spend a lot of time grumbling and complaining that those people won’t fix their issues. We go around in a rotten mood and make things miserable for those around us. Now contrast that unhappy picture with someone who takes responsibility for his own unhappiness. “Am I a part of the problem or the solution?” a wise person might ask. When things aren’t going well, the key is to stop and think about your attitudes and actions. Blaming others keeps us from finding solutions to the root cause of the issue. Taking responsibility and examining our weaknesses, mistakes or contributions to the problem allow us to take positive action toward improvements. Self-reflection lets us take off the sunglasses and put on the clear lenses. Maybe there are still a few bulbs in the restaurant that need to be changed, but at that point, we’ve done everything we can to improve the situation on our own. Sometimes we can do a whole lot to improve a situation, and sometimes not so much. But taking ownership and moving forward always makes us happier than blaming others and waiting for them to change. Blaming others is automatically a recipe for frustration. Take care, stay inspired, and I’ll see you soon. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
Jack the cat was living a lie. By day, he had a breathtaking, long, bushy, perfectly manicured tail. But, by night, he had a limp, lifeless, boring tail.
Yes, jack the cat had two tails. Jack went to a professional costume designer and asked her to create a detachable tail that mimicked that of the lead singer of the Litter Bugs, a popular cat band. He saved all his money to buy this new tail, and even moved to a new town in order to pretend it was his natural tail. Life was good for Jack. The ladies loved him and the men envied him. One evening, he was on a date with a cat named Sheila. Sheila was the most popular girl in town. She agreed to see him because he had a great personality. They were having a good time dancing their little paws off - until Sheila accidentally knocked him down. “Oh Jack, I’m so sorry!” cried Sheila as she helped him up. “It’s cool, baby.” said Jack as he bounced his way off of the ground. “Ah!” The crowd gasped in unison. “It was a fake! His tail was glued on!” yelled one of the cats. Jack was mortified! He ran as fast and as far as he could. After running for a few blocks, he stopped to catch his breath. “If I run away now, no one will ever respect me,” thought Jack. He returned to the bar, grabbed the microphone from the DJ, and exclaimed, “I’m embarrassed to say this, but my tail was fake. I’m getting old and I wanted to have a full, youthful tail.” The crowd welcomed him with open arms, as did Sheila. Jack’s insecurities led him to make an odd and deceitful decision. Sure, it was fun to live the lie. But, when the truth came to the surface, he was crushed and embarrassed. In some form or another, we all can likely identify with Jack. Maybe you’re insecure about your weight, hair, or nose. It’s important to remember that you are your worst critic. While looking in the mirror, you may see a pudgy, short, balding man looking back at you. But the sexy woman in your office may see a fit, silver fox that she’d love to have a drink with. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lying about yourself or doing something to temporarily manipulate your appearance will only make you feel foolish. You might come to believe that you must constantly screen what you do and say to protect your secret. Living to protect a lie is no way to live at all! Be proud of who you are. Be proud of what you have. Be proud of what you look like. Maintain your confidence, regardless of your appearance or what others may say. Take care, stay inspired, and I’ll see you soon. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
A young man asked Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, for the secret to Success. Socrates told the young man to meet him near the river the next morning.
They met and Socrates asked the young man to walk with him toward the river. When the water got up to their shoulders, Socrates took the young man by surprise and ducked him into the water. The man struggled to get out but Socrates was much stronger and kept him under the water until he started turning blue. The young man kept struggling and finally managed to get up. The first thing he did was to gasp and take a deep breath. Socrates asked, “What did you want the most when you were under the water?” The man replied “Air”. "I wanted Air." Socrates said: “That’s the secret to success. When you want success as badly as you want air, you will get it. There is no other secret”. Take care, stay inspired, and I’ll see you soon. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Thanks again for the inspiration, Tom. This thread should be "Thumb tacked" to the top.
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