GMIT Students’ Union Newsletter
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Issue 7
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Volume III_Januray 2011
Raise & Give 2011 Hey everyone!
It’s that time of year again! RAG Week 2011 is finally upon us and after the great success of SHAG week we hope that this week will cater for all your needs and at the end of the day, raise lots of money for our dedicated charities. This year our official charities are Serve Galway, Aware, Special Olympics West and the Irish Heart Foundation. Each day throughout the week the charities will be on campus fundraising so please try and support them in any way that you can. This year’s RAG Week starts on February 20th with the official Launch Party and also sees a variety of events and activities planned including the Rubberbandits, Moxegen and John O’Callaghan. Please see page 18 for the full timetable pull out! Finally, I hope you all get involved, stay safe and enjoy the week’s activities
RAG WEEK CHARITIES
All the very best,
Colin
Your SU President
T U O K CHEC .ie u
mits g . w w w
! Y A D O T
Galway
www.gmitsu.ie
Ingredients
News in Brief Library News ‘Your Future’ Week Welfare News Chaplaincy SU App & Bluetooth Student Assistance Fund Counselling Just for Laughs Meditation International Students USI News Parking Zones RAG Week Clubs & Societies Health Unit News Careers News
Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 9 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 21 Page 22 Page 26
What would you like in your Soup? If you have something you would like included in Soup, please email brendan.kenny@gmit.ie Any feedback you have is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all contributors.
A GMIT Students Union Publication, 2011. Printed by Mel Faherty, Reprographics Department
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J1 VISAS VOTE FOR JOHN FROM USIT BOYLE’S PHOTO
Fancy working in the USA for the summer? Apply for your J1 Work and Travel Programme with USIT and be free to live, work and travel anywhere in the US for up to 5 months!!! Offer ends soon, so apply now! Check us out at www.facebook.com/UsitTravel and our website www.j1online.ie for more information. Tuesday, 22 February from 1-2pm in Room 0996 Interviews take place in NUIG at 2pm until 5pm in the Careers Seminar Room
Please vote online at www.actimelfulloflife.ie/profile-1388. The photo is of Jessie the Golden Retriever and was taken last November at Dangan, Galway. If he wins the top prize of €10,000 he will pass it all on to GOAL, St Vincent de Paul and Cope Galway. Daily online voting up to and including 28th February 2011. Then the top 5 photographs are judged for the top prize. So please vote now, and vote often! Thanks for supporting.
VOTE FOR MYSTIC FORCE! SKY ONE | SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY | 6pm Please vote for local act MYSTIC FORCE on Sky’s “Got to Dance” in Sunday’s Semi-Final. See www.mysticforce.ie for more details!
ENGSOC SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Conor Sweeny 5 a side soccer tournament in aid of the Galway Hospice Foundation on Thursday 24th. €20 per team €15 if any EngSoc member is on the team. Team captains sign your team name in the SU by the 23rd
CANTEEN OFFERS
The 2011 National Student Media Awards
The deadline for registering your interest in the National Student Media Awards is Mon 21st of Feb Don’t worry the closing date for entries is March 7th so they will still have time to put everything together, just to get their interest in!
GMIT Catering Company is pleased to announce the following deals You will find all info on categories and rules on http://www.oxygen.ie/smedias_2011.PAGE3973. Meal Deals: html 1) The €4.00 Recession Buster Pasta King Meal & 500 ml Water Any queries you can call 01 6471540 or send and 2) The €3.00 “Jocser” Special email to smedias@oxygen.ie Clear Label sambo/500ml water/”Real” Crisps Lucozade Products: Original Lucozade Apple, Lemon, Citrus, Orange, Lucozade Sport wide mouth was 1.75 – Now €1.50
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News
Library
Library Anywhere You can access GMIT Library via your iphone, android or any 3G/ Internet phone. Go to this link http://www.libanywhere.com/m/323 to access GMIT Library directly, it allows you to search our catalogue, access your account online and email the library. This link will detect which device you’re using and send you to the right version of Library Anywhere (there are three versions currently, iPhone, Android, and a Universal version that works on any mobile device, including Blackberry). Enjoy, and please let us know what you think. Library now on Facebook and Twitter GMIT library has finally succumbed to Social Networking and created a presence on both Facebook and Twitter. We can be found on Facebook at GMIT Library - please ‘like’ us so that you get our updates We can be followed on Twitter at @LibrarianGMIT We have put our social networking links on our home page http:// library.gmit.ie for easy access New databases Justis Irish Reports and Digest Justis Irish Reports covers over 80 years of Irish case reports and contains the full text data of published cases from 1838 to the present day. Dictionary of Irish Biography The Dictionary of Irish Biography is a significant online reference involving 700 contributors and spanning 9,000 lives. It includes the lives of Irish men and women who made a significant contribution in Ireland throughout history to the present time. Opening Hours Dublin Road Mon - Wed 09.00 – 22.00 Thursday 09.00 – 21.00 Friday 09.00 – 17.00 Weekend opening from week starting Monday 28th March Cluain Mhuire Monday 09.30 – 19.30 Tue & Wed 09.30 – 18.00 Thursday 09.30 – 21.00 Friday 09.30 – 16.00
Contact Us
Tel: 091 742785 Email: library@gmit.ie Website: http://library.gmit.ie
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Library Ireland Week Library Ireland week Starts Monday 7th March. Watch out for information on what’s happening in GMIT Library during this week, including lunchtime talks by Dr. Kieran Hickey, NUIG, and artist, Anne Harkin Petersen.
Welfare
gmit su
Hey guys… Howdy!!! Well it’s finally here guys, that time of the year when students are treated to a week packed full of events, activities and overall great craic….RAG Week!!! The madness will officially begin in the Library Bar this Sunday night with the Launch Party…We hope you can support our headline events throughout the week such as the Rubberbandits, John O’Callaghan, and of course the first-ever MOXEGEN Festival in Gleann na Ri!! Of course it’s extremely important to recognise the central theme of the week as well…RAG Week, being Raise & Give Week, is all about ensuring the Students’ Union manages to raise as much money as possible for some very worthwhile charities. This year SERVE, AWARE, the Irish Heart Foundation and Special Olympics West are the charities we’ve selected. All of you who have bought a RAG wristband this year have already played a part in helping these charitable causes, with 4 euro from each wristband sold being contributed. We would ask you to continue to do so by taking part in our fundraising activities throughout the week, such as the Dunk Tank, Car Tax, and your one opportunity to freely throw water, eggs and tomatoes at myself and Canny all in the name of charity…Soak Your Sabbats!!! I’d ask all of you to brave the hangover on Friday and make it to your local polling station to cast your vote in General Election 2011…This is the most important election of our generation in terms of the future of this country and it is vital that the voices of the students and young people of the country are heard! Speaking of elections, I’d also encourage those of you who are considering running for a full-time position in the Students’ Union, particularly those of you in final year, to call down and speak to myself and Colin about it. The close of nominations this year will be in mid-March, and I can say from experience that the job, while stressful at times, is also hugely rewarding and satisfying and I would urge you to strongly consider putting your name forward!! Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to making this year’s SHAG Week such a huge success…We had a great turnout for Siobhan O’Higgins’ workshops both on the Dublin Rd. campus and in Cluain Mhuire, Miss GMIT 2011 and the SHAG Quiz were two of the busiest nights of the year in the Library, and a ridiculous amount of condoms were distributed!!!
Talk to Joe!
RAG Week 2011…See ye on the other side!!!
T: 091 742316 E: suvpresident@gmit.ie Website: www.gmitsu.ie
See www.gmitsu.ie for details of our campaigns throughout 2011.
As Welfare Officer, it is important that I ask you all to please be aware of the SSHH! Campaign which we are promoting here in the Students’ Union, and also of the consequences of excessive noise disturbance and antisocial behaviour. The college authorities have taken a very serious view of anti-social behaviour in light of it’s escalation in recent years, and have moved to clamp down in order to protect the reputation of the college. This year alone, students have faced a range of disciplinary actions from the college including warnings, fines, community service and suspensions, and the Gardai have issued several anti-social behaviour orders to students. Having this on your record can impact on your future career or travel plans. This does not just apply to students living in on-campus accommodation or in student villages, but also to those living in local residential estates. Offcampus anti-social behaviour is also in breach of the Student Code of Conduct and is subject to disciplinary action. It is important to remember that families can be seriously affected by your actions in these estates, and we would ask you to please Respect Your Neighbours and Respect Your Community during RAG Week 2011. You can avoid jeopardising your academic future by following these simple guidelines..! Keep noise & music to a reasonable level Only admit people you know to your house, as the tenants bear all responsibility for the actions of their guests! Keep your doors and windows shut Don’t litter the student village or residential estate with cans & bottles etc.!! If you’re having a house party, ensure people remain inside the house! Try and keep noise to a minimum when entering and exiting taxis!! Finally, I’d like to encourage anyone who is short of cash after the night out to avail of the Don’t Walk Home Alone campaign, ran in conjunction with CARA Cabs! Just call 091-563939 and hand the cab driver your student card, and you will be brought home free of charge. Your card can then be collected from the CARA office (on Eyre Square beside AIB Bank) at your own discretion, upon payment of the outstanding fare. Mind yourselves and drink sensibly!!! Joe Vice President/Welfare Officer
Check out the SU Facebook page for more photos!
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News
Chaplaincy
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
Become a Fan of ‘GMIT Chaplaincy’ today! Fr Adrian chaplain has a dropin now everyday from 4pm to 5pm in his office so please feel free to call in for a chat!
Croagh Patrick Climb
GMIT Chaplaincy in conjunction with Chaplaincy and students from NUIG will Climb Croagh Patrick on the 16th of March Register at Student Union E5 Deposit which will be returned on the Day if you travel. Staff and Students welcome!
7 Night Trip to the Holy Land
From May 23rd Cost per student €700, includes flights, food and accommodation, deposit of €200 hundred to be paid by the end of November. There will be fund rasing events help after Christmas to try and bring cost down. For more info contact Fr. Adrian.
Ash Wednesday Mass Most Reverend Bishop Martin Drennan will celebrate mass in GMIT
on Ash Wednesday the 9th of March at 1pm. Venue to be announced.
IT Factor The annual IT Factor song contest on the Thursday of RAG Week. There are still spaces available so sign up in the Students’ Union today!
Glenstal Abbey Visit
The Chaplaincy is organising a trip to Glenstal Abbey for early April. Watch this space for furtther info.
Jomh Prayer Jomh Prayer for Muslim students takes place every Friday in room 367 between 1pm and 2pm
Mass Times
Reminder: Mass times Mon-Wed are 8.40am. Thurs-Fri 1pm
CHAPLAINCY BOOKLET Contact Fr.Adrian
E: adrian.mcgrath@gmit.ie T: 091-742226 Page 08
We now have a new Chaplaincy booklet available to staff and students. Pick yours up in the Chaplaincy office, the Meditation room, the Students’ Union, Students Services and around campus.
TURN ON YOUR BLUETOOTH and WIN!!! MediaPort with Nokia are running a competition for Students and Staff where random winning Bluetooth messages will be broadcast! Prizes are brand new touch screen Nokia phones.
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e-mail studentservices@gmit.ie) to check your eligibility to apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) & to pick up an application form.
to the Student Services Office. Incomplete applications (missing documentation/form not fully completed) cannot be assessed.
All applicants will be interviewed by the SAF Committee. To apply, eligible students must complete the form, attach proof of income (or grant letter), proof of social welfare entitlements if applicable and bank statements for the past 3 months. If you are experiencing FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, call to the Student Services Office (or
Completed form and back-up documentation to be returned
Never feel that you are helpless and on your own in college. Contact the Counsellor to get help and support in total confidence. Counsellors Pauline Staunton and Pauline Clancy are available to speak to you today.
Opening Hours: 9.00 - 5.00 Drop in times: 11.00 -12.00 and 1.00 - 2.00 Phone: 091-742118
The Counsellors are available one day per week in Cluain Mhuire & Letterfrack campuses.
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PRESBYTERIAN: When you rearrange the letters: BEST IN PRAYER ELECTION RESULTS: When you rearrange the letters: LIES - LET’S RECOUNT SNOOZE ALARMS: When you rearrange the letters: ALAS! NO MORE Z ‘S A DECIMAL POINT: When you rearrange the letters: IM A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES: When you rearrange the letters: THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO: When you rearrange the letters: TWELVE PLUS ONE MOTHER-IN-LAW: When you rearrange the letters: WOMAN HITLER
A man walks out to the street and immediately catches a taxi just going by. He gets into the taxi, and the Cabbie says, ‘Perfect timing. You’re just like Frank.’ Passenger: ‘Who?’ Cabbie: ‘Frank Feldman.. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happened like that to Frank Feldman every single time.’ Passenger: ‘There are always a few clouds over everybody.’ Cabbie: ‘Not Frank Feldman. He was a terrific athlete. He could have won the Grand-Slam at tennis. He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you should have heard him play the piano. He was an amazing guy. Passenger: Sounds like he was something really special. Cabbie: ‘There’s more. He had a memory like a computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday. He knew all about wine, which foods to order and which fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. But Frank Feldman, could do everything right.’ Passenger: ‘Wow, some guy then.’ Cabbie: ‘He always knew the quickest way to go in traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always seem to get stuck in them. But Frank, he never made a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman and make her feel good. He would never answer her back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too - He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake. No one could ever measure up to Frank Feldman.’ Passenger: ‘An amazing fellow. How did you meet him?’ Cabbie: ‘Well, I never actually met Frank, he died and I married his bloody wife.’
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REASONS CHOCOLATE IS BETTER THAN SEX! 1. You can always GET chocolate. 2. “If you love me you’ll swallow that” has real meaning with chocolate. 3. Chocolate satisfies even when it has gone soft. 4. You can safely have chocolate while you are driving. 5. With chocolate size doesn’t matter; it’s always good. 6. You can have chocolate in front of your mother. 7. If you bite the nuts too hard the chocolate won’t mind. 8. You can have chocolate at any time of the month. 9. The word “commitment” doesn’t scare off chocolate. 10. With chocolate, there is no need to fake it.
NAME THE CELEBRITY
ANSWER ON PAGE 35
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Meditation
Group…
Learn how to relax, stay calm and lower your anxieties... It lasts for 10weeks on a drop-in basis and it’s FREE! COME & GIVE IT A TRY! DO YOU WANT TO: Lower your stress levels? Stay calm under pressure? Sleep better? Learn to relax? Beat exam stress? Worry less?
Every Wednesday 1-2pm from 26th Jan Meditation/Chapel Room Dublin Road (Near SU & Medical Centre) FREE – Just Drop In… Make a positive change in your life…
International Students All GMIT students who hold study visas are warned that it is a legal requirement to notify the GNIB in Liosban of any change in your address. Failure to do so can result in a prosecution.
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Hi everyone, My name is Patrick Bonner and I am Western Area Officer of the Union of student’s this year. I coordinate all USI activities in the Western colleges namely Letterkenny IT, Sligo IT, NUIG, GMIT, GMIT Castlebar, Athlone IT and St Angelas. The year thus far in these colleges has been a great success. In September around clubs and societies fairs I began promoting USI on campuses by getting students to join USI on Facebook so they’d know what USI is and what we would be doing for the year ahead. This was great as students awareness of USI increased day by day. Then in October each college began to hold class rep trainings’ I attended every training session in the West on behalf of USI and I must say each one was a great success with a few colleges having the highest turnout of students in the country. Following on from this USI began the preparation for the National Student March which took place on the 3rd of November. The aim of this march was to put pressure on the Government to stop any increase in the registration fee or any decrease in the grant, along with highlighting the awareness of Graduate unemployment. In the lead up to this protest we had a number of successful local rallies that got people prepared for the National Protest. This led to a very high turnout of colleges from the West attending the National Protest in Dublin on November 3rd. As we all know this turned out to be the largest student Protest’s in Irish history. I would like to take this time to thank all the students who attended the march from the Western Region, without your efforts the march would not have been as successful. We followed this on with a Protest March in Galway on the 18th of November which students of GMIT and NUIG attended. We kept the pressure on in the West by staging a small demonstration outside the office of Deputy Jimmy Devin’s with the help of students from Sligo IT. I know that the Budget did not have the ideal outcome for students but due to the demonstrations from students in the West I believe their efforts stopped it from being alot worse than it could have been. On a local note I wouldn’t know where to start but on a brief overview I know all local colleges had a number of successful campaigns i.e. Road Safety weeks, Mental Health weeks, Fresher weeks and Christmas Day activities but to name a few. At this time I’d like to thank all local sabbaticals for all their hard work and dedication this year so far. This semester USI has a number of campaigns planned including your future, your vote campaign which involves getting as many young people to vote in the general election. As ever keep an eye out for USI on your campus and if you ever need any assistance be sure to contact your local Students’ Union or you can contact me on the details below. All the best Patrick Bonner Western Area Officer USI westernarea@usi.ie 086-7816392
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CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Chinese New Year was recently celebrated by the International Society in Common Room 509. Thanks to everybody who got involved and please check out the International Society Facebook page for all the photographs from the night!
clubs & socs
GMIT Knocked Out by UCC in Hurling & Football The GMIT Fitzgibbon team (pictured below) enjoyed a successful run this year before being knocked out by a strong UCC team. Meanwhile, the Sigerson team were also very unlucky to be beaten by UCC.
gmit su
FITZGIBBON & SIGERSON
Get involved!
Website: www.gmitsu.ie
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Health Unit
HEALTH UNIT NOTICE Medical Examinations for the purposes of organisations outside GMIT cannot be performed in the Student Health Unit. Due to the high demand for appointments by students who need medical attention, the Student Health Unit does not have the resources to deal with such requests. Please make alternative arrangements with your own Doctor.
MEDICAL CARD NOTICE
Please bring your GMS Medical Card with you when attending the Student Health Unit.
News
Medical card prescriptions cannot be issued in the absence of an up to date medical card.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Phone Student Services on 091-742118 Email: studentservices@gmit.ie
GENITOURINARY MEDICINE (STI) CLINIC SCHEDULE TELEPHONE NO.: 091-525200 DAY
CLINIC
TIME
Monday Afternoon
‘Walk-in’ * STI Clinic
Doors open at 13:50
Wednesday Morning
‘Walk-In’* STI clinic
Doors open at 08:50
Wednesday Afternoon
‘Walk-In’* STI clinic
Doors open at 13:50
Friday Morning
STI screening and review clinic
By appointment only
•*walk- in clinics operate on . a “first come first served basis” with maximum quota • Attendance at clinic is free of charge •Please contact us (091 525200) prior to your visit should you need any further information.
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MUMPS Important health announcement for all students There has been an increase nationally in the cases of mumps in third level colleges. This is happening because many young adults aged 18-25 years have not received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) vaccine. Mumps is an acute viral illness that causes fever, headache and painful swollen glands. It is spread from person to person by coughs and sneezes, and can also be transmitted by direct contact through saliva (kissing). This illness has the potential to disrupt the education of a large number of students. Complications can include meningitis, deafness, and inflammation of the testicles in adult males.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU CHECK WITH YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED 2 MMR VACCINES: If you have received 1 vaccine your own GP will give you a 2nd vaccine FREE If you are not sure if you have had the MMR before, having another one won’t do you any harm. The GMIT Student Health Unit can help you with information on this issue. However; we do not have your MMR records, or the capacity to deal with all students.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR OWN GP The HSE has provided this website for your attention: www.immunisation.ie
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News
Health Unit
SWINE FLU INFO There is a nationwide alert for Swine Flu.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. Symptoms of flu include: • Sudden fever and chills - temperature of 38C or above • Chills • Headache • Myalgia (muscle pain) • Sore throat • Non-productive dry cough • Runny nose • Diarrhoea and vomiting.
What should I do if I get sick?
Flu mostly causes a mild to moderate illness. It is uncomfortable but most people do not need treatment and are able to recover at home within a few days. • Stay at home for 7 days or until you fully recover - do not go to work or college while ill • Rest in bed as much as possible • Take medicines such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms • Drink plenty of fluids • Discourage any visitors • Contact your GP surgery or Student Health Unit by telephone (091-742228) if you don’t improve, or if you start to improve and then get worse
Who should be vaccinated with the Swine Flu vaccine?
TYPING SERVICE ---------------------------------------------
Theses, Projects, Assignments etc.
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Fast & Reliable! Reasonable rate! Phone Trish at 087-7788266
• Persons 65 and over • Those over 6 months of age with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease • People whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment • Persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 • Carers • Pregnant women and those 6 weeks after giving birth If you are concerned please contact the Student Health Unit at 091 742228 or 087 9971574
Meningococcal C Disease Information for GMIT Students
Health Unit
Meningococcal C
Most students will already have been vaccinated since the vaccine first became available in 2000. Meningococcal C disease can be prevented by vaccination. Other types of meningococcal infection are not covered by this vaccine. At this time there is no effective vaccine for meningococcal Group B disease in Ireland. Therefore, it is very important to remain alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease. Urgent medical attention should be sought if symptoms occur. Signs and Symptoms include: • Fever • Stiff neck • Headache • Joint pains • Vomiting • Dislike of bright light • Drowsy and confused • Rash – usually not present in the early stages.
News
We have been advised by the HSE that all students should be vaccinated against Meningococcal C (Men C) Disease. Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterial infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
How do I know if I have been vaccinated? Please check your vaccination records with your family doctor and arrange vaccination if required. Vaccination is available from your family doctor free of charge if you are aged under 23 years. One dose only of the vaccination is required for long term immunity. Enquiries to the Student Health Unit at 091 742228 Please click on the link below for more information about the disease. http://www.immunisation.ie/en/ChildhoodImmunisation/VaccinePreventableDiseases/MenC/
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Name the Celebrity ANGELINA JOLIE
Name the Celebrity: Eminem
p.s. wk.,p.
50
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