From the Editor
Fine Life Lessons I've Unlearned
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was reading the 10th anniversary issue of O Magazine and came across an article that I thought was really interesting. In it, the writer listed some “rules” that she had to unlearn, and it got me thinking. I realised that as I got older, wiser (clears throat) and more experienced, I’ve also had to unlearn some things in order to survive in this world. Here’s my list: 1) When people say I promise, you should trust that they will do what they say. Wrong. This might work for a six year old who still believes everything Dora the Explorer says, but adults know that words were meant to be spoken. People will say whatever they think you want to hear in order to get you off their backs. Don’t place your trust in every promise. 2) Do good work and the rewards will come to you. Tan deh deh. I mean, sure…keep waiting. Nobody is going to hand anything to you. Most times, you have to fight for what you want. You have to put yourself out there, work hard and market your unique attributes. There are so many other persons who are probably just as qualified, so why should you get acknowledged and not them? Go after what you want. Don’t sit and wait. 3) Nothing is impossible and if you work hard enough you’ll get it. Don’t let the adidas advertisement fool you. Fine, go ahead and call me a pessimist.
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Maybe it comes from dealing with personal failures, but there are things that I will never do or achieve, regardless of how hard I try. You know what, maybe they aren’t drafted in the broader plan for my life or…whatever. Choose your battles wisely. There are some you will lose. 4) It’s what’s on the inside that counts. Psshhh. Yes, it’s good to have a nice personality, kind spirit and forgiving heart, but it’s also important to dress properly and present a confident and appealing appearance. It’s probably shallow to judge people based on how they look, but come on, we all do it. What’s important is that it’s not the only thing we use to judge others. Why can’t we look good on the inside as well as on the outside? 5) When making a decision, we should consider what others will think about us. “You wouldn’t want people thinking you’re that type of person, now would you?” Seriously, why should another person’s perception of me be more important than my own? Why should I care? Yeah, it doesn’t hurt to sometimes consider people’s opinions, but at the end of the day we should do what makes us happy.
Have a record-breaking Tuesday. Keresa
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Entertainment
Movie Review
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by Alana Gardner
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART I PG-13
Watch This!
I have to be honest here and say that I really didn’t want to see this movie. Don’t get me wrong I am a diehard Twilight fan and an even bigger Jacob fan and I’ve already read each and every book countless times over. Right, but I’m still trying to understand how Bella, this very stupid girl picked a cold, dead, pale vampire over a hot, sexy, warm blooded werewolf (a decision that I will never understand). Despite all that, I decided to go and watch the movie anyway. But I guess that saying is true: To each is his own, right? Even though I think that girl seriously needs to rethink her taste in men, but hey if she’s happy that’s fine by me.
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LIME: 56694780311949
Entertainment
Movie Review
by Alana Gardner
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART I
Now I love any forbidden vampire love story like any other teenage girl, but give me vampires like Lestat or Damon Salvatore for heaven’s sake not brooders like Edward Cullen. Anyway, before I make all you Edward fans hate me and decide not to read the rest of this review, I watched the movie, if not for the satisfaction of seeing Bella choose the right man (Jacob), but with the definite possibility of seeing Taylor Lautner with his shirt off, (I can just hear my heart swooning at the thought). I am happy to say I wasn’t disappointed. In part one of the epic conclusion to the worldwide bestseller, Bella (Stewart) and Edward (Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child, which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Lautner). Now for all those who think Twilight is a waste of time and is just plain stupid, SHAME ON YOU! You all won’t know a good movie if it bit you in the rear end. This movie was simply one word, EPIC! But sadly I must also bow my head in shame as I am a traitor to Jacob fans everywhere, as I must confess that there were multiple times when my heart just simply melted at Edward’s timeless love for Bella, and even though he may not be my kind of guy, he certainly knows what to say to a girl.
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And in other news, taking a moment to turn away from my shame, one of the preconceptions I had about the movie was a problem that I experienced with the previous films. That is, the constant changing of directors. Now, I understand that each book was to have their own individual feel and reaction, I felt that compared to the books some of the movies rose to the occasion where others fell flat, like New Moon for instance. I can say with confidence that it was successfully executed where as Eclipse came off simply rushed and cramped together. I thought director Bill Condon did an excellent job of bringing the first half of Stephenie Meyers’ bestseller to life on the big screen and truly making it best and standing out from the rest of the films in its own unique way. Now, although some fans are outraged at the final book being made into two parts, I assure you it was for the best and I don’t think it could have been done successfully any other way. I pray to God that he stays on for the next and last installment of the saga, because I can guarantee you this won’t be the last time I watch this film and I promise you I will be first in line when the final installment hits theatres in 2012. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I earns itself full five stars. It is a fantasy romance film from Summit Entertainment and director, Bill Condon starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. LIME: 56694780311949
Dollars & Cents A Dollar & A Dream: Realizing your goals
by Ava Gardner
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e all have our own separate prioritized list of goals and wishes, some of which we’ve already reached and others we have yet to attain. Some of you may be aiming at getting distinctions in your exams, starting your own businesses, finding love or becoming a famous musician, model or athlete, all the above, and more. It’s hard to recognize your accomplishments when you continuously set the bar higher for yourself. Not that anything is wrong with that. Humans, actually, by default always rise in their expectations. It’s good that you are not complacent and that you see room for improvement. Being ambitious is a very good trait to possess. Goal-oriented persons tend to make great achievements. So, give yourself some credit! Definitely, you have achieved some or have moved closer to achieving some goals over the passing year. Don’t ‘crucify’ yourself if you haven’t met all your goals. It’ll only discourage you. It is a terrible feeling when you’re
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not realizing the goals you have set for yourself; it’s like an itch you can’t scratch. However, be grateful that you are even knowledgeable about what you want in your life. Many teens are unaware or are highly uncertain about what they want. Be encouraged. Stay on your ‘grind’. You cannot fail until you quit. Continue doing what you have to do in order to realize your goals. Don’t look at what you don’t have. Look at what you have already that you can use to further pursue your dreams. Also, don’t grow lazy because it’s taking longer than you anticipated. Nothing good comes easy. Seek consultation as well. Help, extra advice, an extra mind, extra hands, all can make the realization of dreams happen much easier. Also, by breaking your goals into manageable stages, eliminating distractions and believing in yourself, can help you accomplish your dreams!
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College Lifestyle 'It's Taking Me
A While to Adjust'
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t’s been two months and a couple days since I’ve been in college and, to tell the truth, I’m really upset. High school did not prepare me for this.
It was always a given in high school that when you got a project, you’d go on the internet, search for whatever topic, then copy and paste and boy, was life easy then. Unfortunately, this cannot and I repeat CANNOT happen in college. It’s against the written laws of the university to plagiarize. Every single work handed in needs actual brain power and has to be original. I’m not complaining about the fact that I’ll have to use my brain; I’m complaining about the fact that this was accepted in high school and now its hard for me to adjust. I’m coping, but it’s difficult for me. I wish high school prepared me for college. They might have given me knowledge to be able to get into college, but they definitely did not prepare me as it pertains to the work and the bunch of essays I would have to write, which, might I add, has to be 2500 words each. In high school, a 1000 word essay was a lot. I re-
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by Kandice Moncrieffe
cently heard that if you do plagiarize and the university finds out, you will either be fined based on the level of plagiarism or you will be expelled. Believe me, they will find out. There is this website which clearly some evil, bored teacher/programmer created. They upload your essay to the site and it highlights ever single paragraph or sentence which was taken directly from an unnamed source. It shows the exact website and tells you the percentage of plagiarism. Another issue I’m having is adjusting to all the freedom I have now. I can choose which class to go to or not go to, without getting into hardly any trouble at all. The many hang out/chill spots on campus don’t help at all. If you aren’t responsible or disciplined, you’ll end up not going to any classes at all; you’ll get lost in all the fun you’re having. It’s taking me a while to adjust, but I’m getting there and carrying you guys along with me step by step!
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Cover Story
Denieze Anderson:
Young Photographer Makes Her Mark
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by Kandice Moncrieffe
wenty-one-year-old Denieze Anderson is the owner of D. Andy Photography Studio and as an upcoming photographer, she’s fairly new to the photography business. Teen Spirit wanted to get the behind-the-scenes details of this exciting business, one many teens seem to be interested in.
Teen Spirit (TS): How long have you been in the business of photography?
Denieze Anderson (DA): I have been doing photography for three years now.
Teen Spirit (TS): How did you go about selling your first photograph? DA: Well, it wasn’t selling one photograph; it was getting money for my photo shoots. I did a photo shoot with my iPhone and uploaded it on Facebook and people started contacting me and I did three themed photo shoots with my iPhone for a thousand dollars.
Teen Spirit (TS): What initially got you interested in photography? DA: Well, I was always interested in shooting people from I was eight years of age. I usually dressed up my cousins and shot them in locations with my little digital camera. But it got serious when I was 18 and I was browsing on Facebook and saw Ryan Lue-Clarke’s photographs and I said to myself, “I could do this.” And I tried it and look where it all ended up. Never thought in a million years I would have grown up to be a photographer.
Teen Spirit (TS): Nowadays, almost everybody has a digital camera. Do you notice less work coming your way as people now think they can do it themselves? DA: I definitely think there has been an overload in the photography industry. But there is a difference between having a camera and being a photographer and I think nothing can truly
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replace that. But yes, it may have a little effect on the possibilities for more jobs.
Teen Spirit (TS): What other talents do you have other than photography? DA: In terms of talents, I can play the piano. But I’m more skilled than anything. I can do graphic design, video editing, videography, direct, produce and model. I’m just one big gift basket.
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Cover Story
Teen Spirit (TS): What genre of photography do
Teen Spirit (TS): What goal are you working to-
you dislike the most and why? DA: Event photography, I think because it’s the least artistic and creative. Feels like just taking a picture, not ‘photography’
wards with your photography? DA: I definitely want to work my way up and work to photographing celebrities and I always want to get better at what I do. Nothing like refining skills.
Teen Spirit (TS): What is your favourite photo shoot you’ve ever done and why? DA: I think I have too many. I really enjoy my photoshoots and doing photography, so I wouldn’t single any out. Teen Spirit (TS): How do you usually prepare for a photoshoot with a client? DA: I ask what the client is looking for, I source ideas and mix them; they choose and just make sure the battery is charged. [laughs]
Teen Spirit (TS): Are you able to have photography as your only job or do you need another job alongside to manage? DA: Photography can definitely bring enough to manage, but it’s tricky because it has its down times. For that reason I would like a regular salary. Plus, photography was never intended to be my career. My biggest passion is what I studied in school, television. Photography has just been a great addition to help it out. So I’m definitely working on my career in the television field.
Teen Spirit (TS): What sparks your creativity for each shoot? DA: Well, what really stimulates me is when my client is creative as well. I feed off that kind of energy. If the person isn’t that creative and camera shy, usually just the fact that I’m shooting gets me excited.
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World AIDS Day World AIDS Day 2011 Getting to Zero
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hen HIV was first detected in Jamaica in 1982, very little was known about the virus. This ignorance would often lead to unfair treatment of HIV positive persons at schools, in the workplace and in various social settings. Although the virus is still a sensitive issue in modern Jamaica, we have made great strides in educating our people, namely our youth, about the disease. In the 1980s, public discourse on AIDS was a rarity. It was a taboo subject matter and it was unheard of to speak about it in the media as is done today. HIV positive persons were seen as outcasts. Although the latter is still occurring in modern-day Jamaica, it has significantly decreased. So much so that HIV positive persons are able to lead normal lives with little discrimination from their friends, families and employers. We often see HIV positive persons on television or on billboards, exemplifying the fact that they aren’t that much different from negative persons and should not be treated as such. Celebrated on December 1 every year, the international theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero - zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths”. In order to fulfill the outlines of this theme, we all need to educate ourselves about the realities of the virus and debunk the misconceptions. With advancements in modern medicine, it is possible for HIV-positive persons to live much longer lives. These antiretroviral drugs also prevent babies from being born with the disease if their mother is HIV-positive. 1.6% of Jamaica’s population is currently HIV positive that’s about 44,000 people. This figure is relatively low when compared to other countries. In order to achieve the goals of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths, we must recognize the seriousness of this pandemic and take the necessary steps to educate and protect ourselves while being respectful to and considerate of the persons who have already contracted the virus. Contributed by Francine Derby. Blog: www.francinederby.com
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Here are a few myths about AIDS that Jamaicans have cleared up in the last 30 years: • All homosexuals have AIDS/All HIV positive persons are homosexual. MYTH Although male homosexuals occupy the largest prevalence rate of the HIV positive population, it would be incorrect to assume that every homosexual has contracted the virus or that everyone who has contracted the virus is homosexual or that heterosexuals are virus-free or immune to the virus. In fact, it is believed that unprotected sex between men and women is the main mode of transmission in the region. • You can tell if someone is infected by simply looking at them. MYTH The only way to know for sure is if a person shows you their HIV test results. Do not assume that someone is negative simply because they “look healthy”. Similarly, do not assume that someone is positive because they look frail. • You can contract the virus from casual contact with an infected person. MYTH Unless blood, semen or vaginal fluids are being exchanged, there is no chance of contracting HIV. It is safe to touch, hug, kiss and use the same toilet and silverware as an infected person. • You can only get it from having sex with an infected person. MYTH Any exchange of the fluids above can put you at risk for contracting the virus. Sharing needles with infected persons or getting a tattoo or piercing with an infected needle can lead to HIV. Semen and vaginal fluids can also be transferred during non-penetration sexual activities such as fingering. • AIDS is an automatic death sentence. MYTH With advancements in modern medicine, it is possible for HIV-positive persons to live much longer lives. These antiretroviral drugs also prevent babies from being born with the disease if their mother is HIV-positive. teen spirit eZine
World AIDS Day
Living With HIV In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, Teen Spirit shares a story of a young man living with HIV.
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t’s been six years and Julian* has been succeeding both in education and life regardless of his status. Being diagnosed with HIV after seeing visible symptoms such as constant diarrhoea, weakness in joints, vomiting, nausea and the change in the texture of his hair, Julian went through the usual shock of his diagnosis. “I never believed I had it, I didn’t even know anything about HIV at that time and what it does,” he said. However, Julian had the encouragement of his partner and ensured that he learnt about the condition and how to fight it. “Having HIV is not an easy task; you have to be concerned about your health and your resources,” he stated. HIV can be devastating and it’s best to keep positive rather than think you will soon die. This is not true as you can continue to live a long, healthy life with the right medication and care. However, people living with HIV face numerous challenges within society, mostly regarding financial matters. It is hard to disclose your status and gain a job, but Julian gets by from his relationships with persons in different fields who help him to obtain a job from time to time. He is also working on a skill. Julian also continues to volunteer for the Jamaica Red Cross and is completing his education. He urges his family members, such as his sister, to volunteer and share their knowledge with the public. Since learning about his HIV status, Julian said he mostly relies on himself for his greatest support and tries not to yield to the negatives of the disease. Encouraging friends and strangers have also helped him over the years. Knowing the facts about HIV, he can also teach or correct others about the myths and misconceptions still being held in society. “Some people are learning the facts and some are not. More information sharing needs to be done. As such, if I hear anyone saying something false, I try to correct them or encourage them to remove the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS,” he said. “I never used condoms, never knew a thing about HIV, I just never liked condoms,” Julian said, explaining how he contracted the virus. Many still share this view and refuse to use condoms during intercourse, and some are involved with more than one partner. Julian and others like him might be doing well despite their situation, but, he said, it would have been better not having HIV.
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If you, like Julian, are living with HIV, you can continue to live a prosperous life propelled by faith and self-motivation. Pushing yourself will allow you to strive for better and achieve more. There is so much information out there about HIV and AIDS so take the time to get the facts and understand the risks and always protect yourself. *Name changed Reprinted from Red Cross Link Up eZine For more information visit www.jamaicaredcross.org
teen spirit eZine
On The Rise
Jevaughn Porter:
Teen Model on The Rise S ixteen year old Meadowbrook high student, Jevaughn Porter, by Dervin Osbourne
started modeling at age 14 and says that it has always been his passion. Porter, who is on a journey to make his mark on the international stage as Jamaica’s next big thing, says he’s inspired by Korey Rowe, the male winner of this year’s Saint’s International Fashion Face of the Caribbean competition. Rowe, he says, has a warm personality and is very professional. He also looks up to designer Calvin Klein as he is known for his quality clothing and his worldwide respect. He hopes to some day model for Calvin Klein. Jevaughn wants to pursue different aspects of modeling, mainly editorials, commercial and runway and there’s no stopping him as he has the full support of his family and friends. Five years from now, he sees himself in an international campaign or modeling for brands like Tommy Hilfiger or being splashed across the covers of some of the world’s most prestigious magazines. Outside of modeling, he plans to pursue a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. For more photos and to follow up on his journey to becoming a supermodel, feel free to like his Facebook page, “Jevy’s Life!” Jevaughn Porter’s website.
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teen spirit eZine
Places to Eat The Spot: Fun, Food and Frolic on Campus
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f you’re looking for a cool place to chill and eat for cheap, The Spot Sports Bar and Grill is the place to go! The Spot is located at the Student’s Union on the UWI Mona campus. It’s really “the spot” to be on campus, serving as a nice place to hang out with friends every day of the week. On Monday, they have games night for all the FIFA and domino fans. Tuesday is karaoke night, which is always jam packed with fun and laughter. Wednesdays are open mic night for all the upcoming singers and stars. Thursdays are when they host speed dating for all the single ladies and single men and on Fridays, drinks are inclusive. That is, you buy a meal and get a drink for free! The atmosphere is inviting and warm. Guys are always playing football or pool. There’s a flat screen TV in every corner you turn, always showing sports and as you enter, you can head straight to the bar to order your food or some drinks from the friendly waiters and waitresses. However, this is only on the top floor. Downstairs has snow white couches, chairs and tables for you to sit and enjoy your meal and don’t worry, The Spot took care of your need to watch tv while you eat. Even after you eat, you won’t want to leave. The spot sports bar and grill is an amazing venue for a party, especially for a guy, since it breathes sports and fun!
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Their menu options include an eclectic blend of local favourites. Side orders: Fries, pasta, bammy, fried green and ripe plantain Main courses: Joe’s Full House Burger Stir fried pasta with chicken or shrimp Scotia alfredo pasta with chicken or shrimp “Commuters Club” - Your choice of chicken or turkey sandwiches (served with fries) “Stulla” - Steamed fish (done to order), optional steamed bammy served with okra “Pelican’s Pride” - 5 wings, 8 wings or 12 wings, each comes with a side order. Each scrumptious meal is prepared individually, but even if it might take some time to prepare, there is always something to do at The Spot while you wait.
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Sports
Females in Football by Najique Gayle
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ased on FIFA rankings, the quality of women’s football in Jamaica has declined significantly over the last four years. This may be due to the Jamaica Football Federation’s ( JFF’s) neglect of the programme and the general lack of public interest. The JFF has declared this year to improve women’s football by exposing talent and fostering recognition of players. Teen Spirit caught up with two of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus’ female footballers, Shaquille ‘Keely’ Laing and Vanessa Ramsay, to learn more about their experiences, inspirations and development in football.
TS: Which teams have you played football for? Keely: Ardenne High, Constant Spring Football Club, Cavaliers Soccer Club, UWI. Vanessa: I started playing ball for Meadforest’s U13 football team at 10. Then Women’s Premier League for Marverly and Hughenden women’s team at 11, then I was at Meadhaven from 2002-2010. National U17 and U20 representative. Then a year at Constant Spring [and] now I play for Harbour View.
TS: What inspired you to start playing football? Keely: Well, I was actually approached to come specifically for goalkeeping and I loved the sport, so I thought, why not? Vanessa: My brother Kirkland pushed me to play ball... I wanted to be just like him. [laughs
TS: Who is your favourite footballer and why? Keely: My favourite football player is Iker Casillas. Firstly because I’m a goalkeeper so he inspires me, and secondly because he’s a captain and, in the near future, I want to lead a team as a goalkeeper. Vanessa: Favourite baller, Cristiano Ronaldo. Why? He’s the complete player. He has pace, composure, skill, vision; all the major characteristics a great attacker should have.
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Vanessa Ramsay
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Sports TS: What are the biggest obstacles you face being a female footballer? Keely: The biggest obstacles I face being a female footballer are being ridiculed by males and society because they don’t think female football is as important as male football. Being a female footballer, your sexual orientation gets called into question, which leads to lack of support and how much attention universities give to female football where scholarships are given to male footballers but not to female footballers. Vanessa: The greatest] obstacle is off the field for me. The negative perception that people have that most, if not all girls who play the sport are of a certain sexual orientation, because of some of the players’ physical appearance and demeanour. Yeah, we play a highly physical sport which requires aggression and some might say football is a man’s game, but it’s no excuse to look and or act the part. This discourages sponsors which the sport needs to develop. We are ladies playing football and shouldn’t let the sport take our femininity. TS: What was the best advice you were ever given by a coach? Keely: The best advice I have ever been given by a coach is to never hold my head down after conceding. Remain confident. Vanessa: Best advice given by a coach: “Don’t be a quitter...never say die!” - David Hunt. TS: What do you think Jamaica’s female football programme needs to improve to become more successful? Keely: Jamaica’s female football programme needs to introduce the females to football in Physical Education, which will give them a chance to decide whether or not they like the sport. They should also try to get more televised coverage for the female leagues. They should work on scholarships so female footballers can have something to look forward to when playing for their high school. Vanessa: Jamaica’s football needs more sponsorship so that players can have access to the resources that would aid in their overall development.
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Shaquille ‘Keely’ Laing
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