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Socialist Poker

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Abdul Jalib

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Apr 1, 2004, 9:19:04 AM4/1/04
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As I posted previously, I have been living in Ljubljana, Slovenia for
much of the last year. The winter was a bit hard to take, with the
last snow less than two weeks ago. And this language is so hard for me
to learn. But I'm living the dream of a professional nomadic online
poker player, and I look forward to some balmy nights playing poker by
the Adriatic. I don't even bother with travelling to Vienna for live
poker any more, because of the opportunity cost for three hours travel
time each way. Plus, Europeans smoke like there is no tomorrow. So, I
much prefer to play online.

It's kind of old news, but in case you haven't heard, the Slovenian
government is sponsoring a program to train poker players. Slovenia is
a socialist country, at least by American standards, and the government
seems to like to waste money. The government also sponsors billiards
players. The Slovenian poker players have funding for computer
simulations. They get free airfare to travel to tournaments. When you
see them in big games you can be sure they are playing with government
money. The whole thing strikes me as a bit like fusion... sure it
works, but the amount of money the Slovenian government is investing is
far more than the money they get out.

That could change, though, since a big part of the research is bots. I
know at least one bot here is ready for action. Someone here showed me
figures suggesting that as much as 1% of the Slovenian GNP could come
from poker bots playing online poker in the future. I am concerned
that a country (albeit a tiny one) would so aggressively pursue money
that is for some a fun pasttime and for others a serious career.

Are we moderated yet?

--
Abdul

ruylopez

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Apr 1, 2004, 10:20:50 AM4/1/04
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Fascinating!

Imagine a future in which devoloping countries all compete in the
poker-bot technology field and wealth is exchanged internationally via
online poker. I would hope the sites would be proactive about stopping
bots, if a whole country is publicly pursuing it it shouldn't be that hard
to stop them at least.

I wasn't around when you were a regular poster, but I've learned a lot
from your website and previous posts, and you are truly living my dream.
Hopefully I'll be there someday soon; online poker strikes me as the best
way to escape our modern-day brave new world.

I wonder how long online poker can remain a viable option though as bots
will inexorably march forward and improve. I used to play chess mostly
and that game has been completely altered by computers, I believe this
will happen to poker too. Also there may come a day when the 'fad' is
over and there will be less newbies online. So get it while the getting
is good!

Cool to see you here again. Maybe W will declare war on slovenia on
behalf of his poker-playing republican buddies.

_________________________________________________________________
Posted using RecPoker.com - http://www.recpoker.com


ruylopez

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Apr 1, 2004, 10:29:51 AM4/1/04
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. have I been the victim of an April fool's joke?

Fletch F. Fletch

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Apr 1, 2004, 10:41:03 AM4/1/04
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"ruylopez" <anon...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:PzWac.1233534$iA2.1...@news.easynews.com...

> . have I been the victim of an April fool's joke?

Almost certainly. Although, nearly an entire country did fall for a Ponzi
scheme once upon a time ...

Slainte,
Fletch


Stephen Jacobs

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Apr 1, 2004, 11:17:26 AM4/1/04
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The very name 'Ponzi scheme' testifies that Albania wasn't the first entire
country to do so.

"Fletch F. Fletch" <notme...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:jKWac.17108$hS3....@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...

bjybjy

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Apr 1, 2004, 11:49:23 AM4/1/04
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On Apr 1 2004 9:19AM, Abdul Jalib wrote:

> As I posted previously, I have been living in Ljubljana, Slovenia for
> much of the last year. The winter was a bit hard to take, with the

<snip>

When I think of a socialist poker player, I think of a fish that takes all
my chips in a big hand, then slowly redistributes them evenly to all the
other players in the next few hands... :-)

Tad

BobbyC

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Apr 1, 2004, 1:34:23 PM4/1/04
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On Apr 1 2004 10:49AM, bjybjy wrote:

> On Apr 1 2004 9:19AM, Abdul Jalib wrote:
>
> > As I posted previously, I have been living in Ljubljana, Slovenia for
> > much of the last year. The winter was a bit hard to take, with the
> <snip>
>
> When I think of a socialist poker player, I think of a fish that takes all
> my chips in a big hand, then slowly redistributes them evenly to all the
> other players in the next few hands... :-)
>
> Tad

Well, to be slightly more historically accurate, I think of a shark who
takes all my chips by cheating, then promises to distribute them to
everyone else, but actually only distributes them to a few select cronies,
while continuing to make promises to the masses ;)

Bob

John Harkness

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Apr 1, 2004, 2:08:34 PM4/1/04
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Slovenian pokerbots to save the economy?

Good one.

John Harkness

anonymous

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Apr 1, 2004, 3:00:04 PM4/1/04
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On Thu, 01 Apr 2004 18:34:23 +0000, BobbyC wrote:

> On Apr 1 2004 10:49AM, bjybjy wrote:
>
>> When I think of a socialist poker player, I think of a fish that takes
>> all my chips in a big hand, then slowly redistributes them evenly to
>> all the other players in the next few hands... :-)
>>
>> Tad
>
> Well, to be slightly more historically accurate, I think of a shark who
> takes all my chips by cheating, then promises to distribute them to
> everyone else, but actually only distributes them to a few select
> cronies, while continuing to make promises to the masses ;)

You've confused lying about socialism with true socialism, and the funny
part is that you've just described American capitalism! "I'll buy your
vote for a $300 tax rebate while my friends make far more." "Sold!"


Makonnen

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Apr 1, 2004, 3:05:54 PM4/1/04
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Abdul Jalib <abd...@posev.com> wrote in news:2004040116190436472%
abdulj@posevcom:

> Are we moderated yet?

If so, I sure hope they know what date it is.

Makonnen

Fletch F. Fletch

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Apr 1, 2004, 3:15:21 PM4/1/04
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"anonymous" <an...@ymous.con> wrote in message
news:pan.2004.04.01....@ymous.con...

You've confused capitalism with democracy.

Slainte,
Fletch


BobbyC

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Apr 1, 2004, 5:54:11 PM4/1/04
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LOL, what you call "lying about socialism" is the only kind of socialism
we've ever seen. As for your cynical view of capitalism, it certainly
isn't perfect, but it's the best economic system that's ever been tried.
Sell that.

>
> You've confused capitalism with democracy.
>
> Slainte,
> Fletch

_________________________________________________________________

Octo

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Apr 1, 2004, 7:10:18 PM4/1/04
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"Abdul Jalib" <abd...@posev.com> wrote in message
news:2004040116190436472%abdulj@posevcom...
<snip>

> That could change, though, since a big part of the research is bots. I
> know at least one bot here is ready for action. Someone here showed me
> figures suggesting that as much as 1% of the Slovenian GNP could come
> from poker bots playing online poker in the future. I am concerned
> that a country (albeit a tiny one) would so aggressively pursue money
> that is for some a fun pasttime and for others a serious career.
>


Bad bad joke Abdul! It gave me nightmares of having to move to Vegas and
play 30 hands an hour for the rest of my life.


O-PGManager

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Apr 1, 2004, 8:27:51 PM4/1/04
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> it's the best economic system that's ever been tried.

Only when well regulated.

O-PG
------------------------------------------
http://www.online-pokerguide.com
Home of the * 900% * Bonus and Power Holdem+

Mike

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Apr 1, 2004, 9:31:43 PM4/1/04
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"Octo" <octotheREM...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:c4ib17$2q6$1...@geraldo.cc.utexas.edu...

> Bad bad joke Abdul! It gave me nightmares of having to move to Vegas and
> play 30 hands an hour for the rest of my life.

The time passes quicker (for me, at least) live than online. The hourly
winrate for B&M, however, leaves much to be desired over online, esp.
coupled with the required bankroll needed to even approach an multi-table
online winrate.

Regards,
Mike


Checkraiser

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Apr 1, 2004, 9:49:11 PM4/1/04
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Zdravo Abdul!

poker player, and I look forward to some balmy nights playing poker by
the Adriatic. I don't even bother with travelling to Vienna for live

hmmm...poker game in Slovenia and by Adriatic? Sounds exactly like the
spot I am living at. Would it be possible for me to join your game?
Surely I will lose my ass to you, but at least there will be a story
to tell to my grandchildren someday :)

poker any more, because of the opportunity cost for three hours travel
time each way. Plus, Europeans smoke like there is no tomorrow. So,
I
much prefer to play online.

Wise choice. Been once in that casino...didn't like anything except
maybe joghurt mit frucht.

It's kind of old news, but in case you haven't heard, the Slovenian
government is sponsoring a program to train poker players. Slovenia
is

I truly haven't. Can you tell me, where can I apply?

a socialist country, at least by American standards, and the
government

Not anymore, I am afraid. Just ask those who live through with
500$/month. Or maybe students, who work for about 12 hours/day so they
can pay for food and water (if they are getting paid, anyway). Agreed,
everyone can get cheap medical insurance, and for that, I am truly
proud of my country.

seems to like to waste money. The government also sponsors billiards
players. The Slovenian poker players have funding for computer
simulations. They get free airfare to travel to tournaments. When
you

Now you are a bit exxagrating...the airfare wasn't business class
after all and the hotels they paid for weren't really top notch (can
you imagine, no room service after 3AM!!!). But at least there is a
warm feeling that somebody there cares.

see them in big games you can be sure they are playing with government
money. The whole thing strikes me as a bit like fusion... sure it
works, but the amount of money the Slovenian government is investing
is
far more than the money they get out.

That's an old story. Governement tries to channel money somehow out of
the public system, so they can all cut their fair shares, just like in
Godfather movie, part 2 IIRC.

That could change, though, since a big part of the research is bots.
I
know at least one bot here is ready for action. Someone here showed
me

At least one? Oh my. Does this imply that there are even more? Again,
where can I apply for gettting one??!?!?!

figures suggesting that as much as 1% of the Slovenian GNP could come
from poker bots playing online poker in the future. I am concerned

Are we that poor? Wouldn't it be odd for sites if they discover that
half the members of their sites are people from some country that is
hardly located on the map?

that a country (albeit a tiny one) would so aggressively pursue money
that is for some a fun pasttime and for others a serious career.

So WinHoldem is actually made by Slovenians? I have always thought
that this winholdemsupport guy spells too shabby for an American guy,
and that some address was merely a trick of hereby mafia that is
actually laundering money and ripping US citizens with bots. Well, I
hope you didn't help with this bots...if that were the case, the game
of online poker is surely dead. Online players are surely bad enough
that even half-drunk humanoid should beat them, not some steel-brain
no-tilt fast-thinking state-bankrolled bot.

Lahko noc, CR

James L. Hankins

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Apr 1, 2004, 11:30:45 PM4/1/04
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Abdul, dude, you gotta post the football picks this year. Will you consider
it in a moderated forum? Might be worth it ( for us).

"Abdul Jalib" <abd...@posev.com> wrote in message
news:2004040116190436472%abdulj@posevcom...

jarrett40

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Apr 2, 2004, 10:09:22 PM4/2/04
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Abdul Jalib wrote > Are we moderated yet?

No,but your post makes a good case for it.

jarrett40

Dave Hitt

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Apr 3, 2004, 11:49:56 AM4/3/04
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True socialism doesn't exist on a large scale. It can't, because it's
so contrary to human nature.

Dave Hitt
----
Quick Hitts - Rapid Rants From the Hittman
http://www.davehitt.com/blog/index.html

_plays_poorly

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Apr 3, 2004, 12:08:44 PM4/3/04
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> True socialism doesn't exist on a large scale. It can't, because it's
> so contrary to human nature.

For some reason when we are kids we are really good at sharing, and when
we grow up we turn greedy. Capitalism is what we deserve.

thedudeoflife

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Apr 3, 2004, 12:35:26 PM4/3/04
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When we are children someone designs, manufactures, markets , ships ,
purchases and gives us the things we share. If no one were to ever grow
up and have an incentive to do these jobs we would have very few things to
share.

wil...@127.0.0.1

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Apr 3, 2004, 12:36:11 PM4/3/04
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If we were really awful, we would deserve true socialism. Every person a
slave to all his neighbors.

If the state gives all the jobs, you have to suck up to the state or not
be employed.

If the state has all the housing, please the state or sleep outside.

If the state has all the food, live as the state tells you or starve.

If THAT is utopia, you can keep it. And don't tell me all those pretty dreams
of socialism that isn't like that. It always has to turn out that way. We
aren't ants.

--
Will in New Haven

"Up to the dusty attic, out with the trusty gun,
The law book and the lawyer only go so far.
Sooner or later push going to come to shove.
Don't think it won't happen where you are."
"No High Ground" Leslie Fish

_plays_poorly

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Apr 3, 2004, 12:49:54 PM4/3/04
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Will,
I wasn't claiming socialism to be utopia. I was saying I agree socialism
is against human nature, adults don't share well (for whatever reason) so
why fight it.
You read a lot into my two lines, lol.
_plays_poorly


On Apr 3 2004 9:36AM, wrote:

> "_plays_poorly" <anon...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >> True socialism doesn't exist on a large scale. It can't, because it's
> >> so contrary to human nature.
> >
> >For some reason when we are kids we are really good at sharing, and when
> >we grow up we turn greedy. Capitalism is what we deserve.
> >

Bjgkaraoke

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Apr 3, 2004, 8:40:25 PM4/3/04
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>From: "_plays_poorly"

>Will,
>I wasn't claiming socialism to be utopia. I was saying I agree socialism
>is against human nature, adults don't share well (for whatever reason) so
>why fight it.
>You read a lot into my two lines, lol.
>_plays_poorly

I disagree. Some people are very generous. Myself, I can and will gladly
give my family anything they need or could use to make their life more safe or
comfortable. My family includes my children, grandchild, and close friends.
Barbara Gallamore


Bjgkaraoke

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Apr 3, 2004, 8:46:54 PM4/3/04
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>From: bjgka...@aol.com (Bjgkaraoke)

>
>I disagree. Some people are very generous. Myself, I can and will gladly
>give my family anything they need or could use to make their life more safe
>or
>comfortable. My family includes my children, grandchild, and close friends.
>Barbara Gallamore

Don't even think of asking me for a loan, however. I'll never lend a penny to
anyone, either in or out of a card room..
Barbara Gallamore

FL Turbo

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Apr 4, 2004, 12:37:45 PM4/4/04
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On Sat, 03 Apr 2004 17:08:44 GMT, "_plays_poorly"
<anon...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> True socialism doesn't exist on a large scale. It can't, because it's
>> so contrary to human nature.
>
>For some reason when we are kids we are really good at sharing, and when
>we grow up we turn greedy. Capitalism is what we deserve.

Funny.

The reason we shared as kids is that there were adults around to make
us do what they wanted.

As we got older, we noticed that Daddy never shared his car with Mr.
Lushwell next door.

We noticed that Mommy never shared her clothes with Mrs. Hogwallow
next door.

The greediest entity in the world is Government, which will suck up
every tax dollar they can from the citizens.

Dave Hitt

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Apr 5, 2004, 4:57:08 PM4/5/04
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On Sat, 03 Apr 2004 17:08:44 GMT, "_plays_poorly"
<anon...@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> True socialism doesn't exist on a large scale. It can't, because it's
>> so contrary to human nature.
>
>For some reason when we are kids we are really good at sharing, and when
>we grow up we turn greedy. Capitalism is what we deserve.

That's a fallacy. The first words a kid learns is mamma and/or dadda.
The second in "no." The third is "mine."

Sharing isn't natural, and has to be cultivated and nurtured and
cajoled into a kid.

Most healthy adults don't have a problem with sharing *as long as they
get to pick who they share with.* The problems arise when you take
their stuff and distribute it to strangers, without them having any
say in how much is taken or who gets it.

Dave Hitt

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Apr 5, 2004, 5:00:13 PM4/5/04
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You're willing to share as long as you get to decide what you share,
and who you share it with.

That's the way most of us are. We are quite willing to be generous
with out family and our friends. But if we complain when someone (Big
Brother) comes along, takes our stuff, and gives it to strangers,
we're labeled as "greedy" by the left.

Dave Hitt

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Apr 5, 2004, 5:00:54 PM4/5/04
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I've found it's better to give money than loan it, and in the long
run, it usually costs the same.

Bjgkaraoke

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Apr 5, 2004, 5:07:35 PM4/5/04
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>From: Dave Hitt

>
>I've found it's better to give money than loan it, and in the long
>run, it usually costs the same.
>
>
>
>Dave Hitt

How true. I will give money to family if they need it, but never loan to
anyone. This saves a lot of bad feelings.
Barbara Gallamore

Bill Reich

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Apr 5, 2004, 6:44:44 PM4/5/04
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I was objecting to the model that children, who share well (in your version
of childhood) when they are dealing with things that others have produced,
obtained and provided for them, are "good" and people who want to keep that
which they gave hours of their lives to obtain are not.

To Hell with altruism if it comes from some outwardly-inspired sense of duty
and doubly to Hell with it if it is made mandatory. People are not evil if
they want to keep what they got by mixing their labor into the material world
and people aren't noble and idealistic when they suggest that other people
should sacrifice for the good of all.

I DID read a great deal into a few lines and I hope you don't think that
this is personal against you.

--
Will in New Haven

I adore the concept of a teach-in: the idea that those who oppose us only
do so out of ignorance and that those who have yet to decide can be swayed
by simply telling them the immutable truth that we hold and that our opponents
decry. My natural arrogance is attracted to be sure.

This hand will raise now,
There is no I who does it;
The cards themselves act

Paul G.

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Apr 10, 2004, 8:06:16 AM4/10/04
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Mrs. Hogwallow?


Gerry

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Apr 10, 2004, 11:39:27 PM4/10/04
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Abdul,
Isnt there poker at Hit Park in Nova Garica outside Ljubljana? I have
played there before, and would be suprised to know that they did away
with it. I agree, it might not be as good as just playing online, I
know poker is required by law there......

Gerry

Gerry

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Apr 10, 2004, 11:41:40 PM4/10/04
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Abdul,
Isnt there poker at Hit Park in Nova Garica outside Ljubljana? I have
played there before, and would be suprised to know that they did away
with it. I agree, it might not be as good as just playing online, I
know smoking is required by law there......

Gerry

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