COVER 3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com
EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Rick Karlin: Editor
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editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder
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By Rick Karlin
PRESENT TENSE
The clock is ticking down and you’re stuck on what to get that certain someone on your list? Everybody has that one person for which it is impossible to find the right gift. Here are some suggestions that are sure to please.
For the Fashion Forward
What's up this season? Button-down shirts! And CRAM has got them on sale at 25% off, SO how can you go wrong? Available at Cram, 3331 N. Broadway or www.cramchicago.com.
For the Show Tune Queen
Sure you could go the easy route and just buy a pair of tickets to one the Broadway in Chicago shows, but why not show some creativity? Broadway’s reigning musical theater diva, Idina Menzel appears at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park on Aug. 16. Seats are going $25-$125 and are available at ticketmaster.
For the Busy Bee
“Champions, Biographies Of Global LGBTQ Pioneers” 2015 spiral-bound weekby-week diary, lists individuals often brave, firsts in their professions. The diary has plenty of space to write appointments and includes all major holidays. $13 at www.queerbio.com.
For the Java Boy or Girl Forget pod coffee makers, go with this elegant brass and walnut pour-over coffee stand.
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The Hario V60 glass pour over filter rests on the brass ring which adjusts to the height of your mug or decanter. From the The Coffee Registry, $189.
For the Animal Lover
Let them show pride in their pet and their city with the gorgeous Chicago flag dog collars and leashes, manufactured right here by 6 Point Pet. Urban Pooch Life Center has leashes that are 3/4 in x 6 ft. and 1” x 6 ft. and collars in sizes small enough for cats, up to those large enough for mastiffs! Collars are $28 and Leashes are $32. 4501 N. Ravenswood Ave., 773.942.6445 or www.urbanpooch.com.
For the Sexually Adventurous
If he has a penis, he’ll like the Pulse “Guybrator”. Made of high-quality silicone, it provides a unique and tantalizing sensation. When he adds some lube, slips it around the top of his penis and turns it on, Pulse does all the work. Who needs Viagra? $99, at Early to Bed, 5044 N Clark, 773.271.1219 or www.early2bed.com.
For the Man Hung Like A Christmas Tree
Egoist has a selection of limited edition holiday underwear and they’re giving away a free gift with purchase. This thong by Cocksox in bright red should put him in the holiday spirit. Available at Egoist, 3526 N. Halsted, 773.281-5121 or www.egoistunderwear.com
JOy to the World By Anita Taylor
Chanukah for Goyim*
Chanukah, the eight-day festival of lights that begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev -- celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality. The name is derived from Hebrew; therefore a number of phonetic spellings are often used, such as Hanukkah or Chanukah. Since the holiday is celebrated according to the Hebrew calendar, the date changes from year to year for those using the standard calendar. This year Hanukkah begins and ends at sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 16 continuing through Wednesday, Dec. 24. While not a high holy day in the Jewish faith, its proximity to the Christian observation of Christmas has made it a time for families to gather in celebration.
More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (SyrianGreeks), who sought to forcefully assimilate the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they sought to light the Temple’s menorah (the seven branched candelabrum), they found only a one day supply of olive oil. The one-day supply burned for eight days, and was considered a miracle. To commemorate the miracle, the festival of Chanukah was instituted. At the heart of the festival is the nightly menorah (candelabrum) lighting: a single flame on the first night, two on the second evening, and so on until the eighth night of Chanukah, when all eight lights candles are lit. Chanukah customs include eating foods fried in oil -- latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts); playing with the dreidel (a spinning top on which are inscribed the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hei and shin, an acronym for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, “a great miracle happened there”); and the giving of Chanukah gelt, gifts of money, to children. On Dec. 19, Congregation Or Chadash will celebrate on the holiday’s third night, following the Friday shabbat services. Members and guests are invited to bring their menorahs, to be lit on the bimah (podium), prior to services. After the services, there will be latkes, refreshments and traditional Chanukah games. The service begins at 8 p.m. at 5959 N. Sheridan Rd. Or Chadash was founded in 1975 in response to the discrimination and isolation experienced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Jews in mainstream synagogues. Or Chadash provides a warm and nurturing environment for all Jews, whether by choice or by birth.
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* Non-Jews
Rick’s
New Year's Eve Round-Up When the clock strikes 12, everyone has a chance to start the year anew – but half the fun is ending the old one in style. Of course, the celebration starts well before midnight, usually with an extravagant meal. If you want to ring in the new year while well fed, there’s no shortage of dining options available.
Aria in the Fairmont Chicago will offer
guests a four-course dinner with options such as truffled parsnip bisque, seared foie gras, oysters, caviar, filet mignon or salmon and dessert with coffee or tea. The dinner is $62 plus tax and gratuity.
Kit Kat Lounge brings back its popular
“Glitz and Glam” dinner celebration , this year featuring Kinley Preston impersonating female pop icons such as Lady Gaga, Iggy Azalea, Madonna, Katy Perry, Pink and Britney Spears. The dinner menu, features a choice of starter, salad, entree and dessert. For $65 for the 7 p.m. seating and $85 for the 10 p.m. seating which also includes two martinis, champagne toast and party favors. Reservations are recommended. Party like it’s 1964 with a three-course dinner and a performance of “Camelot!” at Drury Lane Theatre. Dinner will be served from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Following the performance of the musical, there will be a champagne toast and dancing throughout the night. Tickets begin at $55. The Fifty/50 hosts an all-inclusive package starting at 8 p.m. The five-hour event includes a buffet, champagne toast, party favors and music for $80. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the web at www.brownpapertickets.com. The Peninsula Chicago rings in the New Year with a black tie event. A welcome reception from 7:30 to 8 p.m. is followed by a six-course dinner. A 12-piece big band
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will perform in The Lobby for dancing. At midnight there will be a balloon drop and midnight toast. Cost for the event is $325 per person, ($405 per person with wine pairings).
Homestead on the Roof will host
two sit-down, multi-course dinners with cocktail, wine, and beer pairings. A fivecourse tasting menu offers seatings on the half our beginning at 5 through 6:30 p.m. for $120 per person. A seven-course tasting menu offers seatings at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m. and includes a midnight champagne toast for $150 per person. Vegan and vegetarian options are available for either dinner. The Pump Room at The Public Chicago, Roots Handmade Pizza will host both a family-friendly dinner party and an adultsonly party. The family friendly party is $20 for a family of up to four people ($5 extra each additional person) served between 67:45 p.m. The grown-up's party kicks off at 9 with a four-hour premium open bar, food buffet, midnight toast, music and party favors. Tickets for the adults-only party are $70 each.
The Brunch Bunch
If you haven’t over-indulged and are up for facing people, a number of places around town are offering New Year’s Day brunch. The 4-Star Restaurant Group; Smoke Daddy, Crosby’s, Frasca and Dunlay’s locations on Clark and in Logan Square, will all offer “Five Days of Brunch”, serving brunch every day from Dec. 31 through Jan. 4. Kit Kat offers a “recovery” brunch from
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live musical performances, as Kit Kat’s mixologists shake up half-priced martinis and $5 mojitos (available all day). The brunch menu features chicken and waffles, rice crisps french toast, crab cake Benedict, chilaquiles and more, while sipping build-your-own bloody Marys, mimosas, sangria and champagne for $14.95.
Motor Mouth Keep on truckin' By Parker Carr Personally I’ve never understood the allure of driving a truck. Unless you need one for work, what’s the point? However, there’s no denying that trucks make up a large part of the automotive market. So what were the best-selling trucks for 2014? The list below is based upon sales for the Sept. 2013- through Sept. 2014 sales period, before 2015 models are introduced. We only feature the top nine sellers because the next closest in the list came from selling off remaining stock of models that are no longer offered, such as the Chevrolet Avalanche.
Best-Selling Trucks of 2014 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
Nissan Titan -8.2% Honda Ridgeline -18.5% Nissan Frontier 3.2% Toyota Tundra 5.0% Toyota Tacoma -4.6% GMC Sierra 5.5% Ram Pick-Up 13.8% Chevrolet Silverado 0.1% Ford F-Series 4.6%
Honda's Ridgeline showed the biggest bump in sales. This may be because dealers were anxious to get them off their showroom floors, as it’s the last year the model is offered. Buyers tend to like it because it blends a comfortable cabin with a short, high-walled cargo bed, a convenient under-floor trunk, and dualaction tailgate. Its 250-hp V-6 delivers average performance but offers decent fuel economy.
The top three; Dodge Ram, Chevrolet Silverado and Ford’s F- Series are all fullsize pick-ups. The fact that Ford placed on top, reversing a slight period of decline, is remarkable because its main plant shut down for a period to retool for building the new aluminum-bodied 2015 replacement. The light-duty Ram pickup boasts the best EPA gas-mileage ratings with its base V6/eight-speed drive-train combo. A new air suspension system and redesigned cabin also boosted sales into the double-digit arena. Silverado sales remained relatively flat. That may be due to the fact the Chevy focused on the basics, offering a truck for people who actually need to drive a truck.
The Nissan Frontier, introduced last year, was priced to compete with the Toyota Tacoma for the small truck market and that strategy seemed to work. Frontier’s upgrades and trim changes to the 2013 model includes heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, navigation system enhancements including smart phone integration and improved voice recognition. The GMC Sierra was sorely in need of an update and with new, more fuel-efficient engines, improved interior design and a quieter highway ride, it seems to have done an admirable job, reflected in the increase in sales. However, what buyers may discover later is that the transmission ratio’s too widely spaced for optimal towing performance. boiMAG 15
FIT TIPS
FITNESS HOLIDAY SHOPPING
By Michael Elder
Well folks, the holidays are upon us again and it’s crunch time for buying gifts for all of our loved ones. Giving the gift of fitness is always a great way to say that you care. There are many great options available for fitness gifts this year. However, in this article I would like to focus on two of them: TRX and Resistance Bands.
I have written before about the new revolutionary trend of the TRX Suspension Trainer. The TRX is a great way to utilize your own body as resistance. This valuable tool is highly portable and can be used almost anywhere. You can literally train the entire body using the TRX with countless exercises at your disposal. Exercise guides and DVDs are also available. Door attachments are available for hotel room or in- home use. Resistance training is one of the most beneficial things that you can do for yourself and the TRX allows you to do it quite effectively.
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As effective as the TRX is, it can also be pricey for a lot of people. If you are looking for a cheaper fitness gift that is also highly effective, I strongly recommend Resistance Bands. Like the TRX, they are highly portable and can be used to train the entire body. Different colors are used to represent varying resistances. They can be used anytime, anywhere. It’s a specifically great gift for beginners who are looking to embark on their first fitness program. The holidays are a great time to make goals and to focus on your health and fitness. These two valuable tools can help you do just that!
Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be reached directly through his website: www.MichaelElder.com.
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iMUSIC
Making The Yuletide Gay
By Gregg Shapiro For his first holiday album, A Michael Feinstein Christmas, great american songbook specialist Michael Feinstein doesn’t stray too far from his roots. Accompanied by acclaimed jazz pianist Alan Broadbent, Feinstein’s renditions of Christmas classics are sources of endless joy. Sure, we know these songs by heart, but Feinstein touches our hearts with these simple and pleasing renditions. Leave it to a nice, Jewish, gay boy to refresh these timeworn classics in the way that Feinstein has. Gay smooth jazz sax man Dave Koz’s annual holiday music tour, billed as Dave Koz & Friends, and some of Koz’s friends, musicians and singers, join him on his latest holiday recording The 25th of December. A cover of the Beatles standard “All You Need Is Love,” features Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Richard Marx, Heather Headley and Mr. Christmas himself, Johnny Mathis. Mathis can also be heard on “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” And it’s a battle of the nice Jewish boys on “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow,” with Koz going toe-to-toe (or is that horn to horn?) with Kenny G. The Classic Christmas Album, by the aforementioned Johnny Mathis, consists of selections from Mathis’s considerable cache of Christmas albums, dating as far back as 1958’s mega-bestselling Merry Christmas. It also features Mathis’ duet with Bette Midler on the “Winter Wonderland/ Let It Snow!” medley, as well as two previously unreleased numbers; “Ol’ Kris Kringle” and “Give Me Your Love For Christmas, both from 1961.
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Australian vocal group Human Nature, featuring gay member Toby Allen, gets festive on The Christmas Album with the holiday favorites “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “Winter Wonderland” and “This Christmas." Human Nature isn’t the only vocal group to feature an out gay member. A cappella favorite Pentatonix boasts openly queer Mitch Grassi among its ranks. For the quintet’s first full-length holiday album "That’s Christmas To Me", they give their vocal muscles a workout and throw in a few delightful surprises. A cover of “Let It Go” from Frozen is a pretty inspired choice. Gays love their divas and this year the hottest diva around, Idina Menzel, releases her first Christmas album Holiday Wishes. She makes sure we hear her on “Do You Hear What I Hear” and her blazing rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Menzel also adds her name to the list of artists who have interpreted Joni Mitchell’s modern Christmas classic “River.” Hipster gays love their divas, too, and they have four to choose from when it comes to The Living Sisters. Growing from a trio (Inara George, Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark) to a quartet with the addition of Alex Lilly (of Obi Best), The Living Sisters present "Harmony Is Real", the best holiday album of 2014. What makes it so? First, The Living Sisters’ harmonies are pure perfection. With the exception of the gals’ interpretations of “Jingle Bells” (which must be heard!) and “Little Drummer Boy,” the CD is a stellar set of brand new songs for the season. Mandell’s “Kadoka, South Dakota,” “Baby Wants a Basketball For Christmas,” “Hanukkah” and “Neon Chinese Christmas Eve” are especially brilliant.
REFLECTIONS of a retiring drag queen
Irwin/Winnie of Kinsey Sicks Explains Why He’s Leaving the Group By Rick Karlin
The Kinsey Sicks, return to Chicago for a performance of “Oy Vey in a Manger” on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Mayne Stage. The show also serves as a send-off performance for Chicago native Irwin Keller, one of the group’s founding members and the original Winnie. "It’s meaningful to me that one of my last performances is in Chicago where all of the elements that shaped me and led to Winnie were born," says Keller. "The big challenge will be to make it through the show. " In his blog (itzikswell.com) Irwin/Winnie discusses his career and why he’s choosing to leave the group. "In 1994 the Kinsey Sicks sprung fully formed out of the pounding heads of Ben Schatz, Jerry Friedman, Maurice Kelly, Abatto Avilez, and me. Well, maybe not fully formed, but Rachel was already obnoxious, Trixie already a slut and Vaselina already a dipshit. Winnie was the one waiting to begin a long journey of self-discovery.
"People in the know ask me constantly, “Won’t you miss the Kinsey Sicks?” Duh. Of course I’ll miss it. I’ve had the chance to sing with brilliant musicians, I’ve gotten to share the footlights with people who are so funny on their feet that I can barely be around them without laughing,. I am prouder of this group than I could ever imagine being proud of anything. This group has a life of its own. The next person to take up residence in Winnie is himself a wonder. Nathan Marken’s sense of humor is so good, his singing so precise, his Winnie-ness so apparent, that we all knew immediately that this was a match." Tickets are $25 and $35, and are available for purchase now at www.maynestage.com..
"At the beginning she was Irwin in a dress. I wasn’t an actor; luckily, Winnie began asserting herself. I began to realize that while my own insecurities were an impediment to my performance, they were the stuff of sublime comedy for Winnie. She’s far more entertaining in her foibles than her triumphs. "I know I could play Winnie all the way to the grave, but after 21 years, I want to be home. I have a family, including a husband, who matters deeply to me. One kid is finishing middle school and one finishing high school. I’ve spent a lot of years missing birthdays and Chanukah and school plays and concerts. Another element informing my decision is the death last winter of my mother. I hate to say it, but after she died, performing Winnie became a little less fun. "I am making space for my deepening engagement in Jewish life, in my rabbinical post in Sonoma County. Congregation Ner Shalom, a lovely, creative, interesting group of people for whom having a rabbi who was also a drag queen, a rabbi who sometimes even showed up in a skirt, made the place safe, made Judaism safe.
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Chicago's
in the know ... ON THE GO!
By Sue Deaunym
She’s a Show Girl How about Call Girls for the holidays? On Saturday Dec. 20, Ashley Morgan will present “Desperately Seeking Santa”. Ashley and The Call Girls entertain at their monthly drag review. The $5 suggested donation 100% goes to Care For Real and Great Lakes Bears match 100% of the funds raised… Bianca Del Rio brings her show, “Rolodex of Hate” to The House of Blues on January 18… Find out from Amy and Freddy “How the Diva Stole Xmas!!” at Hydrate on Friday, Dec. 12, 13 and 14… Hell in A Handbag’s “Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer” is packing them in at Mary's Attic. Well Hung Holiday Fun Decorate the human Christmas tree at Touche’s “Club Holiday Party” on Friday, Dec. 12. Bring some canned goods (not to hang from the tree-he’s hung, but not that well hung) but as a donation for Grocery Land food pantry. Then return on the 16th for a Hanukkah party (I don’t even wan to think about where those dreidles have been)… Sidetrack’s holiday party is Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. until closing. Bring household goods or nonperishables. You’ll get domestic beer for $1.75, well cocktails for $2, frozen and fancy drinks for $2.50... Rehab's asking whether you are "Naughty or Nice" at its holiday party on Dec. 20. Jesse Mercado plays the opening set followed by Seth Cooper... We're teaming up with Medusa's for "Bad Santa" on Dec. 19. There will be candy cane shots and raffles to benefit local LGBT organizations. You get free tickets if you're one of the first 50 signups at www.Medusa.com... It's not too late to get tix to "Eagle Rising" at Man's Country on Dec. 11. It's a benefit for the Leather Archives & Museum.
Party Like It’s 2015…Oh Wait, It Is! It's not too early to make your NYE plans, the best parties book up early. Hydrate presents “Sin City” and it’s $35 for a VIP ticket, which gets you in without waiting in line, there’ll also be party favors and a champagne toast at midnight… Sidetrack looks forward to “Bright Lights -Bright Future” with a party benefiting Equality Illinois. The $25 ticket includes a midnight toast and door prizes courtesy of Ketel One. Free coat check, too, so everyone can see your fabulous frock!... Smart Bar’s “The Mirror Ball” will feature Justin Long, Michael Serafini, Jeff Derringer, Olin, Harry and Jpeg. Gen. adm. tix are $35 in advance, $40 night of. Reserved seats are $80, and VIP tables are $400 (seats 4) and $750 (seats 6.) If you’re low on cash it’s only $20 after 1 a.m. with a Facebook RSVP or valid student ID… Circuit Night Club will blow you away with cash-filled baloon drops and confetti blasts... Hamburger Mary's turns the entire complex into a "Freak Show" for the night. Your $15 ticket (in advannce, $20 at the door) gets you a midnight toast, an hors d'ouvres buffet and dancing... Progress Bar holds an “Absolut Progress” party. It’s $25 and includes a hosted Absolut bar from 8-10 p.m. At 10 p.m. doors open to the public with no cover!... It doesn’t matter what the weather will be, Roscoe’s is gonna make like “Frozen” and “Let it Go.” Your ticket gets you five premium cocktails and a midnight toast… At Minibar, $180 gets you and five friends table service and premium drinks from 8 p.m.-midnight a choice of cheese or chocolate fondue for the table (cheese or chocolate)… The Call will “Paint the Night Red” to send off the year. They’re asking everyone to wear their most fabulous red attire. Best of all? There's no cover. boiMAG 29
ASK ACE by Ace Magyar
Keep The Yuletide Gay
My wife and I decided that we’d spend Christmas Eve with just a few close friends. Today my sister-in-law called me and asked what time they should arrive on Christmas Eve. My wife never mentioned that she invited her sister’s family. I was so flustered that I responded, “But you weren’t invited.” Now my sister-in-law (who I love dearly) is offended. My wife defended herself by saying that she invited her sister long before we made the decision to have an intimate gathering and just forgot about it. Now I have everyone mad at me.
Dear KTYG,
What’s done is done and all you can do is repair the damage. Talk to your sister-inlaw and explain that what you meant to say was “I didn’t know you were coming,” and that you didn’t know your wife extended the invitation. Tell her how happy you it would make you to spend the holiday with her family and extend the invitation again. Even though you had other plans, put on your best smile and be the charming host and hopefully all will be forgiven.
Present Tense
I have a favorite bartender at a club I go to all the time. He flirts with me and spends more time with me than his other customers. Last week I gave him a giftwrapped holiday present. He thanked me and stored it, saying he’d open it later when the bar wasn’t so busy. The bar was pretty crowded and I left before he opened the gift. The next time I went in, he didn’t mention the gift, but he seemed a little stand-offish. After a couple of visits with no mention of the gift, I asked him if he liked it. He didn’t say anything, just reached under the bar, brought out the opened package and handed it back to me. Is it inappropriate to give a gift to a favorite bartender?
Dear PT,
No, it’s not. However, it depends on what the gift is. You don’t mention what you gave this man. If it was overtly sexual (a framed nude photo of you or a sex toy?), wildly extravagant (a Rolex?) or too personal (pajamas, underwear) then yes, you were wrong. The best thing you can do is approach him one night when he’s not too busy and apologize if you offended him. By Giving your favorite bartender a larger than usual tip for the holiday is customary.
Age Of Reason
I’ve been having an on-line romance for the past six months. He is funny and smart and, from his pictures, seems very goodlooking. We’ve even talked on the phone a few times. He’s been away at school and wants to get together when he comes back home for the holidays. I would love to see if this can go any farther. The problem is that the picture I used for my profile is about 15 years old. He knows I’m older than he is, but he thinks it’s only a six year difference. He’s 18 and he thinks I’m in my mid-20s, when I’m really almost 40. I look good for my age and most people think I’m only 30, but that’s still quite a bit older than he’s expecting. I’m afraid if I tell him the truth now, he’ll just stop talking to me.
Dear AOR,
If a chance to meet wasn’t so imminent, I would say tell him right away. Make a date to meet for coffee when he gets to town, and see how it goes. If he still seems interested, that’s when you need to come clean. Everyone expects people to lie a little in on-line dating profiles. Granted yours was a little more deceiving than most, but he still may not mind. If he’s upset and doesn’t want to see you anymore, you’ll need to accept that. However, the fact that he knew there was an age difference and wasn’t bothered by it, may mean that a few more years won’t make be a deal breaker.
Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PhD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to ASK ACE at boieditorial@aol.com
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